Drawing inspiration from real situations

In this collection of short stories, Madhavi Hadker gives insight into human nature: From a father’s emotions, to death to human values to problems of generation gap. In simple language, Madhavi through her stories, brings forth some hard-hitting and heart-breaking tales.

Like, for instance, the story of mentally ill Mrs Kulkarni will leave the reader saddened. Each of Madhavi’s story draws inspiration from real life. The story about a young boy facing challenges because of an illness is based on Madhavi’s batch-mate whom she has seen struggle. Death also find a place in some of her stories like ‘Juhie’s grandfather’, ‘The story of RamDayal’, and ‘Blackie’. Speaking about her own grandparents and death, Madhavi in the Preface to the book writes: “...I have seen my grandparents suffering in silence, waiting impatiently for their death…I have also witnessed how death comes slowly through the door and plays havoc – destroying people, reducing them to a skeleton...” Madhavi’s stories are an embodiment of her own struggle with the life-threatening Encephalitis (called Cerebral Infract) at the age of six. She refused to allow herself to be defeated. Instead her passion for life and strong-willed nature helped her move on. She not only has a degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Degree in Educational Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, she is also an inspiring teacher, an engaging raconteur, and an accomplished artist.

And equally inspirational are her twenty short stories from Over a Cup of Coffee…