From timeless storytelling to captivating history, these new books promise to inform, entertain, and transport you to fascinating worlds. Whether you’re rediscovering childhood favorites or exploring ancient India, there’s something for everyone.
Greatest Champak Stories Vol 1 & Vol 2 –
A collection of the most memorable Champak stories, packed with adventure, humor, and wisdom for young readers and the young at heart.
The Champak Series
Grandma’s Bag of Stories & Grandparents’ Bag of Stories –
Sudha Murty’s heartwarming tales return in beautiful hardcover editions, perfect for readers of all ages.
Grandpa’s Bag of Stories|| Sudha Murty
History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India –
A deep dive into India’s past, uncovering key events, intriguing facts, and the stories behind them.
History Unpacked || Saisudha Acharya
The Whispering Mountains: Greatest Himalayan Folktales –
A rich anthology of folktales from the Himalayas, bringing to life the myths, spirits, and legends of the region.
The Whispering Mountains || Namita Gokhale || Malashri Lal
After a long and brutal war, the Pandavas stand victorious. But when Vyas Ji enters their canopy, his words force them to confront a question they never expected—was this truly a victory?
Read this gripping excerpt where triumph meets its toughest reckoning.
The Lineage || Laksh Maheshwari, Ashish Kavi
The sentries led Vyas ji into the Pandavas’ canopy where the five brothers and their wife, Draupadi of Panchal, rose to welcome him. When Vyas ji stood before them, they joined their hands and bowed their heads together.
‘Pranam, Maharishi,’ they said in unison.
The brothers were all injured as multiple parts of their bodies were wrapped in bandages. Yudhishthir’s arm had turned blue after all the spears he had propelled. Bheem’s chest and face were bruised due to all the blows he had sustained from Suyodhan’s mace during their duel. Arjun’s hands were riddled with blisters from all the arrows he had launched in the war. Even Nakul and Sahdev looked weary from the effort of war.
But the joy of victory Vyas ji saw on their faces was far greater than all their pains put together. It was was also visible on Panchali’s face and evident in the blood that drenched her long, flowing hair. This sight of joy and thrill greatly upset Vyas ji. He clenhed his fist to prevent his hand from rising to give the children any blessings.
When the maharishi did not bless them, the brothers lowered their hands and exchanged gazes of discomfort. Such a thing had never happened to them. Never had they been denied anything. And when they were denied their right, they fought for it. But how could one fight for someone’s blessings?
Panchali took the first step towards Vyas ji. ‘You have come on an auspicious day, Vyas ji,’ she said with a smile as she stroked her hair. ‘The war of Bharat has ended today. The Mahabharata has ended today.’
‘Yes,’ Vyas ji answered, deeply remorseful. ‘Much has come to an end today.’
Yudhishthir felt the sorrow in Vyas ji’s words and walked over to him. Panchali joined him, smiling warmly at the sage. ‘We have won, Vyas ji,’ Yudhishthir said emphatically, hailing their victory as a matter of great joy. ‘We have finally won what is rightfully ours.’
‘I have seen your victory, son,’ Vyas ji replied. He glanced back towards the canopy’s entrance, visualizing the carnage that lay outside on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. ‘I congratulate you all,’ he said with a heavy heart.
‘A simple congratulation isn’t enough, Maharishi,’ Arjun insisted. ‘We want your blessings too. Your blessings will help us rule over the entire kingdom of Hastinapur.’
‘Why are you asking for my blessings now, Arjun?’ Vyas ji asked, ‘When you did not ask for my blessings for this war?’
‘Aren’t you happy with our victory, Maharishi?’ Yudhishthir asked anxiously, his hands folded before the sage.
Vyas ji took a long and painful breath. His eyes grew teary and started to sting. ‘What exactly have you won, Yudhishthir?’ he asked, teary-eyed, as he watched the eldest Pandava.
A deep frown creased Yudhishthir’s forehead. ‘We have won a great victory, Maharishi,’ he said. ‘Right has defeated wrong. Good has defeated evil. Dharma has defeated Adharma.’
