Trust : A new Beginning ( Book Review)

Trust: A New Beginning by Cristiane Serruya
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Trust: A New Beginning by Cristiane Serruya

'If' is a word that life doesn't consider.
And that's exactly why we should be asking 'why not' instead of 'what if'.

The first of the Trust Trilogy, this is more than just a story. It's a journey worth embarking upon with Sophia, the central character of the story. It's the story of a woman with an indomitable spirit, a woman of substance. What else can one call a lady who inspite of losing her husband at a young age, tends to her little daughter Gabriela ( the 'cuteness' element of the story)without breaking down to the pressures of the world.She is young, beautiful,intelligent and has the world at her feet. And yet there is a dark side. She is an awesome driver but she has taken lessons in driving away to safety incase of an emergency. The reasons are untold and makes the reader wonder what could possibly be wrong with a luxurious life like that.

Then there is Ethan Ashford, whose love is displayed in the form of wealth to his beloved.

Enter Alistair Connor- the reason why Sophia slept peacefully without that nightmare that shuddered her a tad too often. Ofcourse there is more to him than just that.( Grab the book!)

The descriptions of the characters are penned down so well by the author that the reader can experience the turmoils of their minds with almost the same intensity as that of the characters.

Here are people who are so sophisticated and rich and yet are busy fighting the demons of their mind. The intense and picturesque tale leaves the reader eagerly waiting for part2 which is what I exactly have in my lap at the moment!

P.S. I came to know of mannnyy new brands.. ;)

- Divya Nambiar

View all my reviews

To Grandpa, With Love!

 

Five years gone by.. Shadows of existence flutter by...
Amidst the steams of a hot cup of tea,
in the holy fragrance of the incense sticks,
in the enrapturing scent of the 'beedi',
in the laughter of the army men during break,
in the smoke of the fire lit on cold evenings
I find you beside me, even today.

Five years gone by.. Shadows of existence flutter by...
The sandalwood paste accentuates the nostalgia,
the calm forehead that had then turned cold,
the toes that suddenly seemed icy,
the body that was the temple to your soul
suddenly had turned empty, but still
I find you beside me, even today.

Five years gone by..Shadows of existence flutter by...
The slowly flowing river took with it your ashes
the sweet scent of your perfume
that refused to leave the home
that stands testimony to the time that we 'lived'
To the being that now exists in a photograph-
I find you beside me, even today.

- Divya Nambiar

AuthoReader - A perfect Combination!

'The Modern Man' :The title itself got me intrigued. What could now be here about a modern man which hasn't been said so far ? What could be so different in here that the author decided to write a book on it ?

But all my questions were answered in the best possible way thanks to Cristiane Serruya, an author who became a good friend of mine thanks to Goodreads. And the friend from a thousand miles  ( Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) away, sent me a copy of her book.

Woah ! To my surprise she sent two other books written by her too ( guess she just realised what sort of a crazy book lover I am ! )

To receive a personalized note from an author who also happens to be your sweet friend is like the cherry on your cake. And so here was I, nestled up with all three books, her sweet little notes and a smile on my face- ready to devour the contents of the books, one by one!

It was good that time when 'he' had time.
The man was the 'Wise' without knowing who he was.

The above two lines just refused to leave me. ‘The Modern Man' by Cristiane Serruya speaks so much in just 19 pages!

What seems like a breeze at first slowly becomes the silence before the storm and then- lo and behold! It shatters the very stable foundation of the belief that a man possesses- of the power, strength and capability he thinks he has.

In a mind-numbing revelation, Cristiane brings forth the ultimate miseries of 'The Modern Man' or The Modern 'Lost' Man. It's an eye-opener of sorts. It finally makes one believe about the eventual uselessness of trying to conquer the entire world without giving a moment of thought to one's instincts.

"Instincts"- It is something that one often pushes down to one's train of thoughts and feelings. But not anymore please. Make your instincts your guide. Go out, change the world. Just make sure that you remain true to yourself in the process!

Powerful writing, Cristiane! Hats off to you!

