Stranger

There is a sense of belonging that we all crave for. Interestingly, not everything familiar can feel like ours. Sometimes, it's the unknown that could also make us feel at ease.

Or a stranger, who may not seem to be one!

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Miracle

I have seen people taking failures for granted, as if that is the most obvious outcome. I have been a victim of the same line of thought too, innumerable times, ignoring that there is always another side to every coin. While it is easy to sulk and surrender to losses, the accompanying regret can be haunting. Why not then, strive an extra mile, take that demanding leap, and grab that sliver of an opportunity that is knocking on the door? What if we succeed?

And even if we fail, well, didn't we already take it for granted in the first case? At least this failure wouldn't have the extra burden of regret of not trying, and will be a bit lighter to carry.

What then, do you say?


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Life

We are surrounded by our own sets of problems, and we wage a war within to set ourselves free from them. However, when there is life, problems are bound to come. What should we do, then?

Accept. Understand. Evolve.

Remember, conditions may not always be favourable, and you wil be bound to weather the storm. Who would guard you? Your righteousness. What would be your shelther? Your truth.
Have belief in your actions, and life would not be a battle anymore, but your home that you have been blessed with.


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Heartache

Heartaches are inevitable. How much you try to avoid them, they would come, sooner or later. You might not like it, but that's the truth of existence.

Every heartache leaves us shattered, and yet it provides a tinge of hope of a better tomorrow. The broken pieces could be glued again. The dreams long harboured could be revisioned. The hopes could be built once more.

Heartaches are necessary. They teach us to weather the storm, and grant us the strength to stand upright, everytime we falter.


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Graffiti

It is difficult to fix yourself when you are broken, specially in love.

But wouldn't you give love a second chance, if it comes your way? Again!

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Scars

It's never a good idea not to trust yourself. You may be weak, you might be failing, and you could be seeking strength, which comes in the form of a new bond. But don't let that bond maim you.

You are powerful. Don't permit any relationship to make you feel otherwise. Don't.

NEVER.


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Fading

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.com/)

inked postcards fading

amidst my teary fingers

as I trace your name

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Lost In Love - Review

Neil had many questions related to his life. Having suffered a total eclipse of the heart, dumped by Arya, he had nowhere to go. He was completely shattered. Till one fine day, when his friend Gauri, who had a crush on Neil ever since her childhood, comes into his life and they begin their journey of love, romance, fantasy and fairy tales. 
Not for long, as their world comes crashing with a tragic, life-turning event. This is a heart-wrenching romance thriller that is bound to move you and hit your soul as you take a plunge and get Lost in Love.

About The Author
Arvind Parashar is a bestselling author of two books, and a well-known motivational speaker.

‘Lost In Love’ is the second part of the ‘Messed Up’ Trilogy. Since I had not read the first book of the series, I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to follow up with the plot. However, the good thing is that you can take it up both as a continuation and a separate book, the latter working well for me.

The ‘Messed Up’ trilogy belongs to the genre of romantic thriller, something that is always a delight to read, and equally difficult to execute. While many authors have done justice to this genre, a larger number has disappointed, trying to establish a plot, but then falling prey to the clichés. To which category, then, would I place ‘Lost In Love’?

The book starts on a highly expectant note for me. Gauri, live-in partner and girlfriend of Neil, goes missing one fine day, and our protagonist Neil is caught in the midst of the investigation. He is questioned, fingers are pointed, and the story looks promising. At this point of time, I couldn’t avoid comparison with Gilian Flynn’s masterpiece ‘Gone Girl’, and was eager to turn the pages.

However, what could have been a racy and gripping thriller quickly fizzles away. There were some moments of suspense, true. There were a few twists here and there, true. Arvind does have power in his words, true. But what lacked was the most important ingredient of any book – a coherent storyline.

Arvind establishes the plot based on a loose outline. The characters are hazy, and come in and out of the frame. Even the protagonists are not introduced in a proper manner. Neil’s personality remains vague throughout the novel. His feelings are confusing, and his memories of Arya seems unconvincing. His conflicts with Arya don’t help either. The characterization of Gauri, the female lead, is left to readers’ imaginations. There is no description of her nature; the only point being reiterated after every few pages in the novel is that she is a beautiful girl, nothing more. The other characters too fall prey to a seeming lack of identity. They don’t leave much of an impact, and we fail to relate with any of them.  It is like a bunch of Lego blocks that a reader has to arrange to give a proper form to the characters.

