Author: An Indian
Publisher: Self Published, Indie Author
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,533,430 in Books
No. of Pages: 368 pgs.
Disclaimer: I got this book from the Author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Blurb
…Suddenly, he saw something shiny at the bottom of the abyss. He squinted his eyes to see what it was. He ran back to his binoculars and turned them to see what it was. Sharp barbed wires that separated the two mountains came into focus. He had come as far as he could in his country. But she was standing in another country.
He was in South India and she was in North India…
Have you ever imagined India being divided into two countries? What happens to the millions of Indians who are from South India but are now residing in North India? Kaahi & Jai were two such people who got trapped in this situation. Everything was going smoothly for them and suddenly, their world turned upside down.
How will they get together? Will India become one again?
Take an exciting journey with them from their college days in Mumbai to their life in the US and back to India when they find out that India is divided.
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Review
It was an interesting start. A couple, obviously in love and married, hiding in the jungle and unable to meet each other. Jai and Kaahi – the two lovebirds. This is not only a love story where a young girl meets a young boy in college. The teasings, the friendships and the young love are portrayed beautifully by the Author. I was with them in the canteen, teasing and being teased by my mates. Bullied by the college bully and taking a stand. I witnessed the young love budding between Jai and Kaahi. Cheered when the parents agreed to their marriage, even though Kaahi was Gujrati and Jai was originally from Karnataka. They met in college and fell in love. No parent’s opposition (as now more and more parents are becoming more open minded regarding inter-caste marriages, though some of you might be giving me the ‘meh’ look! ) and no villains in this love story. So, what is the conflict? Where lies the problem? What is the story?
The author has really taken the reader for a ride with this one. We travel to US as this couple settles down in a new environment. Are they compatible with each other? Very. A lovely and understanding relationship has been portrayed here. The US culture as a neo Desi sees it, the welcome by our fellow Indians, introduction to the folds of Indian culture layered between the US lifestyle has been highlighted beautifully. The festivals that are celebrated only on weekends, the Indian groceries which we Indians rush to find the first thing we step on foreign soil and those yummy Potlucks. Those intercultural potlucks which many Indians will not witness in India. Such is the rich culture of Indians abroad. Why? No idea! Maybe remember we are Indians – not Bengalis, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannadiga or Tamilian. Nor Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Anyways, this is not a lecture on Bharat ek hai. :)
So again the question arises what is the problem? While the author went at a steady pace regarding the life of Kaahi and Jai, a sudden twist came in the form of war. Not a war in the USA but something which forced them to leave US and return to India – separately. Now India is no more the same as it used to be when they had left for USA. India is divided into North India and South India. (The thought itself if so damn scary!). Kaahi has to go to North India, while Jai took a flight for South India. Will they ever meet? And will India ever become one again?….. For that you have to read this unusual story.
What Liked..
1. The author has handled the different religions and customs of India very well.
2. He has kept some part of the conversation in vernacular languages. It is not only a story, but also a way of life represented by an Indian to the future generations.
3. You won’t find just a story line here, but the author takes many diversions and explains the culture of not only India but also Europe and the USA. A good mixture of entertainment and education.
4. The sudden twist in the story, you might not be prepared for. If this ever happens in India, what would many of us do, What would our kids, who are products of inter-caste marriage do? Though provoking. Isn’t it?
5. That one incident (which we Indians still dread today) made me relive those moments I sat crying in front of the television.
Must also comment on the artwork by Darshini. Superb sketches!!!
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Rating
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