It was the night of 31st December 2011. I checked the time in my cell phone. There were few hours left before the last digit of the year would change and ‘1’ would turn into ‘2’ and the year 2011 would end. But it was nothing new. Since my birth, the last couple of digits had already changed 26 times. Each year, I used to celebrate the last day of the year with family and friends with the hope that, the coming year would bring more happiness and success.
But this time it was completely different. I was standing alone in my balcony waiting for the arrival of New Year, a new beginning, and for the first time I was not there with my family and close friends to welcome a new year. Instead of celebrating I was busy fighting loneliness.
I had nothing much to do so I switched on my television to see the celebration that was going on across the world. People were dancing, singing and partying hard. I could not have celebrated alone, so I thought it would be better to watch these people, and be a part of their celebration. However after some time I realized that, watching those celebrations was hurting me more. So I tuned into a news channel and I came to know that, the cyclone that had hit my country few hours earlier had claimed at least 30 lives by then. Then I turned off the television and decided that, I would call my Mom. I talked to my Mom, who was more than a thousand miles away from me. She tried her best to convince me that she was not missing me and I also did the same.
Those last few hours made me realize something. All of us live in one world. We consume oxygen from the same atmosphere. Yet each one of us has different problems to deal with, each one of us has different reasons to celebrate, each one of us has different priorities in life, each one of us has different encumbrances and each one of us has different expectations from life.
That day I saw people from a different part of the world busy celebrating the New Year which had already arrived in their country. There were some people in my country who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the New Year so that their celebrations would begin. Then there were some people who were worried about what had happened to their family members after that natural disaster. Some were mourning the loss of their dear ones and some were trying to rebuild their homes.
Maybe this is how the world, we live in works. We are so busy looking for that reason to celebrate our own achievements, our own success that we forget what is going on elsewhere. We limit ourselves to a very small region; by dividing ourselves and by creating borders.
That day I realized that we need to break that barrier and connect with each other irrespective of our origins, religion or beliefs. We need to give someone else the freedom and the time to share his pain or happiness with us. We need to make our shoulders strong enough to carry a person who can’t walk on his own. We need to value what our heart says.
That day I decided, “I will come up with a book and share my thoughts about life, about love, about relationships, about human characteristics, about my country India and about the problem my countrymen deal with.”
I know that some of you may not agree with my thoughts and I am going to take your criticism wholeheartedly with all my love and respect for you all and try to rectify my mistakes. My experiences of being a young man born and brought up in a small town of India gave birth to all these thoughts which I have put down in this book. In the past four years I’ve lived in many cities of India. So from a small town to several cities, the journey for me was always filled with hurdles.
Like most of you, I too have experienced love. I’ve seen it in a constructive as well as a destructive form. I too have felt the effect of religion, politics, tradition and culture. I too find happiness in small things. I too find my biggest support in my mother.
“I sincerely hope and wish that, you will bring a small change in the part of world you live in after reading this book. It may take time and a lot of effort and dedication but I believe that we can do it and we will do it for us, for our people and for our beautiful world.
(A note from my book “I wish and hope”)
belasbrightideas
December 7, 2012
One world, yes! Arindam, though I’ve not yet read your book, I wrote you an Amazon review. Thought it might help when people go there to check it out 😉
Arindam
December 7, 2012
Yes Bela, I read your Amazon review. Thank you for the support. As it’s my first review on Amazon, so I’ve read it some hundred times. 🙂
I am still waiting for the feedback, I hope I will get it soon. I am not even sure if anyone has got his/her copy.
belasbrightideas
December 7, 2012
You are so funny – a hundred times – well, I hope you do well! It’s a big world out there in publishing, but your stories are so touching. I will eventually pick up the book – we just bought a house and between that and Christmas, I’m tapped out financially. But I WILL pick one of your books up!
