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Chapter 13 of "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab reveals new equations, ups and downs as the story unfolds further. Suhail's angst and Rashida's thought provoking conversations are part of everyday lives of all of us even today. Oblivious father, worried mother, concerned sibling are a constant in an ever changing Indian middle class society, no matter what the religion may be. Do listen..

And one by one, the leaves of the Banyan tree start drying up, dreams start dying- Rashida, the protagonist, shelves her plans to become a journalist, Ammi's desire to see Rashida married remains unfulfilled, loneliness permeates the house quietly.... Chapter 12 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham paints a very real picture of a struggling middle class family- struggling within and with the society...Do listen ‎

While today's experience of reading Chapter 11 of 'Sukha Bargad' was almost like being a fly on the wall of any middle class educated, progressive family home, arguing among themselves, mother losing sleep over daughter's marriage and future of their son, relatives subtly and not so subtly passing comments, it also yet again brought very important issues to the fore, honestly and bravely- issues which remain burning even today. Do listen..

Difficult truths, shockingly relevant even after decades are courageously discussed in Chapter 10 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab. Open and frank discussions help in clearing the air and finding solutions, however complicated the issues maybe. Besides, the perpetual divide highlighted in this part, the nuanced presentation of a daughter's thought process, the whys and wherefores of her choices, her vexation also touch a chord. Do listen..

Though Chapter 9 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzooor Ahtesham Sahab is woven around school picnic and exams and looming summers, the sub plots highlight issues which plague the society even today- concerns about daughters' marriages, burden of morality amidst middleclass, cost of leading a progressive life and so on... Do listen

Chapter 8 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab, continues to delve into human nature, bigotry, orthodoxy and examines the reasons and rationale for such beliefs. And it does so, gently, softly and without any hint of preaching or patronising. The author's personal beliefs and thoughts are mirrored in this wonderful piece we present today. Do listen...

The 7th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' raises pertinent questions about divisiveness and roles humans play in it. The author Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab in his signature honest and relatable style, fearlessly expresses perhaps his own views in this extremely relevant conversation included in today's episode. It also surprises us that how little things have changed really, even after half a century. Do listen...

Let us relive those teenage years filled with eager curiosity, innocence and a sense of wonder through the pages of Chapter 6 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab and his protagonist Rashida. The keen and sensitive observation and beautiful presentation of issues oft never raised are remarkable. Do listen

Chapter 5 of the beautiful tale of yesteryear Bhopal 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab brings alive some dark memories from forgotten pages of Bhopal's history, penned with immense sensitivity by the author. The innocent enquiry, the doubts and questions raised by the young protagonist are relevant in today's times also. Do listen..

Lets dive deep today into nostalgia and relive those long school bus journeys, those wonderful days spent with friends at school when lives were simpler and fuller. The 4th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab is definitely a walk down memory's lane- deeply touching, relatable and universally appealing. Do not miss listening to it...

We present the 3rd chapter of 'Sukha Bargad', a tale of yesteryear Bhopal told by Bhopal's Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab in the 5th episode of Season 9. The very relatable intricacies of family ties, the sweet and sour flavours of relationships, and so much more are narrated in Rashida Biya's voice. Everyone will definitely find atleast one thing or person or incident relatable to them, in their early years or even now. Do not miss this gently told, powerful tale of a city and its denizens...

Our discovery of old Bhopal and its people continues as we present the 4th episode of Season 9 today. The protagonist Rashida of Manzoor Ahtesham's lauded book 'Sukha Bargad' introduces us to many vividly sketched characters of her life. The nuanced description of the circumstances, the easy conversational language, the sensitive presentation of tricky issues make the book truly enjoyable. Do tune in...

In the 3rd episode of Season 9, we embark on our beautiful discovery of Bhopal and its people through the pen of Manzoor Ahtesham Bhai's tale 'Sukha Bargad' as he brings characters and those meandering bylanes and dilapidated dwellings to life. Today, we meet 'Fafu' and travel back into that time when there were courtyards with Jamun trees, precious things stored in metal 'sandookchis', little learners petrified of their strict teachers and their colourful threats. Do tune in..

In today's episode, we present the opening chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham ji with great nostalgia. The chapter gently pulls us into the lives of Suhel and Rasheeda and their 'khandan' living in the then leafy lanes of old Bhopal. The conversations, the everyday issues, the beautiful simplicity of the description leaves one calm and curious... and wondrous at how little things have changed. Do listen..

And we are back!! New year, new season, new book, new genre!! So exciting to share about the city which brought us up, the city which makes our hearts sing, the city which will always be home for us no matter where we are. Bhopal- the city of Begums, the city of Lakes and rolling hills, the city living with 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb'. Today's episode is a curtain raiser for "Sookha Bargad" penned by Manzoor Ehtesham Saheb- Bhopal's very own master storyteller. Do tune in....