When Shiva Smiles

Om, the handsome son of the head-priest of an almost unreachable hilltop Shiva temple, has been yearning to see the world below. The brief visit of the beautiful mountaineer, Anjali, sets his heart on fire, acting as a catalyst to his journey. One night, he runs away from the temple to catch up with Anjali in her city, but not before asking Shiva to forgive him. And Shiva smiles! Oms journey is eventful as he interacts with various performances on the world stage, experiencing every facet of human emotion. Om meets Anjali and the narrative unfolds into a melodramatic love triangle, where Girish, the over possessive lover is determined to keep them apart in every which way. Does Om find his true love in Anjali? Or, does the glamorous city life lure Om away from her, and even Shiva? Or, does all this bring him closer to his inner self? Shiva and Parvati make a few one-page appearances in the book, watching with interest the wanderings of their devotee. And smiling!