2 Peg ke Baad

by Nikita Lalwani

2 Peg Ke Baad brings together 14 short stories that happened after 2 pegs, in an inebriated state. World’s greatest stories are created when people are high – masterpieces are painted, universal truths are realised, models on billboards are befriended, lovers are united, butts are kicked, confessions are made, and relationships are sorted.

The book started as a blog with people from across the world sharing their stories, ideas, confessions and beliefs, and the elixir of the 14 best stories is here to reveal what lies beyond a conscious mind.

Though the book does not intend to encourage drinking alcohol in any sense, here’s to celebrate every emotion that kicks after a few pegs. Cheers!!

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Murali Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Peg Ke Baad by Nikita Lalwani, is an anthology of 14 short stories. Its one of the best anthology I had came across, ranging various emotions and socialistic thoughts. The name refers after 2 pegs but I or author doesn't encourages alcohol consumption. 2 pegs is the only common things which connects the stories from one another.

In this book the stories were not started from the bar or on the bar nor in-between 2 pegs. Its all of true emotions, feelings, love, friendship, humour, pain, betrayal, socialism. This captivating stories keep the readers glued till the end.

The titles of 14 stories are,

1. A Walk With A Call Girl
2. My Last painting
3. What Happens in Banaras... Stays for a Lifetime
4. How We Got Married
5. Apology! Sex Pays
6. Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)
7. When All That Mattered Was A Gun
8. Drive-In-Sanity
9. Kicking the Butt
10. Rosita in the Bar
11. It's not a Love Story
12. Epilogue
13. Euphobia
14. Car no. 88

My favourite are "Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)" and "My Last painting", Papier Blanc is all about Kiara, a girl who consists of many dreams which is shattered because of her betrayed lover. So soul touching one.

My last painting is all about Ananya Jethi, who is looking for job satisfaction. Who changes her job until find a job in creative writing, where she finds kiaan whom he is more comfortable with, yet it also ended in sad, pain. As a end she finds out her most passionate one - painting, the last painting.

I think the cover is also an boost up with a glass consists of red liquor, an beautiful cover and the blurb states exactly what the novel is.

Do pick the book " 2 Peg Ke Baad " - An anthology of unique, emotional, feelings and a great read.

My rating - 4.5/5

[Dipanshu Rawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
This anthology of short stories, written by Dr. Nikita Lalwani, is an apt example of what form creativity can take.

These are the fourteen short stories compiled in the book-

1. A Walk With A Call Girl
2. My Last painting
3. What Happens in Banaras... Stays for a Lifetime
4. How We Got Married
5. Apology! Sex Pays
6. Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)
7. When All That Mattered Was A Gun
8. Drive-In-Sanity
9. Kicking the Butt
10. Rosita in the Bar
11. It's not a Love Story
12. Epilogue
13. Euphobia
14. Car no. 88

Each and every story has a message to speak. The message is spoken sometimes directly, like in the second story; whereas some stories, like the first one- A Walk with a Call Girl, delivers its message metaphorically.

I don't drink, and at no point I support alcohol or any kind of narcotics or drugs, and neither do the author, as mentioned in the Introduction part of the book. But, we have to admit that every euphoria, dysphoria or unconsciousness of the brain has brought up life changing events. So, the book has collection of 14 stories that happened 2 peg ke baad.

The vocabulary part is superb and you can see how beautifully the author paints the scenic nature in all the stories. The book has a gripping magic, that starts right from the beginning.

I'll be sharing three quotes from the first two stories here, from the book.

There is not much difference in getting laid and playing drums; the harder you hit, the better the cords revert. (Page-5)
Here's a thing about life: it makes you believe that you have everything in control, but the truth is that nothing really is. (Page-9)
They say, "Whine a little and you will feel better", I say, "Wine a little and you will feel much better." (Page-12)

Purposefully, I quoted the lines from the first two chapters only. Well, after giving you a taste of this book, I want to maintain a surprise element of this drink for you.

This is certainly an entertaining one time read.

P.S. In all the ways, the reviewer was conscious while writing this review. Somehow, the euphoria that I feel while writing this review could be due to the author's addictive writings and not due to any Martini or Tequila shots.

Book cover and title.
Title is catchy. The book cover is complementing its beauty.

Kudos to Srishti Publishers and the author, Dr. Nikita Lalwani, for creating this tremendous work.

Cheers!

For the complete review, visit my blog post- http://dipanshuwrites.blogspot.in/201...

[Amrit Sunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

 2 PEG KE BAAD is an anthology of 14 short stories including ;


1.A Walk with a Call Girl

2. My Last Painting

3.What Happens in Banaras...Stays for a lifetime

4.How We Got Married

5.Apology! Sex Pays

6.Papier Blanc( The Blank Paper)

7.When All That Mattered was A Gun

8.Drive-In-Sanity

9.Kicking the Butt

10. Rosita in The Bar

11.It's not a Love Story

12.Epilogue

13.Euphobia 

14. Car no.88


Each story has something new to offer. Every story ends with a twist. It gives you a realization of LIFE. Each and every story teaches us something about life. Every emotion is beautifully crafted and represented by the author. I was moved after reading each story. I felt all the emotions which were felt by the persons in the stories. So you yourself can imagine, how powerful and beautiful these stories can be. I would say Creativity at its best.


