The Casket and Besky

By Nita Bajoria

The Casket and Besky is a set of two novellas about women striving for their career. The Casket, set in two eras, is a story of an archer and an author who find each other through a hidden casket, and their meeting brings forth a lost past and a blooming future.
On the other hand, Besky, told from the perspective of a young boy, is a story of a tea plucker girl from Darjeeling for whom uplifting her society becomes the prime goal and love takes a back-seat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Release date: May 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9789355590978

Nita Bajoria

Nita may be best described as a lazy bookworm who utilizes her moments of feeling out of place in a social gathering by observing people around her and plotting short stories. Knitting stories around relationships, emotional needs and various perceptions that build up the drama of life is her forte. Most of her short stories and travelogues have been featured in popular magazines such as Women's era, Alive and Airports India.The Leap is her debut novel. Urban Chronicles, a graphic short stories series is her second book. Two books in the series are already out.You could get to her blog by simply typing nitabajoria.com.

Book preview

D:\CHANDRALEKHA CURRENT 1 June 2021\OFFICE RELATED\Imprint List & Logos\Inkstate_Logo-B.png

ISBN: 978-93-5559-097-8

Copyright © Nita Bajoria, 2022

First published in India 2022 by Leadstart Inkstate

A brand of One Point Six Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

123, Building J2, Shram Seva Premises,

Wadala Truck Terminal,

Mumbai 400022, Maharashtra, INDIA

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.leadstartcorp.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental

Editor: Kavya Shree

Cover: Supriya Balasundaram

Layouts: Kevis Tech

To my mother and all the women who dared to carve their place

in the society and helped other women do so.

The Casket is a beautifully woven story about solidarity, about two dauntless heroines who enable and celebrate each other’s dreams; it is about the choice every woman faces between abiding by social expectations or following her deepest passion. A book that is intergenerational, intrepid, inspiring.

- NANDANA SEN,

an award-winning actor, writer,

and child-rights activist.

In every woman’s life comes a time when she questions her path in life. This book is about two such women and their gripping journey to find their identities. Very few authors in India attempt to write about a sportsperson or a tea plucker’s life. Bravo to Nita for choosing these subjects. I loved the story layout and found a pleasant mix of sports and romance. A must read.

- DONA GANGULY,

Odissi dancer and Founder of Dikshyamanjari

Acknowledgement

My deepest thanks to:

My family, especially my mother for imbibing the habit of reading and writing in me.

My husband for always encouraging me. My 13-year-old daughter for letting me write in peace and wondering why do I even want to write. My mentor, my friend philosopher and guide, Aditi ma’am. Jason Pote for guiding me, and last but not least, my friends and acquaintances from Chandannagar and Darjeeling who helped me with information about the place.

The Casket

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1. The Stormy Night

Chapter 2. Mullick Bari

Chapter 3. The Cousins

Chapter 4. Back Home

Chapter 5. Sanyukta Nandi

Chapter 6. Memories

Chapter 7. A New Leaf

Chapter 8. By the Ganges

Chapter 9. Bows and Arrows

Chapter 10. Why Love Hurts?

Chapter 11. A New Beginning

Chapter 12. Could I ?

Chapter 13. Uncharted Water

Chapter 14. A Second Chance

Chapter 15. The Meeting

Chapter 16. The Last Question

Chapter 17. Your Review Matters!!

Prologue

September 1972

Could you please pack a couple of my clothes? I am planning to visit Calcutta tomorrow morning for a day, Jajneswar Ghose told his wife while looking in the mirror and grooming his moustache.

It was drizzling. Water drops trickled through the slits of the window on the mosaic floor. Jajneswar Ghose pulled the latch of the window louvre to close them. Picking up a yellow cardboard file from the drawer of his working desk, he carefully inserted pages of The Statesman—the newspaper—that contained information of the Summer Olympics held in Munich that year.

Durga Puja is around the corner. Why suddenly to Calcutta? Curious with her husband’s impromptu plan, she asked.

I will have to go. I must do something about it. Look, he pointed at the newspaper article, Look here. This year in Olympics, archery has been introduced, he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Archery is an integral part of Indian civilisation. Since ages, it has been our prime weapon. It’s in our blood! We Indians must participate in this sport. Winning golds and silvers wouldn’t be too difficult a task for us, he added.

