PART 1 Tassa drums. SOUNDS from a culture with a rich history of dance; its tempo of passion and scintillating beats accompanying the bridal …

THE drive from the airport, miles upon miles into the countryside past lush, green landscapes, expansive rice fields and coconut walks, was a scenic …

IT was night, not quite dark, for the moon was partially hidden in the clouds, its soft, golden light flirting with the land and …

…and the soldiers stood at attention, saluting their superior officer, the lieutenant-general, as she entered the room, in the uniform of one of the …

A LITTLE girl in her pink floral dress, skipped around the garden–bare-footed — with her little basket, picking flowers and fallen, ripe fruits, chasing …

UNDER the shade of a flambouyant tree in the neighbourhood park he sat, his pencil moving with a slow, smooth motion over the sketchpad …

A COLD night in November. Jamal wrapped his arms around his small body for warmth as he stared out his tarp shelter at the …

PEARL was her birthstone, yet she loved red. Alex smiled, pleased as he took out the gift bag from between his clothes in the …

SHE got out of bed, drank a glass of water and sat down, unable now to sleep, reflecting on the strange dream that took …

One spring when blossoms, birds and gushing streams; the exquisite splendour of nature fashioned the earth, shadows like silent weeping, hung over the estate …