Life and Promises

About Life and Promises

“Story Of An IITian Turned CA Aspirant”

THIS NOVEL TRAVELS ACROSS THE REALMS OF HIS LIFE AND UNFOLDS HIS JOURNEY OF BEING A CA ASPIRANT FROM AN IITIAN, AND ALSO REFLECTS ON THE SNAGS IT BRINGS TO HIS RELATIONSHIPS.

Rachit, a young ambitious boy, hailing from a small town of Western UP, has big dreams. Destiny takes a turn when he attempts to commit suicide and lands up on a hospital bed.

There he bumps into Khushi, a chubby girl with carefree attitude. She insists Rachit to uncover the pages of his life and tell her that what compelled him to take such a drastic step.

Rachit starts to narrate his story, seeing no other option. He tells her that he dreamt to be an IITian and even achieved it. Things went well for some days, till that fateful day when Rachit was diagnosed with severe health issues.

After a while, already heartbroken, Rachit takes a tough decision. He drops his IIT dream and follows the CA path. In this very process he overlooks Radhika, a gorgeous Bengali girl, his batch mate as well as his girlfriend.

What will happen to the love story of Rachit and Radhika? Will Rachit become a successful professional, and if yes then at what cost? Does Khushi has a story of her own?

Official Website: http://www.lifeandpromises.com/

This beautiful cover is designed by - Sunill Kaushik.

He can be contacted at: https://www.facebook.com/sunill.kaushik?fref=ts

Pulkit Gupta - The Author

CA, CS student by profession and a writer by passion, Pulkit is someone who believes in living life to fullest. Born in Sonepat, and brought up in Bijnor (Western U.P.), writing came naturally to him. He did his schooling from St. Mary’s Convent School, Bijnor and graduation from MJPRU, Bareilly.

He started writing with a diary and some random poems, but CA gave a professional look to his writing skills. He got associated with CAclubIndia in 2008 – India’s no. 1 Interactive Platform for Finance Professionals with over 11 Lac Members. He soon got popular among its members due to his unique genre, where he used to link current life situations with CA life, which proved to be inspiring for students as well as professionals. He was voted “Favourite of the Club” in 2011, and was amongst the youngest professional to be included in the list of experts. Till now he has written over 50 articles and enjoys a fan following of 1 Lac +. Besides this, he has also contributed to other online platforms and maintains a Blog.

Apart from reading and writing, the author loves listening to Hindi music, watch all kind of Hindi movies and follows Cricket and Tennis very closely.

He can be contacted at:

Email – authorpulkitgupta@gmail.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pulkit.caclubindia

Ila Garg - The Author

“Ila is a girl next door, born in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 6th June, 1991, currently residing in Delhi. She has completed her graduation and pursuing Masters in English & Communication Studies at present. She loves writing. She has a flair for words. It is a passion; a compulsion; something that gives her an avenue to express herself. She writes when she is happy; when she is angry or when an issue touches her heart. She resorts to writing when she is restless or when she is on the verge of breaking down.

Creativity and writing has always been attracting her. She also has a huge collection of poems on different genres. Besides that she loves to sketch and click pictures! Backstage work has always been her forte like organizing events, etc. Apart from being an avid reader, writer, reviewer, and editor, she is an active blogger too. She blogs at ilashininggem.blogspot.in, where you can find some of her articles, poetry, random thoughts, interviews, movie & book reviews.

Her debut novel, titled, ‘Life and Promises’ is all set to be released on 1st Jan'14. One of her short stories is a part of an anthology, ‘A Night in Paradise’. Besides that she has also contributed in a poetry anthology, ‘Minds at Work 2’, in form of five poems.

In her leisure time, she loves to read, watch movies, listen to Sufi music, and travel to new places. She can be contacted at:

Email - ilagarg@ymail.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ila.garg.372

Twitter - ilagarg_smile”

IMPORTANT

Official Website: http://www.lifeandpromises.com/

Buy from: Homeshop18

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For any query, drop us a mail at: lifeandpromises@gmail.com

A talk with Nisha Thakur :)

A freelance copywriter cum screenwriter Nisha B. Thakur lives in Navi Mumbai with her family. She has completed her post graduation in Communication Management. Nisha loves to write poems. Apart from writing she also enjoys cooking, reading novels, watching cinema and surfing the TV. Nisha believes in God, Karma and Karmic connections. ‘First You Plz’ is Nisha’s debut novel.

