REBORN : A Short Story

In the stillness of night, despite of face shield, his clouded eyes struggling with smoke and flying sparks. Though his back was swaying on his sweaty legs but there was an experience on his wrinkled face that relayed, the harsh heat couldn’t trouble him at all, past day’s conversation with his master still hovering around his vision.

‘For god’s sake, you’re almost forty-one. Are you sure?’ 

‘I really need to do this.’

‘Total madness! I’m telling you, who would join a school at this age?’

‘One who would have spent his whole childhood as dish-washer, amidst faceless city.’

Frame 43

THE JUDGEMENT : A Short Story

A wizened body, moving across the green field, her bare arm clasped around vessel but heart’s solidity what crumbled her world. She tried to stop the storm of tears with palm, why was she supposed to remain alive, while there is no one at home who awaits her. Two months ago, they ostracized her from village. 

“But I don’t have son.”

“Then, our folk will perform rituals.”

“Woman is capable of running errands all alone, rest of her life, but not-strong-enough to go to her man’s funeral, is it?”

Panchayat stoned with her utterance and passed the judgment.

Happiness is when they ranked your story at the TOP! Thanks a Ton #OFSLife 

For more beautiful stories, must follow @OneFrameStories

Book Review : Aarushi by Avirook Sen

Title: Aarushi – Anatomy of a Murder

Author: Avirook Sen

Publisher: Penguin India  

Genre: Non-Fiction, Murder Mystery

Source: Kindle Edition

Pages: 268

Rating: 5/5

A servant’s companion murdered his master’s daughter.

Or

A 13-year-old Aarushi Talwar, brutally murdered by her own parents, reason behind this crime is illicit relationships and honour killing.

It is obvious that we would switch that specific channel which telecasting the news about HONOUR KILLING. Isn’t it?

That’s what happened in 2008 when insensitivity of media and our judicial system turned a gruesome reality into soap opera kind of thing, without any serious investigation, it had been telecasting with catchy head lines to grab the attention, TRP matters no! And that travesty destroyed two innocent lives. Bollywood also earned by this double murder case, Rahasya is inspired by the infamous Aarushi murder case, in which murder mystery finally gets solved in the end.

Murder Case	Aarushi-Hemraj (2008, Noida)
Date	May 15, 2008 (2008-05-15)- May 16, 2008 (2008-05-16)
Attack type	Murders, alleged honour killing
Weapons	Golf club, Surgical instrument (suspected)
Deaths	2
Sentenced	On November 25, 2013, Judge Shyam Lal held Aarushi's parents Deepak and Nupur Talwar guilty

Three years ago, senior journalist Avirook Sen was covering the trial in the Aarushi murder case for a Mumbai-based newspaper when he realised that many prosecution witnesses had gone back on their statements on record before the court. This prompted him to bring “true” facts before people in the form of a book titled “Aarushi” – The Hindu

Photo Credit : Google

 Mr. Avirook Sen parted his book into three sections - the investigation, the trial and the Dasna diaries.

Frankly speaking when I started this book I was like reading some shoddy newspaper and after few pages I discovered that, in the first section (Investigation) Mr. Sen delivered to us what he was handed by legal authorities, the so-called- facts,  And after 30 pages it was hard for me to put down the book.

“One of the many things that troubled me during the trial was that every key witness for the prosecution had told one story at the time of investigation and a substantially different in the court,” he said.

In his book Mr.Avirook Sen raised many significant questions for instance,  

“It is likely that there were more people in the house on the night of the murders according to material I accessed and interviews I conducted. This means the simple math used by the CBI of there were four people in the house, two are dead (Aarushi and Hemraj), so the other two are their killers does not work. But despite having the evidence, the CBI chose not to pursue that line of investigation at all. There are clear indications of the presence of other domestic helpers (who were arrested and then released) in their narco narrations; those who conducted the tests say that what was revealed during the tests does suggest that other people were present.”