"Oh…okay. But nowadays nobody seems to be interested in the sport. Even you find it difficult to practise given your hectic schedule of managing the rifle shop. Moreover, archery isn’t given much attention as a sport in our country," she said, surprised at his sudden interest in something long forgotten.

Exactly! That’s my point. This is why I want to do something about it so we Indians too could participate in the forthcoming Olympics in archery. I am planning to meet some important dignitaries in Calcutta. I am sure they would appreciate this idea, he insisted as his wife stood gaping at him.

Though she didn’t share his enthusiasm, she noticed a genuine passion in his eyes. She realised he is up to something and wouldn’t stop until he gets his way. As a sports lover, he always loved challenges and to meet them, he never hesitated about going an extra mile. She folded his t-shirts and trousers neatly and packed his leather suitcase.

Catching the Bandel local, he reached Howrah by mid-morning. That entire day, he tried reaching out to responsible officers he knew who could have helped, but they all disappointed him.

Jajneswar babu, I am sure you are well aware of the Naxalites movement prevailing in our state these days. Bows and deadly arrows are their primary weapon. If we talk about archery now, it would raise suspicion. I would advise you to wait for a few years. So, tell me, how’s life in Chandannagar? Was planning to visit during Jagadhatri Puja this year. Have heard the celebration there is a must-see was one such response, the rest being as frivolous and offtrack from the real purpose of making the journey.

Please come and be my guest, replied Jajneswar Ghose and returned to his town disheartened.

Back home he wrote a letter to FITA, Federation of Internationale De Tira lac, headquartered in Poland. They were indeed delighted to find someone in a faraway country interested in archery. With the help of the study materials sent by FITA, Jajneshwar Ghose went ahead to create the West Bengal Archer’s Association in 1973. Unable to find a suitable place, he opened the Arjun Archery Club in his own house at Palpara, Chandannagar and invited energetic youths to learn the game. Soon, West Bengal sports authorities got interested and the West Bengal Archer’s Association was shifted to Calcutta. He took his last breath in 2001 without witnessing any gold medal in Olympics and till date we haven’t been able to achieve it. However, we won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Grand Pix, Archery World Cup, Asian World Championship and many other competitions. All these achievements have no doubt created a prominent mark for our nation in the map of world archery, and we were sure it would not be too long for us to bag the Gold even in Olympics very soon.

Chapter 1

The Stormy Night

Kolkata, 2015

The long-awaited winter had just set in. Wrapped inside the fog, the beautiful white marble Victoria Memorial looked like a watermark as Ahana’s yellow taxi drove by. The air was dry and felt refreshing on the skin. Dahlias and petunias had started peeking from the balconies along with blankets and printed quilts pulled out from the lofts and under-bed storage, to get some sun.

Within an hour she was at Sanyukta’s drawing room, waiting for her. Leaning against the window, Ahana turned the pages of her novel. Gliding her palm over the soft, crisp texture of the paper, she adored each printed word as if they were little beings full of life. Bringing the book close to her nose, she took a deep breath and allowed the smell of the pages to infuse with each and every cell of her body. She then closed it and brushed her fingers over her slightly embossed name. It was her book, her first novel. She had done it.

The maid, draped in a dowdy, threadbare shawl, entered the room with a tray and said, "Sanyukta di is taking a bath.Okay, I will wait. Thank you for the tea," Ahana said with a smile.

For Sanyukta ma’am she could wait. Picking up the terracotta cup, she looked around. The two-storey house was no big mansion but was neatly decorated and had a distinctly artistic touch. There was a low rosewood coffee table in the middle, a glass fronted bookcase at one corner and a trophy display cabinet beside it. The cream wall had a few paintings and photograph. Ahana leaned forward to take a closer look at the picture of Sanyukta as a bride. She looked different from her usual sporty avatar.

This was her third visit, hence, she felt quite at home. Though the city was congested and had become a jungle of concrete of late, the outskirts were still green and serene. After a while, she moved towards the big aquarium where colourful fish glided gracefully, oblivious of their enclosed surrounding. A little goldfish continually tried to pass a narrow path created by white stones and plants but kept getting stuck. Ahana sent a silent prayer for her. She knew what it takes to succeed and why was it so imperative. The grandfather clock on the wall struck eleven. She relaxed on the crimson velvet sofa, shutting her eyes, and reminiscing. Memories rushed in, reminding her of the stormy night. The night that changed her life forever.

