I have an incredible news to share. My first author interview is out on Readers and Writers website. I take this moment to thank Bhawna Tewari and the readersnwriters platform for this opportunity. While there are many platforms that give visibility to new independent authors, there are very few who do it without being paid and for purely helping a self publishing author. Thank you so much.
Hello friends, in the last post I spoke about my new book – Forever. Today I’m posting the prologue and first chapter of my book, that is available on Amazon Kindle and Pothi.com
You can read through the sample chapters and decide if you want to pick this up for a read. If you are interested, you can buy my book using the following links. Readers with kindle unlimited subscription can read the book for free. And those who prefer paperback/hardcopy can choose the Pothi.com link. Book will be delivered to your home. Links:
As the priest chanted the mantras, Arun and Megha sat expressionless before the holy fire. Their eyes and mind were vacant of emotions. As directed by the priest, the groom’s sister Anjana came forward to assist in the ritual. She handed him the mangalsutra. One look at it and he is reminded of her.
The beautiful dimpled smile that always took his breath away.
With a blank face he tied the mangalsutra around the neck of the woman who is now sitting beside him.
Megha closed her eyes. She remembered the first time a mangalsutra rested on her neck.
He was leaning forward to tie the mangalsutra around her neck when he whispered only for her ears.
“I promise to be with you forever and this is the evidence of that promise Jaan”.
She opened her eyes when she felt her maang being filled. Arun and Megha shared an eye lock while their faces remained deadpan.
Anjana saw their exchange and turned to her husband Karan with nervousness written all over her face. He held her shoulders reassuringly.
The bride and groom stood up for the pheras. Shashi and Garima Gupta looked on with moist eyes.Their daughter is getting married, again. They made a silent prayer for their daughter’s happiness and this time for it to last till eternity.
While the atmosphere screamed tension and heavy emotions, three little girls couldn’t contain their excitement. Aparna Arora, Akhila Arora and Pari Singhania are beaming with joy.
The pheras ended and the priest declared Arun Arora and Megha Singhania man and wife. Aparna and Akhila race into their father’s arms while Pari is handed to Megha by her mother. It is a new beginning, a second chance, for all of them. While the kids are thrilled at the turn of events, the two adults involved doesn’t know if they are ready for what lies ahead.
CHAPTER -1
The drive home is silent; Arun and Megha are lost in thoughts. They feel helpless as memories of a similar car ride wash over them.
“Stop crying Jaan. Anyone who sees you now will think you were forced into this marriage. But you did say you love me or was that a lie?”
“Shut up Akash. I had to leave behind my parents today. Do you know how difficult it is? You just have to marry me and take me home. You never leave your house”.
“So you want me to leave my home to set the scores even?”
“No, I want you to let me grieve my loss”.
“Not happening. Think about what you earned today jaan. A handsome husband who adores the floor you walk on” he winked.
Megha rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist the smile that tugged at her lips.
The car stopped at the signal. Karan threw a glance at the couple sitting behind. Their body language is rigid and their minds lost elsewhere. He sighed.
Arun is holding Lavanya’s hand and she is resting her head on his shoulder.
“You look happy. Not sad that you had to leave your home for me?”
“I am Arun. But this is our dream. I became your wife today. How can I spoil this wonderful moment with tears?”
She smiled at him, her dimples being omnipresent. He leaned forward to kiss her.
“We are home” Karan’s voice brought Arun and Megha back to reality. They exchanged a look. Arun got out of the car and opened the door for Megha. Megha eyed the two storey house before her. Ignoring the dread filling her, she walked with Arun, to his home.
****
Anjana welcomed them with Arti. Arun and Megha looked uncomfortable as they went about the griha pravesh ritual. Arun and Megha took the blessings of Neelima Arora, Arun’s grandmother who is paralysed.
Pari who was in Aparna’s arms made a cry for her mother. Megha immediately took Pari in her arms and tried to control the tears that threatened to break out. Anjana could see Megha is scared about this new transition in her life. But before she could make a move to console Megha, Aparna and Akhila hugged Megha.
“Welcome home Ma” they screamed in unison.
The warm exuberance the kids perpetuated made Megha feel overwhelmed. But she hugged them back with a small smile. Arun felt relieved for the first time that day.
