Book Review: The Story of a Suicide by Sriram Ayer

Book title: The Story of a Suicide

Author: Sriram Ayer

Rating: 7.8 / 10 

Intro: I think most of us have, at some point of time in our lives, considered suicide as an option. Suicide is often considered as a last resort, but does that make it the worst option? Are those who commit suicide cowards/quitters? “The Story of a Suicide” written by Sriram Ayer and with illustrations by Ghana, compels you to ponder these very questions. The story revolves around teenagers Hari, Charu, Sam and Mani, and the web of secrets, love, passion, revenge and lies that connects them together.

Review: Before you start wondering whether you should buy the hard copy of this book or the Kindle version, I wish to inform you that the book is in the form of a website, and can be accessed for free. If you aren’t really the type who likes to look at a screen for long, or who likes to read (Yes, I know you people exist!) as an audio book version is also available for free download and can be downloaded from here.

The book is a must read for teenagers and adults alike. The dialogues in the book are realistic and makes one feel that they are back in college and facing problems of bullying, groupism and sexual confusion. I personally found the character of Hari, being a wallflower, to be very relatable. Hari’s parents, the Hegde’s, are completely oblivious to the problems which he is facing, though their heart is in the right place. He is also loved by his elder sister, Anjali. Hari also finds solace in his friend Mani who is constantly under tremendous parental pressure. Their friend Charu who seemingly represents the girl-next-door, is also a strong and loveable person who can be relied on. The tech freak Sam is also portrayed very realistically. Although Sam’s actions seem reprehensible, they are also really relatable as there are born of passion.

The characters have to fight many challenges such as cyber-bullying and expressing homosexuality. While they all struggle with their respective problems, one of the characters considers committing suicide. I don’t want to reveal whether he/she does or does, as I do not want to ruin the fun for the readers. The portion of the book that has the most impact is without a doubt the last few paragraphs.

With its simple yet captivating language “The Story of a Suicide” promises to keep one engaged from start to finish. In conclusion I just want to say that the book should not be read with the aim to pass the time, but with the aim to experience what today’s youth do, and to learn their experiences.

Additional Note: I feel I would be remiss in my duties if I did not offer you all some tips and advice on how to deal with depression, break-ups and suicidal tendencies. The author Sriram Ayer has also given detailed list of Do’s and Don’ts on the website and I have found the same is to be very accurate and useful. In addition to the points contained therein I only wish to stress on having a close confidant (or confidants) with whom you can share any sorrow and who will guide you without judgement. All of us, including the youth of today, feel the necessity to keep our true emotions and thoughts bottled up either because we are ashamed what others will perceive us or because we have no one who we can trust completely. When we don’t have someone like that in our lives we feel like there is a hole in our heart and negative emotions just wait to pounce on that weakened heart and take over. Find someone whom you can trust and then pour your heart out to them. But without mutual trust and understand all that will be left in this world is suffering and sorrow. Don’t be too quick in forsaking yourself.  

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Positivity Unleashed

I had just lost my job for reasons unknown to me. My wife who was pregnant was living at her mother’s house. We were having a bit of a fight. Nothing too serious, but I was all alone. I started applying for a new job, but in this market, it was almost impossible to land in a good firm. I spent 7 years in my last office. It was my first job and I had never worked anywhere else before. Also, without a job I now had to look for a place which had a more reasonable rent.

One day morning I went to the garden for a stroll near my house. I left my phone at home, since I didn't want to be disturbed. I thought a nice walk alone would cheer me up. Unfortunately it didn't. If anything the walk just made me feel worse. I went back home, more depressed than ever, and contemplating just giving up completely. When I reached home I check my phone and was shocked to see I got 37 missed calls and 49 messages. My wife had gone into labour!