Another big disappointment is the poor depiction of intimate scenes. The description is graphical rather than sensual, which proves to be a letdown. There is no art, or literature, and the whole love making scenes turns out to be shallow.

However, credit should be given where it’s due. I have seen a large number of new age authors coming up with books featuring grammatical errors. Arvind, and the editorial team, ensures that there are no lapses on that end. Arvind’s language is crisp, his writing fluent, with hardly any silly errors. If Arvind is able to bind the plot together and weave a stronger storyline in his subsequent novels, he can be a name to reckon with in the literary industry. The author does have the flair; he only needs to execute it well.

The cover of the book is bright and appealing, something that would soothe your senses. Srishti Publications have been nurturing young authors and giving them the platform to showcase their dreams. The onus, now, lies upon the authors to do justice to the stage.

Title: Lost in Love
Authors: Arvind Parashar
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance
No. of Pages: 176
Price: Rs 175
My Rating: 3/5

Gone

There are cures for all sorts of wounds. Bruises do heal. There are bright sunny days after stormy nights. Sometimes, the nights may seem long, but they are not neverending. So if you are in a fix, if you find yourself strangled, and if you are yearning for hope, just hold on. A new dawn awaits. Let it welcome you.

Give your life a chance to live.

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Love A Little Stronger - Review

Life is a collection of moments, some memorable and some mundane. Often it is the tiniest things that bring the greatest joy, even though at that time, we have no idea that what we are witnessing may be magical, something that we will talk about and laugh over after many years.
Packed with her hilarious narratives, poignant observations and a writing style loved by millions across the world, this book is certain to strike a chord with anybody who has children or who has been a child, themselves!
For those who have read 34 Bubblegums and Candies, this is a new version, with many additional stories. For others, it is a heart-warming, hilarious, and inspiring collection of true anecdotes from the author’s life, telling us to Love A Little Stronger, no matter what happens.

About The Author
Preeti Shenoy is the bestselling author of Life is What You Make It and nine other titles. Her books have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. She is among the highest selling authors in India. She is also a speaker, columnist, and artist. Preeti has been featured on BBC, Conde Nast, Verve, India Today and all other major media.

There is something pleasant about this book that grabs your attention straightaway, nudging you to turn the pages with a glass of cold water, and cupcakes by the side. Do you know what that ‘something’ is? The title, of course! ‘Love A Little Stronger’ – so aptly said. In a world that is currently in doldrums owing to commotion and disturbances from all quarters, people tend to stick towards negativity, not realizing that there are positive aspects in our lives too. What we all need is our share of love, as well as sharing of love, the best place to start being, of course, our homes.

We live in a busy world filled with goals and ambitions. We have, unknowingly, become part of a rat race driven by technology. When was the last time we had a hearty dinner with our family, close relatives and friends without the interruptions of television and mobile phones? We have surely had memories of those days, but they have receded somewhere in the far corners of our minds. Preeti Shenoy digs in deep through those memories and brings them down to our heart. She narrates her own life incidents, and we, the readers, seek our own slices of déjà vu embossed in them.

The book is divided into five sections. ‘The Parent Trap’ illustrates the close bonding between Preeti and her parents, as well her own tale of parenthood. Being a proud mother of two lovely kids, Preeti narrates the ordeal that goes on in her house, daily. ‘Life, Love And Laughter’ comprises anecdotes that are funny, humorous and at times plain embarrassing. There are moments of her life that might have looked awkward when they had happened, but now invite laughter.

We have all fought with our siblings when young, but again, the love and bonding that is shared between siblings is unparalleled. ‘Hey Brother!’ narrates incidents involving Preeti’s son and daughter. The innocence of children, and how well the siblings protect each other during times of need, makes a happy reading.

Love in all form should be welcomed, ‘cause it’s a blessing and a precious gift to have. Love can come from any direction; we only need to embrace it with arms wide open. The fourth section of the book, ‘Love A Little Stronger’ speaks about love and acts of kindness, and how they stand against all odds. In the concluding section of the book – ‘Be The Best You Can Be’, Preeti Shenoy shares tips on life and parenting, and also advices for aspiring writers.

‘Love A Little Stronger’ is a light read, and can be completed in a few hours. However, the message that it imparts is deep. It makes us think about our childhood, adolescence, and the stages thereafter. It creates a sense of nostalgia in us, so much that we would instantly have the urge to call our loved ones and speak our hearts out with them.