“Anjana, it is way past their bedtime, take the kids to their room”.
” Sure Daadi”.
“But Ma just came home” they whined.
“And she is going to be here forever. So let her rest. You can catch up tomorrow”.
They nodded grumpily and wished Megha goodnight. She smiled back at them.
“Megha, Anjana will put Pari to sleep”.
“She needs me at night” Megha held Pari closer.
“Today is your Suhaag Raat. So let her sleep with Anjana”.
Before Megha could object, Arun spoke.
“Pari is too small. She’ll need her mother at night. Let her sleep with us”.
“But…”
“I’m going to my room”.
He glanced at Megha. She eyed him with gratitude. He nodded in acknowledgement and walked out of the room. Anjana forbade Neelima with her eyes before ushering Megha out of the room.
****
Arun came out of the bathroom and saw Pari asleep on his bed and Megha fidgeting as she went through her suitcases.
“Megha”
She turned to look at him.
“We were honest to each other before marriage. We are not over Akash and Lavanya. We are in this for our children. We can focus on being their parents for now. I don’t expect anything else, relax”.
Megha’s shoulders lost stiffness.
“Thank you” she gave him a genuine smile.
He nodded. She went back to her suitcase and he slept on his side of the bed, with Pari next to him. *****
Megha came out of the bathroom an hour later. Arun has his eyes closed but she knows he is not asleep. She settled down on the other side of the bed. But sleep evaded her. Naturally her mind went back to her first night with Akash.
Megha is on her period on her first night. She is not sure how Akash would react. Even before she could decide how to present him with this information, she felt Akash kissing his way up her hand. When she felt him hovering over her lips she blurted out.
“I am on my period”.
Akash did not know how to react when he was interrupted from kissing his bride, by the bride herself. He chose to verbalise his immediate thought.
“Okay. But we can kiss, right?”
Megha doubled over with laughter seeing his pained expression.
Megha suddenly realized she is on her period, on her first night, again. Something twisted inside her and she couldn’t control the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Arun heard the faint sobs. But he was not sure if he should react. So he lay beside her in silence, giving her the privacy she needed. They waited for the next dawn; for what lay ahead but with no will to hope.
I know, I know, it’s been long. My writing is keeping me busy and my mischievous toddler who demands the rest of my time. So I haven’t been able to express myself here like I would love to.
But I would love to give you an insight into my fictional mind. As the heading goes, my second book is out, on both Amazon Kindle and Pothi.com. You can avail the digital copy on Kindle and those who love the smell of a fresh book can click on the Pothi.com link I’m sharing here. My book will be delivered at your doorstep within days. Kindle unlimited readers can as usual enjoy the work for free. Just download it on Kindle and read away.
Broken in love, two battered souls get entangled in the knot of marriage, only to rise high in love together.
How will you feel when a lover who promised a lifetime together, disappears from your life suddenly?
Can you cope with that loss ever? Will memories of the bygone past hinder the future? Will you be able to love again?
How does it feel to realize your parents are not your real parents? How does it feel to bring up children that are not your blood? Are such bonds asserted only by obligation or are there chances for real affection and love?
Arun and Megha get pulled into marriage because they have responsibilities to fulfill. They need to get over their lost loves and find their anchors in each other. They have to create a home for three children, their blood or not. And those three kids need to accept them as their own. It is not an easy task for anyone involved. Join the Arora family to know how they etched out their happily-ever-after.
As I always say, putting my work out there does not come easily to me. So I would really really love your encouragement and constructive criticism in my journey as a writer. Do let me know your thoughts. I’m eagerly waiting.
Happy New Year friends. 2020 was a tough year in general. Hope 2021 turns out better for all of us 💕
Coming to the topic, 2020 saw some of the bravest performances on celluloid. New promising talents emerged and established actors gave some of their bests. One interesting fact about this year’s list is that most of my entries are women performers; it was truly their year. I’m happy to see actresses from varied generations and most of them superstars in their own right adding more gems to their filmographies in 2020. Let’s take a look at some of the cinematic excellences of 2020.
