Monday 30 December 2013

Aanya's Dreamy P.A.U.S

When Aanya turned fifteen she got two gifts from her best friend, ‘The Princess Diaries’ and a bookmark with George R.R. Martin’s quote: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” She was so inspired by the quote that the reader in her never looked back.

It was a beautiful Saturday evening and Aanya was in the backyard reading new book by her favorite author. She always wanted to meet him once in Lifetime and that day was no different. Soon she fell asleep.

Aanya : Sir, I have read all your books and I cannot explain how happy I am to meet you.  Thank you so much for taking out time.
Author : My inbox was filled with your emails so I had to meet this crazy fan of mine.
Aanya : Sorry about spamming your inbox but everytime I finish your novel I cannot resist writing to you.
Author : No problem, Infact we are lucky to have readers like you.
Aanya : I always wanted to ask you one thing. How you take Criticism.?
Author : I take criticism to improve my key areas rather than let others dictate my direction.
Aanya : Wow.! Well said Sir. All The Best for future endeavors. It was great meeting you.
Author : Same Here. Good Luck.

As they were about to leave Aanya said to herself : His Clean Shaven Look Bowled Me Over. Suddenly an apple from the tree hit her on the head and she starts laughing thinking about her dream meeting.


* This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda
*   I was tagged by Sammya in his post Here.

Monday 16 December 2013

The Fault In Our Stars..

My love for books has grown suddenly out of nowhere or may be when I don’t find a direction in life I turn to literature precisely the world of fiction. Few months back I saw a tweet of an author on twitter that said she was really inspired by John Green’s work and instantly my detective mind started searching for this man. After googling I came to know that John Green is an American writer of young adult fiction, a YouTube vlogger and educator. 

His first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012 he reached number one on a New York Times Best Seller list with The Fault in Our Stars which won 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards for the Best Young Adult Fiction.

And that's how 'The Fault In Our Stars' was on my wishlist. Trust me I had never been too excited to buy a book. I don't know why but the title kind of attracted me. I ordered in October from Amazon.in as a Birthday gift to myself but started reading in December because I had others books to finish before I could start this (I don’t leave any book half read no matter how bad the story is :P).

The Fault In Our Stars is a very simple, sweet, cute, funny yet heartbreaking love story about Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters. The story is narrated by a sixteen year old Hazel who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thyroid cancer with metastasis forming in her lungs when she was 13, but has managed to live with her disease thanks to doses of an experimental drug called Phalanxifor. Augustus lost his leg to osteosarcoma, and is in remission. She loved being at home, spent quite a lot of time in bed and read the same book (An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten) over and over. As a result she was forced to attend a support group for children living with cancer though she hated it. Hazel met Augustus through Isaac at the support group and their short conversation after the group meeting started their bittersweet story.

Though I want to write the whole story here but I won’t act as spoiler. Let me tell you Augustus is just 17 yrs old and all that he did for Hazel was not so ordinary. I loved their chemistry. If this book suits your taste and you get time do read it. Please don't expect something fancy or extraordinary. As the cover says it is insightful, bold, irreverent and raw. 

There were certain lines in the book that really touched the strings of my heart and I am sharing them here as follows :
  • Don't worry. Worry is useless.
  • Love is keeping the promise anyway.
  • Without pain, how could we know joy?
  • The world is not a wish granting factory.
  • Grief does not change you, it reveals you.
  • Our fearlessness shall be our secret weapon.
  • That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.
  • Sometimes it seems the universe wants to be noticed.
  • Pain is like fabric: The stronger it is, the more its worth.
  • In the darkest days, the Lord puts the best people into your life.
  • You gave me a forever within the numbered days and I'm grateful.
  • Everybody should have true love, and it should last atleast as long as your life does.
  • Its hard as hell to hold on to your dignity when the risen sun is too bright in your losing eyes.
  • No matter how hard you kick, no matter how high you get, you can't go all the way around.
  • I'm in love with you and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things.
  • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

In January 2012, Fox 2000, a division of 20th Century Fox, optioned the rights to adapt the novel into a feature film. Josh Boone signed on to direct a year later, in February 2013. Filming began on August 26, 2013 on location in Pittsburgh, doubling for the novel's setting of Indianapolis, Indiana. Filming is currently underway in Amsterdam. The film is planned to be released on June 6, 2014 and I am really looking forward to the movie :)



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Wednesday 11 December 2013

Aaliya and her P.A.S.S

Aaliya was a sweet, bubbly girl from Delhi while Abhay was a shy, quiet software engineer from Mumbai. Aaliya was a complete chatterbox but Abhay always kept distance from strangers. Both met on Twitter during a promotional campaign of a Brand and their story started with Hi over DM. For Abhay it wasn't easy to let someone enter his personal space but Aaliya knew how to become friends with everyone. Her lovely nature bowled him in no time. 