I don't drink, and at no point I support alcohol or any kind of narcotics or drugs, neither do the author. But we have to admit that euphoria, dysphoria or unconsciousness has brought bup life changing events. So the book offers us 14 stories that happened 2 peg ke baad which changed people's lives.


VOCABULARY :

 The vocabulary part is amazing and every word explains the emotions in the book perfectly. Kudos to Dr. Nikita Lalwani for giving us such a phenomenal experience of human emotions and life.


I want to share my personal favourite quote from the book.


Here's a thing about Life: it makes you believe that you have everything in control, but the truth is that nothing really is. ( Page-9)


I want to thank her for delivering us an upto the mark and tremendous read.


BOOK COVER AND TITLE :

The title tickles your curiosity and is catchy. It truely explains what this book is about.


Kudos to the author and Srishti Publications , for creating this superb work.

[Tushti Bhatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

kudos to Nikita Lalwani for writing a novel on such a topic. 14 short stories, kinky ending, life'preaching, creepiest of confessions, perfect blend of emotions is what makes 2 PEG KE BAAD a tipsy read. Although i felt the stories are simple and are inspired from the daily preachings and teachings of one's life. What i really liked about the book is the simple narrations, error free stories, perfect grammar, preachings/confessions/lessons of life written in a serious yet in a witty tipsy manner. i couldn't find out a simple mistake, from the cover to the blurb to the short stories everything was perfect. The way author has knitted the story with her beautiful yet tantalizing words left me in her awe, some stories might leave you teary-eyes while some stories will make you laugh with a cute-happy ending and will surely make you believe that yes consuming alcohol can be good for someone's health and heart, sometimes.
i would like to rate it 4.5.

[Pallavi Sareen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 Peg ke Baad is an appropriate title for this anthology that tells 14 different tales, all of which took place after the characters drank two shots (sometimes more but you get the jist). it is all about drunken stories, some of which will make you think deep, others will make you laugh. there are also some gory as well as heart touching stories.

Let's discuss each of them:
The first story A Walk with a call girl failed to make that impact on me like a first story should, to make you hooked in with the book. But since these were all short stories, I continued ahead to the next one anyway.
My last painting turned out to be little confusing for me and it was more gory than heart-touching. I cannot understand what the author's intention was with this story but I just didn't get the point.
The Next story of Banaras, now that was both deep and entertaining read for me but that is the vibe of Banaras. High on weed, with the holy Ganga and death all around.
How we got married. Now that is one contemporary story of romance which ends on a hilarious note.
Apology! Sex Pays. Another fun story that would have been horrific if one had experienced it themselves.
Papier Blanc: Now this was my favorite story in the whole book for reasons which are evident as you read. Also that Ernest Hemingway quote is just a cherry on top.
When all that mattered was a gun shows how extreme things can get when you are drunk. it was a tale of caution.
Drive in sanity was another comical tale of drunkenness which could have turned into a big accident but gladly didn't.
Kicking the butt tells a horrific tale and what courage it takes to stand up to a molester (2 pegs help ). It shows the vivious morality of our society that cannot protect its children from the claws of such monsters.
Rosita in a bar is not only a tale of loyalty but also of how people mislead and take advantage of vulnerability.
It's not a love story is a tale about accepting your fate and moving on.
Epilogue: An inspiring read about Transgenders and also about finding happiness. This was another one of my top favorites from this book.
Euphobia is a tale that borders on horror, mystery but with a comical twist.
Car No 88. Now this apt as a last tale as it tells you to drink, but with caution. Because the things that happen when you are drunk don't always end on a happy note.
What all these tales have in common is not only liquor but also that they are all entertaining to read about. there maybe one or two tales that i didn't like but over all it turned out to be a good book.

[Dev Deep · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one of its kind. A compilation of 14 short stories of different genres, a deep message is almost all the stories which happened 2 Peg ke Baad. I found a different idea in this book. For the first time, I read such a book in which there are various genres by the same writer but there was one thing which is common, Alcohol. Everybody knows that after 2 pegs the stories start to outburst from every person's mouth.

While the book is about the drunk stories, the language is pretty simple and sober. I was little disappointed with the first story but as I read the next stories, my interest in this book touched a new high. Every story is unique in their own way. Some stories were very interesting while some were very less intriguing.

A fun packed book with lot of emotions and drama, and how can I forget to mention little humor also

[Mrinaal Prem · Rating 4 out of 5]

“2 Peg ke Baad” is undoubtedly one of the best works of fiction I’ve read in a long time- especially from the ‘new-age’ Indian authors.

