The Call of Destiny!
Review by Ronica Wahi
9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames
By Harish C. Rijhwani
First published: November 26, 2024, Self-published.
Paperback Pages: 172.
ISBN: 9789334145311
Many readers do love the love angle, right? Other than all of the aspects that are relatable in the books yet published in the 9 to 5 Cubicle Tales series by Harish C. Rijhwani – relating to corporate life, middle class life and aspirations, friendships, hopes for a brighter future, Twin Flames has the aspect of romantic love. The attraction at first sight, the chance encounters, the role of “Destiny and Divinity” in bringing the protagonist Hridaan Rajdev and his love interest together, and the gradually strengthening bond resonate wonderfully well. The moments shared between Hridaan and Minoli are sweet and adorable. No meal at the fanciest café or the most elegant fine dining restaurant can quite much up to the experience, the joy, and the memories of sharing a dosa at a roadside eatery during one’s youth!
As his personal life promises something beautiful, Hridaan continues to shine bright and take up newer challenges at his office. With his new-found interest – and a new-found side to Hridaan for the readers, Hridaan does not lose track of his immediate goals of accomplishing office tasks and excelling in the MBA that he has additionally taken up in Book 3 of the series, and his long-term vision of achieving a good life for himself and his family.
The airport scene at the start fittingly sets the tone, signalling Hridaan’s exit from one phase and entry into another phase of life; this speaks back to Book 2 wherein the airport had marked another point in Hridaan’s life journey. Like its two predecessors, Book 3 packs in many incidents and effectively shows the passing of time through its episodic narration. Rijhwani employs visual imagery effectively - detailed descriptions of places, and of characters’ actions and gestures enliven the episodes.
The reader is drawn into the sort of world that he/she knows much about; details of corporate life, youthful love, college environment, assignment submissions and group projects are sure to strike a chord with those in such phases of life as well as with those who have lived through these beautiful phases. Subtle humour in everyday situations, witty jokes and wordplays among colleagues and batchmates, fun office events – within and outside the office, and heartwarming sibling banter accentuate the relatability factor. Little touches such as buying cucumber near the college gate and munching on it while chatting with friends, and different members of a group of MBA friends sponsoring snacks on different days casually blend into the story, highlighting how simple things in life can be so beautiful and memorable.
The tone here – as in the predecessors – reflects the everyday aspect of the story and of Hridaan’s life. Hridaan, the representative of the average Indian middle-class man with a drive and a burning ambition, maintains his likeability in this book too; of course, a major part of this likeability stems from his characterization by Rijhwani as a person one is or aspires to be or recognizes.
Though overall quite a well-written work, certain scenes stand out; the classroom scene in Chapter – 12, for instance, is quite enjoyable. Errors in writing are – happily – progressively lessening with each part of the series, though they aren’t absent yet. There are typos at a number of places, including The Prince of Wales Museum being called The Prince of Whales Museum – the one ‘h’ leading to a factual error. The use of adverbs is inapt at several places.
For inspiration, for reflection, for reminiscence, this is a good work.
The ending leaves the reader eager for the next part!
If you are reading this blog and haven’t explored this series, do order all 3 parts today!
9 to 5 Cubicle Tales (Part 1)
Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/41zEPZs
Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3IZgXat
9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: A Race Against Time (Part 2)
Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3S5BJJH
Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3XXXCyi
9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: Twin Flames (Part 3)
Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/4gbCmwp
Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/4mqVMiZ
To know more about Rijhwani’s previous book Master the Mystic Arts: The Journey Begins, his writing journey, and his tips for writers, do watch his interview:
Interview - Harish Rijhwani, Healthcare IT Professional and Writer of a Unique Book on Data Science
Do check out reviews on Rijhwani’s other works:
Master the Mystic Arts: The Journey Begins
Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3qef52I
Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3qic69E
Technology to Business: The Invisible Gap
Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3zKYcAY
Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/2STTXCx
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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