Book Review: The Girl Who Kept Falling In Love - Not your usual love story!

One fine day at Champaca Bookstore, I found this book, The Girl Who Kept Falling in Love. Catchy enough to pique my interest, I brought it home. The die-hard romantic in me didn’t touch it for three months, waiting for the right moment. Then one day, I skimmed through the blurb. That was it. It was time.

This is no regular rom-com. I realized that right in the first chapter. But was I disappointed? Not at all. The book felt like that cup of chai you have after years of coffee addiction, and suddenly you’re left wondering why you ever gave it up in the first place. There were many moments where I caught myself thinking, this is what I’ve been wanting to read all along, I just didn’t know it.

Book Review: Sita's Sister (Kavita Kane) The Forgotten Enchantress in Ramayana

"Will deserting your wife and serving your brother make your more noble? Then, let me hate you for that. Let me hate you for the forthcoming fourteen years-that endless chasm you have driven between us" 
(Sita' Sister; Kavita Kane)

What would you do if your husband chooses his brother over you? 
How will your bear the pain of being left out by your husband at a completely unfamiliar place? 
Why should you wait for 14 long years for his return when he did not love you enough to leave you?

Book Review: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness - Or Is It?

It was in the summer of 2003, I read God of Small Things and fell in love with it instantly. Ammu, Estha, Rahel, and Velutha became a part of me and the novel set standards for my choice of books for the years to come. Even after 10 years of reading it, I clearly remembered every instance, character, and even some dialogues. (I first heard of Elvis Presley from Rahel and how the shrub 'communist pacha' got its name in Kerala). Nonetheless, I was smitten by the plot, characters, and even the picturesque Meenachal river through GoST.

Coming to this summer of 2017, I finally bought the book and read it all over again. I could sense the difference I felt as a teenager and now as the middle-aged woman reading it. My take on the entire incestuous relationship and even the moral conflict in Ammu-Velutha relationship had changed drastically. 

Book Review: Glitter and Gloss

Book: Glitter and Gloss
Author: Vibha Batra
Price: Rs.147
Genre: Romance

Synopsis:
Meet Misha, an aspiring make-up artist with some major identity issues. Her beau, Akshay, is an Indian version of Christian Grey (sans the kinky part, of course). The novel is all about how they fall in love in the most clichéd way and how their love surpasses all the (quintessential) hurdles that happens in a love story. 

Review
Though the novel at times look like a direct rip-off of 'You are Here' by Meenkashi Reddy Madhavan, featuring identity issues, divorced parents with a bohemian lifestyle, dick-head exes, a smart-ass bestie, and weakness for rum; the similarities end in the first half - and that's when the story attains a soul of its own. 

Book Review : When the Signal Turns Red

Book: When the Signal Turns Red

Author: Jayanand Ukey

Price: Rs. 175

Genre: Romance

Synopsis:

Girish Khedekar, the protagonist in this novel is just out of college and all set to join the numero uno IT Company of the country. He is in love with Prajakta Chitre who is also on her way to join an international IT giant. They plan to build up a good career before letting their families know about their relationship. Unexpectedly their families get involved before Girish can join the company. However the couple manages to convince their parents and their engagement gets fixed. Unfortunately their world turns upside down when recession strike upon the IT sector and Girish and Prajakta lose their jobs. Rest of the story deals with how Girish manages to get a grip on career and how he manages to get Prajata’s hand in marriage.

The Dark Holds Some Secrets

Source

When I woke up, all I could see were darkness and a little red light flickering at a distance. I frantically spread my hands and searched for Anu Chechi. I could feel the pillows and bed sheet next to me. 

‘Chechi? Are you here?' I whispered; panic rising in my voice. Some angry crickets and nocturnal birds chirped. I felt a chill down my spine when realized that I am alone in the room.

"Please sleep next to me, I am so scared of dark, please", I had pleaded to her for which she sweetly replied "Trust me dear, I will not go anywhere, I will be right beside you" and hugged me tightly. 

But she had broken my trust; she has left me in this dark and went somewhere.

It Is Easy To Let Go!

Source

“Am I bad?”, she asked in a shaky voice without looking at me. She was lying in the couch since last night and had been sobbing and ranting. I really didn’t know how to console her. It is true that she has been my roommate for almost two years but I am yet to understand her completely. 

It is not that she is mysterious or has hidden secrets. There is something unique about this girl that makes the guys drool over and girls envy. And here she is back from a night out, still in her stilettos and backless top, crying frantically over a heart break for the first time in her life.

There Is No Second Chance

Source

My baby had fallen asleep. They say ‘to sleep like a baby’ for a reason. It is indeed a blessing to sleep like her; oblivious to what is happening around her. But I know she will wake up and pounce on me with many questions. Innocent doubts, blabbering, silly question, but too complex to answer!

The bus has reached a long way from where we started and it was getting crowded. We got a window seat in the end. Far away from the chaos of the bus and its commuters, tucked inside our own space where we can communicate freely. My husband was sitting somewhere in the front, next to an old man listening to his gibberish talks. Time and again he looked towards us, nodding his head asking if we are fine. 

Where Miles Cease To Exist!

