About The Author:
Sudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in Haveri district of north
Karnataka.  A prolific writer in Kannada, she has written seven novels, four technical books and three travelogues. This is her first book for children.

Lately, I have been trying to read up the works of Indian authors. I picked this book at random, not knowing anything about the author’s style of writing. From the title of the book it was apparent that there would be stories from the author’s personal life. What most struck me about this book was the simplicity in the stories. A number of my friends complain that they find reading books a tough job. I would say that if you are one of them, then you should start with this book.

There were a couple of stories that I liked. One was titled “Doing What You Like Is Freedom “, where she narrates a meeting with two boy on a train journey. One boy was accompanied by his parents who fussed over him, and were taking all the decisions for him, right from his choice of food, accommodation to his career. And there was this other boy who was traveling alone to join the same college as the other boy. He was quite self-sufficient, and had enough sense to take his own decisions. In the end, the writer makes a comment where she compares the first boy to a bonsai which sounded so true.

The stories are simple yet captivating. They are interlaced with wit and a bit of humor. Though bordering on the verge of preachiness, the stories don’t put you off. They make you think about ingratitude, of the importance of basic values in a person, of resilience of individuals, strength of character, of hopes and dreams.

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He: “I am so sorry honey. I promise that was the last time. I will not touch a drop of liquor. And never ever will I harm you again!”

She: “It’s just a small bruise. But I am so happy about your promise. I know things will get better once you quit drinking.”

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She: “I can’t go on like this! You’ve changed in the last 2 years. There is nothing about me that you like. I feel like I am being judged all the time.

Like I have to live up to your expectations!”

He: “Then break-up if you want to. I couldn’t care less. I am tired of your constant whining too!”

She: “I think you’re right. We should break up. Don’t call me. And I never want to see your face again!”

1 week later…

He: “Hi, how are you?”

She: “I have been missing you. I think breaking up was a mistake. We can work on our problems”

He: “OK, if that’s what you want…”

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He: “Marrying you was the first decision of my life! If only, I had the guts to stand up to my parents, and tell them that I love someone else, things would’ve been different.”

She: “Why are you telling me this now? You think I am happy with this marriage?”

He: “Then file for divorce. You’ve made my life a living hell.”

She: “Divorce you? And then what, go back to my parents and be a burden to them. Face the taunts and whispers of society! I don’t think so.”

He: “So, then what? We should stay in this marriage just because of our parents and society?”

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P.S. Relationships can be like double choke or any other wrestling hold.

With both the partners unwilling to let go, knowing all the while that if they continue to hold on, they might end up hurting the other person or even themselves. At times, society or external factors force them to hold on to each other and at other times it’s their own decision. When the wrestling match ends, do the opponents forget that they were at each others’ throats just a while ago and go back to normal? Or do they remain opponents forever?

She: You remembered? I thought now you won’t remember my birthday.

He: Why wouldn’t I? Just because I am gone, it doesn’t mean that I have broken all ties with my family. I never did say sorry to you for going away. I know I promised never to leave, but I broke that promise.

She: You did what you had to do. If it was up to me, I would never have let you go. I still miss you. There isn’t a day when I wish that you would come back.

He: I know you miss me, and I miss you too. I wish we could go back in time and be together again.

Daughter: Mom, I heard voices from your room. Who are you talking to?

She: I was on the phone dear. You’re back from college? How was your day?

Daughter: It was ok. I am calling up the restaurant to reserve our table. I won’t let you cook today. We must celebrate your birthday.

She: Thank you sweetheart!

He: Is she gone?

She: Yes. But why don’t you come out when she’s with me? She misses her dad. She doesn’t show it, but I know she does.

He: I don’t want to scare her. She might not take it as calmly as you did on seeing the ghost of her dead father.

Raj: “I am sorry. Please forgive me. It was a big mistake, and it will never happen again.”

Sia: “I can never trust you again. I may forgive you, but I don’t know if I can ever forget what you did!”

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Raj wondered if Sia had ever really forgiven him. She hadn’t left him, had never uttered a word of his behaviour to anyone. Outwardly, everything seemed normal. They had moved to a new city and were trying to forget the past. Yet sometimes, he would catch her staring at him in a very frightening manner, her eyes would seem so intense. But within a second, she would blink and the look would be gone from her eyes. He hoped that with time the wounds that he had inflicted on her would heal.

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20 years later,

Raj was really happy today. Sia and he had completed 25 years of marriage and they had planned a grand celebration. All their friends were invited. Everyone enjoyed the party.

As he cut the cake, Raj looked at Sia and his heart filled with joy. She looked so beautiful and had borne him two wonderful kids. He felt his life was perfect.
At night,he was even more surprised when Sia brought out a special cake just for him and fed him with her hands. As he ate the last piece, he started convulsing and frothing at the mouth. He looked at Sia and there was the same look on her face. She had never forgiven him…

…Revenge Is Sweet

Three months later:

“Jai, where are you? Are you Ok? We are so worried for you!”

Click.