P.S. There is a strong reason why it was awarded the highest grade and Honors at the Law School, in November 1988! :) . The reason? Read it to know it!

- Divya Nambiar

Bizarre

They called him the protector, the one to look upto

She ran away unable to meet his eyes.

The dimmed streetlights, the blurred world...

That memories never changed, she thanked God !

The path ahead she couldn't see, the road that she left

she hardly could recollect.

Yet splinters of it bled her eyes

Visions that could hypnotize.

Crippled she fell, broken beyond repair.

The moments that she cherished

now led her to despair

unsaid words now lay tarnished.

In the guise of a breeze it stormed.

The silent lament of a tricked soul

A permanent scar, a belief - now deformed

'The second' that lay etched like an ugly mole...

From Dreams to Reality

Started by my two friends namely Vaishali Sharma and Harkirat Khangura, it is a website that focusses on bringing to the fore the achievements of various entrepreneurs who made their dreams come true. They are up there because of a journey they embarked upon, not afraid of the initial pitfalls that are unavoidable on every new path one plans to travel upon!

And then they being my friends asked me whether I would like to be on-board their team. The idea seemed good and the thought that I too could contribute towards making some hard-workers and their work shine, made me smile. So here I was in the team dedicated to ' Startaholics'- Hooked on Startups!

They made me the COO(Chief Operating Officer), I couldn't stop laughing because every time I heard COO, it sounded more like cuckoo's song to me.. COO COO.

But that's what friends do ! They make you go crazy, they make you smile, they laugh with you, they give you gifts in such a way that you don't even realize it's true value sometimes.. until much later when all you can do is think back about those days, those moments and smile  :)

Well you can have a look at the website- http://startoholics.in/

It is our tribute to all the entrepreneurs out there- the ones who are bold enough to take a decision that can make or break their life! But still there they are.. ready to face life with a never-say-die attitude.

Hats off to you!

If you know any people like that.. do drop us a mail on hi@startoholics.in

We would be obliged to you as you would be contributing towards a small 'Token of Appreciation' to those few ones out there in this world who not only dare to dream but also have the guts to stand up for their dreams.. to make them come true!

-Divya G. Nambiar

No Title

Everyone's life is a story.. Some are just bestsellers !
Everyone's story has some characters who happen to make or break the entire plot.. And then there are moments that get engraved.. get frozen in the shelf of time.

Celebrating someone's presence in our life is always a joyful thing. And as contrasting as that is the absence of some people whom we always thought would last as long as we do.

They say people come and stay in our lives till their part in our story exists. Once the scene no longer requires them, they walk towards the 'Exit' door (wherever that exists) whether the film goes on or not.Then it's our fault if we yearn for them, if we reminisce, we smile, we shed tears unknowingly. Unfair. Think so ?

But the best part is that we often forget that they were sent into our lives for a reason. Maybe when we were alone, maybe when the going got tough, maybe when we didn't trust ourselves enough, maybe when we needed a little extra something.. someone to make us realize the real value of the life that we are leading, which we tend to let go from our minds thanks to the cobwebs we get into. And they land up like an angel, 'farishtey' as they say in Bollywood movies( yes, I am a die-hard fan of Yash Chopra).

This is dedicated to one such 'Farishta' who came into my life when I thought angels don't exist!

With the sands of time I let myself flow

the good and bad times in tow.

The breeze gently claimed the careless hairlocks

that slid past the witness to the daily mocks

put forth by the feckless banters of the crowd

into the hypnotising being held inside a shroud.

Glistening pearls of the summer's dream

shinier than a widow's eyes filled to brim.

The sole proof of a magical existence,

amidst the screams of helpless distances.

The melody of the soulful discourse,

etched in the daylight of being morose.

In the depths of an opaque ocean,

Found a gem on the verge of denotion.

The dust faded slowly to reveal

the glory of the deep-set love seal

Sparkle it did...with a mysterious glint

Flown again by the sands of time..

...... Stop it didn't !

- Divya Nambiar

A Thing Called Love on Valentine's Day

Another year passed by, another Valentine's Day came and is almost on it's way, taking leave from us this year.. Again! Just like any other day, like every other day- here passes another day.

