How ma found her Dil Ki Deal…

Life isn’t always about profit and loss

Sometimes mind listens & heart becomes the boss

Its when one thinks beyond self and cares for how others feel

That they truly strike the “Dil Ki Deal”

It is often believed that one who has money and power only can make a difference in someone else’s life. But an incident from my mom in law’s life taught me how a simple housewife decided to follow her heart and strike the perfect Dil ki deal.

In the old times when salaries never matched the mouths to be fed, monthly rent from a small house in West Delhi was a big help to Ma’s monthly budget. My father in law’s job demanded him to stay out of town, so it was ma’s responsibility to collect the monthly rent and manage the household budget.

It was Diwali time. Sweets, clothes, crackers, customary gifts…there was so much to be bought and ma knew all this went beyond her budget. Banking on the 10^th of the month when she was to receive the monthly rent, she decided to visit the tenants.

As ma rang the doorbell, the feeble frame of the tenant’s wife appeared at the door to usher her in. The tenants were a humble family of 5, a couple and their 3 kids. Ma knew of their not so good financial condition, but as she entered the house, she knew there was something wrong. Although it was Diwali time, the festivity was nowhere to be seen. The family wore a sad look on their faces. When ma inquired about the well being, the tenant’s wife told her that their youngest daughter had taken ill. All their savings had gone in the treatment and the treatment still required them to pump in more cash. “This Diwali has no meaning for us, for we can’t light up our own child’s life”, the tenant’s wife said, controlling her tears. Despite the turmoil in their lives, the tenants were an honest couple. “Behanji, that we are facing this crisis doesn’t mean we would hide away from our duty. Here’s the rent for this month”, the lady said as she handed over the 800 bucks to ma.

Speechless at their sincerity and the cruel game destiny was playing; ma left the house with a heavy heart.The neighbourhood kids were bursting crackers however; a thousand crackers burst inside ma’s heart and created the noise she couldn’t ignore. She could not erase the image of the family’s faces from her mind. For a humble housewife, the monthly rent meant a big help, yet her heart felt heavier with each step. Something in ma forced her to return…

The surprise was evident on the face of tenant’s wife as she opened the door. “What happened behanji, I counted the money and it’s the right amount. Hope all well….” The lady went speechless as ma held her hand and handed over the money back and said “The child needs the money more. Take the money and use it for her treatment. Its Diwali time, hope this small contribution does something to brighten up your child’s life.”The lady tried to offer the money back, but ma assured her she could repay when the child recovered.

As ma walked out, her heart was filled with satisfaction from the deal she had struck. She might not have been able to pamper her kids the way she wanted that Diwali, but she had listened to her heart and had struck the #DilKiDeal

 I am participating in the #DilKiDealOnSnapdealactivity at BlogAdda in association with SnapDeal.

From separation to jubilation

The last few days saw a very irritable and dead side of me. As if life had become a boring pendulum that oscillated between office and home. The mind went on an auto mode with this mundane routine. I didnt feel any zing when I woke up in the morning and the day didn’t offer anything to look forward to. Evenings too, became a routine affair. While my colleagues would be happy, calling a day off and discussing their evening plans, I would simply sit back and immerse myself in work.

Perhaps, all this was to escape the horror of staying away from my passion – blogging. Once a blogger, nothing gives you more joy than sharing your views with others and nothing gives more pain than an inactive blog and dipping page views.

My laptop, which was my window to the world of blogging, gave in to senile decay. Often, in the middle of blogs, the laptop would heat up and black out, making me pull my hair in frustration. I tried to blog through the tab, but old habits die hard and my fingers yearned for the keyboard. Every day, I would read blogs by fellow bloggers and wish when I would strike back. I almost stopped looking at blogging contests and book review offers, for better to make commitments when one can fulfill them. Movies and outings no longer seemed enticing, for I could no longer blog about my experiences.  After few days, the helpless mind too, stopped buzzing with ideas.