Kolkata, 2010

Ahana, please close all the windows quickly. It looks like a thunderstorm is approaching, Manya shouted from the drawing room, lazily gazing outside and munching on buttery popcorn.

Thank god, I reached in time! a drenched Priya said, entering the house.

Ahana looked at the clock. It was just 5pm. She pulled the windows shut, securing them, but peered outside through the glass panes. Some of the rain drops dancing merrily in their garden came down perpendicular, while others were pushed by the wind to land obliquely. The crisscross created a hazy curtain of droplets. The trees, the grass, the carved iron bench—all glistened, soaked in water. The emerald leaves swayed blithely, welcoming the rains. Birds chirped and screamed hopping from one branch to another, enjoying the deluge. Ahana trailed her fingers over her neck before threading them through the black strands of her long, naturally straight silky hair.

Ah, enjoying the rain? How long do you expect us to remain hungry while you fantasize in your poetic fairyland? Manya’s stern voice startled Ahana.

She chose silence and rushed to the kitchen. It was getting stressful day by day for her to tolerate the bossy behaviour of her cousins, Manya and Priya, with whom she shared the two-bedroom bungalow. But that was Hobson’s choice, albeit for a couple of years more.

They heard the first clap of thunder as they sat down to dine. The windows quivered as the rain pelted on them. The wind howled and screamed so much that Manya had to increase the television volume. She was about to collect the dishes to the sink when they heard a loud bang. Ahana followed Manya and Priya rushing towards the bedroom. Branches of a garden tree peeped from the broken glass of the toilet window above the commode. Even the exhaust fan hung precariously on its wires. The dark night sky gaped from the hole and rainwater covered the basin as if it had perspired.

Alarmed and concerned, they immediately called their landlord, Mr Haldar—a thin, tall guy in his forties with tufts of light hair and pale-blue eyes—and the security staff. A huge banyan tree at the backyard was found uprooted and had landed on the outer wall of their bungalow. But it was too heavy to move without some help. The storm ceased and the rain dissipated. The staff confirmed there was no risk anymore and one of them would be around for their safety.

A little apprehensive, that night they all tucked themselves in one bed and slept. To her utter surprise, Ahana found Manya’s arm over her for the first time since she arrived. It was almost six months she came here to stay with them from Burdawan, her hometown. She wanted to pursue creative writing while her father suggested she join his firm. Somehow, her mother managed to convince her father and she took admission at an arts college in Kolkata. Ahana wanted to stay in a hostel but her parents insisted she stayed with her cousins. Little did they know that behind the sweet demeanour of the sisters in front of her parents lay a selfish and mean streak. But Ahana was a strong girl who was ready to endure the bossy behaviour of the duo for her passion.

Mr Haldar arrived early in the morning with a team of tree cutters.

Sir, the job is done, the labourer said dusting his hands on his trousers.

Great! Ahana, why don’t you sweep the garden? It must be rather messy, said Priya sipping her morning tea.

I guess the garden is too big for her to handle alone. We should give her a hand, suggested Manya adjusting her glasses on her beaky nose.

What do you mean? You want us to toil before leaving for office? Priya exclaimed but joined them few minutes later being given no other choice.

The three of them set off to clean the garden. Manya and Priya stood at the door, anticipating their next move. The area was unidentifiable.

Wow! It’s all washed and fresh. I love the smell of wet mud! Ahana said inhaling deeply.

Her cousins stared at her as if she was insane. Ahana rolled up her pyjamas above her knees and crossed the puddle nonchalantly. She raked up, picked up and loaded the rubbish bags while her cousins somehow managed to re-hang the fallen and fractured bird feeders.

It’s easy for village girls to do such work. It amazes me to see how Ahana is least bothered about her clothes getting muddy, Priya said dropping on the garden bench, tired and exhausted.

Look, Priya di, something looks embedded near the uprooted tree, said Ahana, bending down upon a bundle of broken branches.

What? Where? A hidden treasure? Priya rushed towards the scene almost toppling over a stone.

Look under the broken branches, something is peeping out from the mud, Ahana replied excitedly.

It looks like a corner of a box, Manya said peering over Ahana’s shoulder.

