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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Dil ke jazbaa....

Unke baaton ka kuch aisa asar pada humpe, ki hum unke aawaz main kho gaye,
Na raat ka pata tha, na subah ki,
Samay yuhin humsein aage bhaagti thi...
Meri labon pe sirf hansi thi,
Fursat na mila muskurane se.
Khushi thi aisi,
Ki chehre pe ek damak si aa gayi,
Tumhara yun mujhpe pyaar jatana,
Mujhe bha gayi,
Tumhari roj ki baatein aadat si ho gayi,
Ab intezaar raha un lamhon ki…
Jo tumhare saath guzare they..
Shayad wo vapas na aaye..
Ab sirf aankhein nam ho jaati hai,
Tumhari yaad mein
Tadapti hai tumhari  aawaz sunne ke liye,
Iss dil ko yakeen hai ki tum aaoge ..
Lekin shayad tumhe fursat nahi kisi aur ki bahon se…



woh lamha .....

Panting, he caught the handrail of the bus and jumped in. No sooner did he get in than he saw her. He felt a whiff of fresh air moving across  his face, as though  it wanted to make its presence felt. 
“Tum waha khade raho ya andhar aao, ticket to lena hi hoga boss”. 
That broke the fresh air effect; however he glanced at her and saw a smile breaking on the corner of her lips. He ran his hand over his hair and a smile broke on his lips revealing deep dimples. He stepped onboard took a seat, and smiled away......

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Book Review :Chanakya's Chant







Many moons ago, A third year degree Student was clutching her printed copies of Arthashastra  by Kautilya, nervous..... she stumbled in front of the class to deliver her presentation….

When I heard about Chanakya’s Chant, the first thing that came in my mind was the earlier mention of my presentation on Arthashastra. When Blogadda offered me a chance to review the book, I had to take upon the opportunity to erase that incident from my history. Little did I know how much this Book would help me.

Expecting Political dramas to be a tad too serious, I undertook the mammoth task of reading the novel and as promised, here is my review of the book.

Ashwin Sanghi's novel Chanakya's Chant , retells the story of Chanakya the great political strategist of ancient India, whose scheming plan led to the installation of Chandragupta Maurya as the emperor of Magadha. In parallel; the novel also tells the fictional tale of a Brahmin from Uttar Pradesh, who mentor's a little girl from the slums of Kanpur , and grooms her to become the Prime Minster of India

There are two plots in the book one set in a time, about 2300 years ago during the time of Chandragupta, the founder of the Maurya Empire. He is considered to be the firts unifier of India nad its first genuine emperor.The other plot is one in present day. The theme of this novel is based purely on  human emotions like revenge and ambition,emotions like love are shown only as a means to achieve power and move closer to one’s goals. The novel is divided into 20 chapters and it alternates between the two main strategists Chanakya and  Pandit Gangasagar Mishra. As the story unfolds one can see the writers subtle ways which are  used to emphasize the parallels that exist between the two tales and convey to the reader that not much has changed in human’s nature, even after a few thousand years. Venality, Lust, Ambitiousness, Deceitfulness – these are some of the basic human nature qualities which haven’t changed over the thousand years.

A common character of both the strategists is that they were consumed by a strong belief that their actions were justified as long as the goals were achieved, however moral or immoral the means used to achieve them have been.The writer has effortlessly illustrated the similarities in planning of both the strategists in the proverb -  “The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese”.Chanakya allowed other to fight over an empire,however he struck when the armies were depleted after the fight thus taking away the "cheese".On similar lines,Gangasagar, kept himself abreast of the activities of his opponents, especially those driven by sexual urges or greed, thus making them mere puppets in hours of need.The actions of the strategists are similar in essence however the situations and circumstances differ. Their characters grow with the book and finally unfold two great men.

The book is well researched with a compelling storyline.The book is unpredictable with two different periods interwoven in one read, thus keeping its readers hooked. The style is simple, colloquial and witty and the protagonists' observations and dialogue are sharp and witty. The plans are extensive and well thought out- each move is calculated and meticulously planned. At no point do you feel, it was all too easy. Chandini (Gangasagar's protégée) and Chandragupta are no means puppets to the mentors, they are genuine leaders. The success of the plots is the blind faith and understanding that the protégées demonstrate towards their maker.

The book manages to keep the readers  engaged and enthused to read to the very end. It’s  a well paced political thriller, which is well researched, exciting, intriguing, and well plotted at the same time.