He kept denying his feelings but couldn't stay away from her. He wanted to start and end each day with her chit chats. They never shared their images which forced Abhay to think if it was mere an attraction but he decided not to believe anything except 4 letters (LOVE). After 2 months Abhay was supposed to come to Delhi for a client meeting and both of them decided to meet. Starbucks was the place and 7 p.m. was the time.

Aaliya wasn't an admirer of great body or looks but preferred clean, presentable men. She hated Devdas look as she believed Life is too short to waste or spend in grief. She was surprised to see Abhay and murmured I hate that unclean stubble. His unshaven shabby face made him look pathetic still Aaliya met him with a smile. She chose not to speak something that might hurt him. He also couldn't tell her anything about his feelings and soon Abhay got a mail with Subject Aaliya Weds Aarav.



We all have heard of First Impression is the Last Impression. No matter how good you are still you cannot open your heart and show your love. No one is telling you to follow a celebrity and lose your identity but unhygienic, smelly stubble is not something to be proud of. 

* This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda
*   I was tagged by anitaexplorer in her post Here.
*   I would like to tag Pooja (Born with heels).


Source : I have created the charatcters using Bitstrips.com and then edited them in Paint.

Monday 9 December 2013

Birth of Aaisha..

The story dates back to 1980's when Aabha was married to prince of her dreams that her parents had chose for her. The marriage was done according to Hindu rituals and blessing of elders. She was the shining star of her family but this star was now supposed to shine somewhere else more beautifully and brightly. 

Starting a new life in a new family din't scare Aabha rather she was excited for this kind of beginning. She was highly qualified girl who had also received several awards in school, college for her outstanding performance in debates and creative writing. But unfortunately she was now in a family where her education meant nothing. Her degrees and certificates were just plain sheets. Suddenly the sweet mother-in-law was no less than a jailer. She wasn't a daughter-in-law but someone who was bound to complete all the household activities anyhow at any cost. The more Aabha tried to make everyone happy the more she was cursed for something or the other. She was humiliated but she never expressed or told anyone. She din't want to return to her parents as it wasn't considered good for the girl and her family at that time. But now God had given her a reason to forget her sadness and miseries. 


It was the fourth Monday of the post monsoon season in India when Aabha heard the first cry of her baby at 4:40 p.m. She was so happy to see her bundle of joy that she didn't want any evil eye or shadow around her little princess. A ray of hope had entered her barren land. Her arid days were turned into blooming ones with sweet smiles and laughter of the bright soul. She kept her name "Aaisha" which means One who is Lively. She wanted all the happiness of the world for her baby. 


Aaisha was not the prettiest but a very cute baby with height little more than normal. No one can understand the joy of holding a baby better than a mother. Those small eyes, hands, feet are truly the best view. Now the only aim of Aabha's life was to nurture her daughter, educate her in the best way and make her independent so that she can easily live life without any limitation. She wanted to prepare her for the worst too. She herself had gone through so much that she didn't want her angel to be weak and give up in hard times.



This is not just a tale but journey of Aabha and her daughter Aaisha. This could be anyone's or no one's story. Set in free Independent India still far away from Freeness. 

Monday 11 November 2013

Hold My Hand..

Now books and writing have become a part of my life. If I don't read or don't blog my mind keeps reminding me that I need to take out time for this too. I have realized it actually gives me happiness and satisfaction. Luckily in September 2013 I took part in a giveaway and won a signed copy of Durjoy Datta's Hold My Hand. I have read his earlier books and getting a signed copy made me excited. 

