The whispered tales 1

An old friend's address...
(This incidence took place in a small town of Uttar Pradesh in early 70's)



In the crowded street of the old market place, lived Snehlata Sharma,
with her father Prof. Sharma and elder brother Arun.

Everyone in the colony called her Sneha, and adored this college going girl who lost her mother even before she learned to speak, she and her brother Arun were brought up by their father with lots of love and care. They were never made to miss their mother. The neighbours also
loved the children very much; they helped Prof. Sharma to take care of the kids just like a family. The children spent their time with their neighbours while Prof. Sharma went to the university.

Especially Mr. Shrivastava's family was very close to Prof. Sharma and his children, his younger daughter Richa was a close friend of Sneha.

Mr. Shrivastava got transferred and left the city with family. She has felt very bad because she had been very close to them... but... time passed by...

Prof. Sharma was now a retired old man, and Arun joined a Pvt. company
at a handsome salary, Sneha was doing graduation from the degree
college. Sharma family was very happy because Arun was soon going to
get married...Sneha was very happy and excited too, Prof. Sharma also
gave her all the liberty to shop for herself and home, furnishings, clothes and everything she was free to shop for her brother's marriage, she was missing the Shrivastava family at this time.

Sneha did everything with great enthusiasm, she even went to invite
everyone personally, she shouldered all the responsibilities, and the marriage went well. Sharma family was now happy and complete.

Soon they shifted from there to another house, Anju, Sneha's sister-in-law took up all the responsibilities very soon... time flew... and Sneha got a job at the University, Prof Sharma's health gradually declined...

One day a girl came to that colony and asked for Mr. Sharma's address
at the corner shop, but the shopkeeper was too busy to answer, the
girl now went to a nearby vegetables cart and asked for the address,
the vegetable vendor did not appear to even have heard what she said,
at this she was a bit annoyed. She moved on the straight road,
suddenly she heard a soft feminine voice- "Can I help you with Mr.
Sharma's address?"



"Yes, Sure Madam", said the girl with a tone of gratitude, "that's so
kind of you!" there was a sigh of relief on her face now, as she stood
on a cross road and did not know where to go... and... the lady told her
the way and left.



The girl reached Mr. Sharma's house and even before she could knock on
the door, it opened!



She was surprised to see the woman who opened the door; it was the
same lady who helped her with the address. "How could the woman reach
there before her?" she thought to herself...



The girl recollected herself and introduced herself as Sneha's
childhood friend, Richa.

The woman welcomed her and said, "I had to take up the short cut, to reach here before you." She was a gentle and soft spoken person, she told Richa to be comfortable and that Sneha shall be back in an hour.

Richa enquired about Prof. Sharma and Arun. She could understand that
this lady was Sneha's sister-in-law, Richa could not come for the
wedding as her father got posted elsewhere and shifted before the
wedding.

The lady told her about Mr. Sharma's ill health and that he was
sleeping in the adjacent room... and then, she asked Richa to wait and
went to the Kitchen.

Meanwhile Richa moved around to see the house, she looked inside the
room and saw Mr. Sharma was in a deep sleep, snoring in a high pitch,
she was to step inside and look around the room but she did not, she
did not want to wake Mr. Sharma up, she went back to sit on the sofa.
And took the magazine which lay there on the side table... she started
turning the pages, she did not read, just went through the pictures, a
small photo dropped from between the pages, it faced the floor, as
soon she bent down to pick it up, the lady came out with a cup of tea
and snacks, and asked Richa to have it, "the colour of the tea is very
good!" said Richa, she could not think of anything else to say or had
much to talk to the lady who stood there in front as she met her for
the first time, she put the book back on the table and was just about
to have the cup of tea. The lady bent down and picked the photo from
the floor, kept it back inside the book and sat on the chair placed
opposite to the place where Richa sat.



Suddenly, the lady got up and went inside the Kitchen, it was a very
fast movement, even before Richa could take the cup, Richa looked up
at the main door and saw Sneha standing there, looking at her,
Surprised!



"Surprised, to see me here?" asked Richa...



