REDUCING GENDER PREJUDICES

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My mama gets up at 4 am in the morning. She brushes her teeth and started to sweep the whole house. Then, came to the kitchen and started preparing food for our Tiffin and lunch. You all must be confused by now why she started preparing for the meal this early? Well, my mother is a teacher and she left the house at 6:30 am. So before that she has to prepare lunch. She comes back home at 12:30 pm and after that she has to finish the washing the dirty plates, pots and pans. She checks the home work copies, makes the study plan and updates the attendance sheet. Then she goes to make some Tiffin for the evening. Then she watches some daily soaps and again goes to the kitchen for dinner. It’s her daily routine.

She only feels a little relax on Sundays, but that day also laundry work occupies her. Sometimes I help her with laundry like washing in machines and folding clothes. She gives iron to the clothes. With her age, once she was thinking to resign from her job; teaching was her passion and with the approval of all our family members she was in her job for about twenty years. She said it was difficult for her to maintain both official and household works. I asked, “You are doing every house chores as well as maintaining your school work. At least can’t papa help you with laundry? At least he can wash the clothes in the machine and fold the clothes with me.”

My mama laughed a little and said, “But you are helping me na... So no need to ask your father about laundry.” I couldn’t resist my irritation any more. “But mama Sometimes I have my exams, seminars and presentations. That time you do all the work by yourself and why can’t I ask papa?”

She faced down not meeting my gaze. “You can’t ask him. It was like this and I think it will be always like this.”  “No mama It will not always be like this. I will talk to papa.” I assured her.

I share everything with my parents. I also consider that my papa is little understanding in nature.  So I was not nervous to ask him. That evening when my papa was enjoying his tea, I sat in front of him. After a few minutes of usual talk I started the main topic, “Papa, mama is doing all the house chores along with her school works. I think she needs some help.”

“So she needs a maid? Okay, I will arrange one.” Papa replied with a casual tone.

“No papa. I mean you can help her.” Papa laughed out loud. “You want me to help her doing house chores?” “Yes papa, actually I want it. But I think you can help her with the laundry.” I tried to be confident. “You know dear, men don’t do these works.” I couldn’t believe he said those words.

“Where it is written that men can’t do the household works? It’s just your ego, that’s why you are uttering those words. I thought you would understand the situation.” Breaking that stereotype was a challenge for me. I knew this is not papa's fault, he also learnt it from his childhood. He  But, I didn't give up. 

“Did your mama ask you to tell me all these things?” before he could complete his sentence I commented, “I’m saying this and will you like it after my marriage, I have to maintain my corporate work as well as my household work and when I will ask my husband to help me, he will tell me the same thing as you told me now?”

Papa thought for a moment and replied, “Okay, I will initiate by washing clothes in machine only.” I hugged my papa and congratulate me for my small victory, though I have way more to go. After that day my papa helps in laundry work.  These days he is ironing his own clothes and helping mama in making lunch. 

However, I was able to change the mentality in my home. But, now also we're seeing such mentality in most families.

I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.

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THE RAMPART GUARDS: Book Review

Book Blurb:

After his mom disappears, Jason Lex and his family move to a small town where he has no friends, no fun, no life. Things get worse when he’s chased by weird flying creatures that only he can see---Jason thinks he’s losing it.

But when Jason discovers new information about his family, he’s stunned to learn that creatures like Skyfish, Kappa, and the Mongolian Death Worm aren’t just stories on the Internet---they’re real and they live unseen alongside the human race. Many of these creatures naturally emit energy capable of incinerating humans. An invisible shield keeps these creatures hidden and protects the human race from their threatening force, but someone, or some thing, is trying to destroy it.

Unsure who he can trust, Jason is drawn into the fight to save the people closest to him, and he finds help in surprising places. Confronted with loss, uncertainty, and a devastating betrayal, Jason must make a gut-wrenching decision:

Who lives, and who dies.


My Review:

With strong character development and intriguing imaginative world ‘The Rampart Guard’ by Wendy Terrien is definitely distinctive. The cover of this book doesn’t make it look appealing. So, simple tip, don’t judge a book by its cover.

The author has great command over the words; she has created an intrigue world which seems more realistic. The character of Jason, a fourteen year old kid is well portrayed. He dealt with many obstacles and finally embraced the truth, which destiny had decided for him. The writing style is crisp and none of the scenes are exaggerated. The plot of the story is simple and the story line moves with smooth pace.  

The only thing I want to highlight that if I were a high school student, then I would’ve enjoyed the story a little more. I will give it 3.75 out of 5 stars for the well story line and author’s writing style. This novel is appealing to those, who’re high school students or paranormal, fantasy and adventure fans.  

About The Author:

Wendy Terrien has been writing stories since she was in grade school. Her debut novel The Rampart Guards (February 26, 2016) is the first in her urban fantasy series. 

