Saturday, August 27, 2011
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….
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.
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 Mumbai, Maharashtra, 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..
Friday, August 19, 2011
My Hero.....
As I
looked back at the window, being drenched with the rain drops...
I could
feel my cheeks becoming wet with your thoughts...
I
could see my life fly by me like a movie...
With
you playing the main lead,
You always
did in my life.
My
only hero!!!
I
was 3, when you first held me in your arms.
Your
prolonged absence was something we were used to…
You slipped
in and out of our lives...
As easily
as the sun rose and set.
You never
forgot our birthdays,
Or important
events in our lives.
You
kept yourself well versed with “us”.
You loved
us inspite of the distance,
Inspite
of the dangers you faced.
Your
love was unconditional.
I still
remember seeing you when I was 5,
You walked
in, in your uniform
The aura
you set across was overwhelming;
I was
choking in your warm embrace.
I am
proud of you Dad...
It’s
because of you, and many other fathers’ like you...
That
we walk Free.
It’s
your sacrifice that makes us pursue our lives, our ambitions.
You
knew it was a battle....
We were
not strong to let you go.
But still
you left us...
To guard
the many lives that depended on you..
I
lost you, my father, my eternal Hero..
But because
of you, we live peacefully, in your memories..
I salute
your bravery, DAD!!!!!
MY
HERO, AN ARMY OFFICER, THE NATIONS SON…
 |
| Jai Jawaan |
*This post is a work of Fiction*
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Happy Raksha bandhan.
Happy Raksha bandhan.
My brother gave me the best Rakhi gift ever
…………………………………………….
“Gianna, gianna!!, Finish your Breakfast and go”
“Mum , i'm late for college, i'l grab something on my way…
Jeff!!.. mwaahhhh be nice, and all the best my baby, do well , bye Mom”
“Did your sister go jeff??, gosh this girl , Go and study
baby, you have your tests right?”
“Yes, mom, don't disturb me alright”
“Yes, I wont, go study”
-------------------------------
Smoothlover : you
want to make money, dnt you???
Jboy : Yes, tell me
how, I want to help my folks..
Smoothlover: all you
need are some pictures, il send some s ample across, check em , alrite, and we’d
be minting money dude…
Jboy : where do I get
such pics from!!... I wouldn't get such pics..leave it..i g2g..bye..
--------------------------------
Smoothlover : oh you fucking looser, where on earth did you
manage those pics, fuck she is hot!!.... get more dude, you are killing it..
ohhh God, she is worth the money …
Jboy : i know, I'll get more soon.
----------------------------------
“Gia, I gotta talk to you, come over asap”
“sure becks, I'll be there”
----------------------------------
“mom, I dnt know, I really dnt know”
“Gia, baby, its alright, i'm here , right here don't worry, its ok.. stop crying darling”
-----------------------------------
“Please have a seat Mrs. D ‘Souza”
“Officer, my
daughter!!!!.. please help us”
“Mrs. D’ Souza, I have
seen the clips, and the place seems vaguely like your daughters room, could we
check your house”
-----------------------------------------
“Gia, there are some pictures of yours on the internet, I saw
em as george was going through them, you are changing and all and in some
places ..mmmm … without clothes, and that’s the reason why everyone is taunting
at you back at college…”
“But becky, why would I even????… that looks like my room???..
why would I put up such pictures…???”
“Gia, tell your mom, my cousin is with the cyber cell, he will
help as well”
-------------------------------------
A web cam was found oddly placed near the ventilator on the wall,
which was connected to the opposite room, which was used by Gia’s brother, Jeffrey D’ Souza.
---------------------------------------
My brother gave me the best gift ever, saying that she threw
herself off the chair with a cloth holding her back to the ceiling…
Happy Raksha Bandhan
Dead Lust
Their bodies were entwined in rhythms of passion;
They did not hear her muffled scream, or her approaching
steps…
She waited for them to stop,
For him to look up and see her,
Standing, with pain written across her face…
He failed to notice the cold that was spreading over, as the
warmth was all he felt…
She couldn’t touch him or tear him away from her.
She stood there demented.
She wanted him all for herself...
She couldn’t bear the sight of him touching someone else...
She slid past him, and breathed the cold air onto his lover…
His lover felt it more than he did, and excused herself, to
go to the washroom,
Only to realize that she did not possess her body anymore.
She was thrilled to have taken his lover’s body
She felt rage and passion, one which she never felt before,
And threw herself in his arms,
Her passion aroused his feelings,
But scared him as well.