"Yes," said Sneha, "How did you reach here?" she asked, "How did you
get in? Papa is still sleeping!"

Richa said, "Your sister-in-law opened the door for me Sneha, she is
such a nice lady, actually she only guided me to your place as well..."

"What?" said Sneha, and took Richa inside the adjacent room, where Mr.
Sharma was sleeping, and pointed to a photo frame on the wall, "you
mean this lady?" she asked.

"Yes," said Richa, "she is your Bhabhi, right?" suddenly she saw the
garland of yellow and orange flowers on the frame, her face was white
with fear, there was another person in the picture with her, it was
Arun...

"Arun and his wife passed away in a road accident two years back,"
sai Sneha and burst into tears...

Richa could not speak anything further, her expressions changed... she
remembered the tea and snacks were still on the table, untouched...she
went near the sofa... the cup and plate were there... but now they were
empty and clean...

Chakra – Chronicles of the Witch Way by Ritu Lalit.

Chakra is a mystical story woven around the power, awakened Kundalinis, Chimeras, various clans of mystic characters and lot of emotions.

The story revolves around Parinita Mohan, who has special powers, but a tragic yet challenging incidence in her life makes her give up on her mystical practices and lead a life of a normal human.  That particular incidence left many questions on her mind and she takes up spying as a career. A detective’s life is never easy and people around are still more complicated. Facing the troubles in life makes her tough, and the secrets that she buries within herself are still more difficult to deal with.

In times of difficulty the only ray of hope in her life too, is the person who cannot be trusted as he belongs to a sinister organization.  But time brings her to a situation where she is required to go back to the magical world, The Witch Way.

Multiple characters of the story, at times make you turn the pages back but when you finish each segment the curiosity of ‘what next?’ keeps you involved. 

Ritu is not an unknown name for the Indian readers. Her narration of the incidences and capturing every small thing in details is a trait which a very few people possess.  Chakra is pace-y and keeps the readers involved throughout the 300 plus pages. The episode ends dramatically and paves ways for a sequel clearly… me awaiting the same.

This book is for those who: love to read mysteries, thrillers, and have an interest in mystical powers, bombs and bloodsheds. Those who understand what it takes to face challenges and live against odds, those who believe in surviving.

Those who are just into reading rom-coms strictly stay away. Those who have an appetite just for college life descriptions please do not peek in.

Something worth mentioning, coming as an inaugural book from a much awaited publishing house Author’s Empire, Chakra has lived up to the expectations of readers, the quality of Book, is good to match with the existing tycoons of the publishing world. The cover design is impressive and elegant. Price wise the book is affordable as well as worth spending those 245 INR, a complete value for money.

The EVOLUTION of an INGLORIOUS MORON book review

The EVOLUTION of an INGLORIOUS MORON

This book is written by two young authors, Ritesh Rangare and Harshal Gondane.

The authors have attempted a bold concept at a very young age, this story is about a small town guy who gradually moves out for studies and later life takes him through a journey of evolution, the small things that have been presented minutely is the beauty of the work, the duo have put in hard work is evident, and taking up a sensitive concept based upon gay relationship is well presented.

It shows how the people around you can be a little different from normal and still lead a normal life pretentiously.

With each experience the protagonists learns about life better, from the shoes,  making noise in a mall to the expensive coffee at a metro city, all details are captured. So I can say they have poured their emotions out.

The story has a good concept and plot. And youngsters who love to read loaded details would definitely enjoy the contents. For the story seem to have stretched at places, which could have been easily avoided with a fine edit, but the authors have played their part well and all in all it's a suggested read.

When Strangers Meet.. By K.Hari Kumar

 

A story that makes us believe in destiny, choosing between the paths of our dreams and their expectations. 

The story revolves around Pathan (a small tea stall owner, his innocent six years old child who dreams of having a tea shop at the mall, the family facing challenges and still the belief- Allah rewrites fate of the determined…), Jai (an arrogant youngster who wants to go for an education and career of his choice against his father’s who wants him to become an engineer) & Iyer, and their sudden encounter at the metro station on a fateful day.