While I didn’t cry or crib, for I knew our busy schedules, Mr. Hubby noticed the frustration in my silence and this weekend, decided to take things in his own stride. He took the laptop to the service center and the technician gave it a fresh lease of life. When he surprised me in the evening with the news, I was all elated like a lover reunited with his lost love!

This morning became so special…

I woke up to a hyperactive mind, buzzing with ideas. It didn’t even wait for me to finish the bed tea or catch up with newspaper. Finally, I had to jot down the ideas which would fuel my blog for the days to come. When I saw my blog after so many days, it welcomed me with open arms and surprisingly, there was increase in page views too. They say it is separation that makes us realize the value of something, and this separation has been tough for me. But, it feels so good to be back since I can share my feelings, views and experiences once again on my blog, and connect with the awesome friends blogging has gifted me!

Book review – He fixed the Match She fixed Him

Author – Shikha Kumar

Publisher – Vitasta

Genre –Fiction/Romance

Pages – 284

Price – Rs.175

  

Sneak from the cover

Shreya – I’m a highly qualified Delhi girl earning an enviable salary. My parents are having a tough time finding a suitable groom for me. However, recently they have a proposal from this very interesting guy from Mumbai. I almost get mesmerised when he starts talking to me. I think I like him very much.

Kunal – I’m owner of a textile company in Mumbai. My mom wants me to get married. Again. She has recently suggested a suitable girl from Delhi. What my mom doesn’t know is that I’ve already met Shreya before once in my life and I’ve been looking for her ever since. I have a vendetta to settle.

The Cover

A pretty damsel with a handsome hunk, flowers, wine – the ingredients to a romantic fairytale. But our two headstrong protagonists stand tall facing opposite directions, just like their thoughts, which go poles apart. I actually loved this cute promo of the book.

My View

I am a big fan of romantic fiction and so when this book was offered, it instantly caught my interest. The story, I would say is like a Bollywood film. The first half sees Shreya and Kunal being fixed in matrimony by their families. Like every girl, Shreya too nurtures a dream of meeting her knight in shining armour. So when, she hears the sophisticated and suave Kunal from Mumbai on phone, his enigmatic voice almost instantly sweeps her heart away. They say, love is blind and the feeling is so strong that Shreya doesn’t even mind her one abrupt face to face interaction with her hubby to be.

A fairytale wedding follows and just when Shreya thinks destiny has given her another chance in the form of Kunal, one night changes it all…

The ghosts of their past come to haunt Shreya and Kunal on their wedding night. Shreya, oblivious of the fact that Kunal is the same person who she settled her scores with years ago, is shocked at the devil reveal his true face in Kunal on her first night. For Kunal however, Shreya is that one storm which blew away all the love and happiness from his life years ago. His only aim in life to spoil each and every moment of Shreya’s life and make her suffer the way he did years ago.

Halfway through the book, the story takes a leap from love to hatred and revenge. The poor reader secretly wishes for things to end on a happy note for this angry young couple. However, that is when the story, just like some impatient movie scripts starts losing its sheen. The more Shreya and Kunal try to be opposites, the more opposites attract. Love gradually springs, however, everything starts getting so predictable that the reader wonders if there were some more twists and turns.

If you love romcoms, the book is for you. Enjoy every scene as if you are watching a soap or a movie and don’t apply much brains in the story. Being a debut, the author deserves appreciation for her hard work in the brilliant portrayal of the love hate relationship, however, the applaud would had been a tad louder had there been some more effort towards making the second half less predictable. However, this is something almost all romcoms fall prey to n I hope with such an expressive style, the author will surely impress us with her books.

What I loved about the book

I just found the cover too cute. Also the first half kept me totally engrossed. Despite being a debut, the portrayal of emotions and relationship is appreciable.

What could have been better

Towards the end, the story got very predictable and I was telling myself what would happen next as I proceeded. Some fine tuning by the editor would have made the experience more interesting sans the drag towards the climax.