Deepika Padukone as Malti (Chhapaak)
Deepika Padukone is endearing as Malti. Loosely based on Laxmi Agarwal’s life, Deepika does a great job in embodying Laxmi’s body language, her soft spoken nature and most importantly her resilient spirit. The searing screams of Malti dipped in agony is one of the best celluloid moments this year. The sheer pain that comes through the echoes of that scream is gut wrenching. Face covered in prosthetics does nothing to hinder the nuances – be it holding a earring and heartbreakingly acknowledging the dismantled ear or a light smile that adorns her lips when Malti lifts the veil of her face. It is an arresting performance that disguises itself as effortless.
Kalidas Jayaram as Sathaar (Paava Kadhaigal)
Kalidas as Sathaar is nothing short of a revelation. Kalidas breathes life into a well written role and takes it few notches higher. Saathar’s walk, talk, expressions and most importantly feelings are safe in this young talent’s hands. What makes the performance impeccable is the balance with which Kalidas played it. Sathaar’s breakdown at being embraced with love is the stand out moment for me.
Tripti Dimri as Bulbul (Bulbul)
A unanimous winner of applauds this year. Tripti portrays the childlike innocent girl and worldly wise woman with equal aplomb. Gruelling scenes of violence gives more room for the actor to expose her extremes. A wry smirk that tells more than it should becomes a Bulbul trademark moment.
Urvashi is an acting legend who has crossed 40 decades in cinema already. This year she has given multiple performances that leaves an impact. Her quirky avatar as Laxmi in Putham Pudhu Kalai is a sight for sore eyes. Laxmi is simple fun and a clean original. Her performance as Paalthangam in Mukuthi Amman is a tight ropping between incredible comic timing and heart warming emotional intensity. In Varane Avishyamundu, as the prospective mother-in-law to the lead heroine, Dr. Sherly is shattering the supposed mother-in-law stereotype. She is effortless fun in most scenes and the emotional restraint she holds in her last scene stands in stark contrast, once again proving Urvashi the actor’s mettle. The shot of Laxmi inside the cupboard with a cup of tea and a satisfied smile has to be the best Urvashi moment this year.
Shobana as Neena (Varane Avishyamundu)
A divorced mother of a grown up daughter is often propped as a stereotype; but not Neena. Shobana as Neena is a thriving romantic, modern in outlook, owning her womanhood and very different from the usual mother template. Shobana lives the role to perfection. She is graceful and assertive as Neena bringing more weightage to the well written role. Bhagyalakshmi’s dubbing also aids the performance. Neena denying and accepting her love affair before daughter in the same scene is Shobana’s ace moment.
Simran as Mathiazhagu (Paava Kadhaigal)
This is a performance that grew on me with time. Mathiazhagu is a typical conservative Indian woman who believes her body’s purity trumps everything. She is a cleanliness freak who denies pulling off the car seat covers to keep the seats pure. Simran marks Mathiazhagu with her soul; so much so that I was not surprised when I saw the last shot. Within minutes Simran established Mathiazhagu’s persona to the audience that it feels like the most natural thing to expect of her. The way she tries to clean her daughter after the disastrous incident is Simran’s iconic moment this year.
Tabu as Ananya (Jawaani Jaaneman)
Tabu plays a hippie in this one and it is more of a guest appearance. But her quirky avatar and straight faced humour can make for a standalone film. Except for one ridiculous scene in the narrative, Tabu shines once again.
Special Mention
Aparna Balamurali as Bommi (Soorarai Pottru)
Prakash Raj as Janakiraman (Paava Kadhaigal)
Sai Pallavi as Sumathi (Paava Kadhaigal)
Irrfaan Khan as Champak Bansal (Angrezi Medium)
Manu Rishi as Chaman Tripathi (Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan)
Hello friends, my debut Kindle romance novel JOURNEY TO THE ALTAR, is now available on a discount price for Indian audience. The offer is valid until New Year’s eve. So hurry and grab your copies and don’t forget to let me know your thoughts on the book.
A young nun was found dead one morning in the well of the convent she resided in, back in 1992. 28 years later, the case has come to a conclusion. Yes, the highlight is 28 YEARS.
When the judgement for Sister Abaya’s case came through I was not sure how to feel about it. It is a crime that happened the same year as I was born. More than two decades late, a result has ensued.
My first reaction was, does it even matter anymore? Sister Abaya’s parents who fought for their daughter, died without a closure.
I remember coming across the case details in my teenage and concluding that since it’s already been so many years, there is going to be no hope for justice or even a conducive result!