The story is about 'Deep' who is obsessed with books and a beautiful girl 'Ahana' who has a rare congenital disease leaving her blind. The story has four parts. Part One explains how much Deep is fond of books and cannot imagine his life without them. The character has been described as a geek who is not at all fashionable and is the dimmest end of the spectrum going by the current standard of being hot or good looking. But he gets a chance to go to Hong Kong to study and test the library cataloging software at the head office of ATS Technologies. Deep meets Ahana on the lift of the Hotel for the first time and after few unexpected meetings together they explore Hong Kong. Aahana guiding with the smells and sounds of the wondrous city and Deep bringing to life the sights he sees. Part Two is from the Blind Girl's perspective. Part three and four unfolds the story further which has a Happy End. Overall the plot is good. Its a nice weekend read but there was something about it that it couldn't be the best. I think the author had all the ingredients to prepare an awesome platter but unfortunately he could not. Nevertheless every experience teaches something and may we get to read better stuff from him.

Honestly I have never read a story that had a blind character and through this book I realized how it feels to miss life's simple joys. How we never appreciate and pay gratitude that all our organs are functioning properly instead we constantly discuss things we don't get. There are few things that I really liked in the novel : 
  • In chapter 5 how nicely Deep answers his ex-girlfriend Archana when she says I don't know why you had to be so into books and he says Books make us better people. Books only taught me it’s important to empathize with people because people are complex and beautiful and often irrational & hard to understand and so are you. It was books that helped him get over her even after she cheated him.
  • Part Two explains Ahana's feelings. The way she wishes that her blindness should have come with a notice period and how frustrating it is to learn about something she can't see. In chapter 19 she says I wish to be like others, fall in love, hold someone's handnot because I have to but because I want to; a normal life where I can grow old with someone. It really made me sympathetic towards the character.
  • Also in chapter 26 when Ahana's father goes missing while he was on a test flight it made my eyes moist because its so painful to lose a person you solely depend on. Fortunately he din't die and Ahana could smile again.
Would like to end my post with a line quoted in book : She too has dreams to be married to someone who will always be with her in thick and thin.!


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Sunday 27 October 2013

It Started With a Friend Request..

Everytime I buy a novel there is a reason behind it no matter how unimportant it is. I am not addicted to social websites but I make a point to check whenever I get time. So few months back I came across a hashtag #ItStartedWithAFriendRequest on Twitter that was trending at that time. I checked and it was about Sudeep Nagarkar's 3rd book with the same name. Honestly, I had never heard about him and therefore Google helped. Recently I bought this book, read it and now writing about it.

The story is about Akash and Aleesha who meet at 'Thrive' disc in Mumbai for the first time, exchange their BBM pins and their love story starts. But their journey together is not so easy. The plot is good with an unexpected twist. The writer has tried to write more beyond a love story and portrayed obsession too. And not to miss there is too much love making throughout the book. It also consists of some cute long texts that Akash and Aleesha exchange. While reading the story you can get some ideas too like gifting your partner a bedsheet and cushion covers with your photographs printed on it (*Wink*)! The story has a happy ending and overall the book is a lovely one time read. But I will suggest if you had a heart break recently please don't read as it will remind you a lot about the moments you spent with your ex. 

Personally, the part that I din't like was the introduction of characters which is not very  impressive. Also the fact that outer beauty is over-exaggerated. What about those who are not drop dead gorgeous.? They can't love or their story cannot start with a friend request.? I believe when you fall in love it just happens you don't specially find a beautiful partner rather you see beauty in your partner. I feel the story could have been written better. I would like to end the post with a song that both the characters posted as their BBM status in the story : 

Seedhay saade saara saula seedha seedha hona jee..
Maine tum ko paana hai ya tune main ko khona jee..
Aaja dil ki karein saude baazi, kya naraazi arrey aare aare yaar..



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Thursday 17 October 2013

Paradise..

Who wouldn't like to live in a place which is positive, harmonious and eternal? A place where one can live happily, enjoy every moment and stay till their last breath. Don't we all dream of such a paradise? But do you think such a place exists.? 

For everyone the meaning of paradise is not the same. A child may dream of a world full of chocolates as a paradise, a young boy may dream of a beautiful place with a sweet girl as his paradise and a young girl may think of a paradise where she could live till eternity with her prince charming. Some might imagine a paradise to be luxurious, comforting and relaxing but for some it might be a place where they can free themselves from all the burden they have been carrying. 

Living in this world, everyday is a new experience. One day you may be on cloud nine, the other day you may want to hide yourself somewhere and never come out but this is the beauty of life. No matter what happens you never stop moving. You cannot stay in the clutches of the past. You have to be strong and stand up. If bad things won't exists we might not value the good ones. 

