Aynamahal by Suchitra Bhattacharya [Hardcover]

He is a renowned artist. He is an intense seeker of life. He is Divyajyoti Singh. He had married Pritha. That marriage has since broken down. Yet, within this separation, a trace of the bond hangs like a fine thread. Divyajyoti has had sexual relations with multiple women, both relatives and non-relatives, including the maid of the house. From these women, both love and hatred fall upon him simultaneously. But he remains strangely detached. He does not wish to be bound by any connection, not even the ties of parenthood. Divyajyoti only wants to indulge in life. Having lost his father in childhood, his mother remains his only familial bond. However, neither he nor his mother is financially dependent on anyone. At the peak of his fame, when he was shining brightly, Divyajyoti left his job and, near Howrah, built the 'Subarnalata' institution on a large piece of land in his grandmother’s name. He entrusted the responsibility of this institution to the caretaker Kalpana and her husband Sukhen, who, one day, he had ruthlessly used for his own needs. The 'Subarnalata' began its journey by teaching poor girls handicrafts and selling their artworks both domestically and internationally. This institution became the dream and aspiration of Divyajyoti. A man who had been able to disregard all relationships became deeply involved in this dream and aspiration. But suddenly, Divyajyoti, the lover of life, is struck by a cerebral attack and falls into the cycle of disability. His dream-seeking starry path starts to fade. In a desperate attempt, he seeks to return to life, searching for Pritha. But then what? In Suchitra Bhattacharya's pen, a profound reflection on life, 'Aynmahal'.