Book picks similar to
Bestowed by Snehlata Agarwala


romance
india
non-black-poc-author
south-asia

Ved Maya


Vineeta Malhotra Taneja - 2019
    A humble, helpful and gentle soul who is loved by all…except by the one woman he loves with all his heart. Maya, a young and vivacious girl, who has been challenged by fate time and again. From being left motherless at the tender age of three, to being shunned by her family at 22, Maya didn’t have it easy. While Ved opens his heart for Maya, she makes it clear to him that the only feeling she will ever have for him is hatred. Come and embark on this journey of emotions, misunderstandings, love...and be a part of their emotional rollercoaster ride.

लूज़र कहीं का! / Loser Kahin Ka!


Pankaj Dubey - 2013
    In Delhi, he meets three guys who join his dramatic journey—they all want to change the country. They all aspire to become IAS officers. They all want to take the ‘never-seen-before-types dowry’! As expected, they mess up with a very proper college professor. There begins a chase, funnier than Tom and Jerry… Will the professor find them? Will their dreams ever come true? Find out in this laughathon full of clichés straight from the cow belt of India!Note: This book is in the Hindi language and has been made available for the Kindle, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Paperwhite, iPhone and iPad, and for iOS, Windows Phone and Android devices.

Delayed Monsoon


Chitralekha Paul - 2011
    The rain drops hit the parched earth with a vengeance. The aroma of soaked earth fills the air. A sense of rejuvenation spreads around, as new life springs out, transforming the barren landscape into a thriving oasis. Abhilasha, the mother of a grown up girl felt the same when she finally meets the love she had longed for. A union in the most unusual of circumstances and in the most unusual of places—the internet. Abhilasha was caught in a dilemma whether to listen to her mind or to follow the beats of her heart.But this conflict served as an impetus which pushed her to a new height. Going through an emotional roller-coaster, finally she reached a stage where her passion turned into compassion, the most powerful form of love, where all conflicts appear trivial, finding their way into a harmonious homogeneity. In this new scenario none of her loved ones was left behind. A strong conviction bonded and inspired everyone to undertake life's journey where the rough edges were smoothened by the healing touch of love.A story woven around the life of an Air Force officer's wife with a glimpse into what goes on behind the closed gates, guarded by vigilant men in uniform. An insight into the life of Abhilasha and her dilemmas, the seemingly ordinary incidents but which are interwoven into a complex puzzle that she must solve.

Nine


Sweta Samota - 2018
    You die even if you deny to do this." The guardian said."What has it to do with RSS, BJP and Narendra Modi?" Ila researched."Erase the trail Ila! Change the links before someone else finds it out. And you have to do this alone!Because whoever helps you, dies!" The guardian said.Will Ila decode it alone and find the eye-popping, nail-biting single inconceivable truth on which the existence of the world depends, trading the people she loves in the process?Or will someone else snatch it from her to rule the world?Read this racy, mysterious, and thrilling story of Ila Sharma, the national puzzle champ. Reviews:  Nail-biting thriller! "Nine" is a powerful read that tugs at the heartstrings. "I enjoyed the narrative structure which never loses the pace and keeps a nail-biting tension among the readers. The narrative dwells in the past as well as in the present era with RSS, Modi ( Pradhanmantri) among others. The best part of the book is obviously the connecting dots between history and the present socio-political ethos of India. Sweta deserves an applause for providing such a treat to the readers. Shaheed- E - Azam is also there, omg this particular phase about him and that too Kakori ( Bismil ka Sandesh)well, too good to stay away from such impeccable delight.Do not miss the codes, do not miss the love story and more overlook for the truth.Mitron, get the book."-- Debraj Moulick, active blogger, official book reviewer and film reviewerA blockbuster thriller!

The House of Blue Mangoes


David Davidar - 2001
    As the thalaivar, or headman, of Chevathar, he seeks to preserve the village from both catastrophe and change, and the decisions he makes will mark his family for generations to come.A gripping family chronicle, The House of Blue Mangoes spans nearly half a century and three generations of the Dorai family as they search for their place in a rapidly changing society. The novel brings vividly to life a small corner of India, while offering a stark indictment of colonialism and reflecting with great poignancy on the inexorable social transformations of the subcontinent.