What sets it apart?
I’ll start with the nuances first, which lead me to write the opening sentence above:
Not only is the grammar good and error-free, but a considerable effort has also been put into making the sentences engaging for the reader- as visible in the extra-ordinarily good sentence structuring.
Dr Nikita Lalwani, the writer-turned-dentist author, pays attention to all those small elements- keeping the right pace and flow, removing ‘kinks’ from the story-arc, keeping the length right etc.- that differentiate between a good literary work, and a bad one.
Unlike many other authors, she doesn’t seem to be laboring under the delusion “if the story is god, rest of the other things- grammar, good vocabulary, relatability etc.- do not matter; and that’s what sets this book apart from most of her contemporaries- including some of the ‘best-selling authors’.

Plot summary
Comprising of 14 different, independent short stories “that happened after 2 pegs, in an inebriated state” (from the opening sentence of the blurb on the book’s backside), the best thing about the plot is that it doesn’t unnecessarily try to ‘prove a point’- neither in favor of, nor against anything- which is rare for more than 90% of ‘authors’ coming out today!
Most of these stories follow a flashback narrative though, which indeed might start to annoy if you aren’t a big fan of it- there’s only so much you can handle, of something which you detested, to begin with!! But do not give up yet!! The stories themselves are good enough to more than make up for it..
You’ll find every sort of story here- roaming around the street of Singapore with a prostitute, making your best painting ever and then bleeding to death over it, keeping on spurning the one who loves you with all his heart while pining for a hardly-known womanizer, fighting out the ‘matters’ in the engineering college- I could go on for a long while, and yet there won’t be enough spoilers to stop you from reading it!
There are indeed weak moments of the book-occasional not-so-interesting sentences, a couple of stories unnecessarily stretching over a couple of pages- but fortunately they are rare instances, and spread far enough from each other to break your concentration, or ‘spoil the feel’ of the book!

The Cover
I usually do not cover the covers, but this one does force me to make an exception.
The unusually large rose, seated inside a cocktail glass..
Not really being the one to do proper justice to art-appreciation, I’d contend myself with just stating that it was “simply W-O-W!”.. There aren’t many books with covers as aptly matching the title, as well as the content.

In the present, despairing scenario of contemporary Indian fiction writing, engaging writers like Nikita Lalwani are indeed a wonderful read.

[Aryan Sarath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of 14 short stories. I must say each and every story is unique in its one aspect. Author has meticulously penned down beautiful stories without moving away from the main aspect - PEGS. You read it right. Neither I or the Author support the alcohol consumption but this so called alcohol plays a major role in all these 14 different stories.

While I liked the description of "Sweet yet the most meaningless kiss" from the first story - "A walk with the call girl", I liked the portrayal of he character Ananya as to how she missed being in the wrong job and ends up her life making herself as the painting in "My Last Painting"

To Give, To Love and To Live is the theme for "What happens in Banaras, stays for a lifetime" which would give an altogether different perception of life. Parth Patel and Bandita Arora in "How we got married" is about a runaway bridegroom for a difference which made it an interesting read.

"Apology! Sex Pays" was a story to ponder as the protagonist ends up with a shemale in Thailand. "Papier Blanc" is a real touching story of Kiara and her failed love which moved me deeply.

"When all that mattered was a gun" is a different concept yet again. "Drive-in-sanity" is a story which talks about how the protagonist thought everything had happened in real but found all of them being an illusion as she was under the influence of alcohol.

"Kicking the Butt" is an excellent story which talks about the most prevailing social issue in the economy which takes a sideline as no one dares to talk about it - Child Abuse and "Rosita in the bar" reminded me of the dog which came to the same spot expecting her deceased owner for close to a decade expecting to see the person in real.

"It's not a love story" brings a different dimension of how protagonist becomes friend with a constable which eventually leads to something good in the end and "Epilogue" is something I liked it too.

"Euphobia" is a funny horror story I liked the most and last but not the least "Car No.88" which is the only non-fiction story among the lot as this story was inspired from a true event/incident.

On a whole, these stories were a perfect read on any given day and I liked every one of them for the variance that was showed and the message that the author conveyed.

[Surbhi Sareen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover- The cover of the book is fanatastic as it has a glass with alcohol in it. The colours used are vibrant and its appealing.

Title- I felt this is the perfect title for a book like this as it suits the theme 2 Peg Ke bAad. This title has a Hindi name which means after consuming 2 shots.

Structure- There are 14 stories in this book. All are different and have one thing in common i.e. they tell about the incidents that take place after those 2 Peg Ke Baad. The author follows an incidental technique with main headings. Some stories are metaphorical while some are incidental. I have some of my personal favourites:

Papier Blank(The Blank Paper)- This story is really heart touching and gives us a glimpse of Indian idealogy and idealogy of French people. It is a take of relationships, struggle, heart breaks,writing and of amnesia that takes a toll. I especially loved the quote by Ernest Hemingway and the small writeup, french attitude.

Drive- In- Sanity - An amazing story that makes you laugh, smile as it has so many fun elements and the perks of being highly drunk.

