Masala Mix - Potpourri of Shorts by Anupama Jain

There are stories, and then, there are stories! Anupama Jain has been known as the Queen of humour, and her earlier writings have always left her readers in splits. Acerbic and funny, she has proved that she can turn any topic into a laugh riot.

With this anthology, she has showcased another facet of her writing as well. These stories have been taken straight from life, pulsating with reality, hitting an emotional chord in the hearts of the readers. The humour is there in places, but these tales are meant to make people think, and reflect. The situations are simple, the solutions even simpler. Live problems are portrayed, and the language used is apt for the story it highlights.

For example, ‘A Scarlett Twist’, a brilliant pun on the title, captures its theme in a non-nonsense manner, which is spot on.

 ‘Conversations Between Husband and Wife’ is a hilarious retelling that emphasizes the fact that he, or she, who has the last word wins.

‘Banking on Wrongun’, a quaint title, sparkles with sarcasm, while ‘Is Wrong the Right?’ ends on a wry, almost O Henry-ish twist.

These stories can be read anywhere, anytime. They state universal truths in language that is conversational, at places colloquial, which makes them more relatable. One line that illustrates this point goes thus. “In an aged marriage, when the day is divided into a well-oiled routine and an unwavering schedule, the overwhelming silence between the partners silences any intention of communication.”

 With this book, Anupama Jain has, once again, proved that she can write on any topic with ease.

It is tough to pinpoint which of the stories I enjoyed the most, but ‘Mum’s the Word’, ‘Faith Renewed’ and ‘Krishna and Vasu’ worked their magic on my heart. The title ‘Masala Mix’ works brilliantly because this potpourri of shorts does smell sweet, indeed, coupled with that vibrant yellow cover that instantly catches the eye.

I look forward to many more stories from Anupama Jain.