Inspired by an episode of Bones that suspected a killer to be a fabled chupacabra, Wendy was fascinated and dove into research about cryptozoology - the study of animals that may or may not exist, or cryptids. Pouring over stories, videos and photographs of creatures others had seen all over the world, Wendy developed her own story to share with middle grade, young adult and grown-up readers.


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WITHOUT YOU : Final Part

"I want you to see yourself through my eyes, then you'll realize how special you're to me..."

This is the second and final part of without you. Those, who've not read the first part click here(Without You)  

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Rohan’s point of view:

You always think that we met in the school garden for the first time. Wrong! We were childhood friends; we used to play together at the age of six. Meeting you after so many years were my fate or I can say you, staying at my home was planned by destiny.

Remember, in our childhood days when you said you don’t want to be friends with me, it had hurt me so much that I decided for vengeance. I posted your letter in the notice board; I thought may be insulting you will make me calm. I know it was stupid of me, but I had upset you. I had decided to avoid you but you never left a chance for me to do that. You never realize, slowly you were making your place in my heart and I think I was also falling for you. But, I was in no state to accept that.

At first I was forced to tutor you, but eventually that changed into my wish. I’m not good at showing my expression, but you’ve always seen through me. All my taunts were to make you a strong person. My heart skipped a bit when you told me that you’ll follow me everywhere. I know you’re sincere for your feelings but, my thoughts were jumbled.

Mama told me uncle and you moved out. And it’s been few weeks you’ve not met me. Neither you’re picking up my calls nor replying my messages. How can you leave me? I wanted you to give me some time. Yet, you left me. I want to ask you for another chance but I know that I don’t deserve it. You’ve given me so much opportunity. Today I know what I want and my heart wants you, Trisha.

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Third person's point of view: 

Rohan reached in front of Trisha’s new home, where she just moved few weeks ago. Trisha stuns to see Rohan on her doorstep. Before she can say something, he hand her a letter. Startled Trisha tears the envelope and starts to read the letter. A drop of tear slithers from her eye. They both embrace each other. He whispers in her ear, “I’ll never let you go.” She smiles and told him, “You didn’t write the letter on your own, you’ve copied my letter. But I’m happy that you remember my letter so well.” He gives her an apology smile. “I’ve kept your letter. And forget about the letter, you’ve me now.” They embraced each other once again.

P.s.- This post is inspired from a Thai drama ‘Kiss me’. Recently I’ve watched it and already fallen for the drama.

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WITHOUT YOU

"I want you to see yourself through my eyes, then you'll realize how special you're to me..."

Trisha's point of view:  

I remember how I met you for the first time; you came to join my school and I saw you in the garden area. Together we rescue the cat and you took it after my request. I was glad when we met again in the teacher’s room and you requested them to be in my class. But in the first day of your joining you ignored me and pretended as if we hadn’t met once. All the girls from our school became your fan and followers due to your popularity. But I had fallen for you in our first meet, Rohan.

Was it my fault that our parents are best friends? my papa and I came to live in your house after my house got devastated in fire. Was it my fault that your mother asked you to tutor me? I know I’m not as smart as like you but I wanted to improve my score to be compatible for you. Was it my fault that I fall for you at first sight? Yet you decided to humiliate me in front of whole crowd by posting my confession letter in the notice board.

You had lent me your notebooks for study, when I lost all my belongings in fire. You were kind enough to approve my stay at your house and take me school every day. You helped me to be a better person. Without you I couldn’t have decided my career path.

Days have passed by and I’m yet to know your true feelings. I wonder do you feel anything for me. You always maintain a stoic expression; it’s difficult for me to read your thoughts. Sometimes you’ve uttered kind words and sometimes harsh words; sometimes you behave kind around me and sometimes rude. Yet there wasn’t a single day when you’ve not gained a star from me. I smile at your taunts or should I say pet names for me, ‘frying-pan’ and ‘IQ-0’. I’m moving out of your house today and along with that I’m going to take a big step.

I’m cutting all of my links with you. I’ve taken all of your teasing for something else. I want you to accept me for who I’m and I want to disappear from your life to see if you’ll really miss me. I want you to come looking after me. My life without you will be more difficult for enduring, yet I’m ready for that. I’ve kept all of our sweet n sour memories in the corner of my heart. Have I lost you by cutting all the lines? I’ll find my answer shortly.     

To be continued...

P.s.- This post is inspired from a Thai drama ‘Kiss me’. Recently I’ve watched it and already fallen for the drama. Stay tuned for the next part.

This post is written for IndiSpire Edition105.

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DUST AND WATER: Book Blitz

THE RIBBON TRAP: Book Review

Book Blurb:

How can one reclaim life?

Smita asks the question a thousand times, when an unexpected incident devastates her life.

