She was also unnerved by the vastness of the city. She felt like a little speck of a star in an ever expanding universe. Poverty in the village did not divest a person of pride but poverty in the city seemed to degrade the soul. The first in the Urban Shots series, this scintillating collection of contemporary short stories by authors from diverse backgrounds offers a glimpse into the fast-paced and complex urban world we occupy. Each story captures a slice of the urban landscape and lucidly explores themes such as relationships, friendship, domestic violence and longing all set against the backdrop of the glitz and chaos of modern-day living. Apple Pies and a Grey Sweater reveals the power of true love; A Cup of Tea pokes gentle fun at a middle-class couple s lackluster marriage; and the grim Liberation showcases the courage of a woman to break free and tread a new path. Edited by bestselling author Paritosh Uttam, Urban Shots: First Collection is a heart-tugging experience in love, regret, acceptance, hope and freedom, among other things.