Memories! I smile, I weep

Every single day

I open the treasure of your memories

I smile, I weep

Some make me yearn for more

Some hurt deep, oh so deep!

I whirl, and whirl, 

And they chase

No, how can I erase?

So, I make a choice, 

And move to the lovely ones

Memories churn

Take me on its wings

Emotions glisten in my eyes

My lips tremble to smile

The moment I feel you beam

And your voice ring

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Book Review: Me Mia Multiple by Debashish Irengbam

A new release titled “Me Mia Multiple”? A love story with a twist? Piqued my curiosity (Stories with twist are always welcome) and then some 4-5 stars ratings. Definitely going to read, I thought and ordered.

Me Mia Multiple by Debashish Irengbam (Harper Collins India, must say they are coming with some really interesting titles!) tells the story, twisted story of Jeevan Raikar, constantly shielded by his three married elder sisters (and eccentric brothers-in-law), who is greatly depressed and suicidal.

One fateful night he decides to end his life, for the fourth time, but see his luck…he has been rescued by a girl who calls herself Mia. Mia, seems a sweet innocent girl. Then some other day she is arrogant Tanya. And sometimes super cool, sensuous Alisha!

Jeevan tries to ignore her but the more he tries to detach himself the more she gets attached to him, and his life seems to upend drastically. For good or bad? You need to read this book to know. And I can assure you won’t get disappointed.

The storyline of this book is oddly unique, and the execution, significant ingredient for an engrossing story, is intelligent! I particularly liked the exceptional humour in this book. Situations are very convincing and characters are brilliantly portrayed. Supriya, even though she arrives in the book just once, is a supreme character. Jeevan’s sisters are adorable but sometimes I got confused. It took me a lot of time to soak in their names and nature (but thankfully that doesn't affect the flow of the book).

The book is loaded with secrets. It’s light-hearted yet intense. It’s funny yet serious. At times, it exhibits thoughtfulness. That you must learn to live with your imperfections. That you must fight them instead of whining. That you must care for those who care for you. 

The book is totally unpredictable, another significant ingredient of an interesting read! 

Overall, for me, it was an entertaining and gripping read. Recommended to all those who are looking for an interesting and ‘different’ read.

Book Review: The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni

I'm an avid reader but my genres were restricted. Earlier, I hardly thought beyond contemporary women/romance. But, recently I experimented with different genres and realized that it has helped me to grow as a reader (or maybe even as a writer, in the long run).

As I talk about different genres, mythology came as a pleasant surprise! I started reading “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Divakaruni and found myself totally engrossed.

My brother and author of yet another nice Hindi mythological fiction (Swayamvar), Nilabh Verma suggested me to read a Hindi novel Draupadi (Yajnaseni in English) by Pratibha Ray.  Encouraged by the interesting elements in Draupadi, ordered The Palace of Illusions (Thanks to Jyoti who suggested it as a must read!).

The Palaceof Illusions is a wonderful retelling of Mahabhratha. I have always felt that Mahabharatha has incredible interesting elements and quite ahead of its time. Being told by the most powerful woman character of Mahabharatha, Draupadi, it worked best for me!

The book starts with these powerful lines from Innana’s Journey to Hell:

Who is your sister? I am she.

Who is your mother? I am she.

Day dawns the same for you and me.

The book beautifully tells about Draupadi’s lonely childhood and her special bond with her brother and dhai maa, her loving caretaker. Her special friendship with Krishna. Her special, secret feelings for Karna.

Words by Ved Vyas in this book (To Draupadi) are striking and I feel they are base of Mahabharatha,

He advices Draupadi, "Three dangerous moments will come to you. The first will be just before your marriage. At that time, hold back your question. The second will be when your husbands are at the height of power. At that time, hold back your laughter. The third will be when you're shamed as you'd never imagined possible. At that time, hold back your curse."

But then, he had said rightly that Draupadi's destiny was too powerful for him to change.