Bombay Heights


Adite Banerjie - 2019
    A challenging job and some much needed distance from her ludicrously over-protective family could get her life under control.Forced to team up with video game designer Ashwin Deo, who is too attractive for his own good, she finds life becoming a whole lot more complicated when he turns out to be her new neighbour. How can she maintain a professional distance with this charming troublemaker who believes in getting up close and personal? To make matters worse, her ex tries to manipulate her loved ones to work his way back into her life. Hysterical siblings, a cantankerous client, an ex who will not take no for an answer, and a blow hot blow cold neighbour... Sanjana is sleepless in the City of Dreams! Can she do what Ashwin dares her to--create a few ripples even if it upsets her family?

Non Resident Bihari (Hindi)


Shashikant Mishra - 2015
    This novel is a unique and innovative take on the world of a Bihari youth who breaks many stereotypes. This novel revolves around the character of Rahul (a Bihari) who is living in Mumbai. The narration is filled with crisp humor and a distinctive comic tone which it a pleasant read, whilst delivering a strong social message. The book is authored by Shashikant Mishra and is published by Radhakrishna Prakashan in 2015.Rahul is a common Bihari youth who has been dreaming of living in Mumbai (the city of dreams) ever since his tender years. Hailing from an affluent family, he reaches Mumbai without much hassle. But its not all sunshine and rainbows as he settles down in the film capital of the country!He receives a significant culture shock and it takes ample time for Rahul to get adjusted to the fast paced life of the city. Rahul wants to become a civil servant and hence is preparing for the UPSC exams. He is duly focused on his goal and exam preparation until he gets a girl in his life, Shalu. Now Rahul is faced with the dilemma of choosing one - Shalu or the UPSC exam. What choice is Rahul going to make? Will he go with the love of his life? Or will he sacrifice his life for the sanctity of his professional career? Could there be an option where he can choose both? This is a gripping novel which answers all these questions and more.

It ends with a dream: The farther you go, the closer we get


Medha Nagur - 2021
    He is a lawyer aspiring to become the youngest MLA of Telangana state and comes from a messed-up family, or so he believes.Yashika- 23, tall, fair and beautiful. She is a doctor from Coorg, the land of sophistication and perfection. What more, the same is reflected in her work and her presence.Both are strong, bold, and capable in their own ways, yet vulnerable to each other. Coming from distinguished backgrounds and yet two ordinary people when it comes to love and their emotions. They both believe in the same and even share their dream; still, they are two worlds apart.He has everything that he could ask for in life, even the love of his family by the grace of God. But…She has a loving father, a coffee estate to look after, a degree to fulfil her dream to become an Obstetrician. But…Yadnya and Yashika first met in their childhood and then parted ways three times. Already. But fate keeps bringing them together. And it did yet again.But the question is, will they be together for good this time or will they part again, God forbid, for good?It’s a heartbreaking story of love and loss that ends with a dream and rekindles hope and faith in life and relationship.This book also explores the many facets of relationships that are not shallow.An emotionally gripping read with a satisfying ending.This Valentina’s season, gift this heart-wrenching romance book to your love and feel the beautiful and growing pain along!Written in lucid, crisp and elegant language, it is a love story that will stay with you for a long time.Every sentence in the book tells a tale! No boring fluff! No dragging middle!

A Bittersweet Reprieve


Leena Varghese - 2017
    A woman who thinks her husband pretended to be dead and never cared enough to return home… Maj. Tejveer Singh is an ex-serviceman from the Indian Army, decorated for his exemplary courage. After resigning from service with near-fatal wounds, he returns home to the life-altering news that his wife, Megha, has disappeared. A devastated Tej comes to the painful conclusion that she has deserted him for good. Megha has a different story to tell. The news about Tej’s ‘death’ at the hands of the enemy breaks down her emotional equilibrium. She escapes to London, far away from everything that would remind her of Tej. Three years later, Megha, now a gourmet writer, returns to India. Life grinds to a halt again, when she comes face-to-face with Tej at a party in Mussourie. Fired by rage and betrayal they confront each other even as unresolved issues, an unequal power equation, buried suspicions and angst from their troubled marriage hover like phantoms once more. Both want to know the truth about the other. Pride and mistrust prevents both of them from revealing it first! Cut off from the world for a week, they become engrossed in a utopia where neither of them talks about the past or the future. However, time is ticking by…and the potent secret between them is waiting to explode. Will they be able to resolve the deadlock without tearing away from each other?