I rushed to the hospital. When I reached, I learnt from my mother in law that I had just become a father of a healthy new-born girl. I couldn't be happier. I went in to see my wife. She was holding our new-born girl in her arms. Never had I seen a more beautiful sight. I didn't take a picture, because it wasn't necessary. I can never forget even a single detail of that moment. I kissed both of them on the forehead. I held the baby in my arms. I never knew that a person could be so little and so delicate. That’s when I forgot about all my worries. I was filled with a new hope. I spent the rest of the day with them, and I must say it was the best day of my life. I was no longer angry at my wife. In fact I even forgot what we were fighting about. It all just seemed silly now. No matter what she did, she more than made up for it that day by giving me my little princess. I would be in her debt forever for that.

It was that day that I decided never to give up.  I was going to be everything I could be. I was going to give life my best. I was going to the type of person my daughter would idolize. I wanted her to look up to me. So I decided to work hard and strive towards a better future.

Within that week landed a job in a better firm than my previous one. I found a new place to live by using Housing.com. (Yup, that's https://housing.com/). For the first time in my life, I knew everything was going to be fine.

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When I Decided to #StartANewLife

For seven years I saved every rupee so that I could buy a house just for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my parents and loved living with them. But there was a point of time when I felt that I could no longer be a burden on them.  Also, I needed to learn to be independent. I needed to have experience to fend for myself. I had to #StartANewLife.

There was also another reason I had to acquire a house. I was in relationship with this girl in my college (name undisclosed to protect identity). Her parents didn’t like me very much, for reasons best known to them. I thought if I could get a place of my own, it would impress them and they would begin favouring me.

Unfortunately, by the age of 27 I could barely save enough. I checked with brokers and friends to look for a decent flat within my budget. But all the flats were either too expensive or were not fit for habitation. I was frustrated and almost gave up all hope of starting a new life in the city.

Then,  I met my Raj who had recently got married and bought a flat in the city. When I asked him how he could afford to #StartANewLife in the city, he hesitated. After I persisted and begged repeatedly he whispered in my ear, ‘Housing.com’. I immediately checked out the site on my tablet.

It was amazing. Flats at the best possible locations were available at reasonable rates. I ignored Raj the rest of the evening and continued to check out flats on the website. It was convenient to browse and was rather safe. I found a flat I liked and about a month later I found myself living in my new flat! The flat was in a good neighbourhood with schools and hospitals nearby in case I decided to start a family.

I invited my girlfriend and her parents to my house warming party. I showed them around the place. They examined the entire flat in a cursory manner. Finally, they smiled and told me that I had a good choice. I wasn’t sure if they were talking about the flat or their daughter or both. In any case, they were impressed and gave me their blessings.

And that my friends, is how a new chapter in my life started. Now I have learnt to be independent. I am no longer reliant on my parents. I have my own independent identity. I don’t want to offend any of my readers, but I highly recommend all of you above the age of 25 to stop being a parent’s pet and start making your own place in this world.

Don't know where to start? Go to https://housing.com/. 

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'The Pen' or 'How I Became a Optimist'

People often ask me, "How are you so optimistic all the time?" This is the story from my childhood which I tell them:
On my 8^th birthday I received gifts from my family and friends in many forms, badminton rackets, board games and magic sets. However, I found it very peculiar that my father gave me nothing during the party. After the cake was cut, songs were sung and all the guests left, my father came up to me and told me to close my eyes and stretch out my hands. I did so obediently and with anticipation. Slowly, my father placed in my hands a cold metallic object and asked me to open my eyes. I did not open his eyes immediately but was trying to guess what the strange object was which his father had given him. Was it the controls of the new game he had wanted?

When I could no longer bear the suspense I opened my hands only to find in my hand a blue fountain pen. I felt a sudden emptiness in my stomach, similar to what I felt the time I accidentally broke his uncle’s expensive vase. Confused and disappointed I stood still not knowing what to say or do. I could not understand why my father had made such a big deal regarding a simple pen. I had plenty of pens with me which I did not even use. Not being able to read my emotions my father asked, “Do you like it?”

I did not like it. But I knew that I must be polite to my father and I also knew how the truth would make the man, whose only joy came from thinking that the pen he loved most was loved most by his son, feel. So instead I said, “I love it!” My father smiled as he said, “Take care of it. It’s very important! O.K?”

