Search Results

July and August have been reader friendly months, a time where every book I read, I read with sincerity, chomping down word after word. Before this period, I was very blog-centered and the reviewing, book blogging and bookstagramming had created a muddle in my mind. To me, reading is a very private hobby, I enjoy it and I love the intimacy of it. For example, 'Harry Potter', which is of course a worldwide phenomenon, but back when I was a wee little reader I believed that Harry Potter - so precious to me, existed only in the recesses of my mind and was my magical world alone. It was a rude shock to realize that my blissful bubble was actually privy to a billion other minds, other minds claiming to be as blue-blooded as me and some more vehemently so. I was shattered, how could my Harry and our world be a part of so many other lives? Surely, I was the only one who felt so deeply connected? Anyway, I eventually got over that cranky phase and started celebrating Potter with the rest, but the point being, that the recent events of blogging - the task of writing about books that I read, constantly updating and being on a schedule to read-review-write started feeling intrusive. The books I picked up during that period felt forced, like I was reading merely to fulfill my blog duties. But then that's what this blog is all about isn't it? How can I chicken out of my own book blog? It's laughable :D. My inference is that, of course I will keep writing, but without a timetable block in my head, without the baggage of trying to keep up, without feeling the need to churn out interesting content. With ease in my mind and breeze in my face, I will write about books, social issues that catch my fancy and the occasional cheesy sleaze too. Right now, after spacing out for 2 months I feel a lot of energy to write such a lengthy gibberish as an introduction , but it feels great. So now, without further ado allow me to blow the gaff on the books that I was huddled up with all this time. 1. The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh Genre: Historical fiction. The Ibis Trilogy is a 3 part book series - 1st - Sea of Poppies; 2nd - River of Smoke; 3rd - Flood of Fire. Plot: The Year is 1838, the East India Co. has cemented itself in India. The company is building its strength and filling its coffers by exploiting the opium cultivation in India. On one end, the Indian soil is forced to grow only cash crops, on the other end China is being force-fed opium. India is too deeply subdued by the EIC, the freedom movement has a good two decades and more to take off, and China fears the safety of its people. The EIC straddles between the two lands, forcing one to grow crops while forcing the other to consume it. It is a battle of wills that culminate in the opium wars of 1839-1842. While the premise is the mighty backdrop of power struggle, the story is told through the lives of a cohort of characters, all hailing from these three countries. Their paths eventually cross on the mighty ship the 'Ibis' - the vessel intended for opium passage and this is where the drama unfolds, resulting in tumultuous repercussions felt across the length and breadth of the book. Each individual and his actions spawn a legacy for generations to come. My Take: If it isn't already evident by the amount of loving detail with which I surmised the plot, then let me make it clear, this is a book that simply cannot be avoided. Historical fiction + Love story + Insane character arcs + 100% sensible and addictive narrative. The writer, Amitav Ghosh has penned a saga, an epic. His lucidity and word prowess is enough to hook you from the first word and will keep echoing even after the last page has been turned. A story that takes on a massive historical subject but details it via the tales of this motley crew of a cast, each with their own deeply human stories. A tale of their greed, passion, cunning, love and hope. I recommend: A TV mini series or web series be made on the 'Ibis Trilogy'. A visionary director + the right technical team + Amitav Ghosh himself writing or aiding the screenplay + a cast of solid performance oriented actors + a trusting and selfless producer = 3 brilliant seasons of web series! This one will be talked about for ages. 2. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh Genre: Historical fiction Plot: The immediate days following the brutal partition of 1947. Set in a fictional village - Mano Majra lying on the Indo-Pak border near present day Punjab. The village far-removed from the politics and the freedom struggles was a place of idyllic peace, prior to the Independence of both India and Pakistan. A small village with only 3 buildings - a gurudwara, a mosque and a Hindu moneylender's house, all three adjacent to each other, sharing the same compound walls. Surrounding the buildings are small huts and catchments of the villagers who identify themselves as Mano Majran's. Until, the partition forces them to bring forth their religious identities. What was previously unimaginable becomes the reality as neighbors turn foes. What and how do the bewildered villagers of Mano Majra do amidst such frenzied violence is the story. My Take: A fast and easy read. Although this deals with India and Pakistan's history, the story is above politics, it is about human emotions and what one does or does not do when faced with horrifying adversity. And though, this particular story may be an imagination of the writer, it is obviously inspired by true events and it is not hard to imagine what the people in that time and situation felt. Just imagine, their daily life was not any different from ours. And to be displaced, killed and violated because of the instrumentation of powers beyond their reach and control, with which they had absolutely nothing to do is how senselessly chilling it was. Read the book, to once again witness the many follies of the erstwhile British empire. The trains which, ironically is considered one of the many boons of their rotten rule, became the actual vessel for the scene of carnage and passage of the dead bodies of millions of innocents. 3. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami Genre: Fictional Romance. Plot: Toro Watanabe is now 37 years, but certain incidents of his past still have the power to occasionally jolt him. The novel is a flashback of his recollections of the years of 1960s in Tokyo, when he was in his late teen and early twenties. A time when friendship and love blossoms for normal young adults, but these two emotions are exactly what mars Toro's life. The death of a friend and the constant coming to terms with the reality of it, and his newfound feelings of love for his dead friend's girlfriend form the crux of the story. My Take: Although projected as a love story, this book is more that just that. It is a story of the coping mechanism of people who have been subjected to harsh circumstances and realities. Through Toro and his memories, we meet individuals each with their personal baggage. What remains to be seen is who succumbs to the pressure and who emerges wounded yet unbent. It is a story of will and courage. Though harrowing and sad in parts, it is also rich in its description of emotional complexities, the human frailty and the jumble that is life. The book has a reverse effect, though it delves so deep into sensitive issues, by the end you come away feeling cleansed, it is as though Toro's journey sweeps you along and liberates you with him. It is a very easy and straightforward read - realistic and relevant. Like this story? Follow Shrutopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on the links given below, for more bookish content, and sign up to get all latest updates delivered straight to your mailbox! Happy Reading!