“Where are the murder weapons? The CBI never seized any of the Talwars' dental equipment that it claims was used to kill Aarushi. In fact, the investigators had no clue what a dental scalpel looked like, leave alone understand what kind of cuts it could inflict; they didn't even bother to buy one to check. As for Rajesh Talwar's golf clubs - the one that had supposedly been 'cleaned' (and was therefore the weapon of offence) was not the one that the prosecution presented in court as the weapon. After having said all along that the Talwars wiped the stains off one club, the prosecutors told the court that it wasn't that club after all, it was another club - one like all the rest, with no evidence of having been wiped clean.”- The Hindu

Mr.Avirook Sen stated that “The complete disregard for the integrity of forensic evidence: several pieces of evidence were illegally unsealed in this case. The pillow covers, golf clubs, clothing, all of these were compromised. Photographs of the crime scene were also manipulated”

It was surprising to know that police, CBI, and our judicial system didn’t even put efforts to apply some logic before passing the final judgment. This is not merely a book about some murder mystery it is bold step taken by Mr.Avirook Sen to show what we are tolerating in India, A pathetic attitude of Police, legal authorities and Insensitivity of media.

"At each hearing Judge Shyam Lal would urge Mir to do two things: wrap up quickly and submit the written arguments. As Mir soldiered on, neither he nor the Talwars would have known the fruitlessness of their exercise. Ashutosh was right, the guilty verdict was already being worked on. Shyam Lal after a brief while mumbled: 'No, no . . . about a fortnight, not a month.' But by then, his son had given too many details away: his trip to Ghaziabad, that he typed out the first ten pages himself as they tried to make special arrangements for a typist, the requirement for 'good words' which took time," the author says.

The Third section of this book “Dasna Diaries” is actually covered her parent’s views, their talk with an author and few daily-notes about what they experiencing in Jail, DASNA. At one point you would feel a lump in a throat while going through Dasna diaries. 

Source : Google

I strongly wish more people could read this book and get the real picture what actually happened. And everything manipulated by our system. Detailing of every aspect simply shows that author trying to convey the message ‘we won’t accept anything ridiculous, lack of evidences’

“The book also bewares the readers that it can happen to them as well. The Talwars are not special. It can happen to anyone,” said Mr. Sen. A great applause to an Author’s hard work and his detailed coverage about miscarriage of our legal system, Highly Recommended the book!

About Author : Avirook Sen is a journalist and a well known author of his first book “Looking for America.” 

Photo Credit : Google

Follow Mr.Sen on Twitter:@avirooksen 

Affiliate Link (Amazon India) : 

बेफिक्र

Photo Courtesy : Aruna Di

सब कुछ पा लेने की जद्दोज़हद में ‘बेफिक्र’ लफ्ज़ के मायने ही भुला चुके हैं हम। बेफिक्र या तो बचपन था या ये रिमझिम बरसती बारिशें, जब भी इनका जिक्र होता है तो जाने कहाँ से धीमी-धीमी चाल में वही बेफिक्री ख्यालों में आकर, दस्तक देती है, हर बार मिलती है एक नये ही पैगाम के साथ।

सावन आने में अभी लगभग एक महीना बाकी है, लेकिन बादल भरने लगे है, इनकी गड़गड़ाहट, संदेशा है शायद खेतों के लिए प्रकृति का, और हम यहाँ वही सोलह पंक्तियों का ई-मेल पाकर खुश हो जाते है।

बारिश के आने भर का अहसास ही ज़हन में उमंगों को जन्म देता है। वो धुली-धुली सी पत्तियाँ खुशियों का इज़हार करती दिखती हैं जैसे माँ ने अपने नन्हे को नए कपड़े पहना दिए हो, अंगड़ाइयाँ लेती बेलें विस्तार पाने लगती हैं। 

राग मल्हार के ऊँचे-नीचे सुर बांधते पंछियों की वह चहचहाहट जैसे इन रंग-बिरंगे पक्षियों ने खुद को ही असाइन्मेंट दे डाला हो हमें उन्मुक्त ज़िन्दगी के फलसफे से अवगत कराने का। 

फूलों से लदी, हिलोरे लेती टहनियों और  नाज़ुक पंखुड़ियों पर पानी के मोती से बिछ जाते हैं, दिल करता है इन नन्ही नन्ही बूँदों को किसी तिनके में पिरो, डाल लूँ हाथों में किसी कंगन की तरह। खनक भले सुनाई ना दे, लेकिन सच्चाई में लिपटी एक बेफिक्र मुस्कान जरूर खिलेगी, इन उदास लम्हों में..! 

- Ankita Chauhan 

What Matters Most - A Poem

A withered kid aches for her mother’s hand,

And flower smiles while butterfly sucking its nectar.

Silvery moon romancing with hazy clouds,

And fluttering birds kissing the last rays of sunset

In winters, dew pleasing the leaves intensely,

And water-pearls swinging on the twigs across rainfall.