On a Rating scale out of 10 - I would give Chanakya’s Chant a 9/10.

About the Author :
Ashwin Sanghi (born January 25, 1969) is an Indian author of thriller fiction, best known for his 2007 novel, The Rozabal Line.

An author who thrives on the amalgamation of history and fiction - Ashwin Sanghi (AKA Shawn Haigins) knows just the right formula to write an addictive thriller that keeps you at the edge but also provides you with juicy nuggets of historical factoids. 

Ashwin Sanghi was born and raised in MumbaiMaharashtra, India, the youngest of three children. His schooling was at the Cathedral and John Connon School (Class of 1985). After graduating from Cathedral in 1985 Sanghi attended St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. He attended the Yale School of Management, receiving an MBA in 1993. After graduating from Yale, Sanghi joined his family's business enterprise while continuing to write thriller fiction part-time.

Credits for Information about the Author:



P:S:- If you are intrigued as to how the book has helped me, well I have written my understanding of the Arthashastra and mailed it to my professor, and was happy at the reply which went,

Dear Tinu ,
                 Am glad I see a change in the mischievous nuisance creator in my class, I’m proud to tell you that if you had written this review back in college I would have given you better grades, however, having said that , I will have your  recent understanding of Arthashastra kept in our library for future reference. Also, do drop by to deliver a talk on the same.

Regards,
Ms. Radha Kumar
Associate Professor
Department Of AIC
St. Xaviers College







Sunday, August 21, 2011

BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE


She was dressed and ready to walk down the aisle, in a stunning white gown, which trailed of the ends to lace trimmings. Her slender feminine figure was flattered in the bridal outfit. Her high cheekbones were washed with bridal bliss and exuberance; there was a twinkle in her eyes... She was happy 
                                         

----------------------------

“Simi, Simi, get up … what are you doing here?”
“Vishaka!!!! … How did I end up out here??? “
“Simi, I don’t know, I called you several times, you never answered your phone, I was worried, I checked with everyone about you, Harish had seen you walking towards this lane………..of all the places Simi, this is where you choose to come?, I know you and Nitin are having troubles, but … calm down Simi, don’t cry”
“Vishaka, I can barely recollect anything, I…I …I don’t how I can’t remember anything... help me… I just can’t seem to…how did I end up here... Nitin is angry….”
“Simi!!! …ssshhhhhh...its ok sweets, i’m here, don’t you worry, we will sort out everything, let me take you home”

---------------------------
“Simi… he proposed!!.... Am so happy Simi… I’m getting married. I want you to be my bridesmaid… remember how we used to play ‘getting married’ , I want everything in a similar manner Simi… I’m happy..”
“Vish!! Congratssssss …. Am so happy for you love… hahhah..Oh yes the games… lol.. You are going to be the best bride ever darling “
                                           
-------------------------

A man in his mid 30’s was stabbed in the back, by an unidentified person, when he was on his way home. The dark alleys have always been a crime infested zone. Police are of the opinion……

“Saw the news Simi???, same place that you end up going!!!, see how unsafe it is, Men are being stabbed.. Auraton ki  toh phir lag jayenge na?? tumse kitni baar kaha hai, akele mat ghooma karo, its dangerous, lekin tum to tum ho, meri baat kyun manoge, right??... Simi!! Gosh, Simi, are you even listening??... kaha kho jaati ho yaar?”

Simi looked up startled , Vishaka had interrupted her thoughts, and she tried to recollect what they were but just couldn’t…

--------------------------------
“Hey Vishaka, where is Simi??”
“No idea ya, she just disappears!! Hmmm.. I tried calling her, her number is switched off… she is not at her place, the watchman hasn’t seen her for the past 2 days either, I’m worried Rishabh,  should we inform the police?”
“Let’s wait till today, if she isn’t around then we will go to the station first thing in the morning , alright, don’t you worry”.

---------------------------------
“Vishaka….. I … I don’t know where I was… I can’t remember anything… am I … going mad?? I’m worried, I…I… don’t know…. “
Simi started pulling at her hair…and howling in pain…
“Simi, kuch nahin !!... don’t worry alright, everything is going to be fine… i’m here na??”
                                                   

-----------------------------------
Simran Mehta has been arrested for the murder of a senior Citizen. She works in a reputed Bpo as a Manager, it’s difficult to identify the reasons that prompted her to this crime. All she keeps saying Is that she has no recollections whatsoever…However the evidences found point towards her, her finger prints have been found on the Scythe, which was used for the murder.

