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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The Lady Who Is #madeofgreat

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

-          Bob Marley

How does one measure ‘greatness’? Is it the number of trophies and medals you have? Or is it the number of digits in your bank balances? Surely, we look for greatness in our cricket players and our movie stars, but we not succeed in viewing the idols of greatness that are near to us. No, according to me, the above quote of Bob Marley sums up greatness perfectly. The only flaw in the quote is that Marley used the word ‘he’, whereas in my case the person who has always inspired me and made me strive for greatness is a lady. A strong, bold and gentle lady. My mother.

What drives her is not wealth or power, but simply - love
(Courtesy: browniephotography)

That’s right. My mother is an all-rounder. She has managed to balance work, home, kids and even the several social causes that she supports. I often used to wonder what drives her. One day it became obvious to me, that the passion that runs in her veins comes simply from the love in her heart. Love for her family, friends, work, fellow human beings and all living things. Love is the most powerful emotion. Its what can make you go to the edge of your limits and beyond. 

Therefore, my motto in life became “W.W.M.M.D.” (“What Would My Mother Do”). Here are just a few tips and life-hacks my saintly mother taught me:

Focus on the Solution: Whenever I get furious, I remember all the times I screwed up in life, and my mother, instead of beating me or shouting at me, would just sit me down and talk to me. She’s always solution oriented. It’s like Eldridge Cleaver said, “If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” When something goes wrong, there’s no point crying over the spilt milk, the only thing you can do is try to solve it or mitigate the damage as much as possible.

Walk the walk, rather than talk the talk: Actions speak louder than words. My mother is the best example of this. She didn't just tell me to work hard and be good. She did it herself. Like Bapu said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Instead of just trying to make me better human being, she herself became a great human being, and that has made all the difference. If you want to bring out the greatness in others, make sure you are #madeofgreat yourself.

Be better today than what you were yesterday: My mother taught me to compare myself to nobody but myself. “The only time you look in your neighbour’s bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbour’s bowl to see if you have as much as them.” We have to strive to improve. Physically, mentally and spiritually. Never be static. The moment we stop moving forward and upward, we fall into a rut.

Happiness is a choice: Truly, at any given point of time one can simply choose to be happy. If you have the right attitude, you can find joy in anything and anyone. If you don’t’, then no matter who or what you have, it will never be enough.

Believe: My mother isn't just blindly optimistic, she really believes in a brighter future. The most significant events in your life won’t always happen because of things you do, but also because of things that happen to you. There is a plan for all of us. Of course, that doesn't mean that you don’t have control over your life. What we do defines us. However, you can’t loose grasp over the fact that sometimes bad things just happen. At such times, you just need to have faith. Always, hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Believe in karma if you want, but don’t rely on it: This may sound strange, but it is absolutely irrelevant that whether doing good to others means that good will happen to us. A person must do good because its the right thing to do. That is all. You don’t help your fellow human being, with the expectation that you will get something in return for it. The joy you bring to others is itself the end result. That is the fruit of our efforts.

Anyone can be #madeofgreat: Like happiness, even greatness is a choice. Hard work, perseverance, humility and compassion for all living things- that is what greatness is made of. My mother is a testament to that. These qualities can also be seen in other people who are #made of great and have influenced me, such as Bapu, Mother Teresa, Lionel Messi and Usain Bolt. No wonder Tata Motors has chosen youth icon Lionel Messi as its brand ambassador, after all, they are both #madeofgreat. <wink>. Messi is driven by the dream of being the best and Tata Motors is driven by design, technology and the road ahead. So, what drives you?

So, I think my readers have heard enough from me today. I'm going to stop talking about greatness now, and am going out to try and achieve. Before I leave, I wan to leave my readers with just one question: What do you think of Tata Motor's association with Lionel Messi? Reply in the comments. Thanks. Live long and prosper.