Kicking the Butt- A life changing story that gives us a reality check of relations. Further, it gives us a clear picture of those people who are double faced and can harm us. We should always be bold and face them without any fear.

Rosita in the BAr- A story of love and devotion of wife for her husband. Rosita is unable to believe that her husband is dead and it takes years to realise this. Here faith is the major concern.

Its Not a Love Story- A powerful tale of after effects of a breakup. This story is unusual as it doesnt have a new lover instead it has an inspector who comes out to be the solace of Manas.

Epilogue- This is a story with a prime focus on social issues and it throws light on the Hijra community whoare known as enunchs. This is a heart warming tale of Laxmi who has surrendered herself to LOrd Krishna. We get a new insight about them and we should respect them. It touched my soul.

LOws- The copy I got had 17 pages missing but that can't be simply ignored. There were some repetitions in the stories and minor editing errors which could have been avoided.

Best STory- Epilogue surpasses the norms of society and has an enthralling story line which fills new vibes and new thoughts about these Hijras. Laxmi is the mouthpiece of the author. SHe has beautifully woven the tale and deserves claps. This story makes me overlook all the flaws the other things have.

[Vaidehi Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

.5

This book, is a bit of strange bunch of tales. Being a non-alcoholic till date I never thought that someone would narrate tales based on such topic. Well, this book offers 14 stories of different genres with only one thing in common and that is quite obvious ie, alcohol. I can give a brief about the stories I liked the most:
A walk with a call girl: Story is intriguing. A good to heart conversation is better than a paid sex. Isn't it? This describes an emotional bond over physical bond and who looks for who the person is when they are ready to contain what you heart wants to pour? A good to read story.
My last painting: This story is about quitting down in front of hardships of life. To me this story defines pros and cons of independent life. Ending is heartbreaking.
Apology! Sex pays: This one offered a good laugh! What if someone gets in bed with a doll and she turns out to be something else? Pity, he had to pay for what he could not do!
Kicking the butt: Nobody is allowed to tolerate the burden of injustice and if few pegs can help you to lift the burden then liquor is good. Sanya Rhoda lifted such a burden on her wedding day, and it takes a lot more than courage to kick butt of guests!
Car No. 88: No matter how much fun it is to get drunk but somewhere deep down we know how much and what harm it causes. Sometimes it costs life or lives. There could not be a better end to this book than this story.
Narration of each tale is very thick and consuming. This book lets out an immediate attraction towards author and the writing skills. A concept that is pure and raw still interesting enough.

What's hot..
• This book is one of its kind. The book cover goes well with the theme.
• Fun, lessons, preachings..this book offers something for someone.
• Blurb, describes the book with a crisp.

What's not..
Not much apart from the fact that few stories had a sadistic end.
Although this was an entertaining read!!

Ratings:
3.5/5 (Good enough to be picked!)
Drink, but don't get drunk.
Cheers!!

[Shruti Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 beg ke baad by Nikita Lalwani is an anthology of 14 short stories based in diverse background and cultures. The title and cover photo of the book intrigues one to definitely go for reading. The author has described how people tend to react in a different manner when they are down with 2 pegs! Though the author is not favoring alcoholism but has beautifully jotted down a person's real life experiences in a book. At certain point of stories one will be able to relate his or her situation with one described in the book.

It is seen how one gets down and open up to confess or express their feelings to friends, family, colleagues or beloved ones. The tale is made exciting with twists and turns making readers hold their breathe to entice themselves with intoxicated revelations of their inner mind and soul. Not all instances are deep and meaningful, there is also inclusion of some funny incidents too.

The fourteen short anthologies compiled in the book are -

1. A Walk with A Call Girl
2. My Last painting
3. What Happens in Banaras... Stays for a Lifetime
4. How We Got Married
5. Apology! Sex Pays
6. Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)
7. When All That Mattered Was a Gun
8. Drive-In-Sanity
9. Kicking the Butt
10. Rosita in the Bar
11. It's not a Love Story
12. Epilogue
13. Euphobia
14. Car no. 88

All of these stories bring out a different aspect to it's readers even after being based on one single theme that how a person starts revealing his or her deep desires and secrets after loosing its consciousness getting high on life with just 2 pegs!

[Kaushal Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please visit http://guptakaushal.blogspot.in/2016/... to read the complete review of the book.

Conversations happen over a cup of coffee, great conversations happen over dinner and the greatest happen after some sort of 60 ml, you know what, mixes with the blood in your body.

As you would have already guessed from the title that the book has got something to do with Alcohol, it is a collection of fourteen short stories that took place 2 Peg Ke Baad (after 2 pegs of alcohol were gulped down).

The fourteen stories of the book 2 Peg Ke Baad are titled A Walk With A Call Girl, My Last Painting, What Happens In Banras… Stays For A Lifetime, How We Got Married, Apology! Sex Pays, Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper), When All That Mattered Was A Gun, Drive-In-Sanity, Kicking The Butt, Rosita In The Bar, It’s Not A Love Story, Epilogue, Euphobia and Car No. 88. Aren't the titles interesting? Yes! And so are the stories.

