July 5. “Button, I’ve finally managed to get Dost to read our story.”

“Really? I am getting butterflies in my tummy. Who do you think will win?”

“I don’t have a clue. Let’s wait and watch. Winning is not that important. I am actually interested in finding out if Dost thinks we’ve put together a nice story. If that’s true, you and I can write similar stuff and publish a book of stories for kids! What do you think of the idea?”

“That’s a good one. I never thought of it that way. Imagine a book of short stories for children which says—written by Button and R. I’d like that very much.”

“He’s been in there for a while now.”

“Dost is calling me.”

“And what did he say?”

“He said it’s a very good attempt. He also told me that I am a very good story-teller.”

“I am very proud of you. Any prizes?”

“He’s given me this book to read. It’s in Bengali and contains nonsense rhymes. He even recited some for me.”

“I know which book you’re talking about. It’s called Abol Tabol by Sukumar Roy. I can also tell you the verse he recited. It’s called Kumro Patash. Am I right.”

“Sounds familiar.”