Iyer, a tam-brahm who had dreams to live, leaves his family behind to fulfill his reverie. And during the pursuit life takes him through the crests and troughs, his homeless nights, menial jobs and breakdown, nothing could bring him back to his father. Mostly because of his ego, he parted with everything, everyone. Whether it was his arrogance or fear that stopped him, and what would happen next kept this story pacy.

The story is very well narrated, Hari is indeed a storyteller his book can keep one involved all throughout the 170 pages of pure fiction, no college romance, no making out stuff, no f*** phrases, still a wonderful piece of intellect. A light-hearted drama with a heavy tint of suspense that captures father-son relationships from the viewpoints of three different strata of society. The best one that I picked of late... well done Hari, waiting for your next.

Simple English and the use of Tamil in between, and the well explained difference between the various sects of southern India (at least I got to know only through his book). I would recommend this as a wonderful weekend read.

 

The Homing Pigeons by Siddhartha Bahri

Not Just another story, but the one to steal your heart…

Just not because it comes from Siddhartha Bahri, but the reason is… there could have been many Aditya(s) but this pigeon spoke it out.

Circumstances and of course uncertainties give birth to the profound professions after a lot of research though, but our protagonist Aditya just enters one when he exits a pub…  A gigolo is definitely a term for fancies but they are human too…

Life… that’s what we call, needs to be lived more than the morals, societal influences or anything else! And thus ‘Life was just perfect again, even though Aditya was obsessed with work and money.’( though most of it came from where it should not have)

Coming to the story, it’s about two people, from different places and different background meet at a tender age, and then they have their own destinies… but as they say The Homing pigeons always come back to their mates… Aditya and Radhika make us believe them.

Simple, involving and catchy, this book is one level up… it’s not describing sex or soft porn… its actually describing the other unseen aspects of why things happen or can happen… 

“Most complications occur when the vocabulary is enhanced to include words like guilt, morals and cheating… ignorance is definitely more blissful” says Sid rightly.

The restructuring, the consequences and further coming out of those might have been an experience for all the recession hits of the scary 2008, I have witnessed many around, but bringing out something like this is a work of a genius.

From the plot, to simplicity… and words to design of the cover page… this book tempts. I am glad that I read this one.  Will recommend this to all those who like to read… I won’t rate it… I bet anyone who reads this would fall in love with Life again. 

because every raindrop is a HOPE…

because every raindrop is a HOPE… comes from two debutants, Mansi Sharma and Sankalp Kohli.

This story is not just another college romance, it’s a story about dreams, life, love, lust, betrayals, fate, and finally hope!

The protagonist Raj is a contemporary youth who has treated life a little on the lighter side, he has fallen in love and moved out of it, first time because of coincidences he lost the love of his life, and second time because of his own foolishness, his frustration leads him into seclusion.

 This book contains every aspect of youth, college ragging to lusty one night stands, from drugs to cheating, from friendship to being left alone… a lot of incidences well knit in the form of experiences of a youngster.

The verses brings out the poetic bent of the Authors, and the experiences that have been penned down from the incidences which a person may face even in a normal life makes the story erotic, though it lacks romance even when they have so many love stories weaved together.

A little hint of the supernatural incidences adds up to the belief in hope, in spite of all the ups and downs in the protagonist’s life, the optimistic approach towards life makes this read recommendable…

You love, You lose, still you Live…

A good attempt by the authors, though the work could have been presented in a little better way… this can be a good pick while traveling.

I will rate this book 3/5. 

Spicy Bites of Biryani- by Ashwina Garg.

Spicy bites of Biryani- (has got nothing to do with the recipe ;) ) the book is just about screwing up your life yourself… and then getting the best when you expect the least.

The story traces the lives of four, thirty something friends - simple yet catchy language, well researched writing based on not-to-technical but an easy flowing everyday life,  and that it could be the story of the people living in neighbouhood who may face the  ups and downs depending upon the people around, friends, family, in-laws, colleagues, ex-es… it keeps the reader involved.  

