Author: Adi Sathe

  • Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Sometimes, a book finds you exactly when you need it most. It feels like a beautiful surprise, making you wonder, was this really my choice, or did fate step in? That’s exactly how I felt when I received a copy of Circle with No Centre in the bookmail. A big thank you to Blogchatter and Notion Press for sending me this review copy!

    When I began reading, I didn’t know what to expect. But the story turned out to be incredibly relatable, and I was hooked almost instantly. I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary fiction set in Europe or the U.S., but Indian stories rarely caught my attention; until now. This book has finally ended my search for a compelling Indian urban narrative.

    From the blurb

    Is life a circle with no single center? It was a restless spin for him―from brief romances to a safe but hollow job to a quiet longing for genuine purpose. For her, it meant heartbreak, then fierce independence, and finally, a passion that lit her every step. Each believed they would keep circling alone.

    But when their paths unexpectedly overlap, they discover a new space―an unplanned center neither saw coming. Within that gentle overlap, old fears soften, and dormant dreams spark to life. Yet real closeness challenges everything they thought they knew: how to protect themselves, how to trust.

    Can two people, each rotating in a personal orbit of past mistakes and new ambitions, learn to revolve together without losing who they are?

    Do we really have a common life, or it’s just overlapping part of our circles with no centre

    This is a quintessential Indian urban tale of two individuals trapped behind emotional walls; shielded by the scars of failed relationships, unresolved grief, or the comfort of stable careers that merely pay the bills. While Gen Alpha navigates dating in an entirely new world, millennials in their 30s are facing a different set of challenges. This story strikes a thoughtful balance between the fast pace of modern life and the deep longing for stability and independence. Coming from a technology background, Deepak skillfully blends elements of modern science, technology, and ancient Indian philosophy to draw insightful parallels.

    Just as we often say there’s a song for every emotion, Deepak laces the story with a playlist-worthy selection of songs that perfectly complement its emotional beats. The narrative flows with a compelling emotional rhythm; taking you through the highs and lows of life alongside the two protagonists. What stands out is not just the strength of the lead characters, but also the depth given to the supporting cast. Khurana delivers a solid punch with well-crafted character arcs, meaningful backstories, and a narrative structure that moves the story forward without sidelining anyone.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: Circle with No Centre
    • Author: Deepak Khurana
    • Publisher: Notion Press
    • Publication year: 2025
    • Pages: 310
    • ISBN – 13: 979-8897247820
    • Price: ₹ 359 (Paperback)

    My ratings

    Story: 4/5
    Writing Style: 3.5/5
    Cover Design: 2/5

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5

    Where to Buy

    Should you read it?

    Deepak Khurana masterfully weaves technology, philosophy, and science into this poignant story of second chances. This may not end up being your all time favorite, but will stay with you for sure.

    If you want more book recommendations, click here.

    This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. 

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

  • Back right after a short break

    Back right after a short break

    It’s been a while since I posted anything here. The past couple of months have been quite a roller coaster. A lot has been going on. I had to move to a new apartment, and the process of house hunting and shifting was no small task. Trust me, it was a real hustle. Things have also picked up professionally. Some exciting projects for my language services are finally gaining momentum. Amidst all this, blogging and creative writing unfortunately had to take a back seat.

    But, it was just a pause. A comma, and not a full stop.

    And now, we are back after a short commercial break

    I was quite consistent with my blogging efforts during the first four months of 2025. I owe a lot of that to the various blogging campaigns that kept me inspired. One such beautiful initiative was the #EveryConversationMatters campaign, dedicated to promoting the mother tongue, organized by Manali and Sukaina. It gave me the wonderful opportunity to translate a piece by one of the legends of Indian literature—Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

    The campaign that truly helped me stay consistent, though, was Season 1 of Blogaberry Dazzle 2025, managed by two amazing fellow bloggers; Cindy and Noor.

    Today, with this inaugural post of Season 2 of the dazzling campaign, I want to thank these two ladies for their constant motivation and support. As I pen this post at the very last minute, I’m reminded of the effort it takes to stay committed through another season. But I’m ready to pick up where I left off and resume my 2025 blogging journey.

    Here’s hoping the train doesn’t get stuck on a siding again for lack of signals; as it’s just starting to pick up speed! Many exciting things are planned for the months ahead. While I can’t reveal much just yet, I’m truly looking forward to what’s coming.

    So stay tuned…

    This blog post is also a part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

  • Along this road || a Hindi Poem | सड़क के किनारे… || हिन्दी कविता

    Along this road || a Hindi Poem | सड़क के किनारे… || हिन्दी कविता

    March hasn’t even ended, yet the sun blazes fiercely in the sky. The scorching heat beats down on everyone and everything that walks this earth. I’m sure I’m not the only one craving a cool shower to escape this sweltering weather. This summer is so intense right from the start that it feels like May already. It reminded me of an old poem of mine, narrating the thoughts of a person walking down the road on a May afternoon.