My last delivery consisted of 10 books and a Hogwarts T-shirt to boot. After strutting around in my latest Harry Potter memorabilia (credits: 'Souled Store'), I finally settled down with my new stash. I've finished 2 books and I'm itching to the spill the beans on them, because they were both bombastic, to say the least. So, here's a blow-by-blow analysis of the high's and low's from: 1. Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody with William Hoffman Genre: Non-fiction. Based on true events. Plot : An American woman marries an Iranian man, they have a beautiful baby girl and all is well!...um not quite. Well, all was well while they were closeted in U.S.A. but then, one day, husband dear plans a family vacay to Iran! Yay! Because that's definitely on everyone's Go-To list. Anyway, our protagonist, Betty, goes ahead with it and off they set for Iran. Once in Iran, as the 2-week vacation is drawing to an end, we sense things are amiss. Husband dear has totally different ideas in store for Betty and their daughter Mahtob. A new side of Dr. Moody comes to light and it is one that horrifies Betty. Will Betty and Mahtob return to America after two weeks? Or does Moody & his family have other sinister plans laid out for them? Review : Drop everything you are doing, including reading this and just go buy, order, borrow, steal, etc. your copy of 'Not Without My Daughter', because this is a phenomenal book. A story that grabs your attention from page 1, and just keeps getting better and better. By the end, you will be on the tenterhooks, grappling with your nerves about Betty and Mahtob's fate. The writing is tightly paced and does not ramble with unnecessary litanies. Bear in mind, this is a narration from an American's point of view and from a time when America and Iran were at the height of tensions, therefore the story does shed ill-light on Iran and Iranian lifestyle in the beginning. However, as Betty progresses, her initial rejection and hatred mellows and softens. After all, she realizes her true enemy is her husband and not his country. This is a read that is educational, enriching and true to its core. You will feel the characters and their emotions deep inside yourself. That is how much credit goes to the writer, William Hoffman, who lent his literary genius to Betty's voice and produced this magnificent book. Don't be surprised if you find yourself rooting for the burkha clad-clan or the 'chador' as it is called in Iran. 2. I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Genre: Autobiography. Plot : Marguerite, also know as 'Maya' or 'Ritey' is an African-American girl. Maya and her elder brother Bailey, are brought up alternatively by their grandmother in Arkansas and their mother in California. The book chronicles her cultural and ethnic experiences as a black in America. The story is entirely dedicated to Maya's childhood, her trials and triumphs, her relationship with her grandmother, mother, father and her beloved brother. That basically, is the entire premise! Review : Delightful! When I began this book I didn't know that it was a 7 part autobiography, I assumed that its just one book and that's it. I'm very glad that it is not, and that there are 6 more parts left to this incredibly human story. Human, I say, because of the utter normalcy and regularity with which Maya narrates. You feel like it is a raw reflection of your own insecurities, beliefs, the far-fetched fantasies and stories that you thought to be true when you were an innocent babe. A story of the complexities of a childhood with the added pressure and social atmosphere of anti-black racism, that was in America in the early 90s. Despite the color black, being a strong character in the story, it is ultimately not just about that, it is much more. It is a poignantly mundane tale, filled with anecdotes of instances that define childhood and the unique way in which each child deals with it. A tale about the delicacy and impressionability of a young mind and the resilient courage that one possesses in such huge measures when one is but a child. A causally refreshing writing style, laced with local lingo that grows on you. Can't wait to read part 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7! Like this story? Follow Shrutopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on the links given below, for more bookish content, and sign up to get all latest updates delivered straight to your mailbox! Happy Reading!

Idealism vs. Realism, Dream vs. Reality, Crush Expectation vs. Crushed Truth... Oh, How many times have we built sandcastles in the air, only to be poof-poofed back to the harsh solid ground. How many times have our rose tinted glasses been smashed into a tiny million pieces? Why? Why did we set the standards so high against which no mortal man can measure? These are the men why! From ever, we have been listening, watching and reading about the fantasized alpha male. The perfect specimen, whose attributes have been compounded a 100 times over in our chemically hyper-charged brains. Thus, rendering us incapable of accommodating any lesser being. These near perfect men are the reason why... Here are 15 Demi-Gods who pop up in my head whenever I dream of the perfect man. Hold tight 'cause this ride will sweep you right off your feet. 1. Mr. Darcy, Pride And Prejudice "You have bewitched me body and soul and I love, love, love you." - Mr. Darcy. Honestly, this dialogue should have been in reverse. I mean, Liz was great and all! But can you just contemplate that face and those lines...Forget the face, that character! Was Mr. Darcy for real? He loves ardently and selflessly, who does that? I cannot wrap my head around him and my heart will just implode, so, let's just make it definitive that Mr. Darcy is the beginning and the end of all lists ever made. 2. Jaime Lannister, Game Of Thrones Cock-sure, Arrogant, Self-assured, Over-confident, Vain...who doesn't like these qualities in a guy? Just Kidding, while any one of these dreamlike qualities would have been an instant turn-off in a normal human, in Jaime (my middle name is Gold) Lannister, they shine like the sapphires from Tarth. He is arrogance personified and it works ridiculously well for him! And if looks could cut, sigh... 3. Aragorn, Lord Of The Rings Pure. That's the word I feel when I see Aragorn. Pure-heart, noble intentions, deadly warrior and a painfully loyal lover. He is the King who is content to remain in the shadows, but when nobility pours out every orifice of your being you cannot cover it up for long, "Set aside the ranger, become who you were born to be" - LOTR. Viggo Mortensen sure lent his rugged charm to Aragorn. But the character in himself is so heartrendingly glorious. No wonder he was so popular among the ladies of Middle Earth. 4. Karna, Mahabbharata The original tragic hero. Oh, the number of misfortunes that this warrior has been dealt with in a single lifetime! Forsaken, Avowed, Cursed and Insulted. An identity kept in secret, a soul that roamed its life tortured and confused, the epitome of sacrifice and charity. It's like his story is the fire and us the moth, drawn inexplicably to the sadness of it, Sympathy, empathy, pity and above all a strong attraction to the doomed archer. 5. Hector, Troy Hector, the humble elder brother of Paris, who cared for his sibling like a father for son. Hector, the handsome, when you fell at the hand of Achilles you broke a million hearts. Hector, the brave, the faultless, why is it that the innocent are always the first to fall? Hector... 6. Robert Langdon, Da Vinci Code Look at him! Casually suave, surrounded by his books. If intelligence could have its own party, Professor Langdon would have been its chief guest. With him, we traversed the historical depths of Italy, Paris and Venice. He made geekiness hep. And how about his total contribution in making a Mickey Mouse watch the coolest accessory forever?! 7. Severus Snape, Harry Potter Another tragic hero! I can't get enough of them! Who knew that he was nothing but a man in love? Who all were sobbing and in denial after coming out of the Pensive in the final book? Of all the revelations, to know this, that a character you lived with for 7 Books, who everyone assumed was the villain! Was actually the true hero...The Hero who did what he did for his love. And please do not forget 'Unrequited Love'. Alas... 8. Tyrion Lannister, Game Of Thrones I maybe small but I am the biggest differentiator in the kingdom of Westeros. Tyrion Lannister, not everyone is about the looks (although he has a roguish appeal to him), it is about the wits and sense of humor! Without Tyrion, GoT would have been, I don't know I can't fathom. His presence up-jumped everything 1000 times over. Peter Dinklage, Hats off! You are one sexy man! 9. Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter Classic case of cute kid flowering into a total bombshell. Who would have thought? Neville Longbottom! The chubby, fluffy slipper'ed, flowery pajama'ed, toad clutching, stuttering baby boy would explode into this thing, this hot potato right above! He even started overshadowing Harry's popularity in the later movies! 10. Odenigbo, Half Of A Yellow Sun If you haven't read 'Half Of A Yellow Sun' yet, go read and then come back. Odenigbo is a Nigerian caught in the war between North and South Nigeria. He is a professor, who organizes the intellectuals of his community against the opposing faction. A true Alpha male - strong family man, who saves the community from devastation. This character radiates energy and reassurance that calms you. He radiates solidity and dependence and needless to say a lot of heat waves too ;) 11. Tom Riddle, Harry Potter Excuse me, I am not talking about Voldemort! In fact there is not going to be a list of redeemable qualities here, actually no qualities at all! But just an appreciation for the young Tom Riddle and his good looks, good looks Aaaanndd good looks! Total doll. 12. Amahl, Not Without My Daughter Disclosure: This is Rob Morrow (actor), the reason I have used his photo is because I could not find any picture of Amahl, and in my mind he looks as close to Rob Morrow as in this photo. F.Y.I, Amahl is a real Iranian male who I was introduced to in the book - 'Not Without My Daughter'. A discreet businessman who enters Betty's life while she is trapped in Iran against her will. He is like an angel from heaven, who rescues Betty and arranges for her to flee illegally from Iran. In an alien land where everyone is enemy, he was the embodiment of virtue and trust. The best part is, they are not even romantically linked, just a man trying to do the right thing! (of course based on true events). 13. Rhett Butler, Gone With The Wind He loved Scarlett and that destroyed him. 'Gone With The Wind' is epic in its proportion, the lead - Scarlett O'Hara is the most conflicting character I have come across. You love and hate her, and so did Rhett. The mysterious, charming gentleman who rescues Scarlett from her self-destructive path, only to be destroyed himself. He is a man who can make you feel completely protected and completely vulnerable at the same time. For ladies who get a kick out of the unexpected and the unpredictable, Rhett Butler is the perfect recipe for one hell of a scary but thrilling ride! 14. Jacob, Twilight Team Jacob or Team Edward? I'm not a sucker for vampires so it's Jacob for me. And hands down, the best time Bella had in the books was in New Moon minus Edward. Jacob and Bella became homies, he was her go-to guy who could cheer up her sullen moods with his natural humor. Plus, it can't hurt to look at that ripped physique :D 15. Abdullah, Princess Series Princess Sultana's Princess Trilogy is not your average Princess book. It is the real account of her life as a Saudi Arabian Princess chronicling the horrors that she suffered, despite being a royal (female royal) in a sexist society. But what am I talking about? Where's the sex appeal in that? Hold your horses, because our Princess in the second book gives birth to her son Abdullah! And Lo Behold! He is the answer to Sultana's lifelong struggle against the toxic masculinity in her society. Sultana raises a gallant and soft young Prince, who proves, that even in the harshest of deserts can a rose bloom, if tended with care. Prince Abdullah is caring, emotional and sensitive and a royal in the truest sense... F.Y.I. The man in the photo is Prince Hamdan of Dubai (the real Prince Abduallah's photo is unavailable, as is his real identity, for his own safety. But, I took the liberty to imagine that he would look exactly like Prince Hamdan...What a charmer!). Pheww..to just write about these supercalifragilisticexpialidocious men was an exhilarating exercise! Like this story? Follow Shrutopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on the links given below, for more bookish content, and sign up to get all latest updates delivered straight to your mailbox! Happy Reading!

The nation-wide clampdown declared that only essentials can remain open and if only essentials can remain open, the rest are automatically deemed an extravagance. In our previous normal, the definition of luxuries and essentials were very different, little did we know that in a short span of time all norms would be redefined. And, although norms are slowly being restored in several parts of the country and the world; what with the re-opening of football leagues, of restaurants and several other luxuries that we simply cannot live without, yet somewhere the beginning of this pandemic has signaled the end of many indigenous crafts and shops. It would not be fair to blame it all on Covid-19, which is but the last linchpin that fell hard on the already crumbling foundations of many endangered businesses. Businesses, that were already threatened by the explosion of social media in the last 5 years. Social media is the like the new Mafia on the block, drilling down on physical presence, chomping up wood and stone and spewing gigabytes and data-bytes. My particular concern, which is slowly bubbling up into a panic, is what about books? What about bookstores, libraries, street book hawkers? What about the gazillion book shops in the world that I haven't even visited? Will I ever be able to make it? Or will they all do a 'Strand' and shut shop? 'Strand' the iconic book shop in Mumbai, frequented by Prime Ministers, celebrities and Scientists, which weathered everything since 1948, only to shut in 2018. It's death was a brutal blow dealt by the internet. Recent events compelled to make shake off my book complacency. Until Covid struck, I had never ordered a book online or read any E-Book for that matter. For me, the library, book stores, local hawkers and on last resort the Crossword, sufficed. Now, as I live in Mumbai and the restrictions are sky high, I had no choice but to turn to Amazon. I felt like a cheat. And when delirium almost got to me, I thought, I really need to marshal my energy and make sure that the fate of Strand is not inflicted on any other store. Beginning with Bombay, here are 10 finds that book lovers must, must, must frequent! 1. Kitab Khana, Kala Ghoda Look at that entrance! It gives the feels of the Hogwarts library. Epic in size, staggering with the shelves of books - latest and rarest. You can easily get lost in the rows and alleys of this book city. 2. Bargain Book Hut, Kala Ghoda You'll get books at prices slashed half over here! If you are a bargain shopper with a love for deep discounts head over to the Bargain Book Hut. 3. Sterling Book House, Fort All your digests, entrance exam books, competitive guides, magazines. Every educational book fix will be solved here! 4. Wayword & Wise, Fort I was taken in by the name itself. What a clever alliteration, so memorable. Why couldn't I come up with something half that witty for my blog name? Just kidding, but seriously, the collection here is so unique, you will be hard pressed to stop yourself buying almost every other book you lay your eyes on. 5. Title Waves, Bandra A book store + a cafe + a merchandise store. You can browse, shop, eat and spoil yourself silly! 6. Trilogy, Bandra A book store cum library. You will be engrossed in their special collections all day, not to mention the eye-candy chic interiors. 7. Ensign Book Stores, Khar Once again! What a name! A no frills stall, that wouldn't normally catch your eye, but once it does you'll be riveted. They have a knack for stocking up on quality books by solid authors, which more than makes up for the lack of an aesthetic storefront. 8. City Book Centre, Andheri Oh prices! Low Prices! You'll have a whale of a day shopping here. Imagine good books + great prices! A dream come true for all shoppers. Also, for all my Western line friends, Andheri is the ideal location travel wise too. 9. Book Lovers, Andheri A shop that is serious about books and only books. You'll find that no thought has been given to having artsy walls or a plush decor, but all might is lent to stacking the most diverse books. Also regional and Indian literature lovers will be very happy here! 10. Granth Book Store, Juhu Location - check, Storefront - check, Decor - check, Jazz music - check, Coffee - check. Wait, what about the Books? Check! Check! Check! Pick out a cool book while being serenaded to soft music, sip coffee and amble along enjoying the Juhu Tara road view, you could later stroll on to the beach too... Hang in there you all! And get visiting as as soon as we are unchained, who knows we might even bump into each other at Kitab Khana (by the way, my favorite). Like this story? Follow Shrutopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on the links given below, for more bookish content, and sign up to get all latest updates delivered straight to your mailbox! Happy Reading!