The female protagonist Aditi, is a girl with whom any present day urban girl can relate. Anyone and everyone may want to be like her, only if one has the guts… she is bold enough to be herself publically which others may dream of being… under covers.

Sanjay, the millionaire protagonist also is good enough to convey the message that money isn’t everything honey… there’s something more to life…

It’s a story about a relationship and not fortunes or reputations; it has something to do with one’s desires and one’s existence as a true-self.

A fairytale feeling does emerge at times… for the normal human beings do have grudges and complaints but, our protagonists are too good to be real.

The first time author was very well able to maintain the fine line of difference between soft p**n and romance and I would love to term this as one of the most romantic stories from the budding contemporary authors. I could happily give up on my four hours of sleep at night just to finish this up in one go…

I would recommend this as a must read for all those who prefer a light reading… Go Grab your Copy…

Crossing the Line…. Aabhas K Maldahiyar

About the Author- A creative profession and similar thoughts, I can say that because I have met him in person. Aabhas is a small town guy with big dreams but he knows how to hold himself on the ground at the same time. An Architect by profession he has keen interest in Politics. Has an interest in Poetry and Painting as well, this his second book. (I am still to read the first!)

Crossing the Line…

‘Fortune Favors the Brave’ a widely used phrase, aptly relates to the protagonist, and well quoted by the Author himself.

My genre is mostly love stories and those from the management and banking background. So I was not too sure about this particular book, thankfully it was good enough to keep me engaged till the end…

The tag says mostly all about the book, Politicians, Bureaucrats and cheap Educationists everything at first I thought it would be difficult for me to finish this book up, but as soon as I reached the third chapter my interest increased.

Coming back to motherland and facing a lot of traditional practices (as an outcome of a rotten mindset-here they are normally the business malpractices) is something which most of us can relate to when we come back from a stay abroad.

That, the story comes from an Architect is quiet evident, and the technical jargons used takes you on a virtual tour of being one yourself as the language is not too tough and the content is layman friendly(as it was not too difficult for me to understand). The revolutionary, career oriented and honest protagonist Aditya, make the reader wade through the ups and downs of his life and career pursuits and finally when he is expecting the worst something unexpected revives a ray of hope.

Well etched characters, brainstorms and the ground realities bring the pace to the story. Though there are grammatical errors, they leave the story unaffected.

One must read this book, to ensure a better insight into the issues of the present day… I felt the author has written most of the content based on his own experiences, a few phrases like “fourth dimension of Einstein”, “need for broadening the mankind” etc. sums up the emotions practically with examples, easily relatable to the context.

I would recommend this book to the generation Y for sure.

Love, Lust, drama, the story has it all. But what can better be related are the questions that have been asked by the author and those pricking pins that cause the pain to the society as a whole.

I would rate his work 3.5/5. 

Till the last breath- Durjoy Dutta

When I picked up his first book (rather the book of his that I read first) I was not sure of reading it. I picked it up on recommendation of the bookstall-wala. ‘madam yeh  aajkal bohot bik rahi hai!’ yes the book had a bestseller’s tag too.

I read the book, it took me about two hours to finish that one, first because it was nowhere near to my taste, secondly I did not like the language (the too frank expressions not the vocabulary) but there was something that I liked about his work. I got a better insight into what really matters.

And finally I ended up reading all his published work. Durjoy Dutta- this management guy from Delhi has potential I must say.

Till the last breath - I thought this too would be just another from him that will have a lot of exposed feelings, rounds of love making (making out, as he terms it)but I am glad I took this one.

Mature, sensible, and a very well written, most of it is very unlike Durjoy. The medical terminology and the expressions well made seem to have come from a medical student, kudos… something unexpected from a management pro.

Coming to the story- very well written, heart touching and clearly etched characters, the resemblance to characters can be found amongst the people in the neighbourhood, one can read this even more than once. Youth well defined, after reading this piece of work from him, his fans would certainly understand that relationships have something more than just making out, the use of the f***word quite appropriate, the life of the doctor and the dilemma very nicely word-sketched.

The fairytale love adds to the charisma of the heartfelt, mesmerizing tale. The optimistic approach, the well paced events and the character of Pihu would last long on the readers mind.