This book comprises of real-life incidents not only of Preeti Shenoy, but of all of us. We find ourselves in the pages, and we are drawn towards it. What works best is the lucidity of the language, and the way emotions have been dealt with. Preeti Shenoy is a master story teller, her words coming to life with every paragraph. ‘Love A Little Stronger’ is a must – read book. After all, love is what creates the bonds between us humans, making us live in stories, scripted out of reality.

Title: Love A Little Stronger
Authors: Preeti Shenoy 
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
No. of Pages: 178
Price: Rs 175
My Rating: 4/5

Dust

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Doubts

A false conviction, a wrong belief, the struggle to find answers, and doubts creep in. The problem is that we try too hard to cover up our fears. But fears are only natural. Instead of covering them, let's discover. Our doubts are not our enemies, they are our portals to solutions. Let's build the trust within, and all our doubts will turn into mere bubbles, the answers crystal clear in their spots.


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Discordant

(Image Source: Nicolas Bruno)

we were all ears

not needing a voice

to be understood

and yet, you see

how discordant we grew

the moment the cords

were cut through

would you still

listen to me, dear

or at least, try to

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Name It Love

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Ziro

She taught me a song, in Apatani.

I was in Ziro as a student of agriculture, to learn about the sustainable form of farming practiced there.

I gifted her a chocolate bar. Unfortunately, we lost contact once I bid farewell. I missed her.

Decades passed. I became Dean of an Agriculture College. During the Cultural Program, a young girl sang the same familiar song.

Amazed, I asked her backstage, "Are you from Ziro?"

"Yes."

"Where's your mother?"

She smiled, and looked skywards. Those were the same eyes.

My voice choked. She held my palm, and gifted me a chocolate.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter Z

Yercaud

"I'm going to meet my friend," he used to declare, but he never divulged further details.

"Another woman?" His wife wondered. Even at 75, he had the exuberance of youth.

"Follow your Dad. You are his Doctor too," she commanded her son.

He obliged, and was surprised to see his Dad driving all the way to Yercaud Lake, and buying Chili Bhaaji and masala tea from a stall. Then, he gossiped with other people of his age.

Chili wasn't good for his health, but his Dad's childlike happiness made him smile. Today, he wasn't a doctor, but a son.


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Xelvona

"Dolphins? In Xelvona?"

"This is Goa. There is magic everywhere," he said.

They were meeting after 10 long years. He wished he had confessed his feelings at the right time.

"Mom, let's go," her daughter, 8, was excited.

Soon, they were all aboard his boat. The little girl leaning over the deck, suddenly slipped and fell into the water.

They were horrified. The mother wailed, while he prepared to dive.

Just then, out of the waves, the child emerged, laughing, safely perched on the back of a dolphin.

"You were right," her mother was relieved, "there is magic everywhere."


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter X

Wayanad

At what age he held a camera, he remembered not. What he recollected, though, was his first photograph - a pigeon feeding on porch.

Photography became his passion since then, and animals his love.

3 decades in an MNC pushed his hobby to the backyards. Post retirement, he drove towards his favorite destination, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Elephants were spotted, and deer. But where were the tigers? And vultures? And so many other species?

He had clicked them when he visited 30 years ago. Unfortunately, now only a few traces remained.

He sighed, dejected, his passion on the verge of extinction.


#99wordsfiction

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Varanasi

He inhaled slow, and exhaled, his eyes searching for a spot in the busy Manikarnika Ghat. His 90th birthday brought him to Varanasi.

And the search for salvation.

He was tired. A week here, and he was still alive. Why wasn't he dying?

He observed deeply, and got the answer. The cremations took place amidst families and friends.

Who will cry for him? He had none.

He spread his food around. Soon, hungry birds, dogs and cats came . He watched them eating in content.

The next dawn he breathed his last, amidst his weeping friends - birds, dogs and cats.


#99wordsfiction

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Udaipur

"You do like Rajasthani history, right?" she asked.

He smiled.

A boat ride on Lake Pichola seemed a perfect start to their post engagement vacation.

"I am glad our parents agreed," she sighed, relieved.

He came closer, and hugged her. The pristine lake reflected their bond in glittering hues.

Suddenly, the reflection changed. Image of a Maharana of Udaipur, and his Rani, who looked exactly like them, appeared on the lake.

He recognized the Maharana. He had read how much he loved his wife, but their marriage failed.

Was history showing him the future?

The dilemma enveloped their silhouette.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter U

Tirupati

The Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati, witnessed thousands of devotees everyday. Her parents came here too with their own share of 'mannat.' Nandini was too young to know what that meant. Her attention was fixated at a group of people shaving their head.

While her parents looked away, Nandini ran towards the spot, and pocketed a fistful of hair.

