Babui by Smaranjit Chakrabarty [Hardcover]

Saryu has returned to Kolkata after many years. And upon her return, she sees how the city and its people have changed in her absence. The woman she once loved, Labonya, is now married with children. Living in the same house is Labonya's cousin, Lajni, who is struggling to rise above the shadows of her past and present. There is Ilakshi, who aspires to be a heroine. She doesn't hesitate to use people to fulfill her dreams, but unknowingly becomes used herself. Then there's Ilakshi's lover, Naman, with his helpless love and ideals. 

Parallel to all of this is Ritesh, who swims in the murky waters of politics. His reckless lifestyle gradually pushes him into danger. And in this whirlwind, Saryu, Lajni, Ilakshi, and Naman find themselves entangled, unknowingly. 

Beyond all this, there is a weaverbird. While telling the story of building its nest, it narrates the tale of a human contemporary. Amid the complex intertwining of affection, jealousy, anger, hatred, fear, and love, the thread of love still flows, subtly, through hidden paths. Deep inside the weaverbird's nest lies comfort, and even at the center of human complexity, there is a search for the same shelter, whose name is love.