“Journey of Life”: My entry for the Get Published contest

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Story Idea

Nikhil and Ritu fell madly in love ever since they joined a MNC in a famous IT hub of Kerala. Nikhil hails from a reputed Hindu-Nair family and Ritu happens to be a Knanaya Christian, an endogamous community of Kerala. In spite of all this difference and knowing their union is difficult; they couldn't prevent from falling for each other. The story starts at a crucial point where their relation is on the verge of a breakup as her marriage gets fixed another guy. Ritu’s parents are least impressed by Nikhil and asks her to resign the job and join them abroad as soon as possible. Nikhil gets completely shattered by all these. However, Ritu boldly faces this situation. Before leaving to London to join with family, she decides to live her life to the fullest. She urges Nikhil to spend the rest of days together, fulfilling all their dreams before stepping into a hatred life. Nikhil gets confused with her wish at first, but later finds it as the best decision. And together they embark on a journey to fulfill their life!

Why this story?

In modern Indian society, issues like living together are getting common. However, our society is still reluctant to accept this fact. Our people are still narrow-minded when it comes to issues like inter caste marriage. When people shows reluctance to sincere relations, things like living together and premarital sex happens. This really happened in my friend’s case too, this story is inspired from his life. The story deals with the difficulties a real love faces and the mindset of new generations which our society purposefully chooses to disapprove. And this story is very much relevant in this time period as the element of ‘True Love’ is being missing from all relations. Love is not about hanging around or having sex, it’s all about being sincere and sacrificing!

Extract

The gang was completely shocked to see Nikhil and Ritu teasing each other. They don't see it often.

“See, a thousand gals will come behind me if I leave you”. Nikhil continued to irritate her.

“In your dreams!” she replied instantly.

“Why? No other gal can love me?”

“Yes. But there’s only one Ritu who loves you,” she said with a smile.

“As if I need you!” he was not in the mood to leave her.

“Yes. Nikhil needs Ritu more than anyone else. Stop arguing, that won’t help you to cover the truth,” she continued to reply in a cool way. Nikhil couldn't hide his smile at this comment. Everyone started laughing at this moment.

“You are making me crazy,” he said to her in a romantic way.

“You better be!” she said with a wink.

EndNote: This is my entry for the HarperCollins–IndiBlogger Get Published contest, which is run with inputs from Yashodhara Lal and HarperCollins India

Time to React!

India woke up with the best possible news on November 21, 2012. Media and the people were rejoicing in the hanging of Ajmal Kasab, the man who brutally killed several innocent people in 2008 Mumbai attack. Celebrations were carried out in various parts of India and even in social networks like Facebook (even I put up a status too). Between all these celebrations and discussions about his hanging, I really got something to discuss with you all.

Our fundamental rights clearly states Right to freedom (speech and expression), but two girls were recently arrested for using this. So, I really don’t know what’s going to happen with this article! The day marks the 4^th anniversary of Mumbai attack. The time taken for Kasab's execution aroused many questions among the people and media. In India, capital punishment should be only imposed in ‘the rarest of rare cases’. There are many in our country who is awaiting this punishment. But why people like Kasab are allowed to file mercy petition? That is an injustice to the people who suffered or are still suffering, right? Kasab killed over 100 people and still he was given the provision to file mercy petition. That was too ridiculous! Hope the rest who filed mercy petition after conducting unforgivable crimes get the same result of Kasab. Many have openly said people like this should be executed in public, what do you feel?

Terrorism is not the only problem our country face today. Many people openly admit that they are scared to live in India, just because the crime rate is going high day by day. Every day, newspapers will have a rape or murder to report. The case in Haryana was the worst. Hope everyone remember Soumya who was brutally killed while travelling in train? The police found the culprit and produced him at the court in no time. But then what happened? He’s having a good stay in the prison! His execution is getting late too. In a book written by one of the eminent actors of India, he expresses his concern over issues like rape, forcing immature girls for prostitution (that too by parents itself), brutally punishing small kids, children attacking their parents etc. What should be done to these people? Do they even deserve to be in prison? As an actor says in a recently released movie, “Arab style of punishment should be implemented here”! Seeing the problems our country facing today, no wonder if it gets implemented too.

This is my view on the things happening in our society. Justice should be delivered to the people who deserve it, not to the criminals. Do feel free to express your views by commenting on this article. Speak your mind out! Everyone should know that a generation is not sleeping. Lastly, let’s not forget those people who lost lives in 26/11..May all your souls rest in peace!