‘And who decided what was right and what was wrong?’ Maharishi asked. ‘Who decided what was Dharma and what was Adharma?’ He walked past Yudhishthir and Panchali and stopped in front of the other four brothers.
He looked at Bheem first. Even with his hands folded before him, the giant of a man towered over the innocent Vyas ji like a mountain. ‘Was it you, Bheem?’ Vyas ji asked, ‘A man who can control neither his emotions nor his gluttony?’ When a flash of shame showed on Bheem’s face, Vyas ji turned to Arjun. ‘Was it you, Arjun, with your pride and vanity of being the greatest archer in the world?’
Vyas ji then turned to Nakul and Sahdev, his sorrow becoming evident on his face. ‘Maybe it was you Nakul, and your arrogance over your beauty. Or maybe your brother, Sahdev, who considers himself the most learned of us all.’
With the four brothers standing silent and ashamed, Vyas ji walked back to Panchali and Yudhishthir. He glared at Draupadi and her long, bloodied hair. ‘Tell me, Panchali, do you feel proud of your husbands’ definition of Dharma and Adharma, just as you are proud of their valour, their wisdom and their beauty?’
Once Panchali’s eyes dropped to the ground with shame, Vyas ji’s gaze turned towards Yudhishthir. ‘Or was it you, King Yudhishthir, who is so full of hatred for his own kin that you now rejoice in their death?’
When even Yudhishthir could not respond to Vyas ji, he addressed all brothers inside the canopy at once. ‘Tell me, O sons of Pandu,’ he implored, ‘who among you decided this Dharma and Adharma?’
Seeing the disappointment on Vyas ji’s face, the Pandavas dared not utter a word. Instead, they stood with sealed lips and folded hands. Their silence only deepened Vyas ji’s disappointment. ‘What a shame!’ He shook his head disdainfully. ‘When men take pride in killing their brothers instead of mourning over their losses. Today, you may have won, sons of Pandu, but I swear to you, Dharma has only lost today.’ With that, he darted towards the canopy’s exit, leaving behind the brothers and their wife in their ashamed silence.
When Vyas ji stepped outside the canopy, the sentries saw him and bowed before him with folded hands. Vyas ji raised his hand and said, ‘Ayushmaan bhava.’ The two sentries thanked Vyas ji for his blessings and watched him walk away.
***
Get your copy of The Lineage by Laksh Maheshwari and Ashish Kavi on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to immerse yourself in stories of love, passion, and second chances. Whether you’re celebrating love, healing from heartbreak, or simply in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, these audiobooks are perfect companions for the season. Here are eight must-listen audiobooks that will make you feel all the feels this Valentine’s Day.
World’s Best Girlfriend – Can Love Survive the Test of Time?
A heartfelt story about love, longing, and the struggles of maintaining relationships, World’s Best Girlfriend is an emotional ride that will leave you rooting for its characters. If you believe in love that defies the odds, this audiobook is for you.
Wish I Could Tell You – A Story of Unspoken Words
Sometimes, the most powerful emotions are the ones left unsaid. Wish I Could Tell You is a poignant audiobook that explores love, loss, and the regrets that come with silence. This listen will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to express their feelings.
When I Am with You – A Love That Feels Like Home
This is a tale of comfort, connection, and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it. If you’re looking for a warm, uplifting romance that will make you believe in soulmates, When I Am with You is a must-listen.
I Don’t Love You Anymore: Moving On and Living Your Best Life – A Guide to Healing
Not all Valentine’s Day listens have to be about finding love—sometimes, they’re about finding yourself. I Don’t Love You Anymore is an empowering audiobook for anyone going through heartbreak, offering insights on moving on and embracing self-love.
Fool Me Twice – A Tale of Betrayal and Second Chances
What happens when love is tested by betrayal? Fool Me Twice takes listeners on a journey through deception, forgiveness, and redemption, making it a gripping listen for anyone who loves a story filled with twists and emotional depth.