A perfect example of the phrase- life is a gift. A dedicated rich Doctor, the reason behind his dedication, an intern with contras shades in her personality and her past,  the medical student and her passion to be what she wants, and the fragility of the drug affected youngster, the ups and downs in the lives of connected people… everything perfectly blended.

Though there are a few typo errors, the story is inexplicable.

I would rate this 4.5/5. Go…grab your copy if you haven’t yet.

i loved these lines by ANA MONNAR

Indeed I still struggle Swimming upstream with might Never giving up on what I care for Because a strong woman, I am You might use your jagged tongue To tear me down for what I do You are so cruel and judgmental Is it my strength that bothers you? I wept from your harsh words That took me by surprise In front of other guests Embarrassed I sure was Instead of wheeling and dealing, Writing poems and stories, too You think I should stop it all Does my independence bother you? I work full time at school and in my home Devoting ample time to my kids every day Cheering at their sports events, celebrations, Plus, all the pain and glory that presents each day Glance at the mirror Take a good look at your soul If what you see is perfection Then gently stroke your sharp tongue I am a strong woman I will continue to work hard My accomplishments and failures Are what make me who I am If I ever do it differently It will be because I will change For God, my children, and me Not because I am stepped and crushed I am who I am, not just anyone to fit in I refuse to fit the mold and take the easy route Tenacity and endurance is what I hold Because a strong woman, I am Ana Monnar

Shivani- a legend... Gaura Pant

I remember those days when i started reading books... the one writer i could never miss reading was SHIVANI... even today i love to read, re-read, and so on... किसी ने मुझसे कहा... कभी किसी author को देखा है book reviews लिखते ?

मेरा जवाब क्या होना चाहिए?

भाई ठीक है आज मैं एक author हूँ... पर क्या इसके पीछे वोह सारी  किताबें नहीं जिन्हें पढ़ने के बाद मैं इस तरफ आई...? 

बचपन से ही पढ़ने का शौक था... हिंदी, English , Bangla बहुत पढ़ा है... तोह क्यूँ न लिखूं उन किताबों के बारे में जो मुझे अच्छी लगी?

शिवानी जी की शायद ही कोई किताब है जो मैंने नहीं पढ़ी अब एक एक करके  सबके बारे में शायद ही कभी बैठ कर लिख पाऊं पर उन पुरानी diaries  में जो scribble किया था वोह ज़रूर शेयर करुँगी...

कैंजा - मेरी पहली read हिंदी में... एक माँ की कहानी - अगर एक दूसरी माँ सच में इतनी अच्छी हो सकती है तोह क्यूँ न माँ शब्द के सामने से ये adjectives अलग कर दिए जाएँ ... माँ तो माँ ही है न...।

चौदह फेरे- विवाह बंधन का एक अलग ही स्वरुप... एक स्त्री के जीवन की कुछ ऐसी घटनाएँ... जो शायद और कोई शब्दों में बयां नहीं कर पाता।

कृष्णकली- मेरे लाइफ की all time favourite एक लड़की की कहानी, जोसुख दुःख सभी देखती है जीवन में... उसका जन्म और उसकी जीवनशैली के उतर चढाव के बाद एक मर्मस्पर्शी अंत.. किसी के जीवन  के तार कैसे जुड़े होते हैं अपने जन्म दाता से.... एक अद्भुत कथाशैली. कालो शे जोतोयी कालो होक देखेची तार कालो होरीण चोख ।

उप्रेती - एक माँ जिसने मौत के बाद बच्चे को जन्म दिया... एक बेटा जो समाज के नियमों से जूझता रहा, और एक रुढ़िवादी समाज जिसमे हम रहते है... एक छोटी सी घटना का हृदयस्पर्शी चित्रण ।

कृष्ण वेणी - एक दक्षिण भारतीय युवती की कथा, एक घटना जिसमे लाइफ के सारे phases दर्शा दिए हैं, शान्तिनिकेतन के परिवेश में कला साधकों की साधना का जिवंत चित्रण ।