Chapters are wisely arranged that stand individually, and carry little lesser known stories. Although very well-known, each of them, characters are brilliantly portrayed. You will feel attached to them, especially Karna and Krishna. The attitude that Draupadi exhibits in this book, I wanted to know what was she going to do next even though I knew, and this is the beauty of this book. You want to keep reading even though you know what may happen.

The language is beautiful, perfectly suitable for mythology. I found myself floating with the words.

There’re two things that I found disturbing. First, there’s a POV swap, from first to third. I didn't get the need, if done purposefully. And second, I waited for Arjun’s feelings and reaction when Draupadi finally becomes 'his' wife, but that went without being mentioned. But, I liked the book so much that I happily ignored that!

Overall, it was a mesmerizing read that filled me with a sense of loss and fulfillment at the same time!

Highly recommended to every book lover (irrespective of genre, of course!)

दर्द का वो नायाब क़तरा...

Image

दर्द का एक नायाब क़तरा छिटक कर 

मेरे दामन में आया 

उसे सहेजा  मैंने,

दिल से अपनाया 

एक छोर से फिसलते अरमानों  को,

कस कर थाम था मैंने 

उसी में ढूँढा था एक सपना सलोना 

छिटकती नर्म धूप,

झील का वो किनारा, अंजाना सा 

वो धीमी मुस्कुराहटें, पहचानी सी 

छन् से टूटा वो सपना 

बस एक पल में, छिन गया मुझसे 

मालूम था मुझे...शायद,

दर्द का वो नायाब क़तरा छिन जाए ग़र कभी,

तो इतना ही दर्द होगा. 

Book Review: First Brush on the Canvas

The best thing about an anthology is that you can always move ahead to a different perspective, with a different expectation.

First Brush on the Canvas was a joint venture of Writers melon and Half Baked Beans.  Stories, mostly by new authors, came as a result of a nationwide contest, judged by authors like Ashwin Sanghi and Preeti Shenoy.

The book is a collection of 14 different stories edited by PriyankaRoy Banerjee.  Different because they are from different genre i.e. Romance, Comedy and Thriller. The book deals with interesting themes.  

An Adoption by Uttiya Ray is unique as it tells about a gay couple and their urge to adopt a child and complete their relationship. Coffee, Conversation and You by Shaily Bhargava is a sweet quirky tale and my favourite! 

Reborn by Rafa Dalvi leads you to a world between humans and supernatural of vampires. Very well written!  Lepidoptera by Stuti Chandra is a well crafted story, written in a diary form, and liked reading it. Again, there is The Murder by Arunav Choudhury is a modern and interesting take on Mahabharata. The first story The Pieces by Anwesha Ray was a nice read but I didn't get the conclusion. 

I liked those interesting quotations on writing by different writers just before starting a new story.

As the title of the book suggests, the book cover could have been a little vibrant. I would have like to know more about the authors, links to their blog or FB page. The introduction of the authors could have been placed in a different page, because being written just before the story made it look like a part of the story. There is a wrongly placed page that may confuse the reader.

Overall, it’s a nice little collection, and most importantly it covers varied genres that may attract wide range of readers.

I thank Writers Melon for a copy for an honest review.

Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

One good book is far better than twenty mediocre ones! 

Didn't read much last year but I got hold on some really good books, and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is one of them. And I truly thank Penguin India for the (unbiased) review copy! 

I finished this book two days ago but the effect of this book still lingers, and I somehow find it difficult to review this book because as I sit down to write the review, so many thoughts whirl in my mind.

Me before You is an excruciating story that encounters harsh realities and supreme unfairness of life. And, the moment you turn the last page (It has 480 pages but I didn't realize when I actually turned the last page), you would realize that it has strong elements of a love story.

Louisa Clark, 26, has lost her job. But, as a sole earner of a full-fledged somehow happy family, she can’t sit back. She grabs a job of carer or high-paid friend to Will Traynor. 

