Category: English

  • Shogun: Race to be the Supreme…

    Shogun: Race to be the Supreme…

    I just finished the third book of 2017, and I know its long way to go and reach the goal of 100 books. James Clavell had done a great job of keeping me bound to his first novel of the Asian Saga “Shogun” and not picking up some smaller book. Shogun is set in Japan of 1600. It’s huge book to finish it in a week or so, At-least for me. But it took me on such an amazing historical journey of the feudal systems of Japan.

    Shogun is the story of first British naval pilot Blackthorne, who is able to reach Japanese shores. It takes us on his journey of getting sucked up in the race for power in feudal lords; Daimyōs; of Japan. European conflict between Anglo-Dutch and Spaniards-Portuguese lobbies also keep influencing the storyline as the arrival of Blackthorne threatens the existing setups of Portuguese-Spanish establishments and their trade lines with Asia. The book is full of plot surprises as everybody knows politics and race for power are never straight forward businesses.

    He had managed to weave the triangular conflict between Catholics, Protestants and Buddhists terrifically in the plot of the novel. Many times, characters face the dilemma about putting faith or liege lord at first place.

    He manages to make us travel all the distances, across the country, by sea, by road, through mountains, makes us stay at the huge castle. As the story starts inching towards the climax, it’s almost abrupt ending. If we consider the whole excitement he had built up for the climax, it just drops you down from the cliff and our historical journey ends with a sudden halt.

    I would give the rating of 3.5/5. He looses 1.5 just because of this abrupt climax but the book is really classic read. Please do read it. You can grab your copy from following

    – Amazon
    – Flipkart
    – Bookstores near you

  • Together and happy

    It ended up being a long Friday at work. Rakesh was frustrated as he missed his date with his wife. They have been looking eagerly forward to it and planning to make it perfect. He cursed the most important client call for this and left for home. He had not seen Kavita so disappointed even in their 7 years of togetherness. They both have been so busy with work lately. They were not able to find the time for each other. This date was the salvation of that longing and this long client call screwed it up entirely. He was feeling guilty after he listened to her feel so disappointed.

    It ended up being a long Friday at work. Rakesh was frustrated as he missed his date with his wife. They have been looking eagerly forward to it and planning to make it perfect. He cursed the most important client call for this and left for home. He had not seen Kavita so disappointed even in their 7 years of togetherness. They both have been so busy with work lately. They were not able to find the time for each other. This date was the salvation of that longing and this long client call screwed it up entirely. He was feeling guilty after he listened to her feel so disappointed.

    He was fearing the empty look on her face. She was mature enough to understand that his call was an important one. Somehow, he managed to finish the call and get in the car. There was nothing fancy like candle light dinner or some pub night planned for the date today. It was his idea. He had planned to make it cool. They were going to head to the beach in the evening. Long walks on the sand were her favorite soul searching recipe. Sitting behind the wheel, he was lost in finding the way to break the void in her mind. The beep on his phone brought him back to reality.

    “Get home soon, something is waiting for you.” His heart missed a beat. He knew that the sooner he gets over with this, the better it will be. ‘7 year’s of experience is really a good teacher’. He turned the ignition on and put his foot on the pedal. ‘Better don’t think about what are you going to get at home. Focus on the road’ Rohan from his minds-palace cautioned him. He drove home silently without his routine driving playlist.

    He parked his car in the garage. He took the stairs to reach his floor. Keys in his hand froze in disbelief, the door was wide open. His living room was lit with dim lights from candles. He was ‘stunprised’ by Kavita’s gorgeous avatar in a black evening gown. Their favorite corner window was all set with cushions, coffee and copies of their favorite book for ‘buddy reading’. She had taken a step forward to their salvation of the lone times. He eased from the cease of surprise. He dropped his bag and keys and almost ran to her and pulled her into his arms. Their eyes met, lips smiled as they were genuinely happy.

    ~~~

    Image Credit: Internet

    Linking this to Blogchatter Prompt- Because I am Happy

  • 2017 a new start

    Starting a new year is always tagged along with resolutions. Mostly they fail as you enter the second month. It takes a lot of determination to stick to the plan. I am no exception for this failing resolutions. Maximum I was able to carry on was for 25 books out of 100 books challenge. I think adjusting to whatever is unfolding is basic human instinct.

    I know, I am late for this post. People do plan things about the upcoming year in December of the earlier year. It’s better late than never. This year I am planning for three things.

    A jar of happy things,

     

    ever eluding 100 books challenge

    and, write 104 pieces for my blog… twice a week.

    I just wish you all will enjoy this journey with me… and have fun-full 2017

  • Wanderer

    My whole day was busy in riding through the city traffic for work. My body was demanding it’s regular dose of caffeine badly. As I was approaching my favorite coffee shop in the city, I heard an amazing tune on ukulele coming from the cafe. That day, I saw how ‘joy’ looks like. His hands were moving swiftly on the ukulele’s strings. People had gathered around him and were drenched in a pure bliss of the music he played.

