Kritika Sharma's Blog, page 22

Poem - A Silent Breeze

#MyPoems  #SilentBreeze
She sat there listening to the silent breeze A breeze that tangled her hairShe knew she has to goBut she just couldn't decide where
As loneliness crept her heartTears trickled down her faceSo much pain, so many memoriesShe only wished she could erase
She sat there listening to the silent breezeAs she enveloped it in her palmsIts gentle touch gave her strengthIt gave her sense and some calm
With a deep breath she stood upReady to face the world from which ranBut does it really have to be that wayCan't she just start over and have a new plan?
"Let's run away" her heart saidFor there is nothing in your world except the hateBut she can't run, she can't hideFor it's her destiny to suffocate...
~Kritika Gupta Sharma 

Book Review: Right Here Right Now by Nikita Singh

#RightHereRightNow  #BookReviews
Title: Right Here Right NowAuthor: Nikita SinghPublisher: Penguin PublishersPages: 232Price: Rs. 121My Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb:Right Here Right Now is a story of a seventeen year old girl Kalindi who wakes up in a hospital having no recollection of how she got there. She gets to know that she had been in an accident and her whole memory has been wiped clean due to that.
Kalinidi has lost all the seventeen years of her memories and she begins her life a new while trying to absorb her life through bits and pieces delivered to her through her parents, friends and her boyfriend. But she is having a hard time accepting who she was. Also, no one knows what happened to her.
Will she be able to live a peaceful and happy present and future ignoring her past?
Review:Right Here Right Now in one word is an easy read. The reason I picked up this book was the tag-line and the photo of an innocent girl on the cover page. I expected it to be a thriller drama but it turned out to be a teen romance, anyways no harm done, I like teen drama too
In terms of story and plot, it is interesting although I wont call it unique because there are many movies on same but this story is written a differently. It is an easy read and I say it because one can read it one sitting and not feel bored. The story is light and keeps on building. 
The characters are nicely woven, I liked the character of Harsh who, although is just a teenager, sees world in totally different ways. The relation between Kalindi and her mother is also beautiful.
My rating for the book is 3.5/5 because of few cons.To start with, if you are quickly reading the book, you would have to stop and re-read some sentences. The reason of accident and memory loss are left in hanging, the readers deserved to know how it happened, but it was never revealed. Also the ending, oh the ending was very abrupt. The love story of Kalindi and Harsh should have been explored more. At one point they are friends and next they are confessing, it felt incomplete.
Anyhow, it is a pretty nice, easy and quick read and I loved reading it. Hope you enjoy too
Till thenTake Care