My rating

2.5/5

About the Author

Shikha Kumar has a BTech degree in Computer Science and is a manager with TCS. She enjoys travelling, reading writing and watching movies. This is her first attempt to present her writing abilities to the world.

I received a copy from the author for my honest review. writing and watching movies. This is her first attempt to present her writing abilities to the world.

Five reasons why I miss Delhi Winters

Winters are here! Ironically, I ain’t feeling an inch of it sitting here in Mumbai. Its perhaps the first time in 3 decades of my existence that I am sitting on December 7, 2014 with fan on and no sweaters! In Delhi, I have always cribbed about winters, preferring to snuggle in my velvet rajai than to wake up on a chilly morning; the torture of taking that morning shower; it was the favourite season of maids when they would cash on their worth. So, now, away from the winters why am I missing the love hate relationship?

Here are my 5 reasons for missing Dilli ki sardi

1.    Weddings

Come winters and wedding invitations start pouring in. If it’s a family wedding, it makes for a double treat. Cousins gossiping overnight on the terrace while munching on mungphalis and gazzak, and pre wedding bashes in huge lawns with bonfires! We Dilliwallas like our weddings big, fat and truly dhinchaak! While summers make it tough to carry heavy makeup and costume, winters make it all easy. The style divas love to flaunt their deep cut and backless blouses despite the chill.  And for those, who still feel the chill, a peg of Black Dog and dancing non stop does the trick.

2.    Winter brunches

Sunday mornings become party time, with moms preparing yummy delicacies (sarson ka saag, make ki roti, bajre ki khichdi, tikkas etc.) and the whole family enjoying the fare on sunny mornings at the terrace. Food lovers also go gaga over the winter brunches offered by the city hotels. I particularly miss the winter brunch at the American Diner at India habitat Centre, Delhi.

3.    Lodhi garden

No matter how much we run away from the suraj chachu in summers, winters do the patch up act. Even the annoying dhoop becomes “Makhmali”. Being away from Delhi, I can vouch there is no experience better than spending a winter morning in Lodi Garden, the Central park of Dilli. Kids flock to the garden to enjoy their favourite spot, while lovebirds leave no opportunity of getting cosy; on a lucky day you might even spot a painter sitting on the grass depicting the nature on canvas. Amateur photographers satiate their lenses with views of various migratory birds, even local. Have often seen squirrels being bribed with peanuts to strike a pose! How can we forget food here? Every Sunday, you can spot umpteen brunch gatherings in the garden.

4.    Winter shopping and discounts

Weddings and winter sales give Dilliwalas enough reasons to stuff their shopping carts. With fests like the CP shopping festivals and the big spacious malls organizing exclusive events, shopping becomes a joyful experience. And when the newspapers announce the end of season sale, Dilliwallas flock to their favourite stores to steal bargain on their long desired winter overcoats.

5.    Barbeque evenings

Fun, food and friends sums up the idea of a perfect evening for any Dilliwalla. Winters give just the perfect excuse, and Dilliwallas love to flaunt their barbeque skills on evenings with ghazals and old pals!

It is said we realize the value of something only when we are away from it. While I have been told winters will show us a small trailer here in Mumbai, I am yearning to rush to my Dilli to savour the magic of Dilli Ki Sardi! 

What all do you love about Delhi winters? I am all ears..:)

Bhopal - A Prayer for Rain

30 years gone in vain
Still fresh is their pain
The memories of that unfortunate night
Brings on their face horror n fright
After effects haunt even today
Why have the culprits been let away?

These were the thoughts that immediately struck my mind as I walked out of the theatre after watching the special preview of the movie Bhopal - A prayer for the rain. The incident is very special to me, since it occurred the same year I was born. My dad tells me the next morning, the whole nation woke up to grief and mourning. The number of casualties was rising every hour. Seeing the images of those who suffered, many weren't able to take a single morsel down their throat. My heart bleeds when I think about the plight of the people who suffered that unfortunate night. We Indians respect and worship our jobs as 'anndaata'. So did those people, not knowing that their very own anndaata would not only take their life, but also haunt the generations to come with their sins.