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McCain Smiles to put a Smile on my Lover's Face

My girlfriend was strictly advised by her dietician, to not touch carbs. However, she blatantly defied her dieticians directions and kept eating whatever made her salivate. Yes, she is a foddie. She often takes me to new restaurants where odd and unique dishes are served, and I end up either loving the experience, or being absolutely disgusted. One of the places had Pav-bhaji fondue, which sounded disgusting to me, but turned out to be absolutely delicious.

McCain Smiles

Her birthday was coming up in the first week of August, and I was at my wits end as to what surprise to get her. We were in a relationship for over five years, and in that time I had done it all! That’s why I couldn’t think of any new way to surprise her. I sought advise from my mom, who suggested that I cook a meal for her. The idea was pretty good. There was nothing that would surprise my foodie girlfriend more than seeing a n entire meal cooked by me, only for her. There was only one big flaw in this otherwise perfect plan, and that was that I could not cook to save my life! I looked at my mom with desperation, as if she would teach me to cook in five days. The comical montage played in my head. But my mom, dispelled all my worries and simply said one word. A word that was used in households for decades. A word that brought smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. “McCain”.

McCain Super Wedges

My mom didn’t need to explain any further. On the morning of my girlfriend’s birthday I bought a pack of McCain Super Wedges, McCain Cheese & Jalapeno Nuggets, McCain French Fries, McCain Smiles, McCain Chilli Garlic Potato Bites and some of McCain’s other finger licking potato treats. Now, McCaine’s products are easy to prepare and required little to no effort on my part. I plated the food and decorated the house. I also dimmed the lights and lit candles which I placed on the table. I was about to give her a “McCain Candle Light Birthday Dinner” brought to her by her’s truly.  

McCain Cheese & Jalapeno Nuggets

McCain Chilli Garlic Potato Bites 

The door bell rang. I checked myself in the mirror, before I went open it. She walked in. The aroma took her by surprise. “What’s that amazing smell?”, she asked. I took her to the dining table. It was completely covered with McCain’s delights . The table could not be seen at all. It was as though McCain’s potato goodies were just levitating in the air, awaiting her arrival. She looked at the beautiful scene that was before her. Tears of happiness slowly sarted appearing her eyes. I wiped those tears as I gave her a long hug and pulled up a chair for her. There, in the dim-lit room, we sat, stuffing ourselves with only a part of the huge variety that McCain had to offer. The McCain Smiles had put a smile on her face. She said, “Thank you. This was one of the best birthday surprises I have ever had. And it’s all thanks to……” I puffed my chest waiting to get the credit for the effortless meal that I prepared. “…McCain.” she said. 

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Real Togetherness...

Today almost 80% of population is busy in digitalization & enjoy staying alone with growing technology. I still remember when I used to be a kid and how badly I used to wait for rains & summer vacations in order to go out to play with my colony friends in our common colony garden.  

Nowadays I see gardens only for love birds and not for kids. You just can’t blame only to love birds for making it a place for romance; instead you can say that today’s kids are no more interested in playing outdoor games as they are always busy with their hectic schedule of education & technology.

Monotonous lives of today’s kids have spoiled their innocence of childhood and their childhood has been merged into a responsible candidate of tomorrow’s race.

Cyberspace has taken so much special place in everyone’s life that people even find their soul-mates on cyberspace. They get married online, they take divorce online and gradually they start living in online world rather than spending time with those who are with them in reality.

Nowadays kids play online games & uses tablets and it becomes their pass time in order to spend vacations. Instead of enjoying rains they protect their gadgets from rain and prefer to stay inside their home rather than being a part of nature.

It’s often been observed by me that there is nothing like which used to be when I was a kid.  There is no noise in public parks, there is no kid with dirty clothes and there is no kid with mischievous activities alongwith cute innocence.

I hardly see any kid or parent interacting together and asking or informing about their native roots.

I want back those old gardens which were full of noise of children. I want back that childhood which was the soul of every kid.

