warm days and cold nights
among unknown fears
I miss my friends, I miss my peers,
far from laps away from home,
in the feet of destiny laying alone,
all smiling eyes, all buttery lips,
no reality at all, they end up taking flips,
no future is uncertain,
indeed cold here,
the reality of my life makes me feel scared
Surbhi Sareen
Hello beautiful people,
I hope you all are doing amazing in your lives and many of you might be missing my updates on Confessions of an Immigrant. Well, past few months have been super busy with assignments, final exams and with this, I have successfully completed my semester as well as the course. So, now I can say a Very Happy New Year to you all. You might want to know how my New Year was. Isnt it?
Well, for the first time I was alone on 31st December, 2017. I spent the last few minutes alone at my place and cut the cake. I wished my family and talked to people just to get over my loneliness. Coming to resolutions, I have not made any till now. Winters have taken a hault in my life. Earlier I was dying to see the snow, feel the first touch of it but all went in vain when I got terribly sick for a week or so. I couldn’t enjoy the snow and trust me guys, living in -20 temperature is terrible. I was wondering that my friends in India cry over 17 degree, what will happen to them if they have to witness this period. Now, I badly want this stupid snow to end. One more thing I learnt here that diseases, flu in Canada are way too different as compared to India so if you are in Canada and in this weather then you better take a flu shot when you are perfectly fine. It is free of cost and anyone can take it from Shoppers Drug Mart.
Winters are depressing to be frank and this cold climate makes you really lathargic and you tend to miss your classes but we couldn’t even do that as we had those stupid in class assignments which were a matter of life and death for all of us. Thanks to these in class that actually passed all of us.
These past few months have been hectic and many new bombs were exploded on us. I got to know about people, their true colours and what not. It was terrible knowing the fact that the people you felt were close to you, came out to be stupid morons or rather say back bitchers. I have met new people as well who were gem of a person. Not only this, I realised that our teachers can be good and worst at the same time. We praised and cursed at the same time.
I just went to Stratford for a quick vacation where I learnt playing Bukaro game which was as hilarious and brainy. I played it with my other set of family and we almost spent 4 hours playing that.
Not only this, my friends have named me Miss Accident Prone as I have fallen on snow almost 4-5 times. It sounds hilarious but the after pain is excruciating. All thanx to my fear to walk on snow. Thankfully my bones are not broken. Lol.
I have developed connection with writing poetry on Yourquote which is my solace these days. Homesickness is not that much these days as I feel more attached and connected to my family. When I do video chats with my friends, relatives and others, I feel so better and charged. You all are my support system and I feel healed.
My search to find the best place for eating Butter Chicken is still going on. I tried four restaurants which turned out to be extremely stupid and they surely turned my mood off.
Motivation comes in all ways. So, there was a training session where my team had to teach the whole class how to make Chinese Paper Lamp and I wished everyone Happy New Year in Chinese. The training session was fun and I learnt that I am a confident person and handle a session very well. The team work and spirit taught me many things. I got close to my team and learnt alot from their ideas and skills.
One more thing happened was my old connections. I am reviving my old friendships, connections and meeting my old friends who are coming to Canada and who have been there already so that makes me more happy these days. Time spent with them has been amazing and would love to do that all over again and again. Cheers to old friends and their friendships.
This year I am surely planning to visit Niagara Falls. I hope this happens soon but will definitely go in summers as in winters they are frozen.
That is all I have to convey, will be back with another story and discussion issue.
A Walk in the Rain by Udai Kumar Yadla is a romantic fiction blended with socialistic factors. The book is full of twist and turns which keeps you glued till the end. Plus, the name of the characters are somewhere relatable. The author depicts the simplest emotions to the darkest miseries in this novel.
The cover of the book gives us a glimpse of a couple who are walking in the rain with hands in hands. This picture gives us a clear cut idea of a romantic fiction.
The title perfectly fits the cover of the book. A Walk in the Rain is a sort of journey of two lovers whose destiny is decided by rain. Thats what we can make out from the title but here plays the role of author who always surprises his readers.
Love is elixir that keeps you alive. Love is poison that kills you. Unreciprocated love keeps you alive but kills every day.
Heartbroken Sunny lives a reclusive life, trapped in the past, living in his memories. He has no complaints about his life but refuses to embrace the present.
Saloni is a prostitute who is desperate to earn money by any means. She does not care about exploiting others to fulfill her purpose.
Fate unites the loner and the prostitute to embark on a life changing journey of retribution and self discovery.
