Good for Nothing: a preview

In a topsy turvy world where trends keep changing, playing on lush green and reading paperbacks have become cliche, here I'm at it again: getting my seventh book published after a void of three years, hoping against hope that some will revert back to the soothing, cosy paperback days. At least, I do count on the bibliophiles of Readomania.

'Good for Nothing', the book in question, is about 32-year-old Krishna from a quaint Chhattisgarh village. Scant-educated, born in a conservative Brahmin family, Krishna leaves his home in a spark of desolation with almost nothing in hand. He boasts of his Brahmin origin, brags about small things, dreams about making it better, has a religious bigotry, and is labelled a 'good for nothing'. Yet, good for nothings possibly have their personal god, and the same puts sense in Krishna. Association with a fellow vendor Jamil comes handy, specially during a political turmoil. His unexpected love affair with  Shivani, a widow, culminating into marriage brings him responsibility leading to a successful joint venture with Jamil. 

It may be well neigh impossible in an 'educated', rigid brain to eradicate the the visible social evils, but not so in the tender, but flexible mind of Krishna. Further ahead, Krishna and Jamil duo meets Ankur Kesharwani, a promising young entrepreneur. Duo converts to trio to take business to dizzy heights. The tag of 'good for nothing' is seemingly taken of. But is it all?

Actually, how good is good? Sky is the limit, and perception is subjective. Contemporary socio-political scenario creates a turbulence in Krishna with a diversion of goal. Where does he reach? Being something worth, or donning back the crown of 'good for nothing'?

The book should hit the stalls in a month. A big thank to Dipankar Mukherjee for allowing me to express some present-day truth. Thanks to Indrani Ganguly for an excellent edit job.