    सड़क के किनारे…

    मई की भरी दोपहर में,
    जब चलता हु उन तपती मैली सड़को पर,
    मनमे ख़याल आता है,
    कई हस्तियाँ चली होंगी, उम्र से लम्बी इन सड़को पर।

    कई सपने चूर होक बिखरे होंगे,
    इसकी धुंदली सी गलियों के हर मोड़ पर।
    तो किसीने उम्मिद की किरण का हात थामे,
    यहिं से मंझिल की ओर कदम बढाया था।

    किसी मजनूने हसी राज बांटे होगे,
    इसी नुक्कड़ पर अपने दोस्तों से।
    तो कही दूर, सड़कके किनारे, धुल महकी होगी,
    टपके हुए टूटे दिलके आंसूओं से।

    इन्ही गुजरी जिंदगियों को छूता हुवा,
    मै चल रहा हु, मई की भरी दोपहर में,
    अपनी मंझिलकी ओर,
    मेरे ज़िन्दगीके चंद लम्हें छोडकर इसी सड़कके किनारे….
    ~~~
    आदित्य साठे

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

    Read more of my poems here.

  • White fear || Hindi Poem | सफ़ेद डर || हिन्दी कविता

    White fear || Hindi Poem | सफ़ेद डर || हिन्दी कविता

    One winter evening in 2019, I found myself lost in thought, marveling at the infinite possibilities a blank sheet of paper holds. In its pristine state, it could become anything. Perhaps it would be printed upon—a mere receipt in the hands of a shopkeeper. Or maybe, an author would grace it with words, weaving a masterpiece that tugs at hearts. A child might scrawl across it in chaotic innocence, or simply tear it into fragments.

    I can’t quite recall the moment when this quiet musing turned into an unsettling fear—the fear of placing my pen on paper. A thought crept into my mind: “The instant I make my first mark, I am erasing every other possibility this blank page could have embraced. It will forever bear the identity of a poem—nothing else.“

    That very thought took form in a Marathi free verse. I have already shared on my blog. Recently, I have been sharing translations of my poems. Today, I bring you Hindi translation of शुभ्र भीती. I hope, I have done justice to the essence of the original.

    शुभ्र भीती

    मला ना, पांढऱ्या शुभ्र कागदाची फार भीती वाटते.
    भीती वाटते त्यावर पेन टेकवून पहिला काळा ठिपका ठेवायची.
    अनंत शक्यता उराशी घेऊन असते त्याची ती शुभ्रता.
    आणि त्यातल्या किती तरी शक्यतांचा एका अर्थाने मी खूनच करतो,
    ज्या क्षणी त्यावर मी माझा पेन टेकवतो.
    मनातून कविता पाझरत असते अगदी अवखळपणे, शब्दामागुन शब्द,
    ओळींमागुन ओळी.
    पण मन मात्र धजत नाही त्या कागदावर उतरवून ठेवायला.
    चुकून हातावर शाई आलीच लिहितांना तर उगाच वाटत राहतं माझा हात जणू त्या कागदाच्या रक्ताने माखलाय, कारण…

    कारण, मी खून केलाय त्या अनंत शक्यतांचा माझ्या पेनाच्या एका ठीपक्यानी.
    म्हणूनच मला पांढऱ्याशुभ्र कागदाची फार फार भीती वाटते.

    —
    आदित्य साठे

    सफ़ेद डर

    मुझे, सफ़ेद कागज़ से बहुत बहुत डर लगता है।
    डर लगता है जब मैं सोचता हूं उस पर कलम रख कर पहला काला निशान लगाने से।
    अनगिनत संभावनाएं अपने में समेटे होती है उसकी सफेदी।
    और जिस पल मैं उसपर अपनी कलम रख देता हु, मानो उनमें से कई संभावनाओं का मै खून करता हूं।
    मन में कविता मानो झरने जैसी बह रही है, सारे शब्द एक के बाद एक जैसे मानो कोई लड़ी लगी हो।
    पर हिम्मत नहीं होती उन्हें कागज़ पर उतारने की।
    गलतीसे अगर हाथ पर स्याही आ ही गई लिखते वक्त,
    तो बेवजह लगता रहता है, के मेरे हाथ उस कागज़ के खून से सने है, क्यों के…

    क्यों के, मैने खून किया है उन अनंत संभावनाओं का मेरी कलम के एक निशान से।
    और इसी लिए मुझे सफ़ेद कागज़ से बहुत बहुत डर लगता है।

    —
    आदित्य साठे

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

    Read more of my poems here.