A jewellery box? Priya thought aloud.

Let’s pull it out, Manya said, looking at Priya. But to get to the buried object, some work was required. Ahana was unable to pull the branches up as they were all piled up and entangled.

Leave it. We will ask Haldar uncle to send someone to clear the space. Priya refused to help, staring at all the mud and dirt.

"But what if it is a jewellery box?" Manya said without letting her eyes away from the box.

What rubbish! Who would bury such a precious thing here? Priya was in no mood to get soiled.

The tree is pretty old. Maybe someone who lived here decades ago? Previously people used to hide ornaments this way fearing dacoits, Ahana said.

Let’s join hands and check what is it? Manya pleaded, not wanting to take a chance.

No way! I have office to attend. Priya took an about-turn and started walking towards the house.

So do I. Come on, di! It would only take a few minutes. I promise to help you with your presentations, Manya pleaded again.

Oh, god! You are impossible. Priya gave in to the temptation of reduced workload and took a U-turn. What if it really contains something very precious? She said, tying up her hair.

Simple—we divide it into two! Manya replied.

"You mean three. Agree Ahana is our sub-tenant, but she is working so hard. We must give her a small part too," Priya said, looking at Ahana with a mean smile.

Uninterested in what the cousins were saying, Ahana tied the branches with a rope. After a lot of pushing and pulling and falling and slipping, the three of them pulled the branches out. Manya shoved Ahana aside as a dusty cream box revealed itself. Grabbing it before anyone else could, she took the object in her muddy hand and ran towards the garden bench. The box was the size of a breadbasket, but a bit broader. She wiped the dirt with her dress to unravel an intricately carved ivory box. Ahana and Priya stood beside her eagerly. As she lifted the lid, the little bronze hinges squeaked. All of them peeked inside and found some folded papers, a mini glass bottle with a cork cap filled with a few rice grains, a button, an audio cassette, a picture of a boy and a girl in old fashioned sportswear, two orange crown caps of glass bottles that read Gold Spot, a small yellow box of Chiclets, a locket wrapped in transparent plastic, a packet of red and white strings inside a purse.

Rubbish! What a waste of time! Manya said, her beaky nose twitching at the smell that usually accompanies all things old and damp.

Oh! How disappointing! Let’s throw it away, said Priya extending her hand to pick up the box.

Please don’t, Ahana grabbed the box before Priya could.

Silly girl. What would you do? Don’t you clutter our house with all this rubbish! warned Manya.

It’s not rubbish; these are somebody’s memories. Please let me keep them, Ahana requested.

Manya and Priya looked at each other and sighed. Whatever. But don’t let this filthy thing cross our paths. It would remind me of my mud-filled nails! Priya almost wailed looking at her now soiled fingers.

Ahana quickly took the casket and went inside. She securely kept it under her table and waited till the cousins left for their work, only then would she open the ivory box and take a better look.

The faded coloured picture was the first thing Ahana looked closely at. A young boy in blue shorts and T-shirt and a young girl in pink skirt and T-shirt stood under a tree. The girl had fringes, dreamy

Reviews for The Casket and Besky

[Soumya Shrivastava · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Casket and Besky by Nita Bajoria is set of two novellas with the main focus being women empowerment. The plot opens up with a the novella Casket and tells the story of establishment of the very first archery club in Calcutta and from there it proceeds into the tale Casket and later proceeds to Besky, a girl who works in the tea gardens of Darjeeling. This book had my heart with its dedications at the beginning of both the novellas. Women fictions out there are sort of a rarity, and among that rarity this book is one gem that everyone should read. While writing characters, it is important that the readers feel connected to the person who is written on the papers, and I am sure every girl out there would connect to the titular characters of this book. I just wanted to read more about the women in this story, and that is just me. I personally feel the novella was a sweet fruit which ended very soon and I want more. Will recommend it to those who want to read a good women's fiction

[biker fernandz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Two stories in one book. I was delighted to read this one as it not only took me back to history but also told me an empowering story of a woman and her love to help others in the society.

The book begins with a look into the history giving us an idea about how Archery for women in India was established. It then takes us to the life of Ananya who was an aspiring writer and her journey. The way she discovers the casket and how she wanted to return it to the rightful owner. The journey was touching and I was intrigued to know the connection between the ones in the photograph.

