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Young & the restless Taklu and Shroom By the time all the charges are dropped the happy-go-lucky Gaurav has morphed into an angry young man haunted by the events of that day. Shame hangs over the family and to get out from under that dark cloud they retreat to the hills, hoping a visit to the beautiful hill station of Anandpur will provide much-needed relaxation. But circumstances unfold in a serendipitous manner, providing Gaurav with the perfect opportunity for revenge. Bringing Gaurav in contact with Rukmini, the grandniece of the Prime Minster. This feisty 12-year-old feels a connection with the sullen, bald-headed Gaurav as she herself is bald from her chemotherapy. She suspects him to be a fellow sufferer and an escapee from the hospital wards in the “land of the Taklus.” Raised by her grandmother since she was three months old, following her parents demise, Rukmini has been in and out of hospitals since the age of eight, battling cancer. But she is a spirited child, whose exuberance not even cancer could dim. She yearns for freedom while she is constantly monitored with stifling scrutiny. However, Gaurav only plays along with her because his grand plan involves sacrificing this sweet innocent child at the altar of vengeance. Ranjit Lal in Taklu and Shroom explores the psyche of two troubled youngsters who are battling personal demons. Intended for young audiences, the book walks the line between being plausible and fantastical. The narrative constantly oscillates between bitter and sweet, serious and light hearted. The story’s greatest asset is its younger characters who are all headstrong independent individuals. The authors love for nature is palpable and perceptible in the vivid descriptions of the unspoiled beauty of this hilly retreat. However all the youngsters seem to avoid the watchful eyes of adults unrealistically often. And some relationships and events are a little too convenient. The author, a veteran of 24 books addresses several serious problems.
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Gaurav Roy is a 17-year-old who dreams of a life less ordinary but suddenly his very existence turns into a nightmare. During a simple walk in the park with his baby sister Mihika and his dog Rani, he ignores the warning of an imperious policeman and gets mistaken for a security threat to the Prime Minister’s cavalcade. An overenthusiastic cop shoots Rani; killing her and making Gaurav the prime suspect in a terrorism plot. Gaurav’s life is made a living hell; his father is fired, their house is ransacked, their acquaintances are harassed and the media paints a bull’s-eye on Gaurav’s head. 