Fiction With A Tinge Of Reality

by Shivangi Mandhiyan

The short stories are a cocktail of human errors, hardihood & belief. Every story is inspired by the choices and compromises made by humans across generations. The theme revolves around layered preferences, defective taboos, leisurely misery, unrealistic boundaries, certain impermanence, deglobalisation & more. The ultimate goal of mankind is to be happy, the book insists you do not settle for anything less than that.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2021

Reviews

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that will make you think about making decisions.

Yes, a cocktail of hopes and errors, this book will teach you to not settle for anything less than you deserve. It will teach you to fight for the right thing, will teach you to never lose hope, to never give up and most importantly to respect every relationship in your life.

I loved how each story has something to teach. From an intriguing plot and engaging narration, each story conveys an important message. The way the author shared the learnings from each story at the end is commendable.

The stories that the author shared must have been part of our lives or we must have all witnessed them in some way. Each of them is relatable and up to the point.

All the stories are smooth-paced with simple language and a gripping writing style. I loved how the author beautifully expressed the emotions. Unrealistic Boundaries, Leisurely Misery, no more birthday cakes are my favourite stories. Not to forget Love always, mom was my favourite part of the book.

Not to forget the interesting title and cover.
A simple, light and intriguing book that you must pick up.

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think its an established fact now that I love to read short stories hence when I came across this book, I instantaneously picked it up. But one thing that needs to be mentioned is that short stories are a tricky thing to write as the writer has to attract the attention of the reader and then complete the plot in lesser pages than a full-fledged novel. Fiction With A Tinge of Reality consists of several short stories, each aiming at delivering a message to the reader. All the stories are indeed relatable at some level or the other but what I liked the most was the honesty with which they have been portrayed. The language is simple hence making it perfect for readers from all spectrums and the deep level of understanding of emotions that are evident through the stories is something that should be appreciated as well. Truly an exciting read.

[bangalimeyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories. The book consists of a collection of pieces based on different perspectives of life which makes it even more interesting to read. The author has nicely used the different ideas through these pieces that each leaves an impact on the heart and mind of the readers. Thus each one is interesting and nice in its own way.
The simple words are easily relatable to the readers' mind. It captured the essence of being happy and keeping oneself positive through out the different situations in one's own life. It's a beautiful reflection of reality and human life.
Its a well paced book. I loved the narration of the book. It's a tiny book, I finished it in one sitting only and I believe it's perfect for any new and young reader, even.
The language used is pretty simple and easy making it a comfortable read.

[Isha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read this book in the pride month, I'm especially thankful for starting it off with a super realistic lgbtqia+ story. It was very Impactful to say the least.
I read one story per day as a bed time story routine along with my baby sibs & each story was so different from the first that it was impossible to expect what to expect from the book beside the moral of the story at the end.
It would be a lie if I say I could connect and relate to all the tales but some of them gonna stay with me for a really really long time. E.g 'No more Birthday Cakes' as one of my cousin wept at one point of the story because it resonated with her life so much. I haven't seen him cry ever so it came as a surprise to me & I didn't know how to handle it. But after a while he talked it out and that night was when we bonded the most ever. So thankful to this book for giving me that memory.
Even when its far from perfect book & nothing out of ordinary it was one precious Memorable journey for me.

Even the diary entries were well paced and placed.
Beginners should definitely give this book a try.

[Danish Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction with the Tinge of reality is a book that has story on each of the topic that arises in society which is too sensitive.
One topic among such is the mentality and the pain of a child whose parents have been separated.
It is often advised to the children to stay strong and to forgive their parents but but is it so easy to accept the change at such a tender age?
The author here has explained so well how a child feels when the most trustable persons of its life gets separated leaving the child ignored and lonely.
The thoughts of the kids is beautifully penned.
Even though the story doesn't make the readers smile but it surely conveys the message that children need love and care and Diverse not only affects a couple but it affects the little ones more than anyone.
I highly recommend this book to all my friends This is worth reading.

