The House That Spoke.

Source : http://www.the-network.co.in/

Zuni Chopra, daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, launched her Debut Novel 

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The House That Spoke, today. The book was released by Mrs Nita M. Ambani at Crossword, Kemps Corner.  In conversation with Zuni Chopra was the very young and talented Zaira Wasim who played the role of young Geeta Phogat in the recently released movie Dangal.

Also present was author Amish Tripathi.

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The House that Spoke, published by Penguin Random House, India,  is a kaleidoscopic tale that reimagines Kashmir with the colors of magic .

 It is an intriguing mix of the fantastic and the real set in Kashmir. Zuni has dedicated this book to Kashmir, and has done so by sharing her Kashmir adventure in the form of a fantasy novel. A fan of Lewis Caroll, Zuni is among the writers who believe in sharing their imaginative fantasy world through words of wisdom.

In her delightful introduction to the book, Zuni reiterates that her story had originally been set in London because the house that inspired the story was in London. However, she decided to give her narration more innate dimension and purpose. So, she moved the novel’s setting to Kashmir instead, a place where her father grew up and she has been visiting since childhood.

The author explained that through the novel, she wants to show the readers that Kashmir is more than just the turmoil and there is more magic to it.

Speaking on the occasion 

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Mrs Nita M.Ambani shared, " This evening fills me with nostalgia that brings the memories of Zuni 's childhood. I still remember the shy ten year old Zuni unveiling her first book - The Land of Dreams.  Zuni is  a true wordsmith who has won hearts of many people by her innate ability to express her imagination through words.

Actor  Zaira Wasim added , "Zuni you are a true inspiration and a true talent that needs complete admiration".​

Welcoming the guests to Crossword Bookstores, were CEO Kinjal Shah and his team.

​About Author

Zuni is a fifteen-year-old author and has published two books of poetry. She is the daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She comes from a true-blue literary lineage- the acclaimed writer Vikram Chandra is her maternal uncle. Zuni delved into the world of writing at the age of 10 and has carved a niche for herself just like parents.

You are needed!

You maybe a child in this big world & think of yourself as 'too small' or 'too powerless' but you are needed!

You maybe a member of third gender & the world may get irritated by your mere presence, but you are needed! as you have been blessed by Lord Ram with power to bless others.

You maybe a struggling actor , spending hours at prithvi café waiting for your next assignment, laughing and interacting with strangers, you are needed! as in life all of us are strugglers, we struggle with different issues each day but may not handle it the way you do , you are an artist as the way you handle yourself itself is an art, that art we should learn from you.

You maybe a teacher or someone who runs an NGO, but you are needed! as you enable less fortunate human beings lead meaningful lives.

You maybe a tailor, but you are needed! As all of us are not as good as you are, with needle & thread.

You maybe a business man or a business woman, you may try & make it or end up breaking it, but you are needed! as we find courage in your endeavors.

You maybe someone, they may call you by some name, you maybe doing something in life that I do not understand, but you are needed! cos you & I are the same, we look different, dress differently, but we all experience the same things in life, sooner or later!

(Based on few books that I have read & general observations)

Where's My Story ?

Author = Tulika Dubey
Target Audience = Young Adults.

The story is primarily about Prerna, who is a small town girl and wants to prove herself in Life. She joins JNU for education and starts living in a hostel.

For someone who has never been to JNU, the book gives us a sneak peek into the world of JNU.

Hostel life at JNU provides her an opportunity to be independent and play with her options in life.

The story is about life in a hostel, relationships that are formed and broken based on ones needs and perception of Life. 

The book has lesser than 200 pages and is a refreshing read. 

Available on : Amazon/ Flipkart/ Ebay .   

The Man Who Made Me

Ganapati Bappa Morya !!

Category: Fiction

Gross pages: 62 

I'm always happy to read a book that is less than 100 pages long.

The story is about 'Snigdha Patil'  a journalist who joins 'Mumbai Saga' organization & is asked to interview the elusive ‘Deepa Kulkarni'

She finally gets in touch with Deepa & discovers that contrary to her belief, Deepa's life journey has had her share of thorns .

Deepa is a dreamer who leaves home to realise her destiny .  
Journey towards Destiny is often lonely & a difficult emotional battle, it takes courage to walk the path which will lead to your dreams. 