The blurb of the book 2 Peg Ke Baad is attractive and it did increase my interest levels to read the book. I personally felt that the cover of the book could have been better.

The first and last story in a collection of short stories, according to me, should be the best as they set the expectations. A Walk With A Call Girl and Car No. 88 (inspired by a true story) were the first and the last story and both of them were striking.

[Khushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Bernade has said"Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life".We usually say that the book should not be judged by its cover but is that true?No we usually judge it by its cover that is a fact,but to my surprise the book doesn't intend to encourage drinking alcohol in any sense.The author Ms.Nikita Lalwani has done a commendable job by compiling 14 short stories in single book.The book is very well crafted.The vocabulary of the author is just amazing and perfect.The book is intoxicating perfect in every manner i.e. whether in case of cover or the language or the stories or the captivating title such would be keeping the readers glued till the end.
The book consist of 14 short stories that happens after having 2 pegs and how that changes the lives of the people.Each short story is meaningful and gives message to us and the stories are such that while reading you will feel some nexus. Ms.Nikita Lalwani hats off for such wonderful well crafted book that teaches us many things.The book covers almost all the aspects i.e. from being depressed to break up to being happy.
So,guys what are you waiting for go and grab the copy of 2 peg ke baad and experience this intoxicating stories....

[Dhwani Swadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read full review here: https://thereandtheir.com/2016/07/15/...

This book is an anthology of short stories, which basically deals with the kind of things one might do “2 peg ke baad”.

The stories range from your regular love stories to those that touch on social issues. My favourite story was “Epilogue” that dealt with the Hijra Community.

Basically, each story starts with the main character giving their view point on the topic and then we, as readers, get to read their story in order to find out why they think such. Which made reading it all the more interesting.

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a collection of 14 short stories where each story’s title might suggest one thing but when you finish it you’ll realise each of them have their uniqueness. In some way or the other each story defines a part of one’s life whether its struggle, love or anything else. Each emotion has been poured into words delicately. Also since they’re short stories one can finish it quite quickly. The one story which I want everyone to read is ‘Epilogue’.

Full Review here: http://itsgoingtobeobvious.blogspot.i...

[Ila Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Peg Ke Baad brings together 14 short stories that happened after 2 pegs, in an inebriated state. World’s greatest stories are created when people are high – masterpieces are painted, universal truths are realized, models on billboards are befriended, lovers are united, butts are kicked, confessions are made, and relationships are sorted.

Read the complete review here: http://goo.gl/TlNPqX‬

[Hetika Sanghani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise with fabulous climaxes. A must Read!!
Please find my full review on
http://hetikasanghani.blogspot.in/201...

[Sayan Basak · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW OF- 2 Peg Ke Baad
By- Nikita Lalwani


• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors; 1ST edition (13 April 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 938266565X
• ISBN-13: 978-9382665656

THE PLOT IN BRIEF-

2 Peg Ke Baad brings together 14 short stories that happened after 2 pegs, in an inebriated state. World’s greatest stories are created when people are high – masterpieces are painted, universal truths are realized, models on billboards are befriended, lovers are united, butts are kicked, confessions are made, and relationships are sorted.
The book started as a blog with people from across the world sharing their stories, ideas, confessions and beliefs and the elixir of the 14 best stories is here to reveal what lies beyond a conscious mind.
Though the book does not intend to encourage drinking alcohol in any sense, here’s to celebrate every emotion that kicks after a few pegs. Cheers!!

THE TITLE-

The title is perfect and very apt for the book. All the stories portrayed in the book revolve around someone who takes two pegs of alcohol. The title also brings out a beautiful message that Reality doesn't impress us. We only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles us, we escape, one way or another. In a world where people are too languid to make something of themselves out of effort, we sell them hope. What they do with it is up to them. Invariably they drink it and then hurl it down a gutter, but that’s their choice and their freedom. We know that the emotions which are expressed after one is intoxicated are true and natural. This book describes fourteen emotional stories which you will feel that life is a crazy mixture of intoxicating cocktails.

