The human need for fulfillment is universal, and perhaps eternal. “People’s Kafe – In Eternal search of Bluebells”, the fifth book of the “People’s Kafe” series; is a collection of stories and memoirs that depict this perpetual human search for fulfillment. The search for purpose, lasting love, forever friendships, impeccable health, scintillating success and solace – our ‘bluebells’ that we must chase in a finite lifetime.
The first part of the book is a collection of stories, where the characters take you through a tempestuous journey of odds in their quest for fulfilment.
‘The Key’ is story of Jospeh, a man driven by his deep desire to save his blinding eyesight so he can capture the beauty of world through his passion of travel. One day he receives a mysterious diary with an intriguing key and prompts that lead him on a sojourn across cities of Ottawa, Rome, Salzburg and the islands of Maldives. What clues does this diary hold for Joseph? What secret message does the key hold? Can Joseph find answers to save his dying vision on these places he traverses with his beloved Susan?
‘Aura and Auroville’ is a story of man and machine. Auroville is a computer rookie whose obsession with artificial intelligence leads to his creation, Aura who has a near human form and evolving emotional intelligence. Aura is an AI powered humanoid created for serving a profound purpose; of giving companionship to terminally ill patients struggling with loneliness and dejection. What happens when Auroville’s memory starts fading out? Can Auroville rely on Aura to lend him the support when he most needs it? Or shall Aura turn evil against its master? Can a machine truly help the evolution of humanity?
‘Drona – the Hero of Balveerpur’ is set in the village of Balveerpur where caste order runs deep and is impossible to dismantle. Shudra, a young fierce girl from the lowest caste order is often an easy target of oppression. Ostracized at school for studying Sanskrit, a privilege of the higher caste; Shudra comes to terms with the harsh reality of her untouchability. Led by her dream, Shudra embarks on a journey into the unknown to discover the true purpose of her life. What is the purpose of her life? Will she stay true to her purpose or succumb to her inner frailties of anger and aggression?
The protagonists of these stories will take you through their journey of discovery of purpose, truth and knowledge. Through their lens, finding ‘bluebells’ is indeed possible in a lifespan.
The latter part of this book is a collection of memoirs and poems – unfiltered archives from my younger self as I led a solo life across metros of India. These contemplations are a road to my past, my yearnings and desires from days of graduation, as a twenty-year-old disconnecting from the ‘umbilical chord’ of home and venturing out alone in a world of chaos and materialism.
Dear readers, these stories of hope and resilience shall remind you that unfulfillment is the first step to finding fulfillment, finding your ‘bluebells’.