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Tea for two and a piece of cake By Preeti Shenoy.
Random House,
Nisha comes across as an ordinary girl who grows up in the presence of an intimidating father who never gets over his wife's untimely death. There is no bond between the father and daughter, which is strange considering they both suffered the same personal loss — the former lost his wife and the latter could not get the love of a mother. Yet, they continue living in their cocoons, with Nisha finding respite in her job. With no ravishing looks to boast of or a high lineage, Nisha gets married to a very handsome entrepreneur, Samir. This takes Nisha to the higher echelons of society. Nisha tastes all, never losing her own identity. Having to quit her job, she pursues her hobby for which she never had time before. One realises Nisha's loneliness when she gives birth to two children. She gets absorbed in their upbringing to the extent that she loses her husband. It is her passion, cooking, which helps her to be economically independent when her husband deserts her. With her self-respect intact, Nisha moves out of her husband's life and house, to create a life for herself and her two kids. So, ironically, if she grew without her mother's love, her children grow without their father's love till Prashant, Nisha's former colleague steps into their lives. Always in awe of her, Prashant gradually reveals his feelings for her. He is the one who, impressed by her culinary skills, gives her the idea of setting up a business, not out of sympathy but because of the genuine belief that she is the best in the line. He is proved right for very soon Nisha is flooded with orders. The respect for her grows when she manages her life smoothly. Lack of finances and emotional help do not deter her. She moves to her father's house that has been willed to her and moves on. The bond between Nisha and her neighbour, Mrs. Billimoria, is a typical one between two women, one needs help and the second, is looking for company and love. Mrs B takes care of Nisha's children when the latter is away delivering orders. Life takes a new turn throwing Prashant and Nisha together. While Prashant wants to marry Nisha , the latter is not ready as Prashant is much younger to her. Moreover, Nisha feels that she has a responsibility towards her kids. But all that is taken care of by the author, Preeti Shenoy, who weaves a magical story with twists and turns that makes for a happy, but an unconventional ending. The story is set In Mumbai, the commercial and busy city. It takes the reader to Pondicherry, a laid-back place, with the Auroville Asharam in the background. Nisha’s journey is interesting. It's simple yet, has its own share of challenges. The language is simple and the narrative is refreshing. The cover of the book is very enticing,thereby attracting the reader. The story is to be read, preferably. in the same ambience, with tea and a piece of cake!
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A
story that is as common but addictive as tea in our daily lives. A
not-so extraordinary girl, Nisha, who has minimum expectations from life
gets sucked into situations not of her own making. In the beginning, she
appears impulsive but very happy with her job which eggs her on.
Gradually, as she grows in life she accepts whatever is in her fate,
introspects and then faces life. Her determination , sometimes, takes
the reader by surprise. It engulfs the reader, yet leaves plenty of
breathing space to enjoy the plot.