 I nodded and my father left the room without explaining the importance of the pen. Neither did I ask what it’s significance was nor was it of any immediate concern. What I did know was that I made a promise to his father and that promises, no matter what, must always be kept. What this young protagonist did not know at the time was that promises were not easy to keep and what a big responsibility I now had on his shoulders. I had to learn this in the most unfortunate way.

Two weeks, three days and approximately fourteen hours later, I was sitting in school waiting for the math’s lecture to end. On my father’s suggestion I took the pen to school only to write the very important tests or like my father called them “special occasions”. When the recess bell finally rang I opened my bag to check if the pen had enough ink for the test I had after the break. But when I put my hand in I realized that one of the compartments of my bag had torn from the bottom and that the pen which my father entrusted me with was gone.

I retraced my steps and went to the library where I saw one of my senior science teachers lying on the floor trying to reach for something under the book shelves. Her hands could not fit in the small space. On asking the teacher I found out that she was trying to reach her spectacles. Being only 8 years old, I used his small hands which fit easily, handed it to her and ran off.

I then went to the park where I played that morning but sadly did not find anything. Filled with grief, I started going back to class when suddenly in one of the senior student’s hand I saw it! The pen was one of a kind so there could be no mistake. I went to that senior and asked for the pen back. The senior student admitted that I found the pen in the library but he was not ready to give it back. He laughed and was walking away with the pen. I, who was now begging to get the pen back, had half a mind to hit the senior, knowing very well that it would only lead to trouble. Just then, out of nowhere a lady walked up to us and told the senior to give the pen back. It was the science teacher I helped in the library! The senior returned it quietly and was escorted by the teacher to class where he would be given a minor punishment. While they were going away I shouted ‘Thank you!’  The teacher looked back at him, winked and went along.

A sudden warmth rushed through my heart. I would later compare this feeling to jumping from building to building like a superhero. The lady I had helped on the way, had gone out of her way to return the favour. The incident gave me hope. From that day on I was an optimist. I truly do believe in the basic goodness of people. Now, even in the worst possible situations, I know things will be fine. 
Remember my friends- Always Look Up!

For more hope, go to: https://housing.com/lookup

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Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao

The school science fair was coming up. I was at my wit's end as to what to make as my project. As  usual, and like most of my classmates, I ran to my parents for help. They were more than happy to guide me, but also warned me well in advance that they would only point me in the right direction and then leave me to do the project on my own.

Initially, I complained that all my other friends were taking their parent’s help. In fact, some of them were completely relying on their parents, right from thinking of the concept, to carrying the completed project to school. But my parents did not budge.

I decided to make a project on photosynthesis. I grew plants and studied the effect of sunlight on them. My parents did not help, but I knew that they were watching over me.

The day of the science fair had arrived. I carried the project all the way to school alone. My parents showed no inclination of coming to watch me. When I reached school, I found all my classmates, with their parents, setting up their projects. The projects looked well-done, and it was rather obvious that an adult had done most, if not all of the work involved. ‘There is no way I can win this’ I thought to myself, as I reluctantly began setting up my own project.

The presentation had to be done by the students themselves and parents were not allowed to intervene. The judges asked the students some follow up questions as well, just to check their knowledge of the topic. I presented the project to the judges and answered their questions, which I found to be rather easy. When the results were announced, I was surprised to hear my name being called out as the winner. I went on stage to collect my prize. From there I saw my parents at the back. They had tears of joy pouring from their eyes.

I ran against the crowd, to hug them. They were proud of me. I was also proud of myself. I had won, on my own, without any help from anyone. I was filled with a strange warmth. It felt wonderful. An hour later, one of the judges came to congratulate me. Before he left, he whispered in my ear, ‘The reason you won, is because we knew that you were the only one who had done the project himself. The others had good projects, but when we questioned them, they didn’t know anything about their own projects!’