REVIEW OF THE BOOK-

Each and every story weaved by the author are indeed intoxicating. The description of the sweet kiss in the story ‘A Walk with a Call Girl’ was so beautiful and loaded with emotions. It's easy to dismiss girls who work on the streets as deadbeats or drug addicts without ever thinking about why they're working as prostitutes. And the truth is that many of them have been trafficked and they work long, exhausting, miserable, soul-destroying hours for men who are cruel and violent. They're constantly afraid, not just because of what might be done to them if they don't do what they're told, but also because of the very real threats that are made against their families and the people they love. ‘The last painting’ reflects the fact that There is something beautiful about a blank canvas, the nothingness of the beginning that is so simple and breathtakingly pure. It’s the paint that changes its meaning and the hand that creates the story. Every piece begins the same, but in the end they are all uniquely different.
I loved the emotional journey of the characters in the stories of ‘It's not a Love Story’ and ‘Epilogue’. Everything of value that we will know in this life comes from our relationships with those around us. Because there is nothing material that measures against the intangibles of love and friendship.
‘Drive-in-sanity’ gives the perfect contrast of hallucination with the reality. Alcohol does not a change a person’s fundamental value system. People’s personalities when intoxicated, even though somewhat altered, still bear some relationship to who they are when sober. When you are drunk you may behave in ways that are silly or embarrassing; you might be overly familiar or tactlessly honest, or perhaps careless or forgetful. But do you knock over little old ladies for a laugh? Probably not. Do you sexually assault the clerk at the convenience store? Unlikely People’s conduct while intoxicated continues to be governed by their core foundation of beliefs and attitudes, even though there is some loosening of the structure. Alcohol encourages people to let loose what they have simmering below the surface.
Overall I loved all the stories and especially the concept of intoxication which the author has brought into the play. Possession is not only when the devil plays hide and seek in your brain or poison your medulla oblongata with negativity, but it is also when you are under the influence of the same specie as you!

YOU SHOULD READ THIS BECAUSE-

1. THE BEAUTIFUL AMALGAMATION OF INTOXICATION WITH EMOTIONS.

2. THE BEAUTIFUL MESSAGES LEFT OVER AFTER EVERY STORY.
3. YOU WILL FEEL THAT ‘Life is a crazy mixture of intoxicating cocktails’



RATINGS-

Overall I would like to rate the book 42 on a scale of 50.
4 stars out of 5
1. Originality of the plot and sub plots- 9/10
2. Net emotions in the story- 8/10
3. Usage of words and phrases-8/10
4. The title, cover and the illustration-8/10
5. The net impact on the readers- 9/10




KUDOS TO NIKITA- It was really a beautiful plot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A writer/dentist/copywriter/blogger/coffee enthusiast/explorer/arithmophobic, Dr. Nikita Lalwani considers herself to be married to writing and is very happy with that. Swimming, spirituality, reading, learning new languages are her other girlfriends. She authored her first non-fiction work Live Life...Stop Analysing It when she was 16. Nikita believes that dentistry happened to be destiny, but writing is where she truly finds herself.
She considers herself a workaholic and loves exploring different aspects of life that stand way away from just text books and desk jobs. Currently she is working as a copywriter with an ad agency in Mumbai.

Reviewed by-
Sayan Basak
Kolkata

[Sushil Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two peg ke baad consists of 14 short stories.
Each story has its own charm. The name of the book suits perfect as it reveals the strange feelings or sensation started in human body after two peg of alcohol , sometimes the good things happens and sometime an incident cause by its that we regret for life time. We want to turn the time wheel again to that position where we gulps that two peg and all this happens. In our childhood days everyone must take the taste of poppins chocolates , where we get different flavour in every piece of it. Here you can find the same taste in each story. Sometime it make you happy, sometimes sad.
Chapter 1
A walk with a call girl : this is the story of a bachelorette party held in Singapore. Four friends one night event shows here . every call girl not come to this profession by their choice , some comes by own and some comes by destiny or in other words fulfil the family needs when other option is not available for them, It shows here. Sex is not everything to give immense pleasure but sometimes a little talk with a stranger gives you happiness. How one night gone in fraction of moment in rihan life with that call girl shows here
Chapter 2
My last painting
Ananya an independent girl moved from korba to pune to pursue her dream. She works as a copywriter in a MNC company. Soon she comes in close with her boss and fall in love. But everything is not going in your way, at a certain moment all colour will faded away. Time passed and he tried to move on from the relationship with ananya. She realizes it and tried to take a decision which cost a lot for her. See the chapter what is going to happened
Chapter 3
What happens in banaras stays for a lifetime :
here the story of an IIT student. Something happens in his life that he understand the birth and death of human life. We spend our entire lives whimpering about it and fail to realize the importance of soul that lies with in our body. To know the true value of life decades goes but we never realize it but sometimes a incident comes in our life that shows of the reality of life. A well plotted story. Must read it.
Chapter 4
How we got married:
You never realize that when you fall in love. You talk to that person, enjoy every time with her/him . you both were happy and in a time you both in love. This is the story of parth patel a careless person , girls are for them just a thing for entertainment nothing else till then bandita comes in his life . all things gone after two peg of vodka, they became closer each time they booze. In other words vodka brings them closer and they fall in love unknowingly. In mean time parth engagement was fixed to sapna, who is a doctor by profession and both of their family known each other since a long time. Did he ever able to speak to her parents about his love affairs , did he able to get his love as his wife. All things you found while go through it. Though it is a short story but narration is so good and i think all the reader like it alot.
Chapter-5 apology sex pays
Chapter 6 the blank paper
Chapter-7 when all that matter was a gun
Chapter-8 drive-in-sanity
Chapter -9 kicking the butt
Chapter -10 rosita in the bar
Chapter-11 its not a love story
Chapter -12 epilogue
Chapter-13 euphobia
Chapter-14 car no 88
Thanks for the author to bring in front of such a nice anthology .