I got to know various aspects and the conditions of women in two different eras and under different circumstances. A great read and I would recommend it to one and all.

[TED NAIR · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Anaya found a casket buried under the tree branches in a house she was staying with her cousins Priya and Manya. Curiosity and the lust for treasure took only to be disappointed to find mundane objects of little worth.

But Anaya was different. She was a writer and wanted to publish her book. She loved writing about the history of the olden days, zamimdars and their mansions. The items inside the box piqued her curiosity. Determined to return the book to their rightful owner, she sketched a plan with her brother Joy.

This gives them a lead and gives a glimse of the beginning of Archery and the women associated with them.

The story of written in a beautiful manner and bit investigative as well as has the essence of a easy read where the characters are penned well. It's relatively a fast read once you get the pulse of the story. Recommended for all who love to take a peek into the past, an essence of Kolkata and where girls make their dreams come true.

[Ruchi Patel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s a short read that can be read in one or two days. It’s a collection of two novellas. It has a really beautiful cover. I will briefly summarise the blurb here. The main characters of the very first story are Ahana and Sanyukta. Ahana found a casket below an old tree that was buried. They found some papers, pictures and other memorable things in it. Probably last owner left the box there. Ahana read a newspaper article from it saying about a women’s archery tournament and the winner’s name, a Miss Sanyukta Nandi. She guessed that the box was probably hers. But back then it was tough for women to participate in such sports as their families didn’t like it. Now read the book to unfold further. What I liked most about this story is author covered two young woman’s dreams and ambitions in a single story and how their lives are woven around. The second story is also unique and beautiful. Besky- a girl from a regular, a tea plucker family is determined to do something and upliftment of her people. I liked the plot. They are very unique and interesting. The narration style of the author is captivating. I loved the way author presented these stories. They are too beautiful. The language of the book is lucid so that everyone can read it. Overall I loved it. Recommended from my side.

[Manisha G · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The stories are about two women who are managing their professional and personal lives. Both of them graciously lead their lives without giving up during tough times.
?

? Ahana, a young passionate writer is telling the story of samyukta in the book. Samyukta is interested in archery more than academics. She follows her passion with the support of her father.
?

? The another story is of a girl who is from darjeeling. She has big dreams and meets a guy named karan. Karan is excited to marry her. Read this amazing book and get to know what happens in the life of these two ambitious girls.

[Shifa Cppa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This an interesting pair of novellas about two ladies who are pursuing their careers. The first story, 'The casket' is in Kolkata. It is a story about an archer and an author.
The other story 'Besky' is about a story of a girl from darjeeling.
Two stories with two sides of the book, one in Kolkata and the other in Darjeeling, are set in different periods made the book unique. It was a page turner for me as I was so curious to know the story of each sides.
The theme of women's emancipation is vividly highlighted throughout the book's stories. The title and cover is cute and colourful. Language and narration style felt perfect. I loved the writing style of the author. It was kind of unique.

[Madhulika · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

No matter what anyone says, it is a known fact that books are not just for entertainment. And if done rightly, they can be prove to be a great source for reflection, perspective, and learning, as well.

When it comes to women authors writing about contemporary fiction that has strong and inspirational female leads, there is a wealth of unexplored treasures out there.

And one book amongst them is, ‘The Casket and Besky’ by author Nita Bajoria that depicts the tale of not just one singular, but rather multiple women who show us what all we can achieve if we are determined and put our minds to it.

Divided into two separate novellas, the first story, Casket is about a girl who aspired to become a writer, but as so many other women, her dreams are squashed and not given much importance.

Next is Besky, the story of a woman, who, if we look from the society’s perspective, had managed to get everything that she might want when a rich and well settled boy falls in love with her. But she wanted to do something more for the greater good and thus, we see her struggle towards the attainment of her goals.

I loved the way author has portrayed two stories about such different women who have one thing in common, which is their sheer will power to achieve their objectives. Hence I am going to give this book FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sakshi Nair · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In a woman's life, careers always come last. When it comes to her passion and aspirations, she is forever at a crossroads.

The Casket and Besky by Nita Bajoria gives you a better picture about the above mentioned thought.

Two stories set in different timelines,one in Kolkata and Other in Darjeeling.But built on the elements of Passion, Dignity, Courage and most importantly Self-Worth.
Sanyukta and Besky are the leading ladies of their respective tales.

