Dipika wrote: ..At least not all who read those stories think that they are depressive.. What's wrong with a work of fiction being depressive ? Unless the work is particularly meant to be a reading therapy for the patients of depression, there is no point denouncing or praising a literary work based on whether it provokes sadness or happy thoughts in readers. Critics look at the artistic value of the work, not at the type of emotion depicted. Otherwise Frank Kafka would not be the Kafka. That said, I do find Kafkasque elements in Dipika's stories. Her characters are imprisoned in their own small space despite living supposedly in a world of opportunities. They are lost, confused and disparate. They are struggling inwardly and this inward struggle is what does not allow them to attach with anybody emotionally. They look at themselves as either victims or victims-to-be, users or objects to be used. Yes, the stories are depressive but certainly with artistic value from an emerging writer with a great potential. I certain look forward to reading more works depicting a variety of human emotions, moods and situations from Dipika, a serious student with rebellious attitude, unsuppressed curiosity and dreams and, I should add, a great sense of humor (I had an honor of meeting her in person, yes in DC, before I knew she is a fellow Sajhaite !) And I think I am among the very few priviledged to have known real Dipika. Hagi Dipika ? Sajhabasi haru ko majha dhak lagaaihaleko ni !