In the 18th chapter of Sukha Bargad, written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb, Rashida delves into those special poignant reminiscences locked away in a corner of her mind- memories sweet and bitter; happy and sorrowful. The writing is extremely evocative and poetic caressing like gently flowing breeze. More questions arise, more concerns gather ground... Do listen

And we are back with the next chapter from the thought provoking "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor ahtesham Saheb . It is fascinating to know how some issues continue to plague our pluralistic society even after so many years of Independence. The writer has presented them very sensitively and yet with honesty , gently delving into the root causes of such divisive mindsets and their further sharpening by vested interests into incisive tools to damage the society .

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Things take a worrisome downward turn in the Waheed family as we discover in Chapter 16 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. Will Suhail stray away from the family, especially his father, what will happen to Rashida, how will Abbu and more so Ammi, cope with these currents of rebellion- these questions arise as the story progresses further. Do listen..

Chapters 14 & 15 of 'Sukha Bargad' touch new dimensions and reveal the intricacies and complexities of human psyche, especially that of a middle class educated Muslim girl living in a traditional household. The author Manzoor Ahtesham displays immense restraint and senstivity in these paras. The language, the metaphors, the gentle unfolding of thoughts are so light on the soul while stirring up many emotions. Do listen...

Chapter 13 of "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab reveals new equations, ups and downs as the story unfolds further. Suhail's angst and Rashida's thought provoking conversations are part of everyday lives of all of us even today. Oblivious father, worried mother, concerned sibling are a constant in an ever changing Indian middle class society, no matter what the religion may be. Do listen..

And one by one, the leaves of the Banyan tree start drying up, dreams start dying- Rashida, the protagonist, shelves her plans to become a journalist, Ammi's desire to see Rashida married remains unfulfilled, loneliness permeates the house quietly.... Chapter 12 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham paints a very real picture of a struggling middle class family- struggling within and with the society...Do listen ‎

While today's experience of reading Chapter 11 of 'Sukha Bargad' was almost like being a fly on the wall of any middle class educated, progressive family home, arguing among themselves, mother losing sleep over daughter's marriage and future of their son, relatives subtly and not so subtly passing comments, it also yet again brought very important issues to the fore, honestly and bravely- issues which remain burning even today. Do listen..

Difficult truths, shockingly relevant even after decades are courageously discussed in Chapter 10 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab. Open and frank discussions help in clearing the air and finding solutions, however complicated the issues maybe. Besides, the perpetual divide highlighted in this part, the nuanced presentation of a daughter's thought process, the whys and wherefores of her choices, her vexation also touch a chord. Do listen..

Though Chapter 9 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzooor Ahtesham Sahab is woven around school picnic and exams and looming summers, the sub plots highlight issues which plague the society even today- concerns about daughters' marriages, burden of morality amidst middleclass, cost of leading a progressive life and so on... Do listen

Chapter 8 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab, continues to delve into human nature, bigotry, orthodoxy and examines the reasons and rationale for such beliefs. And it does so, gently, softly and without any hint of preaching or patronising. The author's personal beliefs and thoughts are mirrored in this wonderful piece we present today. Do listen...