Of Love despite Other Demons

 Review by Ronica Wahi

 

Tere Bina Jiya Jaaye Na

By Parthasarthi Daas

First published: August 27, 2015, BecomeShakespeare.com

Pages: 122. 

ISBN: 9789383952533

Tere Bina Jiya Jaaye Na (loosely translated, it means: “Can’t live without you”) by Parthasarthi Daas is a 2015 novel on the universally loved subject of love. As the title suggests, it revolves around two people who cannot survive without each other.

This title is also the title of a popular Bollywood romantic song from the late 1970s. The haunting lyrics talk of the inability to breathe and the inability to cherish life without the beloved. The book similarly talks of the strong, undying love between its protagonists, Biplav and Aahuti; their love is of the sort that remains unaltered, whatever may be the challenges or the circumstances.

The subtitle reads Love: A Force of Destiny.  It is destiny indeed that brings the two together – they meet in unromantic circumstances, such that falling in love in which may feel unusual. But then, real life shows us too that love can really strike anywhere, anytime. The book further explores the role of destiny by showing how things can take a sudden turn – there are only certain aspects of one’s life that one can exercise control over.

Aspirations of today’s youth, independence, self-respect, evil elements in society, social taboos, and a range of emotions besides love - including happiness, excitement, hopefulness, fear, sadness, anger, humiliation, and vengefulness - all form part of this tale. The main demon that Biplav and Aahuti need to fight against and defeat is a dreaded disease, which brings with it not only the fear of the affliction itself but also the fear of being shunned by society. Daas shows how this fear of being shunned makes people keep quiet about their pains, and this shunning itself is a combination of others’ fear and lack of knowledge. As Bishwanath, Biplav’s brother, says,

“The society that we live in is very ruthless towards any individual or group that threatens to throw its sense of security off balance.” (p. 86)

Under Acknowledgements, Daas points to how research has gone into his discussion on the dreaded illness, and how he has taken the aid of doctors in understanding the psychological and the physical state of patients. Daas also, importantly, informs of how lives can be ruined by human errors and the lack of sophisticated medical implements.

As already mentioned, this novel talks of the kind of love that stays no matter what the situation is. This aspect is surely something that gives the reader hope and joy. However, unfortunately, one ingredient in this love potion that leaves a lingering bitter taste concerns the question of consent. And explicit consent is needed regardless of the circumstances. Surely, all cannot be fair in love?

The book is written in simple, everyday language. Despite the fact that it delves into a serious subject, it does not get boring or difficult. Though this is Daas’s first book, he has prior experience in writing, having scripted TV commercials and been a columnist for newspapers, besides the other engagements he has had. The portrayal is realistic, and displays a keen observation of society and of people that inhabit society. The kind of people and the stereotyping that are often encountered in India are largely depicted well. Only in one instance towards the end, the Bengali pride bit seems a bit overdone.

In terms of structure and writing, it’s a fair piece of work.

 

Check out Tere Bina Jiya Jaaye Na here:

Amazon India link for Tere Bina Jiya Jaaye Na (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3ltqOtn

Amazon India link for Tere Bina Jiya Jaaye Na (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3Byh5rA

 

DISCLAIMER: Ronica Wahi is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. If you make a purchase through any of the Amazon links provided by Ronica here, she may receive a small commission, without any extra cost to you.

 

 

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