[Vidya Bhayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book 2 PEG KE BAAD , Itself tells us that after consuming two pegs people are high & they reveal the truth, confessions, ideas & beliefs. The cover of the book with a glass of red wine truly fits the title. The book consists of 14 different stories across the world. Thoug the writer doesn't encourage to drinking alcohol & nor do I. My personal favorite were two : It's not a lot love story, it started with a heart break & finally ends up with having a friend which is an constable. Kicking the Butt , this story reveals the truth of the society which is still practiced in the rural areas, child abuse, harrasing them in different manner by the own so called homely people. Hats off to Shyna Rhoda to take a call & kick her uncle Mahendra Rajani by saying remember this kicks before you play dark room!
The book is a must read for all the fellas who want to actually know what all can happen after gulping down 2 pegs!
Overall I found no errors , mistakes in the book
Kudos to the writer Nikita Lalwani!
looking forward to read your book Live life .. stop analysing it !
I rate it as 4 stars.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting set of short stories. The initial ones are not as good as the a couple of them at the end.

[Aakanksha Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Peg Ke Baad

2 Peg Ke Baad is a collection of short stories by Nikita Lalwani. 2 peg ke Baad means After 2 Shots so this book has different stories which happened after having 2 shots and were worth to be penned down in a book.

There are 14 short stories from various genres bringing humor, romance, love, sad, tragedy and many more flavors in the same book. All stories seem to happen in drunken state i.e. 2 Peg ke Baad. After consuming alcohol we didn’t control our actions rather alcohol controls our actions and blunder happens. Same goes for these stories in which some characters did stupid things after 2 shots and face problems after but that is also a memorable part. All the stories are beautifully written and writing about so many genres in a single book is a commendable job itself. Each story has different emotion, different flavor and different perspective. Some stories made me laugh and after reading some stories I shed few tears.

‘A walk with the call girl’ and ‘Rosita in the bar’ and ‘Papier Blanc (The blank paper) are some of my personal favorites. ‘Kicking the butt’ is a story which describes child abuse which is said to be very common these days. These stories are must read.

The book title is appropriate with the content as it suits with the theme ‘After 2 shots’. Book Cover is beautiful with a glass of red wine and black background. Blurb can attract many readers.

The language used in the book is simple yet elegant. The best part was you didn’t have to keep reading to know what will happen next, perks of reading short stories. The narration was good and anyone can read this book easily with full interest.

If you’re looking for something different to read, 2 Peg Ke Baad is for you and yes this book doesn’t promote Alcohol so don’t try 2 shots just to read this book.

[Ravindra Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourteen short stories compiled in the book are -

1. A Walk with A Call Girl
2. My Last painting
3. What Happens in Banaras... Stays for a Lifetime
4. How We Got Married
5. Apology! Sex Pays
6. Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)
7. When All That Mattered Was a Gun
8. Drive-In-Sanity
9. Kicking the Butt
10. Rosita in the Bar
11. It's not a Love Story
12. Epilogue
13. Euphobia
14. Car no. 88

It's a part of anthology genre. 2 Peg Ke Baad is collection of 14 short stories written by Nikita Lalwani. One intresting thing in this anthology, all story happened after having 2 shots of alcohol. She used simple and decent terminology in this anthology. stories is based on different culture from around the world.
Author have excellent knowledge about culture.
It’s really amazing to see how the author remains unbiased while adding a flavor of suspense in the respective stories. Narration is good which make a thread between readers and stories. It's amazing, lovely book for all readers who's want to read stories in short time. Cover and title is attractive and catchy.
All stories cover their title in whole book.

My rating is :
Cover: 5/5
Narration: 3/5
Story plot: 4/5
Characterization: 4/5
Total : 4/5

[Pratik Varia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book is comprises of 14 Short stories, narrated beautifully by Ms. Nikita Lalwani called " 2 PEG KE BAAD ".

The best part about this book is that, it comprises of short stories so you can easily read it within few minutes, if you have hunger for reading.

Every story is refreshing and you won't get bored because all the story covers its different aspects. Some of stories are really hearth touching, and some of may create view in your mind as if we are watching some Bollywood movie or Short film. After reading some of stories you will definitely praise the writer (Ms. Nikita Lalwani) for her deepen creative writing.

In every story , every character gets U turn(may get into trouble or may get solution) in their life after get them selves 2 peg, and that how creates one story thats all called "2 PEG KE BAAD".

Just go and get your Copy Today... :)

[Ali Akbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

“2 Peg ke baad” by Nikita Lalwani a composition of fourteen short stories all about the twists life takes after 2 Pegs down.
Author tried to create the catchy reading and imaginative scenes and probably was very successful in doing that.
Howsoever plots of each and every story set are really good. Author also tried to show the social evils.
The Author tried to show the world compressing it in a book, that how world goes after 2 Pegs down.
Well a bookaholic should read this book and an alcoholic must. So CHEERS!!

