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Operation Payback

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Operation Payback

300 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2023

2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Aditi Mathur Kumar

6 books81 followers
Aditi Mathur Kumar is an author, a writer, and an obsessive reader. Outside of reading and writing books, she works full-time at an advertising agency with some of the most exciting brands. She is an Army Wife, a mother, TEDx Speaker, and overall curious. Her first book, "Soldier & Spice: An Army Wife's Life", is a hilarious story of a civilian girl married to an Indian Army Officer. The book deals with the grand and mysterious lives of the stunning Army Wives and will make you laugh and cry. Her second book "Love, Whatever That Means" is a romance read that will delight you with its relatable protagonist and the swoon-worthy Army Officer love interest.

Aditi's third book is a poetry collection titled "This Heartbreak" which she self-published in the middle of the pandemic, in May 2020.

Her latest book "Operation Payback" is a thrilling and action-packed story about a War Widow who joins the Army herself. Published by Penguin in Aug 2023, the book will make you smile, cry, grieve, and feel immense pride.

You can find Aditi on Twitter & Instagram: @adicrazy

Her Blog: aditimathurkumar.in

Happy reading!

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for a.readers.corner.
133 reviews126 followers
January 9, 2024
There are times when I really struggle with reviews. What do I even say to convince my peeps into reading this particular book? Other than I loved this book, I finished it in one sitting, and I want you to read it too.

In a mere 230 pages book, aditi Mathur made me cry, feel proud & lose my sleep

The character development is bomb! Readers cannot help but root for Meera as she navigates her way from grief to power.

Read this book if you like
- anything military related
- Story of strong powerful woman
- Thrilling story of Veer Nari’s

The book felt like a perfect Bollywood blockbuster. Simple story but amazing fast paced narration that won’t let you think of anything but the book!
Profile Image for Mugdha Mahajan.
797 reviews79 followers
November 6, 2023
Operation Vengeance is a gripping novel that explores the themes of love, loss, courage, vengeance and nationalism. The author, Meera Singh, draws from her own experience as a Veer Nari, a widow of a martyred braveheart, to produce a realistic and compelling story of a woman who decides to join the Indian Army after her husband’s death in a terrorist attack.

The novel is a fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader hooked with its twists and turns, as Meera devises and executes an enterprising plan to retaliate her husband’s death . The novel also showcases the challenges and offerings faced by the armed forces and their families.

The novel has a strong protagonist , Meera, who isn't only a loving woman but also smart and determined. Operation vengeance is a novel that will appeal to people who enjoy action, suspense , love and nationalism.
Profile Image for Inderpreet Uppal.
Author 3 books77 followers
March 18, 2024
Read the passionate, patriotic and page turner #OperationPayback 🇮🇳✨️❤️
A well researched book about a simple girl who followed her heart.
It's a must read book especially for youngsters
Aditi has written with her heart and it made my heart pound feeling the emotions as I read. ❤️✨️🇮🇳
Goosebumps and Josh intertwined in Operation Payback
It's a salute to girl power, strong women and our Bharat Mata.
Loved the book, read it in 3 days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fictionandme.
373 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2023
Name : Operation Payback
Author : Aditi Mathur Kumar
Genre : Action

It seems to me that perfect book comes in my hand in perfect timing. Generally, I am very meh towards national days like Independence day or republic day. But this year, the author of this book, @adicrazy has managed to make feel a tad more appreciative towards my nationality.

I am not kidding, I finished the book in a few hours. At merely 200 something pages long, it won't take much of your time but will manage to make feel a whole range of emotions. As I had mentioned in my story, this story is completely from the POV Indian military commando people. We get to see all about their daily lives and challenges and grit and mental strength, which motivated me SO much. I will carry on all the lessons I got from this book throughout my life.

As for the characters, I was heartbroken after Captain Ranvijay's death. I know it was already in the blurb, but still, the way he was murdered, shook me so much. But since this story is mainly from the POV of Meera, the late captain's wife, I got a new perspective about the lives and the raw emotions of the 'Veer Naari's of our country. The way she did what she did in this story, I'm in awe of her 🙌. My shero!

The story was very engaging and full of actions. Yes, some parts seemed a bit repetitive at times (like Meera's process of debugging the coded messages could have been kept in the main chapters describing Meera's story). And Meera's behaviour in the ending did seem a bit Bollywood style, because to me, Meera seemed much more logical and analytical than to emotionally react like that in such a dangerous situation where others' lives can also be affected. But, all in all, I love the way the story was narrated, the past and present woven perfectly.

As for the Indian soldiers' lives, I think us, civilians, choose to remain ignorant about their daily sacrifices. Every time a celebrity dies and the nation mourns, my best friend (who is not as ignorant about military as me) keeps telling me "Do you know how many soldiers are sacrificing their lives daily? Yet no one actually cares." I wish we could end inter country wars and live in peace so that no one has to sacrifice lives. But, where there's human, there's violence.
Profile Image for bookswithchaipai.
305 reviews38 followers
August 22, 2023
Occasionally, we all find ourselves seeking solace and inspiration in the pages of a book that ignites hope and instills courage within us. For me, it was this book which took me through a range of emotions and gave me the true meaning of heroism.

I have heard stories about Jawans dying on the front, fighting for our country, lives lost to keep us safe, when we are sitting pretty far away from the border, clueless to the inner workings of the grind these brave soldiers have to face each day. But this book immerses us into the lives of the family members as well, who wait with bated breath for their return. It is the first of its kind that I have read about the Indian Army and their valour.

This book follows the life of Meera, an engineer and a Veer Nari, who patiently waits for her husbands safe return, from his military post in conflict-ridden Kashmir. But one day her life is in a turmoil when everything she believes in comes to an end, and that’s when she rises like a Phoenix, trying to avenge payback.

Amidst the pages, readers gain a glimpse into the covert operations of the Para SF commandos and the courage and resilience they portray in the face of danger.

Aditi's narrative envisions a world where women can assume combat roles in the military, a concept yet to be widely accepted and therefore she has woven it into the tale.

If you are interested in covert operations based in India and stories of bravery, then this book is what you are looking for.
Profile Image for Deotima Sarkar.
873 reviews28 followers
September 21, 2023
'She who waits, also serves' - Operation Payback
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Capt. Ranvijay Chauhan is a para Sf commando, posted in Kashmir, actively involved in preventing terrorism in the country. Meera is his wife, she is an engineer by profession and theirs is a relatively new arranged marriage.
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However, the two had hit magnificently and were very much in love. Meera coming from conservative background was a firebrand herself and wanted to keep her independence by doing her job. Obviously it became a long distance marriage but they were both hopeful of togetherness in a peace posting.
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But well life - never goes as planned. Ranvijay is killed in a planned operation focused on him by the lead of a terrorist group. Meera is devastated but with time and Ranvijay's support and belief in her, propels her to join the army as an officer itself.
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Amidst varying support and protests from her families she sets up on her journey to what will be 'Operation Payback'.
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The story on the whole is very motivational, emotional and depicts so many relationship ties well. Obviously Meera 's grit as a 'Veer Nari' is the highlight but for me every character is to the point and plays the right significance in the story! A powerfully told, inspiring tale of what women can do, once set mind on!
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I really echo with the author's sentiments of inclusion of women in combat in the army!
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Profile Image for Khushi Rungta.
225 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2023
"A warrior is a person who conjures up God-like courage to give his all for something bigger than himself.
Or herself, she corrected."

I feel so glad to have picked up Operation Payback by Aditi Mathur in the month of August itself. The book is about a Veer Nari, a woman full of courage and an impeccable spirit, who joins the Indian army and ends up delivering the most laudable payback for the entire nation. This payback is fuelled by her personal desire as well since it was a reason which snatched away her husband from her.

Our protagonist Meera lives a happy life working in corporate, and being supported by her husband, Capt. Ranvijay. But fate had other plans for our lady, rendering her without the main pillar of her life. Capt Ranvijay, a brave and kind soldier, loses his life in what is a revenge by the enemy camp. The entire situation does ignite the despair in her, but she doesn't let it dismantle her.

She decides to pay respect to her husband and join the Indian Army. Her journey there on is filled with sheer diligence.

The things I really liked about the book were how vividly the author painted the scenes for us readers. The connect was established immediately from the first page and the flow of emotions were present till the end.

Secondly the positive character of Meera and the support of her family made it such an endearing read. It felt as if it's a book full of hope and light for readers interested in any genre. You'll always relate to the parts.

The character of Capt Ranvijay is what I would like to call the perfect green flag husband. The support, the faith and the love was what actually helped Meera face her tragic moments too ultimately I believe.

Lastly the way the entire army scenes are penned down, always sent a cold thrill through my body. Specially the female narrative was always an inspiration for me. The eloquence of the writing made it a flowy but simple read.