Will Traynor is a young, handsome, wealthy man whose world has shrunk to his wheel chair for life. He is angry at his helplessness. Tired of pains and frequent sickness. Having lived a successful, romantic, independent and adventurous life before his accident, it’s completely understandable that he finds it difficult to…live.

Louisa has six months to ease him, and to make him happy. But, it won’t be easy for her in a cold smile-less environment of Will’s house with a carefree father and a stiff mother. Her boyfriend doesn't like the idea of spending too much time with her boss. And,Will is cranky and doesn't get along with the carers. 

But, this is the challenge of this job, and after a significant incident, Louisa will do anything to make Will Traynor happy, like a mission. Just she doesn't know that Will’s mental strength is helping her to find new horizon for herself. To emerge from her stifled (just like her room) life!

This book carries strong emotions. And it evokes a sense of loss. The narration is crisp that slowly yet smartly unravels myriads of feelings; considering the subject of the story, it doesn't preach, thankfully. The characters have been sketched brilliantly, and they seem convincing. You will instantly like Louisa and her genuine efforts. I particularly loved the character of Will Traynor, the male protagonist. Will Traynor will stay in my mind...perhaps forever.

I loved the dialogues, the conversations between Will and Louisa. The wit and humour are well placed and incredibly effortless. 

The author has took the liberty to swap the point of views, and that’s okay but I would have liked it more if she has chosen Camilla Traynor, Will’s mother, as one of the narrators. The character has potential which, I felt, has been squandered.

Even though the book started a little slow, and didn't turn out the way I'd expected, it touched me in a certain way, and I love this book for this particular reason.

For me, it was a poignant and engrossing read, and I highly recommend this to every book (fiction) lover.

Comedy: Sense and Ability

 

Dostana, Bol Bachhan, and Happy New Year. Do you find something common between these bollywood movies? Yes, Abhishek Bachchan. Let’s try again, and find another common feature. Yes, they all are hit films. Okay one more time. Yes, they are comedy films.

After watching these films, I wondered why Abhishek Bachchan, still struggling to shape a successful career, doesn’t switch to comedy films. The only thing he could do nicely, I think.

And it’s not unusual. Many actors have chosen this genre and became successful.

Utpal Dutt: His sense of comedy was tingling but do you know he played villain earlier.

Govinda:  Unanimously, one of the most popular comedians of Indian cinema But, comedy was not his first catch. It feels odd watching him fighting and delivering hefty dialogues with flaring nose. But that’s not him. It seems that he is born to make people laugh.

Arshad Varsi: One fine day, I accidently watch a movie called “Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao”. This film went unnoticed but Arshad Warsi’s performance made me think “Why doesn’t he try comedy?”

Paresh Rawal: He had won National awards for his performance in movies Sir and Wo Chhokri. Few not-so-memorable negative characters, and then switched to comic roles. Who can forget babu bhai in Hera Pheri?

Ritesh Deshmukh: I remember that I was furious when I heard Ritesh Deshmukh winning the award of best comedian for movie Masti. But don’t you think he is really funny?  

Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan, might have called ‘Happy New Year’ a nonsensical film (And, of course it is) but this film added a much needed feather in Abhishek Bachchan’s career. He did succeed while doing some interesting character like Lalan in Yuva. This character also had certain amount of humour and quirk.

I was hoping that Abhishek Bachchan will be seen in Dostana part 2, but he doesn’t seem to reprise his role in this movie while John Abraham is still there.

Abhishek Bachchan is the least successful actor in his family. Now it’s high time he should try and take his career a little higher. In my opinion, he can do this with comedy films. It’s his forte. Do you remember his cameo in a successful film like Salaam Namaste? He even won awards for best comedian for films Dostana and Bol Bachchan. And, most importantly, what he has to lose, anyway? It’s all about sense and ability!

And, just wondering why Abhishek Bachchan is looking like an guest artist in his upcoming movie "All Is Well? As if not enjoying his work.

Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

In 2013, I read The Almond Tree and I’m so glad I did. It was wonderful. Heart wrenching.