Lovelorn Sunny turns misogynistic after Sandy, the only girl he loved walks away from his life, unannounced. He suffers painful solitude for almost two decades with the relentless haunting of her thoughts. A distressed friend Imran, vows to change his life forever. A surprise planned for his birthday turns into a tragedy that claims the life of his dear friend, triggering a series of unbelievable events. As Imran gets killed by a stranger, Sunny’s calm life suddenly turns into a turbulent storm. With nothing left to live for, vengeance becomes his ultimate mission. His reluctant alliance with a prostitute to trace the killer sets him onto a nerve racking adventure of life and death.
Both are bound to a common goal with different motives but destiny has its own motive. A walk in the rain is an intricate tale of intense emotions, driven by hair raising twists and turns.
The plot is knitted well but it was predictable. Although the meeting, separation, drama and everything was at the right place. The characters also helped in the plot construction.
This book talks about Human Trafficking, prostituition. These two issues are a blot on the society we live in. But circumstances force people to indulge in these activities and the sufferers have to go through so much because of this.
Saloni and Sunny are the protagonists of the novel. Sunny is a bitter, misogynistic man who hates the world. Even when he needs Saloni’s help, he can’t bring himself to trust her. Life has been hard on Saloni. In spite of her desperate straits, she manages to hold on to her small shred of self-respect. It is hard for Sunny to trust on someone as he had taken so much.
The writing style is simple, lucid and condensed. The use of flashbacks and prologue has made it beautiful. The thought process is loved by the readers. Its hard to believe that its author’s debut as he has comprehended the thoughts so well. This book deserves to be converted into a movie.
Grab your copies from : http://www.amazon.in/A-Walk-Rain-Udai-Yadla/dp/9381841543
Thirty Eight Days by Len Webster is a romantic fiction. It is the first book in the Thirty Eight Series. The book is just beautiful in its own way as it is perfect in every possible way.
The cover of the book is enthralling. It leaves you in an awe. The cover has a pretty girl who is lost in the fragrance of the flower. The cover surely gives us wonderful vibes. If you are judging the cover then it won’t take you another second to buy this book.
The title is intriguing in itself. Thirty Eight Days keeps us in a confused mode as we are not able to make out like what exactly are these Thirty Eight Days? What the author is going to tell us. These thoughts add curiosity in our minds.
Ask yourself, how many days does it take to fall in love? Nolan Parker and Clara Lawrence never saw eye to eye. In fact, if you asked Clara she would tell you that Nolan hated every thing about her. They never shared any form of connection besides Alex Lawrence. She was Alex’s bratty sister and he was Alex’s best friend, they never stood a chance. Five years have passed and almost 12,000 miles have kept them separated, both living completely different lives. Unchanged perceptions and expectations should have kept them apart but when Nolan returns, the foundations of their ‘relationship’ is sure to change. Their story was meant to end the day Nolan left for Stanford. But what if seeing each other after five years was the game changer? What if this was their one chance to rewrite their relationship or were they always destined to never be more?
The plot is neatly woven and it revolves around Nolan Parker and Clara Lawrence. Both are childhood acquaintances. Clara is the sister of Nolan’s best friend, Alex Lawrence. This is story of their childhood bond which they realize when they meet again after 14 years. Heartbroken Clara finds solace in Nolan. The twists and turns makes this plot more interesting.
The book follows a theme of brother sister relationship where we notice Clara and Alex being the best brother sister. The way ALex pamper his sister, Clara gives us a homely atmosphere. Further, The theme of friendship is really strong in this book. Annie, Josie, Stephie have been fantastic friends to Clara whereas Rob, Alex and Nolan are inseparable. The love theme is the main one which takes away our hearts. Readers instantly fall for Nolan and Clara.
The characterization is the strongest segment in this book. Clara is heartbroken after Darren’s betrayal and Nolan enters her life like a wind. The beauty of Clara and her features are appreciable. Further, Nolan Parker comes back to Melbourne only because of his best friend, Alex who wants him to look after his sister. Alex plays the role of a true supporter and a caring brother blended with a confidante for Nolan.
This book surely gives us the glimpses of life in a Foreign land. The use of descriptions and lifestyle are impeccable. Since the author is from Australia so we can find some native touch. The style of writing is simple, clear and bold. The way the author has used point of views and chapter names with the names of characters, Clara and Noel, is just perfect. The use of wit, humor, drama and thriller part makes it stand out. The end is written in such a way that it can be connected to the next book in the series, Thirty Eight Reasons.