The unfateful night of December 2-3, 1984, when many people embraced sleep to wake up to a new day, one act of negligence made it the last night of their life. Many might have weaved hopes of new beginnings on a new day, when they would go to their work and earn a better livelihood.
But the leak of poisonous gas from the Union Carbide MIC plant poisoned their dreams to death.

Media and the film industry have touched upon this topic many a times. Several documentaries have been made highlighting the legal and political aspects. But, what about the emotional trauma faced by the people who lived that torture that very night?

Last Sunday, me along with team of bloggers were invited by Indiblogger and Rising Star entertainment for a special preview screening of the movie. Having seen umpteen number of documentaries on this subject, I was not hoping for any new aspect that would enlighten me. However, by the end of the movie, I was sobbing my hearts out for the unfortunate ones who suffered at the hands of Union carbide.

The film portrays the event from the eyes of the very people who lived it. Dilip (Rajpal Yadav), a poor rickshaw puller is the protagonist. Like many others around him, he too struggles with poverty, hunger and family responsibilities. The only hope of a better life and escape from hunger is Union Carbide, a multinational company that had set up its MIC pestcide plant in the vicinity. Dilip and others aspire to work with Union Carbide, as they see others wearing their uniforms and earning for their family's happiness. Everyday, many men waited outside the Union Carbide office in the hope of becoming a Carbider one day. What they didnt know was that behind the glitz and glamour of being a Carbider, there was 40 tonnes of poison waiting to annihilate everything around.

While the dirty game of capitalists and selfish political interests continued, innocent people suffered to the hands of negligence. 

Rajpal Yadav as Dilip, does complete justice to the role. Tanishtha Chatterjee plays the supporting wife who can do anything to support her husband.

While i had gone with no expectations, by the end of the movie, I had tears of empathy and I felt like one of the victims.

We all know what happened that night, but the movie is a must watch to know how people actually felt that night.

Bhopal - A Prayer For Rain releases on December 5th.

Book review – Fall Like A Rose Petal

Author – Avis Viswanathan

Publisher – Westland Ltd

Genre –Self Help

Pages – 290

Price – Rs.350

Sneak from the cover

In early 2008, the author Avis Viswanathan and Vaani – his soul mate, friend, wife and business partner were staring at bankruptcy of their firm. A series of business decisions had literally brought them to the brink of penury. This book is their story. It captures learnings from this excruciatingly painful, life changing phase that they are still going through.

The Cover

A minimalistic cover which straightway draws your attention to the title and a beautiful rose petal that sits pretty. The never say die spirit of the author almost started influencing me from the cover page itself. When there is no option but to fall, then fall like a rose and enjoy every phase!

My View

Change is the only thing constant in life. While crests and troughs are life’s buddies which come calling every now and then, there are very few human beings who welcome each situation with a smile. Our author Avis is one such man of steel.

Imagine this – bankruptcy knocking at the door, umpteen bills and staff salaries to be paid, two kids still pursuing their studies, no backup/family fortune to fall back on….such a situation is good enough to drive anyone to extreme measures.

However, Avis decides to turn this weakness into opportunity. Not only does he keep his cool and deals with each situation wisely, he also foresees an opportunity to share his lessons in life with his children through this book.

Now, its not uncommon for people to emerge heroes out of tough situation, but I was left amazed how one could use these situations to show the guiding light to future generations. How many people would actually have the presence of mind to even act wisely, leave apart leaving a message for their kids!

The book takes us through a long and painful journey Avis and his Vaani were forced to undertake. Avis shares each and every detail as if he is sitting in front of you and telling a story. There are moments in the book when you feel like crying, while at many occasions you just feel like giving him a standing ovation.

