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The story opens with the picturesque hills of Mussoorie. The protagonist, Piali, is introduced here as a spirited and gifted teacher who adroitly manages to pique the curiosity of the student’s imagination. Her intellect and charm come through effortlessly. She deftly uses techniques and play of words to draw the attention of the class. Piali seems to have the magic combination of the ideal teacher’s dedication and in addition to make the subject come alive in the class.The story then broadens out to bring in other events. Apparently the school annual centenary celebrations are upcoming and Piali is in charge. She has a huge responsibility as being the newest and the youngest teacher being handed out this huge and momentous responsibility. Her dynamic personality makes her stand out among the other staff.
Next the personal life of Piali comes into the picture- a relentless pursuit by a dynamic young man, Sathya. We discover a lover in the wait. He comes across as a bold, confident and an over the bounds stepping young man who makes no qualms about his needs. We discover that Piali has been staying in Mussoorie on a self imposed exile due to problems with her father objecting to her choice in selecting Sathya as her future life partner.
As the story progresses we are drawn into the past. Six months ago; Piali was a successful teacher in a public school at Jharkhand, who bravely faced all odds in the pursuit of her beloved profession as a teacher. She becomes attracted to the magnetic personality of Sathya, who is actually the school chairman’s only son. At first Piali has a reserve in mingling with him but at last love wins over. The duos get closer at a camp. Piali finds herself getting more and more impressed with Sathya and he too spiraling towards the same end. Piali trumps all contests with the other schools at the camp. However there is a sudden break in their smoothly blossoming romance when Sathya casually announces his engagement. By this time; the story has one hooked. Piali is devastated. She becomes more cautious and somber. After several false starts; they finally confront their feelings about each other. From this end on; the story takes a predictable turn. The families are involved. However Piali’s father stands like a granite rock of opposition. Meetings between the families are futile. It is at this time that Sathya decides to detach from his family and be independent. As her father still remains unfazed; Piali leaves the protection of her doting father and takes up a job in the hills. Finally a happy reconciliation takes place between the two families.
I agree with most of the issues raised by the author and they are several. First is that of women standing for their right in their profession and going after their dreams in spite of having more superior abilities. The issue that all girls must have NCC or similar training to build up their confidence and skill as well to override any kind of challenge. This story questions trivial cultural rules about ‘marriage first and love next’ and the myth of this fact. The arguable issue of an inter caste marriage; in this case between a Bengali and a Keralite. It shows the difference in customs of north Indian and south Indian behavior. It shows how parents are really modern only in the word sense. Lastly the very real fact of a daughter forever caught pleasing the two most important men in her life- her father and her husband. The negative points in this book are the predictable aspects of the story, lack of enough surprise elements to the story and the ending seems too trivial. The positive aspects are that this is a fresh and light romance. It leaves one with pleasant and happy memories.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
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