[Debabrata Mishra]

This is a book is a collection of short stories where you can find the day to day happenings of everyone in a fictional manner
.
Here some stories about LGBTQ child trauma confusion , taking wrong decision etc.
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There are many a times a situation arises in front of us in life where we can't decide what is right or what is wrong . Here author tried to point to the errors in choices.
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👉Cover is intelligently designed in a very unique punchy colour along with a nice title.
👉 Writing style is nice crisp where author is focusing on the ground zero reality of human life in a fictional manner.
👉 Narration is wonderful too crisp lucid & very much connecting.

[Motivationaldailythoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of amazing fictional short stories which are relatable to everyone's incidents of day to day life .

The cover of the book is aptly designed and the title of the book is totally relevant. The plot of each story is different from each other and talks about LGBTQ child trauma confusion , taking wrong decision etc.At the end of each story the moral of that story is given which is very helpful.

Language used is raw yet understandable. The writing style is flowing and crisp.Narration is amazing and connecting.The flow of every story is well paced which makes it an engaging read.

Overall, a thought provoking read

[Readingunderthesky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction with a Tinge of Reality is an exquisitely written book. The author of the book has taken up unconventional subjects of the society, and portrayed them in a beautiful manner. This book is a collection of short stories that revolve around unconventional themes like, socially constructed taboos, love, insecurities, responsibilities and much more.
It's very different from our usual story books. The author has taken up one unacceptable concept at a time and demystified it for us. I really liked the narration of the stories and how they have been set up in a real world, not giving us a fairytale scenario. The characters are fictional for sure, but the stories are very real, hence the book is titled appropriately.
This book is an example of how we should try and make literature more relatable and real, how we need more representation of the subjects deemed unconventional by US.
The stories are short and it doesn't take up much time to read one. The moral at the end of the story, feels like a real talk with the author. It teaches us to be more of ourselves and less of others.
I really enjoyed reading this book. And I would recommend it to everyone around me who is interested in reading reality presented in the form of fiction.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've seen many short stories but this one's not just a random pick and put kind. It talks of relationships, impermanence, deglobalisation and many more. But on top of all that, this book also tells you a story through these collections— never settle for anything less than your contentment. Happiness is the ultimate goal and the key within. Highly recommended to lovers of shortstories that gives you a hangover.

[Girish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine book with short morals stories.

You must have read many moral stories, yes? This book os the collection of the same but the stories that we can actaully relate with ourselves, not some random metaphor-filled stories. Each story will grap your attention and won't let you leave it in the middle. The curiousity of what's gonna happen next will never allow you to put this book down.
I can't pick any one story as a favourite coz I didn't love any story, rather loved the morals they teach!
Must read!

[Nidhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had surprises at every corner and none were predictable. Author's writing style draws you into this world and makes you believe. But mostly I loved the idea of this book.

The concept of the book is good. Language is easy and perfect for beginners! Looking forward to reading more books from the author!!

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming read. I can't express how much I adored the "letter from mom". And the story of the refugee girl was so heartbreaking. By the time I finished the book I was literally in tears.
I loved reading this book and I definitely recommend it to everyone.

[Lokeshna Bulani]

The first reason I picked up this book was its cover and the title. Both are really soothing and look super cute on my shelf. This is an anthology of short stories which cover many different notions of life and beyond. Although I wish the writing style was better and the book had more stories.

[Devanshi (ambivert_reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every human wishes to be happy. They try to find happiness in different things and through different ways. The book also tells us how people try various things to find happiness. It is a compilation of different stories with twists and turns and a roller coaster ride. Overall it is a beautiful read.