Then, she was not ‘any other’ girl.

Smita soars from the ashes of her past, to reclaim her life. The more she went ahead, darker the world become.And there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

Smita had to fight the battle, alone.

Alone.

For her.

For her love. 

My Review:

The first thing caught my attention was its attractive cover and second thing its description. So I decided to pick it up for my reading shelves. The story moves slowly in the beginning and after some initial chapters two things struck in my mind. First was it’s a typical a boy fall for girl story and together they overcome the difficulties. Second was the summery written in the back cover of the book doesn’t match with the chapters. But all of my thoughts came to halt when I read the first twist. I never noticed the twist is coming and that made me stunned for a while. In the second part, the story catches its pace perfectly. You will find romance in the first half of the book and mystery and thriller in the second part of the book. I can say romance, crime, mystery, emotions and thriller are wrapped up in a single unit in this book.

In the initial chapters, Smita is an adorable and studious girl. I felt she is a weak character and a victim in the beginning of the story. But her transformation into a strong minded girl was amazing.  Krishnaprem is a loving and caring person. He gave company to Smita during her ups and downs. Any other supporting characters haven’t left any impact on me. I think more character development is required for this book.  

I feel Shine Syamaladevi is a promising author. A great applaud for his effort in his debut novel. However, some editing flaws are there in the book. Apart from that some logical issue and some scene description issue is also there. Some scenes felt incomplete and needed more description. I hope he will overcome all the flaws in his upcoming books.

I’ll give it 3.5 out of 5 stars for the author’s effort and story-line. It is recommended to those, who love to read romance with crime and mystery. 

About The Author:

Shine Syamaladevi was born in a small village in Kerala. An avid reader and daydreamer since childhood, he believes passionate dreams really come true. The journeys around the nation on various official appointments added fuel to his passion, eventually resulting in his first book. His dream.

He can be reached at the following links:

E mail: Authorshines@gmail.com

Twitter: @ShineSyamaladev

Facebook: Shine Syamaladevi - Author

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P.S.: I got the book from the author in exchange of an honest review. 

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I'M CAPABLE

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I’m a 22 year Indian girl, born and brought up in a middle class family. I’m staying in the smartest city of India, Bhubaneswar. My both parents are working. My parents don’t support the gender bias, as they think so. They also encourage me to do things on my own yet always set some limits.

During my school days, all of my relatives presumed me as a shy introverted girl. Mama also forced me to show proper courtesy and to be a soft spoken person, whether the person is speaking good or ill. I never had any opinion on my own because mama told me it will harm my image along with theirs.

I loved computer science, during my eleventh standard; I opted for this course instead of biology or electronics. But my uncle said ‘Those, who study biology, are considered intelligent in our family.’ The very next day my optional subject changed to biology. Once I wore a sleeveless top with a bottom, one of my relatives told ‘girl don’t wear such clothes in our family.’ From that day onward I was prohibited to wear sleeveless dresses. I started to wear spectacles due to my eyesight problem and people considered me a studious one and I got some unnecessary attention in my class.

I asked mama to dye my hair and unexpectedly she said yes. I was astonished as well as on cloud nine. But she set some boundaries like ‘don’t apply any bright or light color. It will make you look bold.” And I understood she was saying no in an indirect manner. Once I heard from my friend that one of the guys from my class had a crush on me and all of my friends stated that now he has high income and you’ll be happy. What is the role of money in my happiness? Why most of the people think that girls fall for rich guys.   

Sometimes these things feel so worthless and I can’t pretend to be someone in my whole life. It takes five seconds to classify people based on their look but it takes so much time to change your impression. I always wondered what has my looks have to do with my personality. My friends think I’m a sweet, soft spoken, immature and studious girl who loves to stay aloof. My relatives think of me as a homely girl and they often say that I’ll become a great wife. My society thinks of me as a nature loving introverted girl who is well fitted for their so called society. Nobody cares about my real side. They love to pass their judgments but never realize the impact on us. I can’t say I’ve overcome all these stereotypes but I’ve managed to change some people’s opinion by constantly interacting and giving my point of views.  I learned one thing ‘be bold enough to speak up.’ I’m wearing clothes on my own not according to anyone’s choice. No one has the right to judge me on my looks.      

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the Nihar Naturals #IAmCapable survey conducted by Nielsen India reveals:

a. 69% of men agree that their judgement of women is based on their looks.

b. 64% of women agree that the judgments passed on them have affected their ability to reach their true potential.

c. 70%of women agree that majority of judgments on women are from family members or friends rather than strangers.

d. 72% of women agree that working women face more judgments on their looks or their clothes than housewives.

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I’m breaking stereotypes based on appearance by sharing my experience for the #IAmCapable activity at BlogAdda in association with Nihar Naturals.

