A Feast of Jalebis

The King of Champakvan, T Shersingh lion, was passionate about driving cars. One windy winter evening, he set off on a long drive by himself.

- Kumud Kumar

Suddenly, his car broke down in a deserted area. Despite several attempts, it wouldn't move. King Shersingh realised that he had left his mobile phone at the palace and could not call for help.

As evening turned to night, a thick fog enveloped the jungle. Seeing the heavy mist, Shersingh decided to step out of the car and look for help before it got too late.

He started walking in the biting cold, searching for a safe shelter. After a couple of miles, he came across a large building.

Relieved, he approached the gatekeeper, Jeffry giraffe, "Hello, I am Shersingh, the King of Champakvan. My car broke down a few kilometres up the road and I will spend the night here. Make arrangements for my stay."

Jeffry grinned and said, "Yes, your majesty, please come in. We are here to serve you."

Jeffry led Shersingh into a room and as soon as King Shersingh stepped inside, Jeffry locked the door from outside.

Shersingh was furious at this behaviour.

He shouted from the window, "You fool, don't you know I'm King Shersingh? You'll pay pay for locking me in here! I'll get you fired from your job."

Jeffry burst out laughing and said, "This is Champakvan's Mental Health Asylum.

A lot of people come here claiming to be from the royal family. The moment you identified yourself as 'the King', I knew we had a new patient. Why would our real King Shersingh be here all alone in this freezing cold, without his bodyguards?"

Shersingh scratched his forehead in frustration. He realised that the guard could not be convinced that he was not a patient. He tried to explain that he had left his mobile phone in the palace, but Jeffry silenced him, "Every patient makes up stories, just like you. You need urgent treatment. Dr. Martha peacock will be here soon."