[Amrutha]

" Fiction with a tinge of real ". This is the book which contain many short stories with moral lessons. Till end of each story we can be in another world .There are different theme which projects the physical, mental & social problems facing in our life. There are so many sacrificing situation in family and society without considering the feelings .Adjustment in life kills our peace and we will turn ourself into another, So live for ourself harmoniously. Having feelings for same gender is new normal. In any relationship respect and responsibility to each other persist.
> “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.” these are the lines from "Defective taboo" it touched my heart deeply.
> "Different people face different levels of difficulty to arrive at the same point" this line shows the potential of people,we should know our abilities and weakness and work for it .
> "Nobody is a substitute for anybody! It has an awesome meaning, nobody can replaced by other, each person is different to everyone.
We have only one life, so we must live for our own with happiness and peace. Open up your mind, feelings, thought & character. There are some people who accept with your weakness. Be yourself and happy

I love each and every story. The narration of story is awesome. The language used by auother is simple & catching.

[a.readers.corner]

collection of short stories. perfect choice if you are looking for a light and refreshing read

[Oindrila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book few days back , contains a beautiful collection of short stories .
Each stories are unique from other .
The book was quite impressive .
Highly recommended

[Anindita Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever given a thought that your existence might be compromised? You are made to exist on a special situation which is mostly bad only because of a pressure created by everyone surrounding around you? Well, then it's high time and you need to come out of that especially of all the small talk and disrespect that you are meant to face on a daily basis added to that sexual abuses in the forms of marital rape. I am not surmonising here but this is an honest truth and may be the most hard hitting fact that our energies get wasted when we stressfully reduce ourselves only to fit someone's else's desires, wants, choices motives and what not. We become puppets. This book also is here to not surmonise you but to change you to realise the value of coming out and to realise the true light and potential within you. This book, as is already presumed from the title presents certain situations taken from the real world into the fictional world which gives us certain morals. Also, do you remember when we were children we used to read the red book, green book, yellow book which held moralistic tales for us? Well, this book also holds similarities to that book as well. After you finish reading this book, you just like me will come to the conclusion that it is Reality with a tinge to fiction that is realities of various fictional characters have been brought into the two folds of this book. We all know characters like Zain, Haima, Yug, the journalist man, Ahar, Leher and Jadira who are made to suffer by societal taboos that try to choke them of their living, breathing and free existences. A Zain needs a Stuart, a Jadira needs an Yug rather they both need each other, a Haima wants to be unbound from the shackles of an impulsive Kabal, and Leher needs a Nadhir to make her realise that she is more than just what her mother in law and her husband wants her to be. She has to right to be a queen. The journalist boy holds the hands of a Nitara who pulls her out from the trauma of a childhood abuse, a molestation, he successfully breaks free with the faith of love but on the other hand Zain gets compromised but becomes satisfied seeing his son grow an independent man. Now think, can't you be the Nitara, Nadhir, Jadira, Yug and Stuart for a Zain, Haima, Ahar and leher? Also, one needs to be a Feenel for a Ahar so that mental health taboos are forever earesed from a family 's generations through support and a strong shoulder and suggesting to see a psychologist. Also, don't be a substitute for a person who gets heartbroken and dejected in love. Be empathetic to them rather than being a suggestion giver for change sympathizing their sadness and mental cause in the toughest phase of their lives and pull them more into the depths of depression. Therefore, read these book of moral stories where the author also successfully has pointed out how to change a society's view of intercast love and marriages because one one cast is superior and her plea is not to be a communal. This book also has a series of journal entries championing the cause of the refugees.

[Tarun Sen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Name -: Fiction With A Tinge Of Reality
Writer -: Shivangi Mandhiyan
Genre - Fiction :-)

Short Summary - The book is a collection of different stories related to different events of our life. The book shows how we humans have always kept ourselves bounded because of our society or because we feared from our surroundings. The book talks about a lot of topic like about homosexuality, about violence, about relationship, about love, religion and many other things which we as a human has always tried to avoid. The book has tried to showcase reality of our life in a way that we had always somewhere tried to speak about. This is more that just a fictional story book. It has something a lot more than that.