Thirst may explain you what it means to have water by your side, Hunger may tell you the importance of food, Loneliness may show you what it means to be with your loved ones, Tears may make you realize the importance of laughter.

While writing this post I have mixed emotions. One part of me wants me to write only about Happiness and the other part of me wants to write about the darker side (unhappiness).  I would never ever like to hurt anyone or spread sadness around but sometimes feelings needs words and so here it is. Anyways the idea of the Paradise came from a song named "Paradise" by Coldplay. It was released in 2011 but I came across it just two days back. The song touched me somewhere and I feel I am the same girl they are singing about. Even I expect from the world but everytime it always flies away from my reach. I close my eyes I dream of a paradise when I can throw away the heavy baggage and meet my soul. But life goes on crushing the  innocence. Every tear seems a waterfall. Even though I lie under those stormy skies I still believe the sun will rise..



Saturday 21 September 2013

Music Meets Happiness! (Coke Studio Season 3)

Internet has truly been a blessing in the sense that you can search and listen to your favorite song anywhere anytime. You have so many choices ranging from year, artist, language and so on. I love music because it is always there to support me no matter what. So one fine day when I was finding a song on YouTube I came across some videos of Coke Studio Pakistan and I was really impressed by some of the songs. I even downloaded a few and kept listening on repeat mode. In 2011, Coke Studio India was made but I din't pay any heed to it until I came across Clinton Cerejo's "Madari" which was a huge hit. It was one of the songs from the 1st episode of Season 2 (2012) and is sung by Vishal Dadlani, Sonu Kakkar.

This year came the third season of Coke Studio India with a bang. It started with A.R. Rahman's beautiful composition "Zariya" which is one of my favorite. It is sung by Ani Choying and Farah Siraj. The lines : 'Tu Zariya Hun Main Zariya aur Uski Kirpa Dariya Dariya..' captured my heart. Such deep meaning and so beautifully sung. Episode1 has total 6 songs, all composed by A.R. Rahman.

Episode2 also has 6 songs composed by Ram Sampath. My favorite from this episode is "Dum Dum Andar". Its is sung by Sona Mohapatra and Samantha Edwards. It is nice song with well written lyrics. One can relate it to God or soul. 'Dum Dum Andar Bole Yaar Hardum Andar Bole Yaar, Yaar Mein Main Boloon na Bollon Mere Andar Bole Yaar..'

What can I say about Episode3according to me it is the best of all. Clinton Cerejo has composed 6 songs. If you listen to all the compositions peacefully with headphones in, it can transform your thinking process or the least it can do is make you think what you are exactly doing with your life.! Here is my interpretation of the songs :
  • Song1 : Peer Jalani sung by Clinton Cerejo and Manga Khan (Barmer Boys)
Though I din't understand what Manga Khan sings but I loved Clinton Cerejo's part. In the 1st verse I felt that someone is asking you what exactly are you doing, you will have to leave here everything so stop stressing yourself and the 2nd verse is like a conversation between a man and God where the person requests God to make his life simpler, I had been away from you but I want to be with you ('Asaan kardey ye mera jeena, main judaa tumhi se ab tumhi se hai nibhana..')
  • Song2 : Aisi Bani sung by Clinton Cerejo, Bianca Gomes, Vijay Prakash, Sonu Kakkar
Honestly, I cried the first time I heard this song. It shakes you from within. It tells you that speak nicely to anyone you meet because everyone is fighting a battle in their lives ('Aisi Bani Boliye Mann Ka Aapaa Khoye, Chotil Sab Hain Marham Marham Boliye..'). There is another line in between that says what has happened to this world, Even my god is crying after seeing all this ('Es Shareef Jagat Nu Ki Hoya, Aye Vekh Jajoor Mera Royaa..'). The intensity and depth with which the lines have been sung will surely remind you some real incident. Lovely Song.. 
  • Song3 : Pinjra by Jonita Gandhi and Sanam Puri 
Another amazing song what I listen specially when I am sad. It kind of gives me peace and strength. I want to share the lyrics because it says it all..