5 Post Apocalyptic Shows to Watch...

#TVShows   #Miscellaneous   #MyReviews
These days wherever we see people talk about Apocalypse. 3 years ago everyone predicted and expected Earth to wipe out of the face of the universe, well Thankfully that didn't happen. Where all these predictions didn't happen, some shows in  Hollywood are making these happen, and some are making them really good.
I agree that there are many shows in which Humans face some kind of apocalypse and try to survive it, but below is the list of 5 shows that I liked out of so many shows I have watched (Yes, I do watch a lot of series and hey don't judge me, I just find time for everything I like in my designated 24 hours :))
1. The Walking Dead The most talked and popular show as of now in this genre. And trust me it deserve it. The show revolves around a group of survivors who now everyday deal with 'Zombies'. No one know how it began but they just know that it happened and now they have to survive it. By just reading above you might compare it with 'Resident Evil' movie series and to start with yes you are right because of theme, but there is no comparison amongst the two. They both are nice but I like The Walking Dead more...There are a few Pro's and Con's in the show, let's have a look.Talking about pros of the show, it has an awesome story and graphics. Zombies look so original that some will chill and scare you to your soul. The suspense they create is exceptionally unsettling. And the way they pull off episodes just around one or two characters is amazing. Also, few characters like Daryl and Carol simply steal the show.In cons, sometimes it gets so gross and violent that it get difficult to stomach. Also I would say the family of lead character, Rick Grimes, is very irritating including himself. They could have done better with these leads, but if we look from different perspective, maybe they are suppose to be irritating. In that case they are simply A-class actors
2. The Last Ship Its another super cool show. Every episode is epic and different. It revolves around a world where 85% of population is wiped out due to a deadly virus. What makes this virus exceptionally dangerous is that it is air borne. The story revolves around a navy ship which looks for its cure.Not sure if I did proper justification in explaining the show without spoilers, but it is one show you should not miss.Looking at pros, there are couple of them. Starting with amazing story line and well placed characters. The whole crew of Nathan James (the US Navy Ship) is brilliant, especially C.O. Tom Chandler and Tex. For cons I would say Ganderson, she does not do justification to her role, plus, I hate her for the what she did to humans for her 'electricity' and Niels. You would need to watch the show to understand what Niels did
3. The 100 Starting in a space arc and then followed on Earth, this show revolves around survivors of a Nuclear Attack. After a nuclear war, the Earth, as predicted, is inhabitable and survivors live in a space arc. However, the arc is dying and they send 100 children on Earth to find out if Earth is inhabitable or not. The story revolves around how these children survive from what is left of human kind and how humans fight each otherThe pros of the show are the grounders, they are savages but they bring life to the show. The strong characters of Clarke, Lexa, Murphy, Belamy and Octavia are remarkable and make the show worth watching.In cons, honestly the adults and their rules on their arc is not just ridiculous but also irritating. And worst of character out of all is Thelonious Jaha. I hope the new plot they are bringing up regarding him will make him a little less irritating, although won't count on it... Also the way Finn ended, it was heartbreaking
4. Dominion The show doesn't revolves around zombies, aliens or viruses, it revolves around Angels. You see in this show God leaves us 25 years ago and now Archangel Gabriel is furious and he unleashes hell on humankind as a punishment. It is based on movie Legion and honestly the show is simply awesome.  The biggest pro is angels. After watching it you would wish you had wings to fly. The concept and plot are very interesting. And the character of Gabriel, twisted yet sympathising, is remarkableThe cons include story of William Whele, we could have lived without that non-sense, hopefully it will build up in coming episodes, else it was a waste. And you would wish that character of Michael could have been a little stronger, however, you start to like him after few episodes. Also, sometimes episodes get a little too complicated but we can live with that.
5. Falling Skies Here aliens invade Earth and survivors are trying to take it back.Honestly its 2-3 seasons are really nice, but after that it gets a little weird. After watching 1st episode of Fifth and Final season I have stopped it, simply couldn't accept it in my head. Although I am pretty sure I would get a DVD someday and watch it just for the sake of initial seasons. The pro of the show is Colonel Weaver, he is the life of the show. Skitters, yes they are the aliens but they rock, I kind of pity them. John Pope, at times he plays bad guy but many times he is the most sensible guy as well. Also in the initial seasons, the lead of the show Tom Mason is pretty good too.The cons include the off story line after initial seasons, (I might change it after watching Season 5). The overlords concept is simply hanging in midst and Lexi - they went a little too overboard when it came to her.



So here, if you like such series, now you have shows to watch that include zombies, viruses, angels, aliens and nuclear attack. Choose whichever you prefer, you wont be disappointed
Hope this helpsTill thenTake Care

Short Story - Confessions of a Dying Heart

#ShortStory  #Miscellaneous
"Why did you beat me as a child?" she asked him softly as he lay on his death bed
"What?" he was surprised, when he requested her to ask him anything she wanted for the last time, this was not what he expected
"Yes Papa, it has always bothered me, why did you?" she asked tears stroking her cheeks now
"I don't understand what you mean" he replied avoiding her eyes
"Okay" she replied disappointed, "you rest" she briefly kissed his forehead and started to leave but his choked voice rooted her to the ground
"I was weak, I am sorry" he replied sobbing
Turning slowly she smiled, "it's okay Papa, rest now." It was not the answer she has been looking for all her life but somehow today she has no strength to challenge him or question him further.
Her smile broke him further, sobbing like a child now he replied, "What I did to you was wrong, I should not have hurt you, but I was weak and insecure. After your mother passed away I lost that compassion and treated you wrong. I never showed you my love. I realised how I should have raised you when I see you raise your son. I am sorry my daughter" he finished holding out his hand for her
She gently took it and replied squeezing his fragile hand lightly, "thank you for being honest Papa. I always knew you loved me, just that you showed me tough love" she replied caressing it
"I regret it. I should have loved and raised you better" he confessed
"Its okay Papa. I love you. Now please go to sleep" she spoke kissing his hand gently and in her smile he saw forgiveness. She knew they were the last moment of his life and after that she will have no parent to protect, love and care for her, but instead of feeling lonely, in that  moment she felt closest to her father than she ever had.
Smiling with deep content and love, she left his room as he closed his eyes forever...
~Kritika Gupta Sharma

