An uncanny rail ride

Agamya Doharey, AIS VYC Lko, XII A

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a crowded train. I anxiously looked around the coach but decided that it would be best if I avoided the people aboard and didn’t attract any attention, because of their peculiar looks. They were wearing distinct bright clothing; their restless gaze craftily darted from one place to another. I might have easily choked on the spooky atmosphere, but I calmed myself. A mechanised voice suddenly sounded throughout the train. I looked around to check where it came from, or if there were any speakers, but there weren’t any; it was as though the voice was resonating inside my head.
“All passengers aboard, welcome. The time right now is 3:33 am space standard time. Our destination today is Mellowmars, a region of pink clouds and cryptids. I would like to mention some rules ahead of our journey. The very first rule is that you must de-board at precisely 4:44 am or you risk being sucked into the never-ending luminous blackhole. Although it won’t matter to us, it could prove to be bad for business. Rule number two is to respect the privacy of other passengers, especially those who are reading newspapers and have no eyes. And please don’t take tea from anyone. Rule number three, please keep track of your time, otherwise it could warp into oblivion. That’s all! Please enjoy your journey with us.” The voice came to a halt.
My legs were shaking, and my palms were already sweating profusely. As I tried to process it all still, I heard a loud screeching sound. It was a humanoid creature with a trolley, offering me a cup of tea. I took a quick look at the slimy liquid and felt sick to my stomach when I noticed what appeared to be an eye at the bottom of it. The creature muttered ‘tea’, and the way its grin grew, my blood curdled. Why did it offer tea to me only? That can’t be...
I stutter-replied, “No thanks,” pretending to be courteous. “Have a sip,” it said in a shiver-inducing voice. “Now or never,” I reasoned to myself and quickly got to my feet to reach the closest exit. I’d gotten away! Unexpectedly, however, I started to experience a severe leg pain that rapidly spread to my body. Looking around, all I could see was darkness. “Oh no... what was the time again?”

Multigrain ravioli

Kashvi Agarwal, AIS Vas 6, XII E

Multigrain flour 1 cup
Gram flour ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Spinach 30 grams
Onion 1
Garlic 3-4 cloves
Tomato puree  3 tbsp
Butter 2 tbsp
Tomato ketchup 2 tbsp
Chilli flakes  as per taste
Black pepper 1 tsp
Oregano & salt as per taste

Before you prepare this dish, remember that every ingredient you use and every effort you put will showcase your love for your grandparents.

nTo begin with, take a deep bowl, and in it, pour some multigrain flour, gram flour, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and warm water. Knead the mix till you get a soft dough.
nNow, divide the dough into ten equal portions and roll out each into thin rectangular sheets and keep them aside.
It’s time you make the filling, but as you do, remember that it symbolises the profound love they filled you with over the years.
nTake spinach, onion, and garlic, and chop them finely.
n Add some chilli flakes and oregano to the veggies and mix them all in a bowl.
nThen, in a pan, pour some olive oil, add the veggies, a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté the mix for two minutes on medium flame.
nNow, take a dough sheet and place some filling on it. Cover it with another dough sheet and press the two sheets using a fork. Repeat the process to make more raviolis.
nBoil the stuffed raviolis in water. Drain them once done.
Now that you have reached the final stage, sprinkle the dish with gratitude as a reminder of the absolute love you share.
nPlace the ravioli on a plate and garnish it with the sauce.
nVoila! Your ravioli, that is not only nutritious but also serves as a testament to a bond full of unconditional love, is ready!

WORDS VERSE

The echo

Joy Chatterjee, AIS MV, Alumnus

What is this thing called poetry?
It is nothing but life’s mis-e-ry
You see poems full of rhymes
Come, let’s write some lines

I take my pen and sit to write
Think of heroes, ready to fight
All I write ends up in gibberish
And I keep feeling all feverish

Believe me, my fellow reader
Poetry was like a maiden over
We all believed we can do well
But, in reality, it feels like hell

Don’t dread your failure friends
Cheer up and pick up your pens
Go and write whatever you can
And I’ll be your biggest fan.

(Joy is currently pursuing Bsc. Cinema with specialisation in Direction from Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida)