Panorama by Shilpi Chaklanobis

Author: Shilpi Chaklanobis

Published By: Notion Press

Pages: 144

Price: Rs. 150

ISBN: 978-93-520-6966-8




About The Author:

Shilpi Chaklanobis hails from the beautiful city of Kanpur and has spent the majority of her adult life in Delhi. She currently heads the Digital Marketing division at an MNC. The amalgamation of her years spent amongst the quiet, calm streets of a small city and the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan like Delhi has lent her a unique perspective towards life. She aims to translate her experiences and understanding of human relationships into stories that not only move people but also resonate with them. She believes that the beauty of a story lies within its ability to be interpreted by the reader in the way they desire as is evident from her writing. Apart from writing, she spends her time devouring books by the dozen. This is her first endeavor as a writer and her writing not only shows promise, but also has a sense of sensitivity that compels you to think about the lives you touch every day.

Book Blurb:

A turbulent relationship between a mother and a daughter takes a sudden turn when the daughter stumbles across a past that she never knew.
The golden period of a professor's life is tainted by questions about his purpose until one night gives him all the answers he needs.
Desperate times test us all but when hunger drives a girl to do the unthinkable, her life changes forever.
Woven around the lives of the people around us - the shy girl on the metro, your domestic help, your neighbors and perhaps even you - this collection of short stories will take you on a bittersweet journey that explores the spectrum that is part of any human relationship and all the complexity and chaos that secretly dwell within the homes and hearts of India.
Often laced with an element of introspection, the stories are sure to change the way you see the world around you...

My Review:

Some like reading short stories and some don’t. I fall into the latter category. An anthology of short stories is certainly not my cup of coffee. But after reading this book, I have only one thing in my mind: good short stories are enough to alter your emotions. This book lets you ponder over the things which you see or feel in everyday life but usually take it for granted. As the author has mentioned, this book will certainly touch your lives and would change the way you see the world around you.
Panorama is an anthology of 15 short stories. Well the review would be long if I describe every story, so let me make it short and tell you about the stories which made me fall in love with this book.

The first chapter ‘Wok’ is an emotional story between a mother and her daughter. It speaks of love and care. This story is one of my favorite story from the book and it really provides a great start to the book. After reading this story, my brain urged me to turn the pages.

The second chapter, ‘Peanut’ is a story of a little Pomeranian. Every dog lover in this world can easily connect with the story. Just like the first story, this story has a perfect blend of love, care and emotions.

The third chapter, ‘The Thirst’ is again a story between a girl and her mother. This story has an abrupt end and might make the reader clueless. I didn’t like the story. Well while reading an anthology, you can’t expect every story to be great.

Now let me jump to the end of the book. The final chapter, ‘The Sealed Wish’ was perhaps the best from the pen of Author. A perfect end to an anthology. Beware! this story might make you cry.

The way author has narrated every story is commendable. The best thing about this book is, it has stories of different genres. Every other person can connect with the stories. Seriously this book is a page turner and never a reader would get bored. The book has only 134 pages and a perfect weekend read. If you are someone who is looking for some light read, then this book would be complete worth your bucks.

Likings: Easy and Simple language, Short Chapters, Page Turner, Twists in the stories (not all but some)
Disliking: Minor Errors, Lack of Editing

Overall: Well, I haven’t read an anthology better than this. A Must Pick.

My Rating: 4.5/5

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Love @ Friendship Day

03-08-2008

Isn’t it strange how the time passes so quickly? It feels as if the whole thing has happened just yesterday but there is gap of 7 years between then and now. So this is how it happened......

The clock was inching towards 00:00. The hour hand was nearing to kiss the mark 12. I was holding my mobile from last 15 minutes and was trying to compose a message to wish her, a Happy Friendship Day. I was sure she would never pick my call, so to call her wasn't a worthy idea, instead, I thought of sending her a text. 

At that age I didn’t know much about Google or else I might have copied the best message for her. In fact it was the first time I was sending a text message to someone. I typed some words, deleted it, typed again and deleted again. From last 15 minutes I was doing the same. I checked time on my mobile, there was only a few minutes before the clock would strike 00:00.

Exactly at 00:00, my mobile buzzed. It was from my best friend, Karan. I was in no mood to talk to anyone else, so I disconnected the call. I began typing, but cursed myself for failing for the umpteenth time. Finally there was no option but call her. I decided to make her a call. I typed her number, hit the green colored button and disconnected it in no time pressing the red colored button. I was nervous, damn nervous. I wasn't sure what would I say if by chance she picks the call, though the chances were less. A confused me finally opened the call register and dialled her number. This time it rang. After some rings the call automatically got disconnected. She didn’t pick my call.

Trust me I didn't felt sad because I was aware of that. Having no other option I composed a message with just three words, “Happy Friendship Day” and finally hit the Send option. I was sure she won’t be replying me but there was still a slight hope in my perplexed heart. 

I checked the watch, 15 minutes already passed but there wasn't any reply. Keeping my phone aside, I slept remembering her and imagining how life would be with her.

2 hours later….

I got a call. It was from an unknown number. I raged with anger. Who was disturbing me at this wee hour of the night. I disconnected the call. Few minutes later my mobile buzzed again, it was from the same unknown number. I woke up and pressed the red button again. But for the third time, my mobile buzzed again, number was the same; the same unknown number.

This time I picked it and said, “Hello”.

In came no reply. 

I again said “Hello” in a bit irritating tone.

But there was no reply from the other side.

I disconnected the call. I thought of switching off the phone and keep it aside but something within my heart stopped me from doing so. Perhaps I was still hoping for her text.

Minutes later my phone buzzed again. I picked it up and was just about to use all the slang I know but stopped midway as I heard a sweet “Hello” from the other side.

It won't be wrong if I say I was on cloud 9. YES! It was her. I can never go wrong on this. It was her voice. I was completely sure; it could be no one but her. For a minute I felt as if I was dreaming. Even in my wildest of dreams I have never thought that someday she will talk to me.. I pinched myself, rubbed my eyes and did all the things till I became sure I wasn’t dreaming. 

No I wasn’t, it was all happening for real.

I wasn’t able to say even a single thing. Words weren’t coming out of my mouth. I was completely out of my mind because of excitement. It was a moment which can’t be described but only be felt. 

I stammered while saying h…i… 

But I was stopped midway by her when she said, 

“Just shut up Idiot !! I want to love you for sometime, just shut up”.

Hearing this, my whole world stopped right within.

I again made sure I wasn’t dreaming; no I wasn’t. 

I stammered again, ww..hh..aaaa..t.???..???

After that all I could hear was sobs. She was crying. Her sobs was clearly audible on phone. I tried my best to stop her from crying. I kept on asking her why is she crying, what’s the matter, could I help her in any way?? 

I did all I could do to stop her from crying. But she didn’t stop. She cried even harder. Her sobs became louder. There wasn't any other option for me but to hear her weeping. 

Exactly 10 minutes later, she finally stopped crying.

This time I didn't stammer and asked, “what happened baby?? why are you crying ??”

She said the words which he can never forget in his lifetime.

She said, “I Love You…… ” and then both of us cried together....

Nobody tried to stop the significant other. They knew what they were crying for. He had the girl whom he had fell for and She had the guy who can love her to any extent.

The conversation which went after that can only be felt.

I stopped crying for some seconds and asked her not to cry……. She said she isn’t crying and cried again.. 

Seconds later she stopped weeping and asked me not to weep….. I said I'm not crying, how can a boy cry.. but cried again…

3 hours later, after crying the whole night, I stopped crying and asked her not to cry anymore. I said her, that her eyes must have been swollen up by now and I doesn’t want to make my beautiful princess look any uglier. She said she will sleep but she wanted to see me before sleeping. In no time, I took the gate keys, opened the main gate carefully so that nobody in home gets up, put my leather jacket on and went to see her.

It took me only 4 minutes to cover a distance nearly of 5kms; such eager I was to see her. She was standing on her terrace. I stopped my bike in front of her home. It was early morning and there wasn’t any person on road, I was able to see her clearly. I looked up, towards the sky, and thanked God for giving me the most beautiful girl of the universe. 

I took a U-Turn and went to my favorite place; the same tea stall which had witnessed every moment of my love life. I lighted my favorite brand; gold flake and took a long drag of it. I was happy because now I had everything that I had wished for. I was enjoying the puffs when I received a message, it was from her.

“I know you smoke, but don’t you dare to smoke or else I’ll kill you”.

He smiled, threw his half burned cigarette and typed,

“I promise I never will.. ” (Such a liar..)

after that I typed again, “Happy Friendship Day, I can never ever forget this Friendship Day”

7 years later, Sameer still weeps remembering that day of Friendship Day.. And he broke his promise too, he smokes.....

Thank You..........

A Story of Unconditional Love

This story is about a girl..

With all her heart, she was deeply in love with a boy...

It was raining heavily, she was waiting for him to come… She waited for hours but didn’t complained.. She was smiling, she was very sure that he will come. 

She checked her mobile but there was no message or any missed call. Even then she didn’t felt bad, she smiled and assured her own that there might be some problem..
She waited.. 

Hours later, her mobile beeped, it was a message from him. It took all her happiness with it.. He dumped her with a message, 
“It’s not the same anymore, I don’t feel the same as I used to do earlier, better we don’t see each other anymore.. MOVE ON!!!!”

Her heart chocked, her breath became happy.. She never thought of it but it happened.. He ditched her for no reason.. He left her alone.. He left her crying..

It was raining, outside as well as inside her heart !!! 

She couldn’t believe.. She did nothing wrong.. Then Why?? 

She didn’t complained, she accepted the bitter truth… 

All the day, she stayed at her bed, neglecting food and neglecting her.. Her friends tried everything to cheer her up but they failed.. She cried… Cried until her tears dried… 

She didn’t say any word to anyone.. She just cried…

Same thing happened for days… for months… 

She gave up, she broke.. She wasn’t in a state to handle her emotions anymore…

With a rose in her left hand and a blade in her right, she slit her left wrist as deep as she could.. Her bed which were full of tears until now became red.. 
She killed herself.. She died, wishing to be with him in the next birth.. Wishing to be with the same boy who ditched her.. Wishing to be with the same guy who broke her heart, and in a way who killed her… 

She misunderstood him, Truth was something else....

He had everything in his life.. If money was not everything, then definitely he was the richest of all.. He had a beautiful girl who loved him unconditionally.. He asked nothing more to god..

It was the Saturday evening.. He was lying in his bed talking with his lady love.. Suddenly he coughed, he disconnected the call and got up.. What he witness was hard to believe for him.. It was blood.. Everytime he coughed, it was only the blood which came out and filled his hand..

Without wasting any time, he went to the hospital.. Doctor took a sample of his blood for further medical check-up.. Somewhere deep inside, he had fear; a fear of going away from his love.. Keeping his finger crossed he waited for the final report.. He called her and they decided to meet in a CCD tomorrow..

It was 9pm, doctor gave the final report and that made all his world dark.. It showed he had Cancer, a Cancer which is non-curable and he has only a couple of months with him.. He never had any bad habits, he never smoked, he never took any Alcohol, then why him??? 

He cursed god for giving him something which he have never dreamed of..

Life betrayed him.. It gave him the worst possible thing a man could ever get, it gave him Death..

It was Sunday.. His love was waiting for him in the CCD. It began to rain.. It rained heavily.. He never wanted to be the reason of sadness for her, so he decided to break-up.. He decided to end that relationship which meant everything to him.. He texted her, “It’s not the same anymore, I don’t feel the same as I used to do earlier, better we don’t see each other anymore.. MOVE ON!!!!”

That was the last time he talked with her.. She didn’t complained, she accepted the fact.. He was happy, he was sure that she will forget him in some days and would happily live her life.. 

The Moon was the only Witness of their unconditional love as he hugged his death with a smile...

She was in love. 



Copyrighted : Santosh Panda

For....Ever

Past memories were flashing in front of Rosy’s eyes as she was resting on a couch, a Sunday evening. She was remembering how she met Sam for the first time; she was thinking about their first date, their first ride on bike and their first kiss. One could easily notice a blushing smile on her lips as she was recollecting her old memories.

Sam and Rosy were college mates, both were having same taste on various things and this made them come together. It was Sam who proposed Rosy and she accepted his proposal as she knew she can’t get a better partner than Sam. Their relationship was not like any other love couples relationship, they were quite different, and they spent time together without getting physical all the time. Kisses between them were to express how much one means to other not to satisfy their lust. Both were happy in their relationship and they knew they were not meant just for this life but for the next thousand births.

