The diary smelled faintly of paan and incense. Each page held not just words, but the hum of temple bells, the rustle of kite strings, the sigh of a city forever balancing memory and modernity. As bulldozers threatened the haveli, the old woman whispered: ‘This is not just my home. It is Amdavad itself.’”

Just as biryani is more than a dish — a blend of spices, rice, meat, and love simmered into perfection — this book is more than a set of stories. Each tale is layered with nostalgia, humour, and poignancy, offering readers a feast of emotions.

"City of Echoes: Fifteen Tales from the Soul of Kolkata" – the sixth book in the Heartbeats of India Series – is a soulful collection of short stories capturing the essence of Kolkata’s people, culture, and timeless charm. A must-read for lovers of Indian fiction and city-based storytelling.