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खेकडा [Khekda]
Collection of short stories.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
143 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Ratnakar Matkari
54 books154 followersMatkari's first work, the one-act play Wedi Manase,was presented in 1955 on All India Radio in Mumbai.His play Pahuni was presented the next year at another venue.
Matkari worked as a columnist for newspapers and magazines in the 1970s. He wrote the column Soneri Savalya n Apale Mahanagar for four years.
Matkari's 98 works thus far include 33 plays, 8 collections of his one-act plays, 18 books of his short stories, 3 novels, a book of poems for children, and 14 plays and three collections of plays for children.His works include Gudha Katha --mysteries—for adults which maintain realism.Matkari wrote a few plays in Indian languages other than Marathi.Many of Matkari's novellas have been adapted for the stage.
Matkari worked as a columnist for newspapers and magazines in the 1970s. He wrote the column Soneri Savalya n Apale Mahanagar for four years.
Matkari's 98 works thus far include 33 plays, 8 collections of his one-act plays, 18 books of his short stories, 3 novels, a book of poems for children, and 14 plays and three collections of plays for children.His works include Gudha Katha --mysteries—for adults which maintain realism.Matkari wrote a few plays in Indian languages other than Marathi.Many of Matkari's novellas have been adapted for the stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 17, 2019
This is the first Marathi book I have ever read (of course! Apart from school’s Marathi syllabus) one of the colleagues recommended me to read Ratnakar Matkari’s books after knowing that I love to read horror books. I was afraid of the language but I manage to read it successfully, which is a kind of achievement for me.
Summary:
Read more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
This book has 11 stories, each story is brilliant and also give a message to the readers.
The first story ‘खेकड़ा’ (Khekada) depicts the story of a paralyzed girl who looks like a crab and his father feels her as a burden after the death of his wife. However, his soon to be wife hates her and they both decide to get rid of her, but will they succeed?
It is not a horror story, but quite an interesting story. ‘कुणास्तव कुणातरी’ (Kunastav Kunatari) tells the story of a child beggar, Shamu who works for a man called as dada. For collecting more money dada made Shamu sit beside an ailing and abandoned old woman. And Shamu collected money by gaining sympathy from people. This story has various twist and turn.
‘अंतराय’ is a story of a man named Jayant, who has recently lost his wife Madhavi. He is trying very hard to forget her. However, one day one of his close friends start saying that Madhavi’s spirit visits to him. This creates turmoil in Jayant’s heart. But Madhavi uniquely proves her side.
‘कळकीचे बाळ’ (kalkiche baal) is a story of an infertile woman named Kalki, she badly wants a child and the way she gets a child is horrific to read. The end of the story is very tragic.
‘पावसातला पाहुणा’ depicts a story of a couple who gets an uninvited guest during a stormy and heavy rain. They allowed him to get in, but who is he?
‘शालेचा रास्ता’ is a story of a little girl who is afraid of everything and one day she meets unusual people and thing while going to school. What is the mystery behind this?
‘ती मी आणि तो’ is a story narrated by a man who is reading news of serial killer and at that time, sees a woman sitting alone in the park and there is also a weird looking man. The twist at the end is amazing.
‘निमाची निमा’ is a story of a little girl Nima, who also has a doll named Nima. She was left by her father in the care of his aunt, however, he soon regrets his decision.
‘एक विलक्षण आरसा’ is the story of an actress who has to take care of his handicap sister. Her lover started loving her sister and to teach her lesson she puts a huge mirror in her room. However, the mirror has some mystery.
‘आल्बम’ is a story where the happiness of a family is ruined by a mysterious man.
‘तुमची गोष्ट’ is quite an interesting and spine-chilling story where a man has to suffer the consequences of a well-planned conspiracy.
My perception:
This book is out of the box. The author is a great storyteller and every story is written with utmost care where you can get a reflection of society as well as human nature. Some stories are jaw-dropping and I need to admire the author’s imagination and his amalgamation of mystery, thriller, and horror in one story. I am glad that I have picked this book.