So to see it finally happening is, I won’t deny, restoring my faith in humanity, God’s justice and judicial system’s credibility. The timing of the judgement is also noteworthy. It is the Christmas time!
But the silver lining in this delayed justice for me is to come across few people who stood behind this case notwithstanding all hurdles that came their way.
Jomon Puthenpurackal, a commoner and activist, with no direct association with Sister Abaya, gave 28 years of his life to seek justice for her. Despite all the odds that came his way in his pursuit for justice, Jomon staunchly stood by his quest. He challenged the attempts to thwart the case at each juncture for two and a half decades. Jomon was in the hot seat for all these years yet he never flinched in his fight and used law as his armour.
Next, wait for it, is Adaka Raju, a prime witness in the case. He was a thief and had been in the convent to steal, the night the incident happened. In spite of being subjected to threats, physical assaults, bribes he defended the truth for 28 long years. While many witnesses turned hostile, Adaka Raju, upheld truth. Look at the irony of a thief validating truth to seek justice. The most striking moment of humanity, courage and strength in this long drawn case.
Former CBI Officer Varghese P Thomas had to pay a huge price for doing his duty. Within 6 months of taking charge of the case DSP Varghese Thomas had found it was a case of murder. But in his own words, owing to pressure Varghese Thomas had to voluntarily resign from his job, 10 years before his retirement. He said he had the option to take a transfer instead, but denied stating it would have been percieved as he did something wrong. Today, almost 3 decades later, Varghese Thomas’s findings have been cemented as the truth. His eyes are misted when he is covered by news channels for the late acknowledgement of his sincere investigation.
There are many more who sought truth and justice in this case. This victory is the fruit of these great human beings valour. They are going to be the eternal symbol of truth, justice and courage for many. Wish we have more of them in this world. That is my Christmas wish.
Why is it a prerequisite in marriages for the man to be older than the woman?
Are there really any complications if a guy falls in love with a girl older than him? Is it wrong if a woman falls in love with a man younger than her?
Or is it just norms of society and culture that stands in their way? Don’t they have the right to fall for their Mr. or Ms. Right?
Meet Vishal Krishna age 23 and Meera Ambattu age 30 of ‘Journey to the Altar’ and see if they bring out the hidden prejudices within you.
A beautiful romantic comedy that will tickle the prejudices around love within Indian society with the flavor of humor and spice of love.
“Wow, this doesn’t sound like you at all. You are better off with your usual brand of playfulness”.
“I will take that as a compliment. Similarly this sad look does not suit you. Your face looks bad and you eat a lot when you are sad. See, you finished all the fries. Your appetite is scary!”
Meera narrowed her eyes.
“What? You just told me you like my playfulness”.
Vishal winked at her.
She started hitting him and pulling his hair while he laughed and cried at the same time. There seems to be a change in the air around them, unknown to them.
I am grateful to let my followers know that Mary Anthony, independent and award winning filmmaker has reviewed my book Journey to the Altar on her website.
Mary Anthony is an independent filmmaker and writer. Her production company Morart Films has made two short films which has won several accolades at international film festivals. She has recently started her own publication house, Myriadword Publication, to promote authors and literary events. She also holds the position of Manager for the Creative Health Guide Magazine, UK, an upcoming digital magazine that focuses on mental health awareness. In addition to that she is a freelance writer for many brands.
Why is it a prerequisite in marriages for the man to be older than the woman?
Are there really any complications if a guy falls in love with a girl older than him? Is it wrong if a woman falls in love with a man younger than her?
Or is it just norms of society and culture that stands in their way? Don’t they have the right to fall for their Mr. or Ms. Right?
Meet Vishal Krishna age 23 and Meera Ambattu age 30 of ‘Journey to the Altar’ and see if they bring out the hidden prejudices within you.
A beautiful romantic comedy that will tickle the prejudices around love within Indian society with the flavor of humor and spice of love.
While the city is bustling with lights and noises, in an apartment in Greater Vancouver a girl is getting ready. She is dressed in a peacock green anarkali which is fitting her curvaceous body perfectly. After finishing up the final touches on her makeup she puts on a beautiful pair of pearl earrings and a matching bracelet. Satisfied with her overall appearance she collected her clutch and cell phone from the side table and moves to the door.