“simran ne aisa kiya…can’t believe it ya…”
“arey who to hai hi chudail, bitch like her”
“who cares about her, thank God she never tried killing any of us”

And so with the news went on the speculations and comments of her fellow co-workers…
-----------------------
“Vish, I swear I don’t do anything, wasn’t I with you that day???, Please tell them..mujhe yaha ghutan si ho rahi hai Vish, please. Get me out of here….”
“Simi, saare evidence tumhare khilaaf hai, and of late to tumhe koi bhi baat yaad nahi rehti hai..i don’t know Simi”
“Vish, you think I can be this Brutal??? will I kill someone?? Do I look like  a murderer to you?? Tell me Vish”

Her pretty face was stained with tears, her hair was uncombed, and her jail uniform made her look unlike the “simran” that everyone adored..
 ---------------------
“Simi, that’s Nitin, isn’t he good looking???”
“ehem, someone has a crush on him , awww Vish you like him don’t you.. look at you blushing away.. chal.. lets go and talk to him”
“Hey Nitin, am Simran and this is Vishaka”

That was the start of a beautiful relation between the three of them.They were inseperable. Nitin had a soft spot for Simran, and he kept it under wraps, He knew the only person who he could confide in was Vish. He had to let someone know of his feelings.
                                               

--------------
5 years back

St.Xavier's college –FRESHERS WELCOME

Simran and Vishaka walked in to the college, Vishaka trailed behind simran as always , it used to be the same in school, at their colony and now in college.
John Fernandez was their senior, Vishaka had a secret liking towards him, and however like everyone else, He liked Simran

The story was same everywhere – at school, at tuition, at their colony, college, work…

Everyone liked SIMRAN!!!.....

---------------------------
Nitin was Heart broken when Simran refused to be with him… Vishaka offered him the solace he needed, and they started dating each other … his feelings for Simran were still the same.

---------------------------
“Your daughter suffers from Split personality disorder, Menon sir, change of place should be good for her, and continue her dosage of  medicines as well, the rage she exhibits and her docile character are al signs of the same, however since she is  8 years old, chances of suppressing them are higher.”
                                             
                                                                      

---------------------------
“Vishaka Menon” – “Present mam” – said a  Gawky looking girl… She was seated next to Simran who had later on become her good friend, then Best friend
                                               

---------------------------
The bride was walking down the Aisle… She was stepping an inch closer to the “love of her life” .. He smiled at her, she blushed and looked away…and they were united in Holy Matrimony

----------------------
“Simi Simi Simi …tch tch tch … poor Simi, oh Simi is so beautiful.. look at her skin…hahah…LOOK AT HER SKIN NOW.. HER EYES, HER LIPS, HER SILKY HAIR….hahahahaha…”.
“Vish!!! What’s wrong with you… Help me out of here, and why are you saying all of that.”
“Simi… I hated you the moment I set my eyes on you, I was the ugly duckling only because of you, I paid for the humiliation you caused me for 16 YEARS…you know how long that is….DO YOU???? .. and here you are pretty Simi…hhhahah “.
“Vish, what did I do to you??.”

“Your crocodile tears are not going to melt my heart, like they did for all those guys.. the GUYS I LOVED more than you… EVEN NITIN!!!!!! …and you are asking me what I did… you BITCH, this is what you deserve, and you are going to be addressed as a mental person..hehehhehe …. Hmmm …. Have you heard of barbiturates….Simi ??? … hahahahhaha.i have.. and that’s why you had those memory issues…. Hahaha… you will be not see the outside world, aww they would be deprived of Miss beautiful, wont they…Nitin will suffer as well ….”

“Vish no no… vishh don’t walk away…VISHHHHH
                                                 

------------------------

“Nitin I have made your drink –  your favorite – Whiskey on the rocks”
“you know Vish, I still can’t believe Simi would do something gruesome…what do you think”
“Nitin I have known her for over 16 years now, I know she wouldn’t even hurt a fly, however her behavior off late has been very suspicious…Nitin can we talk about something else please”
“I’m sorry baby, I know it must be difficult for you”
He chugged the whisky in one go, and drank 3 more pegs, and went off to sleep, this time never to wake up again….His wife had mixed generous doses of Arsenic in his drinks.

His Death was cited as Heart attack… Vishaka was shattered and relocated to another city altogether..
                                           

                                                 

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