From that day, I have never depended on anyone. I made my own choices and I didn’t look back. Thanks to my parents, I can proudly say today that I am a self made man. When I have kids, I will also teach my children to be self-reliant, and I urge you all to do the same. Seriously, Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao!
To know more about how to do that go here: http://www.hdfclife.com/ 

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#BefikarUmarBhar-Bucket List with IDBI

Human nature is always full of expectations, greed, hunger for power, jealousy.... and the list goes on and on. If you want to have a life without fear from any future inevitable incidents then there are so many insurance companies which assure you to have an aid from their side in your dreadful time but sometimes they fail to perform so efficiently when actual bad time comes. IDBI Federal is known for its exceptional best schemes and which also has a huge number of customers across the Indian territory. My Bucket List always carries lots of things which I always desire to do if my life would be BefikarUmarBhar. Now let’s make a list of top 5 things which I would do if am #BefikarUmarBhar-

World Tour

There are several people who have a dream to go on world tour but unfortunately to say their social status always enable them to do the same. I saw a  dream of world tour  when I was just 10 and used to see the world in my geography and history books; that was a time when for the first time a saw a dream to go on world tour and that dream is still alive in my eyes. I would give world tour as my first preference if I would have to live my life without future tensions or any other sort of worries.

Sky Diving

When I see flying birds in the sky I always feel why this nature has differentiated so any creatures and have given different powers to each and everyone. Since, my childhood only I had a dream to visit the sky; sometimes I regretted myself for not having wings but when I became an young boy of 15-16 I got to know about  “Sky Diving” and from that moment I made an another dream for my life it was “Sky Diving”. I will always grateful towards my life if it gives me an opportunity to live in my wonderland.

Marriage

Generally 70% girls are crazy for marriage ceremonies and having lavish marriage reception but no wonder somewhere boys also have a dream for their dream girls and I am not an exception for this natural rule of god. I always wanted to have a lavish marriage bash and if I would have given a chance to do something without worries then marriage also stands in my priority list always.

Eating to my heart’s content

As I mentioned earlier man is a greedy animal on this earth and I would not hesitate to mention here that Yes, I am also one of them but I know my priorities and limitations and being an ideal citizen of my country I would always do something which is not annoying for others or to my countrymen. My heart’s wishes are infinite in nature. There is nothing which can insure my heart and I love to listen and speak to my heart. I always would do something good for the wish of my heart as it always helps me when I am in difficulty.

Politics

I would participate in politics, which as we know is the most dangerous profession. If it can be called a profession at all. If I am insured, at least I can be #BefikarUmarBhar.

“Health is wealth”- it is a universal fact of life and no one can deny from this truth. If I would be without any worries and hurdles of life then I always would love to do all possible things which are suitable and perfect for my health irrespective of any number of amounts; after all health is wealth. 

To know more go to: http://bit.ly/BefikarUmarBhar

Saying Good Bye to Pimples

“I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face.”

-          Rodney Dangerfield

A few months ago my (now ex-) girlfriend broke up with me. We were standing near the college fountain when she gave me 'the talk'. I still don't understand how the conversation ended in her crying and me getting slapped on the face. 

It hurts when people don't love us... It hurts when people misunderstand us… But it hurts more when you get slapped and your pimples-covered cheeks get slapped. That really hurts!

Oh no! Pimples!
(Image taken from here.)

I took solace in the fact that I was once again single and ready to mingle. I was back in the game! For the days that followed I approached almost every girl in my class (except Rita). That's right, all 27 of them. Unfortunately, I got rejected 27 times. I was severely depressed. Back in the day women found me irresistible. Now they want nothing to do with me. I walked up to my bathroom mirror and began examining myself. For minutes, I pondered. Then it struck me. In the past two years the only substantial change in me, was that my face was now covered with marks and pimples. 

I anxiously sought counsel of my roommate, Raj, who's face was as clear as crystal. 

"Raj." I said, "I you play football all day, in the sun. Yet how come your face is always clear, fair, oil-free and fresh?"

Raj was reluctant to give away his secret at first, but then I reminded him some favours I had done for him, for which he owed me. Raj slowly took out a tube from his bag. It was Garnier Pure Active Neem Face Wash. I looked at the tube of Garnier Pure Active Face Wash in awe. Was it possible that the answer to all my problems was now in the palm of my hand?

