25. Review of “Baaz” – Anuja Chauhan

Review of “Baaz” – Anuja Chauhan

Being a fan of all works by Anuja Chauhan, I was eagerly awaiting ‘Baaz’. I had great expectations from this one as it was a first by the author primarily from a male POV. However, that doesn’t in the least disappoint because the narrative keeps shifting to the female lead from time to time.

Set in the air attacks of 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the story is action packed. Ishaan is a Haryanvi Jat whose quest for seeking thrill leads him to become a pilot for IAF and flying the Gnat. He meets Tehmina a freelancer, who he once helped run away from home. Ishaan’s group of friends includes Raks, a MiG flyer, and Maddy, a Caribou pilot who share a strong bond from Day 1 of their training. The story follows their journey through the on-again-off-again war like situation, Tinka running off the other side for a scoop, Ishaan dropping in the middle of the then East Pakistan after a combat, their reunion and how they find their way back.

The entry of each and every character is accompanied by a spectacular description. All the characters prove themselves equally lovable. Tinka’s aunt Kainaaz fui, Ishaan’s Sneha behenji and boss (Kuch Bhi) Carvahlo, his fellow Gnaties Jana, Gana and Mana, the lusty officer Dilsher, the villainous Nikka Khan and scheming Pitaji; even the cameo characters Harry Rose and Macho da. The words give shape to imagination and form the characters, complete with expressions and all.

Unlike my usual taste, it is not written in pro-pah English, but more relatable Hinglish mixed in. No other author makes melding Hinglish dialogs into an English narrative as non-cringe worthy as Anuja does. Even the brief smattering of Haryanvi is ‘decent’ and doesn’t induce a bout of nausea.

All said and done, I’d any day pick this one up over other morose books which are being featured in curriculum these days. The lead, a pai-lutt, offers the freshness not found in the clichéd engineers and MBAs sprouting all over these days, bursting through the covers.

There was just one thing I couldn’t accept. How could Tinka forgive Ishaan for leaving her behind on his last flight without an explanation? It shouts betrayal right in the face. It left me wanting for more. Maybe a few more words between them could have made it smoother to take in. After all, who doesn’t love happy endings, especially after reading the likes of Dabbu-Dylan and Bonu-Samar!

Book Courtesy: Vivek Tejuja (Flipkart)

24. Review of "50 Cups of Coffee" – Khushnuma Daruwala

Review of “50 Cups of Coffee” – Khushnuma Daruwala

- The woes and throes of finding Mr. Right

In my days of blissful spinsterhood, I hit the matrimonial websites a few times. Sometimes to do window shopping for myself and other times for my cousins or friends. I didn’t spend much time in selecting my husband (soulmate sounds too dramatic for my emotionally frigid half). After a couple of dates (read meetings), he said ‘Yes’, I said ‘Okay’ and off went both families deciding upon a convenient date and location to celebrate the nuptial bond. But hey, that is what makes the ‘arranged’ in an arranged marriage. That’s all for my heart-rending story. Pretty boring, eh?

So, here I chanced upon ’The Woes and Throes of finding Mr. Right’ by Ms. Daruwala. Oh, and how I miss going through the same agony in my time, to have lived up as a snob and be the one to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. She makes me want to do the deed again just for the kicks and meeting the variety of guys out there. This book is not a story; there is no plot or continuity. It is a series of encounters which Diya has on her hunt for the perfect life partner. Some are hilarious, others melodramatic and a few downright pity worthy. It has the ‘woes’, yes. It has the ‘throes’, hell yes. From leery eyed men to momma’s boys and commitment phobics, she faces them all with a smile/smirk/scrunch/storm as and when required.

The scenarios are oh-so-real and the thoughts which are compiled are something many of us have gone through some time or the other. The correlation with coffee is not coincidental but a very important factor in ramblings for a ‘groom-wanted’ mind. The search goes on from following traditional no to ‘divorcees’ to a modern outlook and settling for seeing ‘only 3-months married divorcee’. From not being the one to suggest meeting point or paying up for coffees shared to being a stalker lady out to scavenge all bits of digital footprints left off by the ex. This one has got it all.

My take: Please read it, you all. If you are looking for your Mr. Right, you are in the same boat and if you are married, read it for the rehash and some pointers to dish out to every unsuspecting single you care for.

Oh, and did I mention what a cute cover this book has. Loved it!

Book Courtesy: Vivek Tejuja (Flipkart)

PS: Do not expect a ‘happy ever after’ ending, because the search for Mr. Right doesn’t stop at Ms. Adjustment marrying Mr. Make-Do.