Bare impressions, roaring waves,

And Lost sea-shells, yet to be discovered.

It is so relieved to feel a stranger,

Her contour with pauses — bit by bit.

Behind my lens,

Thousand poems floating in this world

I’m afraid if,

You would notice the essence of life,

Since you’re still —

Pondering upon my missing fingers!

  

Frame 41

RECOGNITION - A Short Story

The sun was already up in the sky, a breeze began to blow as if to celebrate with his success and trail of golden rays touched his skin with reverence.

He squeezed his eyes but unable to suppress the fervent scream. Withholding grim silence since last eight years was a battle itself. But he refused to surrender in front of destiny and past night he was choked on his words when he received that call, he is awarded with Padma Shri for uplifting the life of specially-abled children. Strangely, suffering couldn’t make him burst into helpless tears but recognition.

Happiness is when you find your story under TOP 4! Thanks a Ton #OFSLife 

Follow OFS on Twitter  : @OneFrameStories

Book Review : Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi

Title - Scion of Ikshvaku (Ram Chandra Series)

Author- Amish Tripathi

Publication – Westland Ltd.

Genre – Indian Literature, Mythology, Philosophy

Source- Kindle Edition

Pages- 274

Rating – 5/5

The Shekhar Kapur has mentioned ‘Amish is India’s first literary popstar.’

So, I believed his words and picked up Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi . I heard a lot about his previous books but mythology was not my cup of tea and after reading Ikshvaku, I forgot what the celebrities said about Amish’s work. I will read Amish because no one can re-tell mythology better than him and Shiva Trilogy will be in my Top Priority list now.   

Ramayana is not a new subject to read, and then the question aroused ‘Will Amish’s Version of Ramayana series able to surprise us?’ I already had gone through with Ramayana by C. Rajagopalachari as compulsory subject but Scion of Ikshvaku is quite enthralling, author didn’t dragged the old plethora of customs but rejuvenated a sun lit side of Ramayana staying with the same characters. I couldn’t believe I was reading some mythology. Ramayana was never that much interesting before.

“A leader is not just one who gives his people what they want. He must also be the one who teaches his people to be better than they imagined themselves to be.” 

I’m not going to kill the charm of incredible work of Amish by summarizing it but I eagerly want to share few facts that provoke you to put your hands on this beautiful book because good books deserve to be read.

Ram was ostracized by his father, Raja Dashrath just because on the same day prince ram was born; Dasrath lost his battle against Raavan and never recovered again.

‘Lying may bring one into a position of authority, which in turn may result in an opportunity to do good. Would you still advocate not lying? It may well be said that a true leader loves his people more than he loves his own soul.’

Sita was not a Touch-me-not kind of princess but the prime minister of Mithila and a very storng woman who totally devoted towards Dharma (The Different between good and evil) as sincere as Lord Ram. And when Sita revealed to Ram that she was adopted then he replied

‘Birth is completely unimportant. It is just a means of entry into this world of action, into this karmabhoomi. Karma is all that matters. And your karma is divine.’

And the part that surprised me that Kekeyi’s Kop-Bhawan-Scene was not the sole reason behind Ram’s Exile but indirectly she helped in taking a decision.

‘Sometimes truth causes pain and suffering. Such times, silence is preferred.’

Yes! That was self- imposed exile that was given by ram to himself as penance because he had used ‘Asuraastra’ the biological weapon while battling with Raavan to decapitate his power and put his army into obvilion. And according to laws, anything that causes mass destruction was banned at that time.

The most beautiful part of the book Ram-Sita’s first meeting, you can fall in love with love when you read it.

‘Two souls that were dependent on each other giving each other purpose, two halves of a whole.’

Author tried to add few social issues as Nibharya Delhi Case by creating a new character ‘Roshini’ The daughter of Manthara, that was something new, inspite of rapist’s minor age he could not get rid of his karma. Overall it’s a MUST READ, no matter you like mythology or not, after giving it a start, you won’t able to put down this unorthodox still epic Ramayana .

‘Ram mused: How unworthy are we, the descendants of these great ancestors. Maharishikas Gargi and Maitreyi were rishikas, and today there are fools who claim that women are not to be allowed to study the scriptures or to write new ones. Maharishi Satyakam was the son of a Shudra single mother. His profound knowledge and wisdom is recorded in our greatest Upanishads; and today there are bigots who claim that the Shudra-born cannot become rishis.’