If you love reading horror and thriller then do read this book, you are going to like this.
Summary:
Read more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
This book has 11 stories, each story is brilliant and also give a message to the readers.
The first story ‘खेकड़ा’ (Khekada) depicts the story of a paralyzed girl who looks like a crab and his father feels her as a burden after the death of his wife. However, his soon to be wife hates her and they both decide to get rid of her, but will they succeed?
It is not a horror story, but quite an interesting story. ‘कुणास्तव कुणातरी’ (Kunastav Kunatari) tells the story of a child beggar, Shamu who works for a man called as dada. For collecting more money dada made Shamu sit beside an ailing and abandoned old woman. And Shamu collected money by gaining sympathy from people. This story has various twist and turn.
‘अंतराय’ is a story of a man named Jayant, who has recently lost his wife Madhavi. He is trying very hard to forget her. However, one day one of his close friends start saying that Madhavi’s spirit visits to him. This creates turmoil in Jayant’s heart. But Madhavi uniquely proves her side.
‘कळकीचे बाळ’ (kalkiche baal) is a story of an infertile woman named Kalki, she badly wants a child and the way she gets a child is horrific to read. The end of the story is very tragic.
‘पावसातला पाहुणा’ depicts a story of a couple who gets an uninvited guest during a stormy and heavy rain. They allowed him to get in, but who is he?
‘शालेचा रास्ता’ is a story of a little girl who is afraid of everything and one day she meets unusual people and thing while going to school. What is the mystery behind this?
‘ती मी आणि तो’ is a story narrated by a man who is reading news of serial killer and at that time, sees a woman sitting alone in the park and there is also a weird looking man. The twist at the end is amazing.
‘निमाची निमा’ is a story of a little girl Nima, who also has a doll named Nima. She was left by her father in the care of his aunt, however, he soon regrets his decision.
‘एक विलक्षण आरसा’ is the story of an actress who has to take care of his handicap sister. Her lover started loving her sister and to teach her lesson she puts a huge mirror in her room. However, the mirror has some mystery.
‘आल्बम’ is a story where the happiness of a family is ruined by a mysterious man.
‘तुमची गोष्ट’ is quite an interesting and spine-chilling story where a man has to suffer the consequences of a well-planned conspiracy.
My perception:
This book is out of the box. The author is a great storyteller and every story is written with utmost care where you can get a reflection of society as well as human nature. Some stories are jaw-dropping and I need to admire the author’s imagination and his amalgamation of mystery, thriller, and horror in one story. I am glad that I have picked this book.
If you love reading horror and thriller then do read this book, you are going to like this.
July 20, 2021
Short stories , very unpredictable
Great collection of short stories, each emorning the unique twist. Some are super natural, some are every day stories that can happen to anyone. Especially the last story. Great plot for a play.
Great collection of short stories, each emorning the unique twist. Some are super natural, some are every day stories that can happen to anyone. Especially the last story. Great plot for a play.
January 12, 2016
I do enjoy reading books with off-beat stories and this one was my first encounter with this virtuoso author. This is exceptionally well-written. Even though there is an expected creepiness to the stories, they demand your attention to continue. I would like to encourage anyone who wants to start Marathi quick-goodreads with this book. I already got 2 more books of Mr.Matkari to add to my shelf!
November 11, 2018
Story Nima chi bahuli disturbed me a lot. Rest of the stories are in the typical style of ratnakar matkari
July 26, 2021
Book reviews
Ratnakar Matkari is a prolific Marathi author who has written a lot of mystery books. Each book is unique from the other. Khekda has a collection of 11 short stories. One of the most intriguing stories that I found was Pavsatala Pahuna. Take any mystery book written by Ratnakar Matkari and you won't regret reading them. Each story surprises you with its twisted, horrific end and even when the ghost is not apparent, it makes you feel uneasy as if the ghost is around you. I would not like to read these stories, especially at night.
