Written in stars

Aditi Garg

Destiny has been a much used and abused word that means different things to different people. While some feel that it is what is engrained in their stars and something that can’t change, others are of the opinion that destiny is what you make of it. Tashan Mehta imagines a world where destiny is indeed fixed by birth and astrological lines. An intriguing world where everyone is resigned to their fate and accepts it. But as with every other system, a disruptor can change the game. Whether or not that disruption is a part of God’s plan is speculative, and that is what can change how others react to it — do they or do they not question status quo.  

The Liar’s Weave by Tashan Mehta is a story of a big ‘what if’. Her writings have appeared in literary journals such as Out of Print and Notes, an Oxbridge Publication. She was also awarded the Sangam House Writer’s Residency in 2015. 

An accomplished writer she sure know how to spin a magical web with words. The storyline never flounders and is taut, keeping the suspense going. The characters are all well crafted with a distinct personality, complete with aspirations and fears. 

As she introduces us to the world where the stars mean everything and hold the key to everyone’s future, there is a time when you wish for a simpler narrative. But you gradually ease into it and start to enjoy a tale that has been spun in a universe where the future is not unforeseen but written down for the benefit (or disadvantage) of the person in question. While it seems to work well in pre-independence India, the astrologers start detecting anomalies in birth charts during later years. They become worried, as now everyone comes with shades of grey with good and evil not demarcated clearly but presented in a relatable manner. 

Each one of them makes choices that could be interpreted as wrong but seem acceptable given the circumstances. It is in this atmosphere a Parsi boy, Zahan, lives without a future. Without a pre-ordained fate, he comes as a bug in an otherwise smooth operating system. This ‘lacking the future’ endows him with a power that is a game changer; he can lie and turn those lies into the truth for everyone around him. 

Among those born with a set future are those who have been outcast for they are born ill fated, Hatadaiva. Making a life for themselves surrounded by others like them, they stay in the voraciously hungry forest Vidroha. When Zahan finds himself in their midst, he starts to exercise his power in a way that, unknown to him, affects not just him but spells doom for his loved ones as well. 

Everyone here has secrets; Tarachand, the astrologer, Krishna,the akshi, Porthos, Zahan’s friend, and many more. Those in Vidroha are already plagued by bad luck and keep their cards close to their heart, for it is this way of existence that gives them a feeling of security and comfort, despite their situation. 

An engrossing read, the book gets a bit too busy in creating a web of words at places; but that is also its strength. To be able to do that, keep the reader engaged still and come out as an interesting read that is something you don’t encounter every day.