Here she lets her readers know a little more about herself and her journey as a writer:

1. Tell us something about yourself.

I am simple family person. Work wise I have previously worked as a copy writer and screen writer for various ad agency and a TV channel. Currently I am writing my next novel.

2. What motivated you to pen a romantic story?

I love reading romantic novel and even prefer romantic comedy movies a lot. So my debut had to be a romantic tale.

3. Protagonist Avanti is a Girl of her own dreams. Is it totally fictitious or real character you ever met?

Avanti is too innocent to be true. She is totally a creation of my imagination. Girls these days are very smart and Avanti is too elegant and her immaturity makes the whole book an interesting read.

4. What provoked you to create a website for this book? Where did this idea emerge from?

Website was created with a thought that my readers get all information they desire, require at one place. You can read synopsis, download sample chapters and read media coverage of First You Plz. First You Plz website is www.firstyouplz.in

5. How was the response from your readers?

Readers liked the simplicity of the story and many could relate to immaturity of Avanti, like i received letters from few boys saying that they had girlfriends who were as bit immature and girls would easily relate to Avanti ‘s first love and her feelings.

6. How do you take out time for writing?

I am a full time writer. Off writing I take time out to do other stuffs.

7. Divulge something about the plot of the story.

Plot of the story is about immature girl Avanti in love and her way of seeing and interpreting her first love experience with her trademark immaturity. First You Plz is not only a romantic comedy tale of Avanti and Aakash. But is also a friendship story of Avanti, Meenakshi and Rachana. It explores female friendship bonding which you don’t get to read much. Also several book reviewers and readers have an appreciated climax of the book a lot.

8. Share a secret about you.

I am single and am not dating anyone. Anyone interested?? My mobile number is ..hahaha

9. What are other areas of interest in your life?

I love reading and cooking. When I am free, either I am reading or searching some new recipe online.

10. What are your long term plans in literary field? Are you working on your second book?

Yes I am currently writing my second novel. I plan to write for TV, films and also write many fiction novels.

11. Will Ila Garg get a free signed copy of your book? :P

Yes. Very soon. :D

Description

'First You Plz' is a tale of immature girl, Avanti. It is a story of her struggle as she deals with worries of first love. Her journey from realization of the sweet feeling she experiences these days is called Love - her First Love. It is a tale of her secretly nurtured dream and her silent prayer that he will propose her in a very romantic way. It is a tale of her desire that she wants him to say those three magical words to her first.

Although he hasn't shown much interest in her.

Still in her heart she keeps on praying, 'first you plz'… It is Avanti’s journey of ups and downs of her first love and how she exhibits immaturity as she deals with anxieties of her first love.

Decoding with Binduu Chopra! :)

Born in Ambala, India and raised by her parents Saroj & Rajinder. She connect's with people, makes friends, learns and shares life's experiences, their stories and thoughts. Metaphors, Aura Analysis, Chakra Healing, Creative Healing through Art are some of the healing modalities that she helps her friends take, to assist them on a journey from discovery to resolution; to discover and identify the limiting patterns, heal the negativity, and completely resolve pertinent issues in their lives.

Here she lets her readers have a glimpse in her journey as a writer, future plans, and also discusses about her latest book. Time to get up close and personal:

1. Tell us something about yourself .

Thank you Ila. It feels good being interviewed by a girl of the same age, as the girl who begins her life in my book - The Woman's Code! 

I have played every role from a daughter to a mother in law.  From my parents home to making my own home in 1981, the time I got married to Rajiv, has been a beautiful journey. Managing just a home was not enough for me. This motivated me to look beyond what I was. Every year has beautifully blended into the next and I have seen myself transforming to where I am today.  I am blessed with a handsome son, Robin who is married to his love, Nitasha. We call her ‘Tashan’. My interactions, while my work with people across different cultures has only helped me understand relations better. My faith in God was never as strong as it is today.  I believe in science but wait for miracles to happen. Practising ‘silence’ has brought a lot of changes in me. 

