Mr.Karthak is indeed a prolific writer and he is at his best when it comes to writing about what is closest to his heart- DARJEELING. Darjeeling.. Dorjeyling and for some of us- Darj, has been one place filled with fond memories- be it happiness or sorrow, the day to day struggle for the basic amenities.And yes the ever so warm social atmosphere that Darjeeling holds is not to be found elsewhere... The novel in mention is worth a read-tracing the history of this beautiful place it meanders into a beautiful story.The author so vividly portrays each and every nook and corner of the Queen of the Hills. The characters are' us 'and we are 'them'.For me,the Protagonist of the novel is Priya.The story 'is' her and her act of forgiveness is heroic. The rest of the characters are life like.. i get a feeling of having bumped into such people while walking through chowrasta, or while strolling in the mall,or even while walking through the busy streets of chowk bazaar and making our way to the taxi stand. The girls College that is in mention is closer to my heart and i was able to identify myself with Priya in a lot of ways.I must say that i got to live with the nun in mention and she was one strong woman! Priya says " everybody's leaving"-didn't it strike a chord somwhere?...I don't know about youl but i felt a pang of guilt.....