Vichhoda by Harinder Sikka

 

📚 Book Review
Vichhoda by Harinder Sikka

The Partition of India in 1947 divided our country as well as people's heart too. This boundary bought in ground for numerous riots, fear, uncertainty, death and destruction. It proved to be nightmare for families who became refugees in their own land. Till now the we can't access the accurate amount of loss.

Vichhoda, In the shadow of longing....is written by the bestsellering author Harinder Sikka. He has also written the bestseller Calling Sehmat which has already been adapted into a motion picture with the screen name of Raazi.

The book is based on the true story of Bibi Amrit Kaur. Bibi lived with her parents in a palatial home known as Sardar House in Tadali village of Muzaffarabad, Kashmir. The riots of August 1947 devastated her life after she lost her family members while she was still a teenager.

" If you don't fight for what you want, then don't cry for what you have lost. "

She was rescued half dead by an old man called Moulvi Syed Zade who was their neighbor and family friend. But her inflictions did not end here and her future had more in store for her.

"The giant infront of you is never bigger than the God within you."

A brilliant story of separation, longing, heartbreak, violence, bloodshed, immeasurable pain, compassion, repentance and forgiveness. I also felt close to spirituality while reading the book.

" It is the spirituality that connects us to God and not religion."

The word vichhoda means- the pain of separation. The book narrates the experiences of a powerful woman. As her life takes unexpected turns she stood strongly on her path and kept moving along. Her struggles makes our eyes moist while keeping us glued to the book.

We get vivid images of India during the partion of 1947. The story makes us emotional and takes us on a roller coaster ride. It is a breezy read. I never wanted this story to end but all good things have to come to an end. Waiting for more such bestsellers from the author.