The Vivekean Version of the Prodigal Son

(An Extract from Indians in Pakistan, the Action Thriller on terrorism)

‘It was all my fault,’ I said frankly. ‘I was blind then but now I see the truth. You were right and I was wrong.’
‘Mother would have been happy to see you,’ he told me, sadly. ‘Too bad she’s not around.’
‘Wh - where is she?’ I asked, looking around frantically for her.
‘It’s too late,’ he said. ‘She’s no longer in this world.’
‘Mother, mother,’ I continued, not heeding him. ‘Mother where are you?’
‘She’s dead, dear brother. She’s in heaven now.’
‘No, it cannot be. She cannot die! I need to tell her how much I love her. I need to tell her how sorry I am for walking away. I wanted to introduce her to Najma, my wife. I wanted to - ’

Words failed me at that moment and I sank to my knees. There were plenty of kind words from everyone around but there was nothing that could console me – not even the beautiful hands of Najma wrapped around my neck. I was truly inconsolable.

Visit the Fan Page of this exciting novel at https://www.facebook.com/IndiansInPakistan

Read the preview at 
http://pothi.com/pothi/book/vivek-pereira-indians-pakistan

My Predictions for 2014 - The Vivekean Crystal ball Speaketh

(The Author has written an action thriller on terrorism entitled 'Indians in Pakistan' that is available at http://pothi.com/pothi/book/vivek-pereira-indians-pakistan)


Well, let's be optimistic when we gaze at the crystal ball. Yes, let's predict only the best for India and the world. Less crime, lower inflation, a rejuvenated economy, higher rupees, a soaring share market, higher incomes, lower taxes, less corruption, no terror attacks and so on. Hmm...this sounds more like a Utopian dream....and why not?

What could be the outcome for the Indian Lok Sabha elections in 2014?  Well, it looks like we re heading for a hung parliament and smaller parties like the AAP will play a major role in the shape of the next government. The Left parties might also make a comeback in these elections. And the Prime Minister? My prediction is that it won't be Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi. It's the crystal ball, stupid! Yes, it's quite logical that smaller parties would want their pound of flesh for support and maybe even the PM's position. So, we re looking at compromise candidates like Jayalalitha, Nitish Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal or even Naveen Patnaik.Well, sorry UPA and BJP supporters, but your unfounded overconfidence will be your downfall! Did anyone expect Arvind Kejriwal to be the Delhi CM? Seriously. Well, less support for the government at the centre can be a good thing as only sensible bills could will get passed and the authorities would think twice before doing anything immoral or unethical.

What about the Indian cricket team? - Let's forget our hockey and soccer team which are too much in focus these days - ha....India will miss Tendulkar who was an inspiration and a calming influence on the younger players. Well, Dhoni and Kohli will continue to be among the best in the world. In fact, the problem is not so much with the batting lineup as with the bowling. Ishant Sharma seems to be either getting bad advice from others and not listening to the wise ones.Our fast bowlers are not fast enough - or accurate.

And the international war on terrorists, Maoists and organised crime? Well, US itself has admitted that the Taliban will only get stronger and Al Qaeda may once again establish base in Afghanistan. The Muslim Brotherhood and its allies have changed colour once out of power and Egypt could perhaps go the Syrian way. Let's pray and hope that this does not happen. I'm not a big supporter of the Arab spring. The corrupt, mafia-like rulers like Gaddafi had kept the region stable but now one never knows what can happen there. Freedom (even freedom from corruption) does come at a bitter price. On the home front, Maoists will get wiped out as their support base is getting quickly eroded. Let's hope that this happens to the Indian Mujahideen and other domestic terror groups too.

Well, I do remember the Economy. I just paid Rs 55 for 1 kg each of onions and potatos, and only a few months ago a kg of onion had cost Rs 80 per kg. Wonders what these hoarders and black marketeers can do.This should be a sure sign that the Economy will bounce back. The monsoon was not bad and we have a talented workforce that can take on any challenges.The new RBI governor seems to be making positive decisions but will they turn around the economy? And let's reduce the price of LPG cylinders, Mr Manmohan Singh. The common man is certainly feeling the pinch.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all the readers of this blog a happy and prosperous new year and may you stick to your new year's resolution even if it is only to read my blog regularly. LOL.