Arindam
December 7, 2012
No, believe me Bela. I read it hundred times. As you know, most of the times I do not lie. 🙂 For first couple of days, I’ve checked that create space site some thousand times to see if my book will achieve that hundred copies mark for first month. This whole journey was something different for me. I do know a single person in the real world, who is involve with any creative process. So since last one year, I’ve gathered all the info about writing and publishing from internet and you all wonderful people. I am not sure if I’ve done justice with my first book. But I am somehow satisfied I could cover the journey. And do not worry much about picking my book. Just keep on sending your blessings and good wishes my way.
belasbrightideas
December 7, 2012
That I will do! But I’d also like to get the book, probably in a month or two. Congratulations again – a big accomplishment!
Arindam
December 7, 2012
Thank you! 🙂
pattisj
December 7, 2012
What a heart-warming words you’ve woven into today’s post. I’m glad you moved forward and wrote the book that was in your heart. May you have no more lonely New Year celebrations, for you are never alone, my friend.
Arindam
December 7, 2012
Yes Patti, it makes me happy thinking that I moved forward. I am also thankful to each one of you, who inspired me to gather enough courage and patience in me to let those thoughts come our in form of words. Thanks for the support.
Life With The Top Down
December 7, 2012
Arindam, I received your book today and I had to stop reading to let you know how much I love it so far. It’s interesting and enlightening and has my full attention. I look forward to writing a review. Lisa
Arindam
December 7, 2012
You have given the happiest moment of my life till now, by letting me know that you are loving my book. I was really nervous and still I am. 🙂 I am eagerly waiting to read your review. Thanks a lot, Lisa. 🙂
Elyse
December 7, 2012
I got it today too! I will start it tomorrow when I have a long period of time to sit and read it and think about it!
Arindam
December 7, 2012
It’s great. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it. I hope my book is looking nice. 🙂 My brother messaged me now that, he too got his copy today and will read it tonight. 🙂
littlesundog
December 7, 2012
This is a wonderful post Arindam… but then I always think your posts are deep and worth pondering. I will be ordering your book very soon!
Arindam
December 7, 2012
Thanks a lot. It makes me happy, every time you say that you like my posts. I hope you are going to like my book too.
arkashree
December 7, 2012
A real book is not one that’s read, but one that reads us. n all credit goes to u man…
Arindam
December 7, 2012
Thanks Arkashree for these beautiful words. It feels really good to hear someone speaking such words. 🙂
Maxi
December 7, 2012
You have done a good job with “I Wish and Hope,” Arindam. Your heart and soul is there on every page.
I am in the middle of writing my third novel, and know how difficult it is to write a book. Will let you know when I finish reading “I Wish and Hope.”
Blessings to you, my friend ~ Maxi
Arindam
December 8, 2012
Thank you, Maxi. 🙂 Yes as you know, I am not that much of an intelligent person, so I tried my best to write everything that my heart feels.
I am waiting to hear what you have to say about it. And Maxi, does not matter if you like it or not, please never stop sending blessings my way. Your blessings help me a lot.
Life With The Top Down
December 7, 2012
Arindam, I just finished your book….AMAZING. This is definitely a book that would leave around and pick up again. I truly enjoyed every chapter, the messages within and the pauses it allowed for me to self-reflect. But, I must say I really enjoyed reading about your culture. I wish you nothing but success!!
Arindam
December 8, 2012
Thanks a lot, Lisa. As you would have seen I am really thankful to all of you, who inspired me and helped me in realizing that, “Yes I can write too”. I just read your review on Amazon, and it was really inspiring and heart touching. I believe you have not spoken all these words just to make me happy. I know you are an honest person, so I will live with the fact that you like my book. Am I right!
Life With The Top Down
December 8, 2012
I was reading parts of it to my husband at 5:30 this morning before he left for work…that’s how much I love it!
Arindam
December 8, 2012
Thank you! Thank you and a big thank you! I could not have ask for more with my first book. Now I am eagerly waiting for Elyse’s feedback. Let’s hope she is going to like it too. 🙂 And please do not forget to let me know if your husband like it or not!
Lakshmi Pramod
December 7, 2012
Well written once again..Loved the new look of Being Arindam too.. I am sure going to grab a copy of your book soon from Amazon..