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TUMBLED GRAVES: Book Review

Book Blurb   :
A missing child. A dead mother. Kala Stonechild is about to discover what one betrayal can lead to.

When Adele Delaney and her daughter, Violet, go missing, Jacques Rouleau is called upon to investigate. However, struggling with the impending death of his ill ex-wife, he sends Kala Stonechild and Paul Gundersund instead. Stonechild has been trying to adapt to life as her young cousin Dawn’s guardian, and even though Gundersund has offered support, Stonechild is at risk of losing custody.

On the second day of the investigation, Adele’s body turns up, dumped on the shoulder of the highway with no sign of her daughter. Her husband, Ivo, denies any involvement with either his wife’s death of their child’s disappearance, but not everyone is convinced. As the investigation unfolds, Stonechild learns that Adele was once entangled with a Montreal biker gang and heads to Quebec to investigate further. 

As Stonechild and Gundersund juggle personal troubles and a complicated, dangerous case, they find themselves piecing together a chain of disasters leading back to a single betrayal.


My Review   :

After so many fantasy and romance fiction books, I grabbed this mystery book. I wanted a change and my expectations were high for this book. I will gladly say ‘Tumbled Grave’ didn’t let my expectation down. The story was not that unique yet it had that potential to keep me hooked from the first chapter.

The characters are strong but they have flaws. The main characters are tangled in personal as well as professional issues. I liked Kala Stonechild; she had a dark past that she would never talk about and she was taking care of Dawn, her childhood friend’s daughter.

The author has maintained a simple yet striking writing style. None of the scenes are exaggerated and the story moved in different person’s point of views. I enjoyed this story thoroughly. This is full of unpredictable twists and turns. The most effective part was you won’t have a clue about the little girl Violets’ whereabouts.

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars for its nail biting thriller and the writer’s writing style. This book is strongly recommended to all mystery and thriller fans.    

I received this copy from NetGalley in return of an honest review.

About The author :

She's an Ottawa author with 14 published novels in the mystery genre, both adult and YA. She's currently writing two adult mystery series: The Stonechild and Rouleau police procedurals from Dundurn include Cold Mourning (2014), which was shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for crime novel of the year, and Butterfly Kills (Jan. 2015). Tumbled Graves will be on the shelves in February 2016.

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SISTERS!!!

Few months ago I visited Bangalore with my family. I being a shy girl always had a dream of travelling with my family. While roaming around a mail near Jp nagar, I met with a girl. Or I can say I met me! It must be sounding weird but I saw me standing near the one piece counter. After some time her eyes met mine and she shouted “Oh my GOD… ” She came closer me and started to observe my face clearly. I noticed the little differences between us; her hair is curly and waist length while my hair is complete straight, her skin tone is a shade darker than mine, she is two inch longer than me and she has a dimple in left cheek. “I never thought that I can be that attractive.” I whispered and looked straight in her eyes.

“Hi, I’m Ishita Banerjee from Bangalore. I can’t believe I’m meeting my doppelganger. Ohh GOD… My parents will be glad to see you. I never see you in Bangalore. Are you new here? Bangalore is a big city after all. So you belong to where? You don’t like to talk?” “So she is a talkative one”, A thought formed on my mind. “I’m Arpita Dash from Bhubaneswar. It’s my first time here. I’m stunned actually, I don’t believe in doppelganger concept. I mean not until now. My parents and I would love to meet your parents.” I gave her a smile. I called my parents and our parents met each other. But it seemed like they knew each other. I gave my parents a suspicious eye. My mother embraced Ishita and asked her many questions. We moved towards a restaurant to have our dinner.

In the middle of our dinner Ishita dragged me towards the washroom.  “Arpita listen carefully, I think we’re twins.” Her sudden comment made me stunned. “No… I mean why you think that.” I asked with concern. “Because I know that I was adopted. Our parents know each other and you didn’t see how your mother is behaving around me. See the logic…” She circled her hands in air. “How do you know that you’re an adoptive child?” She let out a sigh and told, “I heard it one day.” A ping of jealousy mounted over me. I had always received full attention from my parents and I didn’t want that attention to be divided. I should be happy to meet my twin sister after so long, but now I was feeling uneasy and insecure.

Before I could say something, she hugged me tighter. “I’m glad to know that I have a sister Arpi. And the amazing thing is you’re so different than me. You’re such a nice person and look at me, I’m a spoil brat. We can never let our parents know about us being known the fact. We must keep it secret.  I don’t know about the past and whatever they did, they must have a reason. We both are happy in our lives, right?” I was surprised to see her behavior. I was ashamed of me and gave her a tight hug. We had our dinner and moved towards our lives. We exchanged our numbers and kept in contact after that.

P.s.- This is complete fiction... But once upon a time I really wished to have a cool twin sister.

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