There's just more immense respect for the yoddhas out there braving their lives for us. And for authors who pen down stories from their perspectives ❤️
Profile Image for Mili Das.
608 reviews22 followers
September 12, 2023
Operation Payback
Author - Aaditi Mathur Kumar
Genre - Novel
Rating 4.5 / 5

This book is a final embrace from a wife to come closer to her departed husband. I didn't know that I would fall in love with this heartfelt novel. Such an empathetic tone, and definitely gave me an extremely powerful atmospheric heartwarming narrative that is so close to a powerful memoir.


Aditi Mathur Kumar's Operation Payback is the theme of the premise that pulls Meera, a computer engineering student to be a totally different person and accept an unrestful fate that has components of sorrow, struggles, loneliness but that also gives her a reason for standing head high, a virtuous for braveheart, a Veer Nari.

The story starts against the voracious beautiful nature of Kashmir but Ranvijay here's for duty not to get relaxed. The story mainly moves around Meera after Ranvijay is killed by the terrorist. Meera feels like she's trapped in a deep lightless void. She lost her desire to live life, without Ranvijay everything looked meaningless; she was missing his presence every moment that made her fulfilled until one day she found her reason to be alive once again. Meera finds herself as a backup to fulfill Ranvijay's incomplete dream.

Meera is now determined to join the army, but the army really doesn't accept women as soldiers. Can she enter the army? Her struggle to get entry, her exhausting training, and most importantly did she get support from her family? The journey evokes a compelling atmosphere exposes vacant social ideology and makes readers intrigued by the lucid narrative.

I loved the smoothness of Aaditi 's writing and strength. The strong bold plot is narrated with impressive ease and shared strength of womanhood. I liked how the twist came and Meera's mother and in-law changed their perspectives, this development shows the power of matriarch and positive possibilities in sociology. It was a splendid heartwarming moment of this book.

It's a nice novel with easy language along with a moving plot, a heartwarming, beautiful book. A good book for beginners and for those who want to get out of reading slumps.
Profile Image for Kitabi Keeda.
623 reviews69 followers
March 16, 2024
📍An emotional and thrilling tale about a woman's quest for revenge for her husband.

•• INSIGHT: Captain Ranvijay, a Para SF commando who had eliminated a lot of terrorist groups, gets killed by one of the terrorists brutally. His wife Meera is devastated as her parents and in-laws console. Soon she, inspired by her husband’s bravery, decides to join the Indian army and take revenge on the head of a terror group who murdered Ranvijay. Will she be able to join the army? And will she avenge her husband?

•• REVIEW: The book begins with a good hook, and will be able to draw the readers into the story. Some of the details related to the technology felt real and the writer was able to bring authenticity to the story. The writer also did a good job while handling the combat scenes. The tactics and techniques were described very well and it enhanced the story. Ranvijay is one of the best characters of the book, his attitude and his emotions make him a likeable character. The other main characters like Meera and Rana are well written too. Meera’s character arc changes in the book which is a sign of good character development. Rana’s character doesn’t undergo much change throughout the story but his bonding with Meera is one of the best things in the book. However, during some emotional scenes the book needed more description to leave a bigger impact.

•• STRENGTH: 1. Good beginning
2. Well written combat scenes.
3. Ranvijay and Meera’s characters.
4. Catchy book cover.
5. Powerful story idea.

•• WEAKNESS: With more descriptions, during a couple of scenes, the book would have been more powerful.

•• TARGET READERS: This book is ideal for people in between the age group of 20-40 but any person above 20 can read this book.

•• GENRE: Thriller and Romance

•• RATING: 4/5
Profile Image for Diti Shah.
218 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2023
The Indian soldiers' gallantry, which includes their willingness to go to any length to defend India's interests, is highlighted by Operation Payback. When we are sitting quite far from the border and are unaware of the inner workings of the grind these courageous troops have to confront each day, we have all heard stories about Jawans dying on the front, battling for our country, lives lost to keep us safe. But this book also takes us inside the family members' life as they anxiously await their homecoming. I have never read anything like it before on the bravery of the Indian Army.
This book chronicles the daily activities of Meera, an engineer and Veer Nari, who patiently awaits the safe return of her husband from his military station in the troubled region of Kashmir. But all she always believed in crumbles one day, and when that happens, she rises like a Phoenix in an effort to exact revenge.
Readers get a glimpse of the Para SF commandos' secret activities as well as their bravery and fortitude in the face of peril as they go through the book's pages.
Aditi's story imagines a time when women can serve in combat jobs in the military, a concept that hasn't gained much traction yet, so she incorporated it into the story.
This book is what you're looking for if you're intrigued by stories of bravery and secret operations with an Indian setting.
Profile Image for Aditi.
301 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2023
"Operation Payback" by Aditi Mathur Kumar-Tale of resilience, courage, and strategic ingenuity.