Something I Never Told You – A Secret That Changes Everything
This audiobook delves into the complexities of love, secrets, and the courage it takes to reveal one’s true feelings. If you enjoy stories with deep emotional conflicts and powerful revelations, Something I Never Told You will keep you hooked.
I Too Had A Love Story – A Classic Tale of Love and Loss
A heart-wrenching love story that stays with you long after the last page, I Too Had A Love Story is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced love in its purest form. It’s a reminder that love, even when lost, remains eternal in our hearts.
All That Sizzles – A Passionate Romance to Ignite Your Heart
For those who love steamy, passionate romance, All That Sizzles is the perfect pick. Full of sizzling chemistry and irresistible characters, this audiobook is sure to add some heat to your Valentine’s Day listening list.
Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, spark our curiosity, and shape our understanding of history and society. Whether it’s through engaging storytelling, fascinating historical insights, or beloved classic tales, the right book can leave a lasting impact on young minds.
Here’s a curated selection of books that are perfect for young readers—each offering a unique blend of adventure, history, and inspiration.
Roop and The River Crossing
Life is full of challenges, and Roop and The River Crossing beautifully captures the courage it takes to overcome them. In this heartfelt tale, Roop embarks on a journey that tests his strength and resilience. Through lyrical storytelling, Samina Mishra brings to life a story of self-discovery that encourages young readers to embrace challenges with confidence.
History isn’t just about dates and events—it’s about people and their powerful words that shaped the world. Mamta Nainy’s Hands that Wrote History introduces young readers to influential figures who made history through their writings, showing how language and storytelling have long played a role in shaping civilizations.
History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India
For young history enthusiasts, History Unpacked is a treasure trove of fascinating facts and insights. Saisudha Acharya answers the most intriguing questions about ancient India, making history an exciting journey of discovery rather than just a subject to study.
Few things are as delightful as a classic Champak story! These volumes bring together some of the most cherished tales from Champak, filled with humor, wit, and valuable life lessons. Featuring a mix of mischief, adventure, and clever problem-solving, these books offer a perfect blend of entertainment and learning for young readers.
The Constitution is the foundation of India’s democracy, but how much do young readers know about its creators? 10 Indian Makers of the Constitution introduces children to the remarkable visionaries who shaped India’s governance and laws, making the subject engaging and accessible.
10 Makers of the Indian Constitution || Karthik Venkatesh
Whether it’s an adventure that builds resilience, historical insights that spark curiosity, or timeless stories that entertain, these books are handpicked to inspire and educate young readers.
Encourage children to dive into these great reads—because the right book at the right time can make all the difference!
In The Circle of Life, Sudha Murty masterfully weaves a tale of family, tradition, and aspirations. Here’s an excerpt that captures the warmth of relationships and the weight of legacy.
Lakshmi Nivas was a prominent bungalow in the Banjara Hills of Hyderabad. It is a place where the rich and powerful people from Tollywood live. During the Nizam’s time, Rama Rao was an engineer and had helped to construct different prominent buildings in Hyderabad.
It was not very crowded those days, and the Nizam had liked his work and rewarded him with a big plot. Later, after Independence, his son Venkateshwara Rao started a company called S.V. Constructions and became a well-known engineer in Hyderabad. They were great devotees of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi. Venkateshwara Rao handled several government projects. He had three children. The eldest, Umesh, helped him with the constructions, though he did not have any formal qualification in civil engineers ering. Then there was Uttara, and the youngest was Shamala. It was not very warm in the second week of July, but Uttara was still feeling hot. She was sitting on the steps of her house. Though the coolers were on, she was uncomfortable. Opposite her, her grandfather Rama Rao was sitting in an armchair with a newspaper, but his focus was on Uttara who was knitting a sweater.
