Haiku #25 ~ Life

HAIKU : A poetry form, with three lines. The first being 5 syllables, the second 7, then 5 in the third.

Long life or short life,

Each one of us is dying eventually,

So don't waste your time!

Haiku #20 ~ Proof

HAIKU : A poetry form, with three lines. The first being 5 syllables, the second 7, then 5 in the third.

Footprints of logic I see,

Showing how and where one truth leads,

Another one follows in league. 

14th June 2020 was the day when many of us were shocked with the news of ‘suicide’ of Bollywood Actor “Sushant Singh Rajput”. The news came as a form of suicide however the way authorities including media started giving the information gave a way to think most of us that if it was a ‘Real suicide’ or just a high profile ‘Planned murder’. His death is found to be suspicious for several reasons. 

This post is for #JusticeForSSR #CBIProbe

Book Review #97 : Demons In My Mind

Title: Demons in My Mind 

Author: Aashish Gupta 

Genre: Fiction 

Publisher: Kalamos 

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 224 

COVER : I loved the simplicity of the cover, not too much in display but surely appealing. It’s the kind of cover that would make readers like me to pick the book only for the cover.

BLURB : The blurb is informative, just what provides a clear insight regarding the content of the book, not too revealing, just the perfect amount of information.

FONT : Its a fat book with a well spaced font, which is a big yay for me. Though the number of pages are 224, the well spaced font is that what led to the increase in the number; the book is easy to read.

The book is written in a simple yet captivating language, it holds in itself some beautiful pieces of poetry which flaunt the author’s fine storytelling skills.

This a novel which has every potential to cut through the humongous number of desi authors flooding the market with cheesy, chick-flick stuff. It’s a good, intellectual read which challenges the reader and brings forth some very relevant questions in quite an entertaining way. 

The book deals with heavy questions of criminal psychology and how a criminal should be treated in a society. This book is divided into various sub plots, all woven intricately, so together, it can provide enough suspense to the reader.

“Demons in My Mind” tries to make us understand human emotions in a better manner, emotions like anger, anguish, pride, hatred, etc. through three major stories entwined with the plot surrounding Dakshesh. 

The protagonist, Dakshesh is shown to be at the last stage of cancer nearing a painful death. To be relieved of this malady, this pain, he asks his comrades to take him to three powerful mystics who seem to be the only ray of hope for an escape from this end. The story seems to be going on a spiritual turn just when the twists are brought in, and these three are shown to be in real hardened criminals. They narrate their stories to Dakshesh and how they came to a fork in the road in their lives on meeting Alia, a homeless girl, when they made the decision to leave their dark pasts behind and move to a better path.

It is these three monks who narrate their own stories, and from their own experiences, show us a side of humanity that majority of us have never been acquainted with.

The author manages to highlight very important factors that bring a person to such a path. You see the happiness, the fame, the satisfaction, all ruined when the demons reign. The author, dedicates his work to those similar to him, to those who have demons in their minds.

It consists all elements that most of us readers seek in a book. Surprise, thrill, emotional touches, and a kick to our minds in the end. This book is full of them. From early chapters till last page, this book continued to amaze me. 

NEGATIVES : The book is just perfect. But, there are some spelling errors, typos and the story can get a bit confusing if you’re not paying close attention. I would suggest to take breaks while you’re reading this book.

VERDICT : The plots are dark and quite unbelievable at times, all suggesting that heinous crimes are nothing but a harvest of the uncontrolled minds. Coming from an Indian debut author, I congratulate the author for achieving a feat most debut Indian authors fail miserably at. His extensive vocabulary and the imagination fuels suspense scene after scene.

Overall, this book is a great read, which entertains and sometimes sends chills to your spine. A great work by debut author and I strongly recommend this book to every thriller lover. 

RATING - 4.8/5

Book Review #82 : The Other Side of the Bed

This is coming late, 2 years late, infact; but better late than never! I had put up a Facebook post in 2015, a quick review about the book, but back then, was immersed in a lot of academics, I guess, as I was hell bent on finishing my Masters, which led me to putting off the full fledged review for later. I was just cleaning my bookshelf recently, when I came across this bestseller and I was reminded of why I didn’t yet review it on my blog! Such good books do deserve to be in my directory of reviews!

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• Author: Bhavya Kaushik
• Language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• Publisher: Parlance Publishers
• ISBN: 9788192480930, 8192480933
• Pages: 260
  
  
  

The Other Side of the Bed is a moving and poignant story of a man, who loses his beloved wife to a bomb blast and the way he deals with his loss and grief. It is a story which tries to answer the age old question - What to do when someone you love dies? First look at the title and the cover and people will be moved by it. The story is a perfect recipe for people and an inspiration for those who have lost their near and dear ones and are not able to come out of that grief. It's a guide to let go of your sadness and live life for the others theory. This book is very well written, be it in terms of writing or in terms of matter, and feelings it wishes to convey and it does so with a stroke of sensitivity. 

 

Characterization is so good that you empathize with all of them. The sub-plots add layers to the story and the woven fabric comes out so beautiful. The book is not at all filmy, not sermonising, not over-the-top. It takes you through a journey thats heart-breaking and yet inspiring in a certain way. This story deals with the horrifying menace plaguing our society--bomb blasts. Bhavya Kaushik has portrayed the lives of some innocent victims so beautifully, so sensitively. The pricking, consuming regret of losing dreams, of losing loved ones has come alive in his words. 

 

The way Nakul and Devyani connect and come together in order to accept with their irreplaceable loss is so touching. The journey these two lost and shattered souls (grief mates) undertake to move ahead and overcome their loneliness makes us believe that compassion is not lost from the human heart. This story teaches us to spread love and hope---these are the two things that can make a society a beautiful place to live in. 
 

Bhavya Kaushik is one fine wordsmith in describing pain, ever so beautifully-

“When I was asleep, somebody came and disassembled me into thousand pieces and then hurriedly put me back together in a second, losing some of my pieces on the ground, or placing some of them incorrectly.” 

We all feel we have a forever long time with the people we love, but we never remember to turn up to them and express our love to them. This book comes with a simple message, "Do let your loved ones know, you love them and how much they mean to you, before it's too late." 

 

I didn't like Nakul actually getting over Tamanna and packing all her stuff in a box, after her demise, labelling it "Do not open"..Very heart wrenching. I liked the fact that at the end, Nakul finds peace in Tamanna's absence and gathers the courage to sleep on her side of the bed, erasing the last wrinkles caused by the twists and turns of Tamanna's body. 

You’ll smile and then you’ll be appalled. You’ll weep and after a couple of pages, you’ll be inspired to wipe those tears off. The words will break your heart and at the same time, fill those cracks with hope and faith. I am so sure that this story is going to stay in the hearts of people. Remarkable job, Bhavya! One of the finest books, I have read so far. It has won a permanent place in my library!

I hope the further editions have a tighter proof reading though. 
 

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves reading about relationships. Who would say it was his debut book?!

SIMPLY GO FOR IT!

Rating : 5/5

Book Review #80 : The Dead Girlfriend

Not really the best R.L. Stine book, I had expected lots of excitement, lots of horror or creepy things.

This is one of the earlier R.L. Stine books. It is an easy read, really meant for preteenagers who are looking for a little scare. If you take it at face value, it is a very entertaining story about a new girl who comes to town and meets a good looking guy whose last girlfriend recently died under mysterious circumstances, and perhaps she is next.

Sadly, the cover is pretty much the only horrific thing, that and some event that happens near the end. Other than it, it is a pretty tame and calm story. Sure there are some events happening that could give you a case of small goosebumps, but mostly I was wondering when the real excitement would start, and as the pages went by, the end was coming nearer, I wondered if a few threats, a few arguments here and there would be all to the story.

Sure, it kept me excited to find out who did it. I had a list of people who could be possible suspects, but I can say that finding out who did it for real was quite a twist for me. The plot, as I said, was pretty boring. I was expecting lots of ghosts, lots of horror and hauntings, but well, meh.

The ending was pretty decent, but it felt like it was cut off short. 
 

Would I recommend this book? On the one hand, yes. But it is also quite a bit of boring and blandness. If you are looking for a scary book, I would recommend other books by this author. He has written some amazing stuff. But this book can be skipped.

Nano Fiction 42 : The Graveyard

"Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.”  ~Rumi

The death of a person we love is the most devastating experience in life. We’re never ready for that and we will never be.

Suddenly, happy memories rush to your mind… Sadness invades the heart and you cry and cry.

If you’re going through this horrible experience, talk to someone. Don’t bottle up your feelings and pretend to be strong. It doesn’t work and at the end, you’ll just harm yourself.

If you’re dealing with the loss of someone you love, practice your stillness each day, become aware of your thoughts coming in and out. It is not easy. Allow yourself to be sad but more importantly, allow yourself to be happy. It is the gift you can give back to your loved one who is gone and to those still with you.

Nano Fiction 24 : YOLO

I saw Neerja today. NEERJA is a story worth telling, this is Sonam Kapoor's best performance to date! She proves her mettle as an actor.

The USP of Neerja is its realism and low-key tone. Everything unfolding on screen feels like something that must surely have happened off screen. It is the seeming lack of effort to build up melodrama that makes this such an intense, suspenseful and emotionally consuming viewing experience.

So, so proud of Neerja Bhanot for her never-ending commitment, kindness towards the passengers and for her extra-ordinary courage.

Emotional, inspiring, teary and flawless - Neerja is a MUST WATCH!

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Despite everything, what struck me, after I saw it- was that life is short.

Live each day like it is your last. Buy that dress/lipstick you have set your eyes on, say that 'one' sorry you wish you had said, make that 'one' phone call which you think can make things right for you, confess your love for that someone, apologize if you have let down your parents or anyone for that matter - because nobody has seen tomorrow. It may happen that either you or that someone may not live tomorrow. So take that chance, and create magic in your life.

What if you're talking to that person for the last time? Maybe you are saying a final bye when you drop them off the bus stop, maybe they will never come home back - so hug them tight and never let people you love walk away, because you may realize it later - that you are nothing without them. It will never be the same with anyone else but them. But it may be too late to rectify things then. So do it TODAY. NOW is the time to set things right and make them fall in place.

Not always money will make you happy. Do what makes you happy from within and bring that smile on your face, even when you're tired.

I believe in the mantra - You Only Live Once (YOLO). Life is too short for hatred. Love more, hate less. With this message, I am signing off, for I have a hectic week ahead. Keep smiling, love life, it will love you back! 

Farq Sirf Itna Sa Tha

Urdu is, one of the most absorbing and meaningful language, I feel. The aadaab and tehzeeb in the language is too charming to not know the meaning of the words of this language. It is so magnetic. Urdu is the main driving force why I am attracted to Pakistani dramas.

DISCLAMER: What I post below, is not written by me. But I wanted to save it somewhere and I am using my blog for it. It is simply amazing.

For me, the people speaking even a little of Urdu between their talks, automatically become so much more attractive! Urdu is quite a beautiful and graceful language.

Kya khayaal hai?

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The difference between a Wedding and a Funeral beautifully captured in this piece ~

Nikaah Aur Janaaza

Teri doli uthi,
Meri mayyat uthi,

Phool tujh par bhi barse,

Phool mujh par bhi barse,

Farq Sirf Itna Sa Tha,

Tu sajj gayi,

Mujhe sajaya gaya.

Tu bhi ghar ko chali,

Main bi ghar ko chala,

Farq Sirf Itna Sa Tha,

Tu uth ke gayi,

Mujhe uthaya gaya.

Mehfil wahan bhi thi,

Log yahan bhi the,

Farq Sirf Itna Sa Tha,

Unka hasna wahan,

Inka rona yahan.

Qazi udhar bhi tha,

Moulvi idhar bhi tha,

Do bol tere padhe,

Do bol mere padhe,

Tera nikaah padha,

Mera janaaza padha,

Farq Sirf Itna Sa Tha,

Tujhe apnaya gaya,

Mujhe dafnaaya gaya.

Five Sentence Fiction - Fresh

Every Sunday after the mass, people left fresh roses at his daddy's grave.

He sold them for Rupees ten each.

                
Even in death, daddy looked after him.

His livelihood thrived on the kindness and mercy of few people at the church.

Every Sunday, he left the church smiling.

P.S: This post is written for Five sentence fiction for Fresh at Lillie McFerrin Writes.

The Longest Sleep

She took his hand,

Held it against her chest,

Crying her heart out.

Cursing the uninvited guest,

Her hairless head gleamed,

He stroked her back in hope,

Praying to turn back time.

She saw herself - defeated,

A day and she'll be gone,

She told him - "Don't mourn,

Celebrate my life, instead!"

"A minute," she said,

Only to appear and steal his breath away,

Dressed like a star in her wedding lehenga,

She fell asleep in his arms,

That was her longest sleep.

Book Review #19 : Happily Murdered....

Publisher: Srishti Publishers Distributors
ISBN: 978-93-82665-18-2
Year of Publication: 2014
No. Of Pages: 246
Cover: Paperback
Language: English
Type: Fiction
Price: 195

Who killed Gulab Sarin?

The radiant new daughter-in-law of the influential Mehta family dies mysteriously on the very next night of her wedding. The murder is an inside job, the police are certain. It could be anyone, the adulterous husband, conniving in-laws, jealous friend and the love struck ex-fiance. With an aim to save themselves and incriminate others, it is not long before these suspects turn into amateur detectives, hunting for clues and delving into hidden secrets only they can unearth. They coerce, pry and blackmail in an attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery. Will one of these nine unlikely sleuths finally unravel the mystery behind Gulab's death and avenge it? Or will the truth die as viciously as Gulab?

The book is just marvelous. You feel your heart heavy as you finish it. Mystery novels rarely give you this feel.

I would like to Congratulate Rasleen Syal on her début novel. If this novel is any indication, we just found a brilliant author to the genre of thrillers and suspense. She does complete justice to the book.

The novel has everything you want to have in a suspense thriller and even more. It has a sense of belonging. The easy flow of words, and no nonsense practical language, Rasleen's brilliant way of portraying her characters and the settings in which they exist makes the  not only believable but also very identifiable.

I was hooked up from the very beginning. The plot is excellent, language is simple, and flow is fast.

Highly recommended to suspense and mystery lovers, undoubtedly it is going to be a best seller.

I liked the cover of the book since it is very symbolic and captivating - blood dripping from the red bridal saree.

This book doesn't disappoint you. Gulab - a brilliant protagonist, who stays in your heart even after you have finished the book.

Jealousy, strife, animosity, rivalry, manipulative behaviour add different angles and spice to the story.

The first few pages disclose the characters involved, often leaving you confused on the relationships between them and making you feel a family tree would have come handy but that feeling does tend to disappear as you progress through and the characters become more familiar.

Rasleen presents “Happily Murdered” as a delicious dish, one that you enjoy and savour. Her narrating style, with simple English and absolutely no regional lingo thrown in, keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are typographical errors here and there, and sometimes a word is missing or pluralized. It could have been avoided.

If you are looking for a fresh, engaging and slightly different murder mystery... give "Happily Murdered..." a chance, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 5/5

P.S: The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Book Review #15 : Fraudster

Author: RV Raman

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Hachette India

ISBN: 978-93-5009-800-4

Price: Rs 250/-

Fraudster. By far, the best thriller by an Indian writer. Books like these will help raise the bar for Indian writing.

An absorbing read that doesn't resort to sensationalism to retain the reader's interest. Good plot, good language and crisply written.

A tight plot and racy action took me hurtling towards a tense climax. Insight into the top echelons of corporate India and the banking industry was an added bonus. Believe me, it's a mean, murky world. 

Mr. Raman has done justice to the readers expectations and his awesome writing skills keep you glued to the story. 

Raman weaves a web of deceit which is quite gripping. The reader from the early chapters can get an idea of what is happening and as the story progresses is prepared to see what's coming. From the very beginning, it is clear that Fraudster is a thriller of the highest level.

The author hides all the clues to the perpetrator right out in the open and it is for the readers to pick up the hints. The author takes us for a ride throughout the book right till the climax. The characters are well fleshed out and very distinctive from each other. Each character has something to add to the story.

The author narrates the story with a certain flair that compliments the plot and helps build the grit of the story. Raman's background in financial circles has certainly helped him in terms of being authentic, and some of the procedures are certainly enlightening to lead. At the same time, one does not need to have any in-depth knowledge of financial terms to be able to follow the plot.

The amazing part about the novel is its interesting plot and how complicated technical aspects are described in a simple manner.

The book cover having a silhouette against the backdrop of a skyline is captivating!

RV Raman knows what he is writing about. He knows when to use what and how to play with it to strengthen the characters and the plot of his book. He has tried to simplify everything for a reader who is not from the banking world.

A very gritty, realistic and interesting mystery that is a must read for all mystery lovers.

P.S: This review is for Writersmelon (http://www.writersmelon.com/)

Ratings - 4/5

Immortality

When you give hope to someone who has lost all of it..

If you answer the prayers of someone totally strange to you..

If you never forget what 'compassion' means..

If you do something 'impossible' for someone..

If you bestow the dignity of life to someone..

Imagine if you're so powerful that you can save lives?

And you do all the above knowing that there is nothing you'll get in return, except good wishes!

What will that make you? GOD-like?

When you choose to give life to someone after you're gone?

Or even when you're alive? By donating blood? Giving a piece of yourself? And become immortal!

You're far more powerful than you think you are! You can rewrite the destinies of the needy! 

You can turn goodbyes to reliefs for someone totally strange to you and yet feel totally satisfied about your existence.

Many religions do not approve of organ donation. I ask if these religions do believe in compassion? Second chances? Selfless sacrifice and charity? What does it say about 'saving lives'?

13th August - Organ Donation Day. I support it. Do you?

Weave immortality into your destiny! Let a death be a beginning of another life. Be a hero to someone! Yes. You can! All it takes, is a bit of Love!

Book Review #7 : Anti-Social Network

Author : Piyush Jha

Publisher : Rupa Publications India

Author Piyush Jha in his latest thriller "Anti-Social Network" has embarked on a mission to uncover the gruelling face of social networking. The advent of social networking has become a part and parcel of our daily lives. For some it's entertainment but for some it's serious business. For some it has been a boon but for some it has brought pain and agony. It has also become a source of notorious activities.

This latest crime thriller has been set in the streets of Mumbai and how social networking leads it's way and destroys lives of many and how a technologically challenged man wages war against this new age crime. The crime in this book is quite hi-tech and in tune with the times we live in. Although it deals with a series of murders, the motive behind them is quite different and that sets this book apart from other books in this genre.

Absorbing plot. Powerful narration. A fast paced thriller with the right amount of twists and turns, layered with suspense. Topped with all the ingredients to be made into a motion picture.

Looking at the cover page itself, a reader can guess that it is a crime thriller and gives a hint that something shady and mysterious is a part of this book. It is attractive enough to catch a reader’s attention. Title of the book is undoubtedly good and makes an instant connection with the readers.

Keeps you hooked on to the seat. A reader assumes something else till the time they reach second last chapter. But the last chapter brings the actual mastermind into limelight and that really left me surprised and shocked. A reader's interest multiples as the story develops. None of the part is exaggerated or lengthened. Boredom never generates while reading this book. There is quite a bit of action happening simultaneously all through the book.

The length and breadth of Mumbai is covered with ease.  I liked the way the mystery and plot took us through so many locales in Mumbai- the busy Bora bazaars, dark bylanes, nightclubs, the Marine drive, cafes and restaurants, dingy apartments under constructions, ghost towns, Jain temples -almost every unknown nook and corner of Mumbai. But some of the plotlines, and character details gave the feeling ‘read that somewhere’ and ‘seen that somewhere’. The chapters are short.

The book paces beautifully and along the way leaves a lot for the readers to decipher. The theme of the story as social networking weaves out its charm and commands the appropriate attention from thriller fanatics. The story has been spiced up at the right places and promises a completely new experience.

All in all, a nice quick read for all you lovers of the crime fiction genre. The book is one of the best crime thrillers, I have read so-far. You would just feel like, you have come out watching a crime thriller film after reading the book.

Rating: 4/5.

This book has been reviewed as part of The Tales Pensieve Book Review program.

Haiku #11 ~ R.I.P

Folded hands at rest;

The face in prayerful repose,

Breathing nevermore.

P.S: Dedicated to the passengers of Malaysian flight MH370 :(