बाकि बुक्स जो मैंने पढ़ी है उनकी - चरेइवेती, अतिथि, पूतोंवाली, चल  खुसरो  घर  आपने, वातायन, एक  थी  रामरती, झालक, आमादेर शान्तिनिकेतन , मानिक, श्मशान  चंपा , सुरंगमा,  मायापुरी, भैरवी, स्वयं  सिद्धा, करिए छिमा, चिर स्वयंवरा, विष कन्या, अपराधिनी, रति विलाप, सुनहु  तात यह  अकथ  कहानी, हे  दत्तात्रेय। 

सभी कि खासियत है कि यह किस्से , घटनाएं हैं,  उनकी सारी कहानियां कुमाओं के गाँव की सौंधी महक को पढ़ने वालों के मन में उकेरती हैं... शायद उनकी किताबें ही एक वजह है कि मैं खुद उन पहाड़ों के बीच जाना चाहती हूँ.. सच में उस nature के magic का एक्सपेरिएंस करना चाहती हूँ... कभी न कभी मौका तो ज़रूर मिलेगा...

I will definitely recommend all her books to people who love reading...

Reality Bites- Anurag Anand

About the book: A sneek peak into life within the boundaries of a co-ed bostel; a compelling search for love-driven not by the callings of the heart but the anxiety of peer pressure; a passionate scandal; a hair-raising brush with certain doom and a plethora of unforgettable incidents weave together the fangs of reality – a bite that can alter lives.

In pursuit of ambitions thrust upon him by his zealous father, Atul finds himself transported to a world very different from the one he had known – the Delhi High School hostel. Amid the cacophony of curious characters, bizarre rituals and peculiar circumstances he decides to pursue an interest of his own – Ayesha, the quintessential femme fatale.

What happens next?

Does Atul succeed in his pursuit for love?

Who is 'She' the mystery girl?

What becomes of him and Bengali and Senti when they step out into yet another unknown world – the one beyond the confines of the hostel walls?





I picked this up a few days back... a must read with a coffee-mug, pouring rains... and good music... my types... The story is about Atul’s hostel life and all that he faces and learns there, well etched charachters, a beautiful word picture of an engineering college and hostel life,family expectations, all very finely carved.
ALok, swati, bengali and of course Senti keeps the pace ... finished it in one sitting,  for some hours i went back to my college-days...with a smile on my face... the bits of humour and wise thought makes it all in all a good read.. willl recommend this for sure... 4.4/5

In Course of True Love! ...I am left with nothing! by SANJEEV RANJAN !!!

All love stories are same. Or is it?

A Boy and a girl meet and fall in love. Stroy ends, Is it?

If so, then what about its journey. Its meaning, its feelings?

What could love mean to anyone?

Just a time pass or a reason to live?

What if he who remained untouched from love so far in his life, will love be a time pass for him?

What if he loves someone truly and deeply, who completes him, will he be able to see other side of love?

In Course Of True Love! Destined to be a true yet unusual emotional love saga of Aarush, a reticent boy, falls in love amid unfavorable situations, crunch moments, will make reader to think and leave them pondering Does love happen at an age of sweet sixteen? Or is it mere a passing infatuation?

Sanjeev Ranjan's debut novel stirs to unfold the reality of puppy love, and plumbs its depth, its warmth, and its meaning.

About the Author
Sanjeev Ranjan (21 years) is a final year Engineering student at Sastra University. He had spent most of his life in a small town of Bihar, Siwan. He did his schooling from DAV Public School but quest for quality education took him to Bokaro where he completed his 12th education from Chinmaya Vidyalaya.

A Non conformist and voracious reader of novels, He spends the rest of his time in either thinking news ideas or listening music. 

I picked this book a couple of days back, and finished it in one sitting, interesting, being a debut from a 21 years old, the story comes clean.... though a couple of questions are mind blogging when u start reading but by the time you finish the book, u are left thinking, certainly a good attempt. the story holds the reader from the beginning to end, a must read contemporary fiction. I will rate this 4/5

Autumn In My Heart by Saptarshi Basu !!!