She did not seem satisfied; she wanted more of him,
She craved for his body, and suddenly her voice gave her
away...
She laughed and crooned with his body, moving in rhythm
against her,
He was frozen with shock…
He saw her face emerge from that of his lover...
His life froze before his eyes...
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
MERI KAHANI, KISI AUR KE SHABD
“Arey, Shanti ki amma, isse acha aur rishta nahi milega,
Ladka sheher main rehta hai, badi nuakri hai, bada ghar bhi hai, Shanti ki to
lottery lag gayi hai”…
Shanti, was against the thought, of getting married and
having to get settled in the “city”.Bada shahar hain, main kaise waha rahoongi,
waha ke tareeke kaafi alag hai, main kaise , she thought aloud to herself
“Beti, Ghar pe lakshmi aayi hai, tu kyun usse thukra rahi
hai, to kya hua agar who sheher main rehta hai, who to sirf tumse shaadi
katrna chahta hai,samjhi?”
So finally it was fixed, Shanti was to wed the “babu” from
the city, she never saw his picture!!... “tumhe dekhne ki kya zarurat hai, maine
kaha tumhare babuji ka photo dekha tha?”.
It was the big day, she still couldn’t
see his face as it was hid behing a “Sehra”. She blushed at the thought, of the
moment when she’d get to see him, color filled her cheeks.
---------------------------------
“Aey chal, jaldi tayar ho ja, Customer aate hi honge, aaj
koi maal waala mil jaaye”
---------------------------------
“Aapko Blood test
lena hoga, aur phir ek hafte baad report lene aa jana”
---------------------------------
“Arey , Shalakha, Tayar ho ja, jaldi kar, hum late ho rahe
hain” … the woman went on,with a tune on her lips. Shalakha started her routine… She didn’t care
to shower, she’d have to after the day”s job was done.. she draped a bottle
green sari around her feminine frame, while turning around she adjusted her
yellow blouse, she put on matching bangles, she pasted a bindi on her forehead,
and smiled at her reflection, she applied Kohl on those large eyes which were vacant and lifeless.She scraped of lipstick to paint her lips. She completed her
look, by placing a lifeless flower on her long black tresses…She was ready…
“Shalakha, tera regular waala aa gaya,
dekh kaise sharma raha hai.. Pyaar ho gaya
bechare ko, ab iska kya hoga”… she laughed a throaty laugh, and winked at
shalakha..
“Kya saab aaj bhi yaha aaye ho, bas paisa dekar jayega, ya
kuch karega bhi, huh?, bahut din se kuch kiya nahi”… Her saab just looked at
her and smiled…”chal, aaj bi baat karte hain, teri kahani sunne aaya hoon”
“Fillum banayega kya"…she laughed, "chal theeke, aaja…”
----------------------
Shanti held all the apprehensions of a Newly –wed. She could
feel the goosebumps on her arms, when her husband entered the room. He shut the
door behind her, switched off the lights, and asked her to get up early the
next day, as they had to leave for Mumbai
She undressed quietly and went off to sleep, waiting for a
new day.
She woke up at 6am,
to find the bed empty. She checked in the bathroom – Empty. She stepped outside
, she was greeted by her in-law, who handed her a letter. She opened it, to
find a railway ticket, Jaunpur to Cst – dated 14/07/2008, which was 3days later. She searched the
envelope for a letter, but found none.
It was chaotic on the 13th of july…Shanti’s family gathered
at her place, all packing various things for her, “yeh aam ka aachar kaha tumhe
bade sheher main milega?”, “Didi, main bhi sheher main aaoongi”, “shanti, agli
baar jab aaoge, to mujhe who malam le aana”…. She tried remembering all of the
demands, with as smile on her face, somehow, something bothered her, how was
she to know whom to meet at the station? She had never seen her husband, she
rubbished her apprehensions, and ignored the Fear that kept creeping up in her
mind.
Mumbai Chatrapti shivaji terminus main aapka swagat hain,
platform number..... chai chai.....aapka saaman loon kya… kaha jaana hai….the crowd,
the noise, scared her, she kept looking around, not knowing whom to be looking
for. Amid all that chaos… came a Man , in his late 20’s… “shanti bhabhi,
namste, main Amar, Mahesh ka dost, woh office main busy hain, isliye mujhe aapko
Ghar chodne ko kaha hai, aayiye… aapka safar kaisa raha?” .