  • Rain and You || A Hindi Poem | बारिश और तुम || हिन्दी कविता

    Rain and You || A Hindi Poem | बारिश और तुम || हिन्दी कविता

    Rain and you || बारिश और तुम

    It’s not even April yet, and the heat is already scorching. The sun feels like it’s blasting its flares at max settings. This always brings to mind poet Saumitra’s lines from one of my favorite poems:

    ऊन जरा जास्तय,
    दर वर्षी वाटतं…

    – सौमित्र (अल्बम: गारवा – १९९८)

    On days like this, when the heat is relentless, all you can think about is a cooling shower of rain. And with the thought of rain comes an inevitable flood of memories—some filled with joy, others tinged with pain.

    Today’s poem takes me back to a time when I was experimenting with Hindi poetry. That sweltering summer inspired a collection of ‘rain poems’ in Hindi, and this is one of them. Hope you enjoy it!

    हर पल जब असमान से कुछ बुंदे मेरे उपर गिरती है,
    दिल के किसीं कोनेसे तुम्हारी आवाज आती है।

    मेरा गिला बदन तुम्हारी यादोसे मेहेकता है,
    मानो महिनोसे झुलसे हुए मिट्टीपे पेहेली बारिश गिरी है।

    कभी बिजली कडकती है, और मै भी थोडा कांपता हू,
    मेहसूस करता हू, जैसे तुम कांपके मुझसे पिहली बरसात मे लिपटी थी।

    तुम्हारा गीला बदन, अभिभी मुझपे ओढे इस खिडकी मे खडा हू,
    रासोईसे आती गर्म कॉफी की खुशबू आज भी तुम्हारेही पसंदकी है।

    खुले खिडकिसे कोई बुंदे जब मुझ पे आंके गिरती है,
    तो दिल की किसीं गेहराईसे तुम्हारी आवाज आती है।

    —
    आदित्य साठे

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

    Read more of my poems here.

  • Jaddojahad || a Hindi poem | जद्दोजहद || हिन्दी कविता |

    Jaddojahad || a Hindi poem | जद्दोजहद || हिन्दी कविता |

    Last month, I shared the story of how my collaboration with my friend Snehal began. Our collaborative journey as artists started with the inception of our desk calendar series in 2021. In that post, I included a Hindi translation of a free verse I wrote for the 2022 calendar, रेखांकित शब्दांकित २०२२. That same calendar features another beautiful painting in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. This artwork sparked my thoughts on the concept of duality and the internal struggle of whether to embrace it or resist it—thus, द्वंद्व (duality, as in conflict) was born. Today, I wanted to share with you a Hindi translation of the same, titled जद्दोजहद. I hope you enjoy it as well!

    जद्दोजहद is the second translation I am doing for the wonderful Blogaberry Dazzle community. Your guys were very kind in your feedback on खिड़की. It was truly motivating and I couldn’t resist trying my hand at another one.

    मराठी कविता

    द्वंद्व

    एक अथक द्वंद्व सुरू आहे माझ्या मनात.
    अगदी अनादी काळापासून.
    संघर्ष आहे तुझ्या माझ्यातला,
    की कळत नाहीये तो आहे माझ्याशीच माझा.

    सतत दिसून येतं डावं ऊजवं.
    जणू बसलं आहे लावून स्वताच्याच पाठीला पाठ,
    संवाद तोडून कुढतं कधी मनातल्या मनात.

    कधी कधी जेव्हा डोळे उघडतात तेव्हा विचारावंसं वाटतं.
    हेच द्वंद्व सुरू आहे का तुझ्याही मनात?
    ~~
    आदित्य साठे
    ०९-१०-२०२१

    हिन्दी अनुवाद

    जद्दोजहद

    एक जद्दोजहद चल रही है,
    न जाने कब से इस दिल में।
    क्या पता ये झगड़ा है, तुम्हारे और मेरे बीच का,
    या फिर है ये विवाद है मुझ से ही मेरा।

    ये दाया, ये बाया हर वक़्त नजर आता है,
    मानो एक दूसरे की ओर पीठ कर के खीझते बैठे हो।
    कोई बात नहीं, जैसे मनमुटाव हो।

    कभी कभी खयाल आता है,
    जब नजर घूमती है तुम्हारी तरफ, के पूछ ही लूं तुम से।
    क्या यही जद्दोजहद चल रही है, तुम्हारे भी दिल में?
    ~~
    आदित्य साठे
    ०९-१०-२०२१

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

    Read more of my poems here.