Throughout history, societies have always been plagued with issues. Almost all individuals are dealing with at least one societal complication in their lives. Sometimes, it seems like modernisation has addressed a difficulty for all future. Still, the issue just reshapes itself with a new mask.
“Modukuri’s Musings” by Harsha Modukuri is an anthology of five short stories discussing contemporary issues in our society. Dealing with eccentric characters through a fictitious narrative, each story shows how societal shortcomings, when not addressed, cause damage that is at times irrevocable.
Disclaimer: For ages above 18 only.
Musing I
If at times, being a part of a family is a living hell then sometimes, not having one is also a living hell. To most of us, it is the need to be loved and the importance of affection we seek are the factors that dictate the lives we lead. Our ups and downs mean nothing on a professional level when our lives are saturated with misery as we cling to what we haven’t been given.
“The Third Side” by Harsha Modukuri is a story of how two characters, who have the same need but come from two opposite positions, meet and find peace in each other’s company after leading miserable lives.
Musing II
Is it true that all casual relationships are genuinely casual? How can one point to anything and say, “This is where it becomes serious?” or “This is where their hearts, not just their bodies, start talking?”
“Missed Call” by Harsha Modukuri starts with two friends discussing their romantic relationships. While one feels he is simply enjoying life’s blessings, the other believes it is his entire life, something that defined him, something that filled all the gaps in his existence. They’re each expecting to meet their respective love partners that weekend, but they have no idea what surprises, reveals, and presents are in store for them.
Musing III
Vishwanadh disagreed with his father and passed over a good government job to pursue his passion. This made him successful and famous but deprived him of everything that a human connection offered. He watched his son grow up and was unsure what to do about him. When a dark desire takes root in his heart, he finds himself in a dilemma.
“Spiteful Spirit” by Harsha Modukuri explores the story of an insecure, unhappy, faithless & sad man who would stoop so low for his validation that he would seclude any deserving person from their reward even if it is his blood.
Musing IV
Not every piece of literature concerning romance is crafted by hearts filled with love. At times, the ones conceiving the idea could be stone cold & bitter, while their worlds could be cheerful, colourful & charming.
“Unseen Face” by Harsha Modukuri tells the story of a journalist fascinated to pen down the biography of her favourite writer. Before long, the cold truth is known to her that her ideal is nothing close to her imagination.
Musing V
Sometimes, two individuals are passionately in love but never want anyone around them to know about it. If it is a mutual decision by the couple, then it’s an honourable choice. However, the lack of acknowledgement is often due to society, status and various materialistic values & titles.
“Honoured Love” by Harsha Modukuri tells the story of a couple, Dharani & Champavati. Though they love each other passionately, Dharani doesn’t acknowledge to the world that their son is his own. It falls on Champavati to decide how their future should be.
One of the best anthologies produced by Writers Pouch. All stories are peculiar and unique, of which “Spiteful Spirit” is the best in the collection in my opinion. I hope Harsha takes more time to create a second anthology and the team continues in their endeavour to continue another beautiful piece of work. Kudos to Nisha Yadav for creating fantastic and impressionable artwork for the collection. I am looking forward to reading more!
My honest feedback would be that the story was let down by a convoluted plot in which nothing really happens and this feedback is specifically directed towards missed call