About an Author-

Amish Tripathi is IIM-graduate and worked for 14 years in the financial serving (Boring) but he got fame because of his art of storytelling and that makes him unique. According to a magazine he translated bare facts into delicious stories.  His Shiva Trilogy doesn’t need any Introduction; his classic work speaks for itself.

Book Cover Design by Think WhyNot

Links lead you to author 

Follow Amish on Twitter –  @authoramish

Twitter handle of –  @WestlandBooks

P.s. - Eagerly waiting for the next part of Amish’s Ramayana series!

Book Review – Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future by Dr. A. P. J. Kalam

Title – Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Brighter Future

Author - A P J Kalam

Co-Author – Srijan Pal Singh

Publication – Puffin

Genre- Non-Fiction, Science, Motivational, Children Book  

Pages- 280

Rating – 5/5

Did you see how great scientists were inspired by little events?

Did you observe how they used failure as a stepping stone to success?

Frankly speaking, when I started this book, I was like revisiting old school days, days when we were usually faced the difficulties about what subject to be opt, am I really good at zoology or I should go with chemistry, I still remember those days when I would wait for senior lecturers outside their cabin just to confirm is this branch of science lead me somewhere?

And now I read this remarkable book, how I wished it should have written before. Ah! No regrets!

But this would be a best gift ever that parents should provide to their kids. Such a fascinating journey to explore the realm of science, most important thing about this book is its simplicity. Srijan pal singh has written this extraordinary book in collaboration with A P J Kalam Sir, our former president and well known author of “Wings of Fire”. It didn’t seemed some kind of science seminar but it melts your curiosity with appropriate answers plus it installs mind storming questions to know more about science.

This book is not written only for present scenario but with an idea of future science which left you jaw-dropped.  Kalam sir shared his experiences related to different areas of science that literally amazed me, and that question answer session is the best part to ignite your brain, for instance

Why do planes shake during flights? Is this turbulence dangerous?

How is a humanoid different from a robot?

What about viruses? How small are they? Are they alive?

How can a pathologist defeat such clever viruses?

What is dark energy and dark matter?

How were you inspired to pursue a career in space science?

And many more..  

Book covers the perfect description about various zones of science as robotics, aeronauts, paleontology, pathology and neuroscience. The clear path leads you to a place where you no more deviated from your goal.

‘When you wish upon a star

It does not matter who you are’

The book urges you to find your own little events and turn them into pillars of inspiration so you can find a new fire within yourself. This fire will ignite new ideas, new purposes and new faculties within you and enable you to achieve greatness.

About the Author- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Azad has been awarded with three highest civilian honours- Padma Bhushan, Padma vibhushan and Bharat Ratna(1997). He was former president of India. And Co-Author Srijan Pal Singh directly worked with Dr. Kalam as scientific advisor.

Book Cover by Pia Hazarika

Links lead you to Author –

Twitter Handle of Dr. Kalam – @APJAbdulKalam

Twitter Handle of Mr. Srijan Pal – @srijanpalsingh

Puffin - @puffinindia

Highly Recommended! 
Affiliate Link (Amazon India) :

and Happiness is when your tweet book review considered by APJ Abdul Kalam Sahab!  

Waqt Mila To Sochenge - Poetry

क्यूँ तू अच्छा लगता है वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

तुझ में क्या क्या देखा है, वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

सारा शहर शानासाई का दावेदार तो है लेकिन

कौन हमारा अपना है, वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

हमने उसको लिखा था कुछ मिलने की तदबीर करो

उसने लिखकर भेजा है, वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

मौसम, खुशबू, बादे-सबा, चाँद, शफक और तारों में

कौन तुम्हारे जैसा है, वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

या तो अपने दिल की मानो या फिर दुनिया वालों की

मशविरा उसका अच्छा है, वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे

क्यूँ तू अच्छा लगता है वक़्त मिला तो सोचेंगे ।

Attaullah Khan recited it  at coke studio (Pakistan) 

TROUBLE : A Short Story

“What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? She urged to work in field.”

“She has athletic ability!  You should be proud of her.”

“Your daughter has become a trouble for me. MasterJi had convinced me if I admitted her to school, then she will get a suitor easily. Now tell me what would we offer? ‘Our daughter doesn’t know how to prepare chapatti but she can throw bhaala whole day.”

“It’s called javelin throw”

“Whatever! I won’t face those cameras this time.”

“She is well-versed enough to handle journalist’s questions.”

He circled her strained face with palms and pressed lips on her forehead.