Later that evening, her parents conversed, "May God cure our daughter soon."

Nandini, however, was excitedly trying out different styles by covering her head with those hair. Chemotherapy had stolen her tresses, but she was happy again today.

Her 'mannat' was fulfilled.

#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter T

Srinagar

"Are you a guide?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Can you show us around Srinagar?"

"Sure."

We passed through Dal Lake and Shalimar Bagh. The couple, on their honeymoon, handed me the camera, as they posed against beautiful backdrops.

The Apple Orchard came next, my favorite.

"Look," the husband pointed towards the bark of an apple tree. It was his wife's name, engraved within a heart.

She was surprised, "Wow. When my Dad was posted in Srinagar, I often played here with a friend. He made this mark. But I can't remember his name. "

I hid my name badge inside my pocket.


#99wordsfiction

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Rishikesh

I closed my eyes and chanted 'Aum.'

A revered spiritual guru had organized a 3 day Meditation Camp, and people flocked in large numbers. I was one of them.

I had come to Rishikesh for a special mission, to do what I was afraid of. I needed all my will power.

Three hours later, I was walking towards the bank of the Ganges with my friends. They were all excited about river rafting, while I was scared.

However, it was a different experience today. I never knew I could befriend water so easily.

I had finally captured my fears.

#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter R.

Quilon

They reached Quilon by noon.

"Welcome aboard," the Captain greeted.

Backwaters! She felt at home.

The houseboat waded along Astamudi Lake. Suddenly, a thunderstorm erupted out of nowhere. With no time to anchor, the boat overturned.

The crew hung on to their life jackets. Her husband was caught unaware, and struggled to stay afloat.

She swam faster, and brought him on shore. Her husband was unconscious, but he would be fine.

She was, however, worried he would know her secret. The mermaid had to dry herself before he regained consciousness, so that her tail would again turn into legs.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter Q

Puri

I was 15, he 10. Our parents had taken us for Rathyatra, the biggest festival in Puri, and the crowd pulled him away.

Frantic searches lead to nowhere. My brother was lost.

I got married a week ago, and my husband insisted we take our blessings at Lord Jagannath's Temple. So here I was again, reluctant.

We offered our prayers and came out, when we saw a young man distributing food to poor. Those eyes. That smile. I knew them. His face turned towards me, and our childhood returned.

I found my brother, and also my faith in God.


#99wordsfiction

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Ooty

I have counted mists like pearls on seabed, careless, beautiful. A slight drizzle, and my counting broke.

I woke up with a jolt. Nathan was sleeping peacefully beside me. It was just yesterday that we reached Ooty, but it seemed a lifetime now.

I walked towards the mirror. Outside it rained. Inside, parched. I touched the glass, and the surface reverberated. As the ripples died, Nathan was smiling at the other side.

I stepped into the mirror, our souls met. Behind, two bodies rested on bed. Lifeless.

We should have held on, trusted ourselves. In death, however, we united.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter O

Noida

It was Sam's first day at SmartTech, a Noida based IT firm. He was surprised as he entered. There were robots all around. He was greeted by one such robot and taken to a cabin.

Suddenly, the cabin door shut, with Sam inside.

"Hey. Open the door!" he shouted.

"Welcome to SmartTech, where AI meets Reality. Please hang on while we extract your brain, and replace it with AI," the robot replied.

He was scared, and then noticed, the robots walking around were actually humans, with their brains replaced with AI.

He was going to become one of them.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter N

Mumbai

His movie was releasing all over the country. He took his Mom for the First Day First Show screening. Being from a poor family, his mother had never visited a cinema hall. He wanted her to witness his success today.

The cinema hall was packed. Audience clapped in almost every scene.

Post the climax, his Mom asked, "The movie was nice, but where are you in it?"

He pointed towards the screen. The end credits rolling out had his name in bold: "Spot Boy: Vikas Anand."

His Mom had never been happier. Her son had made it into Bollywood.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter M

Lucknow

Rohan, 13, was on a trip to Lucknow with his parents.

At Bada Imambara, he rushed towards Bhool Bhulaiya, a labyrinth of  thousand passageways.

"Mom! Dad! I am going in."

He walked through various pathways, when suddenly he realized he was lost. He got scared.

It was turning dark. The sound of 'azaan' from a nearby mosque calmed him. After a while, he noticed a flicker of light. He walked ahead, and saw his parents standing beside a cake with burning candles.

"Happy Birthday Dear," they chorused.

Rohan was delighted. He found his best birthday surprise, after being lost.