ज़िन्दगी आइस पाइस [Zindagi Aais Pais]


Nikhil Sachan - 2015
    In this book, Nikhil continues taking his readers along for a journey which try to solve the riddles of basic human existence - riddles of love, of childhood's lost and found, of relationships and of our day to day trials.His characters vary from a gangster who chooses love over looting, a couple trying to steal their first kiss in a right-wing nightmare, children playing one-tip one-hand cricket to an early jobber trying to rise above his mundane job to an old man contemplating the purpose of life after getting replaced by technology.Nikhil's characters are immensely relatable and his stories are his voice speaking out your own stories. This book reminds you of the smell of summer sunshine hitting garden leaves and takes you to back to a kinder gentler and simpler time.

Gently Falls The Bakula


Sudha Murty - 2008
    . . Holding a bakula flower in his palm, he was wondering why he was fascinated by this tiny flower, that was neither as beautiful as a rose nor had the fragrance of a jasmine or a champaka. And yet, it was very special to him. It held an inexplicable attraction for him.’ Shrimati and Shrikant are neighbours and star students of their school in the small north Karnataka town of Hubli. It leaves no one in surprise when they come first and second respectively in the final Board exams. Soon Shrikant discovers he is strangely attracted to Shrimati, a plain-looking yet charming person, who always does better than him in the exams. Shrimati too falls in love with the amiable and handsome Shrikant and the two get married. Shrikant joins an IT company and starts rapidly climbing the corporate ladder. He works relentlessly and reaches the pinnacle of his industry, while Shrimati abandons her academic aspirations and becomes his uncomplaining shadow, silently fulfilling her duties as a corporate leader’s wife. But one day, while talking to an old professor, she starts examining what she has done with her life and realizes it is dismally empty . . . Gently Falls the Bakula is the story of a marriage that loses its way as ambition and self-interest take their toll. Written nearly three decades ago, Sudha Murty’s first novel remains startlingly relevant in its scrutiny of modern values and work ethics.

The Maharaja’s Fake Fiancée


Alisha Kay - 2021
    Guess what she doesn’t need? A tailor-made husband.When her meddlesome mother tries to throw her into the arms of a mom-approved suitor, Nivy runs the other way. Right into the arms of the man who shattered her heart.His Highness Veerendra Singh can recognise a pain-in-the-ass when he sees it. Especially when it falls into his arms.Even if said pain-in-the-ass has legs that go on forever and lush lips that just beg to be kissed, Veer vows to run the other way. As he did once before...But, when the marriage-minded princess of Tejpur sets her sights on him, Veer runs back into Nivy’s arms to propose a fake engagement.When 'fake' starts to feel very real, Nivy and Veer have to decide what is important… long-held prejudices or the chance for a life with the only person they've ever loved.Will this be their second chance at love or will their broken past ruin their hope for a shared future?

Girl from Fatehpur


Sarita Varma - 2013
    “Sana, you are only a kid…you will soon forget all this. Besides, don’t you also love Shahrukh Khan?”A decade has gone by and Sanjana, now a highflying professional in Mumbai, had thought she was over her childhood crush on Rajan. However, a chance encounter at a family wedding in her hometown Fatehpur re-kindles all her old feelings for him. But what about Krish, her persistent suitor who is also a senior colleague in the office? He just will not take no for an answer! His unexpected arrival in Fatehpur results in heated rivalry between the two men.Will the ensuing tension and misunderstanding put an end to all her hopes of happiness? Her first love Rajan, or Krish, her handsome eligible colleague…who will win Sanjana’s impulsive heart?

Latitudes of Longing


Shubhangi Swarup - 2018
    The novel sweeps across India, from an island, to a valley, a city, and a snow desert to tell a love story of epic proportions. We follow a scientist who studies trees and a clairvoyant who speaks to them; a geologist working to end futile wars over a glacier; octogenarian lovers; a mother struggling to free her revolutionary son; a yeti who seeks human companionship; a turtle who transforms first into a boat and then a woman; and the ghost of an evaporated ocean as restless as the continents. Binding them all together is a vision of life as vast as the universe itself. A young writer awarded one of the most prestigious prizes in India for this novel, Shubhangi Swarup is a storyteller of extraordinary talent and insight. Richly imaginative and wryly perceptive, Latitudes of Longing offers a soaring view of humanity: our beauty and ugliness, our capacity to harm and love each other, and our mysterious and sacred relationship with nature.

A Newlywed’s Adventures in Married Land


Shweta Ganesh Kumar - 2013
    After being a hard-as-nails reporter who covered crime stories of the goriest kind, Mythili is now just a ‘dependent’. On top of that, unemployment, encounters with expat-wives and culture shock leave her feeling like she has fallen down a rabbit hole. Will their love survive, or will she become just another unhappily married expatriate wife?Will this real life Alice ever embrace her Wonderland?