Singles trying either to enjoy their singleton status or sulking about whether their better halves got crushed by a truck.

And then there are the lovebirds swooning in a magical trance, in other words flying paper money in buying stuffed red hearts at rates where they could have actually bought a whole month's supper ( as told by my mother) ! Or still there are others who say - "Everyday is Valentine's Day for us. We don't need sweets, hearts or teddies to prove our love to each other."

And then come the people who go on with their lives oblivious to the red roses, pink dresses, balloons, hearts and every other Valentine's special stuff that line the streets and literally paint the town 'red'.

Why exactly is this day hyped so much ? Is it to give the present 'stuffed-pocket youth' a reason to lighten it? Or to let them compensate for the otherwise mundane busy life that they lead where the only conversation that takes place between them and their special someone is a few pleasantries? Or is it to be the icing on the cake made up of 'The Trend'?

To each, his own !

What I appreciate most about this day is the fact that I get to see people- single as well as committed ones, agreeing to the fact that there is actually something called love that exists and which they too acknowledge in the form of being dedicated customers of Archies, Hallmark or sooooo many online gift providers. Even if not exchanging gifts, people take out time from their busy lives to sit back for atleast a few seconds and smile at the beauty of love in their lives, to smell the fragrance of the beautiful roses from the bouquet or just be grateful for the thing called LOVE.. :)

Love ... It's beautiful.. They say that often it's not people you love but 'love' itself.. But to me.. the people, things and ways of life that you love is what 'LOVE' is to you...... :)

Happy Valentine's Day Folks! 

- Divya Nambiar

Alcoholically Yours..

Alcoholics trip and fall, mutter anything and everything once the magic fluid hits their brain.

They go out of their senses, dance awkwardly even when they are on the center of a road.

They scream in joy, hurl abuses when angry, cry in pain.. well the list of their 'madness' goes on.. 

They are considered as the current 'untouchables' of our society- Maybe this time around the list is just bigger!

How often do we find ourselves amidst a group of alcoholics? In today's world where stress rules the roost and alcohol seems to be a stress-buster/stress-reliever/ fun drink or no matter what name we plan to give the 'elixir', it somehow seems to dominate almost every menu.

It just isn't about how much or when or why, it has now somehow gained the status of THE IN THING. 

If you don't booze, you ain't cool! 

Coming from amidst such a group, it sounds ludicrous when someone who didn't touch alcohol a few months back is lying flat on a sofa with alcohol spreading within every vein of his/her body and saying- 'Man, I didn't want to stay away from THE IN CROWD!'

What do you mean by the IN CROWD? A crowd is made up of all of us. Why then do you think that the 'in crowd' needs to know everything about a vodka punch or every type of whiskey that exists on earth ? Or why is it that the ones who don't consume alcohol are treated as sheep?

It's all a matter of choice. No one becomes good or bad by consuming or avoiding a glass of alcohol.We have better things to notice about a person than the brand or dosage of his/ her per day consumption of alcohol.

Everywhere in the world (especially the world where I live), I have seen people judging others on the basis of him/her being a drunkard or not. Where on earth has it been proven that only the ones who booze have committed rapes or broken doors and windows and committed unforgivable crimes? Or for that matter where is it written that a guy who does not booze is the best a girl can have or a girl who does not booze is the best bet a guy can win?

Infact, I have living ( in other words - 'Jeeta Jaagta') examples around me. I have friends who swear by alcohol as their lifeline. They never pressurize me to consume their favourite thing with them nor do they seem like the worst bunch of youth hanging around me.They respect my choice, so do I respect theirs. They are perfectly normal individuals with varied choices and ways of living, just as anybody else.

I am in awe of the fact that these people are sometimes more sensible and down-to-earth than the others. They are confident enough to confess that they drink, inspite of the way society looks at them. They are also aware of the fact that not all would like to include them in their group but yet they don't fake their habits or ways of living. They are true to their skin. They don't try to be someone they are not.They might be drunkards, but they too have a heart ( A fact that we often seem to forget).. As long as they are living their lives on their own terms, it's none of our business to interfere in their self-made cocoon.