While the genre is self help, the book doesn’t sound preachy, nor does it have the “change your life in a week” type message. Instead, it just underscores the wisdom every parent gives us, albeit with real life tested situations. The author, it seems shares a friendly bond with his children and so, never makes an attempt to conceal any detail which might show him weak. Every father is a hero to his kids, but to admit the mistakes and reveal the hardships warrants a lot of guts.

Read the book to get a new perspective towards life. Life may not be always rosy but by learning to face the situation with a smile, we can surely make the journey a lot easier.

What I loved about the book

The familiarity the author has managed to create with the audience. After a few pages, you too feel family and it seems like a live conversation full of real life wisdom. There are references to many inspirational quotes; I’m sure not only the author’s children, but anybody who reads will benefit.

What could have been better

There is way too much detailing at some instances, for instance detailed description of many people who have been saviors to the author. Leaves you uninterested in them and flip over to the next page.

My rating

3/5

About the Author

AVIS Viswanathan (47) is a happiness curator, Life Coach, inspired speaker, author and organizational transformation consultant who leads change management, culture and leadership development mandates in the corporate sector globally.

This review is written for WritersMelon. The views are strictly my own and under no influence.

Book review – Happily Murdered

Author – Rasleen Syal

Publisher – Srishti Publishers

Genre –Fiction

Pages – 246

Price – Rs.195

Sneak from the cover

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 or the love struck ex-fiancé. 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 Cover

A beautiful cloth, perhaps a part of the wedding finery decorates the cover and almost took my attention away from the title. Admiring the color, my eyes suddenly widen at the sight of blood oozing out from beneath the cloth. What else lies inside? I wonder then, for never would someone associate “happiness” with murder! And here I read someone talking about being “Happily Murdered”!

My View

It was a “dream come true” moment for Gulab. Few hours back, she had married the man of her dreams. The Mehta house was full of celebrations. She regarded the Dancing Pavillion one last time, her feet unable to bear the excitement. And before she could live more of this dream, it was time to say goodbye to this life.

The story begins on a somewhat shocking note, with a young and happy Gulab dying mysteriously on her wedding night. The wedding hustle and bustle in the house suddenly transforms into media and police activity. On the radar is every person in the house – Gulab’s husband Sid, her in laws KD and Tina, her business partner Vikram and his wife Monica, Monica’s sister Sara who was once engaged to Gulab’s husband, Gulab’s ex Ned, and even Gulab’s best friend Yuvi.

While the police struggle to nail the killer, there is a different sort of struggle in the house. Like the empty bottle in the truth and dare game, everyone is trying to save himself/herself whenever all eyes fall on him/her.

Having fed on a generous diet of Agatha Christie books, the debut author surprisingly knows how to keep the readers hooked. With every family member becoming a self proclaimed detective to nail the true killer, the story oscillates between flashback and present. The beauty lies also in the way Gulab’s life, hopes and feelings are expressed in her own voice, even though she is dead in the first page. I wondered then, was I reviewing a debut work, for the book has all the elements of a perfect murder mystery!

Frequent references to various quotes bring the reader closer to Gulab’s state of mind, and by the time the mystery is unraveled, the reader feels a strong sympathy and pain for her.

I would strongly recommend the book if you are looking for a good mystery read. But a word of caution though – chances are, you won’t be able to keep the book down unless you have read till the last page in one go!

With a debut penned with such finesse, I look forward to the Rasleen’s next book.

What I loved about the book

Expression of Gulab’s feelings in her own voice, since she is a deceased character; strikes an instant chord with the reader.

Despite being a debut, I was impressed to see no traces of drags and unwanted descriptions that is found in many books. Also, the pace of the story is just right with each part given its due attention.

What could have been better  

The sudden improvement in relationship between Sara and Gulab was a bit hard to chew. Few typos sneak into the otherwise perfect language.

My rating

4/5

About the Author

A mystery addict, Rasleen considers Agatha Christie her Guru. She designs homes for a living and loves to seek mystery in everyday domestic situations. This is her debut. 

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