Picture imperfect

Questioning social cluster,preconceived notions,emotional affairs and all that has to do something with relationships,the discussion post the release of the tome evolved between speakers including Karen Anand,Hemant Naiknavare,Deepak Patwardhan,Barkha Bajaj and Jean Jacques Scaerou,while being moderated by Sonja Chandrachud.

Written while the author was still in college,25-year-old Himani Dalmia graduated from the St Stephen’s College in Delhi and holds a master’s degree in South Asian Literature from Oxford. Reading a few passages from the book,Dalmia spoke about the many similarities the protagonist shares with her personal life. “The book is about Mithali Jaitia,who tries to come to in terms with realities as she grows up. From the death of a girl to the break-up of her parents and her father’s betrayal. It portrays life in Delhi,inculcating everything from colleges to cafes and social events. Although it has a lot of Delhi in terms of the cultural setting,I believe the situation and circumstances are applicable to any place across the world. The central character shares a lot with me,like a joint family which is into business. But this is not an autobiography as Maithilli does so many things I could never do. I believe the power of a fiction writer is in creating a world and infusing it with imagination. I write the way we used to draw as children,without any plan but with a character in mind,” she adds.

The debate that followed the book launch explored every possibility in relationships and the panel spoke on terminologies like ‘amicable divorce’,along with ‘live-in relationships’,cultural variations in countries and infidelity in marriage. “People might be in a relationship for years but they eventually decide to marry because there is sanctity in it. And being faithful to each other is the best way out,” said Patwardhan. Speaking about France,Scaerou added,“Girls and boys are brought up the same way in France,while here girls are told to accept a lot of things when they are young and that needs to change.” Sharing how polygamy exists in all strata of society,Chandrachud cited a few instances. However,everyone was in agreement with what Naiknavare had to say,“In marriage,you take a lot of things for granted. It is a partnership that brings balance and a focus to your life. Marriage can never go out of fashion.”