#99wordsfiction

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Kolkata

The Rabindra Sadan auditorium was packed. This was her first time in Kolkata, and she was nervous.The soliloquy she had practiced now seemed jumbled.

She began, but realized she had forgotten what her act was. Her eyes welled up, and she cried.

Suddenly, a person started cheering for her, and the entire audience followed suit. Why?

Nevertheless, it gave her confidence. The lines returned, and she performed with aplomb.

She looked out for her Saviour, but He wasn't there. Instead, she found Him in a portrait on the wall. Tagore - her Messiah, smiled back.

Art never failed in Kolkata.


#99wordsfiction

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Jaipur

They couldn't speak, but that didn't stop them from entertaining hundreds of audiences everyday in the busy Bapu Bazar of Jaipur. He was the Prince, she the Princess.Songs and narrations were played, and they performed to the tune. They were happy, and so was their Master.

One unfortunate day, a little girl requested, "Can I take the Prince?"

The Master readily agreed. He received Rs 200, with which he could buy another one.

The Princess cried, and pleaded, but who would listen to a puppet? She might have a new partner tomorrow, but all she needed was her Prince.

#99wordsfiction

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Imphal

I met her for the first time at National Sports Academy, preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

"You are from North East, right? I've heard it's beautiful," I tried to strike up a conversation.

She smiled, "I'm from Imphal. North East is a direction, not a city."

There was an unparalleled dedication in her practice sessions. "Seems you will earn a number of Golds this season," I winked.

"I have to. Today, I'm just a girl from North East. A Gold for my country, and I'll be hailed as an Indian athlete. Indian - that's the identity I need, and deserve."

#99wordsfiction


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Hyderabad

"Can you cook?"

"Yes."

Their families had contacted each other through matrimonial sites.

"That's great, because I'm a total foodie."

"Me too, and I have a surprise for you."

"Where?"

"Come with me."

While the elders were talking inside, they ran to the roof.

It was a full moon night. Right at the center was a small table for two.

"This is what I've made for you, ma'am," he pulled the chair and handed her a plate.

"Wow. I love it. How did you know it's my favourite?"

He knew. It was easy.

No one can dislike Hyderabadi Biryani.


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Gurugram

The evening shone brightly, and all the five malls, lined sequentially one after the other, looked inviting. Having successfully cleared a telephonic interview, he was offered a job in Gurugram, and he grabbed the opportunity instantly.

He didn't know anyone here, and thus befriended Tinder, and here he was, on his first ever date.

"Hey! Where are we meeting?" his phone vibrated.

Which mall should they go to? Each of the malls outshone the other. His head spun in confusion.

He made his decision.

Tinder was uninstalled.

He roamed the malls, excited, all by himself, embracing his new life.

#99wordsfiction

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Fatehpur Sikri

"They say you get whatever you wish for in the sacred Tomb of Salim Chisti. I just want our family to be complete. I even tied the thread of faith on the holy screen," she rested on his shoulder, tired but ecstatic, after their trip to Fatehpur Sikri.

He felt his left pocket. He had untied the thread. He didn't want her wish to be heard by the saints.

A sudden guilt enveloped him, but did he have an option? He liked her, but he had to convince her for divorce.

His secretary, Maya, was his new love now.


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Ernakulam

"Camera Photography - Rs 100."

"You hide the camera in handbag. No one will know," said the husband to his wife, standing outside the Kerala Folklore Museum, Ernakulam. They were celebrating their honeymoon in Kerala.

Once inside, she took out the camera.

"Stand in front of that statue," he clicked.

"Why don't you pose with that weapons cabinet?" she flashed the camera.

Delighted, they came out, "We saved 100 bucks. Let's check the snaps."

They scrolled through the pictures, shocked. None of the artifacts  were captured.

Instead, all the pictures had a common background, the signboard - "Camera Photography - Rs 100."

#99wordsfiction

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Delhi

10 years as an engine driver of Delhi Metro, and I was still excited by the noise of the platform and the rushing crowd. Today too looked no different, and I started the train at Samaypur Badli.

7 stations passed, and as the train approached Vishwavidyalaya, I was jolted by a sudden horror. I applied the brakes hard. Someone had jumped on the track.

"Suicide!"

"Is he dead?"

"Call the ambulance."

There were loud instructions everywhere, deafening me.

Did I just kill someone?

I got no answer.

I walked out of the Metro. I could never drive it again.

#99wordsfiction

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• AtoZ Challenge: Letter D

Chandigarh

"Where did you get this money from?"