Raj told me that the Garnier Pure Active Neem Face Wash was enriched with Neem Leaf Extract and Tea-Tree Oil, and helps prevent pimples by:-

1. Fighting bacteria.

2. Deep cleansing pores to remove impurities caused by pollution.

3. Removing excess oil which can attract dirt, germs and bacteria.

(Image taken from here.)

At first I was skeptical, I thought that Face Wash was something only women used. But, boy, was I wrong! I tried Garnier Pure Active Face Wash for a few weeks, and lo and behold, my face was clear and fair. Girls began approaching me and asking me out, while Rita watched with jealousy from afar. She confessed to a friend that she regretted her decision of breaking up with me. She also secretly met me and said she wanted to get back together again. I told her to take a hike and went my own way. I have Garnier Pure Active Face wash. No girl is beyond my reach now.

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To find out more about Garnier Pure Active Face Wash go:  bit.ly/GPABlogLinkIndiBloggerActivity and bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite

Crushing it!

There is this girl called Vrinda in my batch, in college. Every lecture I would sit behind her and contemplate a varied number of scenarios which would end in us hugging or kissing. Not a minute passed in which I wasn’t thinking about her. When I would walk around the vegetable market and see a gourd, I would think, “That’s curvy. But not as curvy as Vrinda.” When I would see a bird, I would think “Graceful, but not as graceful as Vrinda.”

The Hike
(Image taken from here.)

Finally, I could not take it anymore. Valentines Day was nearing and I decided that no matter what, I would propose to her on that day. I strategically suggested to a group of single friends in my batch (including Vrinda), that while the couples were celebrating Valentines Day, we singles could go for a hike. Accordingly, a plan was made to spend the entire day at the National Park. 

We had a jolly time. There was a moment when Vrinda almost slipped. I, who was standing right behind her as always, caught her as she fell into my arms, and asked with a mixture of concern and happiness, “Are you alright?” Fortunately, she was. 

We reached the top of the hill at 6.00 p.m. My friends were enjoying the view after a tiring climb. However, I was busy enjoying an even more beautiful view – Vrinda.

When it became 6.30 p.m., I caught Vrinda by the hand and took her aside, away from the others. I started talking to her about the weather, nature and other random topics, all the while looking up at the sky. She found my behavior odd, to say the least. 

The Moment
(Image taken from here.)

Then, suddenly, I heard the sound of a plane approaching. I instantly looked towards the source of the sound. The plane was the one I hired specially for Vrinda for that special occasion. The plane had a banner at the back with the words, “Vrinda, will you be mine?” She looked at the message in the sky with utter surprise. She then turned to look at me, but I was already on my knee. I proposed to her. I professed my love for her and told her that she was the most beautiful, intelligent and caring girl I had ever met. By the time I was done I was sweating profusely. My heart was beating a mile-a-minute. I looked into her eyes, awaiting a reply. She then uttered the best word in the English language, “Yes!”

I stood up. We looked at each other for over a minute. It was a minute which felt like a decade. Cupid had hit us with his arrows. As I was drowning in her eyes. I bent forward and kissed her. We then sat there, with her head on my shoulder, as we enjoyed the beautiful sunset.

*****

I woke up in my room. It was all just a dream. For a second I was depressed, but then I looked at the calendar. It was still 13th February, and I knew exactly how I would propose on the 14th. Time to hire a plane!

Check out: http://cupidgames.closeup.in/

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Seriously- Kitna Chain Hota Hai Na Sachchai Mein!

“An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self sustained.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

My father always loved his antique vase. It was his prized possession.  So naturally, when he found saw it broken into pieces in the living room one fine morning, he blew the roof. An emergency family meeting was called and my mom, my elder sister, my elder brother and I were interrogated like criminals. However, after a couple of hours of 3^rd degree torture, we all dispersed.  My father simply chalked up the incident to a natural disaster that occurred by the strong wind blowing the curtain towards the vase, causing it to fall and shatter into pieces.

