Book Spotlight : Rakesh's Story (Scattered Ashes Book 1) by author Malika Gandhi

Dear readers,

Today blog Wonderworld is most privileged to present you a very special spotlight about a unique, intriguing, action packed historical fiction novel titled RAKESH'S STORY- Book One of the Scattered Ashes (Epic Saga) written by the exceptionally talented author Malika Gandhi. 

Author Malika Gandhi is also a book reviewer. To request a review contact her at : http://unicornsreviews.wordpress.com/

What's this Ebook about? 

In the words of the author - This intriguing , thrilling and action packed novel is about a Freedom Fighter's wish to see his country free, a son and a brother's wish for justice.

In this post you will come to know about chapter excerpts from this book, its purchase and review links and about author Malika Gandhi.

DETAILS

Ebook : RAKESH'S STORY (Scattered Ashes Book 1)

Genre : Historical Fiction, Action, Thriller

Author : Malika Gandhi

Publication Date : Just published - Jan 10, 2013

Purchase Links : US Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZWR8D0

UK Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AZWR8D0

Reviews : 5stars 

Author's blog : http://malikagandhi.wordpress.com/  

Author's Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/malika.gandhi and https://www.facebook.com/unicorn1976?ref=hl

Author's Twitter Handle : https://twitter.com/MalikaGandhi

Synopsis : A son, a brother, a friend and a Freedom Fighter.

Mohandas Gandhi has called for the British to Quit India. He has called for supporters; he wants a non-violent transition of power to the Indian man.

When Rakesh heard the call, he wanted in. Joining his fellow comrades in this “war” against the British Raj, Rakesh becomes a Freedom Fighter. Little did he know the pain he would cause his Ma, Babuji (father) and his younger brother, Dev when he chose to go on that march.

This is Rakesh’s story; his struggle against the power of the Raj, his anguish and love for his family but his determination and strength to want to see India win her independence.

Scattered Ashes is a five part series of the struggles five individuals go through from diverse relationships and tears, to finding love and accepting the fate bestowed upon them.

Amazon Reviews (View here) 

CHAPTER EXCERPT

His eyes flickered to the armed guards, worry etched on his face. The guards adjusted their hold on their rifles, ready to fire on command.

‘Please, be reasonable,’ shouted the officer once more. ‘No decision can be made like this! I can arrange—’ his voice was drowned as the group went into another chant. 

KARENGE YA MARENGE! GO AWAY BRITISH RULE, INDIA WANTS FREEDOM! INDIA WANTS FREEDOM! NO BRITISH RULE! NO BRITISH GOVERNMENT! 

The sound of a gun fire silenced the men.

‘That’s more like it.’ The officer walked back into the building with the guards following.

The shot had attracted a few locals who stood outside the gates, trying to get a look in. The guard was having a hard time telling them to go away. He gave up and sat down on his stool again, popping another betel leaf into his mouth.

‘Now what shall we do?’ said Manoj. ‘Should we chant again?’

‘No, let’s wait,’ said Dilip.

A few minutes later, a car horn hooted and everyone turned to their direction of the gates. A white car stopped outside and the guard immediately began conversing with the man inside. He then opened the gates and the car drove through parking right outside the building. The officer came out to greet the man who was dressed in a khaki-coloured uniform, crisp and neat. His body manner indicated this could only be the General. Did Dilip have it wrong? He was positive that today the General would not be out of his office.

‘The General was not away,’ said Dilip erasing any doubts. ‘This is some kind of ploy.’

The officer and the General spoke in low voices; the officer pointed to the group.

‘Good afternoon gentleman. I am General William Forester.’ The General came to stand a few feet from the men. ‘My officer tells me you have come here, on this fine day to speak to me.’

‘Yes, we have come to voice our views and requests – we want to see changes in our village,’ said Dilip.

‘You were informed, were you not, that an invitation is needed to be permitted entry. I am a very busy man, Mr...’

‘Dilip.’

 ‘Right. The basic fact is that you need to write to my administration team for an appointment. We can then meet properly, have a chat, maybe some chai (Indian tea)?’ The General chuckled at his own joke. ‘You can tell me about your fears then but today I am not available as I have a meeting to attend in a few minutes. So please gentlemen, do excuse me.’

He turned on his heel and walked into the building. The officer followed. It didn’t seem like he wanted to stay in the present company, Rakesh smiled wryly.

‘Cowards!’ Dilip’s eyes blazed. ‘Brothers, begin chanting. We will not go until they hear what we have to say!’

They didn’t need telling twice and once again the chant began. It wasn’t long before the harassed looking officer came out, this time onto the balcony of the General’s office. He waved the chanting down.

‘The General and I have discussed your requirements and he has agreed to grant you an appointment. If you write a short letter to us first, noting your reason for the meeting and our administration team will respond with a suitable date.’

‘Liar!’ Namdev shouted which provoked more angry outbursts. Lighted torches swung above their heads; voices getting angrier and higher. Rakesh felt his heart beat fast; something awful was about to happen.

The officer went back inside and came out with a megaphone. ‘If you don’t leave now, we will have no choice but to call the police. You will be arrested and thrown in jail. This will lead to prosecution, for some of you...’ his eyes rested on Dilip. ‘It could mean something else.’

An ominous silence followed and determination replaced anger. An understanding spread amongst the men. Setting their torches aside, they sat on the hard ground and linked arms.

‘Hold your head up and do not give in!’ Dilip commanded.

‘Gentlemen, this is your last warning. Remove yourselves from the premises,’ said the officer.

No one moved.

‘You leave us no choice,’ he sighed.

Within a few minutes the iron gates opened. Police entered the forecourt; with batons in their hands ready. They circled the group like angry vultures and waited for the signal. The men tightened their hold.

 ‘Will you or will you not leave? This is your last chance,’ the officer said, like he was offering one last request before their execution. No one moved and the officer signaled.

Things began to speed up; to Rakesh, it all moved in slow motion. The police charged, pulling the men’s arms away from their neighbours and half dragged, half threw them away from each other. The batons came down thick and fast; there was no time to run. Bones crunched as the batons cracked on hips, legs and arms. Some fell whilst others fought.

‘Get your filthy arms off me, traitor!’ one of the men shouted.

‘Aagh! Leave me, in the name of God!’ another screamed.

Someone grabbed Rakesh’s arms and twisted them behind his back. The baton crushed his torso and he fell sideways twisting his leg the wrong way. Rakesh screamed. Clutching his leg, he closed his eyes and waited for another blow but it didn’t come. Breathing in and out he controlled the pain...it became very quiet and Rakesh opened his eyes.

Everyone was still and staring in shock at something on the ground. Rakesh tried to follow but couldn’t see, his view was obscured. Spasms crippled him. Gritting his teeth, Rakesh dragged himself closer to the front of the crowd...his breath caught, his heart turned cold. 

There he was, a few yards away from him, his brother and his friend. Dilip lay on the ground, his eyes glazed over and mouth open in a silent scream.

Something snapped inside. He dragged himself closer and grabbed Dilip’s shirt.

AUTHOR BIO 

  

Author Malika Gandhi lives with her husband and two sons in the East Midlands, UK. She is a homemaker and in between caring for her family, she writes her books and dabbles in a little painting too. She loves to experiment with different mediums, such as oils, acrylic and watercolour. 

Malika was born in India but moved to London when she was two, where her father was already settled. She travelled with her mother and brother. 

Malika has lived in London, studied in Southampton and moved to Leicester after her marriage, which is where her husband and his family live. A girl moves in with her in-laws after marriage, at least for a short time.

Malika loves to watch movies, visits art and history museums and is curious about the universe.