Young Adult Books is the most beloved genre, from budding teens to grown ups, everyone likes a piece of this cake. And cake it is! With an easy narrative and a racy pace it makes us all fall for it hook, line and sinker. For me, this genre will always be reminiscent of the years spent at my boarding school. Bursting with the typical teen hormones, involved in girl gangs and bubbling with crushes, the age that singularly defined Y.A. Here's a list of the 11 most memorable books that pop to my mind as I say Y.A.! 1. Sidney Sheldon Let's just say, Sidney Sheldon's books were a wake up call for all emotions suppressed until then. Love, betrayal, drama, murderous plots and a trillion dollar bounty, this was the 'IT' novel at hostel. Everyone wanted a slice of Sidney and you literally had to get in line for him! 2. The Twilight Series How much ever fun we made of the movies and even the books, you cannot deny it wasn't addictive. Stephenie Meyer's style of writing was an instant hook-up. The mysterious town of Forks grabs you from the get go, throw in some vampires and a couple of werewolves fighting over a human girl and you have got your formula to a seller! 3. Meg Cabot Meg Cabot gave us the beloved Princess Diaries and enjoyable though the books were, there were others which were more entertaining. 'Size 12 Is Not Fat' was my favorite, with an unconventional female lead and a dark plot the book was every bit worth the read. I could settle down right now with a bag of chips and read it all over again. 4. Percy Jackson More than anything else, Percy Jackson taught us all about Greek mythology. Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Medusa and the rest of the God Tribe became household names, not to mention Percy and his fantastical adventures which held us throughout the series. 5. Troy I fell in love with Adele Geras' take on the war of Troy, told through the eyes of two sisters who serve in the royal household. The book is an epic rendition of the war through a common folk's point of view, albeit fused with love, passion and heartbreaking sadness. It will remain my favorite telling of the tale of Troy. 6. Artemis Fowl While the majority were gung ho for Percy Jackson, I favored Artemis Fowl's sci-fi world. Artemis and his loyal coterie - Butler and Holly Short had the most technologically advanced adventures. Although, in reality I root for mythology and have no love for science, this was one book where the geekiness gave me a real kick. 7. Linda Goodman This does not strictly fall under the Y.A. genre, yet I can't help but think fondly of it as a part of our blossoming teen years. The 'Love Signs' book would travel hand to hand in the hostel and girls would cloister around, reading expectantly to see if their signs matched with those of their love interests. Oh, the devotion and sincerity with which we hung on to Linda's predictions, sweet memories... 9. Chetan Bhagat Indian Y.A. genre has in a way gained traction because of good old Chetan Bhagat. Diss him all you want, but his books have a simple nonchalance about them that is so relatable to the typical Indian. I loved his 5 Point someone, One Night at a Call Centre and 2 States. Easy reads with a good dose of desi humor! 10. Anne Frank: The diary of a young girl Not your mainstream Y.A. novel, nonetheless, one that we read at roughly the same age as Anne when she penned her diary. The diary was a fresh insight into how a teen felt and behaved like any other, even though she was in the most desperate of circumstances. Ultimately, it showed that to prevail and be normal, when the world has upended, is what being human is. 11. The Fault in our Stars Augustus Waters...that's all I can say. What a weirdly gallant and reassuringly charming character. His funny and intellectual conversations with Hazel are what make up 90% of the book, at times you almost forget that they are terminal cancer patients, And to learn that this heartwarming book has been made into an Indian film with the late Sushant Singh Rajput as Augustus Waters! Makes me feel tragically happy, just like the story. While writing this blog I discovered the titles of many new Y.A. books that look absolutely juicy. India too has been making way for the Young Adult genre, with Ravinder Singh, Durjoy Datta, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and others carving solid ground. This is one genre that will remain popular forever.

While going on about my childhood bookishness on one hand and being noble about race inclusion on the other, I realized I was merely swinging between the distant past and the promised future, forgetting the present. So, what of the present? What book glories have I achieved in the days of now, of which I can share my pearly wisdom? Turns out, I haven't been half as bad. Counting backwards, I did read at-least five books since the lock-down began. Not speedy enough but not a lull either. So, allow me to spill my bookish beans on the 5 that I've finished successfully. Five Down, plenty to follow! 1. Dongri To Dubai by S. Hussain Zaidi Blown away! Is all I can say about this book. Hussain Zaidi, an ex-investigative journalist was exactly how a 'model journalist' should be; daring, intelligent and alarmingly fearless, quite unlike the swarm of faceless cowards that clamor for their 2 bit headlines today. With his passionate rendition of the Mumbai Mafiosi in a narrative that has been painstakingly brought together, Zaidi writes a book akin to a historical data on the who's, who of the underworld. When it comes to the Mafia, tendencies to glamorize and titillate often skew reality, but not with Zaidi. The stories of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, Chotta Rajan and of course Dawood Ibrahim are told with as much accuracy as possible. Nevertheless, you cannot deny the dark glamour and the perilous fantasy attached with these infamous thugs, dons and smugglers of Mumbai. The city herself has been outlined in such loving detail that you'll be enthralled and repelled by it in equal measures. This book has set the benchmark for all Mafia books to come. 2. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin I jumped notoriously late onto this book-wagon but am still proud that I finished all of the 5 books within a month and am now eagerly waiting for dear Mr. Martin to release the finale books no. 6 & 7! For those who are fans or have heard of 'Game of Thrones', this is the book series that lent itself to the creation of one of Television's most popular shows. The books are a huge feat in themselves, to create a story and give birth to characters that would go on to become so iconic is something that the author himself hadn't anticipated when he first wrote, way back in 1996! From '96 to 2020 George Martin has been dutifully crafting one of the most impressionable and ingenious stories of all time. And to think that his last two books are upcoming gives a major rush to all of his fans out there. A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows and A Dance of Dragons have proved the greatness of this fantasy epic, now it all comes down to The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring to make a glorious ending of the saga. 3. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom This was the book my friend Jyoti and I had gifted our college professor, on the occasion of his retirement. Back then, I hadn't read the book, I merely trusted Jyoti's taste and agreed with the choice of gift. Weeks later, my professor called me and in an emotionally vulnerable state thanked me profusely for the book, which he claimed was the best gift he ever got! I was startled and rather touched but still did not bother reading the book myself. Two years passed and one day, while I was at my friend Shreya's home, I saw the same book propped up on her bookshelf, this time I was definitely intrigued. I borrowed the book, read it and let's just say if there is a book that everyone, I re-iterate 'everyone' should read it is 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. A short book with a profound message, it will definitely make us re-think the life we lead. Effortless and full of love. Do not skip this one! 4. Devlok by Devdutt Patnaik Indian mythology and the genesis of God worship has always fascinated me. In India, superstitions are galore especially with respect to religion, most of us don't even seem to realize what we do and why we do, it is just perfunctory. This raises serious questions in regards to the validity of our acts, for which we never have satisfactory answers except to bleat, "It's been that way for generations etc..", Sure there are many beliefs and stories that do not hold water as day and age progress, still many of the ancient beliefs and practices have been meted out unjust condemnation because they've been shrouded in our ignorant superstition. 'Devlok - God's world', is a book that traces the origin of literature and scared texts of India and in doing so it unravels the reason behind our culture and practices, it analyzes the stories and lays bare the truth in a simple and digestible format. This one is a school-book guide for initiating yourself into the abc's of ancient Indian lore and literature. 5. Only Love is Real by Brian Weiss If you are spiritually inclined plus a mushy romantic, then this book is right up your alley. Dr. Brian Weiss, a world renowned psychiatrist has made path-breaking discoveries in the field of spirituality and human lives. His books are an incredible proof of reincarnation and past life regression. Also, they are not your typical info loads, but are simple records of unbelievable experiences which will grip you subtly till the end. This book is an affirmation for all those vainly seeking for love, and might help us broaden our minds to comprehend what the true nature of the word 'love' really is. As I type, I have managed to begin two new books and have realized that writing about them has got me back my reading mojo. Special thanks to my little friend Aaliya for her non-stop requests for a blog on Dongri to Dubai, here you go! Happy Reading.

After George Floyd, the world has once again been jolted into inquiring the concept of racism. Race, what I believed, simply from observing the word, is the wider gene pool a person belongs to and the part of world it originated from. A mere historical fact. Is it a point of difference, as we have been taught and have inadvertently practiced? Is it a meter of rank? I thought not, but then honest probing revealed that even I have been a contributor, a perpetrator and a receiver of racism. Although, I disassociate myself completely from this inhumanity yet these are deep ingrained concepts that in the most truthful and vulnerable moments expose us. Being a colored South Asian, I am just a few shades different than George Floyd then why did I ever presume to treat and be treated differently? I realized my own biased treatment, while curating this blog into clever little categories and self-important genres, I realized that I had no categories for African novels, I had no African authored books (save Adichie's Half of a yellow sun) to boast about, I had not even given a thought to the entire continent that is Africa. Why? I'm sure that their literature and books are widely read and recognized, yet this was a small wake up call for me, that I so claim to be a reader and had woefully forgone an entire race. In my own mini attempt to abhor racism, I have compiled a list of books that I will, for my foray into the African world, read. 10 books I will read as soon as I finish writing this blog! 1. Things Fall Apart (1958) by Chinua Achebe The story of Nigeria in colonial times told through the life of Okonkwa - an Igbo wrestler. A subject that resonates close home, as being Indian we have also had our share of colonialism. Though published in 1958 the book has remained relevant till date and tops all the suggestion lists I found, thus being the no.1 on my list too. 2. Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim Romance is universal and its appeal is so that even differences of language matter not. Just learning that this is a romantic book was enough to get me on board. How different or how surprisingly similar will the culture of love be in Nigeria to India? 3. A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi wa Thiong’o The entire novel spans the 10 days before Kenya got its independence in 1963. The story focuses on the impact of political changes on the locals of Kenyan society. Narrated using Mugo - a hermit as the vessel, the story is a touching artistry about what happens to the ordinary people while leaders and rulers wield their power. 4. The Famished Road by Ben Okri A tale that is juxtaposed between human and spirit world, through the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. A tale of one's choice, of the world one belongs to and the world one chooses. A tale of depravity and a tale of magic. A plot as curious as this was sure to grab eyeballs and its certainly got my vote! 5. The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso Have you ever been at loggerheads with someone all your life? Someone who was a constant pain and for whom you were equally detestable? Meet Hortensia and Marion, two South Africans who've been neighbors in Cape Town forever. Yet even at the forgiving age of 80, they still can't wait to be well shot of the other, until the unthinkable happens which may force them to rethink their relationship. How? Well, even I can't wait to find that out, might as well place the order for my copy! 6. The Wormwood Trilogy by Tade Thompson Trilogies, sequels and parts, oh I love stories that seem to go on forever, because every time I'm about to finish a book I can't help being sad that it's going to end. Anyway, the plot of this trilogy is so riveting that it seems to include everything that a fantasy fiction could have - sci-fi, aliens, human extinction and an unstable government. What more would you want! 7. A General Theory of Oblivion by Jose Eduardo Agualusa Angola got its independence in 1975. And while the nation became unbound, Ludovica a Portuguese expatriate shut herself inside her apartment fearing for her life in the free Angola. She ends up living alone, locked up for the next 30 years as Angola descends into civil war. The story is rife with history and adventure and is a must read, especially in these times. Ludovica's 30 year isolation would surely put our 4 months suffering into perspective. 8. The old drift by Namwali Serpell A saga of 3 Zambian families spanning across 3 generations. A saga of love and greed and betrayal. A saga of business and politics and power. A 563 page novel spanning decades from Zambia's independence to the present and future. I've always been a fan of family driven drama plots that enfold from one generation to the other, takes me back to fond memories of Ken Follet's renditions that were almost always of similar nature. Well, this time we are going to embark on a Zambian adventure! 9. Harvest of skulls by Abdourahman A. Waberi Perhaps the most common knowledge that everyone has about Africa is of the Rwandan genocide. A bloody affair that consumed the lives of a million people. This book was written in the immediate aftermath of the event in 1994. Waberi chronicles the genocide and also covers the tempestuousness that threatened to overwhelm the African continent in those years. 10. Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila Sardonic and sarcastic with dry humor, the book is a huge attempt at showcasing all the institutions that have failed humanity. The never ending stratification and classification that has deluded us into being hollow impersonations of humans. This one might challenge us to re-think what we know about the society and the world. Those were my picks of the first 10 novels that I would explore from Africa, and I'm sure that there are hundreds more that are as brilliant or even better. By the time, I finish devouring these I will be slightly more educated and aware of where next to head in Africa. Until then, as our dear brothers and sisters in Swahili would say goodbye, Kwaheri!

