‘Only When It Rained’ is the second book by Narendra Chauhan that I have read. The earlier book ‘Rays from the Eclipsed Sun’ was totally different in appeal. Between the two, I preferred ‘Only When it Rained’. Maybe because the story is uncluttered, it simply traces a few individuals’ intertwined lives. The characters are more authentic; they have their morals, ethics, perceptions and somewhat predictable reactions to the situations. They are passionate with strong beliefs fueled by desire- ambitions, and associated flaws.
Akshaye is the lead protagonist. Too good a character for my liking. Spotless, unblameable, dedicated, Smart and ambitious but with hardly any chink in his armour. He is rising fast in Hull & Chrom, a multinational pharmaceutical company. He is ambitious, persistent and with loads of self-drive. Anita is his wife, and the story of their courtship- marriage and becoming parents is all in the sub-plot.
Additionally, a corrupt pharmaceutical manager is willing to risk things. Living a lifestyle that needs a regular infusion of cash to sustain. There is much emotional and physical infidelity along with the associated guilt. And on top realisations happening too late in the life.
There is a successful drug Decidokinase introduced by Hull and Chrome. Everything is fine- till the after-effects of the drug are realised. The company must find a way to solve the issue and save the drug.
It is a mocktail of sub-plots and side characters. The first part of this very thick book is racy and hugely engaging. For some mundane reason, Narendra Chauhan seems to lose the flow in the later part, and it becomes somewhat of a drag. However, the interest generated in the first part of the story pushes you to complete the book.
So, here it is. A very long novel by my standard of liking. Pacey, in most parts, engaging most of the time and interesting- maybe because there are not many with Pharmaceutical backgrounds.
So, pick at your own risk this novel that nicely mixes love, romance, infidelity, corruption, ambition, fatherhood and everything. So what if it may not be the perfect recipe and balance? It is a different taste for sure.
OK- here is what I will say. I can’t pinpoint if ‘When it Rained’ is an honest recommendation to read or not. But, one thing for sure, I will still give the next book of Narendra Chauhan a try.
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