Grab your copies from :
https://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Eight-Days-Len-Webster-ebook/dp/B00L23JOQ0
About the Author
Len Webster is a romance-loving Melbournian with dreams of finding her version of ‘The One.’ She calls Australia home, but secretly wishes a man with a beautiful accent would whisk her away. She’s been called a hopeless romantic and a firm believer of happily ever afters, which she doesn’t object to. Having just completed her Bachelor in Business and Commerce, Len can be found daydreaming of her next Europe adventure or swooning over Mr. Darcy. Her best friends are a hot cup of tea, red velvet cupcakes, a warm jumper and her MacBook, ready to write to her heart’s content.
It gives me an immense pleasure that I am the first one to read and review this book. Her Last Wish by Ajay K Pandey is his second book. This book talks about love in a unique way. Further, the elements of morality story can be seen in this piece.
Cover- The cover is mesmerising, soothing and eye pleasing. One can feel that the two people in the cover are in love. This cover has beautifully highlighted one point,”It is important to be with each other”
Title- The title is simple but has a deeper meaning which we comes to knowin the end. Its not just the wish but the infinite love of a husband for his wife. The story revolves around it.
Genre- This novel can be categorised as a Romance or a Tragedy.
Blurb- Her Last Wish is a story of a guy burdened with his father’s expectations and mother’s over protective rules. Then love walks into his life as his life partner. The story is his fight with the world and even destiny as he tries to pull his wife out of the clutches of a fatal disease, trying to fulfill her wishes and making her happy.
Plot- The plot construction is gripping and it surely keeps you glued till the end. The story is about Vijay who is a hopeless man. But when he gets married to Astha, a confident girl life changes for him. The way he handles her disease is the rest of the story. The story is unpredicatable. It looks simple to crack to the code but as you progress in your reading your notions are proved wrong.
Characterization- The author has surely played with the minds of the characters. The best part is, all the characters in this story are round characters as everyone undergoes a change in the latter half of the novel. It is often stated that the protagonists are the favourite characters. They are always, but this time, I felt more connected to the supporting characters because without their role, the story would have no meaning. I am impressed by the mother and father of Vijay who are the pillars of this novel. The way they helped in the progression of the story is impeccable. I would say no father is like Vijay’s father and no mother is like Vijay’s mother. Vijay’s father played the role of a true friend in the lives of Vijay and Astha whereas Vijay’s mother is a confident woman whose love is unexplainable.
Highlights of the Novel
The book talks about morality. This takes us back to the ancient drama times where Morality Plays were shown. Well, these morality plays were based on human virtues like anger, sadnees, happiness, revenge, forgiveness. This novel has one of these virtues which are beautifully highlighted hence, I could make out that this is a morality story.
The Epistolary technique of novel writing used by author is an icing on the cake. These letters are in form of point of views of different which surely takes away the hearts of the readers.
Style- The style of writing of the author is surely unique. It is neither simple nor complicated yet it has some different essence of novel writing. Maybe the author writes as a husband, thats he can bore such emotions which just melts your heart and force you read the story. Some of the lines are heart touching and can become axioms in near future. The descriptions, editing are perfect. i would say the author has experimented with multiple point of views which is a huge risk but according to me, this is worth it. This book has surely stolen away my heart and I would strongly recommend you all to read it.
Grab your copies from Amazon: Its still on Pre- orders: http://www.amazon.in/Her-Last-Wish-Ajay-Pandey/dp/9382665870/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481877657&sr=8-1&keywords=Her+Last+Wish
About the Author
Ajay K Pandey is currently working with Cognizant, Pune. Although he grew up with a dream of becoming a teacher, destiny landed him in the IT field. Travelling, trekking and reading novels are his hobbies. Travelling to different places has taught him about different cultures and people and makes him wonder how despite all the differences, there is a bond that unites them. Trekking always inspires him to deal with challenges like a sport.
Reading is perhaps what makes him feel alive. Apart from writing, he wants to follow his role model Mother Teresa and make some contribution to the society.
His debut novel You Are The Best Wife was based on his life events and went on to become a bestseller soon after its release. It charmed many hearts and inspired several others to live every moment with love, peace and happiness.
Hello lovely readers,
Its been a long time since I updated about friendship diaries. Basically, I had planned to update it on my friend’s birthdays so here it goes. I would talk about someone whom I know since childhood days. We studied together and shared many memories. Today she is in some other land, probably busy with her studies and work but that doesn’t end here. We are still articulated by the bond of friendship. Here is a recap of our bond and yes, its for you Sheru (Surbhi owns the right to call her by this name). For you all its SHREYA JAIN.
