Why does one want to know about the author? It is the writings that matter. But if my words have held your attention and aroused your curiosity about who wrote them, then I may as well say a few words about myself. I belong to the middle class, which makes me feel I hang between two worlds that grab the world’s attention, so I can retain some anonymity in saying what needs to be said. I stay in the national capital region of my country, but have spent much of my life in smaller cities. I hold a Master’s degree in English Literature, and can communicate effectively in three Indian languages. I love these languages, and their words and their nuances influence me enormously in subliminal ways when I write in English. Music is a dominant influence, and it gives me my moments of ecstasy, happiness and peace. I yearn for the beauties and splendour of Nature, immured as I am in the confines of concrete and glass. I have a passion for football and tennis, and have to watch the big matches. I swear by Mughlai food, and crosswords and card games are my diversion.  In entertainment, I gravitate towards games and sports, old movies, and crime shows. I have an engaging interest in international news. I am an introvert by nature, and instead of being stuck in outcomes, I prefer to reflect on underlying causes. And because of this, I lean towards pessimism. But I cannot live life without over-indulging in my sense of humour. I belong to the railway fraternity, and both my father and I have served for decades in this great organisation. I am a family man, and boast of a wife, two daughters and two dogs. They, and my extended family, constitute my hub of existence. Reading and writing make up my environment. Now that’s enough of me, because my limelight focuses on you. In today’s jargon, your likes and dislikes, or maybe the lack of either, will determine whether you have found me or I have lost you. The rest is always history.