Half-Time: A Novel/ Kezhakielie Whiso

“Jack, that is not even the point! How can they get me engaged to someone I barely know without my consent? I am an adult, a grown-up. I can decide on my life-partner," Aashi said, with finality in her voice. “And I have decided who that is going to be…"

Young, naïve, Zakie lands a job at the National Oil & Gas Corporation of India, a dream placement for many, and falls in love with the petite, bubbly Aashi, a girl from Delhi. Amidst threats from Aashi’s family and jealous batchmates, who are against their ‘inter-caste’ relationship, Jack, as everyone calls Zakie now, decides to propose Aashi at the end of their training. When they are sent to Gujarat, Jack faces a double tragedy. Aashi’s parents, unbeknownst to her, has got her engaged to a stranger. And almost at the same time Jack’s beloved grandmother passes away. Jack finds comfort in Aashi’s arms and is temporarily reassured that all is well with them. But on their way back to Dehradun to complete their probation, Aashi disappears. Jack wonders if he was living a nightmare; and if he would ever see Aashi again…