Uttara’s siblings were playing tennis on the court adjacent to the house. ‘Uttara, why are you knitting a sweater? Is it for you to take to Bangalore?’ asked her grandfather. Uttara smiled. ‘It is not for me. It is for you.’ ‘Ha, what a joke! Having a sweater in Hyderabad is as good as selling refrigerators to Eskimos,’ laughed Rama Rao. The sun was setting, and its rays fell on Uttara’s ear studs. The diamond earrings were a gift from Uttara’s late grandmother. Rama Rao remembered his wife because Uttara resembled her very much. She had long hair, a slightly dark complexion and, more or less, was an introvert; but she was extremely intelligent.
Uttara had completed her engineering degree from Osmania University and had done very well. She was a rare combination of wealth and knowledge. Rama Rao had studied in IISc’s civil engineering department more than sixty years ago, and more than three decades ago, his son Venkateshwara Rao had graduated from the same department. And now Uttara was about to join the Institute.
However, she had applied to study computer science, unlike her father and grandfather. Uttara’s siblings were not as academically inclined. Rama Rao and his son felt that Uttara had to take their company forward, but she was unsure. She always felt running a company required a different skill set which she did not have. Uttara suddenly remembered something, got up and went inside. She returned within five minutes and continued. ‘What happened?’ asked her grandpa. Uttara smiled and said, ‘Grandpa, I went in to check my email.’ ‘Regarding what?’ Rama Rao was anxious. ‘Regarding my admission to IISc.’ ‘What happened?
I hope our tradition remains intact.’ ‘Relax Grandpa, I have got admission.’ ‘Oh! That is great news!’ grandpa clapped and cheered. Uttara did not show much enthusiasm and continued knitting. Hearing the clap, Umesh and Shamala stopped their game and came running. ‘What is the big news, Grandpa? You are clapping!’ said Umesh. ‘Yes, we should celebrate. Uttara got admitted to IISc.’ ‘Oh,’ they said and did not bother much.
‘That means Uttara is going to Bangalore?’ asked Shamala. Umesh reminded, ‘You remember that we have dinner at Raj Bhavan, right?’ ‘Yes, but I am not coming,’ said Uttara. ‘I expected that.’ ‘I want to spend time with Grandpa.’ Her brother and sister went inside to get ready. ‘Where are your parents?’ asked Rama Rao, eager to share the joy that he was unable to contain. Her mother had gone to a fashion show, and her father was busy with some government delegates. Rama Rao was disappointed. He knew his daughter- in-law Kamakshi was into jewellery and fashion.
She still thought that she was very young and would often forget that she had a twenty-three-year-old daughter. Kamakshi performed puja and other festivals—not out of devotion, but simply to show off and compete with other elite families in Banjara Hills. The grandeur of each festival increased year after year, though devoid of faith. Rama Rao was sad for a minute but cheered up when he looked at Uttara. She was unlike her mother.
Instead, she was simple, loving, knowledgeable and very sincere. He looked at her and said, ‘Uttara, I am not sure if I will be around but when you have children, please see that they also join IISc. Our family tradition should go on.’ ‘Grandpa, where will you go? I will return to Hyderabad after my studies and will be here with you. You will see us every day,’ Uttara replied to lighten up Rama Rao’s mood. As she completed the sweater, Uttara got up. No one knew her destiny; she may never return to Hyderabad after some years.
In a world overflowing with books, finding the right one to start with can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling mystery, a deep dive into history, career guidance, or financial wisdom, we’ve got you covered. Start here and read on with these six compelling titles that promise to entertain, inspire, and enlighten.
The Girl on Fire – A Thriller That Keeps You on Edge
Three bodies, burnt to a crisp, and a missing nurse on the run—The Girl on Fire is a gripping crime thriller that follows IPS officer Simone Singh as she unravels a web of secrets, lies, and danger. If you love psychological thrillers, mystery novels, and crime fiction, this book is your next obsession.
The Naga Warriors – A Tale of Myth, War, and Power
Step into the world of ancient warriors, secret brotherhoods, and legendary battles in The Naga Warriors. This historical thriller transports you to an era where duty and destiny collide. If Indian mythology books and intense storytelling intrigue you, this book is a must-read.