Things I Liked -:

1. The Stories - I truly loved every story. Every story has something to tell something to show which made me feel connected with it throughout when i read it. It shows the reality in a way that made me sad and emotional at the same time. It compelled me to think for a minute about our life(reality) & the society in which we live in.

2. The format in which the book is presented is really beautiful. I really loved the style that the author has written last chapters of the book in a journal format which i truly loved the way of the author. It made my reading time with the book more beautiful.

3. Language and narration used in the book is really simple and fluid. I never felt confused or got bored in the middle. In fact because of the simple narration i could feel every moment of the book and because of it i found myself connected with the plot of every story. New readers with also found this really easy to understand and to read.

Things I didn't like -:

1. The author had tried to keep it as close as possible to reality but at many moments the book felt like a overboard collection of mixed genre.

My opinion -: I truly loved and enjoyed the book. The stories has many thing to show us about our reality and each story hides a lesson for us. And also author has tried to show those things in a practical way which i really liked. I definitely recommend this.

Rating -: 4.5/5 🌟

[Neelam Mungekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Fiction with a Tinge of Reality’ by Shivangi Mandhiyan is a collection of short stories. As the title of the book suggests these stories are fictional but the gist of the stories revolve around the problems that some or most of us must have experienced in our real life. The stories revolve around various topics such as child trauma, LGBTQIA, domestic violence, etc. We normally think too much about others than thinking about ourselves, we never think that sometimes the people who belong to us and put all our trust into can also be deceive us. There’s only one thing that we all must put first before everything and that is ourselves. Ultimately, nobody is going to be there for you and we must do what is going to be beneficial for us not for the society or out of fear for people would think. 
I loved every story in here as each of them gives us a life lesson which will make us question about what we have been doing so far, for whom are we doing them and what is it that we should or will truly be beneficial for us. 
What I loved about these short stories:
• The plot for each story is intriguing and also an eye opener for the readers. Loved the writing style of the author. The narration is engaging and will surely make the readers curious to know what the characters will do next or how the story will move ahead.
• The characters are well developed and realistic. Even though it is a collection of short stories the author has made the sure that each character is alive and talks to us and make sure that we don’t do the same mistake or do things that they have done. Each character will teach us something and also make us question things on what would we do.
• I also liked the diary & letter and how they give shows us how a person actually thinks and feels and how it gives a personal touch to the whole story.
Overall, I really loved this collection of short stories and would surely recommend it to all.

[Aparajita Majumdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction with a tinge of reality. This is a perfect title for the book.
The book consists of some short fictional stories which shows the readers different perspectives or aspects of our lives. Our society is what we fear the most. In the name of religion, love, lust we all hide some things which matter the most.
The author had thought a very beautiful and practical way to put these vast ideas in such a small book. Each and every story is based on one social taboo. There's stories about domestic violence, homosexuality, failed relationships, religious barriers, molestation and many other things which need to be spoken loudly.
We must remember that we create the society, the society does not create us. We make the rules, society doesn't. So if we find something comfortable for us, we shouldn't let that go. We can love anyone we want. We can break a relationship if we aren't happy anytime we want. At the end of the day we just shouldn't take ourselves as granted.

The realistic messages of this book is very very well written. The language is very easy to understand and since it's a short book it won't take much time to finish. I personally loved the idea and concept behind the book. I appreciate the author for this creative thinking.
I loved each and every story but I loved the story of Yug and Jadira, 'Unrealistic Boundaries' a little bit more. There's a line in that story which goes, " people can be laying next to each other on the bed and feel distant, while there are some who are oceans apart and just as close". It hit. ❤️

[Varsha Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like a good teacher, a good book not only gives you valuable insights into life and imparts knowledge but also gives you time and choice to use the knowledge in any situation. And if things go wrong, you look inside and take charge of your own actions. And I can say this is so true with this book 'Fiction with a tinge of reality ' sharing some of the valuable lessons I learn from this book.

1.) All the people whose judgments and feelings could be hurt with your landscape of gender preferences are not going to be around forever. All that remains is you! Please respect the natural preference of your body.
2.) Any form of relationship between friends or partners should be equal.
3.) There are only two ways to classify anything in this world, it’s either right or wrong, there is no middle ground to it. The right thing will always be more difficult to do but it’s always the best thing to do.
4.) “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
5.) Nobody is a substitute for anybody!
6.)There is a basic fundamental respect that we should give to everybody in this world- ranging from our servants to our bosses.
7.) Everybody has personality traits: some dominant, some gullible, some stern, some easy-going. Do these pop-up overnight? Of course not. It’s a result of many years. We are a result of many situations that have molded us.

[Sayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction with A Tinge Of Reality, tells us stories of common people we have often meet or lived with but never have taken the time to discover who in reality they are, their potential and thoughts. I felt that this book narrates us true accounts of people within a fictional coating. Beautiful stories potraying how the ones who is apparently close to us sometimes in reality maybe immensely harmful for us, how what we see and perceive of a person is not always true but one of the layers of their personality ,they want us to know about the reality of that person maybe very deep. The first part contains Ten short stories written in very simple and easy language concealing deeper meanings and life lessons which is beautiful to read. End of each story the author tells us about the moral of the story which I found very heartfelt. In the second part of the book there is part namely 'A Dairy and A Letter'. In a dairy there is a story narrated to us in the form of dairy entries which is so realistic and pleasing and lastly there was this heart warming and comforting letter from a mother to her daughter. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves to read short stories with 'a tinge Of reality'.

[Ishani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction with a tinge of reality is a book which gives you the perspective you were thriving for. It quenches our quest for validation and the optimum need for approval. This book is a check which notifies us in the most sublime tone that happiness is the ultimatum to success, the prime reason for survival and nothing can be more important than being at peace with yourself.

A collection of short stories from various walks of human life, this is a mixture or a 'cocktail' of human errors and emotions, beliefs and choices. To survive in this world, we often need to reach an impasse with ourselves, to go beyond a certain boundary or to compromise with something or someone. This book suffices stories from arenas such as misery, unrealistic boundaries and many more. There's so much we can learn from every story inscribed beautifully.

Coming to the structural representation, this book is a effective compilation. The language is easy and warm which connects to readers on a personal level. The emotions were well-portrayed and most of all, extremely realistic. The relativity of the book was striking anonymously. I enjoyed reading this book as a leisure. Absolutely adored the minute characterisations and swift storytelling. Should give this a read once!

[Jeel Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories. Fiction with a Tinge of Reality is a collection of short fictional stories with a little bit of crisp and this crisp is that the stories will bring moments and experience from our daily life.
The book consists of a collection of pieces based on different perspectives of life which makes it even more interesting to read. This book put out stories based on horrors, fairs, love, religion, lust etc. The author has nicely used the different ideas through these pieces that each leaves an impact on the heart and mind of the readers.

Every single story is interesting in its own way and will teach a lot about life that how we ignore a lot of moments that has to be a lot of meaningful to us. Thus each one is interesting and nice in its own way. The main idea behind all these stories was that no matter what, we must do the things that makes us happy and will bring joy in our life rather than being scared that what others will think. The simple words are easily relatable to the readers' mind.

Moreover, stories get interesting when we read further. It captured the essence of being happy and keeping oneself positive through out the different situations in one's own life.Its a well paced book.I loved the narration of the book.

[Jackulin Peraira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction with a tinge of reality
Right from the prologue it made quite an impression and i knew i was in for a ride.
I cannot resist reading short stories collection and this one didn't disappoint.
The theme revolves around layered preferences, defective taboos, leisurely misery, unrealistic boundaries, certain impermanence, deglobalisation & more
Shivangi Mandhiyan's book, is a refreshingly honest and fascinating insight of various events people go through in their lives. The theme revolves around layered preferences, defective taboos, leisurely misery, unrealistic boundaries, certain impermanence, deglobalisation & more
Each chapter provides a wonderful coverage of a person's thinking, their actions, its impact in life. I genuinely appreciate the tone of writing, i am new to this genre still i found the writing and language quite approchable
I'm truly surprised at how much i thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was engrossed the whole time and even teared up at some parts of story!💛
Honestly i feel the author is beautifully eloquent and her words are bewitching.


