"Adhuri ek kahani (अधुरी एक कहाणी)", a Marathi historical novel, by Anant Tibile. This edition is published by Riya Publications in 2013 and has 184 pages.
The story is set during the reign of Shivaji (शिवाजी महाराज). Location is the city of Surat (सूरत) and timing is after Shivaji's first attack on Surat and before the second attack.
Fateh Khan (फतेहखान) comes to the notice of administrator of Surat as an excellent fighter and bright youth. He appoints him as head of 25 men squad. He stays with Allabaksh and his elder daughter falls in love with him though Fateh looks at her as a sister.
Administrator's daughter, Jannat (जन्नत), is engaged to Mubarak who commands 100 men. Mubarak is an alcoholic and makes love with any young girl that he likes. He seduces them by any means; be it love, money or rape.
Jannat falls in love with Fateh and Fateh reciprocates her feelings. But Fateh is restless. He loves Jannat but can not take the relationship further. Why? Because not only he is not a Musalman but he is also an enemy spy. He works for Shivaji Maharaj.
What is his mission? Why has he become a spy? Does he love Jannat? Will he acknowledge his love for Jannat? Will he marry her? Can he complete his mission? What will he choose, love or duty? What is his real name?
This is a love story with a historical background. Author has chosen the time period very well. The historical background makes the story exotic.
Reader wants to know how it ends because there are many possible endings to this story. Author has successfully created the 'period' atmosphere. Fateh is always torn between love and duty. The choice that he has to make is very difficult one. No one wants to be in his shoes. Anant Tibile delivers the story deftly. Narration is precise and pace is appropriate. He has concentrated on the love story and avoided making it a spy thriller. The book is short and sweet. I finished reading this book in one sitting.
However there are errors and incongruities in the book. Use of wrong name, Sayyad instead of Chandkhan etc, could have been easily avoided by paying little more attention during proof reading. Such errors cause hindrance in the joy of reading.
A good book. Recommend reading.
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