The conversation went on.. Amar made her feel comfortable,
he spread a brotherly care and warmth around her. She was engrossed in the
sights the city had to offer, along with Amar’s conversation.. After almost an
hour and half, the cab stopped, she looked outside, and was greeted by a Woman,
probably in her early 40’s.
Amar walked over to the woman, and handed over Shanti’s
luggage. “Ekdam nayi hai khalla jaan, Jitna diya hai, usse jyaada le
aayegi”.Shanti looked at Amar, not able to comprehend anything, she looked at
khalla jaan and smiled. “inka samaan andar rakhwaado, Amar”..
“Tumhara naam kya hai?”,Ji, mera naam shanti hai”… Khaala
looked at shanti, “Shanti , to nahi chalega beti, kuch aur sochenge” Before
shanti could answer, Amar came over. He opened the door to enter the cab, “Amar
bhaiyya, who kab aayenge?” , Amar looked at Khaala and laughed, “Bhabhiji. Who
to har din aayenge”.. “chalta hoon Khaala jaan”
“khaala jaan, main kuch samjhi nahin”, “jitna kam samjho
utna tumhare liye acha hai, jao, shaam ke liye tayaar ho jao, main naye kapde
bhijwa deti hoon”. “arey nahin khaala jaan, mere paas kapde hai”, “yaha,
tumhare kapde nahin chalenge, jao, jaise kaha hai, waise karo”
Shanti did not like what was given to her, however, she did
not say anything, and just so that she could please khaala jaan, she wore what
was given. At around 7pm, there was a
knock on her door, she glanced at herself in the mirror, before running towards
the door, she took a deep breath before opening the door. She smiled and welcomed
the stranger into her room.
She was taken aback when he grabbed her, she
hesitated, and then gave in to his hunger. After he was done , he grabbed his
wallet, and took out 6000, and gave her,"Yeh tere liye, jyaada hain, rakh
le”.. she looked at the money thrown on the bed and back at her “husband” who
was dressing up, “aap kaha ja rahe ho?”.. He looked at her and laughed,”itna
acha laga kya main tujhe, Ghar jaa raha hoon, agle hafte aaonga”. Shanti could
not comprehend anything, she looked at him dazed and confused, wondering what
to say next.. “aap yaha nahi rehte?”… he laughed uncontrollably, “ main yahan
kyun rahoon, janeman, randi ghar main paise lagte hain, har din to nahin aa
sakoonga, har hafte aaonga, teri pyaas bhujaane” She sat staring at him, as he
left.
She was startled with another knock at 8:30, she walked over
to open it, expecting her husband to be back, she was met by another stranger who glanced
at her from top to bottom, and smiled, calling out to khaala jaan and saying
that she was worth the money, He forced himself inside the room, and closed the
door. He loved the timid look in her eyes.
Her screams filled the house, Khaala jaan had an annoyed
look on her face. She hated the screams.
At around 10:00,
there was another knock….. and then it continued.
Shanti became Shalakha, not
knowing who her husband was.. she never bothered. She saw Amar , briging in another girl. Her blood was boiling.. she looked at Amar from the balcony, and cornered
him while he was keeping the luggage.
“ Bahut kaam kar liye, mere kamre main aake aaram karlo”, she
said toAmar. He was startled at the invitation, and couldn’t resist it …
-----------------------------
She went to collect her blood report..She was diagnosed with
HIV, a disease common among Sex Workers. Shanti aka shalakha wasnot bothered by
that fact.
----------------------------
Amar stepped out of her room, with a satisfied expression, he
glanced behind and saw a smile on her lips, that smile reached her eyes. He left, not knowing the reason behind her smile…
-----------------------------
Shalakha found solace in Nitin, a documentary filmmaker, who
spent hours with her, talking. She felt like
a human in his presence not like
a piece of meat that she was often treated as…”Nitin, meri kahani to
khatam hui, Abhi aap aapki film banao.. mujhe dikhana zaroor". He nodded and
left.
Nitin came back after 2 years, he wanted Shalakha to see the
movie, and even tell her about the awards it got him.
“tu kaha tha re chikne, Shalakha gayi to kya hua, main to
hoon”…. “shalakha, kidhar gayi?”..” arey wo to mar gayi re, ekdam, 6 mahine ho
gaye, tu aaja, main hoon an idhar”… Nitin walked away from there…
----------------------
Special thanks to,
Mr, ramesh das – for his support
Ms Shalakha - For
pouring her heart out…
"MERI KAHANI, KISI AUR KE SHABD"
and the credits went on ….
Story : Shalakha
Directed by :Nitin Verma
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