Some stories redefine leadership and resilience, and The New Icon does just that. Explore the journey of individuals who rise above challenges to make an impact. If you’re inspired by biographies, success stories, and motivational books, this one belongs on your shelf.
Renowned author Sudha Murty brings another heartfelt collection of inspiring stories that reflect life’s deepest lessons. The Circle of Life is a book that touches the soul, perfect for those who seek self-improvement books and meaningful reflections.
Money, Myths, and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide
Demystify investing and take charge of your financial future with Money, Myths, and Mantras. Written by expert Devina Mehra, this book breaks down common investment myths and provides a roadmap to smart financial decisions. If you want to learn about wealth management, personal finance, and investment strategies, start here.
Career growth is a journey, and Build an Epic Career by Ankur Warikoo is your perfect guide. Packed with career advice, professional development tips, and success strategies, this book helps you navigate the complexities of professional life with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this book is your go-to resource.
No matter your mood or interest, there’s a book on this list for you. Start here, read on, and let these stories shape your perspective, fuel your ambition, and transport you into extraordinary worlds.
As the calendar turns to the start of the year, we’re reminded that life, too, is a story—an unwritten chapter waiting for our pen. Resolutions are the promises we make to ourselves, declarations of the changes we wish to see. But as the days slip by, the ink of intention often fades, leaving our aspirations adrift.
What if this year, you could keep those promises alive?
Audiobooks offer a rare gift: the power of words and stories to accompany us in the quiet spaces of our lives—during a walk, a commute, or a solitary moment of reflection. With each listen, they become companions, guiding us toward our aspirations and sparking the will to turn resolutions into reality.
At the start of this year, discover the perfect audiobook to match your goals. Let these words not just inspire but transform, offering new ways to begin, grow, and thrive.
Resolutions Paired with Perfect Listens
To stop procrastinating – Do It Today
Procrastination is the thief of time, stealing moments we’ll never reclaim. In Do It Today, Darius Foroux unpacks the barriers holding you back and offers practical wisdom to overcome them. Begin the year by doing, not delaying.
Wealth, like a garden, flourishes only when tended with care. Ankur Warikoo’s Make Epic Money is a masterclass in nurturing your finances, helping you sow the seeds of smart decisions and reap the rewards of financial freedom.
To let go and start anew – I Don’t Love You Anymore
Letting go is an act of courage, a quiet declaration of hope for tomorrow. Rithvik Singh’s I Don’t Love You Anymore is a lyrical exploration of healing, renewal, and finding the strength to move forward.
To be informed of constitutional principles – Who Is Equal
Equality is the cornerstone of justice, yet its meaning evolves in every era. Who Is Equal invites you to delve into the foundations of fairness, offering clarity and perspective on the principles that shape us as a society.
To spend quality time bonding with your family – Grandpa’s Bag of Stories
Stories are the threads that bind generations, weaving memories into moments of joy. Sudha Murty’s Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is a treasure trove of warmth and wonder, perfect for family evenings spent together.
To boost well-being with mindfulness – Energize Your Mind
In the rush of life, stillness becomes a luxury. Gaur Gopal Das’s Energize Your Mind offers gentle guidance on embracing mindfulness, cultivating peace, and finding the balance we often seek but rarely achieve.
To embrace second chances in love and life – Fool Me Twice
Life’s second acts are often its most profound. Fool Me Twice is a poignant reminder that love and redemption often appear when least expected. Step into the start of the year with hope in your heart and faith in new beginnings.
Your mindset shapes the world you see. With Attitude, discover how optimism and resilience can transform challenges into opportunities, empowering you to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace.
The start of the year is not just a marker of time—it’s a turning point, a blank page. Each audiobook is a guide, a whisper of encouragement, reminding you that every resolution is a promise worth keeping.
Let these stories inspire action, cultivate change, and illuminate the path ahead. This year, don’t just dream of transformation—listen, act, and make it yours.
You Will Be Alright is intended to serve as an anchor for those dealing with grief and those supporting someone who is dealing with grief.
Read the excerpt to know more.