She didn't reply. She wanted peace after a hard day's work.

His husband had other plans though, "Did you steal from my wallet?"

Her eyes welled. Her strength didn't.

"Remember Rock Garden we visited last month? It was created from trash. Rubbish like you. A good for nothing woman, staying in the house and stealing my money."

"These...these are mine. I earned them," she retorted, loud and clear.

He was shocked.

"Remember Rock Garden? Trash can be beautiful too."

The home made pickles in her kitchen counter were ready to be delivered.

#99wordsfiction

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• AtoZ Challenge: Letter C

PS: While I was wondering over what to write for Prompt 'C', my wifey, Anusha, came to the rescue and suggested me the idea for this post, which I penned down. Thanks wifey.

You can visit her wonderful blog here:
http://anushadas.blogspot.in

Bhagalpur

"I'm glad I am out of Bhagalpur. Phew! I'm born to reside in a big metro, and not some small town."

I heard a haughty voice on the opposite side of my train berth. I leaned. A young lady, clad in gorgeous silk saree, was demeaning her ancestral place among her friends.

I couldn't stop myself. "Ma'am, excuse me, but your saree is beautiful."

"I bought it from a mall in Noida. It's the world famous Tussar Silk." She boasted.

"Do you know where Tussar Silk Sarees are manufactured?"

"No," She shrugged.

She watched dumbstruck when I answered, "Bhagalpur."

#99wordsfiction

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Agra

It's beautiful. It has always been my dream to visit the Taj," she said, a radiant smile emanating from her lips, as he sat beside her, satisfied.

The Agra sun was breathing down heavily, but that didn't deter the couple from their expedition.

"All the seven wonders, we would see, one by one," he said, pressing her hands.

"Yes," her voice excited, "We would see, one by one."

Gradually, she stood up, holding his hand, and her walking stick. In her world of darkness, this was the light.

She didn't need eyes to admire the beauty of the Taj.

#99wordsfiction

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Nightmares

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Little Maryam - Review

While giving an acceptance speech for his Nobel Prize nomination, Dr. Saadiq Haider, a renowned gene therapist and professor at Stanford University, receives a phone call that changes his life. Abandoning his duties and responsibilities, Saadiq hurriedly boards a flight bound for India, embarking on a journey that spans thousands of miles and pulls him back into a past Saadiq thought long-buried. Seated next to him on the flight, Anne Miller-an intrepid journalist with a nose for headline news-senses the reclusive genius has a story to tell. During the flight, Anne manages to break through Saadiq's hard exterior and listens, rapt, as he unfurls a tale fraught with love and heartbreak. His story transports Anne back in time to a small, sleepy town nestled in the mountains of northern India, where Saadiq spent his childhood. Through Saadiq's narrative, Anne meets Maryam and witnesses the friendship between Maryam and Saadiq mature into an intense love; a love that is tested when tragedy strikes and the lovers are separated. Try as they might, their devotion is no match against the workings of fate, and the tighter Saadiq and Maryam cling to one another, the faster they slip apart. Now, after two decades of trying to forget his past with alcohol and drug abuse, Saadiq tells Anne that fate has acted again; Maryam is in the hospital, her condition critical. When their plane lands in India, the newfound friends part ways and while Saadiq rushes to Maryam's side, Anne returns to her life, grateful to have met the enigmatic man. Months later, Anne learns that after wrenching Maryam from the indomitable grip of death, Saadiq took her back to America, where they finally married. But, her assumption that the greatest love story she had ever known would end happily is shattered.

About the Author
Hamid runs a successful market research company, providing customer insights to some of biggest names in the industry. He is a voracious reader and has been one for as long as he can remember. He started penning short stories at a very young age, but never thought of writing a full length novel until the idea for Little Maryam popped into his head. He writes as fast as he reads, which is sometimes just a little too fast. Apart from enjoying good books, Hamid is passionate about travel and food. He is sometimes called "the culture connoisseur" by his friends because he loves having long conversations about different cuisines, exotic travel locations, and of course, books. Hamid lives in New Delhi with his wife and two wonderful kids.

When one sees the front cover, with the silhouette of a little girl swinging by a tree, a pre-conceived notion can be formed about the novel. A story of a girl named Maryam, who is playful and fun-loving, and his association with the tree to which the swing is attached, is what I guessed the backdrop to be when I first glanced at this book. This is true in a way, the only addition being the other protagonist of the novel – Saadiq Haider.

