Monday, February 20, 2017

Revisiting Memory Lane





Cursed by misfortune, 
Crushed by desolation
Clutched by the void within
I seek out a path to walk down memory lane
The familiar sunshine of smiles,
Bouquet of joy greet me
Oh, the whiff of bliss and solace!
Missed opportunities and zest clustered
A bunch of follies
Josh me
Laden with nostalgic emotions
Memories reach my eyes, 
Gleaming
Just like dewdrops in the sunshine


Through the blurred vision, I see a girl sitting under a tree. Her long skirt sprawled around the stone she is sitting on, her curls fluttering in the gentle breeze. She is my (much) younger, brighter, happier and care-free version. How happy I feel to see her! She looks at me and smiles brightly, the smile reaching her twinkling eyes. Golden sunshine filtering through the tree branches makes her face radiant. Then, she frowns. 'Why are you crying?' she asks innocently. Oh! I forgot I was crying. I shrug.

'Does crying change anything? Does it solve any problem?' she asks, I am surprised at her wisdom. But, you see, I am her older version, more experienced and wiser.

'No. But, crying gives you two important things. Some solace and strength. Tears rejuvenate your soul,' I say with a teacher-like look.

She doesn't understand this fact, and I am glad.

'Okay, can you pass me some happiness?' I ask.

'No. How can I? They're mine. You've had your share of happiness. But, you are supposed to create new forms of happiness. Haven't you created any?'

Her question feels like teasing. How wise she sounds. 'Can I have some wisdom?' I ask recalling the bunch of missed opportunities and follies.

'Oh yes!' She picks up a pebble and throws in the river nearby, the expanse so familiar.

'Why? Haven't I had my share of wisdom too?'

She rises to her feet, curling her lower lip. 'Maybe, but you can still take it. You have earned that out of your experiences, haven't you?'

Oh yes! Happiness is ephemeral, keeps changing, but wisdom - it remains with you. It keeps growing with your experiences, choices, mistakes. You just need to pay attention, and learn.

I open my mouth to say something, but vision starts blurring making her slim figure sway. I am back to the reality. But, I haven't returned empty handed. This revisit was a gentle reminder. The momentary happiness. New enthusiasm. And yes, I have to create my new share of happiness! I smile. Do I look like her?


Sharing with Blog Chatter (Prompt - Down the Memory Lane)
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Thursday, February 9, 2017

Warm Memories





With every wave comes
A gush of warm memories 
Carved like names on rocks.

Fragrant emotions 
Wash over me, I smile
Like a crimson dusk

Screaming solitude 
Lingering sadness, I weap
Like a dewy dawn


Sharing with: Daily Post (Solitude) 
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P.S.: Wanted to say something about my first book, We Will Meet Again...The ebook version will be free for Kindle readers on this Valentine's Day. So, if you enjoy reading delightful romance with relatable characters and situations, my book can be a enjoyable read for you. Please download and read. I'll be waiting for your feedback. It's very important for a new author. Thank you for visiting! :)



Saturday, February 4, 2017

Book Review: My Father is a Hero by Nishant Kaushik



'Your failures can never weigh as much as the burden of your regrets.' : My Father is a Hero 

I really liked this quotation. How true is this!

The story of My Father is a Hero  (Srishti Publishers) by Nishant Kaushik is based on  'Father-Daughter' relationship where a single father, Vaibhav, is willing to go to any lengths for his daughter's (Nisha) happiness.

That's all.

The first thing you notice in a book is its cover, and the cover of this book is very boring. So boring that I didn't want to read this book initially. But, so many good reviews prompted me to sign up for a review copy.

Now, about the story - the story of My Father is a Hero is very plain and predictable, without any twists and turns. It takes 55-60 pages to happen something that you may care about. However, last part of the book is interesting. 

Writing/narration is okay, but characterization is vague. Except Vaibhav and Nisha, not a single character leaves a mark. In my opinion, the character of Nisha's mother who seldom appears in Vaibhav's or Nisha's thoughts, deserved more space in the story.

