OMD! (Oh My Delhi)

About the Book : In the celebration of everything public there is an undying pang of discovering one’s personal ghosts. Through a sprawling canvas populated by unlikeliest of people Asmi challenges herself to knots that couldn’t be unknotted. For more than a decade she has cursed her fate for leaving her mother-less and with a woebegone family. As unjust life ensnare her she dreams of leaving the despairing gullies of Lajpat Nagar. Little did she know her fairy god mother was set to cast a spell to turn her life around. The mediocre are seldom sanctioned the life of affluence. Torn between her coarse edges and Mahi’s soft silks Asmi emerges from the literary world and inhale the air of the rich. Her delight is short lived as humiliation taunts her presence and forces her to congest into a cocoon. Nevertheless questioning her right to dignity Asmi stands firm challenging the conceited of Delhi. Although soon she realises the houses that aren’t made of glass include more than skeletons in their closets. Thrown in unexpected relations Asmi captivates Amin with her unpretentious approach towards life. Admiring Amin’s and Mahi’s comfortable lifestyle she seeks refuge with them and shuns her father. She also finds solace in Rajee her childhood companion. One wonders are dysfunctional families a norm in Delhi? Was this a prominent rationale for our protagonists to fuel their bond amidst mismatched society? Delhi spares none with mercy including Asmi who is ambushed and stifled. Amid the atrocities by the living and the dead she is forced to question her existence. Rightly stated “Happiness is temporary” she is left distraught in no time. Deceived with heart break she finds haven in subjugated world to evade the gnawing memories of her past. Will life offer a prospect to mend her broken relations? Has setbacks strengthened her to conquer hindrances and return to her roots? It is a quest of survival of the mediocre. Evidences of dysfunctional self and withered familial ties become a recurring theme throughout the book. About the Author : Born and brought up in Delhi I have vivid memories of my past. I recall myself running around with my sibling or bawling after a thrashing. But mostly I remember are my parents struggle. It was challenging to raise two kids with low monetary assistance. To fuel the struggle I cowered behind my mother as my grandmother verbally abused her. My mother rose above it and ensured to read us to bed every night. They didn’t let us be affected by misgivings and turned the low moments with a good laughter. I am blessed to have gained good education. Being an average student I excelled at exams in year 12 and studied Literature in college. I am an ardent reader; it commenced with Enid Blyton however I fell in love with books with Harry Potter. At 21 I left for Australia to pursue Masters in Tourism – Festival and Event Design and Management. Away from family my comrade was my shadow. The friendships the University and the culture I embraced with opened arms. As my expenses augmented I lightened my father’s monetary assistance and commenced my work in the house keeping team at the hostel. In the team I made lasting friendships and learnt team work and leadership skills. Later I worked as a Project Officer at Reconciliation South Australia for 3 years. Simultaneously I worked as an Event Assistant at Flinders University. In all the years I gained confidence and was independent unlike before. I made mistakes and worked to rectify them. Today I am married and have a son. I always teach my child – be kind and have courage. I balance my life precariously push past obstacles with a book in my hand and my baby on my hip. Persistence is the key along with patience. Ofcourse I am only human and tend to lose sight however I come back and work harder to achieve what I strive for.