Saadiq and Maryam have been in love since the time they first met each other, during their childhood. Maryam was the daughter of Colonel, while Saadiq’s father, Haji, was his gardener. However, the Colonel treated both Haji and Saadiq with dignity, not allowing their different lifestyles affect their bond. When Colonel had gone away for work, Haji had introduced Maryam to Saadiq, so that she could get a companion in her father’s absence. Little had he known that this companionship of childhood would churn out a bond so strong and unforgettable.

Hamid Baig, the author, does a commendable job on his debut. He highlights the friendship between Saadiq and Maryam in vivid colours, as they grow up, remaining loyal and attached to each other. The fact that Maryam belonged to the echelons of higher class didn’t deter Saadiq, who had a modest livelihood. It only instilled in him the desire to work harder and get into the good books of Colonel so that some day he could seek his permission to marry his daughter.

 Saadiq loved Maryam, and cared for her. He grabbed ice-cream from other boys for her, and hit those who teased her. Saadiq and Maryam’s favourite hang out was swinging by the Kalpavriksha (the same tree that is displayed in the cover). They spent hours together, basking in each other’s company, happy and contented.

However, love stories seldom have a smooth path. The story takes a sharp twist, a rather harsh one, and we, the readers are left gasping for breath. We feel pity for Saadiq, and Maryam, but we do believe that things would again be fine for them. The rest of the story is a progression from darkness to the desperate search of light, draped in the hardships and struggle of the lovers, their successes and failures, and Saadiq’s everlasting devotion to the first and only love of his life.

Saadiq as a character develops through each page of the story. He is everywhere, in the stanzas, chapters and even in the readers’ minds. Saadiq isn’t the perfect hero. He has flaws, and there have been instances when I have hated him for his behavior. His successes made him arrogant, and he is rude with others. He hit people due to his own obsession with Maryam, and also tried to play a few tricks using his power. However, when we re-analyze his actions, we find them to be a mere expression of human emotions. Are we not selfish towards our wants and desires? Don’t we like to protect our love and grant all the wishes that he or she might have? Saadiq actually behaved like any of us would, placed in those circumstances, and that’s when we realize that he is a character which isn’t just the author’s figment of imagination, but also could be a real person. Beneath his tough outlook, he has a heart that beats only for Maryam. He is both a lover and a guardian to Maryam, protecting her and her interests. And by the time I reached the last chapter, I realized that Saadiq has a heart of gold, winning us over with his act to safeguard his love’s happiness.

Hamid Baig is fluent in his narrative. He has painted the visuals beautifully, and the chapters flow seamlessly one after the other. None of the events seem stretched or unnecessary. However, there are  a few grammatical glitches which could have been avoided. Also, none of the characters, apart from Saadiq and Maryam leave a lasting impression. Nevertheless, ‘Little Maryam’ by Hamid Baig should be your go-to book this spring. It will reach out to you, enthrall you, and gradually seep within you, so that the characters, Saadiq and Maryam, will keep beating inside you, even after days.

Title: Little Maryam
Authors: Hamid Baig
Publisher: Notion Press, Inc.
Publication Year: 2018
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance
No. of Pages: 296
Price: Rs 225
My Rating: 4/5

Education - Right And Duty

I came across an interesting article yesterday while surfing through social media sites. It was the account of a daily wage-earner, a single parent, who despite limited means and tough financial conditions, admitted his son to school, took great care of his education (even though he himself didn’t study beyond the fifth grade), and ensured that he fared well in his studies. It was heartening to read how his son stuck by the belief of his father, earning high grades throughout school, high school and university, and is now working as an officer in a reputed Government organization.

We take things for granted, out education for example, but we can never undermine its importance in our lives. Again, in the past, there have been several cases of dropouts due to financial restraints, but owing to the new development in policies, primary education has now been declared as a right for all. Different types of schools, catering to people of all means have come up. Parents are more aware of the value of education, and the students are also growing smarter. The values they imbibe in childhood serve as a base as they grow up.

We can consider education as a triangle, with parents, teachers and students forming the three vertices. There should be mutual coordination among all three in order to have a successful education system. A good school isn’t just enough, it requires good teachers too, someone who can educate and not just teach, someone who can impart values and throw light on the next stages of life. A nascent mind needs guidance, and parents and teachers have equal responsibilities in nurturing a little child. A good understanding between the two is a must for a child to develop.

Schools conduct parent teacher meetings at regular intervals, a platform where they can share ideas and focus on their child. Parents should open up about the challenges they face, and so should the teachers. Education is a goal for them and a journey for the child. With proper care and diligence, the destination can be reached successfully.