The title suggests a sense of justice and retribution and a complex mission.
The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of heroism and bravery.

Through Meera's experiences, the author prompts readers to question the true essence of heroism – is it confined to the battlefield, or does it extend to the battles we fight in our personal lives?

The emotional depth of Meera's character resonates profoundly, as readers witness her journey from a shattered widow to a fearless warrior. Her journey isn't just about physical training but also the mental and emotional fortitude required to excel in a male-dominated profession.

Kumar's writing seamlessly weaves together Meera's internal struggles and external challenges, making her a relatable and inspirational protagonist. Her skillful storytelling and relatable characters make this a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit's capacity to overcome challenges.

The book powerfully portrays heroism as the ability to rise above adversity, adapt, and harness one's strengths to create a positive impact.
Profile Image for Atul Sharma.
267 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2023
𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 by 𝘼𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙧 𝙆𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙧

🪖 We all are forever indebted to the armed forces which serves on the frontline to keep the nation and its citizens safe from the foreign threatens and terrorists.

🪖They are an integral part of the very foundation of a country, which ensures stability and security. In the process a lot of soldiers gets martyred for their nations to safeguard the interest of the countrymen.

🪖 "Operation Payback" features such a story of a soldier who sacrifices his life during an faceoff with an international terrorist organisation. Though fate decide to choose to go for a strange turn of events, and the story unfolds in a very different manner.

📌 The character development has been paid off throughout the story and the way protagonist has been designed, the reader can't help but root for her as she navigates the challenges of military life and her own personal grief.

📌 If you're interested in military fiction, thrillers, and stories about strong women overcoming adversity, then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 ⁉️
Profile Image for Shally.
258 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2023
I have read this book last week and got a lot to know. The lives of the people who are in Army is not easy. It's indeed a journey with a lot of unpredictable challenges. The novel is about a girl from Rajasthan, Meera who is married to an Army officer. She has planned her beautiful future with him and looks for a happy life ahead.

But life has some different plans!
Her husband Rajiv dies. And then starts Meera comes face to face with reality. She has a huge life in front, with the career she always wanted. But something within her is missing. And sooner she takes a decision where everything changes. She joins the army. To serve the army and to live the life her husband wanted to live.

This decision not only made her strong and a role model for many, but also a Veer. This is the real face of empowerment a woman chooses for herself.

It's a well crafted narration, with a fast-paced story line. I find it quite interesting and recommend it to the readers who enjoy reading good stories.
Profile Image for litwithneha ( Neha Modi ).
428 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2023
SYNOPSIS
Captain Ranvijay Chauhan is killed at the hands of terrorists, while on a mission. Meera Chauhan, his wife, trains and joins Indian Army to honour Ranvijay.

#bookhoarderreviews
Operation payback is essentially the journey of Meera from being an engineer who is happily married to an army officer to becoming a Veer Naari who wants to avenge her husband’s death.

The story is interesting and quick to read. The characters are well-developed and the premise is intriguing. I wish a little more attention was paid to editing. There were a few mistakes in the book which could have been avoided by checking references with respect to the timelines of the story and the events.

In all, it’s a good attempt to write a story based on army life with all the details of the missions carried out and how being an army officer’s wife one’s life is impacted. The journey of Meera to become a Lieutenant is inspiring. I did crave for some more details of the mission she accomplishes.
Profile Image for Priyanka Arora.
1 review4 followers
September 4, 2023
This is a fantastic piece of writing by Aditi Mathur Kumar, about the intricate details of courage and valour that the Indian Army instils. This is a story not just about Meera, but also about other poignant characters and their journey with the backdrop of Kashmir valley, the OTA and overall Indian Army. The author has researched the book well, and even though the story is an action packed fiction, the details are well tended to and are authentic. Meera’s parts make one understand the raw and moving turmoil of an army wife, and a Veer Nari - and Aditi is an Army Wife herself so you can feel the emotions she wrote with, strongly. The end was mind blowing! Highly Recommend.
2 reviews
December 24, 2025
"I literally am speechless. I just finished the book in one sitting and I still can't get over it. This book made me cry a lot but it also made me love our armed forces more and I became more proud of them. Jai hind!"
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