Vaibhav is a good father indeed. I liked the way he handles her daughter so patiently. The author has described his restlessness and worries well. But, Nisha's character is very annoying. She 'never' behaves like a ten year old kid. I needed to remind myself that Nisha is a kid, not a grown up girl. She goes to salons and restaurants (even in Australia she goes to a place by herself without telling her father), and her 'single' father (who drops and picks her from school every single day) doesn't know. There's a certain scene/incident in the book that somewhat angered me. I don't know if ten year olds nurture/bother about such feelings that has been shown in the book.

Descriptions are inappropriate, sometimes. Like, an anxious father who has been summoned to the school (for a serious issue), visits the principal's chamber, and the way he notices another visitor's, a woman, attire (maybe it's from FabIndia, he thinks), her pumps, her accessories, handbag's brand etc. was a little odd. Maybe, it's just me, but I'm not sure if anyone would notice someone so minutely when they're nervous/worried.

Overall, for  me, it was an average read. If you are looking for a quick and easy read or a travel partner, you may take this book as an option.


I received this book from Writer's Melon for an honest review.


Thursday, February 2, 2017

Best Movies I Watched In 2016

There was a time when I was a big television buff. I could just watch TV all day. Not anymore, thankfully. I have realized that it's additive, robs your time and makes you lazy. But I do watch selected movies (And current season of Indian Idol. I really like this team of Judges. Wonderful singers - Khuda Baksh is my favourite. Feels like old times).

As a writer, I believe that good movies are fruitful. The dialogue delivery, expressions, the way characters react. They stir your imagination and generate new ideas. When it comes to movies, Star Movies Select is my favourite.

I watched some really good movies last year. So, here it goes -


The Descendants




It's a touching family drama. This movie tells the poignant story of Matt King (George Clooney), who suddenly finds himself in a very difficult situation. It depicts his struggle as a father, his dilemma as a husband. George Clooney has played the character of an emotionally drained husband and father brilliantly. He looks so natural. Shailene Woodley who plays his spoilt daughter performed well, looks good.

The end of this movie is very satisfying, and I loved the last scene. Fulfilling.


The Hundred-Foot Journey




It's a romantic/family drama that involves cuisines of two different countries and cultures, and a sweet love story. This movie features Om Puri, Juhi Chawla and several other Indian artists. It's a nice story of an Indian chef and his journey (and struggle) while he and his family try to settle in France, and decides to open an Indian restaurant across the street from a very popular French restaurant.

It's a must watch for those who enjoy books/movies that involve food/travel. And, the younger female lead, Charlotte Le Bon, is so beautiful!

Lucy




Scarlett Johansson is now one of my favourite actresses. Her performance, as the title character, in this science fiction/action movie is brilliant! She plays a woman who gains psychokinetic abilities (and starts to behave strangely) after a rare drug is absorbed into her blood. The end of this movie is particularly exciting and thrilling.


Orphan




This movie was kind of googly. A bizarre story-line with some unexpected twists.
An innocent little girl who is an orphan has been adopted by a loving family. I thought it would be a touching family drama but whoa! What an intriguing/gripping psychological thriller it was!


A Walk in the Clouds





It's a delightful love story/family drama. Ten minutes, and I realized that Govinda-Urmila starrer Kunwaara was an idiotic version of this lovely film. I really liked the way the title 'A Walk in the Clouds' has been used in a dialogue. The locations are beautiful.

Amendment:

Adam



This is the story of Adam who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome and his unique relationship with Beth, his neighbour who is a storyteller.

I don't know what to say more. I just liked this movie a lot.

Date Night





I forgot about this one but I really enjoyed watching this movie that I caught running accidentally. Date Night is a comedy/action movie, starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey. I find Steve Carell very funny.
To break the monotony of their married life, Phil (Steve Carell) decides to take his wife (Tina Fey) to a trendy restaurant for a date, and they get caught up in a criminal case due to mistaken identity.

This one-night-story was a fun watch!

Have you watched any of these? What was your favourite movies that you watched last year? Do share.


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