The short story is considered to be a beautiful form of literature. It can, like a flash of lightning, scan deep inside the human heart within a fraction of a second. It hides in itself deep and intimate feelings like the powerful under - current hidden in a river. It gives me immense pleasure to present these stories which are the written form of various significant experiences and moments of insight in my life. Most of the stories in this collection have received prizes and honours.

I would like to record my thanks to the translator, Mrs. Rama Srinivasan, with whom I established an instant rapport at our first meeting. It was a meeting of two minds and I am happy that she has recreated my stories in English, once more with feeling. I am most grateful to Mr. V. Irai Anbu, I.A.S, who in spite of his busy schedule willingly consented to and found the time to write the foreword to this book. Last but definitely not the least, my sincere thanks are due to the Sivasakthi National Book Publication who showed interest in an English translation of my works and brought out this first venture of ours.