This romantic novel deals with a true-life dilemma faced by an Indian boy and a girl who have been in love with each other since childhood. Their lives' complexities deal with historical, cultural, traditional, and family circumstances while growing up in an urban environment in India. It illustrates natural instincts that bloom into pristine love unintentionally, showing that love is as natural as an innocent bud blooming into a flower. Life does not handle love gently and presents several challenges. The day-to-day problems and concerns make it hard to make decisions. As the girl matures, restrictions related to customs, seclusion, and traditions provide a veiled threat to the survival of their romance. The struggles are explicitly explained with unusual family circumstances showing life in India. Arranged marriages, traditional requirements, and customs come into picture at every juncture. In spite of all restrictions, love has the strength to withstand adverse circumstances and devises its course like a river flowing between rocks. The way the two communicate-being segregated while living close to each other-shows the latent power of love. But the ensuing stress, unexpected challenges, and unforeseen circumstances make life difficult for both lovers to an unbearable extent. The struggle of the young boy to balance love and tough financial circumstances, along with his desire to study in the United States, are presented in extraordinary details. Life of the student coming to the United States during earlier days and surviving amid emotional challenges faced so far away from home are described showing all painful circumstances. The desire to fulfill a lifelong dream presents unique insurmountable problems for both lovers. The emotional sacrifices made by both are tremendous and exemplary. Finally, life takes its own turns and decides on its own terms. | My Caged Parakeet by M A Khan, Paperback | Indigo Chapters