Search for Destiny can sometimes break relationships (family / friends) , which makes the journey a difficult one because family support is important in the long run ..

Major part of the book is a conversation between Deepa & Snigdha. It feels like you are reading someone’s personal daily journal ..

An interesting fact that comes out from this book is the importance of a guru, a teacher, a mentor who guides you in life & helps maintain your balance. Hence the title of the book 'The Man *Mentor* Who Made Me' . 

Entrepreneur's are often dreamers, Snigdha finally quits her job & starts her own venture.

The summer road trip

The summer road trip

The bright alluring sun had set itself high in the sky. The shimmering rays had filled the atmosphere with a fresh aroma of early summer. I could feel the summer breeze flow past my window which spread the scent of happiness and joy. I and my family were at the dining table ready for breakfast, when grandfather announced in his loud and clear voice, “we are going on a road trip!” everyone’s eyes lit up and with an amazing zeal we cried out, “ROAD TRIP! “

My mother and all my aunts packed some light snacks and other necessities...father and all my uncles got the mechanical things fixed and the car ready...I and my cousins packed some games and ball...

My grandparents, three cousins, two aunts and uncles, mother, father and I...were all set for the trip!

As we drove by, I gazed at the trees alongside. The trees looked green and golden, some were yellow too. The vast mountains were covered with dense dark green and huge trees... we sang songs, shared jokes, played ludo, ate pancakes and then rested for a while. After resting grandfather and grandmother sang together their favourite song, it was a delight to hear them!

We all were soon on the top of a small hill. We stopped just for a while to admire the place... The sky seemed like an endless patch of light blue velvet spread all over. This part of the green ground, especially the hill... it was covered with huge trees. The trees were short but, large. Each tree possessed many interconnecting branches at the top, which gave it an effect of a web. They all had a pastel green shade, some were sea-green too. The sun cast its pale yellow light from between the trees, which poured in like a rain of needles. We could not feel the actual heat. Instead, light breezes blew across. They carried the scent of soil, dampness, forest and earth.

We got back in the car. We descended the hill down. On our way we crossed the countryside, it was quiet pleasant as always!

After an hour or so, we were back to town. The same tall buildings, railways, markets, crowded streets and noise.... we reached home with rather sweet and everlasting memories! The day had been ecstatic! Quality time with family is the best time.... in this time we can share stuff, have fun, learn things and enhance relations with better communication!

At night all I could smell was smoke, mist, petrol, the city smell! I compared the scent to the countryside and the hill which was, damp, forest, fresh and pleasant... so much NATURE like!

-Gauri Kadam        

The Gift

The Gift

It was the night before Christmas. All the houses were decorated with lights and reeds, bells and flowers and not forget Christmas trees! William sat near the window playing with the buttons of his shirt, his eyes shined hazel in the light of the fire, from the fire place below the mantle.

“Will! Will…have you packed the presents?”  Asked Mr. Heronoald, the owner of the house William lived in. William Carstairs, young gentlemen of 16 years. He worked as a servant or rather a care taker for James Heronoald. James or Jem was the son of Mr. Mrs. Heronoald. Jem was a small boy, 10 years of age.

Tonight was Will’s last night with the Heronoalds, because Mr. Heronoald was shifting to China with his wife and his son. Will had been working for them since 4 years. He had to leave school because his parents died in an accident, when the poor boy was only 11 years. That’s when Mr. Heronoald found him. He gave him food and shelter and encouraged him to continue his schooling. Mr. Heronoald had always helped him financially and morally. Mrs. Heronoald was no less than a mother to him. Will had always been protective about Jem. He loved him as small brother.

Over these years Will had developed a special bonding with the Heronoalds, though he was their servant…they never treated him like one. The thought of going away from them was very agonizing. Sometimes the horror of this thought threatened to overwhelm him and plunge him down into a bottomless darkness from which there was no return. Will wondered about how he would live his life without the Heronoalds. Mr. Heronoald had already arranged a small apartment for him and a job to earn his living. But, he was going to miss something very important in his life…now he would not have to clean and polish Mr. Heronoald’s coats…he would not have to drop and pick Jem from school…he would not have to look after Mrs. Heronoald’s rose garden…now there would be no one he could play with, no one to trouble him, no one who would give him hand knitted sweaters every winter, no one who would help him in his studies…

He just sat by the fire… though it warm in the room he felt peculiarly cold, he was pale with moist eyes…soon all these memories rolled down his eyes in the form of tears. He heard someone clomping down the stairs, he quickly wiped his tears off his face and took on a stoic expression, while the Heronoalds came down for dinner.