Pinjra pinjra kholke waadi, kholke waadi khol de,
Pinjra pinjra..
Hoon kis jurm mein kaidi,
Hoon kiska apraadhi,
Dum ghutata hai de chutkaara,
Ki galtee se galtee, ki baaki manmarzi,
Ab faislaa kar bhi, chal aajaa,
Ek arzi bheji hai tujhko,jaldi se sunwaa,
Meri gunaahi tu mujhko, be jhijhak ginwaa,
Ek arzi bheji hai tujhko, jaldi se sunwaa,
Chudwaa rihaayi de mujhko..
  • Song4 : Baina by Clinton Cerejo and Vijay Prakash
It is another captivating song. The lyrics are more about self discovery.


Ohe raat din nahin chaina,
pi bin palak na sariye,
ab lagan lagi ki kariye,
na jisakiye na mariye,
ye agan birohn di jallee,
koi hamri preet niwaarey
kar saaj sajaavat haari,
koi hamri preet sanwaarey,
bin darshan kaise tariye..
  • Song5 : Marghat by Siddharth Basrur
I could relate this to today's world where girls are not safe, people kill  parents or siblings for money, blood and money everywhere. The lyrics are very true..  Specially the lines : 

Kyun rootha sa rehta hai,
Kis aag mein behtaa hai,
Ujli tasveer pe rang laal fenknaa,
Kyun marghat banngaya,
Teri pehchaan thi,
Tu thaa insaan hi,
Kyun marghat banngaya..
  • Song6 : Kalapi by Kailash Kher
This is very peppy number. Kailash Kher has sung it so joyfully. You almost feel so connected. Here a girl is telling her dad why are you sending me to someone else home. I belong to you ('Torey Khoontey Ki Main Gaiyaa, Kaahein Bhejloo Dusree Duwaare..')

Episode4 is done by Salim Sulaiman. Out of the 6 songs, my Favorite is "Bismillah" sung by Salim Sulaiman, Kailash Kher and Munawar Massom. Another mesmerizing composition.

Episode5 songs are composed by Papon (Angaraag Mahanta). My favorite one out of the 6 is "Benaam Khwaayishein" sung by Papon and Anweshaa. It has a classical feel to it but very soothing.


Episode 6 has 5 songs by Amit Trivedi. My favorites are Naariyan by Amit Trivedi, Karthik & Shalmali Kholgade and Kyun Na by Amit Trivedi, Dhruv Sangari, Karthik & Chandana Bala. 

  • Naariyan has a very urban feel. Its sort of a cute conversation between a boy and a girl where the girl says I am who I am, I am neither your goddess nor your maid (Aisi main waisi main jaisi bhi hoon, Na main Teri Devi, na main dasi). 
  • Kyun Na on the other hand is a power packed song that explains better to change yourself first rather than complaining about the world. Why don't we change our perspectives on people? 
Episode 7 composed by Hitesh Sonik has 6 songs but Haal Ve Rabba by Hans Raj Hans & Shruti Pathak is my favorite. Soulful voice of Hans Raj Hans is epic and the song is surely a treat to his fans!

The season ends with Episode 8. It has 6 songs composed by various composers.

Every song has been made with Happiness, Love, Joy and ofcourse Hardwork. Each song has a different place for itself. Music is more about creating happiness and Coke Studio India has done it this time.! 

Even though it is a collective effort from the musicians to singers to composers but I still feel it is not possible to create such a magic with the powerful words so the lyricist has an important role too. I wish all the team of Coke Studio India and all the people associated all the very best.. Keep rocking 


Connect with the Coke Studio India and the singers on Twitter

Monday 26 August 2013

Lamha Tera Mera..

Last Tuesday when I logged in my twitter account I saw a tweet about a new song from Raeth and I quickly opened the link. I already like Bhula Do and Tum Meri Ho which are famous songs of the Raeth Band but this time it was not from their album but a Bollywood movie. 

I am talking about Lamha Tera Mera from Zanjeer (2013) picturised on Priyanka Chopra and Ram Charan. The song is written by Manoj Yadav, Music is by Chirantan Bhatt. It is sung by Wajhi Farooki (Vocalist of Raeth) and Palak Muchhal.

I am not a die hard fan of anyone in the world but when I genuinely like something, I don't forget to appreciate it. Honestly, I have been listening to this song since 5 days continuously. One reason is ofcourse the music, second reason is the beautiful voices and third is the amazing video. The song is soooo sweetly done that I loved it when I saw it for the first time. I want my partner to be somewhat this way, always around me, making me feel special even in the low times, accepting me the way I am but still loving me unconditionally. He should be such that I can be ME with him without caring about anything else in the world.  