Shreya Jain( Sheru)
Candid Pic
I remember the good old days we shared. The bond so special and perfect, friendship. I had never thought that we would come to this level. You have been the cutest and craziest friend I ever had who is so bold and determined about things. I have always seen you focussed, be it studies or any work.
We were super mad!
I can’t get over the thought of your childhood stories. Remember when my dad asked you where you want to live and your answer was,
” I want to live in kitchen as thats the best possible place where I can be around eatables and I want to marry a person who would have a large kitchen”.
Dance- our ritual
We all rolled over laughing and my dad started calling you “Khane vali beti”. Those were the best innocent days we have ever shared. I know how he used to ask you to convince me to eat food, that was hilarious and super cute. I love your concern for me. I have always admired your smiles and the way you handle things is impeccable.
The Cutest Pic.. forgive me others 😉
I am so happy that our group is still there and we all care for each other(Surbhi, Saloni, Tanya and Shreya). I actually hate you for posting those wierdest childhood pics but now, I am going to do the same.( winks)
A born Dancer..;)
Diwali has been a treat for all of us, those Diwali gifts, the fun and when we share things, it has been the best part in our lives. Festivals, birthdays connect us. This time you will not be around as you are in Australia but you will always remain in our hearts. I miss you badly and yes, I am just a call away.
My Fav 🙂
Mouth Watering 🙂
In all this, how can I forget your art of cooking. I come to your house just because you cook sumptuous things and I have always loved your cakes and I miss them so much. I really want to taste the delicacies prepared by you.
I want a large piece of cake 😉
Today I wished you on whatsapp. I was planning something for you and here is my way of wishing you A Very Happy BIrthday. I hope all your wishes come true and you stay happy. It is not important how much you earn, it is important how much you are happy with youself. I may not be with you physically but I am always with you in your memories. We are and will always be friends forever. LOve you so much 🙂
P.S.- This is Surbhi signing off, will be back with more birthday updates. Stay tuned.
Hello lovelies! I am back to my Inspirational Diaries. Today I would tell you about this cute catty Punjaban. Her name is Gurpreet Kaur.
Gurpreet Kaur( Nainpreet Kaur)
Haye Ni.. Punjabi Mutiyaar!!
I met her exactly three years and she was the second person whom I met in the college. She looked sweet with coloured blue top, white jagging, her hair tied up in a pony tail and her hazel eyes was an icing on the cake. She looked amazing. She was a blabbermouth to be honest. I was not used to such people but when I came across her I started liking her. Her daring and casual could be noticed on the very first day as she bunked the most important class, without knowing about it actually. When she came to know she promised that she won’t miss the class. But slowly and steadily or very quickly she became regular in bunking the class. The result was that she became almost out of touch with us and we were just like that there was a girl named Gurpreet who never attended the lectures. We didn’t get the chance to come close. Was it the end of this story of friendship? Umhhh.. this was just one side of her and we were yet to see the other side.
Phoolon ke saath
In second year fourth semester, she came back to class. Her new side could be seen. She started spending time with us and we became her friends. Yes, it was a new start of friendship again. I came across her the first as she needed notes and even she used to drop me home. I realised she was a nice person who was true to me. She was genuine and an amazing soul. Her zeal to look at life and enjoy the life to the fullest inpired me the most. I did all those things which I hated the most. I can’t forget that I went out for a movie that too three people on one activa. I ate those unhealthy gol gappas for her. I ate that spicy food. I just can’t forget how she used to listen my blabbers, tragic stories about my fights with my psycho scentifc friend during her drives. I had experienced nature with her, yes remember when we used to drop Mannu at the highway. In all these how could I forget your Malai sabji that you made for us in the first semester, the very next day of our first day, those sandwiches and the way you used to bring MADDi or Naddi( God Knows whom :p) samosas. Anyway, all were delicious and just can’t get over them. To add more, when you brought tikkis for me in that scorching heat, I love you for that Preet.
best photo
Preet, I love the way you smile, wink and make others laugh. I always admire your bindass attitude and your love for parties, hangouts. I have seen so much on that activa of yours almost the entire Jalandhar. Yami and I will never forget those movies dates with you, those hangouts, those pajama movie attitude of yours, that taking of tiffin in theatres and not to forget our last movie, Angry Birds and after that you came to my place, the way we laughed, made funny faces and clicked loads of pictures. I just can’t forget how many memories you have given me and all those good and best ones.
Last day
There are two things which I hate the most. One is when you forget to return me notes 😛 and the other is your super crazy number changing attitude. I don’t get why the hell you change your number just like changing clothes. You are complete Jhalli. Hehe..
Masti..
