The moment I read the synopsis of this unique book, it 1 gripped me totally. The twelve stories in the anthology are about women hailing from different strata of society, all of whom watch a play about Draupadi, which affects them in different ways. Like a true raconteur, the author, Anuradha Singh, with the deft use of her pen, has given us snapshots of twelve female protagonists, emphasising the inner struggles, decisive moments and the turning points in their lives, believing that there is an essence of Draupadi residing in every woman. The author has a keen observation and her attention to detail adds sparkle to the stories in this collection.
She reiterates that Draupadi was a remarkable lady, who continues to infuse energy in Indian women, her spirit still very vibrantly active in the Indian scenario. The twelve women protagonists-Jaya, Tara, Manasvi, Kumud, Devi, Bella, Malini, Rooma Devi, Paulomi, Meenakshi, Shobha and Neela breathing within the pages of the book, take a leaf from Draupadi's life and manage to enrich, enlighten and empower themselves, emerging as better versions of themselves.
In the first story, we find Jaya, a renowned actress, going into acute depression for five years, after losing her husband, Adirya, an acclaimed movie director. She is filled with a new vigour, after coming across a drama script based on Draupadi. She feels as if she is fulfilling her husband's unfulfilled dream by directing the play and enacting the role of Draupadi herself. metamorphosing into an empowered woman, 'as if Draupadi. with her never-say-die attitude, had put her breath in her soul.
Devi is a finicky young woman in her thirties, obsessed with perfection in every sphere. Absolutely shocked by her husband's infidelity, she refuses to forgive him, but then happens to watch the play, and forgives her husband, realising that imperfections are a part of life. 'But Devi had one special guest tucked away neatly in her bedroom. Devi came quickly ta check on it. The little black kitten was sleeping cosily on Devis bed. Devi gave a satisfied imperfect smile.'
These concluding lines stay on in memory, as the smile was imperfect because she had just lost a tooth. This metaphor of the lost tooth resulting in an imperfect smile appealed to me tremendously.
We also come across Tara, a young, talented photographer, the daughter of reputed photographer Anirudh Pandit, who had died of a heart attack due to a scandal insinuating that his award-winning photographs are fake. To her horror, her investigation reveals that the person behind this scandal is her own mother.
On watching the play she realises that forgiving her mother is the best option available to her.
One of the protagonists, Manasvi, in the story of the same name, works with a successful news channel of the country, its chief editor being Kashyap. She stays in Myanmar and when she is on the verge of cracking the mystery of the refugee influx, she is molested and thrown into the river.
The Essence of Draupadi is a story close to my heart, and it has become more special as it has gone gone through many The ups and downs, emotionally and physically.
This book has twelve stories of women from different strata of society, and also of Draupadi, their guide, coach and mentor. Why just theirs? I feel as if Draupadi has guided me at different levels, imparting me with patience and perseverance. She is there in the Indian soil, air, and water, and is still spreading her wisdom to all of us. I am eternally grateful to her.
I take this opportunity to thank Lalitha Ravindran of First Forays Literary Agency, my literary agent, who is one of the strongest women I have met. Without her confidence in me and the support that she has given me, this book would not have been possible. My special thanks to Garuda Prakashan and my publishing editor K. Hema who took the helm of the book at the last moment and brought it to completion swiftly and seamlessly, which is certainly applaudable.
I am grateful to my family, with whom I often have storytelling and brainstorming sessions.
My family...you are my critic, you are my strength, you people are my absolute necessity.
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