The heart-stained red

Sarthak Sahoo
AIS Saket, Alumnus

Location: Abandoned cellar
Date: July 24, 1980

Senior Officer Matt Riddley enters the interrogation room, gaits to the middle, and sits on the chair. Across him sits a burly man with a sententious countenance. Riddley stares into his eyes to find any hint of dishonesty. After a brief evaluation, he says, “Code Chameleon, you’ve been a great asset to us over the years. However, it is our policy to keep friends close but foes afar.”
The man across crosses his arms and utters, “I am not fluent in English, but I am sure the saying goes otherwise. And let us be transparent - a hard task for the MI6, but I am no enemy. You said so yourself. I have been useful to the Union for a decade.” Riddley notices the last sentence’s bait and remains reticent for a while.
“True enough, and I suppose policies are meant to be altered. However, as is custom, I must ask why you intend to change bases. This business is best done from the shadows, and running across the light only exposes you more than ever. Why are you walking the path of betrayal?” “The more the light, the darker the shadow, Agent. My reasons for betraying the Union are the same as why I decided to double in the first place. That system is not for me.”
Riddley raises his eyebrows at him. “Oh! I see. From what I hear, the compensation to double agents is hefty, but I wonder if money is your only motivation. But you leave your family behind, and if you defect, they will die.”
The other man jerks up and adopts an outraged tenor. “Don’t you dare speak of it. You’re mistaken about us, Agent. You think principles guide actions. They don’t. We Russians are a pragmatic bunch. It’s only the crudity of oppression that makes one betray.”
“And was this crudity strong enough to leave everything behind? We could poison you in an instant to get rid of any signs of espionage,” Riddley comments. The man steeples his fingers. “A painter with will shall paint against them. A poet with will shall write against them. I was dealt the cards of a spy, so I have spied against them.” Riddley’s ear perk up. “You have a will then?” The man nods. Riddley first remains still as a statue, and then turns to the door. He nods and looks at the man again.
“Code Chameleon, Mr Semenyov, you will go to the consul tomorrow and you will be transported across the continent.” Semenyov feels relieved. He had passed the test, and now he will go back home, not as a patriot but as a spy. He smiles, uttering the final passcode to himself, “Chameleon’s colours.”

Garlic bread

Manasvi Jain, AIS Noida, XI F

Ingredients

Butter (softened) 1 tsp
Garlic (crushed) 1 tbsp
Burger buns 2
Mozzarella cheese 50g

Procedure

Preheat the convection oven at 180 degrees celsius for around 10-12 minutes.
In the meantime, mix butter and crushed garlic in a bowl to make garlic butter.
Now, take a bun and cut it into two equal slices. Repeat the same with the other bun.
Once done, generously spread some garlic butter on top of the bun slices.
Place the slices on an oven safe pan and spread some grated cheese on them.
Let them bake for around 6-7 minutes or until the cheese completely melts.
Lastly, garnish the buns with some chilli flakes and oregano.
Your garlic bread is ready to be devoured!

Symbolism of summer

Chavi Gautam
AIS Mayur Vihar, XI I

When the bright sun sets in the west
It’s time for the frosting wind to rest
The red scorching sun sets up again
Allowing a new summer day to begin

Warm rays dissolve the dark shadows
With rays of sunshine from windows
As colourful flowers start blooming up
People around get ready for their work

Summer lights up elements long hidden
Hidden self that needs to be enlightened
Considered as a season of self-realisation
Let’s relish the gift of life with modulation

Let this light give birth to your new self
And help you build a life you want for thyself
So, fasten up your pace and gather strength
To work hard and enjoy summer at length!