Videh by Sweta Rani

 Videh by Sweta Rani

"Videh" is a captivating story that makes the reader travel along with Vedika in her illusions and reality. Her grappling with coming back to the same world without calming down her inner questions and turmoils makes her visit the illusionary world and music.

Vedika Sirohi is a bestselling author living in Delhi. She was hit by a creative block. This block is further compounded by the fact that she is plagued by sudden blackouts, replete with visions & glimpses that blur the lines between illusion & reality. Until one day, she finds herself transported to a different realm altogether, with no way back. As Vedika grapples with her new reality, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will alter the way she looks at life forever.

In this unfamiliar world, Vedika meets a remarkable gang: Gargi, fierce and brilliant, determined to prove that a woman’s intellect belongs right beside a man’s; Kumar, the king’s steadfast right hand; and their companions Bheemsha, Mani, and Samarth, who cautiously take Vedika under their wing. As they guide her through Videh’s customs and questions, Vedika slowly realises that these people are the very souls from her visions, threads from her past or destiny, now tying themselves together. I especially loved watching Vedika grow close to the group and the way she stands by Gargi, plotting her friend’s escape from an unwanted marriage, adding such warmth and spark to their bond.

Vedika was more like a snail—not for the speed part, but for the self-contained instincts, coming out of her shell only when required. That might be the reason she and her mother were a great team. They were intrigued by each other’s differences, unshaken by typical generation gap issues. She was raised by someone as colourful and strong as her mom; she always had a guide to take her out from the mental afflictions in an effortless and non-parental way. This bonding amidst them resonated with me.

I liked her boldness and the way she conveyed her thoughts in the conference room or in public. She spoke her mind without bothering about the other's opinion or reactions. Despite being pointed out by many, she wittily kept her opinion.

Quote from the book that piqued me:

"That’s the irony with loneliness. It is lonelier after we acquire a habit of sharing our life with someone. But eventually we get to learn that until we have ourselves noted and in place, there is still hope. Clinging on to the same rope of hope, Nandini had raised Vedika and Veer, children with clear consciences, aware of the world and its eccentricities. She shared with them everything they should know about their father and even made them understand the possible reason for his distance while trying to understand herself.

Sweta Rani effectively portrays the internal struggles of Vedica, highlighting the tension between the desire to belong and the feeling of being adrift. She depicts the moments in an authentic manner. She reveals how she compromises her true self to meet others' expectations. Vedika's choices create a lasting emotional impression and encapsulate the experience of being 'videh'—yearning to reconnect with a more genuine self.

Overall, it is a commendable read.

Purchase here.

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