Reading is a habit that is unobtrusively common among everyone from all walks of life. We may or not call our-selves a 'reader' but we consume content everyday via newspapers, magazines, novels, blogs, tweets etc. While I enjoy reading in almost all its forms, my true calling has always been the novels. And I've been proud to be known as a 'voracious reader'. Of late, though, laziness (a common trait in our generation) took over and my book count started dropping alarmingly. Being a self-appointed 'reader', I could not let this lull to drag on. I had to remind myself of the love I held for my books and so, I took a trip down memory lane because nothing gives the feels as a good stirring of the memory pot. Here's a list of the 9 classics that gave birth to the passionate reader in me! 1. The Indian Comic fare Panchatantra, Jataka Tales, Magic Pot, Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, the evergreen classics. Story-telling that was captivating beyond measures, illustrations so vivid and iconic that the heroic image of Abhimanyu wielding his chariot wheel is still imprinted in my mind. I know, The DC world, Archie's, Star Wars, Asterix and Obelix are equally memorable, but our great Indian comics will always hold a special place in my heart. 2. Enid Blyton I had a friend once, who was slowly initiating herself into reading, and I could think of no better book than Blyton's Bedtime stories to gift her. Wonderful, thoughtful and moralistically simple tales which suited the innocence of that age. I still read Famous Five occasionally when I'm in the mood for some Timothy! Anything Enid Blyton and it will make this list. 3. Agatha Christie, A.C.Doyle, Carolyn Keene... Fancy yourself a detective? I began by stepping into Nancy's shoes and quickly progressed to Monsieur Poirot and Sherlock. It was a treat to read about characters so well fleshed, with their unique quirks and talents. Detective crime fiction is a fascinating genre and while today, we have advanced to darker and more realistic tales, the era of Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew gang will always be remembered as the golden period of detective novels. 4. Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen had a huge impact on broadening my limited worldview. With Pride and Prejudice, I entered a patriarchal English society, where the five Bennet sisters were engineering a feminist revolution of sorts. Enraptured by the intelligent Liz and taken in by the lovely Jane, I read and re-read the book. Although, the most captivating character had to be Mr. Darcy, and even before Matthew Macfadyen charmed us all in the 2005 movie adaptation, Mr. Darcy had made his way into my heart. 5. R.L.Stine Say cheese! And die... Goosebumps was in great vogue during my childhood, the bizarre twists and ghostly adventures were all very catchy. I would read the book entranced by its spookiness, all the while on alert for any horror that could attack me from over my shoulders. For people who scare easy the book lives more than up-to its skin tingling title! 6. Roald Dahl I will admit to this, I saw both the movies before I read the books, but that made me appreciate the writing even more. 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda', originality cannot be defined better. Roald Dahl, the genius storyteller, wrote of the inequalities of the 20th century and gave brilliantly magical solutions to infuse justice in society. Each book is a poignant statement, speaking to the vices in human nature. 7. Hans Christian Andersen I sincerely believed in fairies, witches, broomsticks and magic long before Harry Potter even made his debut. Little Mermaid, The Emperor's new clothes, Ugly Duckling, The Snow Queen etc. were my all time favorites, courtesy the talented H. C. Andersen, the master of my beloved fairy-tale genre. 8. Dan Brown Shout out to all those who wanted to become a symboligist after reading The Da-Vinci Code. Dan Brown with his insanely clever twists and explosive historical data gave us one page-turner after the other. Though the most attractive part of his books was undoubtedly Professor Langdon in Harris tweed jacket and mickey mouse watch, didn't we all wish we had such a dreamy prof in our classes too?! 9. J.K.Rowling Where to begin? I can't say my life would have been the same without Harry Potter, and I would like to thank over and over again to J.K.Rowling for having blessed us all with friendship, love, courage and everlasting magic. For me it is never ending as I will keep reading them all over and over again. It's been 32 years now, since Harry's scar last hurt and all is well in the wizarding world. Those were a few of my favorite books that made my, and I'm sure millions of others childhood and hopefully adulthood, magical!