Book Summary of Autumn In My Heart

Does love really end when you have a break-up? Does love always mean you have to be with the opposite sex? Can online friendships of today's generation lead to a lifelong relationship?

Ayantika longs to become independent by becoming a bank officer whereas her mother wants her to settle down in an arranged marriage. She meets Deb online and friendship blossoms into love.

In Autumn In My Heart, the author explores these areas and tries to find answers to some questions. The characters of Deb, Ayantika, Saurav, Tina, Vinod and Sagarika are finely etched and their changing relationships keep the reader spellbound.

About The Author
A Gold Medallist in Mechanical Engineering, Saptarshi Basu has worked with top IT MNCs in india. He has subsequently lived in London, Toronto, Dubai and san Francisco before moving back to his native place, Kolkata. A prolific blogger and an avid traveller, he has been into written for long, having published his poems and stories in different magazines of his earlier organizations.

I picked this book after reading the synopsis for sure, but the story can not be termed great, it is just another description of phases in life, the writer for sure has a lot of potential, and the characters are well etched, but too many twists made the story quiet complicated than necessary, at few places the descriptions are really great, the catchy title, and a good way of narration makes the story worth reading, can be read at one go... all in all recommended, i rate it 4/5.

Why Did I Fall In Love? by Vinod Pardhi

Revolves around the enigma that reasons with the necessity for love. The question grows into prominence only when love goes unrequited, unnoticed and misjudged by situations. A fateful query that few can answer perhaps. The question is powerful, drawing you to the deepest corners of a maze, where the walls look alike and where surviving is suffocating, escaping is never an option - perhaps cutting of the link with Divine providence is the last resort. Yet alas, destiny has other plans. Unless Life finds a new meaning, the magic wand continues to play havoc with your stars and provides you with a living angelic apparition - an object of adoration. Living through triumphs and failures, making promises under the mistletoe - all the rosy dreams of togetherness, stumbles over the final word of authority.

The story narrates a love saga, he begins with the essential meeting, the growing of likeliness, the vows being whispered as the years roll and the bond strengthens. No matter, how the years treat them, love makes them stronger in finding their aspirations. The union of hearts and the connection of mind are possible- but fail to survive the tirades of society. It is the differentiation in the glaring social eyes that creates the issuing troubles in relationship. And therefore Shewta and Vinod could never claim their own realms.




 I finished the book in one sitting, though there are grammatical errors and the story contains not so necessary discriptions, the story is catchy, a must read for the youth who think about ending  their life if they fail in love. there are some points at which a reader may think why has this happened... all in all a good read, as the writer has been able to communicate to the world what he needs to... unlike contemporary sex obsessed fiction, definitely a good attempt.  i will rate the book 4/5.

That Thing Called Love by Tuhin A Sinha

Mayank thus lives in disillusionment, aspiring, with diminishing hope, to fall in love in all Utopian earnestness and with his 'perfect woman'. The irony eventually arises when he identifies the image of his 'perfect woman' in an older happily married woman. The dreamer in him sets aside ground realities to flow with natural impulses, leading to a dangerously complicated relationship between the woman and him. That Mayank's relationship with Revathi unfolds during the course of one Mumbai monsoon, the first that an anticipating Mayank, experiences of the city, only makes this Utopia an even more surreal experience.








Not just one story but a mix, showcasing almost all aspects of a life in a metro, well etched characters and incidences, while Rewathi is strong, Mayank a dreamer, and rest of them revolving around spun well in words... i personally did not like the particular comments about the dusky girls, the gay part is somewhat unrealistic for the small town genre, but the story brings out the realms of the psychology... a book to keep the reader involved from start to end... the vocabulary coulkd have been easy... all in all a good read, i rate it 3.5/5