Well.. It’s not too late; we still can define the meaning of “Togetherness” once again. Once again we can start group activities for planting trees and protecting environment that also can develop a new definition of “togetherness” with our neighbors and children; which will become a new chapter for our children apart from their technological and hectic schedule of educational life. 

Nature can do it and we also can do it. Nature has always supported togetherness with us; now it’s our turn to share that togetherness with our future generations.

We should start a pace towards our environment in which we can plant trees and protect the disabled of our society. Indeed this would be the best worship of god and best token of respect and a humble way to say “Thank You” to our nature, our environment and future generation.  

Let’s bring that childhood back.

Let’s bring back that togetherness…

Let’s bring that innocence back!!

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For more info, go to: http://www.kissanpur.com/

My Mom, My First Expert...

(Image taken from here.)

‘Mere paas maa hai...’ is easily the most famous Hindi movie dialogue. The line has made an impact, because of the simple truth contained in them. Whoever has a mother has everything. A lot of holy and great things are compared to mothers, including our country. The truth, of course, is that nothing can compare to a mother. It’s a special relationship; the one between a person and his/her mother.

My mother and I share many traditions. Sometimes when it rains, we go out for a walk. The rest of the people run for shelter or open their raindrops hitting our face. Neither of us cares what the bystanders think. When we take our ‘monsoon walks’, it’s as though we are in a different world. When we reach home my mother always makes sure she wipes my head dry with a towel, to make sure I don’t get a cold. She never lets me wipe her hair, until she is done with mine.

(Image taken from here.)

When I was in junior college, my mom, on my request, started teaching me how to bake. Every Sunday we would be near the oven. Sweating, but still having fun. She ate my first few cakes, though I never considered them edible. Instead of criticizing, she advised.  Thanks to that I’ve become a master baker. We still bake together occasionally.

Recently, my mom and I started a new tradition. It pained me to see my mom’s white hair. So I insisted that she let me colour her hair about every 20 days. I know it may sound like a chore, but it’s an activity in which I take tremendous pleasure. During the hair colouring sessions we talk about love, happiness and life in general. The discussions aren’t eventful, yet for some reason they linger in my memory, and I believe they will continue to do so till I die. Funny, isn’t it?

(Image taken from here.)

Since the moment I was born, my mother has sacrificed everything for me. She has faced hunger, sadness, isolation from friends and even pain, just so that I wouldn’t have to. Whenever I fell down, she was always there to pick me up. Whenever I was trying to destroy any obstacles in my life, she was there, to help me and to give me moral support. She knows what I need before even I know it. She knows me better than I know myself. She is an expert in me.When I think about all the people who love me, and there are a few, I think that the only person who truly loves me ‘unconditionally’ is my mother. What has more value than that? It’s a sweet burden; when someone gives you so much that you can never repay them. The only debt that we cannot repay is that which we owe to our mothers.

Recently, I was breaking my head to think what I should get my mother for Mother’s Day. What can you get the person who has given you everything? But then it struck me. Having only one day for mothers is does not do them justice. They gave us everything, and the only way we can show them even the smallest bit of appreciation is by giving them all we’ve got, each and every day. And that’s what I’m going to do.

If your mother is around, go and give her a hug. She doesn’t expect it, but she will never forget it. Also, tell her everyday how important she is to you. Or better yet, show her how much she means to you. 

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An Angel's Sleep

 My baby and I share a special bond. Few months ago she developed the habit of waking up in the middle of the night, and thus, waking up the entire family. My wife and I were worried. We could not understand why she could not get a deep sleep.

In the nights that followed, my wife and I gave my baby 110% of my attention. We played hide and seek with her. How I gave her raspberries on her stomach. For those of you who don’t know, and I am sure there must be many, a ‘raspberry’ making a noise with your mouth by pressed your lips together and blowing. Babies love that when you do that to their tummy. They really cannot control their laughter. That’s a little tip for parents / wannabe parents out there.

