Unusual Fables From India

By Christopher Baretto

This is a collection of rare and unusual stories from the far reaches of the country.

Meet Ali, who unexpectedly finds a very helpful donkey; Subbanna and Savithri, two misers who turn over a new leaf after a cruel twist of fate; Ka Miaw, who learns how to live with humans; and many other wonderful creatures and characters from the far reaches of India.

Adapted from the original AMAR CHITRA KATHA comics for the first time!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harper Children's
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9789354897191

Christopher Baretto

Christopher Baretto is a stand-up comedian and an author from Mumbai. He has authored several children's books and has written for podcasts and advertisements. His personal projects include stand-up comedy and comedy sketches which are available on his YouTube channel.

Book preview

ALI’S ANARKALI

Ali was a humble carpenter who lived in a small hut all by himself in a village near Kutch, in Gujarat. He spent his days making toys and small pieces of furniture. He was known in the village for his kindness and compassion. Despite that, he was a lonely man. He had no family members or relatives. He would often think about his loneliness and feel sad.

I wish I had somebody waiting for me at home at the end of the day, he would say to himself.

One day, he went about his day as usual. While he was selling toys, a little kid rushed towards Ali’s stall and jumped in excitement.

AUNTYYYYYYY! THIS IS IT!

He looked back and said, Aunty, Aunty! This chariot is the one I want!

There was a woman walking towards him. Calm down, boy. I can’t match your energy, said the woman. But when she saw the toy, she was as impressed as her little nephew. She immediately bought the toy for her nephew and left.

THAT’S IT! AMINA PHUPHO!

My father’s sister, my aunt, lives in Khadva village. I haven’t seen her since I was a child. She used to buy toys for me too! Ali thought to himself. This recollection of an old relative made him excited.

On the way back home, he kept thinking of her. She must be quite old now. She could even be sick. I don’t know if she has someone who can take care of her. I should probably pay her a visit and check on her. I’m sure she will be very happy to see me!

Ali set out for his aunt’s village the very next day. As he was leaving, his neighbour, Vimal, stopped him and asked where he was headed. Ali told him about his expedition.

WHAT!

There was a sudden change in Vimal’s expression. He said, Is this the same woman who has a big mansion? Ali nodded in agreement. Vimal put his arm on Ali’s shoulder and said, Err… I know someone who lives in that village and they told me that that woman is an infamous miser. She may even think that you are visiting her to grab her wealth.

There was an annoyed expression on Ali’s face. How dare you? I’m her nephew! I’m sure she’ll be glad to see me. I’m going to prove you wrong, Vimal. See you later.

Ali left for his destination. But somewhere in his mind, there was now a small cloud of doubt.

In the evening, Ali reached his destination. The streets of Khadva were empty. He had a difficult time trying to spot a human being. After looking for a while, Ali found a man shutting his shop and leaving for the day. Ali went to him and said, Excuse me, Sir. Would you know where Amina Begum lives?

The man replied, Amina Begum? Ah, you mean the miserly old lady who lives alone in the old, broken mansion? Just keep walking straight and take the third left.

Ali thanked him and was about to leave when…

WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!

Young man, I must warn you, he said, She’s a stingy old woman. I doubt she’ll welcome a stranger at dinner time.

Ali smiled and said, Thank you for the warning but I’m not a stranger. So, I will take that chance.