Book Review: Her Resurrection by Soumyadeep Koley

#HerResurrection   #BookReviews
Title: Her ResurrectionAuthor: Soumyadeep KoleyPublisher: Gargi PublishersPages: 260Price: Rs. 199My Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb:So begins Maya’s story in the picturesque countryside of Maharashtra, where she grows up amidst cruelty and domestic violence, being an unwanted girl-child. Yet, like a lonesome beacon beset by sinister wilderness, she pursues her dreams of reaching the stars with her tiny wings. One night, a twist of fate triggers a series of incidents, when she loses everything she had—even her virginity.
Severely traumatized after her father’s death, her mother’s imprisonment, and her own gang-rape, Maya finds herself all alone in the streets of Mumbai, with wolves lurking around for raw flesh. She’s weary, but not wary. She has no sense of the fate that awaits her. What follows, would change her life forever, as also yours, as her heart wrenching, yet inspiring story echoes through time.

‘Her Resurrection’ bravely paints an appalling picture of the society. Heartbreaking, hopeful and immensely healing at the same time, this emotional rollercoaster through dreams, tragedy and triumph is a moving tribute to womankind. Are you ready to embark on a transformational journey with Maya?
Review:It's a scary world out there and it is clearly evident in this book.What made me pick up this book was the title - 'Her Resurrection' clearly indicates what to expect out of the book and the blurb defines it very well too. We all have heard the condition of women in India, but reading it in such detail is whole other story. Also the cover is different, you look at it and for a moment you feel, 'Whao, that's intense'
The story revolves around Maya who struggles her way in Mumbai. You  name the violence and she has endured it but unlike many others she finds her way out and resurrects in a new form. It is a very intriguing and soul-touching story. It gives you chills at various instances but you would not dare put the book down. And although the topic is common these days and situations are little too predictable, you tend to be mesmerised in the words and Maya's world. 
The author, being a guy, has done a wonderful job in putting himself in shoes of women while writing the story. I liked the command and the flow.
The characters are well drafted, however, I feel the lack of relationship definition between Maya and her mother. This could have been written a bit more to bring more taste.
Overall, it was beautiful read, its just that it had a few drawbacks. To start with it was kind of predictable, but we can ignore that as the story has its own charm. There were some grammar and editing issues which are visible here and there, and lastly, some descriptions were too detailed. With so much details one tends to lose focus.
However, all in all, I liked the book and would recommend it to everyone who would like to read on women issues and something different from romance.
My rating: 3.5/5
Hope the review helps
Till thenTake Care

Short Story - May be in Next Life...

#ShortStory   #Miscellaneous
She locked eyes with him again, after 15 years… 
“Mom… Dad’s calling” her daughter called out but she was rooted to the ground
“Hi” he spoke awkwardly
“Why did you ditch me?” she asked without any formalities
“What?” he was surprised
“I have waited 15 years for this, it haunts me. Why?” she demanded
“Aren’t you married?” he asked eyeing her daughter who was waiting at the curb
“I am and very happily. I just need closure” she hurried
“It was a setup, I never ditched you. I loved you” he spoke in trembling voice, shaking her world
“Why didn’t you explain?” she almost whispered horrified as realization dawned on her
“You moved on, you were with someone else” his eyes brimming with tears
“I lied, I was mad because I loved you. I lied and you believed me” tears streaming down her cheeks now
“You believed that I cheated too” he finished biting his lower lip controlling his tears
And it was the moment when they realised that their first love never ditched. It was true and loyal. The feeling was mixed with joys and sorrow as she finally got her closure. Smiling amidst her thoughts she headed back to her current family, knowing deep down that if not now, not in this life… they will be together again, may be in the next life…
~Kritika Gupta Sharma

