Shivani Sibal’s debut novel ‘Equations’ blurs lines of power

A tale of sons of master and servant, Shivani Sibal’s debut novel ‘Equations’ revolves around the lives of Aahan Sikand, scion of the wealthy Sikand family, and Rajesh Kumar, son of Sikand’s driver. Inseparable as childhood friends, the two boys gradually become aware of their status in the house and eventually grow apart, ‘amicably and organically’. The reality of these two characters keeps changing as the power centre shifts. The class divide of the 1980s becomes more apparent, the discrimination comes out starkly in Rajesh’s experiences.

In the book, Sibal explores the fading lines that once defined class, caste and politics. The electrically charged political and social atmosphere brings out the changing realities of the Delhi elite as well as the emerging India of the 1990s.

The book lays bare different power centres at work. From the tussle between the two wives in the life of Aahan’s father, to that between Aahan’s mother and nanny, to the one taking place in the staff quarters of Sikand House, or with Rajesh creating a place for himself among the capital’s rich and powerful, the book is a chronicle of power.

‘Equations’ opens with a builder telling Aahan that they would soon be razing down Sikand House and in its place would come up multiple three-bedroom luxury flats. The decision to sell Sikand House wasn’t easy for Aahan, yet it was the only way to salvage himself from the mess he was in. He had also booked one of the flats for himself and his neighbour in the new building would be Rajesh, now a Cabinet-rank minister. Just like bursting of the khoi bag at Aahan’s birthday parties, when all children were free to grab the goodies irrespective of their social status, the flats, coming up in place of Sikand House, were a great leveller.

Characters in the book are multi-layered and believable — be it the upwardly mobile Parul, the subservient Laxman, or the charming and diplomatic Nooriya in her chiffon sarees and sleeveless blouses. Stereotyped as a typical rich husband and wife, the names of Aahan’s parents are not revealed throughout the book.

The many twists and turns make it read like the script of an old Hindi movie. Beginning to the end, the narrative follows a non-linear structure. A light one-time read.