American Legal Eagle in Singapore and other short stories

American Legal Eagle in SingaporeA light-hearted take on a serious and potentially controversial issue. The courts routinely impose gag orders on victims of sexual offence. Should the courts also grant the same anonymity to persons charged with sex-related crimes until that person is found guilty.-Blue MaidenDuring the days of the British Raj, many women of India - girls, wives, and mothers - were heroines. Ordinary women, yet courageous and resourceful, who were found throughout the Empire. Blue Maiden is a composite of the challenges faced and surmounted by many such forgotten souls.-Veda Vyasa, author of MahabharataVeda Vyasa fathered two sons with the two widows of his dead brother to ensure the continuance of the Kuru patriarchal lineage. His sons fathered the five Pandavas and one hundred Kauravas. Veda Vyasa subsequently chronicled his family saga, the epic Mahabharata.-Ashwatthama the ImmortalAshwatthama, another supporting character in Mahabharata is one of the Eight Immortals. How did he become an immortal? Was it a blessing or a bane?-The MasseurWe often read of women from poor countries forced into abhorrent jobs. Most times, these women have families to support. What if the roles were reversed? The Masseur is a short story of wealthy, powerful women abusing vulnerable young men. A story set in Singapore (yet could also be in any other country). Go behind the glitzy skyline and get a literal taste of the seedier side of life in this global city-state that boasts one of the highest number of millionaires per capita in the world.-Nouveau RicheThe story of one man's idea of success, no matter what other so-called high-flyers might think.-Brown Lives MatterPoignant short story of a silent victim of racism who endured society's judgement and emerged a better person, without the need for rancour or revenge.