The Letter (Synopsis)

Written by Gaurishanker Goverdharam Joshi(Dhumektu), The Letter is about a story an old man who spent the rest of his life for his daughter's letter. This tells about drama and mystery at the same time. The story also involves the postman who thinks that the old man was crazy until he realized the importance of communication.

Plot:

An old man named Coachman Ali kept on waiting in the post office for a letter. The workers in the office become annoyed because he had being staying there for the last five years still he does not receive a letter.

Coachman Ali used to be a good hunter who retired after his daughter Marian left him after marrying a soldier and lived in another town.

One day, the postmaster inquired that if Ali is insane and the staffs started talking about insane people.

Several days after that, Ali didn’t show up until he came to the office in a weak appearance. He wanted to talk to the postmaster but because he was in hurry to leave, he ignored him, Lakshmi Das was entertained him instead. Coachman Ali gave him five Guineas and asked him a favor that the letter must be forwarded to his grave.

After that, the old man did not show up anymore. One day, the postmaster’s daughter, who lived in another town, was ill. Upon looking for his letter in the incoming letters in post office, he found a letter addressed to Coachman Ali. There, he realized Ali’s situation as a father.

Like Ali, the postmaster kept on waiting for his letter. He heard someone knocking and he found Ali and gave him the letter. Then Coachman Ali suddenly disappeared. Lakshmi Das came and told the postmaster that Coachman Ali died three months ago. The postmaster now realized that every letter sent contained warm beats not just a piece of paper. They placed the letter on Ali’s grave.

The postmaster waited while regretting what he had done to Coachman Ali.

Characters:

Coachman Ali – the old man who kept on waiting for his daughter’s letter in the Post office.
The postmaster – the manager of the post office who thought Ali was insane.
Lakshmi Das – the clerk who did the favor in forwarding the letter to Coachman Ali.

Notable Quote:

"Today is my last day! My very last, alas! And I have not seen Marian, I have not letter from her."

-Coachman Ali

The Quest of the Golden Fleece (Synopsis)

The tale of the Golden Fleece begins with a Greek king named Athamas, who got tired of his wife, put her away and married another, the Princess Ino. The people, threatened with starvation, force the king to yield and permit the Phrixus' death. When the two children crossing the strait that separates Europe and Asia, the girl, whose named was Helle, slipped and fell into the water she was drowned. The king's young son, Jason, the rightful heir to the kingdom, had been sent away secretly to a place of safety. Pelias had been told by an oracle that he would die at the hands of kingsmen and he would beware of anyone with only one sandal. Jason arrived with one foot bare. Pelias was afraid yet he hid his terror. All the brave men in Greece joyfully met the challenge. Many perilous adventures had come with the heroes. Medea peeped and heard what the king had said. She immediately fell in love in Jason. Medea sat alone weeping for she wanted to yield to the mad passion and go against her father. With her magic ointment she helped Jason. When Jason was in the field, he was possessed by irresistible power until the contest ended in victory. Jason and Medea took the Golden Fleece to Pelias. Two sons were born to them. But the great love for Jason made the loss for her family and her country. He engaged himself to marry the daughter of the king of Corinth. Upon hearing this sad news, Medea tormented with the wrongs she did to his father, was determined to kill Jason and his bride. She turned to her children and killed them before she was carried away by her chariot.

"So shall it be. But one thing must be done first. The dead Phrixus bids us bring back the Golden Fleece and thus bring back his spirit to his home. I am already old and the flower of youth in you is in full bloom. Go upon this quest and I swear with Zeus as witness that I will give the kingdom and the sovereign rule to you." -Pelias