Beyond Scars
by Alka Dimri Saklani
Beyond Scars by Alka Dimri Saklani made me nostalgic. It filled me with the longing and hope to meet Nidhi, Noel and Appu once again. I lived life of these characters in the book, Beyond Secrets, the first part of Beyond Scars. I laughed and cried with them. The secrets which destroyed their lives broke my heart as well.
Beyond Scars
I was super excited about Beyond Scars to know whether life was fair to them through the pen of the author Alka Dimri Saklani. You might think they are just fictional characters, but such is the prowess of the author's writing, they might feel close acquaint. They appear to be real people with real emotions.
Story in Brief
Beyond Scars carry forward the story of Appu rechristened as Vivaan. Nidhi and Neol story had taken back seat. They have adopted Vivaan and to a great extent helped him to come out of the most traumatic phase which destroyed him to his core. His life blooms again when Avni comes in his life. But fate had other plans for them.
Emotionally Drowning
Just like Beyond Secrets, its sequel is also heart wrenching to read. The author Alka Dimri Saklani has her way with words. Her simple words pierce the heart. You will feel your heart bleeding at the continuous onslaught of tearing and intense emotions. I was not able to read the first half without shedding gallons of tears.
There were many romantic moments between Vivaan and Avni which seared my heartbeat. Such romanticism seldom finds place in the present portrayal of love stories. Seems like time has stopped as the pace of the novel slows down when two lovers meet. It was so good to read.
I read this book around the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The relation of Avni shared with his twin brother Avinash made it even more heartwarming. I love their teasing and banter, caring and protectiveness.
Vivaan's agony, his mutilated soul, his pain finds a way out through his paintings. The entire episode was mind-blowing to read in the manner Avni decipher each of his paintings. I just couldn't help myself from being amazed by the author Alka Dimri Saklani supreme understanding of human nature and emotions.
In the story, most of the prominent characters were scarred in some way or other. But life doesn't stop. A proper closure and peace with past actually helps to move forward in life, in embracing happiness, otherwise overlooked. What you suffered cannot be undone, but building life again is in your hand. And family plays an important role in it. This is the major pillar around which the author has cemented their story. And also my major takeaway from the story.
The Verdict
Beyond Scars is a melancholy and magnificent book. The author has nailed when it comes to emotions. She knows very well how to deeply attach you with the characters so much so their pain bleeds your heart and their joy fills the heart with relief.
Both the books Beyond Secrets and Beyond Scars are a must read. They are sure to take you on a turbulent emotional joy ride.
Beyond Secrets
Beyond Secrets is the first book of the series which narrates the story of Noel and Nidhi. The dark secrets about which they were clueless, but when the truth surfaces both find themselves questioning their own existence.
Alka Dimri Saklani Books
The other books by Alka Dimri Saklani includes -
*45 Days In A Cancer Hospital
*A Promise That Changed Everything
Her debut novel ‘45 Days in a Cancer Hospital’ was longlisted for Crossword Books Award 2013. Writing is her first love, the love that seized her when she was just 8. She holds an MBA degree in HR and worked with a leading MNC before turning to a full-time writer.
Born and brought up in Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, her roots hail from “Dev Bhumi” Uttarakhand. Apart from writing, she loves music, reading, travelling, and spending time with her two naughty kids
