A(NU) Thought

The Drowning , authored by Nidhi Upadhyay published by Penguin Random House , is a dark psychological thriller that subverts expectations.  What starts as a seemingly straightforward story soon spirals into something far more sinister—so dark that it may not be for the faint-hearted. The story follows Viji, a grieving mother who loses her twins under mysterious circumstances. As she desperately searches for answers, she finds herself accused of causing the death of her friend’s toddler.  Enter Inspector Kanika, the determined protagonist, who is not only investigating the case but also grappling with her own personal loss after losing her unborn.  As the investigation unfolds, what seemed like a tragic accident takes a chilling turn, leading to an unexpected and unsettling conclusion.

Have you ever felt a strong surge of anger when you couldn’t express it? This morning, while riding in my cab to the office, I felt an overwhelming surge of anger toward someone I have been working with on a project for about 2 years. The past 2 months have been especially stressful because the organization hasn’t fulfilled a single commitment (no exaggeration here). Following up with them is another exhausting and infuriating experience. Working with them has given me sleepless and anxious nights. . So, what did I do? I tried to calm myself by chanting OM NAMAH SHIVAYA and OM HANUMANTE NAMAH . It helps me.  Gradually, I focused on my body parts where I felt tension—my hands, eyes, forehead, and jaw—and consciously released the tightness, and took deep breaths. Then, I reminded myself of what I could control; prepared myself mentally for the excuses and delays that might come next from them, all while breathing deeply to stay calm. . I don’t know if it’s my (increasing)...

A Fatal Distraction by Samyukta Bhowmick, published by Juggernaut , is an engaging crime thriller centered around a series of murders. The title itself, meaning "a situation where someone is killed due to a distraction," perfectly summarizes the essence of the story. The plot kicks off with the murder of Dhritiman Bhattacharya, a beloved editor of a tabloid with seemingly no enemies. As the investigation unfolds, Mridula and Monami, two journalists, take the lead, only to encounter another shocking murder—that of Anika, who assumingly had several enemies. What stands out is the dynamic partnership between the two women—Mridula, middle-aged and wise, and Monami, youthful and energetic. Their collaboration brilliantly showcases how Millennials and Gen Z can combine their strengths to achieve great results. Their journey through the investigation is captivating and adds depth to the narrative.

So, are you a good person or a nice person? It’s not always good to be nice, you know. Sometimes it’s okay to be ‘just you’.   We often end up mixing the two attributes - good and nice – assuming them to be the same. But there is a vast difference between the two. What is the difference, you ask? Or is it just that I am going bonkers? Well, by definition … ·          A nice person is someone who is pleasant to be around, has good manners, and is cheerful; ·          A good person on the other hand, is someone who is honest, helpful, and morally good. A person who has generally been good tends to be nice to others, most of the time. However, the question is: should they be nice to people, even if they don’t want to? Would people consider them as ‘good’ if they are not nice any longer?   The Burden of Being Nice Here’s what I think: you might be a good person, who doesn’t want to intenti...

  A Tale of Two by Abhishek V . is a gripping crime thriller that tells the story of two childhood friends, Nitesh and Vatsal, whose lives take drastically different paths. Nitesh, eager for quick success, becomes involved with local goons and gets entangled in illegal activities. In contrast, Vatsal pursues his dream of becoming a dancer with honesty and dedication. Though their lives progress like parallel train tracks, a tragic intersection leads to bloodshed. The story begins with the murder mystery of Vatsal, where Nitesh is the prime suspect. The plot explores the outcome of this violent incident, which results in 14 deaths, and follows Inspector Sawant's ruthless investigation to uncover the truth behind the killings and determine Nitesh's involvement. The narrative alternates between past and present, giving the readers a vivid portrayal of life in Mumbai’s slums. It explores the themes of friendship, ambition, betrayal, and morality, highlighting the struggles of s...

Those Unsaid Words by Anshuman Agrahar i is an interesting read that seamlessly blends Travelogues, Philosophy and Romance. The author has created a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Manali, Leh, and Ladakh, the story takes readers on a journey through untouched valleys, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. The vivid descriptions of these landscapes provide a picturesque setting but also serve as a metaphor for the protagonist's inner journey. The story revolves around Tanvi, and her quest for true love. Her journey is not just a physical one through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, but also a deeply personal exploration of her own emotions and desires.