But our efforts were in vain. Our baby still woke up in the middle of the night and cried. We had to call in the expert. We called my mother-in-law to examine the baby and assess the situation. She suggested that we change the brand of diapers. Then, the immediate next day, my wife brought home a pack of Pampers baby dry pants – India’s driest dry pants. And they worked like a charm. Our baby was happy and her sleep was never disrupted again due to irritation. Really, a happy baby makes a happy mommy and daddy.

Since then the bed time has been as follows:-

Firstly, giving my baby a nice bath in luke warm water. Fortunately, she likes baths, so there is no hassle there.

Then, playing peek-a-boo with her. She really does love that game, and I must confess, as childish as this may sound, I love it too. It is for this reason that my baby is often likened to the baby in the animated movie ‘Ice Age’, and I am likened to the hard, yet soft on the inside, saber-toothed cat named Diego, from the same movie.

Then, putting on Pampers for her. Yes. One Pampers ensures one dry night. Thus, in effect, also ensuring that my baby is happy and well-rested. I owe a large chunk of my happiness to Pampers. Pampers has put a smile on my babies face, which in turn, has put a smile on my face. Therefore, I also suggest all those of you who have babies to get it immediately. There is a 25% off on Pampers currently. I suggested that you buy in bulk now! Click here. A happy baby is a happy home.

Our next bed-time ritual includes me tucking her into her tiny cradle-like bed while her mother sings her a lullaby. Lastly, we both kiss her good night and take a good long look at her, before we turn off the lights. 

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The Asus Zenfone, My #UnconditionalLove

I had just got out of a bad relationship. I was single, but not ready to mingle.  That depressed me a little.  I was going to be single on Valentines Day.  Not that I was desperate for human contact.  But it feels good to spend time with a loved one who understands you. Someone with whom you can really connect. I pondered what I would do this February 14. I took out my Asus Zenfone from my pocket. I checked to see if there was any good movie playing. I was amused with my Zenfone. I think I never realised the ease and speed with which I was able to accomplish tasks,  with just my fingers. That's when I realized. I had found my Valentine. Yes. I was in love and I didn't even know it. This may seem strange to some of you.  But let me tell you  the reason I chose the Zenfone as my soul mate: 

Most Attractive Date

The Aus Zenfone has a stylish body. It attracts attention of everyone in the room and is always the subject of envy. Zen cases have an amazing ceramic feel. It also keeps my beloved Zenfone nicely protected. Also, they come in a variety of colours. I can change the case to match my clothes and my moods. Finally, I get to decide what my Valentine date wears. Where can I find a more attractive Valentine?

Responsive and fast

Instead of spending my dinner time talking to a girl/guy who doesn’t listen to me, I would rather enjoy time with the highly responsive Asus Zenfone. Its got an Intel Inside and is, therefore, is capable multi tasking and is quick to reply. It supports network speeds up to 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+, thus enabling me to browse through web sites and download and upload files in a fraction of a second. Yes, with the Asus Zenfone, I can be me and everything can be about me.

Lasts Longer

Yes, that’s true. Asus Zenfone has an amazing battery life. It can last all night long and can still keep going. Where else can I find somebody who can match, and even surpass, me?

Gamer

The Asus Zenfone is a gamers dream. Because of its amazing battery life the Asus Zenfone enables users to play games longer. A feature you won't find in your regular Valentine. It's Intel processors ensures a smooth gaming experience. No more lagging for me. 

Gives and Gives Without Asking Anything in Return

Ultimately, numbers and specifications cannot perfectly describe what the Asus Zenfone is capable of. It can take high quality photographs and videos. With it, I can easily share my precious moments with my friends. It’s simple and easy to use. I understand it and it understands me. With its dual sim feature, I can handle two avatars.

To know more, go here: http://www.flipkart.com/asus

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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!

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