They fought, argue over small matters but they never got serious and later laugh together how stupid they were to fight over those small and silly talks. Life was like honey and roses everywhere.

As in this world sad and happy are brother-sisters, their life also took a huge turn whey Sam realized he is suffering from cancer. He didn’t want to inform about it to Rosy but he can’t hide such a thing from Rosy too. Rosy got shocked and thought Sam must be joking but she had to believe the bitter truth after she saw the doctor’s report. Sam had only 4 months on his hands and it was incurable.

Rosy never left Sam alone, they spent those 4 months being in a living relationship. And their living relationship was not like others, they just wanted to spend those last moments together. Rosy treated him as she would have done to her husband. Early morning she wakes up, make coffee for him and they would have their morning coffee together. Even then they were so happy being in each other’s company that they totally forgot about Sam’s disease. Sam too never showed any worries; he behaved as a normal being, loving Rosy the more he could do. 

They never cried, they laughed and smiled being in each other arms. Sam left Rosy some months later with a smile and a note;

“If not in this birth, sure in next birth, I promise it sweetheart we will be together; Love u forever…….”

Rosy never got marry again, she was happy with Sam’s memories. She never missed Sam, she always said that Sam is still with him so why to miss or cry……

Copyrighted : Santosh Panda

She + Me = Forever Love

Facebook - a social-networking website does a lot more than just providing a medium to people to stay connected. One such example is, giving people an opportunity to express their feelings for their beloved.

The same happened with Simran. She literally had a huge crush on a guy named Ayush. They were good-friends, but Simran could never confess her feelings. 

It was during his AISSCE when Ayush got a friend-request from Simran's new Facebook ID. He accepted her request and then signed-off as he had to study. Despite the busy schedule, he used to take out time for his scarce leisure time for Facebook. 

During one such leisure minutes, Ayush logged into his Facebook account and found Simran online. He messaged her with a 'Hi!'. Simran's happiness leaped all bounds on seeing his message flashing on her laptop screen. She immediately replied him back. After chatting for sometime, he signed out. This casual chat went on for some days with intervals in between because of Ayush's exams. 

During one such casual chats, Simran expressed her feelings for Ayush. She said that she had a huge crush on him. But her heart knew that it was not just crush, but love. Ayush thought it to be teenage crush and tried manipulating Simran's mind saying that such crushes and infatuations are okay upto a certain limit and too much mental involvement would lead to distraction, which will not be fruitful as such crush won't last long. And in Ayush's opinion, wasting entire life for something temporary was not wise. Although Simran knew that it was not just crush, but love; she did not oppose him. She loved each and everything Ayush used to say. 

Ayush was heart-broken, as he had broken-up in December. He had made up his mind of never coming in relationship ever again. He said the same to Simran. Simran's heart sank, but she didn't oppose him or tried defending her love. She promised herself that she will help Ayush get over that girl and forget his past; not just because she wanted him in her life, but because she cared for Ayush and could not see him in such state. She wanted to make Ayush realize what true love is. 

And from then onwards, Simran's love for Ayush increased manifold. She used to take care of even the most minute things - like, whether he is wearing his spectacles while using his PC, phone, etc. or not. It was all normal for Ayush, but special for Simran. Days passed and they started enjoying much more in each other's company on Facebook. 

Once, Ayush found himself waiting for Simran to come online. He was startled at first but then smiled later. But his smile vanished when she didn't come online even after an hours' wait. She came online the next day and that made Ayush jump and hop with happiness. She replied to his older messages and then they started chatting. She called him 'Baby' that day, and he liked it. Ayush's heart was indicating his mind that he had already fallen for Simran but his mind was not ready to accept the fact. His mind constantly warned him against falling for someone. It is said that girls have power to bring miraculous changes. This applied to Simran as well. She changed Ayush's mind and he began to be sure of his feelings for Simran. Ayush thought to confess his feelings, but then decided to give himself some more time. 