[Dimple Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘2 Peg Ke Baad’ by Nikita Lalwani is a collection of 14 short stories. The book comprises of mixed genres of short stories all having one thing in common, i.e. all the stories include incidents after alcohol consumption. Through the short stories the author wants to convey that “World’s greatest stories are created when people are high- masterpieces are painted, universal truths are realised, models on billboards are befriended, lovers are united, butts are kicked, confessions are made and relationships are sorted.” The book does not favor alcohol consumption but attempts to bring forth the positive side of the after effects of alcohol consumption. This book has a very unique concept and all the short stories in this book are excellent. Out of all the brilliant short stories my favorite one is “My Last Painting.” My overall rating for this book is 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Aman Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Here is What I felt about "2 Peg ke Baad" is All the stories revolved around the current issues and the present scenario of the society and the mind set. Nikita has preety well described it and she alse discussed the way one shoule deal with the problems and issues. The stories seems to be real and the best thing is all incidence described here is after being drunk, after having two pegs. How all our pains griefs and sorrows which we fear to speak in our consciousnes come out.
By reading the whole stories, i come to the observation that if you want to know someone in a very close way, than talk to them when they are drunk. An Unconsciouses mind never lie it spoke the heart out..

To the author Nikita, claps for you and i must say, I must accompany you and have 2 pegs and let me speak my heart out. and what my heart will say is " Your Works Crossed my mind and You are Superb".

[Aarti Pednekar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick tasty sip!

Euphoria. Elation. Exhilaration. Ecstasy. Bliss. A state of intense excitement and happiness.
You may have heard several stories from friends. How they slept on the side walk, drunk. How they sexted their ex, drunk. How they had the most amazing lay, again, drunk.

Such are these stories narrated by Nikita Lalwani. Each story is like a friend, enacting out their 'drunken' tale for us.

'2 peg ke baad' is a collection of short stories that depicts the foolishness, euphoria, bliss, depression and worst of all, regret that every man feels, just after he is '2 peg down' !

Each story comes will a different emotion. Each story is a sort of palate cleanser for the previous taste, if you know what I mean.
Not a single tale repeates the same emotion.
Nikita has brought joy, humour, action, philosophy and more over, death, under one roof so to speak. She hasn't shied away from some 'drunken sex' too.

Some of her best stories, may I recommend, definitely include 'A walk with the call girl' and 'Apology! Sex pays'.

In no way, through the course of the book does it sound like Nikita is promoting or supporting alcohol. Neither does she work to praise it. She has been brave enough to tell the stories, just as they happen in reality. The perception of alcohol that is found in her stories is way more relatable that the flowery effects of booze we see and hear of in movies.

It is noticed that she didn't get much of an opportunity to build her characters which can be excused because she has only a margin of a few pages. So, one can connect to the situation but not with the characters. I would say there is scope of improvement.
Her writing style is simple and easy to understand.

The title is well chosen. It makes the book receive second glances. The choice of cover is catchy too.

Scope of betterment is found only in that which is already good. So grab a glass of wine or better yet, some cheap beer and settle down with "2 peg ke baad".

[Cheshta Arora · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of 14 short stories. The name is itself says it all, but very tempting. Each story has something new to offer. Every story ends with a twist. It gives you a realization of LIFE. Each and every story teaches us something about life. Every emotion is beautifully crafted and represented by the author. I was moved after reading each story. I felt all the emotions which were felt by the persons in the stories. So you yourself can imagine how powerful and beautiful these stories can be. I would say Creativity at its best.
The vocabulary part is superb and you can see how beautifully the author paints the scenic nature in all the stories. The book has a gripping magic that starts right from the beginning.
The first and last story in a collection of short stories, according to me, should be the best as they set the expectations. A Walk with a Call Girl and Car No. 88 (inspired by a true story) were the first and the last story and both of them were striking.
The different thing about this book is that stories are not written in a very conventional way. You never know when the climax pops and the rest of the story still goes in rhythm, since the use of dates and locations is done pretty intelligently.
The language of the novel is very attention gripping and simple to understand.
I love the cover page and name!
My rating : 3/5

[Sandeep Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liquor is a strange thing. It will make you meet the strangest people around. It can also help you to find your inner ‘strange’ as well. 2 peg ke baad is a pretty unique attempt to write an anthology containing 14 stories on that very theme, the stories that rises after ‘2 peg ke baad’.
Simple language and uniqueness of stories, becomes the USP of the book. This is the second book from the author and is a brilliant one. All the stories, focus on different aspects of alcohol and showcases the true reality of life. Some of the stories are filled with sarcasm as well. Fun filled moments, thought provoking scenes and brilliant showcase of writing sums up the overall experience of the book.
Book cover and the blurb is another thing that adds up to the beauty. I do remember that the owner of Srishti Publication (The Publisher of the book) did post few of the tentative book covers and this one was chosen out from the public’s opinion. These are the kind of things that contributes to the overall success of the book.
I would suggest everyone to read this book because, first of all, who doesn’t like to read short stories and another thing is that this book will take you on a journey of numerous emotions and you’ll love them all.