The author's stories leave an unexplained terror on a reader's mind and transport you to an ancient era where the existence of unseen creatures was non-questionable.
I have read his books like Aik Tole Padtayet, Nijdham and this is his third book I indulged in and I must tell you the book was worthy of everything.
A must-read for sure!
Ratnakar Matkari is a prolific Marathi author who has written a lot of mystery books. Each book is unique from the other. Khekda has a collection of 11 short stories. One of the most intriguing stories that I found was Pavsatala Pahuna. Take any mystery book written by Ratnakar Matkari and you won't regret reading them. Each story surprises you with its twisted, horrific end and even when the ghost is not apparent, it makes you feel uneasy as if the ghost is around you. I would not like to read these stories, especially at night.
The author's stories leave an unexplained terror on a reader's mind and transport you to an ancient era where the existence of unseen creatures was non-questionable.
I have read his books like Aik Tole Padtayet, Nijdham and this is his third book I indulged in and I must tell you the book was worthy of everything.
A must-read for sure!
May 19, 2025
भयकथेसाठी वातावरणनिर्मिती करण्यात मतकरींचा हात कोणीच धरू शकत नाही! एक दोन कथा सोडल्या तर बाकी सर्व कथा मस्त जमून आल्या आहेत. कथा मतकरींची असल्यामुळे शेवट अनपेक्षित होणार हे अपेक्षित असते. तो काय असेल याचा विचार करत उत्कंठा वाढत जाते and he delivers it like he always does!
धारप आणि मतकरी यांच्या मध्ये हा फरक मला कायम जाणवतो की मतकरींसाठी फक्त भयनिर्मिती हा कथेचा उद्देश नसून थराराचा आणि भितीचा मुलामा असलेली ती माणसांची गोष्ट असते. त्यामुळे ती शुष्क वाटत नाही.
धारप आणि मतकरी यांच्या मध्ये हा फरक मला कायम जाणवतो की मतकरींसाठी फक्त भयनिर्मिती हा कथेचा उद्देश नसून थराराचा आणि भितीचा मुलामा असलेली ती माणसांची गोष्ट असते. त्यामुळे ती शुष्क वाटत नाही.
September 22, 2024
Never thought heart wrenching, wicked horror stories could be written without the gory details of killings. Horror doesn't always need ghosts, human life itself is full of horror. Very impressed with some stories.
March 11, 2018
रत्नाकर मतकरींच्या गुढ कथा तुम्हाला एका वेगळ्याच विश्वात घेऊन जातात. हे पुस्तक महाराष्ट्र शासनाचे पारितोषिक मिळालेले पुस्तक आहे. सर्व कथा चांगल्या आहेत. तुम्हाला आवडतील.
September 3, 2018
Such a lovely novel of short stories with unpredictable twists in the end.
July 5, 2019
Most of the stories are off beat and has interesting ending. Always unpredictable. Thank you author for the book.
March 2, 2020
Various shades of horror, psychological thrill, suspense contained in these short stories. A couple of them have shocking end. Stories have ability to disturb the reader.
August 2, 2020
Good stories
Good stories. Some predectable some not. Seems fine for killing time. I started and read just for half HR a day.
Good stories. Some predectable some not. Seems fine for killing time. I started and read just for half HR a day.
Read
November 15, 2020hhj
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
रत्नाकर मतकरींच्या अनेक उत्तम गूढकथांपैकी एक
August 30, 2021
उत्तम, उत्तम आणि उत्तम.
खुपच दर्जेदार लिखाण. एकुण एक गोष्ट आपल्याला बांधुन ठेवते. आपल्या विचारापलीकडील विचार प्रत्येक गोष्टीत मांडले आहेत.
प्रस्तुत पुस्तकात लेखकाने, ११ गोष्टी समाविष्ट केल्या आहेत. पुस्तकातील प्रत्येक गोष्ट आपल्याला खोल विचार करायला लावते, आणि नेहमीसाठी लक्षात राहते. प्रत्येक गोष्टीच्या शेवटी, गोष्टीचं नाव किती बरोबर योग्य आणि समरस आहे ह्याची खात्रीपटते.