I felt each of theirs emotions be it heartbreak, triumph, jealousy, joy!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 /𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲.
Go read it guys!

[Ankita Khataniar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful collection of stories

Fiction With A Tinge of Reality should have been called fiction with a bucketful of reality because each story in this collection is the story of someone in the real world. Some of the events have played out exactly as portrayed in the lives of people I know. The collection is as diverse as are people in a population. What makes these tales so engrossing is that they show us the insider version of the circumstances that culture and community demand be kept hidden. The fact that none of the stories has any typical ending shows that they exist right now and among us in a reality, where is no suitable ending for anything.
Added to each story are para-long morals. They summarise the takeaway of each story and nudge us in the right direction. They are useful in interpreting our life lessons. One major recurring sentiment of each tale, no matter the story, is the hidden double standards; whether of the society or parents or grandparents. This is the true face of our society.

I believe this book deserves a read by everyone, no matter what type of reader one is. Very precise and comprehensive, the collection highlights all that is good and bad within our world currently. Recommended with gusto!

[Mishhita Sindhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it takes a line to brief you about life and situations, and sometimes books make it more complicated;
I feel somewhere writers have a perspective that makes them build up the story and it helps in knowing them better, and this book oozes out great philosophical context, I love the way it is a whole bunch of short incidents framing a life and reflecting things from it. I adore a monologue the most, and so much so that I cannot stop myself from sharing it with you.

¨Think about Person A sitting alone and eating at a restaurant, now think about Person B who is sitting at a restaurant with Person C and still feeling empty, now think who is more alone? It’s a destructive feeling to have a partner and still feel lonely. A part of you begins to question if something is wrong with yourself. Unfortunate are those who spend their nights sinking on the inside, while their partner is snoring away next to them. It’s far less painful to sit alone and feel alone than sit with somebody and still feel
alone. It’s pointless to cry over spilt milk, just have the maturity to give your partner the time and respect they deserve while they are still around.¨

[Shivaraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction with a tinge of reality.

I really adore this book. The author has beautifully blended reality and fiction combined with a lot of emotions. The book basically has fictional short stories which has the potential to reflect the aspects of lives. As the book description mentions, the short stories consists of social taboos such as real life relationships, human sexuality and gender bias etc, these issues are reality and need to be addressed in this society. The author has uniquely blended in form of fiction, which is beautiful. Each story at its end has a teaching/ moral for us. In the second part of the book, it has a section named ' A diary and a letter' where there are realistic stories in the form of diary entries. 

Basically this book shows the mirror of reality as we live in a fictional world. I really loved the way how the author has addressed social taboos in form of short stories and also with a learning at the end. The author has kept the language at minimal and easy to understand. I have learnt a lot of emotions from this book and I highly recommend to give it a try.

[Amina Thajudeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction With A Tinge of Reality by Shivangi Mandhiyan is a collection of short stories with varying themes. Resonating with the title, their stories are fiction with an element of reality. Each story represents important aspects of human life. Whether it is relationships, love, homosexuality, molestation etc, they all have a place here. Often the story ends in bittersweet moments and the author explains the moral of the story afterwards. The author wants to shed light on these uncommon subjects and convey a valuable message to the world. In this sense, these are more like a parable than a short story.

Because of this, the stories and characters lack emotional depth. The storyline is plane. This is enough to represent an issue and convey a message.

Every story is independent and about individual issues. But there is also an intricate element that is present in every story. They all tell about the social construct which destroys our life. Society has outgrown. We have to suffocate and suppress ourselves to be in line with societal standards. But the freedom begins from self-liberation. All stories talk about varying degrees of this idea.