Aadadi by Tamirisa Janaki

In this collection of Telugu short stories titled " Aadadi" by Tamirisa Janaki, there are totally 29 stories that are diverse, that touch and teach in a subtle way, that are entertaining yet are not preachy in tone. They move across times and experiences to arrive at some logical conclusion as per the writer's belief and vision. They may not leave the reader in wonder and awe but are absorbing in plot line.

Almost all the stories talk about the human conditions more in relevance to women. They meander through many colours -bright sometimes, dark sometimes, drab sometimes - because life is not a monochrome picture.

Janaki Tamirisa, who is a veteran writer with a large repertoire seems to have a penchant to create relatable tropes and expressions in her creative narratives.

Janaki's voice as the writer remains in the background in few stories and comes out to the fore in few - a sign of creativity in story writing. Though the book seems to be divided by different themes there is a common thread running through all of them- the subterranean thoughts about human relations, peace, goodness, hope etc.

There are interesting contrasts, interesting similarities, familial bonds and common notions alongside the predicaments, the difficulties, the impossibilities of average lives in her stories.

The story 'Aadadi' is woven around three generations - 'Ganga' as the protagonist handles various difficult situations where gender discrimination puts restrictions on her while growing up as a young woman and later as a grown woman faces insult and abuse meted out by her own son- but the story ends on a positive note when her daughter in law realizes her goodness and stops her from leaving the house. The important role of a story is to show a silver lining - or else the pervading darkness can be daunting and can leave a pessimistic outlook in the minds of the readers, which may be juxtaposed to the social responsibility of a writer.

'Anukonnadokati Aiyinadi' okati- is a fine story - a slap on the face of arrogant males who believe that any woman would be willing to fall into their lap - Chakravarthy is one such misogynistic and arrogant man who gets a strong lesson from Neeraja, a strong willed woman. Very important message is conveyed to the fair sex that it is important to stand up and face situations on their own terms. No man can encroach upon her choice and integrity.

'Vanamala' is a story of a woman who has not-so-good an opinion about present day men and towing her line in his beliefs that women of present day are not good enough is Bhanuchandra - how these two staunch believersof the idea of remaining single for life get into wedlock with each other forms the story. The story conveys that one need not have such negative and strong preconceived notions about anything.

'Bandhaalu - Anubandhaalu' is a story highlighting a rift that takes place between two brothers because of outside negative influence of some people and how it can impact their relationship. But the good part of the story is that the younger brother realizes his mistake and reconnects again to the strong sibling bond with his brother. The story shows how fragile human relations can be if the inner strength and conviction are lacking.

There are many other stories that deserve a special mention with their good story line and finetreatment - " Sivangi", " Venunaadam', 'Rendu Mohaalu', 'Perati Chettu' etc..

There will always a lasting importance to stories such as these that emotionally and intellectually stimulate and stoke. They meaningfully invoke larger understanding and perspectives. An enjoyable fare by Tamirisa Janaki.