The Daily Star praised this book saying: “The story is spellbinding…can do for Palestinians what The Kite Runner did for Afganis.

Now, I wanted to read….no not The Kite Runner but Khaled Hosseini. I chose A Thousand Splendid Suns.

"One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roof
Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls"

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a heart-breaking tale of two women from different generation, different backgrounds. Their struggle for happiness and love. Their inexplicable togetherness. 

Mariam, an illegitimate child, always yearns for her father’s companionship, acceptance and her mother’s affectionate words. Then, at 15, she has been pushed into a loveless marriage. Rasheed, more than 25 years older than Mariam, and beaten by his own past doesn’t seem bad until Mariam experiences painful miscarriages.

Laila spends her childhood with her father’s affectionate shade, her mother’s oblivion, and Tariq’s amity. The destiny, triggered by ongoing violence in Afghanistan, takes a cruel turn and throws Laila under the shelter of Rasheed and Mariam.

The story takes a complicated turn. Two women connect the way they are not supposed to.

This story is about impeccable compassion, unexpected love, unimaginable loss and grief, inexplicable loyalty. Loyalty so strong and pure that last for life and even after death. Above all, stubborn hope that refuses to extinguish.

The writing is simple and sketches a real picture. For me, highlight of the book is those beautifully written scenes that have immense power to tug your emotion. To evoke a sense of pain and loss.

Mariam and Laila are strong characters. Strong in their own ways.

But, I won’t say it was a perfect read as there were some low points. Sometimes, the author leaves some scenes open ended when I wanted to know a little more. Laila’s childhood could have been shortened. Description of Afghanistan’s socio-political situation is written in a very informative and factual manner.

But, if I ignore these things, it was a wondrous read! I’d recommend this to all, especially for those heart-breaking scenes. I truly respect Mr. Hosseini for that. Very few writers manage to shake your emotion so effortlessly and naturally.

Book Source: Personal Copy

In the lap of nature

 

I didn't know rain could be so fascinating. I think as I watch; sitting in a nice balcony, fat raindrops falling on the gurgling stream passing by. What a pretty sight. It’s usually a mess in a hectic city and life. Clogged roads. Creeping vehicles. Blaring honks. Getting late for the office. Terse glances of my boss. Damp clothes struggling to get dried in my small balcony.

But, here it is different. I am in the lap of nature. Silence. Bliss. Nature at its best. Unsullied.

When I landed here this morning, I couldn't believe such places actually exist.

No, I’m not on a vacation. I’m not that lucky. I am here to attend an official meeting which hardly ran for an hour, gifting me this personal time.

The caretaker arrives with a steaming mug of coffee. He hands me that with a smile and leaves immediately. Good. I don’t want to miss this mesmerizing vista even for a second. Because I’m supposed to leave this place tonight. Sigh!

I take a sip and inhale the fragrance of nature. I love this silence and solitude, for a change. It may sound weird but I do. I love silence and solitude, for they listen to me and don't interrupt.

It’s for limited period. Then usual sounds again. Sounds of various types with various intensities. The wails. The screams. The nags. The taunts. The requests (And I can’t say a no). Interruptions. Never-ending blabbering. Hissing problems. The demands. And above all, the constant churning of wagon called struggle. Struggle to fulfil all the needs of people around me. As if I am the saviour for all.

This moment, I don’t want to think about that. But, they follow me like a large shadow behind me, ready to engulf.

Rain stops and after a while, the valley breaks into a sparkling brightness. I swig the coffee, cold by now, and almost run towards the stream. I want to touch the crystal clear water advancing merrily. I want to roam around for a while, aimlessly, absorbing the beauty.

I didn’t realize it’s dusk already. I have to go. 

“Can I sleep peacefully in the lap of nature? Can  stay here? Forever?”

No. I have duties and responsibilities, eagerly waiting for me. I have to go. But, I am grateful to my life for this lovely chance to witness the beauty of this serene place. For short-term solace. That I will cherish forever. 

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