Aakanksha : Reviewed by Meta Ali

"Aakanksha" is a collection of poems or micro-fiction stories, depending on the specific book. Rajni Chhabra has translated "Aakanksha" from Hindi to English in her book "Aspiration", which is part of her "English Transversion of Hindi Poetry" series. Here's what readers have to say ¹:

- *Poetic Themes*: The poems in "Aakanksha" explore various themes, including childhood, adolescence, family, friends, relationships, nature, sadness, and happiness. They are described as calm yet deep, evoking nostalgia and highlighting the bitter realities of life.

- *Micro-Fiction Stories*: Another book with the same title, "Aakanksha", features 40 micro-fiction tales, each under 50 words. These stories touch on dark themes like pain, hatred, loneliness, and trauma, often with twisted endings. Readers praise the author's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in brief narratives.

- *Translation Quality*: Rajni Chhabra's translations are known for retaining the original spirit of the poems. In her translation work, "Fathoming Thy Heart", readers appreciate how the translated version captures the emotions and essence of the original Rajasthani poems ² ³.

*Reader Reviews*:

- Average rating of 3.7/5 on Amazon.in for the micro-fiction book, with readers praising its unique storytelling style and emotional depth.

- Average rating of 3.6/5 on BookSirens, where Aakanksha has rated and reviewed over 371 books ⁴ ⁵.

Overall, "Aakanksha" is a thought-provoking collection that explores the human experience through poetry and micro-fiction. Rajni Chhabra's translation work brings out the nuances of the original poems, making them accessible to a broader audience.