Now read the Lyrics and watch the Video : 

Tum aur hum jo saath hain
Khushnumaa ehsaas hai
Sab kuch naya kyun iss tarah lagne lagaa..

Hum aur tum jo saath hain
Kya kahein kya baat hai
Har pal mein tu
Haan tu hi tu
Milne lagaa..

Kya hai ye?
Kya ye pyaar hai?
Hum ko hua ye pehli baar hai
Jo bhi hai, tere saath hai
Ye lamha tera mera..

Aankhon ne pehna chehra tera
Dhadkan ne odhi khushboo teri (x2)

Jee rahi hoon main har pal ab aahat teri
Dikh rahi hoon main mujh mein bas chaahat teri
Aisa asar hai tera..

Ye toh hai, ye toh pyar hai
Humko hua ye pehli baar hai
Jo bhi hai, tere saath hai
Har lamha tera mera
Har lamha tera mera, hum dono jaisa
Har lamha tera mera, mohabatton sa
Har lamha tera mera..


Friday 23 August 2013

A Romance with Chaos..

Yes.! You read it right. These days Romancing is everyone's cup of tea but hardly or rarely anyone will like to romance with chaos in their lives. A Romance with Chaos is the name of the novel written by Nishant Kaushik. The title is little similar to my present situation in life and that was one of the reason I bought it. Moreover I have been following Nishant on twitter and his nice, humorous tweets were also a reason for buying his novel.

The story revolves around the main character Nakul Kapoor who manages to fetch a decent job with a famous company Bytesphere in Mumbai. It tells about Nakul’s childhood, crush, friends, family, love, job, work and the challenges he faces in his simple yet complex life. He has loving parents who wish to see him married and get settled in life.  He has a sweet sister Tisya Kapoor who often complains that being in the same city her brother never comes to meet her and spend time with her family. He has a girlfriend, Kavya a budding fashion designer who wants him to earn more otherwise she won’t be able to buy a Gucci Dress.  He has a colleague, Vishal Tiwari who is a dear friend and whose wife wants Nakul to help her husband to excel at professional front. He has a boss, Chirayu Chaudary who wants him to work without any acknowledgement. Thus, He finds himself in such a cobweb that he cannot come out of it but then something happens that teaches him life's greatest lessons.

Things I liked in the Novel

The way the Nakul Kapoor introduces/describes himself in Chapter 1 is hilarious but very close to reality too. Then in Chapter 4 comes the cutest character of the novel Kohinoor Pratap Kesari, not that he is actually cute but he is so innocent that he won't ever understand what manipulation, cheating or politics mean. 

Nakul needed a roommate to share the rent & Kohinoor needed  a house to live so they both stay together which can be better termed as Morning and Night together or North Pole and South Pole together! They both are so different in nature that their conflicts make you laugh. 

Chapter 14 was an eye opener that explains how someone you trust can only break your trust. When Nakul was all set to travel London for an onsite project it was Vishal who requested Chirayu not to call him onsite. Though Nakul was embarrassed that he had to return from the airport, he did not give up and tackled the situation well.

Chapter 15 has sketches made by Payal (who is Nakul's parents choice for Nakul's better-half). I really liked the idea, how the author molded those sketches to fit them with the story. I am sure everyone will find some similarities in their life and the sketches.

In further chapters the story takes a beautiful turn and the person who never believed in Social Service starts and heads a campaign taking everyone together. My Favorite is the last chapter "The World isn't a Supermarket" in which Nakul gets Young Achiever of the Year award which he dreamt in the very beginning. He delivers an amazing speech. 

I hope like Nakul everyone will be able to find that "X element" that can make them happy. I would like to end the post with a sweet text that Kohinoor sent Nakul just to cheer him up :  
Let your smile be brighter than the sun, So that even your worries have to face the glare before they face you.



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Wednesday 10 July 2013

Songs I love to listen...

During childhood we all listen stories from our grandmother or mother about the prince and the princess. We start believing in this magical world without releasing its just about fictional characters. I read a tweet on twitter that said : "I guess my prince charming just took a wrong turn, got lost, and is too stubborn to ask for directions". Anyhow I believe that God loves me and he will send someone who will be worth all the wait. 

