Gujarati Books

Short Stories

The story follows Ambika, a bubbly and outspoken stand-up comedian and nurse from Jhansi, who desires three things in life: 'Memes, Momos, and Munnas' (children). She is a resilient character who uses humor to navigate life and challenge social norms.

Her life takes a dramatic turn after she falls in love and gets married. She is later diagnosed with a bizarre medical condition that leads to infertility and subsequent marital issues and social stigma. Facing immense pressure and a blot on her reputation, Ambika finds her life 'turned upside down'

In this compelling novel, Aashka may be the focal point, but the story unfolds as much more than a simple tale centered around her. The author masterfully shifts Aashka from the core of the narrative, allowing other male and female characters to step into the spotlight, creating a dynamic and multi-layered experience. The result is a cinemascopic narrative, rich in character depth and storytelling, where each individual's journey interweaves with the others, giving the novel a vibrant and expansive feel

On that chowpati, making his way through the crowd of dusk, he reached the boats that were far away in the sand. Kushan sat there, a plank was stuck in front of one of the boats. In front of him, the sea spread out to the edge of the horizon. Uncovered. Its roaring waves were forming a circle around him alone, rushing like a swarm of bees. The last rays of the sun were shining on his head like gems. The tidal waves were rushing right up to his feet, inviting him to set out on a sea voyage. Although he was in the boat, this was not the journey, nor was he going anywhere. Like a boat, he was stuck in the sand. Last night, his mother had made him sit in front of her and made her bequeath her will, it was the will of dreams. And she had said something that had been buried deep in the soil of her mind for years. He was radiant. Not all the holes buried deep in the earth always contain the treasure of diamonds, sometimes there are also the roaring roars. He had called Ekta here to give that will. He was afraid of what Ekta would say! - Varsha Adalja

Short Stories

Short Stories

Most of the stories in this book have female protagonists, meaning the heroine is at the center of the stories. The reader naturally identifies with the characters as they go through various situations and states of mind in these stories. Although these novels and short stories are filled with fantasy, they are based on real society and current events. The uniqueness of the author is that while reading these stories, her characters do not seem fictional, but real, and the reader feels as if the events in these stories are happening right before their eyes. Human feelings, the tangles of relationships, the tension of emotions, the circumstances and situations that they fall into and find their way, all these characters seem to be somewhere around us

This story is of Satyabhama, who identifies herself as Krishna's most beloved wife. Standing in the square of the world, looking into each other's eyes, she is saying with firm faith: Even though I did not play the rasa like Radha... Even though I did not get married like Rukmini... Even though I did not get the address of 'Krishna' like Draupadi... Even though I did not get the respect of accepting the forest culture of Jambavati... Still, Krishna loves me the most and loves me only! This story is of Satyabhama's Krishna. In this story, there is Dwarka, Gokul, Barsana, Mathura, Panchal and even Vidarbha. These places are not addresses, but camps. Satyabhama's journey to meet Krishna is here. Here, in the pages of the story, Satyabhama tells Krishna, 'If love is to be made great by sharing, then it is too late, I do not want to be made great. Krishna, you have measured the bottom of the ocean and built Dwarka, but you have not been able to measure the bottom of a woman's heart!' Even the changes of eras do not change Satyabhama. She has not gone anywhere, she stands here, even today. She beats in me, in you and in all of us - eternal!

Premno padchhayo by Raksha Shukla is a captivating tale of how money changes a man - and pulls him away from everything he once valued. Serialized in Gujarat Samachar, this story dives deep into the struggle of a common man, exploring love, loss, and the price of success. Shukla's writing is as graceful as a peacock's feather, mixing tradition with raw, modern realities. The novel's relatable characters and sharp dialogues make it impossible to put down. Already adapted into a Gujarati film, Whala, Idto Samjo Toh Bhau, this is one story you won't forget. It's about today, and a glimpse of what's to come

The compelling story of a baby girl born with polydactyly - an extra finger on her hand. From the moment of her birth, society's superstitions and rigid standards begin to distort her childhood, subjecting her to judgment and prejudice. This novel explores the painful journey of a child growing up in a world obsessed with perfection, as she grapples with society's double standards and the concept of the 'ideal' body.

The author invites readers to question how far such outdated beliefs can go and whether a person's worth can ever be defined by superficial standards. Ultimately, Apshukan seeks to open eyes, challenge rigid mindsets, and spark change in those who still hold on to superstition and bias. If even one person's perception is altered, the author will feel their mission complete