Storywala

Dance like a phoenix

Ayushi Goel, AIS Gur 43, X C

Perhaps it wasn’t just teenage angst which was keeping Kathleen so moody all the time. Perhaps it was the fact that she was living out of suitcases and moving boxes. She was never really able to make friends because she was always on the move. She was unpacking yet another box in yet another house which she had moved into when her mom called her downstairs for dinner. “Coming Mom!” she yelled.
 As she sat across her mother at the dining table, she noticed a pamphlet. She casually picked up the pamphlet. “Richmond Dance Academy! Hmm… Yeah mom. That is not happening!” Kathleen declared, swiftly passing the flyer across the breakfast table. “You know I can’t dance anymore.” “The doctors say that it is only psychological,” her mother cut her off before she could make her usual excuse. Ever since Kathleen had broken her ankle while performing, she had lost her confidence and her mother was constantly trying to make her daughter get back on the stage. “Come on princess! It’s been so long since I’ve seen my little ballerina!” The drops of tears which her mother had in her eyes seemed to work this time. “Alright! Geez, mom.”
***
She reached the academy an hour before the audition. She almost wanted to run away. But the moment she saw the mirrored walls and the dancers warming up, she knew she had to. It wasn’t that simple, of course. The lack of practice had made her lose touch with dance and she could barely make it through.
***
It was the day of the finale of the dance championship.Kathleen’s mother sat in the front row. It had been two years since Kathleen danced. Her mother knew she would get better, but that she would be leading her team in the district championship came as a big surprise. As Kathleen took to the stage, the audience rose to a thunderous applause. Kathleen’s mother had tears in her eyes. And why not? After all, her daughter had not just risen, but even danced like a phoenix.

Dahi ke sholay

Sara Maheshwari, AIS Noida, VIII D

Ingredients

Curd 1/2 cup
Cottage cheese (grated) 1 cup
Onions (fried) 1/2 cup
Cashew nuts 3 tbsp
Bread slices 6
Salt to taste
Sugar  a pinch
Oil for frying

Method

• Add all ingredients except the bread and oil in a deep bowl and mix well.
  
• Divide the mixture in 6 equal portions.
  
• Take a slice of bread, dip it in water and squeeze.
  
• Fill mixture in this damp slice, and seal its ends, giving it a conical shape.
  
• Keep aside all the rolls for two minutes.
  
• Heat the oil in a deep non stick pan.
  
• Deep fry two rolls at a time, till they turn golden brown.
  
• Serve hot with green chutney.

WORDS VERSE

Fascinating universe

Navya Nayer, AIS PV, IX F

I wonder what’s there up high
In the dark expanse of the sky
Where astronauts constantly go
For more and more to know

Scientists studying the mystery
Launches adding to space history
Luminous bright stars twinkle
All around as if they’re sprinkled

The smiling moon glows
Around the earth as it goes
The sun shines in the centre
Guiding planets as a mentor

Mercury is closest to the sun
Venus is the second one
Earth is the only one with life
About life on Mars there is strife

Jupiter has the shortest day
Rings all around Saturn’s stay
Planet Uranus is the coldest
Neptune’s clouds are in focus

It’s the Universe! As we see
Huge is what it’ll always be
The vastness have no end
Together, they seamlessly blend

Now, switch off the lights
And look up at the sky at night
Take in all the splendid sights
Have a great sleep tonight

The striped pride

Adeela Hameed, AIES, AUUP

I heard a roar far in the wild
Creeping slowly shone a smile
Furry coat playing hide-and-seek
Slithering tail trying to be meek

Watchful and determined to fight
Entering the jungle in a spotlight
His destiny was written to rule
In his tribe, he was most cruel

Prying the prey with hungry eyes
Running away is a decision wise
Claws sharper than a knife
Clenching teeth is a sight rife

But gently declining is his race
The forests have begun to fade
Despair surrounds animal lore
The future prince lost his roar

Behold mankind, lest you repent
Your crimes this mortal will end
Conserve this striped mammal
Give a new life to the animal