This is a
story; albeit I would say a different one, of a boy named Aradhaya. He’s
compelled to return to India from Oxford, where he is studying, due to sudden
demise of his millionaire parents in a car accident. By nature and by age, he’s
naïve, not-so-mature, quite emotional, and vulnerable. Tricked by a game played
by one of his relative, he gets married to Devyani, a crook, who manages to
escape taking all his cash and jewelry in acquaintance with her leman/husband.
Saddened by this betrayal, he tries to seek solace and crave for motherly-love.
Circumstances lead him to a woman; Sambhavi Rajgopalan, thirteen years senior
to his age and driven by his craving, he falls for her. Then a different story
begins.
Merits:
The book can
be divided into two parts – First; Language and the literature. Second; the
story and the plot.
Taking the
first part first, I would say that Gaurav Sharma has an absolute mastery over
English language. In this novel also he’s used his best narrating the story
inculcating almost everything – emotions of love, crush, infatuation, betrayal
and sacrifice by using adequate and proper metaphors, adjectives etc. Inclusion
of heart touching poetry at different intervals has made the book quite
different in terms of language and literature. Kudos to him.
Now the
second part – the story and the plot. The story is different, distinctive and
unconventional. Dealing with such a subject is difficult and I congratulate him
to dare in taking up such an offbeat tale.
Demerits and
areas of improvement:
The story is
also plotted into two distinctive parts. Whereas the first half deals with
Aradhaya’s search for love in Sambhavi and in Meera both, the second half is
dedicated to his project he’s taken to prove his mettle as challenged by
Sambhavi. Since there’s no mention of Sambhavi and Meera in later half but last
two chapters, the story seems to lag behind from its course and this is where a
disinterest develops in the reader.
The
protagonist is yet to mature mentally, as his feelings swing between Sambhavi
and Meera, who’s supposed to be the adopted daughter of Sambhavi. Falling for
an older woman is fine but falling for her daughter at the same time is
somewhat I found awkward (Page No.52).
Aradhaya
joins the college at Pune to do research in English literature under Sambhavi
where she’s HOD in English department. Taking the subject of Meghdoota written
by Kalidasa for research in English literature didn’t fit well into the plot. Had
he taken Sanskrit subject for research and had she been HOD of Sanskrit
department would have been appropriate. The writer has not clarified whether he
completes his research or moves from there without it.
When challenged
by Sambhavi to prove himself on his own, Aradhaya goes to Shyamal Taal where he
decides to do something for the welfare of local poor people. And, he does that
by investing the money earned and left by his father. He almost does nothing to
earn even a single penny by putting his own efforts. His contribution is
limited to taking a decision to invest his inherited money. Subjecting him to
vigorous daunting tasks showing him starting from a scratch would have
justified the theme.
The cover of
the book needs to be reworked. The body language of the boy looking at the lady
doesn’t express that he’s in love with her. On the contrary he seems annoyed
and to attack her anytime.
Quotes I
liked:
‘The ceiling
was neat but I was toiling to recognize figures in the marks left by brush
strokes.’
‘The
sunshine is invisible. It can only be felt. You can’t grab it. Love is like
sunshine. Just feel it. Attempting to capture it will only sadden you.’
‘Sex is not evil until it remains under the reins of love.’
My take:
The subject of love and sacrifice in love has been unfolded
well in this book. Keeping in view that no book is perfect, I recommend this
book for upgrading one’s vocabulary and English as a subject. It’s an
unconventional story and not a cup of everyone. Only serious readers will enjoy
it. I, certainly would like to read more from Gaurav Sharma’s pen.
Rating:
Story :
2.5/5
Plotting:
2.5/5
Language: 5/5
Literature:
5/5
Overall :
3/5
All the best
Gaurav for your future endeavors.
Rajeev
Pundir
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