You Will Be Alright || Sonali Gupta
The first few days of loss can be extremely disorienting and exhausting, where we have little or no energy to do much. As the rituals and ceremonies come to an end and relatives leave, we are left to ourselves and may begin to wonder, ‘What happens to my life now?’ Clients in therapy ask, ‘Does the grief ever go away? It seems like I will never be able to do away with it. Will it always pain this much?’
There is no recovery or getting over grief. We learn to live with the grief and also hold space for love. We miss our loved one, who is no more with us, and we know that the world will never feel the same. At the same time, as we continue to do the work of dealing with our emotions, processing, accepting and integrating, our grief shifts. It stays, but it feels different.
As Anne Lamott says, ‘You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.’
As I pondered on the subject of this chapter, a statement that came to me instinctively was, ‘Do we ever ask what happens to our love?’ Just as love stays, grief stays. Grief is an extension of the love which we have felt for our loved one. Just because they have passed away, we don’t stop thinking about them. We carry both grief and love in our hearts. I have found it useful to think that a huge part of processing our grief is acknowledging that the presence of our loved one felt like sunshine and hope. We were lucky to have them, and they made our world a better place. Now, when they are no more, we can make a choice to carry forward what they stood for, by imbibing qualities that we always associated with them. We can choose to celebrate them whenever life offers an opportunity. Personally speaking, my father was a huge foodie and loved exploring new cuisines. Over the years, on his birthday and death anniversary, I often order his favourite food—and while I am not a big foodie, I think I have become someone who savours the cuisine. All good food reminds me of him. Although I must mention that it has taken years to imbibe and see it this way, I’m glad it has happened.
As we continue processing our grief, it becomes integrated, and we begin to accept the loss. We start to recognize that our world has changed, and now one slowly needs to adapt to this new reality.
Early in therapy, clients often ask me these questions, and I have always felt that one can give hope and yet be honest with
people. Truth and compassion can co-exist—my experience over and over has been that clients accept it well. As a young therapist, I thought it would be hard for them to hear this. But almost two decades later, I realize that grief is hard enough, and knowing what to expect realistically becomes an anchor, helping people rather than pushing them into a state of despair. I remember working with a seventy-year-old client, Naresh, who had reached out to me three years after the loss of his wife due to a chronic illness. He seemed quite agitated and distressed. He said to me, ‘I have been to therapists and doctors, and everyone tells me that it’s been three years and so, I must move on. I don’t understand how I can move on and see life as the same. When the person I loved for fifty years is no more, everybody still wants recovery and wants me to be done with grief. It has taken me a lot to come here, and I don’t think I can recover.’
I told him, ‘You are right, there is no recovery from grief. No matter how much work you do with me, all I can help you is with grief integration and acceptance. Our grief is not an illness or condition that we can wish away. Your wife was your world and so, it will always hurt. Yet, we can work together to address what you are feeling. Perhaps we can move forward with her memories and the love that you hold for her.’
***
Get your copy of You Will Be Alright on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
In a world plagued by love gurus and hopeless romantics, Unloved presents a guide to loving oneself through the process of heartbreak. The chaos after the calm, this self-help book offers an antidote to heartache with a uniquely Indian point of view.
Unloved Harshita Gupta
Once upon a time, relationships followed a script as straightforward as a ‘90s sitcom plotline. Two people met, sparks flew, they fell madly in love and the credits rolled. Cue applause. Fast forward to the present, and the dating world is more of a ‘Choose your own adventure’ novel, written in invisible ink on a rollercoaster.
Welcome to this chapter where we toss aside the rose-coloured glasses and take a daring plunge into the swirling whirlpool of modern romance. Relationships these days are less of ‘happily ever after’ and more of ‘let’s see how this goes . . . and maybe consult a survival guide’.
In the era of swipes, likes and emojis that convey emotions even Shakespeare couldn’t have imagined, decoding relationships feels like trying to solve a Sudoku puzzle designed by a naughty wizard. It has more twists and turns than a soap opera script on caffeine.
