Zoé Mahfouz — Excerpt: “How come you’re not on the WhatsApp group? Let me add you!” That’s when the nightmare began.

Barnali Ray Shukla — Excerpt: Zorro the cat, aka Daggu Bhaiya, boasts of a Persian lineage, crossed with a less-celebrated parent. But this bundle of wonder is now a Mumbaikar.

Amita Basu — Excerpt: If the meeting will be headed by your CEO, dean, or other bigshot, prepare yourself — slip into the bathroom, turn to the mirror, and practise your best fake, fawning smile.

James Sennott and Alba Blanco — Excerpt: “Boss said I could have a smoke break, as long as none of those damn kids see me,” he muttered to himself.