Ayush used to go for jogging every evening. Once on his way to the playground, he decided to speak his heart out that day. He was constantly smiling while thinking of all this. He reached the playground, plugged in his earphone and started jogging. Five minutes later, Facebook Messanger on his phone played the notification tone of his phone and Simran's message flashed. He stopped jogging, paused the music, unplugged his earphone and replied her. Then after few minutes, with a bit of hesitation, he said that he loved her. He confessed his feelings in the simplest way, using the simplest words; but those words were most special for Simran. Simran's happiness knew no bounds. She just wanted to hug Ayush and she said the same to Ayush. Ayush naughtily replied, 'Shyah! I missed the chance! with a wink smile. And that marked the beginning of their relationship. 

Every love story faces problems. No love story goes perfect and without hindrances. Simran's and Ayush's love-story was not an exception. Just after 3 months of their relationship. 

Ayush had to move to another city for further studies. The day-and-night chats, texts, phone calls - reduced to almost zero. They were in contact, but got to hear each other's voice once in a blue moon. None of them were okay with this change, but none complained. They were doing this for their better future. 2 months passed. Ayush got a chance to visit his town. He told this to Simran. She was extremely happy. Ayush packed his bags and left for his town that night. The next day, Ayush was at home. He could not wait to meet her. He called her and they planned to meet the same evening. 

But the Nature played its role in testing their patience. Black clouds covered the sky and it started raining. They had to postpone their plan. This happened for 2-3 days continuously. Ayush, short-tempered by nature, was burning with anger inside. Fourth day after that evening, the Nature decided to let the two love-birds meet. Ayush called Simran and asked her whether it is possible for her to meet him. She happily replied with a "Yes!”. Both choose a place to meet. Ayush was there before time, as he could not wait to see his 'Wifey' - that's what he called her - his Wifey. 

After three days of continuous rain, the atmosphere was perfect. Cool winds blew all around; trees and grasses were lush green. The environment was filled with pleasant smell. The sights of distant hills were soothing. Ayush was enjoying the beauty of Nature while waiting for his Wifey. Maybe, three days of continuous rain was Nature's plan to provide the most beautiful couple a perfect environment to spend time together. 

Finally, she came. Ayush's heart missed a beat on seeing her. Though it was not for the first time that he was seeing her, but still he could not stop himself from admiring her beauty. For Ayush, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Simran came and hugged him. Ayush hugged her back. Both kept holding themselves for long. Nobody wanted to get freed from each other's clutches. Their hug tightened. That was not suffocating, rather comfortable. Simran could hear Ayush's heart-beat. She wanted time to stop. Ayush was rubbing her arms lightly and she loved it. She smiled. Ayush kissed her forehead. 

The place was a bit crowded, contrast to the place they wanted to spend some time together. Ayush and Simran left the park on Ayush's bike for a picnic spot on the outskirts of the town. They reached and he parked his bike and started walking with Simran by his side and her hand in his. They started talking about random stuffs. Actually it was Simran who was speaking. Well, Ayush!? He loved listening her speaking. He was constantly looking at her lip movement. Simran noticed this, blushed and looked down. Silent prevailed again. 

They stopped walking. Ayush turned towards her. His hand was still holding Simran's hand. With his other hand, he raised Simran's chin. Simran knew what was going to follow and so she blushed. Ayush smiled. He tilted his head. Meanwhile, Simran raised her heels, wrapping his hands lightly around Ayush's neck. Ayush's hand was holding her waist and other hand was feeling her soft face. Simran closed her eyes and Ayush spent few seconds admiring Simran's beauty. He then moved his head forward, closing his eyes in that course. Finally, their lips met. It was their first kiss. After a long passionate kiss, they stopped. 

Simran was looking down, still blushing. She was too shy to look at Ayush. That innocent face of Simran made Ayush love her much more than ever. He hugged her. Both were much happier than ever. They kept walking around, holding hands, without speaking a single word. Ayush wanted her to speak. He could listen her speak continuously. So he tickled her. She laughed and that broke the silence. They talked, laughed, teased. They were extremely happy with each other. It started getting dark. Ayush suggested it's time Simran should return home. She unwillingly agreed. They hugged for last time before leaving. Ayush dropped her home on his bike. Simran got down and after exchange of goodnight kiss and 'I LoveYou', walked towards her home. Ayush stood there watching her go. He was happy. Ayush left the next day, with lots of happy memories. What followed was their eternal love for each other…….


Copyrighted @ Santosh Panda