Book Review: Keeping the Promises by Dhruv Gajjar

#KeepingThePromises   #BookReview
Title: Keeping the PromisesAuthor: Dhruv GajjarPublisher: Write IndiaPages: 200Price: Rs. 157My Rating: 3.75/5
Blurb:WORDS are mightier than anything else in this world. Sometimes they serve as liaisons between two distinct hearts, and sometimes they shatter two people irreparably apart. But when they are woven into promises and hopes, they give rise to something that lasts forever. They change lives. I had almost lost myself, when she brought me back to life - with her promises. She was dying with a dreadful tumour, but she had the authority to pull those last strings that brought me back to her. She was gradually dying, and every night before going to sleep - she would take a portion of my heart, my soul and my words. She would take a promise from me every night that made me who I'm today. She gave me a new life. One of those promises was to compile this novel that took me to an eventful journey in which I discovered several people, like me, who too were keeping her promises. What were those amusing, surprising and horrendous promises that they all kept? Who else other than I were bound to her promises? Would she be able to redefine love and sacrifice with her plans? Can grief completely redefine who you are? Can a broken heart be healed? Can you fall in love with the same person all over again? Can you live and die, both at the same time? Be a part of my story, about a girl, who - through her promises, changed the lives of the people she loved, including mine. This is my journey. This is the window of my past, and the view to my future. It is yours now!
My Review:How I came across the book? The publisher of the book, Write India suggested me the book and requested the book review. I read a bit about it on various sites and finally decided to read it. The reviews all over are very positive for this début novel and now I know why. The book has its own charm, while reading you are just lost in the characters. You smile, cry and fall in love with them. You realise the importance of keeping the promises.  It is one of those stories that fill your heart with love and sorrow at the same time. The story basically revolves around Dhruv and M. Dhruv lost his love before but when he meets her again she is about to die. Yes it's heartbreaking and it is written in a way that it actually breaks your heart. When they meet again they spend 11 days together, before M dies. The story is about those 11 days, how Dhruv takes care of her and how she makes sure his life is perfect after her. The characters of the story are perfectly woven, you can feel the bond between them. You can feel the love and affection they hold for each otherThe plot is interesting and very intense at times. It is partially written in flashbacks. However when we move to flashbacks you take moment to grasp which is a little issue with the bookThe cover is beautiful but there are some editing issues in the book but you tend to overlook them as you read through. The story is so engaging and touching that you just don't care.
Overall, I liked it and can easily recommend it everyone.
My rating - 3.75/5
Hope the review helps.Till thenTake Care

Is Booze the only Spirit of the Party?

#miscellaneous  #PartynDrinks

I remember the time when the life of the party were people but today its just one thing, Booze or in very sophisticated terms Alcohol or so-called Recreational drinks and socializing. Even when you Google party, the first option in images is 'Alcohol', interesting, isn't it?I find it very strange and it's a concept I find very difficult to wrap my head around. Only recently we went to a small holiday in Lonavala - for the record Lonavala is one place to go during rains, although the place turns into heaven during rains, we couldn't do much of sight seeing because of booze. During the travel we saw a bit of this place, everything was so green and so serene. I loved the small waterfalls everywhere and light rains. The cold wind runs a calm within you... Anyways, coming back from my digression, we were a large group and we hired a bus as a transport. For almost an hour people were quiet, well I am the quiet one, for others to be was a little strange and the moment people got beer in their hands everything changed, not just boys (as in normal image of India), girls too. They were laughing and talking. The people whom I have never known were singing, talking, making jokes and actually having fun. It was a pleasant site because now there was a spark in the air.  Everyone was enjoying. I am not judging anyone here, everyone has their own free will but felt it kind of disturbing yet inspiring. Being an introvert, I now know how to be in a party... Well if this is how you socialize, so be it, and after 2 small drinks and being a little tipsy, I actually did.
Anyhow, I don't really know when everything changed so dramatically. If I recall, couple of years ago when we went out with colleagues things that lightened up the mood were things like Housie (bingo in other words), Antakshari (i.e. Singing songs), playing small games and talking, a lot of talking. But now everything has changed. People don't talk unless they have a bottle or a glass in their hands. The sole motivation of participation (for many people) is an incentive drink.
If this is happening to Gen Y, I wonder what Gen Z will do? They will never know games like charades or bingo. They will go out, drink up their life, dance and party all night. I don't want to dwell in after-party aspect.
All this makes me wonder, are we missing the essence of life? Is this happening everywhere or is this just Mumbai and other big cities. I really hope this is just here and not in rest of India, yes we all hope for India to progress and all small cities to be as happening and advanced like Mumbai, but I don't think this is what we want. 
But what can I say, no one can do anything with respect to how society progresses. Only thing that we can do is pray, May God bless us and especially Bless Our Children.
Till thenTake Care