नक्की वाचण्यायोग्य पुस्तक. वाचा आणि वरील अभिप्राय किती प्रमाणात पटला, ते कळवा.
वाचाल तर वाचाल.
खुपच दर्जेदार लिखाण. एकुण एक गोष्ट आपल्याला बांधुन ठेवते. आपल्या विचारापलीकडील विचार प्रत्येक गोष्टीत मांडले आहेत.
प्रस्तुत पुस्तकात लेखकाने, ११ गोष्टी समाविष्ट केल्या आहेत. पुस्तकातील प्रत्येक गोष्ट आपल्याला खोल विचार करायला लावते, आणि नेहमीसाठी लक्षात राहते. प्रत्येक गोष्टीच्या शेवटी, गोष्टीचं नाव किती बरोबर योग्य आणि समरस आहे ह्याची खात्रीपटते.
नक्की वाचण्यायोग्य पुस्तक. वाचा आणि वरील अभिप्राय किती प्रमाणात पटला, ते कळवा.
वाचाल तर वाचाल.
March 5, 2022
ठीक ठाक वाटलं पुस्तक लेखन
काही गोष्टी छान होत्या काही बऱ्या होत्या
काही गोष्टी छान होत्या काही बऱ्या होत्या
October 14, 2022
रहस्य उलगडले तरीही मतकरी जे कुतूहल विणतात ते खूप भारी वाटत वाचताना. पावसातील पाहून पुन्हा पुन्हा वाचावा असा!
September 4, 2024
Average read. Not expected boring read from such hyped book.
December 22, 2016
A book to read in one day, full of creepy and weird stories.
December 2, 2025
नारायण धारप यांच्यानंतर कोणी मराठी माणसाला गूढ-कथा विश्वात ओढून घेऊन गेले असतील, तर ते म्हणजे मतकरी. असे सिद्धहस्त लिखाण वाचणे म्हणजे एक मौज असते. भर दुपारी सुद्धा भीतीने अंगावर काटा आणणाऱ्या कथांचा संग्रह म्हणजे ‘खेकडा’.
January 7, 2020
A must-read compilation of Marathi short thriller stories.
December 5, 2017
Gripping stories indeed. These short stories will induce fear in reader. They( stories) are not away from realities most of the times and thats what make them spacial. Stories are not meant to please reader as they have tinge of sadness and melancholia to it. Ratnakar Matakari is real master of this genre. Will surely be exploring more of him.
April 10, 2019
Wonderful collection of stories! Good read.
For first story "Khekada" - meaning "Crab" , ending could be interesting with,
she see all over crabs in girl's room and gets panicked, falls from stairs railing to ground before girl's father. Guy rushed her to hospital to find she got crippled for life.
For first story "Khekada" - meaning "Crab" , ending could be interesting with,
she see all over crabs in girl's room and gets panicked, falls from stairs railing to ground before girl's father. Guy rushed her to hospital to find she got crippled for life.
June 16, 2017
Best book for those who likes short stories
One of the most engaging stories collection ever read. Most stories plays with you mind. You will become the character in story. Many haunted stories without any ghost.
One of the most engaging stories collection ever read. Most stories plays with you mind. You will become the character in story. Many haunted stories without any ghost.
Read
July 5, 2013good
July 4, 2014
I WANT TO READ THIS BOOK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 17, 2014ukkuu
December 14, 2025
The fear of unknown, the mystery behind the known...is a theme of all stories in this book, notable stories are Khekda,Antarai & Pavsatla pahuna
February 21, 2018
Only few stories are worth reading..
Compared to other books this book was average mystery thriller. Plot of stories that Matkari sir create is enthralling. Super awesome!
Compared to other books this book was average mystery thriller. Plot of stories that Matkari sir create is enthralling. Super awesome!
August 4, 2020
Simply wow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews