I AM WHAT I AM ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

Today, when I look back at my life, when I think about my school days, this incident grabs all my attention. Her words still echo in my ears.

“You have grown up. You need to solve these petty problems on your own. Fight for what is right. Don’t suffer in silence.”

I did not realize its importance then. That was because I was merely 8 years old. Today, I know that it were these words that changed me completely. It was those words that serve as my inspiration to fight back.

Wondering what I am talking about? Let me tell you my story.

I was in Std. IV. I did not have any best friend. All my friendships were restricted to the classroom. Outside which, all were strangers. Some shared smiles while there were many who ignored me. I was the quietest in my class. For most of my teachers, I did not exist. They remembered me only during result time as I scored excellent marks.

An autorickshaw was hired by my parents in order to pick me and my sister to and from school. Being an introvert, I never indulged in talking with all the kids who travelled with me in that auto.

Days were going on smoothly until that black day dawned. I saw him come, running towards me after school. I was shocked to see him like that. He was a fat, fair fellow. His cheeks had turned pink due to sun. His bag danced on his shoulders.

“Do you know him? Why is he coming towards us?” my sister asked.

“I do not know.” I said and ignored him.

He walked up to me and said “Hi!”

I looked away and started talking to my sister. He tilted his head and said “I said ‘HI’.”

“Can’t you see that I’m not interested in talking to you?” I asked him with a frown on my face.

“No!” He slapped me and ran away. He had that devilish smile on his face.

I stood rooted to the ground, figuring out what had happened few moments ago.

“Didi! He beat you!”

“Yeah! It’s paining.”

“Please don’t’ cry. Please!”

***

Days rolled on. Every day, he would beat me after school. I suffered the pain. No person except my sister knew about this beating. I guess I was a coward who did not have the courage to take a stand for her. I did not complain until the very day my mother noticed the blue marks on my hands.

“What are these?” My mother asked.

“Mummy, its sketch pen.” I lied.

“No Mummy! There is a boy who beats Didi every day.” My sister told my mother.

“Who is he?” My mother asked.

“I do not know!” I replied with tears in my eyes.

“Okay. Don’t cry! I want you to find out his name and complain to his class teacher.” She said.

“Mummy, won’t you come to school and help me?”

“No! I won’t.”

“You can’t do this to me. I am your daughter.”

“I can do it to you BECAUSE you are my daughter.”

***

I was very angry with Mummy for not helping me out of this mess. Today, again he beat me. This time, I pushed him and he fell on the ground.

“I will see you tomorrow! Be prepared for the worse!” He warned me.

I grew worried.

“Didi, you must take action now!” My sister said.

“Yes!” I said, caught her hand and rushed towards the staffroom.

I had learnt from few kids who accompanied in my auto that he was studying in IIIrd Standard. But it was impossible to find out the division.

I went in to the staffroom and talked to a teacher.

“Are you class teacher of IIIrd Std.?”

“Yes. What is the matter dear?”

“Ma’am, there is a guy who beats me every day after school.”

“Do you know his name?”

“No Ma’am! But I can show him to you. He will be outside.”

“Okay. Let’s go!”

I pointed out a finger to him and said “That’s him!”

“Okay. May I know your name?”

“Arya”

“Okay Arya. Go home now. I promise you that he won’t beat you henceforth.”

***

Next day, I saw him come running towards me again. I was cautioned. I had made up my mind that I would take him to the principal. But surprisingly, he did not beat me.

“I am sorry, Arya.” He said.

I turned my face away.

“Look, I am sorry. Can we be friends?” He presented me a chocolate. I accepted it and also his friendship.

The teacher to whom I had complained about him was his class teacher. She scolded him a lot and also called up his parents to let them know about his conduct at school.

I returned home to tell my mother about him.

“Fight for what is right. Don’t suffer in silence.” She said.

These words did not have any effect on me then. I was angry with her. But today, I realize its importance.

Thank You Mummy! You made me what I am!

Book Review: Just Six Evenings by Tanmay Dubey

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Blurb:

What if the course of your life and your love, is determined by just six evenings?

Atul Shukla, a young, successful executive, has been arrested by the Gurgaon police. As he attempts to find some comfort in the dark confines of his cell, Atul revisits his life and the six evenings that changed its course.

Eight years ago, while working in Bhopal, Atul had met the beautiful and intelligent Priya on a train- DDLJ style. When it turned out that she was in his city only for six days, he decided to woo her in that fleeting period of time. But fate had some other plans in store, and Atul and Priya were torn apart by lust and betrayal, seemingly forever.

Years later, Atul and Priya meet, once again for six days, while they are both navigating the murky underbelly of the modern corporate world. And this time it’s not just their love at stake, but their careers and their future as well. Will Atul and Priya manage to give love a second chance? Or will corporate greed destroy their chance for a happy ending?

Just Six Evenings is a modern-day tale of love, lust and ambition in a corporate India that shines at the expense of the dreams it trample under its feet.

The story:

‘Just Six Evenings’ is a story of Atul, a salesman and his life. The story begins with a scene where Atul is in prison. The author has incredibly well expressed Atul’s feelings, while he is in prison.

‘Why is a man wearing suit locked up in jail? What has he done?’ were the questions that popped up in my mind. I felt like reading it more!

And then Atul begins narrating his story. He speaks about his family, his failure at exams, his journey in landing up at a job in Tectronics, his best friends and the train journey which changed his life completely. He meets Priya in train and eventually ends up in falling in love with her. He tries to woo her by his sweet gestures and helpful nature.

Does he succeed?

Priya is a career oriented girl. After the demise of her father, the entire responsibility of looking after her family is showered upon her. She feels that love will divert her from her goal of having an awesome career. But Cupid does not spare her. She falls in love with Atul. Their love boat sails peacefully until Priya catches Atul while making out with Charu (his colleague at work) red handed. This marks the end of their love story and also Atul’s friendship with Lovely (his best friend and room mate).

What is going to happen next?

As time passes, everybody has moved on with life except for Atul. He is still guilty about his act. Destiny plays a strange game and Atul bumps in to Priya once again. He is placed between devil and sea for he wants a contract to be cracked. This contract will involve deceiving Priya, once again.

Will he go ahead with it? Will he beg for forgiveness? Does he cheat her, once again? Will their love find an happy end?

I loved about the story:

• Priya and Atul’s dedication towards their work. (Except the act where Atul tampers with Priya’s laptop.)
• Atul’s, Lovely’s and Ramakant’s friendship.
• Guruji’s advices.

I did not like:

The use of corporate terms. (I am new to all those.)

P.S.: I really loved the simple narration.

I rate:

Cover: 3/5

Characters: 3.5/5

Story: 3.5/5

My overall rating for this novel is 4/5.

You can buy this book online here!

Book Review:1st Job and 10 Mistakes by Uttam Kumar

Publisher: Author’s Ink Publications.

Blurb:

“Credit cards are your advance salary and not additional salary. ”

“Avoid SpEaR, adopt ESS.”

“Loan for Loan is suicidal.”

“It’s always the first step that matters; rest follows.”

My Opinion:

I would like to Congratulate Uttam Sir for this awesome book. This book is a manual- Do’s and Dont’s at your first job.

Every chapter gives the reader an advice- an advice for lifetime, and advice which, if followed, will help you curb all the difficulties you face. It will be wrong if I say that these advices must be followed only by the ones who are working for the first time cause these are lessons for lifetime.

Financial crises arrive without any prior notice. These advices, if followed, right from day 1 of your job, will not make you feel scared or make you panic at the situation.

This book is a must for all working people!

I rate:

Cover: 3.5/5.

This book deserves a 5/5 rating!

You can buy this book online here!

P.S.- I received this book from Author’s Paradise. 

Let him decide my fate

I am lying on the hospital bed. A numerous instruments, making the beep sound are present around me. Needles are pierced in to my body after every two hours. A bottle of glucose is what is constant since many days. My hand has swollen. I can feel the needle inside me. Every slight movement I make, I feel the pain. My head is covered in bandages. There exists a kind of numbness. I feel as if the connection between my brain and my body has been tampered. That’s probably one of the reasons why I cannot move my head.

I take a look at my legs. They are covered in plaster. My legs have been fractured. Am I becoming a vegetable? I cannot see myself in this condition. I try to move, knowing that it will bring me pain. My nurse notices me. She comes up with an injection and injects it in to the glucose pouch. 

The medicine is slowly entering, drop after drop, in to my body. It’s taking a toll on my body. I am drifting in to sleep steadily. The moment I sleep, I take off to an unknown place. I can see myself smile and read something. I take a closer look at the book. ‘Computer Graphics’ is what I read. The ringing alarm catches my attention. It’s 3 o’clock by the watch. I close my book and go to sleep.

***

It’s 6 o’clock in the morning. The alarm rings, again. I see myself waking up and rushing to the bathroom. I wait for me to finish the nature’s call.

My mother enters the room. She places a mug of coffee on my table and leaves. I am tempted to take a sip. But I don’t. I see myself busy with my book. I keep watching me and my actions.

***

“Mom, why didn’t you tell me the time? It’s 8:30! I am late for my exams.” I yell at my mother.

“You should have kept a track of time.” I get angry hearing her.

I quickly finish my breakfast and dress up. I hurriedly pack all my books and notes. Few minutes later, I see myself standing at the bus stop.

Am I going to make it? Am I going to reach in time?

I can see a bus at the corner of the road. I notice myself adjusting my bag. The bus comes to a halt right in front of me. I put a step forward to get in the bus and the bus moves. I fall with a thud on the road. The fall is so hard that I bleed immediately. I am lying in the pool of blood with broken legs, bruised arms and a seriously injured head.

I now understand it all- the reason for the plasters, the reason for the bandages, the reason why I am in the hospital.

I can see my parents crying. They are sitting besides my bed. They want me to wait. I too want to. But I can’t. It’s time for me to go. My journey here has got over.

What would have happened if I had kept a track of time that day?

What would have happened if I had studied everything in advance?

What would have happened if my dad had offered me a lift to college?

What would have happened if that had happened? What would have happened if this had happened?

I can now do nothing about it- just regret. I realized the value of time today. I know that I took time for granted and I have suffered a great loss because of it. But, today, I won’t. I do not have energy left to fight back.  I surrender myself to the time. Let him decide my fate.

Trust me, Prachi! I know it all!

Today, it has been 3 days that I am out, away from my parents, away from my love, away from home. I am sitting in this train since then. I do not have any intention of getting to the place this train is heading for. I want this train not to have any destination. If the train stops, so does my life. I have convinced myself to this. ‘A train having no destination’ is out of the world stuff. I know that this is not possible, but I still wish for the same.

I am sitting near the window, my body and face covered in a blanket and eyes stuck at a place called nothingness. It’s been a long time that I have moved from my place. My lips have gone dry. I do not feel thirsty. There is not even a grain of salt inside my stomach yet I am not hungry. It seems as if thirst and hunger have been removed out, from my system. I was never like this before! What has happened to me? Am I sick?

The train comes to a halt. Some passengers climb in while some get down. I turn my gaze from the window to the entrance of the compartment. And he gets in. Our eyes meet for a brief moment. He is an average looking guy with curly hair. He places his luggage on the berth and resorts to reading a novel, I suppose. I glance at the cover of the novel from the corner of my eyes. He notices my movement. I quickly turn my eyes towards the window. He smiles to himself. I see him smile. I do not react. I go in to nothingness once again.

***

My sleep is disturbed by the hawkers. I wake up and the first thing I do is ‘look at him’. He is busy chatting with another passenger. I fetch my water bottle from my bag and take a sip. During this process, the part of blanket that is covering my face shifts and my entire face is visible to him. He looks at me and smiles. I frown and close my eyes. I drift in to my dreamy world. Sleep has been my best friend since 3 days. She is with me always. I do not need anything else.

***

I am woken up by a tap on my shoulder. It is him. He stares directly in to my eyes. His brown eyes have an intoxicating effect on me. They are telling me a story, instructing me, advising me, shouting at me, killing me. I cannot look further in to them. I shift my gaze and purse my lips.

“You need to eat something. You mustn’t ignore food for long.” He says softly.

There is something in his soft, melodious voice that makes me nod my head in affirmation.

“I shall get something for you!” He says and leaves.

He is back few minutes later with dosa and chutney.

“You love it. Don’t you?” He asks.

I nod. I do not have any energy left to speak.

“How does he know that I love dosa with chutney?” I wonder.

I eat the food hurriedly and wash it down with the cold drink that he has got for me. I smile at him, for the first time. He smiles back with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Feeling better?”

“Yeah!” Words escape from my mouth, finally.

“I am Akul. You are Miss?”

“Prachi.”

“What’s your story?”

I am puzzled.

“I do not have any story.” I say while shrugging my shoulders.

“Frizzy hair, empty stomach, tears dried on the cheeks, dry lips, sleepy and hurt eyes, covered up body, a single bag pack, no mobile phone – and no story?”

“Yeah! No story!”

“Come on Prachi! We are friends. Aren’t we?”

“No! Not yet!” I say.

“It’s okay! I know your mind is busy in that whirlpool of thoughts.”

“I am not thinking anything.”

“Prachi, you are a bad liar.”

***

It’s night time. He is sleeping and I am awake, counting the stars. I think about his talk.

“How does he know about my thoughts?

You appear so very vulnerable! Anyone could have understood about your situation!” my mind replies.

“Have I over-reacted to the situation?”

“No! You haven’t. You did the right thing.”

“Emotional right or Practical right?”

“Right is right – no emotional, no practical! Appropriate is the word.”

My mind is yet again, travelling to places which I do not want to visit. Tears are welling up in my eyes again. I find difficulty in breathing. My head is spinning round. The next moment I see is that I have landed up on the floor.

***

“Are you okay, Prachi?” His arms are hugging my shoulders.

“Hmmm.”

“The next station we reach, you are getting down and seeing a doctor!” He orders.

I just stare at him.

“Okay? Answer me!”

“Okay.” His soothing voice is casting a spell on me. I am enchanted with his presence around me.

“You shouldn’t have left your home, Prachi! A loveless marriage has no meaning. It’s better to break the bond and move on. Clinging on to things which do not mean anything to you won’t do any good. Accept them the way they are. Respect their decisions. I agree that you should not have seen them like that. But has running away helped?”

“You do not know anything about me! So just stop blabbering all that nonsense.” I shout.

“Trust me, Prachi! I know it all.”

“No! You don’t!”

“Here! Read this!” He hands over a letter to me.

“Read it when I am gone.” He further adds.

He places a kiss on my forehead, cups my cheeks and moves towards the entrance of the compartment. I am surprised at his gesture. I look at him. He is near the door. I blink my eyes. He is not there.

“He has fallen off the train! He has fallen!” I cry.

My fellow passengers pull down the chain and the train stops. The Ticket Collector and few passengers get down and look for Akul’s  body. His body is nowhere to be found.

“There is no one there, on the tracks. You are mistaken Ma’am. You must have been dreaming.”  Says the Ticket Collector.

“No! He was here. His name is Akul. Please check for his details.”

The Ticket Collector opens up his register and searches for Akul’s name. I, too, do the same. He scans through the second page. No results. Then the third and so on! Akul’s name is missing. I am angry now. He deceived me.

I open up his letter to read.

Dear Prachi,

My body is missing. Is it not? Do you know who I am? Have you wondered why I knew so many things about you? Have you given a thought as to how I know about your parents and their extra-marital affair?

Prachi, whatever happened has happened, you cannot change it. Always remember, you are the mentor of your future. What you sow today, you will reap it later. Running away from problems is not the solution. Solution lies in facing it.

Suicide is the heinous crime. Don’t ever commit it.

Go! See a doctor today itself!

Have you figured out who I am?

 “Trust me! Believe me! I shall not disappoint you!”

Love,

God.

I had tears in my eyes now that I had finished reading the letter. I hugged the letter and cried my heart out. I looked like a disaster. I folded the letter and placed it inside the pocket of my jeans. I rushed in to the washroom.

On returning back, I decided to re-read the letter again. I found the letter, nut it was blank. The letter was no more, it was just a paper.

The next station arrived. I got down the train, all fresh and determined to live a better life, to go home and forgive my parents. My God is with me, watching me, protecting me! Do I need anything else?

Book Review: 3 @ a time by Diptendu Chakraborty

Publisher: Omji Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

The Blurb:

Falling in love is one of the most exquisite feelings that one can experience in their lifespan. But what if while searching for your true soul mate, you end up having that ‘exquisite feeling’ for three people at the same time?

3 @ a time is the story of Deepankar and his tryst with trust, love, relationship, betrayal and humiliation with 3 girls at the same time along with maintaining his reputation as the wonder boy of his college.

Deepankar- strong, laborious; with a never-say-die attitude while searching for true love ends up in relation with three girls from his college.

Notorious yet dedicated for his deeds at college, Deepankar seeks love from his dream girl who turns out to be homosexual!

And then destiny plays its game.

And the reason- GIRLFRIENDS

But one should never back down and nor did Deepankar; Pooja stood by him in full support.

And in the end…

It does matter

Will the search for his soul mate be completed after his rendez vous with all the three girls?

Will Deepankar restore his faith in others or will life throw curve balls at him?

Will he be able to maintain his reputation or will be hailed as a wonder?

“3 @ a time” tells us not to be complacent on our victories neither be demotivated on our losses.

What did I feel about the story?

Deepankar, a B.E. graduate, is admitted in to the Khandala Business School for pursuing his post graduation degree.

Just like what happens with the hostellers in normal life, Deepankar and his friends are ragged. But, Deepankar being witty and friendly befriends his seniors and manages to become ‘THE COOL DUDE’ in his college. He charms everybody with his dancing skills.

I have heard people saying that having a boyfriend/ girlfriend changes a person’s life completely- those late night phone calls, texting each other during lectures, going shopping, dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, arguments, fights etc.- it all bugs a person to an extent beyond measure. Here, Deepankar manages to balance all three relationships! I am surprised. Not even a single girl comes to know about Deepankar’s three timing affair.

And then dawns a day, when the 3 girls face the reality!

3 @ a time is a story of Deepankar’s genuine love for Nisha (and then Pooja), his physical attraction for Ritika, Sonali and Sanjana, his innocent crush on Dwipannita, his negligence towards the placement cell, his war with the studies and what not!

3 @ a time is a sure pick for readers who love to read about college life.

What did I like about the book?

• Though Deepankar portrays himself as a Casanova, he believes in true love. His love for Nisha and Pooja can be seen. But he fails to admit it.
• Deepankar’s dedication towards the Brand Committee.
• Deepankar’s and Pooja’s friendship. (I envy it.)

What I did not like about the book?

The editing has not been done properly. With proper editing, this book will surely rock.

P.S: This novel has a great scope for a sequel. Eagerly waiting to know what happened to Deepankar after stepping out from college.

My ratings:

Story- 3/5

Cover- 2/5

Characters- 3/5

Narration- 3/5

My overall rating for the book- 3/5

You can buy this book here!

Somewhere between...

Somewhere between those 'Hellos' and 'Byes', I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between those 'How are you?' and 'Take care', I fell in love with you!

During those late night phone calls, I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between those blank texts and missed calls, I fell in love with you!

Those stolen glances during lectures,

Those paper chits,

Those memorable moments in canteen,

Those adventurous bunking,

Somewhere between these, I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between those hugs and kisses, I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between 'I won't forget you' and 'Remember me', I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between 'I detest hurting you' and 'Please don't hate me', I fell in love with you!

Somewhere between 'This is over' and 'Goodbye', I fell in love with you!

The Accidental Anthology

Publisher: Author’s Ink Publications

Title of my story: Her Silent Cry

Price: Rs. 175

Blurb:

The stories compiled in this anthology depict the minds of varied people-

From a curious ten year old to a confused teenager;

From  a broken heart to a psychopath;

From a dumb creature to….

Well, Read on to find more!!!

Excerpt:

She did not shed a single tear. I could feel the pain she must have been going through. But she appeared strong. She did not break in front of our parents. She just remained quiet. Her eyes told me her story. They explained to me much better than her words. I could comprehend every single thing in her eyes- her feelings, her loss, her helplessness. It was more than enough for me to know her cry… Her Silent Cry.

Why didn’t she cry? What was her loss? What were her eyes conveying? Why wasn’t she able to express her feelings?

This story is surely going to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Be prepared for the same!

You can buy the book here!

Join our Facebook Page.

The Turning Point Of Life

Publisher: Author’s Ink Publications

Title of my story: And I realized Payal had grown up

Price: Rs. 250.

Blurb:

Life represents a roller coaster ride. It is thrilling and full of ups and downs. Life does not remain the same forever and everyday is a new story. But some changes are the ramifications of certain events that change the life for good. These may either build you or destroy you. This book has exciting and thrilling anecdotes of varied turning points of life and how they changed the lives for good. It has all the hues of life covered in its stories.

Excerpt:

Payal was my only child. I had a series of miscarriages before conceiving her. Perhaps, that was the reason why I felt protective about her, that I wanted to know every single detail about her life and hence her diary. I was possessive about her. I was obsessed about her safety, her life and her. I did not want to lose her. I always pampered her and she hated me for that. “I have grown up Ma. Stop doing this to me.” She would say. But I did not change.

Parents always care for children. They are always possessive about them. It is said that no matter how old you grow, you will always remain a baby for your parents. Payal’s mother is not an exception either.

This story is of a realization that her daughter had grown up, that her daughter had matured, that her daughter had become responsible.

You can buy the book here!

Join us on our Facebook Page!

Love Bytes

Publisher: Moments Publisher

Title of my story: Will You Marry Me?

Price: Rs. 99

Blurb:

Love is an hour’s shower and letting someone else’s tears wash yours away. Love is that element that comes to you to embrace you in its grasp when you have nowhere to go. Love is not a because. It is no matter what.

For a reason does love need

And since when does love choose to die?

But reason suffers fallen state,

And reason learns to lie.

Reason plays sucha smallish part,

For reason breaks and bends

With love was the world created,

And with love shall it end.

Excerpt:

“I want you to be officially mine. I want you to be legally mine only then I shall be able to move further with that act. I know I have troubled you a lot in the past and I continue to do it in present. I know that I am not handsome and that you will get a better guy than me. I know that at times I behave like a jerk.

But will you accept to grow old with me? Will you be a moral support for me throughout my life? Will you rebuke me if I go wrong? Will you be by my side every morning? Will you cuddle with me in the night? Will you help me in my difficult times by being my life partner? It’s hard to find girl like you. Sweet, simple, beautiful and intelligent! You are a perfect match for me. Will you marry me Payal? Will you be my soulmate?”

Marriage proposals have always been special. Do you want to know how Atul proposed to Payal? Read the story ‘Will You Marry Me?’ 

Here's the link to the Facebook Page!

Buy the book here!

Love Stories Around Us

Publisher: Shades Publications

Title of my story: Payal, I promise you

Price: Rs. 150.

Blurb:

Have we ever wondered how these relationships are made? What connects people around the world? What is it that bind us together?

Love, sentiments and feelings keep us linked to each other. Till our feelings are alive, our relationships are alive; our love is alive. No one can teach you this emotion except life. And with every couple, there is a love story.

Shades brings you few of the Love Stories Around Us.

Excerpt:

“I can’t be in relationship with you”, Payal explained.

“But Payal, You love me. Don’t you? Why not take our love a step further?” Atul demanded her answer.

“Of course, I love you. But relationships scare me. Its not you Atul. I can’t bring myself to the fact of getting into relationships. I am just not born for relationships”

“Why are you scared when I am with you?”

“You won’t understand Atul. You won’t”, Payal cried.

Meet Payal – a commitment-phobic girl!

What can be the possible reason for her running away from relationships? Is she admitting her love for Atul just because she does not want to hurt him? Why is she afraid of the relationships?

You can buy the book on Amazon here!

To connect on Facebook, Click here!

Still Something Is Missing

Publisher:  Omji Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

Title of my story: The First Kiss

Price: Rs. 125.

Blurb:

Everybody falls in love at one point or the other. Everyone loses their hearts, minds and souls to that special someone, who sweeps them off their feet; who turns their world upside down. Isn’t it the most beautiful feeling to have someone hold your hand and say I love you? We all hope for a ‘happily ever after’ to our love stories. But not all love stories have ‘happy endings’, because we don’t live in a perfect world.

Still Something Is Missing is a collection of heart-wrenching tales of unfulfilled desires, and unending love; the kind of love that had a path, but could not find a destination. These are passionate, soul-stirring stories that are sure to tug at your heart strings. From untold love, to an age old crush; from death of a loved one, to a suicide; from the joys of first kiss, to last goodbyes- SSIM has it all!

And the base of almost all love stories; is the beautiful word ‘friendship’. SSIM explores this aspect of love as well and is sure to bring smiles and tears, while taking you through this wonderful journey; a journey that you are bound to remember for a very long time.

Excerpt:

Payal’s phone beeped. Who might be messaging her so early in the morning, she wondered. It was Atul’s message. It had been almost six months that Payal hadn’t heard from Atul, her ex-boyfriend and the only love of her life.

Why hadn’t Payal heard from Atul for such a long time?

What made them break their relationship?

Why had Atul texted her? What was the message all about?

Read the story ‘The First Kiss’ and find out the answers to these questions.


You can buy the book on Amazon !

Review of ‘The Blue Jinx’ by Nisha Thakur

Publisher: White Falcon Publishing

Blurb:

Thirty year old Nikhil has been selected to work for his dream company. He is raring to go and wants to give his best to his dream company. He meets his boss’s beautiful daughter, Samara and falls for her. A life which seems like a bed of roses becomes a nightmare, when he learns that someone has been raped and murdered Samara’s mother, two years back. The brutal fact is hidden by his boss. Samara thinks her mother passed away because of cancer. If Nikhil tells Samara truth, he will lose his job. If he tells Samara truth, will she believe him? Will he even tell Samara truth? Will the truth cost Nihil his true love for Samara? What if he loses Samara’s friendship?

Also, Nikhil’s life is in constant terror because of Samara’s mother ghost. Is Samara’s mother ghost real, or just an imagination of Nikhil’s guilty mind: of hiding truth from Samara?

Who has killed Samara’s mother? Why is Nikhil’s boss hiding his wife’s murder truth from his own daughter? Is this ghost real, or just an imagination of Nikhil’s guilty mind? Why is Samara’s mother ghost haunting Nikhil?

The psychological thriller story is turmoil between fact and imagination.

What did I feel about the story?

The name of this novel – The Blue Jinx is interesting. The story begins with a crime and as you proceed through the story you realise that it is this crime which caused nuisance in the character’s life.

Nikhil, a 30 year old, is a simple man who is in to interior designing. Interior designing had always been something he wanted to pursue. His father was naturally displeased with his profession. After multiple failures at his job, Nikhil finally decided to open his own company. His father did not help him. His mother came to his rescue and helped him with the finances.

Nikhil, finally, got a project to work on some months later. Little did he know that his life was going to change. Working for a businessman like Mr. Hemant Saxena, Nikhil thought his career graph would rise incredibly. But the moment Nikhil stepped in to the house, he was not himself. He experienced strange things. The boy who did not touch alcohol, started drinking it. The boy who was dedicated to his work, drifted to sleep during meetings. 

Enter Samara! Samara is the only daughter of Mr. Hemant Saxena. The once bubbly girl changed completely after her mother’s death. She wished to help Nikhil in redecorating their house. She loved her mother, Shanipriya and wanted her renovated house to look the way her mother always wanted to be.

Every person in the house is disturbed with Shanipriya’s death. Nikhil’s extraordinary experiences have become a matter of concern for all. Mr. Hemant Saxena attributes it as an escape from his project. Bhima, the watchman, feels it to be paranormal. Samara does not have any problem. She is just worried for her friend, Nikhil.

One fine day, Nikhil discovers Shanipriya’s medical reports and the story finds another twist. Mr. Hemant Saxena is hiding something from his daughter.

The Blue Jinx is a story about Shanipriya’s death, Nikhil’s paranormal experiences, Mr. Hemant’s helplessness and Samara’s stubborn behavior. Nikhil and Samara’s love story is an add-on to this!

What did I like about the story?

• ·         Narration of Nikhil’s paranormal experince.

• ·         Nikhil and Samara’s relationship.

• ·         Hemant’s love for Shanipriya.

• ·         The Blue Sapphire.

What I did not like about the story?

The first part of the story (until the discovery of medical reports) is long while the second part is short. The second part could have been made more long. The end seemed quite abrupt to me.

I rate:

Cover: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Story: 3.5/5

My overall rating for the book is 3.5/5.

You can buy the book here!