My mother went back to the kitchen and my siblings went back to using their respective smart phones. However, I could not forget the incident so easily. I went out for a walk, all the time replaying the incidents of the previous night.

I had woken up for a glass of water in the middle of the night. On my way back to my room, just for fun I decided that I would try to find my way back with my eyes closed. I managed to get half way there, with only one bump against the dining room table, when I suddenly dashed into something and heard a shattering sound. I opened my eyes and there it was- the remains of what was once my Dad’s favourite artifact.

I was sad and afraid. If my Dad found out, it would be the end of me. So I decided to keep the truth to myself and take it with me to my grave. When I went back home the pieces of the vase were still lying on the ground. My father had prohibited anyone from cleaning it up, lest the matter be forgotten. I slowly made my way towards the dining table, all the while staring at the pieces of clay that were at the centre of the room. I grew pale and my head started aching. I was filled with so much guilt that I felt like the leading character in Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.  My chest got heavier and heavier. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I started sweating profusely. I was out of breath. It was as though all the oxygen had left the room. I couldn't take it any more!

Kinley: “Boond Boond Mein Sacchai"
(Image taken from here.)

“Dad, it was me!” I shouted. I then explained the entire story to my Dad. I was surprised to find that my Dad was not as angry at me as I had imagined. Yes, he mildly scolded at me and told me never to walk around with my eyes closed again, but that was it! I was grounded for a week but it did not matter to me. A weight was lifted! I never felt so alive!

A few years later my Dad passed away. Looking back now, I am glad I told my Dad the truth. Had I lied to him, the guilt would have remained with me my whole life. So I have imposed on my self a rule to always come forward, be true to others and myself and live a pure life.

Kitna chain hota hai na sachchai mein!

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Barack Obama – A Great Leader or just a Great Orator?

“I will cut taxes - cut taxes - for 95 percent of all working families, because, in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class.”

-          Barack Obama

What’s common among today’s Lawyers and Presidents? The answer is that they are both required to be good speakers. This must be the reason why India’s current, as well as former President, were both holders of degrees in Law. This principle applies to Western Countries as well, such as the U.S. where Barack Obama had wooed his way into the Presidential Office in 2009.

Admittedly, Obama took office at a time when America was suffering a Great Recession, with businesses laying off employs on a large scale, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. But that was over three years ago. As the new president, and with the aid of a firm Democratic Congress, Obama gave U.S. a variety of promises, which till date remain unfulfilled. Several of his policies have turned out to be futile. In the face of overwhelming public opposition, Barack Obama’s health care reform legislation symbolizes the largest expansion of government authority in over 70 years, and is a important step towards a government-run health care system. He proposed an expansion of health insurance coverage to cover the uninsured, to cap premium increases, and to allow people to retain their coverage when they leave or change jobs. His proposal was to spend $900 billion over 10 years and include a government insurance plan, also known as the public option, to compete with the corporate insurance sector as a main component to lowering costs and improving quality of health care. [1]It would also make it illegal for insurers to drop sick people or deny them coverage for pre-existing conditions, and require every American carry health coverage. The plan also includes medical spending cuts and taxes on insurance companies that offer expensive plans. On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled by a 5–4 vote in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the Commerce Clause does not allow the government to require people to buy health insurance, but the mandate was constitutional under the US Congress's taxing authority.

Is the Decline of the West Inevitable?

Summary
There has been a drop in the GDP of western countries and a rise in that of eastern countries. The West will inevitably decline in the future. However, this will probably not happen any time soon as eastern countries are still dependent on the west for trade and employment purposes.

Introduction

Ever since the release of the late Oswald Spengler’s double volume book ‘The Decline of The West’, economists, political thinkers and leaders have been debating if Spengler’s predictions may come true. The West is usually defined as Oceania, North America, Europe and Israel, with the Post-Soviet World and Latin America having the possibility of becoming Western. Although initially regarded as a pessimist, comparison of recent trends in the economic, political and social conditions of the West to that of the east have given rise to a genuine concern about Spengler’s theory of the decline of the West.