On the station platform, Chhamru Mian is pacing with a garland of flowers. He walks to the front of the R.M.S. office and then turns back to the east. From a distance, the garland in his hand looks very bright. But it is not made of freshly picked flowers from the garden. He has bought it from a fancy store for a hefty price. He walks on the platform, twisting the garland in his left and right hands, and occasionally glances through the gap in the overbridge. He is checking if the Hill Express is coming. Because today, they are coming in the guise of kings. They must be welcomed properly. Chhamru Mian is getting impatient as the train is late. Luckily, the garland is made of plastic, otherwise it would have wilted by now. ...

Atul lets his black cow graze in the field and plays dangguti under the giant tamarind tree of Sadhutila. He hits the guti hard, sending it flying far away. Ram is amazed at his skill. When Ram tries to hit the guti hard, he only swings the dang in the air. Unable to compete with Atul, he looks for an excuse to start a fight. Atul hits the guti again, sending it far. He comes back, head down, counting his steps. Ram can’t stand it. He shouts from a distance, “I’m not playing with you anymore. You’re cheating in the count.” ...