In the labyrinth of contemporary courtship, be prepared for plot twists, unexpected cliffhangers and characters who ghost faster than a phantom in a haunted mansion. Buckle up, because in the dating maze, the only thing guaranteed is that nothing is guaranteed.
Let’s dive into the chaos, decode the signals and emerge on the other side with our sanity and sense of humour intact. It’s time to rewrite the rules and find comedy in the chaos of twenty-first-century love.
Scenario 1
A: ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just can’t. . . fall in love.’
A furrows their brow. ‘Aromantic? Is that like not being into flowers or something?’
B chuckles softly. ‘Not quite. It’s more about not feeling romantic attraction to others. You know, like how some people just aren’t into superhero movies or jazz music? It’s just a different way of experiencing relationships.’
A nods slowly, beginning to understand. ‘So, it’s not about being broken or missing out on something?’
B shakes their head. ‘Exactly! Being aromantic is just one of many ways people experience love and relationships. It’s not better or worse, just different.’
A smiles, feeling a weight lift off their shoulders. ‘Well, that’s a relief. I guess I’ve just been looking for something that’s not in my nature.’
B grins. ‘Exactly! You’re just being true to yourself. And who needs grand romantic gestures anyway? I bet you’ll find your own unique way to connect with people.’
A laughs, feeling a newfound sense of freedom. ‘You know what? You’re right. Maybe I’ll embrace my inner secret agent and navigate the world of relationships on my own terms.’
B raises an eyebrow playfully. ‘And who knows? Maybe instead of a decoder ring, you’ll get a cool gadget that lets you see the world in a whole new way.’
A grins, feeling excited about the possibilities ahead. ‘Now that’s a mission I can get behind.’
Definition of aromantic: Aromanticism is a romantic orientation characterized by a lack of romantic interest or a limited desire for romantic relationships. People who identify as aromantic may still experience other forms of attraction, such as platonic or aesthetic attraction, but they do not typically experience the same level of romantic attraction as those who identify as romantic.
Harshita speaks: Kyunki inko aata hi nahi hai, inko pata hi nahi, inse hota hi nahi hai. Hopeless romantic ki zindagi barbaad ho gayi. (Because they don’t know, they don’t understand, and they can’t do anything. The life of a hopeless romantic has been ruined.)
Scenario 2
A: ‘She only ever seems to text me after I’ve given up on hearing from her.’
B: ‘Ah, the classic “I’ll-subtly-reappear-when-you’ve-moved-on” tactic.’ That’s textbook benching, my friend.’
A sighed, feeling like they were caught in a dating drama series with too many plot twists. ‘Benching? Seriously? I didn’t even know we were playing a sport. What’s next? Penalty kicks for missed date opportunities?’
B chuckled, leaning back as if sharing the wisdom of the dating oracle. ‘Dating is the Olympics of emotions, my dear friend. Bench-warming is just one of the many events.’
A raised an eyebrow. ‘So, what’s my strategy here? Do I start doing push-ups and jumping jacks to stay in the game?’
B smirked. ‘Nah, that’s too old school. The next time she texts, hit her with a hurdle. Something like, “Oh, sorry, I was too busy mastering the art of patience.”’
A: Mastering patience?’
B winked. ‘Exactly. Show her you’re not just a player. And if she tries to bench you again, well, let her know you’re too busy.’
***
Get your copy of Unloved by Harshita Gupta on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
Meticulously researched, authoritative and unputdownable, Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum (1760–1799) opens a window to the life and times of one of the most debated figures from India’s history.