Sanyukta wants to pursue Archery.She has her father by her side.And Besky who is working on a Tea Plantation is dedicated to the upliftment of her community.She chooses her commitment over Love.
I simply wanted to know how they carved their way to success.I could connect to the characters of the book.

The Author has unveiled a lot of human emotions that are usually hidden due to Societal constraints.

The elements that appealed to me were independence, education, patriarchy, Family, and Self-Love.

[mahima Aggarwal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all I like the concept of two novellas in one.
1) The casket :-
Includes 17 chapters.

2) Besky
Includes 12 chapters.

This book revolves around two women's life , their dreams and goal in life. Stories of this book clearly highlights the concept of women empowerment.
Both the stories definitely motivates you . For me it's an intriguing read. Hat's off to authors imagination .
Such a catchy title and kidda unique concept of two novellas.

Also , The author has focused subtlely on each and every character; as a result, they've been more lively and contributed significantly in their particular positions. Also , Strongly portrays the protagonists. Besides, the fluidity of the language has added extra simplicity to the plot. And also the explicit narration has perfectly balanced the weight of the storyline.

Overall nodoubtly it's a remarkable fictional novel.

? Rating :- 4.5/5
?Cover:- beautiful ❤️
? Language :- simple and easily understandable

?? Happy reading ??

[Shahitiya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful book, loved the story presentation and unique story plot.

[Abhi Reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The writing was flawless, and I will be looking for more from this author in the future. The storyline is excellent, but it does not tie up all the loose ends.

[Sneha Baital · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Casket and Besky" is a collection of two individual women centric novellas.
Both of the novels are about strong and dignified women, who are striving for their career.
The two novels are -

• The Casket :- The story of 'The casket' is set in two eras. A young girl Samyukta who is more enthusiastic about archery than academics and a young passionate writer Ahana who happened to find a casket under a tree which led her to the story of Samyukta. What was in the casket for her ? Did the casket opened a door of her past which she didn’t want to visit ever again ? Or it'll make her future better ? Read the book to find out the answers.

• Besky :- The story of Besky is told from the prospective of a young boy. Besky is a tea plucker ambitious girl of darjeeling from a poor family happens to meet a guy named karan from a wealthy family and wants to marry him. But she has way bigger goals to achieve. What will happen next in her life? Will she be able to fulfill her dreams? Will she marry karan? Go grab your copy now to find out the answers.

?My opinion - The author has presented both of the stories beautifully. The cover of this book is really captivating. The plotlines of the novels are intriguing. This book is written in a rich language and the writing style is lucid. The narrative is very engaging. Both of the storylines becomes fast paced as the plots moves forward.The stories has many twists and turns. "The Casket and Besky" is really an impactful and inspiring book. Had an amazing time reading it and highly recommending it to every reader.

[Sneha Amith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Casket and Besky.
The Casket and Besky by Nita Bajoria is an excellent read.
This book is a collection of two beautiful and interesting novells about women striving for their career.The main protagonist of first story is Samyuktha and the second story revolves around a village girl Besky.
Samyuktha - A young girl, she was more interested in Archery than her academics.and her father helped her to persue her passion.Initially her mother was not supportive but later on she started changing her mind and started supporting her daughter .
Did she achieve her goal?
Besky - She is a Darjeeling tea plucker girl from poor family background.her dream was to make development within her society.
Did she achieve her goal?
Read the book to find out.
The writing style of the book is impressive.The story was engaging.The characters are well developed.
I will recommend this book by to all readers..

[Vardah Manna · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book with inverted covers at both the ends is an interesting novella consisting of stories of 2 female protagonists. The story of Sanyuktha and Besky talks about all that a woman can do when she determines to. Inspite of all the odds, both the leads pursue their dream and surpass every hurdle with their grit.

The casket talks about a young girl named Sanyuktha who's love for archery is unfathomable. Despite the lack of support from her mother she continues to live her dream with ger father by her side.

When it comes to Besky, the dedication stole the show for me. "To all those men who stood by their partners' belief, through thick and thin, without expecting anything in return". Besky, a tea plucker girl is determined to pursue her goals and works to uplift the society despite all the attention from karan. It's a treat to read what follows.