Drop in the Ocean

I pledge that I will be aware and alert about things happening around me.

I pledge I will not ignore if I see someone in pain or trouble.

I pledge to be fearless and fight against injustice.
I pledge to not depend on the government, police or people. I pledge to be responsible myself.

I pledge to never walk past someone who may need my help.

I pledge I will not keep quiet if I or any girl around me is  eve teased or even given a dirty look.

I pledge to speak up.

I pledge to not tolerate a sexist joke again.

I pledge to have an opinion and not be afraid to give it.

I pledge. Do you?

Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai - Book Review

Author : Rishi Vohra 

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Genre: Romantic Fiction 

Pages: 272 

Price: INR 175

Rating 3.5/5

About the Author

Rishi Vohra recently relocated back to Mumbai after completing a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law, prior to which he had a successful career in the Indian Entertainment Industry. After featuring as a guest columnist for various newspapers in India, he currently writes for delWine and is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). 'Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai' is his first novel.

To know more about him please visit www.rishivohra.com

“Autistic, schizophrenic, psychotic,” are the words people use to describe Babloo, but the problem is that no one understands him, no one talks to him and no one gets what he feels. No one treats him well expect Vandana, his love interest. He has no relationship worth mentioning with anyone else. He lives in the railway colony in Mumbai and dreams of making something of his life, but his lack of understanding when people talk to quickly and the constant disapproval of his parents lowers his spirits.

The story moves ahead with so many unpredictable twists and turns which keep the readers h0oked. Which incident changes Babloo’s life completely? How does he becomes the superhero Rail Man? How does his life change when he becomes Rail Man? Does his mental condition come in the way of his love? Does he get the coveted hand of Vandana or does he let her be taken by his Sikander who covets her as well. Can he teach Sikandar a lesson? Will life be the same again for Babloo?

Read the book and you shall get your answers. Not just the answers: but a smile on your face as well. Its the innocence in the writing that will touch you. Babloo is someone who will touch your heart from page one . Think from the view of a autistic person, a person who is not good at expressing himself. Someone who can not convey emotions, love or even his views. Babloo is intelligent but no one sees him for what he is. Its a beautiful story. 

As a first time author, Rishi Vohra has done a quite a good job. (Also I have had the chance to speak to him over emails and he's a really sweet guy) .  The story is fresh and refreshing. I say it repeatedly, given a choice I never pick a romantic book (Especially by Indian Authors..yes go ahead narrow your eyes but its true) . But I don't regret reading this one bit. The character sketching is spectacular and grammar nazi is not too annoyed as well. I like attention to details, not descriptive essays about the scenery but the small things that make you smile, think or ponder and these are the things that stay with you.

The book is good. If you are looking for mush, you will be highly disappointed. But if you want to read something that leaves you with a fuzzy warm feeling, then grap your cup of tea and sit by the window with this sweet story. 

This Year I ...

(In no particular order)

Lost  a friend due to misunderstandings and fights.

Fell in irrevocable, deep, irrational, stupid & mindless love. A good feeling, you must try it sometime.

Had my heart broken. And thought it was the end of the world.

Won a contest hosted by a fellow blogger. I never win anything, so it is quite a big deal.

 

Made tons of new friends, met new people. Gathered experiences, memories and insights :)

Finally got a dog, to complete the family and understood the real meaning of selfless love.

Started something new, career wise. Made the best out of what I had and gave into the passion. 

Attended the wedding of a really close family member for the first time. Very Jutte Do Paise Lo Moment >_<

Bought my own laptop with my own money (: Installments FTW !! :D

Grew up in so many ways :) A year older, much wiser and smarter.

Survived the Mayan's idea of the end of the world. 

Was stunned by an incident that shook the nation and realized, I don't have a NOT IN MY BACKYARD attitude after all. 

Wrote more than double of how much I wrote last year. Me is happy :)

Spent a lot of time charging my phone and I intend to do it in 2013 as well. 

So a very good year in terms of a lot of things. I am almost content...almost:)

Even  in the smallest accomplishments and the biggest joys, 2012 has been the best year of my life ( no exaggeration). And once you are set to climb upwards you can only go higher. A very HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH ONE OF YOU READING THIS . May this new year be a rebirth of sorts and bring you a lot of new luck, joy , and love.