Destiny's Play

Book excerpt: This book is a compilation of 18 short stories gleaned from real life, with a touch of fiction and fantasy. It gives readers a glimpse into the daily lives and experiences of the everyday Indian, in the past and present. In writing this book, the author has attempted to convey her thoughts and musings, while taking the reader on a journey through the struggles and successes of humanity. The stories deal with the ups and downs of young love, an engineers path to ascetism, Indian wedding traditions and some darker themes such as crime and revenge. Every journalist dreams of writing, as do those with a natural flair for storytelling. Inspired by RK Narayan, I, too, embarked on writing short stories. My first book received a modest reception, igniting a strong desire to further my writing career. India's vastness provides ample material for short stories, yet our linguistic divisions prompt reflection: are they a blessing or a curse? They have undoubtedly fostered distinct linguistic communities. Today, young people transcend linguistic and religious boundaries to find love and marry across cultural divides, a trend on the rise. Consequently, India has become a melting pot of diverse religions, cultures, and castes. However, the older generation remains steadfast in their adherence to traditional values and customs. For society to achieve true peace and harmony, they must be willing to adapt and embrace change.