What's new? Usually around this time of the year we would be wrapping up our boards, closing the financial year, taking that family vacation or simply going on with life. So, what's new? It's hardly revelatory to point the obvious, yes corona has unsettled stuff and wrecked havoc putting us all behind walls. So, what's new? Before I bore you with what I assume was a clever rhetoric, I just want to say that there is something about these unusual and unprecedented times that despite its strangeness seem to bring back a sense of normalcy in these ironically abnormal times. Here are 6 reasons which will show you how 1. Time to get physical For those uninitiated in the practice of this ancient exercise, tread carefully, for the Jhadu Pocha (broom & mop) requires the ultimate balance of the mind and body. Training the mind to be oblivious to the sweat gathering on the brow while training the eyes to dust magnifying perfection. Training the body in the Bai pose - squatting and sliding forwards while training the hands to rhythmically move to and fro. It is an exercise that uses every muscle in the body toning it as we swish around. Many of us have reaped the benefits of Jhadu Pocha since the lock-down began, so why not switch over to this cross-fit exercise from our good old gym (which I'm sure you all have heard is not exactly the temple of hygiene). P.S. Jhadu Pocha is just a metaphor for natural physical activity that doesn't require the jazz. 2. Where's the dirt? Times have changed, from observing the 'I can eat whatever has fallen down before 5 seconds' rule to 'No less than 20 seconds hand-wash' rule, humans do have a knack for speedy evolution. Barely a minute before the lock-down we were licking off pani-puri straight from the street vendor's palms to just a minute after lock-down and we were drowning ourselves in 99% alcohol sanitizers. Mobile apps haven't upgraded as quickly! 3. Dunk the Junk It's established - we can all cook and not just enough to survive, but judging by all the showing off that's been floating around internet in the form of apple pie's and Spanish omelette's we can all cook fabulously. So, how about lessening that dependency on ordering-in or hooking up with new cafes every weekend? How about reining in that tongue and taking care of the body? 4. Planet time Look at that sight! So finally the animal kingdom gets its redemption. All our lives we've entertained ourselves by ogling at animals put behind bars. How does it feel, now that the tables have been turned on us? And yet in such bizarre times we continue clicking photos trying to capture the moment while the peacock majestically struts, living in it. 5. Where should I go this summer? We had planned a fantastic trip to the Andaman's post my brother's boards which were to end on the 24th of March so naturally we planned to leave on the 25th. So much for all our pompousness, of course the trip got cancelled, but to have the dates coincide with the date of the first lock-down was too painful to digest. For all those with the same story, learn something from my friend Jyoti here, she decks up everyday and sunbathes cheerily on her balcony, you could almost imagine you were on a sunny island. And for those without any balcony, you know the meme, 'Las Bedroom - South Hall - Los Kitchen' ... 6. We are family We've come a long way, from a world where 'me time' and 'personal space' were on the rise to a world where we are forced to remain closeted with our families. As we stayed together from lock-down 1.0 to 4.0 the 'me time' slowly became the 'us time'. We started bonding with each other like never before, playing old board games, watching all the old classic serials that DD brought back for us, increasing video calls with the extended family, cooking, eating and meditating together...Every cloud has a silver lining and here each day is a family day! These were a few things that have brought out the optimism in us during these strange times. As Albus Dumbledore said, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

Over-sized sweaters, high waist pants, turtlenecks, full-sleeve salwar kameez and floral dresses were some of the classic staples of the nineties. An era of style which was in and out classy. The minimalist fashion sensibilities of the time are also what make it easily adaptable. The current era particularly seems to hark back to the nineties with many of us choosing to reinvent the looks we saw our mothers or our favorite yesteryear icons create. Here are 12 looks that scream the 90s out loud! 1. Denim High waist denim shorts paired with a floral shirt, embroidered denim minis under an over-sized white t-shirt or a pair of classic straight fit jeans; denim can be styled in the most versatile of ways with very little room for a fashion faux pas. Accompanied by the right accessories, like the brown moccasins or the plain white keds sported by these lovely ladies and you've got the look on point. 2. Crop Top From the iconic Rachel Greene to our very own Bollywood divas the crop top ruled the roost in the nineties. It is still very trendy with almost everyone owning some version of it - from the daring bra crop to the bandeau crop or the midriff crop to the navel crop. Even the Indian choli is a form of crop top worn so ingeniously with the lehenga. 3. Prints The 90s were practically bursting with prints. Hawaiian prints, color block prints, animal prints or geometrical prints. Remember the cutesy flower patterns on your jeans or the asymmetrical lines on your t-shirt. The bolder the better and the 90s kids sure did know how to mix and match it all! 4. Over-size Wearing plus sized tees and extra large sweaters were all the rage in the 90s. The loose fit didn't mean being baggy and shabby on the contrary the extra room ensured being comfy and relaxed. The trick was to wear a roomy tee or a large sweater over a pair of leggings or tailored pants to balance the look and keep it fashionable. So size up the next time you go shopping. 5. Co-ords Floral top with a floral skirt? Polka dots running all through the salwar kameez? Wearing matching tops and bottoms was another winning fad of the nineties. The plain white shirt in the picture with a matching skirt and a belt cinched at the waist is the perfect co-ords look for beginners. 6. Slip dresses The slip dress is a fashion choice that is both stylish and economical. It can be worn as it is or over a plain top for a cute and chic look. The simplicity of it is what makes it a timeless favorite. 7. The perm Bollywood was crazy for the perm in the 90s. From Juhi Chawla's natural cute locks to Karishma Kapoor's wavy magnificence, everyone loved the curls. Madhuri Dixit immortalized the frizzy bob as a style statement and all college goers insanely copied the look. Long waves, short mop or the full blown Afro perm, the 90s held no bar! 8. Geeky spectacles Guess who inspired Simran from DDLJ? :D The Simran glasses became iconic after the release of the cult classic film in 1995. Getting that perfect nerd look became the hottest trend in town. Who knew Kajol would change the way we bought our eye-wear, making it a fashion accessory forever. 9. Statement belts A statement belt is a handy solution to break the monotony in your outfits. It serves as the extra jazz to make you stand out. With a couple of them you can even splurge less on buying new clothes and instead elevate the ones you have by wearing a glam belt. 10. Kitten heels Carrie Bradshaw was the mother of kitten heels in the 90s, sashaying down the streets of New York in the famous sitcom Sex and the City. Kitten heels have a quality of nostalgia about them that echoes the 90s, and for those switching over to these little beauties from high heels, you know they make your feet happy! 11. Velvet Velvet is the plushest of fabrics, soft to touch and a bliss against the skin. Remember the sheer crushed velvet dresses and tops sported by Phoebe in FRIENDS, so chic! It's the one fabric I'm glad is back on the block. 12. Blazer and Turtleneck From Princess Diana to Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Aniston; the blazer and turtleneck look was major in the 90s. A look that was effortless and a powerhouse of fashion. This one will be repeated again and again and again. Trends may come and go but style is forever and the 90s were truly a stylish lot. This was a small tribute to the favorite era of fashion - the Nineties. Credits to my mausi, my mother and their friends for their experiments with fashion.