The room was well decorated with lights, flowers, bells, the Christmas fragrance of the candles filled the room…it was all Red and merry and vibrant!

But, they all seemed impassive, the dinner went on without a sound… all of their hearts were filled with sadness and agony, Mrs. Heronoald could not hold back her emotions but, she just winced…Jem and Will had dinner together in one plate…Mr. Heronoald  just smiled at them.

No one slept well that night…the night seemed cold and long, Will knew this will end at some point and then the rising sun will mark the departure of the Heronoalds from his life…

The next morning Will waited patiently at the entrance, to bid his last good bye to the Heronoalds. The Christmas morning, was the morning where Will usually got his gifts from them…but, today no gift could bring him that joy which would help recover his deep sadness. Mr. and Mrs. Heronoald walked out wearing gray and black. Jem was dressed in a navy blue shirt and light gray trousers. “It’s time for your gift, Will”, said Mr. Heronoald with a smile, Will managed to smile a little. “I and Rose have thought about your gift a lot, and we came to the conclusion that…” he stopped abruptly… “Your coming with us Will car!!!” echoed a cheerful voice, which was none other than Jem!

Will was overwhelmed with joy, his happiness had no limit! It seemed as if everything was perfect and was going to be even better than before… “Come join the family my son!” said Mrs. Heronoald with the biggest smile she could give! And pulled all of them in a warm family hug…

This was possibly the best gift ever…the greatest gift anyone can get… a FAMILY! You know, that they will always be there for you, no matter what…they support you in your bad times and celebrate with you in your good times! A gift you treasure forever…your family :)

-Gauri Kadam

Rainy Weather

Rainy Weather

Tessa leaned against the window, her nose pressed against the glass “I hate damp weather” she exclaimed to herself... she looked expressionless, staring outside hoping for the sun to come above the horizon again!

“Tessa, will you do me a favour?” her mother’s voice echoed from the kitchen.  “Yes, mother” she replied. “Dear get me some meat, spring onions and oyster sauce from the market” ,her mother said impatiently. “Mom, I hate the weather” Tessa winced in despair. “Please Tessie... aunt Harriet’s coming home and I ought to make something special” her mother sounded pleading. “Okay!” she finally agreed.

Tessa put on her gumboots and took her umbrella. The basket in one hand and the umbrella in the other she marched out of her house.

The sky was dark blue, pale grey colour. It smelled damp and muddy, moss grew over many old houses as she walked by... a chilly breeze blew past her, it made the hairs on her back trickle and her fingers tremble. She pulled her overcoat a little more close to her body. She looked up to see, a greying sky that arched overhead, threatening rain... “I thoroughly despise this!” she said with an awful expression.

She was soon in the market place. The hustle-bustle, the crowd, Smell of meat and fish. The market seemed damper than ever...Tessa was probably going to slip over the wet road but, her strong gripped boots were her saviour!

The sight of the market never fascinated her but, today it seemed different... people moved here and there holding vividly coloured umbrellas! The rain seemed like dew drops on the vegetables, it made them look more fresh and new... for the first time she noticed the market place so keenly...

Tessa bought the required ingredients and her way back home. She could smell damp-soil, earthy scent, trees, mud... everything rain like! As she walked by her gaze fell on something, as she looked at her side she saw wild flowers blooming. She neared them to take a closer look... they were tiny and white with deep green leaves. The rain drops that rested on their petals seemed like crystals! The big trees that had dry leaves in summer... now bore a whole new batch of leaves, brighter and greener than ever!

She got home, gave her mother the listed items and hurried to her room. She opened the window and let her hand out to feel the rain... the raindrops that feel on her hands trickled her fingers. They were cold and wet, she loved it. The rain had its own soft coldness, she thought... its own dampness... “Damp weather isn’t that bad!” she grinned to herself.

-Gauri Kadam