Life isn't all ha ha hee hee- Meera Syal

On a winter morning in London\'s East End, the locals are confronted with the sight of a white horse skidding through the sooty snow, carrying what looks like a Christmas tree on its back. It turns out to be a man covered in tinsel, with a cartoon-size turban on his head. Entrepreneur Deepak is on his way to get married. As he trudges along, he consoles himself with the thought of marrying Chila, a nice Punjabi girl (a choice which has delighted his surprised parents) does not mean he needs to become his father, grow nostril hair or wear pastel coloured leisure wear.\n\nLIFE ISN T ALL HA HA HEE HEE is the story of Deepak s bride, the childlike Chila, and her two childhood friends: Sunita, the former activist law student, now an overweight, depressed housewife, and the chic Tanja, who has rejected marriage in favour of a high-powered career in television. A hilarious, thoughtful and moving novel about friendship, marriage and betrayal, it focuses on the difficult choices contemporary women have to make, whether or not they happen to have been raised in the Asian community.
I picked this up for the title. Funny and sharp.,A superbly crafted, page turning comedy which isn't afraid to tackle the big subjects. wonderfully insightful a big ambitious book with serious points to be made about the choices women face today Syal mixes her message with hilarious set pieces.,The story surges along on a rip-tide of wisecracks and wisdom excellent.,A magical mosaic of friendship, betrayal and cross-cultural incongruities. By turns spicy, hilarious and sad, it unfolds the ties that bind young women to their East End Punjabi roots even as they head west for trendy careers, café bars and sexual freedom.,An engrossing and provocative book, both funny and sad. couldn't finish it in one sitting, will rate it as 3/5

The notebook- Nicholas Sparks

About the book: Noah Calhoun has just returned from World War Two. Attempting to escape the ghost of battle, he tries to concentrate on restoring an old plantation home to its former glory. And yet he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met there fourteen year before, a girl who captured his heart like no other.

But when these memories begin to slide into reality, the passion that had lain still is ignited once more though so much is in their way the miraculous force of their love refuse to fade.




A soft book, typical NS, but another amongst my all time fav. even the alzimers... could not fade away the traces of true love... A must read for the people who understand the magic of true love.... what a  quality of fiction can be.... i would rate it 5/5.

Gone with the wind- Margaret Mitchell

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Civil War, Margaret Mitchell's magnificent historical epic is an unforgettable tale of love and loss, of a nation mortally divided and a people forever changed. Above all, it is the story of beautiful, ruthless Scarlett O'Hara and the dashing soldier of fortune, Rhett Butler. 


My all time fav. might have read the book about 20 times now but each time i read it the magic of love... fills my soul, Scarlett... so strong yet so soft.... a romantic classic... i rate this 4.5/5.

The Secret Of The Nagas- Amish Tripathi

Much awaited Book 2 in Shiva Trilogy after the huge success of The Immortals of Meluha

Today, He is a God.

4000 years ago, He was just a man.

The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain.

The evidence of the malevolent rise of evil is everywhere. A kingdom is dying as it is held to ransom for a miracle drug. A crown prince is murdered. The Vasudevs Shiva s philosopher guides betray his unquestioning faith as they take the aid of the dark side. Even the perfect empire, Meluha is riddled with a terrible secret in Maika, the city of births. Unknown to Shiva, a master puppeteer is playing a grand game.

In a journey that will take him across the length and breadth of ancient India, Shiva searches for the truth in a land of deadly mysteries only to find that nothing is what it seems.

Fierce battles will be fought. Surprising alliances will be forged. Unbelievable secrets will be revealed in this second book of the Shiva Trilogy, the sequel to the #1 national bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha.

About the Author

Amish is a 36 year old, IIM (Kolkata) educated boring banker turned happy author. The success of his debut book, The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up a fourteen year old career in financial services to focus on writing. He is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy. He believes there is beauty and meaning in all world cultures and religions. The Secret of the Nagas is the second book of the Shiva Trilogy.

Amish lives in Mumbai with his wife Preeti and son Neel. He is presently working on the third book of the Shiva Trilogy, The Oath of the Vayuputras.

the synopsis says it all...Right from the beginning, the book is wonderful, having a good start and a great end keeps the readr busy throuout, a good vocabulary and a great way of narration, have been written after a great deal of research for sure, magical and simply what's called fantastically expressed. A must read for the adventure lovers.... i rate it 4 on the scale of 5.