    He was dressed like a perfect wanderer. He had a long beard, and his long hair were tied in a man bun. He was wearing a loose t-shirt and shorts.

    That day, I understood what  ‘being high on music’ is. He was totally unaware about everyone being engrossed in his music. He didn’t bother about the applause and cheers he got.

    I pulled up a chair near one empty table and joined the crowd. Soon the rhythm got into me and I began tapping my feet. I almost forgot about my body’s want for caffeine. His tempo was increasing every passing moment. Everyone was in a trance. Everyone’s mind got filled up completely with the nectar of happiness. His music reached the summit and he paused, against the wish of the wanderer inside him.

    The crowd in the café cheered and applauded for the amazing atmosphere he created through his soulful music. A girl from the audience offered him a drink but he politely refused it.

    He understood that it was now the time to put the ukulele in his bag and leave. Aloof from the overwhelming happiness he created for his audience, he turned his back to the crowd and set off on his path. Even though the music he created left a mark on people, Mr. Wanderer left creating some delicious ambiguity!

  • The Gift

    Yeah, you guessed it right! It is really a very special day. That’s the reason behind my dressed up avatar. Otherwise, I would have been sitting with bunch of others. But, Sumit came in yesterday. His arrival was announced by the ding of the small bell attached to the door. We paused our talking and checked the door curiously. He came in and spoke something with the manager. It must be the reason for him being here amongst us. The manager directed him towards us and said, “for her with love” section. He was searching a gift for his ‘one and only’. The occasion was their first anniversary.

    He started walking towards us but was acting like a child in a toy shop. Confused about where to look and what to enjoy. The credit goes to our manager. He has done his part of stocking the store with a huge variety of items, which someone can gift to their loved ones for their special occasions. Our manager has smartly put our section at the end of the shop. One has to browse through the entire collection before reaching us. He must have decided about at least 20 gifts for his friends and family for their upcoming birthdays, festivals, etc.

    He reached us. I can feel his curious yet confused eyes scanning us. He was looking for something very specific. I am sure he must be having a clear idea about what he is looking for. I have seen many Romeo’s buying gifts for their Juliette’s. Every new recruit from the college nearby comes here to buy Valentine’s gift for his or her’s “someone special”. But only 2-3 successful heads return next year. However, Sumit was different. His love was tested and proven by 3 years of dating. One year of courtships and now he was about to celebrate his first anniversary tomorrow. His eyes were looking for something very special. Close to his heart. Probably very significant for their relationship. While scanning through shelves he glanced over me. Soon I could sense the glint in his eyes. But it took a couple of seconds for him to feel it. Yes, his attention moved back to me. A smile emerged on his face and the decision was made.

    With the signal from the manager, I was picked up from the shelf. They dressed me up in this adorable box. He paid and we left the shop. Sumit had taken all the efforts to keep me a secret for the special moment. I think he must be a very good poker player. He concealed his excitement and joy under a mask of a typical husband who forgets all the dates and prepared himself and me for the final surprise.

    ~~~~~~
    I am writing this post towards #Blog&Celebrate contest by Novemberschild

    ~~~~~~

    Image Credit: Eryn

  • The Sticky

    The Sticky

    It’s me, The Sticky, who is the reason behind keeping the bond of love and care between Neha and Sumedh strong. They can’t even greet each other on weekdays. But I do it for them on their behalf. She brought me in this Flat No. 701 of Paradise apartments some 9 – 10 months back. It all started when Sumedh got his promotion letter. A year’s hard work had paid off and gave him good hike in the package, but it also put him on rotating shifts.

    Tension rose up initially as they had to adjust to this new routine. Not able to spend the time with loved ones was taking a toll on the fun and joy they used to have till then. They started having fights over small issues. Suddenly it struck to Neha and enter, me, The Sticky. It was some routine weekday, they had their usual mix of tension and fight over some nonsense issue on WhatsApp. When she came home, he was sleeping. His meal was untouched.

    She relaxed at home, had her meal, plated for him and put it in the oven. Pulled me out of her bag. She had thought about this while leaving the office. She had pitstop at stationers and picked me, some color pens and some fun stickers. On one part she wrote big ‘sorry’ with sad smiley face and put it on his mobile screen. Another said about the meal plated for him, another part of me was talking sweet things to him from his coffee mug. She finished the last one with ‘XOXOXO’ and stuck it to their photo frame.

    She changed and went to bed. She started the dialogue in a new way. When Sumedh woke up on his routine time and checked his mobile, Neha said sorry to him from the note. He got up and turned on the coffee machine in the kitchen. He pulled the mug from the shelf which was saying how important he is to her. It also hinted about the love they share since the day they met for the first time. He had his meal after heating it in the oven when Neha told him about it. He couldn’t stop himself when he saw the hugs and kisses she left for him on the photo. Engineer in him picked up the pen and put the( )^2 around those XOXOXOs. And sorry note took place on Neha’s screen as he walked out for his share of work.