Two States

Another interesting take on the stark reality of arranged marriages! As Chetan takes us through a journey that has partly been transcended from his own experiences, I can't help but feel sorry for a substantial number of teenagers who have embarked on the treacherous path of "love"...

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against arranged marriages. But the sheer thought of two people working round the clock just to convince their parents sends a chill down my spine. Mr. Bhagat starts of on a very euphoric note in the IIM Ahmedabad cafeteria (who doesn't like mushy cafeteria romance) But as the pages unfold, the plot gets darker and darker, marred probably by the crimson colour of the couple's life blood.

Though we see everything working out in the end (Hurray!!), somehow something seems amiss in the way the two lovebirds have evolved, from the "I-can't-let-go-of-you" college goers to the "I-think-my-parents-won't-approve" adults.. And that my friends, is the reality that we face today.

All in all, a nice interesting work of fiction (or is it). The book also explains a lot of unsolved mysteries from the protagonist's past, including his relationship with his father which ultimately is the twist in the tale, to his ex-gf. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who thinks India is evolving and maturing.

Peace

Alcoholism!!

There is a joy that banishes all reason,

An ecstasy so vast it has no shore,

A craving that devours all decision,

A lust for nothingness that lusts for more.

There are angels in pursuit of pain

Who take Satanic pride in degradation,

Who'll drag you down the hill and back again

Hosanna-ing your sweet humiliation.

Just like a fire fanned by a hot, dry wind,

Or like a flood that sweeps away all will,

This wall of pleasure leaves no one behind,

No sign of life where all one loves lies still.

So does the soul in anguish hate the joy

That soothes the hate that does the soul destroy.