Being confined to our homes for more than a month now, has had us all missing our favorite pastime - hogging outside food. Our social calendars were always planned meticulously around meeting up at that famous restaurant, checking out those new pubs or accosting our area waale pani puri bhaiyya. Now, this seemingly never ending virus has a put a stop to all that fun & frolic, but we humans are made up of an indomitable spirit that cannot be crushed even by the likes of a phantom virus, so we devised ways of enjoying that missing flavor of outside food by donning the chef hat ourselves and voila! The sheer enthusiasm with which previously non-bakers or non-cookers of any sort started baking and cooking fine delicacies was revelatory! Here are 6 such deliciously mouth watering home made creations. 1. Apple Pie Ever since I ate an apple pie 7 years ago at Britto's in Goa, the taste of it caught hold of me. I tried several apple pie's after that at several different places but the taste never lived up to the heavenly bliss of Britto's. When the lock-down began and people started posting an insane amount of pictures of succulent looking sweets and savories that they cooked, I started dreaming wistfully of my pet pie and wondering whether I would be able to recreate the magical flavor of the apple pie that I had once tasted at Britto's. The resulting pie which I baked, though not an exact replica of the original, was still a worthy homage to it. The testament to its taste was that it was finished in one single sitting, not too sugary not too dry, just perfect. 2. Bread! Once you start eating home made bread you'll realize that all you ate before was one stale bread after the other. Whether you ate from your local grocery store or from a high end patisserie,it's naught compared to the freshness of a bread baked at home. The entire process from kneading to molding to baking culminates into a heavenly loaf of bread, rich with the aroma of all things baked, soft and fluffy as it melts into a divine goodness in your mouth. You can eat this bread as it is or bring out all the jam, butter, cheese and marmalade bottles in your house and have a party in your mouth! 3. Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Dahi Puri anyone? I'm from Mumbai and as any true Mumbaikar my week is not complete if I haven't gorged on one plate of pani puri, sev puri or dahi puri, not to forget the complimentary sukha puri at the end of each plate. So, naturally this lock-down was doubly painful for us as we had to endure week after week of not eating our favorite street chaat. During this time, I guarantee every Mumbaikar has made chaat at their homes, and although the flavor that runs through the hands of our chaat bhaiyya was what made the street chaat so delectable, the ones we made at home were also equally tangy and appetizing. Here's to saucy sev puri, crunchy pani puri and drippy dahi puri Cheers! 4. Bread Caramel Pudding Who's not a fan of caramel? It's downright one of the subtlest flavors, light and mellow. Caramel and bread is a favorite combination of lock-down times,with many of my friends executing this simple and foolproof recipe to yummy results. Imagine your favorite french toast with a copious topping of caramel it's like having a warm and comely dessert - smooth, luxurious and delicious. What's not to love and the easiness with which it is prepared makes it hands down a top favorite among all the sweet tooth's. 5. Paneer Lababdar and Garlic Naan Indian restaurants are famous for the 101 versions of paneer (cottage cheese) offered on their menus, and we all have a personal favorite, be it the simple paneer butter masala or the smoky kadhai paneer. The best accompaniment to paneer is undoubtedly the 'naan' (Indian flat bread). Paneer is such that it urges a craving in everyone and is cooked frequently at homes, but as we have ample time on our hands now might as well cook a fancier version of it. Paneer Lababdar is a creamy combination of cottage cheese, rich with thick tomato gravy, infused with cashew nuts and spices. The tastiest way to eat this luscious gravy is to dunk a piece of garlic naan in it and revel in its buttery glory! 6. Lemon Sponge Cake Cake's have been a favorite this lock-down season and while the majority were going the traditional chocolate route, I decided to experiment with lemons, because when life gives you lemons you bake a lemon cake! :D My real interest to bake a lemon cake stemmed from my favorite Game of Thrones character Sansa Stark and her obsession with lemon cakes. When I finally got to it, It turned out to be quite an easy bake. The cake was a delicate, spongy confection with hints of lemony flavor. It was one of the prettiest looking cakes I'd seen and tasted exactly like I had imagined - airy, fresh and fragrant. If anyone's in the mood for a sweet that is fine and subtle, lemon cake will find its way right into your heart. Those were a few of the innumerable scrumptious and flavorful dishes concocted within households over the past few weeks. While I hope that this blog inspires many to take up cooking, it would also be fair to remember that while we are privileged enough to be ensconced within our homes experimenting and whipping up one dish after another, there are others who are struggling for basic meals while stuck amidst this pandemic. We can spread the joy of food to all by donating to the organizations that are contributing to that end. Credits to my friends and family, it's their talent that lent itself to this blog. Happy reading and cooking!

The entire world is zapped into this historical event of a lock-down and it is wishful thinking to even go out for a walk now, therefore it seems simply amazing that barely a few days before all hell broke loose my friend threw a huge wedding party, without knowing that her wedding had just about escaped the clutches of quarantine. Luckily for us too as little did we know that it would be the last time in a long while that we all got to get together. Well all ruminations aside, this miracle wedding did score some major fashion points as all the guests, bride, groom and the wedding planners created a very elegant and beautiful experience for us to cherish. Here are my five takeaways from this miracle wedding as I would like to call it! 1. Flower Power Flowers are the quintessential companions of any wedding, from dainty jasmines tucked under tree trunks to the vibrant marigold streams hanging overhead; from serving as pretty floral prints on your dresses to adorning the brides hair. It adds an aesthetic value that is fresh and timeless, up-jumping the beauty quotient 10 times over. So slay that flower power the next time you attend a wedding. 2. Glitz and Sparkle Nothing sets the tempo at a cocktail party as a sexy sequined dress. This wedding had every other lady making heads turn in embellished, glittery, sequined gowns and dresses. The bride herself wore a ravishing teal green sequined gown that was hand-stitched by her Papa himself! Quite literally a starry affair. Sparkle sure is the flavor of this season. 3. Reuse and Recycle Mom's saree? an old hand-loom dupatta? pretty fabrics which need a bit of tweaking to match your contemporary sense and sensibilities? Look no further and take inspiration from these creative wizards. image 1: An old brocade saree was tailored into this magnificent lehenga. The skirt, blouse and dupatta all fashioned from the rich 9 yard long material. The brinjal hues look even more lovely on the swirling skirt and the brocade borders look resplendent on the blouse. image 2: Haldi ceremony - bride has to go yellow all the way! But can't ruin a brand new dress for it, so she brings out the turmeric colored saree with the golden border which looks luscious but is almost as old as her. Who says the bride cant reuse? especially if she is going to get haldi smeared all over her. image 3: A red crepe dupatta with intricate threadwork, too large to handle was converted into this smart sleeveless kurta. Perfect for that mehendi ceremony where you do not want to get henna stains on your clothes yet still want to look festive and peppy! 4. That choker though! Prominent collarbones are an ornament in themselves, but layer them with exquisite jewelry preferably a choker and you've made a statement. Chokers - heavy with inlaid stones or chokers as simple as a delicate chain, wrapped around your throat are the most daring and eye-catching accessory of this season. Forget those long chaandbalis or chandelier earrings, you may even leave your ears bare and just go raring with a choker. 5. Minimalism The wedding was in Goa and the venue was a beautiful beach resort. So, when you have a self-endowed location which is already bountiful, you need not contribute much from your part. The decor just needs to subtly enhance the natural beauty of the place. All the locations were simplistically designed and the result was an elegance born of minimalism, one that magnified the surroundings instead of jarring the landscape with garish and gaudy decorations. Kudos to the planners and designers, many of us will be taking a leaf out of your book! There you go! Those were my five takeaways from an Indian wedding. Happy reading! P.S. Credits to the photographers whose photos I unabashedly used for this piece. There are too many to name, and a huge thanks to Jannat and Tuhin for getting married! and lastly to my bunch of crazy friends some of whom are featured in this post - you are all magnificently beautiful, fashionable and lovable!