Arindam
December 8, 2012
I am glad to hear that you like my blog’s new look. I hope you will like my book Lakshmi. Let’s see! 🙂
writingfeemail
December 7, 2012
At last we know the catalyst for your writing. I think most of us have always written and just waited for the ideas to germinate fully. I find it interesting that your ideas blossomed after talking to your mom. I can tell she is very dear to you. Lovely!
Arindam
December 8, 2012
I hoped you knew the catalyst as you are the one who bothered to visit for the first time. I am glad our blogging friendship still remains the same. Thanks for the support from my early days as a blogger.
amira
December 8, 2012
Your words are always so thoughtful. I pray success for your book. It’s very heartening to know the reason behind the book.
I am waiting for mine to be shipped 🙂
I haven’t placed the order yet. But it is in my shopping basket. Am going away for a short holiday and don’t want the post to lose it just because I am not here to pick it up in time. The post here works in a funny way.
Arindam
December 11, 2012
Thanks a lot Amira. Your prayer means a lot. I can’t believe that you are going to order it from Amazon. I think the shipping will cost too much. I will surely tell you to think before you buy it. It’s a good book, but I am not sure if my words cost that much or not.
Wishing you a great trip and take care!
LuAnn
December 8, 2012
Your words always touch me so. I have received your book today and I am so anxious to begin reading it. I pray it will be a huge success. 🙂
Arindam
December 9, 2012
Thanks LuAnn. I am not really sure if I will live up to your expectations. But I tried my best. 🙂
LuAnn
December 9, 2012
I have no doubts. 🙂
Giovannoni Claudine
December 8, 2012
Wonderful! I wish you success and happiness into the new year!
I’m quite sure I’ll love your book… I’ll get a kindle gagget (or is possibile to transform it for e-book?)
Serenity :-)claudine
Arindam
December 11, 2012
Thanks a lot Claudine. 🙂 Yes you can read it by downloading the kindle app to your system too.
iwouldratherbewriting
December 9, 2012
This is touching. I can totally relate to this. I have felt this way many times. As recently as a month back, I was celebrating with my friends for something very silly and got to know that my relative of 32 years living very close to the restaurant that we were celebrating in passed away.. I suddenly felt a sense of shame and helplessness..
rangewriter
December 10, 2012
Quite amazing that you went from idea to finished product in less than one year. You are dedicated and prolific.
Arindam
December 10, 2012
Yes, it was the toughest journey I have ever covered. Honestly, I’ve not slept a whole night for past six months. But I am happy with the end product, after getting good feedback from its readers.The number of sale is not on the higher side, but I am happy that most of the people are enjoying reading this. But the job is not finished yet. I am finding promoting it and marketing it is the toughest task. And I am trying my best to do justice with this part of publishing too. 🙂
Patti Kuche
December 11, 2012
Congratulations and well done to you Arindam for getting words from thought to pages!! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to settle into your work! How do you feel now about your next project, a lot more confident I hope?
Arindam
December 11, 2012
Thanks a lot Patti. Although I’ve started my next project much before. But currently I am concentrating completely on this one. Because as a self publish author the actual process starts when a person publishes his book. And somehow I have a feeling that this book should reach to a large group of people. So I am trying my best to promote it in your country in whatever way I can. Just like for next few days, I have lowered its price to 10.99 from 14.99 cutting my own royalty, so that it will help people to buy this one during this festive season of the year, where money is also an important factor. Let’s see how things are going to work out in coming days.
Sunshine
December 21, 2012
This part stood out for me from your words here:
“Maybe this is how the world, we live in works. We are so busy looking for that reason to celebrate our own achievements, our own success that we forget what is going on elsewhere. We limit ourselves to a very small region; by dividing ourselves and by creating borders”
I found this to be true recently as our country was experiencing one of the worse school shooting in Connecticut, over in China, almost at the same time, a man had tried to stab a classroom of students. Thankfully in China the children did not die.
We are a bit tunnel vision. You are so right.