Suddenly she turns back and faces us.
Girl: Hello! I guess you guys have been watching me. What is the matter?
Readers: Huh, sorry, actually Adhiti took us here. She is telling us a story and we found ourselves inside your apartment. If you do not mind, can you tell us who you are?
Girl: Oh Adhiti! She is a crazy woman, always after some unconventional plots for her stories. But wait, what is she doing here in my room? I do not have anything unconventional to offer. I am an Oncologist who is going to turn 30 this year and still single. My life is so boring that nothing can be written about it. I wonder what she is up to!
Readers: Wait, are you Meera Ambattu?
Girl: Oops, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Dr. Meera Ambattu.
The pride in her voice cannot be missed.
Readers (grinning): Okay, then we are at the right place. You are the heroine of this story.
Meera(dumbstruck): Really? I can be the heroine of a story?
Readers: Well, who defines the qualities of a heroine? And by what parameters do you fall short? Anyways seems like you are in a hurry. Where are you heading to?
Meera: Today is Anjali and Viren’s wedding anniversary. They are my best friends. So, I am going there. Are you guys coming too?
Readers: Well maybe, if Adhiti wishes.
Meera: Okay. Then join me for the drive.
Readers: With pleasure.
Meera: Cool!
Readers: If you do not mind us asking, how long have you been friends with Anjali?
Meera(smiling): Anjali and I go way back. We are college mates; became best friends from day one. Viren was our senior there. They fell in love and got married some years back. You can call me their cupid!
Readers: Are you close to other members of their family?
Meera: Of course. I used to visit Anjali’s home since we both attended the course from Trivandrum which is her native. Her mother, Maya aunty was a lovely woman. She loved me like her own daughter.
Readers: Hey what happened, why are you suddenly gloomy?
Meera: Nothing, Maya Aunty is no more.
Readers: Oh sorry.
Meera: It is okay.
Readers: Hmm…Okay…do Anjali or Viren have siblings?
Meera: Yes, Vishal is Anjali’s younger brother. He is a nice boy. Actually, we started off on the wrong foot and I did not like him at all in the beginning. But now everything is cool between us. We are best friends too.
Readers hid their smile.
Meera: He is organizing the party today, so you will get to meet him there. He is quite handsome if anyone of you wants to try your luck.
Meera winked at the gaping readers. Readers felt confused but wisely kept quite to see what is going to happen next. They reached the venue in another ten minutes. Meera saw Vishal inside the half open kitchen as soon as she entered the house and a smile appeared on her face.
A handsome face reveals itself above the five-tier anniversary cake. There stood Vishal Krishna, with an apron around his neck, giving final touches to the cake. His tongue is twisted and touching his upper lip and his hair, free from gel is brushing his forehead leisurely. He is excellent at baking and has made this cake specially for his sister and brother-in-law. He is about to light the cake and that is when he notices Meera.
“Vishal, where is Anjali?”
“They are getting ready; guests can arrive any moment. Come here; light this cake with me”.
“Okay”
She kept her gift aside and started lighting the candles on the cake.
“Wow Vishal, this looks yummy. Anjali will love it”.
Vishal gazed at her face which is beaming even more in the glow from the candle lights.
It is now or never Vishal!
He took a deep breath.
“I Love You”
Meera turned to Vishal with a half-confused smile.
“What?”
He sighed; she has been ignoring the obvious hints he dropped for a long time now. He concluded that she is either naive or simply ignoring his feelings. So, he decided to take the bull by its horns. He asserted his feelings with enough emphasis. He went on his knees taking her hand in his.
“Will you marry me Meera?”
To say Meera is dumbfounded by his proposal will be an understatement. Readers scoffed.
Readers: And she said her life is boring! A yummy baker is in love with her, how sweeter can life get?! Now we just have to wait and watch the fun.
You can read it for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber. For others, you can easily purchase it on Amazon for a small amount and read the eBook on Amazon Kindle app.
I’ll be giving you updates on the book here. If you feel interested, don’t forget to grab a copy and let me know your thoughts as reviews on Amazon page.
Also, though my new role as a mother is taking up most of my time, I promise to work on my writing and creativity. Hope you guys will be patient and supportive.
Adhiti's Musings & Books 