Source

I have always wondered why my journeys always seem to be endless. It is not just the destination, routes or the purpose; it is the journey itself that remain incomplete. I could feel this each time I get down from a train or bus after a long journey. This sense of void sticks to me even if I am with family, friends or even when I travel alone. I was prepared for the strangling emptiness this time too. Books, music, landscapes, nothing can comply. And this journey is going to be more tiring and long since at the destination my loving and caring husband is waiting with a bouquet or perhaps some chocolates to receive me, we are going to be together after seven months.

And Hours to Sleep Before We Reach...

Source

Don’t be amused if you find a beeline of vehicles on the Trivandrum-Nagercoil highway starting right from Karamana. Traffic blocks have indeed formed an indispensable part of our life but sometimes you just can’t resist the temptation to scream at our road authorities. Especially during mornings when the last thing you want is to reach office one hour late.

It may take a long time to see our renovated ultra modern bus terminal at Thampanoor but don’t be disappointed. There are many bright coloured low floor buses that completely mesmerises anyone reaching there. Take an air conditioned bus to Kaliyikkavila and realise how we can squander our precious time at traffic blocks and do nothing but sulk!

An Ode to the Remorse

Source

Is it broken promises or broken hearts?

Infidelity; no more a forbidden fruit.

It was happiness that formed a blanket around me

And I could feel my body feeling hot

In a matter of time I was drenched in sweat.

Is it your love or wedding vows that choked me?

Sshh... It Happens...

Source

I could hear music everywhere. The city was vivid with everyone preparing for the upcoming Navarathri festival. This is my first year in Chennai and all this preparation is new to me. In Kerala we do celebrate the festival, not with this much fervor. It is a simple function celebrated completely at home and at temples. But here, the celebration is everywhere. Each one of the shop is crowded with lively souls buying things for Ayutha pooja which was the very next day. The pavements were packed with energetic vendors selling out Navarathri special goods.

Isn't It The Same Always?

Source

“If you are not interested in what I am talking, say it frankly”, I was beginning to get irritated seeing his cold replies.

“Why do you always judge my expressions wrong, I am listening to you, for heaven’s sake!” he retorted.

We were sitting in a bus and I didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention.

“Please, keep your voice down! Why are we fighting?” already the girl sitting in front of us was eavesdropping.

“I didn’t start a fight; you are the one who always judges me wrong”.

Celebrities and Their Love for Platinum Engagement Rings

Source

Many people tend to imitate the trends and styles set by the celebrities and this is the same with engagement rings. 

Celebrity engagement rings are a hot source of inspiration for new and innovative engagement ring designs. The platinum engagement rings are the popular trend this season and it is quite easy for non celebrity couples to adapt it in their own distinctive style.

Enjoy Free Wi-Fi At Airports By Protecting Your Connection

Source

You are into business that requires frequent travel across states and continents. While taking your business class flights, you would surely require keeping a track of your work progress. 

Thanks to technology; now you would not be lost in the ongoing business process as there are many technological innovations. Yes, this means internet and Wi-Fi. For many business class travelers, airport authorities are adding free Wi-Fi high speed internet access as an amenity. Usually the access is limited to specified terminals or waiting lounges while there are some places where there is access in the entire airport. Besides many airline line clubs provide their own free access.

If You Are, So Am I...

Source

I suddenly woke up from a pleasant dream with a jerk. 

I could hear the rustle of utensils from kitchen, and the rhythm of grinding coconut. 

When I got hold of the mobile phone and checked the time, it was barely 5.30 am. Wonder why mom is awake so early! 

I have to leave at eight thirty and this is too early to start cooking considering her expertise and speed.

Wearing a Cocktail Dress; What Not To Do!

Source

You are planning to wear a dashing cocktail dress and would surely want to make the heads turn with it. 

The dress would definitely add a sense of class and style for your personality. During the cocktail party, you would surely don’t want to come across any hitches in the attire. 

Here are certain things that you should not do while wearing a cocktail dress.

The main attraction of cocktail dress is that it allows you to make a remarkable fashion statement. It offers you the chance to become the center of attraction during the event. Hence it has become necessary to keep in mind certain things before you set out for the party.This is a mistake generally committed by everyone. It can be a challenge for every girl in a sexy cocktail dress as she has to manage her legs properly. You need to be more conscious while talking a seat with the position of your legs. This is important because if it’s not proper, you would end up revealing too much.

The Radiance of Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Source

There is indeed something about a rock on your finger that shines no matter which way you may look at it. 

The sparkle of the engagement ring would outdo your smile if it is a radiant cut diamond. 

The beauty of the radiant cut is that they offer both a unique style and classic sparkle. Moreover it is available in multiple shapes so that there is no need to settle on round or rectangle. Since there is a number of shapes available, couple would find it difficult to land on a decision. The possibilities would seem endless with the array of settings available.

Weight Loss Programs For Women With PCOD

Source

Studies reveal that one out of four women has Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and weight loss has been suggested as a first line treatment. 

Even though they have been constantly told by their care providers that they must lose weight, overweight women with POCD find it really difficult to bring in results. 

The nature of the very disease is weight gain and this conspires against them by making the task without a solution. There is no one shot, however, weight loss center would make the aim more attainable. 

I Am What I Am!

Source

I am just an ordinary girl.

I am down when i lose

And I envy others when they win

I throw tantrums and i may cry

And often; I back bite.