Usually there are many songs that are so amazing that you often dream about your partner or soul-mate and sometimes the lyrics are so beautiful that you forget everything else. Here is a list of songs that I love listening every now and then. 

Song Artist / Band Video Link Facebook Page
Aahatein Agnee  Aahatein Ho Rahi Teri Agneelive
Kash Yeh Pal Jal Kash Ye Pal Tham Jaye JalTheBandOfficial
Emptiness Gajendra Verma Tune Mere Jana Gajendravermaofficial
Bhula Do  Raeth Bhula Do Bhula Do TheRaeth
Tum Meri Ho Raeth Tum Meri Ho TheRaeth
Main Laut Aaunga Kaash Main Laut Aaunga KaashTheBand
Yaad Aaonga Lagan Yaad Aaonga No page but Visit this
Koi Labda  Symt, Sanam Marvi Koi Labda Symt360
Tere Bin Uzair Jaswal Tere Bin Nahi Lage Jiya UzairJaswalMusic
Neray Aah Overload, Rachel Viccaji Neray Aah Zaalama Ve Overload
Tu Kya Jaane Kailash, Naresh, Paresh Tu Kya Jaane Kailashkher.official
Ijazat Falak Ve Jan Valeya FalakOne


This is just one list, will upload more soon.! 
Till then enjoy listening.. Stay Blessed :)

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Sunday 30 June 2013

June, Monsoon and Novels..

Imagine a balcony, a comfortable chair, an interesting novel and rain. Isn't it amazing.? For me, its magical and I spent my last two weekends this way at home. I read 2 (two)  novels : "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Faraaz Kazi and "Like It Happened Yesterday" by Ravinder Singh. If one talks about first love then other talks about childhood memories. But both will definitely make you take a stroll down the memory lane. 

Reason for buying the novel :
  • I bought 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' because it is the only Indian novel in the Top 100 YA Global Fiction List and the author Faraaz Kazi has won many awards for his writing style so I wanted to know what's so special about the novel.
  • 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is the 3rd novel of Ravinder Singh and I have liked his earlier ones so was excited to read this one too.
Storyline :
  • 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' is a Teenage Romance that revolves around the main characters Rahul and Seema. Its a beautiful knit love story that fascinates the reader. It shows how misunderstanding and ego can ruin a relationship. But for some reason I expected more from it. So according to me, its a one time read. This novel could not enter my list of favorites.  
  • 'Like It Happened Yesterday' is a tale about the writer's childhood days. The story is nicely written. It will surely make the reader think about his / her school days. The title is very appropriate and even I feel those beautiful memories happened yesterday. But still I love 'I too had a love story' more which was Ravinder Singh's first novel.
Things I  liked in the Novel 
  • In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', the writer has in-between written wonderful lines/couplets from famous books like How Do I Love Thee, I Love You As a Valley, Speak, Farewell to Love etc. Then the conversation between Father Tuscano and Rahul where he explains to him that : "Problems happen son. Nothing is perfect, not even life. God give us problems so that we can stand true to his test. Like every lock has a key, every problem has a solution. Sometimes you find the key in the unlikeliest of all places." is really inspiring. Even the debate speech that Rahul gives on "Is India truly free after Independence?" is thoughtfully written.
  • In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', the Author's Note left me with a feeling of oneness as if the writer cares for the every single reader who reads his book. The write has written many lines in Punjabi throughout the book which I really loved because I am a Punjabi and could imagine the scenario in which those lines were said and written. It was nostalgic to read such a story that made me miss my innocent, sweet days. As a kid we all want to grow up quickly and enjoy things we are not allowed to do but when we are young and responsible we want to go back. Strange.!
Things I din't liked in the Novel :
  • In 'Truly, Madly, Deeply', on page 36, Raj who is in conversation with Rahul says "Stop sounding like those filmy chutias and tell me what the news is?" For a second I could not believe a novel that has been internationally acclaimed uses such a word. Weird.! 
  • In 'Like It Happened Yesterday', there is nothing as such.

I bought both the novels from Amazon.in and must say everything was so hassle free that I will surely buy from them again.


         


*Special Note* : In no way this is a comparison between the two novels. I just tried to collect and write my thoughts into one post. The views about the novels are personal which may differ from public view. I have no intentions to hurt anyone. A big Thank you to all those who stop by and read my posts. God Bless :)


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