To all the worried parents, relatives and friends out there - all I would like to say is - Don't treat the alcoholics as inhuman creatures. Of course if consumed in excess it is unhealthy and even dangerous, but do they don't know the facts already ? We can just guide them to be knowledgeable individuals. We should not forget the fact that, like us, they also have chosen to live their lives, the way they want to .

It's often a misconception that those who drink, they don't care. Maybe they need love instead of brickbats. Maybe they need to say something which they otherwise are not able to.. Instead of criticizing their choice, why not try to understand it? If not understand, why not atleast try to recognize the existing condition beyond the visible mask?

Not all are the same. If you can't accept it, don't reject it. Just let it be.. Just BE...

- DIVYA NAMBIAR

Shrouded Script

"There is so little to remember of anyone--an anecdote, a conversation at table. But every memory is turned over and over again, every word, however chance, written in the heart in the hope that memory will fulfill itself, and become flesh, and that the wanderers will find a way home, and the perished, whose lack we always feel, will step through the door finally and stroke our hair with dreaming, habitual fondness, not having meant to keep us long."
-Housekeeping, Marilynne Robinson

How often do we wish that our dreams came true? Or for that matter, how often do we wish they didn't !

It's fate, destiny or whatever you call it. I know many people around me who tell me- 'Destiny is not  pre-written but created each moment of your life, as you keep wading through the sweet-salty waters of this vast ocean.'

Oceans scare me.. The sea scares me.. Ask me the difference, I would rather say I am a bad geography student( That seems simpler!)

Coming back to the point, for me 'Destiny' is a well-hatched plan by the supreme force that guides and guards our movements, makes things go haywire just so that they become a part of a well developed puzzle-cum-art piece! 

I once gave up all of the Godly worldly banters.. including my silent short prayers or rather interactions with 'him'( that's how I think 'he' is). Time was bad, forgot him, questioned his existence, fought with almost all 'false' claims of his existence.

A year down the lane, I was back and so were our interactions back to normal ( which to a normal person would sound bizarre).

So for all my friends, relatives and acquaintances... This is a confession - 

I believe in destiny ( being pre written) and things happening according to a well written script (exclamatory signs included). 

Just as one of my cherished authors, Nicholas Sparks, quoted in one of his books- 

“There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well.”

True to each word.. If you try to stop your tears.. you are hiding them. But once you let them flow, the smile catches your lips faster.

People come into your life.They become an important part of your life. But like a friend once said- they leave when their part in your story is over. So doesn't it mean that your life is a story, afterall? 

They say you can change things ( definitely we can, at least the ones that are within our reach), but what about the things that we can't?  Its not that we don't try our best.. It sometimes lacks some some some effort somewhere. A miracle probably! 

Destiny is a beautiful script, shrouded by mystery

Turn the pages , enact your role liberally 

'Coz its not a play dearies.. 

Just an act of  thanksgiving ! 

(To whom??The Almighty ofcourse! For me- 'Him' !)

-Divya Nambiar

Religion and Politics

Each day a new gash on our wounds

Open-mouthed they gaze at the bloodied screen

Every wound a mark of withering unity

Every crimson symbolizing dreams being shattered

A hand flies down from there, a leg from somewhere

Is it raining death over the land that preaches peace?

With no one to turn to and nothing fair

Noble souls turning to ashes is the fees

Of riots that cause mayhem and despair

Presenting charred memories which seem never to disappear.

Long lost faith in the system, the governance

Adding to the woes and the superficial religious trance.

Under the shadow of the chains of separation

Young flowers charred beyond recognition.

To the almighty I pray, who are you exactly-

Allah, Vishnu, Jesus or Guru Nanak?

Aren’t they all your different names?

Those having power they classify your names to kill

Your own children- prey of your own different identities!

REA'L'ife:Coming Soon

Just as the time to step out of college is nearing, happened to read this..

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. 

Wow.. Bring on !