2. Why Author’s Empire? 

I have my trust on Kunal. He appeared to be a very promising boy when I called him up from Delhi, during my last visit to India.  He spoke about Authors Empire India to me. My views about him stay the same today.  He is committed to his work and to his Authors.  I know I have taken the correct decision.  He has been a wonderful guide also.

3. Tell us something about your book? How you figured out the title ‘The Woman’s Code’?  

It all began with my online interactions with ‘young adults’ on relationships and I found that they would discuss their issues  with me for hours. Some got back time and again, each time they required help. This led me to study the subjects deeper and I went back to studies in 2010.  Later, cases I dealt with were related to issues within the four walls of a home, where no one gave an ear to a ‘voice’.  I felt it was important for me to bring out in writing that, how a small issue can lead to something major in life.  The book shall have a PART 2 to it. I am working on it at the moment.  I would not like to take the entire credit to the Title. Kunal helped me with the title of my book. Code here means ‘conduct’ – a way to handle things better.

4. Is there a key person or group that has inspired you in the process of writing?

Writing has been my passion.  I would scribble notes even at school and later my fridge would have musings at random pasted with magnets. I had more time from 2004 when I came to Tanzania, and that is when I started giving myself strict hours to writing.  I may not have published much - but I shall bring it all out slowly.

5. How do you envision your book will impact your readers?  

The story will touch women’s hearts.  They will take the message given in the few pages, that's a very easy read.  Its important for every individual to do what her/his heart desires. This is the only way to happiness.  A woman should not accept a tag of  only a mother, if pushed to be a just a care taker (unless she wants this herself). She has every right to live her dreams and not to succumb to any pressures from her surroundings.  I know after reading this book, my readers would want to read Part 2 also.

6. You are an ‘Aura Analyst.’ Could you, please, throw some light on this aspect of your life, and how did it influence your writing from time to time?  

Keep yourself positive at all times. The Aura is your own energy around you. If you are positive – you will only bring out positivity for all around you too. It works  like a ripple.  It shall have major impact on our daily dealings.  My book is a clear indication as to how its main character, has held herself  well balanced, even when she was left shattered. The character in the story uses no harsh words or foul language to charge / challenge the situation. The message comes through soft words which, I guess comes from my positive Aura Ila.

7. Describe the role books played in your own life.

Mills & Boons, I grew up reading them. I have a mention about this in my book.  I think they had impacted girls of my age then.  I am talking of 30 years back, when you were not even born Ila. I had created my own romantic world at the age of 14!  My home in the evenings is still a reflection of that side of me. DESERT FLOWER written by Waris Dirie is one book that I read many times. It is an autobiography of a Somalian girl who runs away from home at the age of 12, just because she doesn’t want to marry a boy her father has chosen for her. She makes her escape through the dangerous desert to London. From living in a nomad family, with goat and camels she makes herself to a famous International Model and a UN spokeswoman on women's rights in Africa today. I feel a woman is stronger than a man if she brings herself to it.

8. I have been observing you for a while. You are very versatile. Are we going to see the same trend in your writings? Should we expect a second novel soon? 

Ooh! I didn’t know I am being observed that closely. Ha ha! I have called myself a multi tasking woman.  I really could not stick to one particular thing and that also comes from the fact that I have married a man on wheels. Yes! As an Author, when I write, my writings do give glimpses to a few things, majorly in this book as I myself got married at 18.  This is one question that almost all have asked me if its my personal story!  I am working on two projects at the moment: Non Fiction, that is already in editing now.  Part 2 of ‘The Woman’s Code ‘shall be after the next release.

9. How are you planning to promote this book?  

I have taken up my book's marketing also with Authors Empire India.  Right from editing, publishing to marketing is their forte.

10. You are almost 50 now but you look way too young. How did you manage that? 

I touch 50 on the 13^th of November, 2013. Thank you, as I accept this compliment. I hope I do not break hearts on declaring my age at this point. Smile is my Manta and it creates a positive Aura around me.  I love what I do & I do what I love. This keeps me happy, smiling and cheerful at all times. It reflects on my outer too!

