Existences is Shuvashree Chowdhury’s debut collection of short stories. It is a rendering of a young woman’s insights into human existences from a rich tapestry of social experiences in her own working life. The narratives in each short story are unique in their own way — each form a collage to help see with clarity the simple things that give meaning to our lives. They are as much about women, as they are about people, events and life experiences — all from the perspective of working women. Sensitive, analytical and empathetic in their approach and depiction of the nuances of human emotions — these portrayals do not aim to judge people, rather project them humanely and with an acceptance of the vagaries of human existences.