There are schools for everybody now. We have public, private and charter schools. There are various models like the non-profit network of Rocketship Education, which follows a teacher-led, technology supported approach to personalized learning that suits the requirement of the students and their parents. Now, one doesn’t need to be rich to send his son or daughter to school. He should just have the understanding and know the value of education, and that is what is expected from all current parents, so that we have a brighter and smarter next generation.

Education is our right, as well as our duty, and we should stay true to both, for us, for our children, and for the society at large.

Heart

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Half Past Two

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Smiles

We are so used to despair, that we consider smiles difficult to come by. And even when they do, we doubt their credibility. "Is it really the smile we have been awaiting since long, or just another disappointment in disguise?" we think, sceptically.

We assume all possible negative scenarios, forgetting that smiles are a gift for our patience and perseverance, and should be relished whole-heartedly, without an iota of doubt.

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Ramayana-Stand Strong - Review

The Ramayana is not a story. It’s a way of life. It’s the game of life.

Life is a constant reminder that nothing, however powerful in one season, remains unchanging. The endless cycles of change can truly us if we are unprepared to face its realities. However, we often see these changing times as problems larger than they really are. Many issues in life when perceived with fear, result in pain; but when perceived with CLARITY, result is FREEDOM.

Situations of helplessness are almost always created by our own limited imagination.

Do you have the courage to face your fears?

Stand Strong, the fourth book in Ramayana: The Game of Life series reminds us through its eternal stories -- such as the tale of brothers Vali and Sugriva -- that life is like a high-risk treasure hunt: one often has to walk through a maze of confusing paths while being chased by dangerously complex dilemmas to find the hidden treasure of wisdom.

About The Author

Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker. He helps people in dealing with modern-day life situations through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions. He conducts leadership seminars in premier institutes across the world and inspires deeper human values.

I have been an ardent follower of Ramayana – The Game of Life series, not only because I love reading Indian mythologies, but also because the author Subha Vilas imparts the tales with such lucidity that one seems to be witnessing the story on a first person basis. Along with the fluent narration, Subha Vilas also adds lessons based on the learning from the epic that we can apply to our day to day activities.

‘Stand Strong’ takes the story forward from its prequels, ‘Roar With Courage’ (Book 1), ‘Conquer Change’ (Book 2) and ‘Adopt Patience’(Book 3). As the title suggests, this book imparts the message to be strong and wise in all adversities. The story starts with Rama and Lakshmana’s search for Sita, which takes them to the Rishimukh mountain range. Here, they are spotted by Nala, Nila and Taru, who failed to recognize them and rushed towards Sugriva to warn him of upcoming danger. Thus commences the Kishkinda Kand of Ramayana, which revolves primarily around the vanaras and how they serve Rama in his mission.

‘Stand Stronng’ also introduces one of the most loved characters of Ramayana, Hanuman. We get to know about his birth, childhood, and the boons and curses he went through, in crisp details. We are made aware of his journey, his powers and his prowess. Hanuman is humble and despite being more powerful than Sugriva, he has no qualms in serving the latter. He performs his duties with utmost sincerity, and can rightly be considered as the backbone of this great epic.

The fight scene between Vali and Sugriva is one of the key highlights of this book. Initially, one might be apprehensive towards Rama’s judgement and his actions during the fight between the two brothers, but as we read along, we understand the deeper meanings of Rama’s deeds. We realize how he analyses the situations, and like a true leader, he knows what would be the right decision for a particular course. However, there are moments when Rama feels low and disheartened with the loss of Sita.  He misses her with the change of seasons, comparing her and their love with beautiful metaphorical references to the world around. At such times, his brother and able companion Lakshmana provides him mental support, urging him to have patience and be calm and strong.

As always, Subha Vilas does full justice to the epic. He has narrated the events in such details and with utmost beauty that the readers will be transported to that divine world. The characterization is perfect, with every protagonist in the book being provided with their own space to grow and form an image in the mind of the readers. We, while reading the book, find ourselves questioning the actions and the deeds of the characters, forming our own judgments. This indicates how well the author has managed to create a connect with the readers.

Though I have been familiar with the basic premise of the Ramayana, it’s still a delight reading this version, an added plus point being the numerous back stories and anecdotes which we are not aware of, but which still play integral roles in the development of the plot. This is a must read for all lovers of mythology, and for those who are not, this book might well be able to pique their interest towards this field.

Title: Ramayana-Stand Strong

Authors: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2017

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Mythology, Religion

No. of Pages: 316

Price: Rs 295

My Rating: 4/5