11. Amm… this is more of a request. Analyse my stars for me please, in detail. *laughs* 

It would be my pleasure to do so.  I am not an astrolger. I believe in Angels and I am surrounded with them.  I shall ask them for you. Expect a detailed mail from me on this.

12. Will Ila Garg get a free signed copy of your book? :P *wink* 

I would never say a No! You will. You may have to wait for my signatures till my visit to Delhi. I will have a few book readings in the coming year too. It would be my pleasure to invite you for the same. Stay blessed.

Description

She was not like most of the Indian women we know and read about! She was not someone who wanted to be confined to the kitchen. the wild teenager didn't want to let go her dreams that got buried when she was married at 18. Filled with love, compassion, and a desire, she started to weave back the threads at 40. 

Will she fulfil her dreams? Will she find her freedom? Or will she find the dust on her furniture more important than the poems in her heart? 

In this intimate and heartfelt story, you will find a women's fight to take possession of her strength and desire. It's a journey that describes  the importance of emotional balance in relationships. It's a journey that describes a woman. It's a journey that describes THE WOMAN'S CODE.

A Country For Men - Book Review

A Country For Men

By Rohit Kumar Singh Jadon

Review By Ila Garg

A Country For Men, a beautiful novel by the author, Rohit Kumar Singh Jadon is published by Blackbuck Publication.  He is earlier known for his debut book, A Short Affair Called Life.

The blurb reads as “This book isn’t another entertaining story; it’s the ugly and terrifying truth of our Nation. A girl born in India considered to be a liability right from her birth, she has to suffer at different stages of her life almost every day from the very people who were supposed to love her, cherish her. The increasing number of incidents of rapes and other dreadful acts against women has made things worse for them; now women aren’t safe even inside their homes.

The whole system has failed women of India comprehensively; this book is a historical, geographical and social view of the hate culture that the women are forced upon in this country ever since.”

The title A Country For Men, indicates the book must be about some gender discussions. The patriarchal society, and the feminist fights would be the themes. Even the cover art, though very simple, intrigues you from within.

It is a bold attempt by the author to put forward the poignant truth about the situation of women in India. The statistics are indeed very shocking. I finished reading the book last night and being a girl it left me traumatized. Some really strict and fast actions are needed to be implemented. There should also be openness in families, between mother and daughter about such things. They should be assured that their family is backing them and people who cannot respect women deserve to be punished and should die immediately.

It is time India woke up to the harsh and ugly side of the reality. Rohit has done a wondrous job in compiling the facts as such to present to the nation what it must have read by itself, already, over the years.

This book is highly recommended for one and all, for the sake of humanity. I wish people understand what they are doing.

Also, at this very point I would like to highlight this - this book ‘A Country For Men’ isn’t a narrative, or a simple story. Please don’t pick it up if you feel it to be a mere story. You will be disappointed because it is not a tale, it a reality. It’s a compilation of facts, facts that wake you up from your deep slumber and shake you from within.

A lot of research is put into the book which is clearly evident as you turn the pages. The author, Rohit has presented his readers with facts without exemplifying them. He is not subtle; he is not being over the top either. He is just presently everything transparently in this book.

Quoting from the book:

“But no nothing is going to get better, 40 rapes registered in Delhi in the last 15 days of 2012 while the protest was going on against the Delhi gang rape case in capital.”

“Well I could be lying here, creating sensation with my words in order to make you read this book. But all you have to do is to go on Google.com and find it out yourself whether or not I’m exaggerating the condition.”

“It is a culture that believes that the worst aspect of rape is the defilement of the victim, who will no longer be able to find a man to marry her — and that the solution is to marry the rapist.”

Overall, it's that kind of a book which will hit you squarely on your face if you are a man and get you to nod away if you are a woman. 

The book in a nutshell is about sufferings, hurt, undying objectification of women, commodification, deaths, rapes, crimes, victims, etc.

The language is easy to comprehend and there would be no difficulty in understanding what Rohit wants to convey through this.

Kudos to the writer for writing such a bold narrative which only few authors pick up… I recommend this book to all people at large.

Ratings: 3.8/5

A pocket full of colours.