Tipu Sultan || Vikram Sampath
There was hardly any respite for a battle-weary Haidar. Despite his commanding position in the final stages of the First Anglo–Mysore War and his ability to dictate the terms of peace to the British at the very gates of their power in Madras, he hardly got a chance to even savour this hard-won victory. The Marathas were knocking at the door yet again. Under Mahimaji Sindhia, the Maratha foujdar of Chikkaballapura, a force of 400 horses and an alliance of neighbouring palegars, the Marathas had invaded the southern country and attempted to capture Gurramkonda. Haidar dispatched a strong force of 5000 horse, 4000 foot and 4000 irregulars to combat them under Berki Srinivasa Rao and Mir Ali Raza Khan. The two sides clashed in July 1769, when the Maratha army was so comprehensively routed that Mahimaji retreated in despair. The secret treaty between Haidar and Nizam Ali in 1767 had brought Cudappah, Kurnool and other places that lay between the Tungabhadra River and the northern borders of Mysore into the nominal control of Haidar. To consolidate his hold over these regions, Haidar began a swift tour to levy tributes on the chieftains in Kotikonda, Kupgal and other places. Talpul, which was held by Rakhmaji Bhonsle, was taken over by Haidar. He invited Rakhmaji for talks but treacherously seized him and his men and put them to death. However, in Bellary, Haidar was pushed back with considerable loss.
Gopal Rao Patwardhan protested against this aggression of Haidar and the latter replied: ‘It was agreed between us that within four months Sira, Hoskote and Ballapur taluk would be returned to me, but even after the lapse of two years with a man of your worth as the go-between this has not been done. Please request the Peshwa to right this wrong. Mahimaji Sindhia, qiladar of Ballapur, was taking into his service some of our dissatisfied men and was fomenting trouble in our own territory. Hence, I drove him out.’ Haidar similarly spread his wings across the entire frontier, exacting tributes from Chitradurga, Harpanahalli, Harihar, Savanur and Gutti. The territories of his old foe Murar Rao were all taken over with just the fort of Gutti left for him. Haidar even summoned him to his camp like a subordinate, causing much consternation for the Maratha side. Murar Rao was directed to pay Rs 50,000 as an annual indemnity to Srirangapatna.
That Haidar had come so menacingly close to the very borders of the Maratha Empire, and his newly acquired stature after the Treaty of Madras, sent obvious alarm bells ringing in the Peshwa court in Poona. Madhav Rao could simply not digest the fact that his previous two campaigns to subjugate Haidar totally had been abortive, despite his bravery and statesmanship—once due to the intrigues of his uncle Raghunath Rao who had a secret understanding with Haidar and the second time, due to the vacillations of his treacherous ally, Nizam Ali. That Haidar was quietly instigating the Peshwa’s opponents, be it his secret dalliance with Raghunath Rao or by stirring up Janoji Bhonsle against the Peshwa in 1769, even after their rapprochement, was added reason for Madhav Rao’s irritation. Principally, questioning Haidar’s right to levy contributions on the palegars who, he claimed, came under his suzerainty, Madhav Rao used that as a ruse to make his third invasion of Mysore in December 1769 with an army of nearly 75,000. Haidar marked a quick retreat from the northern borders near the Maratha territories on his favourite elephant, Imam Baksh, towards the forest of Udagani. About 25,000 troops were kept under Tipu, Mir Raza, Berki Venkata Rao and Makhdoom Ali in the borders of Bidanur. About 20,000 troops were scattered across the kingdom and nearly 35,000 were with him at all times. He had fortified Bangalore and Srirangapatna where he was hopeful of being able to hold out for four to six months till the monsoons arrived.
But Madhav Rao, who was determined to fight to the finish this time, hotly pursued him, along with the palegar of Chitradurga, Madakari Nayaka, who had an old axe to grind with Haidar, and the long-standing foe, Murar Rao. They marched towards Srirangapatna, by the way of Penukonda, overrunning all the Mysorean territories on the way, till Nagamangala. They virtually encircled Haidar—the Peshwa encamping near Srirangapatna and Gopal Rao Patwardhan near Savanur. The Maratha forces under Gopal Rao Patwardhan, his cousins Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan and Nilkanth Rao Patwardhan and another force under Anand Rao Raste kept a close watch on Haidar’s movements. They planned a twofold attack on Haidar if he emerged from the forest. In trying to stop the Peshwa’s advance, Haidar ordered ‘all straw and wood that could be gathered, to be set on fire, to fill up wells and ponds and send word to people in the villages to retire into the capital city.’
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