And now I am going to miss you alot. I can’t forget that you were the one with me when I had to visit some places like DAV college and many more. I am going to cherish all those fun moments in my life.
Memories..:D
Prem Bhav..:P
This is Surbhi signing off… I will be back with more such people. Till then, stay blessed and keep rocking..:)
She Swiped Right into My Heart by Sudeep Nagarkar has become number 1 bestseller in just a couple of days. The author has done an amazing job in delineating his characters and the way he tells his story surely reaches the hearts of the readers. His popularity has made him the heart throb of young generation. Well, I ordered this book for the first time in pre orders and the happiness doubled when I saw his sign. Lets get into the technicalities and know more about this book :
Cover- The cover of the book is light and dark blue which gives a soothing effect to the mind.
Title- The title of the book ‘SHe Swiped Right into my Heart’ is unique and has a lot of store in it which we come to know when we read it.
Plot- The plot is really intriguing. The story is of Geet who is an unpopular girl and ends up making Rudra her fake boyfriend in order to play cool. Shibani and Tushita are her darlings who are always with her in her thick and thin. Tushita’s accident brings a shock to all of them and series of events take place that makes their friendship go through ups and downs.
Tushita’s love affair with Vivaan after her breakup with ANdy serves as a sub plot which meets with the main plot in the end and makes the novel fascinating.
Characterization- Sudeep knows perfectly how much space is to be given to his characters and very well manage it. Geet’s character goes through a roller coaster ride. SHe is depicted as a dull, underconfident, victim of bullies but after she comes across Rudra she becomes preety, bold and confident which makes the readers love her character.
Shibani’s attitude and her love for bikes makes her stunning but her evil act makes us hate for sometime and in the end she undergoes a change which makes us like her again. SHe is shown as the mouthpiece of Sudeep who takes to a different side which most of us are aware of it but we never pay any heed to it.
Tushita is treated as the princess character and her accident brings tears in the eyes of the readers. But when Vivaan brings positivity in her life, makes the readers relieved. Vivaan is shown as an introvert character who hides his feelings for Tushita and later on when he says his heart out, this leaves us in an awe.
RUdra is shown as the victim of his own issues. He sounds cool and carefree but in his deep, he is a tormented which is delineated perfectly bye SUdeep.
Andy plays a cameo role in the novel and his evil acts make us hate him. ANd those girls who used to bully GEet, adds hatred in our hearts for them. But as they say,” Without Villains a hero is incomplete so they all complete each other.
Theme- The major theme is of friendship. SUdeep highlights the trio Geet, SHibani, Tushita who love each other unconditionally and grow through a lot of mess but still stand together in the end. The other important theme is of love. Geet and Rudra’s love story is super fantastic. One can feel living those lovey dovey moments. Further, TUshita and Vivaan’s story is really cute and has a lot of struggle in it. Last but not the least, They are the significant themes in the novel, bullying and Lesbianism.
Bullying is the act of teasing a person and humiliating him by reminding his follies. This act makes a person depressed and lose his confidence. Geet is the victim of this act and readers end up crying when she goes through this.
Lesbianism is an act in which a female is attracted towards a female. In this context, Sudeep has made Shibani his mouthpiece. Sometimes, it is not easy for a person to identify his gender roles. Everyone has their own preferences and its normal to be a lesbian. But Shibani struggles herself and ends up doing those things which she was not supposed to do. But in the end, she accepts herself and even her friends accepts her which goes in a positive way.
Style- The language is simple,lucid and clear. The author has used epistolary technique through Tushita’s diary entries. The narrative is impersonal and a third person narrative. The sub headings are unique. The author has done full justice to the novel.
Availability- http://www.amazon.in/She-Swiped-Right-into-Heart/dp/8184007450
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29772476-she-swiped-right-into-my-heart
http://www.flipkart.com/she-swiped-right-into-my-heart-english/p/itmehb7zfeu4gsyh
Others Reviews- http://dna-of-books.blogspot.in/2016/05/she-swiped-right-into-my-heart-by.html
http://hungerbrain.com/book-review-she-swiped-right-into-my-heart/
ABout the Author
Sudeep Nagarkar is an author of 6 Best-selling Novels. His books are inspired from true incidents. His book “It Started With A Friend Request” is the most popular fiction book of 2013. He was awarded 2013 Youth Achievers award for being one of the best-selling Romance Writers in India.
He Quit his Managment job in 2012 to become a full-time writer after the success of his second book.
More pictures of Sudeep Nagarkar’s book
Will post the interview soon.. Stay tuned to more updates ..:)
