Books and Beyond with Bound

How do you rebuild your life when one moment changes everything? In this episode, Tarini Mohan, the author of the memoir, Lifequake shared the raw and honest story of suffering a traumatic brain injury and waking up from a coma with lifelong disabilities. She details the disorienting early days of recovery, how she fought her way back to pursue her MBA at Yale, and the simple cup of coffee that reminded her where joy resides. Tarini also discusses the incredible discipline behind writing her book, working with Mohit Parikh, her mentor through Bound, and the difference in disability support between India and America. This is a story of survival, resilience, and why love, not just inspiration, is the primary theme of a life rebuilt. Books mentioned in the episode: Podcasts mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when the ghosts you see are more reliable than the people you know? In this episode, Daisy Rockwell, the internationally acclaimed, Booker Prize-winning translator and author, takes us inside the unique world of her latest novel, Alice Sees Ghosts, a family story where a young woman sees her grandfather’s ghost, who nudges her to unearth buried family secrets. Daisy shares how she began translating Hindi and Urdu literature and what inspired her to write her own fiction. She shared how she weaves history and the supernatural into a story that travels across continents and how she creates characters that are anything but ordinary. Plus, we get a look into her writing process, her upcoming projects, and how winning a major literary prize has changed her life. Tune in to experience a deep dive into family, ghosts and the beautifully unsettling way the past can haunt the present. Books mentioned in the episode: 1. Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree 2. Mai by Geetanjali Shree, translated by Nita Kumar 3. Taste by Daisy Rockwell 4. Heart Lamp: Selected Stories by Dr. Banu Mushtaq 5. History’s Angel by Anjum Hasan 6. Falling Walls by Upendranath Ashk, translated by Daisy Rockwell 7. A Gujarat Here, A Gujarat There by Krishna Sobti, translated by Daisy Rockwell 8. Our Friend, Art (upcoming memoir by Daisy Rockwell) Movie mentioned in the episode: Frozen (2013) Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What if the person your ex-husband fell for was your doppelganger? In this episode, Sanjena Sathian takes us inside her new novel Goddess Complex, exploring one of the most personal choices a woman can make. Step into the world of Sanjana Satyananda, a woman navigating life after a challenging period in her life, grappling with themes of motherhood, fertility, divorce, and absurdly enough, a doppelganger with a cult following. With a protagonist who almost shares her name, and including not one, Sanjena reveals how much of herself she poured into the story. She also reflects on her writing journey, her time at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, her acclaimed debut novel, and how Goddess Complex marks a shift in her storytelling. Tune in now for this rollercoaster ride! Books mentioned in the episode: Movies and TV Shows mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

When carefully laid plans go up in smoke, is it fate playing its hand, or the works of a silent puppet master pulling the strings? In this episode, engage in a candid conversation with Shikhar Goyal, an iron-and-steel entrepreneur with a creative streak that led him to write his debut novel Delhi Disco, a romantic thriller that crackles with chemistry and unease inside Delhi’s newest club, Kapital. He opens up about the grind, the tactics that kept him motivated, the early rejections he faced, and how a pragmatic approach to pitching finally took the manuscript to publication. The conversation moves across the plot twists and suspense along with exploring the love story, the tongue-in-cheek humor, and his process of creating characters he knows so well, even slipping in inside jokes just for kicks. Books and Movies mentioned in the episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

The goodbye you can't miss! Michelle returns to the mic with Tara for a special, unfiltered conversation you won’t want to miss. From a sneak peek into her upcoming novel to never-before-told stories about starting Books & Beyond, this episode is part milestone, part behind-the-scenes tell-all. They relive their very first author interview, reveal the moments that put the show on the map, and spill on their favorite guests. Plus, a candid look at how life, books, and the literary world have changed, from India to New Zealand. If you’ve been here since the beginning, this one’s going to hit hard. If you’re new, this is where you start! Books and Authors mentioned in this episode: Michelle and Tara’s favorite episodes: Movie mentioned in this episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in CoonoorLearn more: https://boundindia.com/retreats/ Apply to all retreats: http://bit.ly/44TzYpY ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when two women find themselves in the midst of horrendous crimes? Join us as Tara and Michelle speak to two avid thriller writers– Devashish Sardana and Nidhi Upadhyay. In this episode, Devashish discusses his book “The Girl with Broken Dreams”, a story of a feisty CBI investigator who finds herself in a quest for the truth behind a string of suicides, while battling her own demons. And Nidhi Upadhyay talks about her book “I Hear You”, a story of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage, and how she starts talking to the baby in her womb- only to find him responding! In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we will shine a spotlight on two compelling contemporary voices each month, individuals who are reshaping the landscape of Indian literature. Tune in to hear how they started their thriller-writing journey, how they kept finding their way back despite having day jobs, and the concerning contents of a thriller writer’s search history! Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Upcoming Bound Retreats Immersive, one-of-a-kind literary experiences that take writers into the heart of India’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wanderlust Travel Writing Retreat in Chetinad Whimsy Fiction Writing Retreat in Coonoor Apply to all retreats here. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic illness and disability in India, sharing his journey of vulnerability, humor, and breaking stereotypes. Abhishek also talks about the therapeutic power of art, especially poetry and performance, in dealing with mental health challenges and reclaiming his narrative. From the poetic nature of illness to the importance of clear, non-metaphorical communication, he gives us a deep insight into the world of writing about personal experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of personal storytelling, disability, and creativity, this conversation is for you! Listen in for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode. Trigger warning: This episode discusses chronic illness, disability, and mental health struggles. Listeners are advised to exercise caution. Books mentioned in this episode: Illness as Metaphor - Susan Sontag Shattered: A Memoir - Hanif Kureishi ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when the wounds of Partition run deeper than history books will ever reveal? In this episode, Reenita Hora joins Tara to discuss her searing historical novel Vermilion Harvest, set against the haunting backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Through the fearless, curious eyes of protagonist Aruna, Reenita brings alive an often forgotten chapter of colonial brutality and the emotional legacy it left behind. They talk about the silencing of trauma, mixed-race identity, interfaith love, and how historical fiction can give voice to the stories that official narratives erase. Reenita also shares her journey to being an author and the exciting ways in which the book might find new life through music, theatre, or film. With equal parts heart and history, this episode explores the tension between legacy and liberation, and the quiet courage it takes to rewrite the script. Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode: Love StoryOperation MomSundri and Mundri's Lohri AdventureToo Big to FailJallianwala bagh, 1919____________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! ____________________________________________________ ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What sets a legend apart from just another player? The answer lies in the mind. In this episode, Tara dives deep into the psychology of peak performance with Dr. Samir Parikh and Divya Jain, authors of The Champion Within. What really makes someone a champion, not just in sport, but in life and work? From game-day rituals and comeback stories to dealing with pressure, anticipatory anxiety, and failure, this episode is packed with stories and science behind how mental strength is built. You’ll hear about the famous Wimbledon choke that turned into a redemption arc, what athletes do between points to reset their focus, and how a sense of fun can literally shift your performance. Whether you're building a startup, sitting for exams, or chasing your next big win, this episode will make you rethink what it means to show up with grit and joy. _____________________________________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

A pepper spray in your bag is smart, but knowing your legal rights as a female citizen of India might be what truly saves your case. In this episode of Books & Beyond, lawyer and Pink Legal founder Manasi Chaudhari unpacks her debut book Legally Yours, a witty, no-nonsense guide that explains women’s legal rights in India through pop culture, quizzes, and relatable scenarios. From decoding consent in Kabir Singh to tips for protecting yourself in a live-in relationship, Manasi shares the why and how behind creating a book that feels like your friend with a law degree. They also get into the realities of the justice system, how knowledge can be your most powerful defence, and what makes laws work—or fail—in real life. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a stalking-turned-love-story in a Bollywood film, felt confused about filing an FIR, or just want to know what your rights really are (without Googling legalese), this episode will leave you feeling more informed, more aware, and way more equipped to speak up. _________________________________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialized career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! _________________________________________________________________________ ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What if the key to environmental action isn’t outrage, but observation? And what if the real climate crisis is a crisis of attention? In this powerful conversation, nature writer and activist Yuvan Aves talks about his lyrical and politically urgent book Intertidal. Set along Chennai’s disappearing coasts and wetlands, the book prompts readers to notice, remember, and reconnect with the living world around them. Yuvan shares how he teaches children to fall in love with their local ecologies by example rather than instruction and how Indian nature writing cannot be separated from caste, class, and climate politics. This episode reminds us that nature is not a distant wilderness but something alive in our cities, streets, and schools, and to simply pay attention. Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode: _________________________________________________________________________ The Bound Publishing Course is a comprehensive, three-month-long, certified program designed to give people the skills, network, and opportunity to build a career in book, magazine, or digital publishing. You will take part in 100 hours of live online sessions, led by over 40 experienced industry professionals. The course moves from foundational learning to specialised career tracks through live simulations, in-class exercises, and assignments. This hands-on approach is supported by career-focused guidance, such as resume workshops and interview preparation, and culminates in a Capstone Project. You can explore more about the course here. Apply here! _________________________________________________________________________ ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when a celebrated film journalist turns the camera inward? In this moving episode, veteran critic and author Bhawana Somaaya unpacks her memoir Farewell Karachi. Known for her decades-long career documenting Bollywood’s biggest stars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan, Bhawana shares the deeply personal stories behind her family’s displacement from Karachi to Mumbai during Partition. She recounts everything from her mother’s hilarious one-liners about working as a young journalist in the 1970s to the emotional weight of her father’s solitary journey during Partition and the legacy of a lost home. The conversation flows through intimate anecdotes, candid reflections, and the subtle power of memories that shape who we become. Bhawana’s honest reflections offer a masterclass in sensitivity and storytelling. Her journey shows that emotional intelligence isn’t just a trait—it’s a lens, a compass, and sometimes, the story itself. Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What if one secret could shatter everything you thought you knew about your family? In this episode, Bhavika Govil dives into her haunting, lyrical novel Hot Water, a coming-of-age story about the silences that pull families apart. Bhavika talks about the novel’s striking water motif and the emotional and craft challenges of writing Ashu, a 14-year-old boy and Meera, a 9-year-old girl, and trying to make them feel both real and raw. This episode takes a deep dive into understanding family dramas better, and how writing about what’s left unsaid is often more powerful than spelling things out. It’s a sharp, intimate, and deeply thoughtful episode on the stories we carry long after they’re over. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Tried a fad diet and a get-rich scheme, but failed to do both? Let's talk about what actually works. Ankush Datar, the author of The Health and Wealth Paradox, breaks down the complexities of health and financial planning by getting back to the core principles. His unique approach explains how managing your health and wealth isn’t so different after all. In this episode, Tara Khandelwal and Ankush explore how first principles thinking, mental barriers, and everyday habits shape our ability to stay consistent and make smarter decisions in both areas. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with the amount of information available about managing your health and wealth, this conversation offers fresh insights and practical tips to simplify the process. Ankush’s approach will help you understand that it’s just not that complicated once you’ve gotten your basics set. Books, shows, and films mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Lost in Translation? Or Found in the Process? In this episode, we talk to Gowri Ramnarayan and Kamalakar Bhat, two translators dedicated to bringing Tamil and Kannada texts to life in English. Gowri shares the complex challenges of translating her grandfather’s historical novel, Ponniyin Selvan, from seamlessly blending poetry into prose to interpreting the layered meanings of cultural expressions. Kamalakar opens up about his translation of Kirtinath Kurtkoti's essays, Courtesy of Criticism, and how the process often involves reconstructing missing historical context and striking a balance between accuracy and accessibility. Together, they explore how translation is not just linguistic work but a journey into the heart of a text. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to translate a story without losing its soul, this episode is for you. Expect insights, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a fresh perspective on the art of bringing Indian literature to the world. Books, shows and films mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What happens when the love of family feels more like a battlefield? In her debut novel Famous Last Questions, Sanjana Ramachandran explores the messy, painful, and sometimes beautiful struggle of growing up caught between parental expectations and the search for your true self. With sharp honesty and warmth, she dives into themes of rebellion, identity, and the healing power of mindfulness. Join Tara and Sanjana as they trace her journey—from getting kicked out of BITS Pilani to writing the viral “Sanjana Effect” article that sparked a conversation about cultural pressures, and finally to publishing her debut novel. It’s a story of resilience, courage, and finding your own voice against the odds. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Are the wrong people making the biggest decisions at your company? Tara and Michelle talk to Jennifer Sundberg—co-founder of Board Intelligence and co-author of Collective Intelligence—about why most leadership teams are flying blind. They dive into how poorly framed questions and bloated reports sabotage decision-making, why writing is thinking, and how to fix broken systems from the inside out. With examples ranging from NASA to FTSE boardrooms, this episode is a masterclass on designing cultures where the smartest ideas, not the loudest voices, win. In this exciting partnership series with Jaico Publishing House, we are featuring fascinating new authors and writers who captivate the audience and bring forth a revolutionary perspective to Indian literature. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Should we boycott problematic authors—or just read them with guilt? Tara and Michelle dive into the messy politics of author scandals, from cancel culture to complicity. Plus, what happens when AI writes a book? Would you read it? Should it even exist? Tune in for a no-holds-barred chat on the ethics of art, the limits of accountability, and how readers can show up for real authors in a shifting industry. They also spill on their own reading dilemmas and the murky line between loving the work and questioning the creator. Books mentioned: Train to PakistanDalit Kitchen of Marathwada Janice Pariat The TwitsJasodaFault In Our Stars Neopolitan NovelsHarry Potter Series ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What do a privileged student with a saviour complex and an ambitious outsider in Bollywood have in common? Debut authors Nayantara Alva and Puneet Sikka take us into two very different Indias—one set in a liberal arts college, the other on a chaotic film set. Tara and Michelle chat with the authors about their writing processes, the themes that shaped their coming-of-age novels, and how they brought their lived experiences to the page. Nayantara unpacks creative burnout, messiness in friendships, and reclaiming self-worth. Puneet explores reinvention, reality TV, and what it means to be seen. If you’re curious about how authors build layered, complex characters or want a peek behind the scenes of the Indian creative industry, this episode’s for you. Books, shows and films mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Tara talks to journalist and debut author Atharva Pandit, whose novel Hurda is inspired by a real-life case that briefly made headlines in 2013, and then vanished. What begins as a mystery about three missing girls from a village in Maharashtra becomes a statement on what gets remembered and what gets buried. Atharva shares how a two-page newspaper feature became the seed for a decade-long creative journey. He discusses the blurry boundaries between fact and fiction, and how he built an entire village of voices, each with their own secrets and silences. The episode also delves into the quiet power of clothing, especially that green top that became a symbol of much more. Tara and Atharva explore why rural women’s lives so often go unheard, and how fiction can offer them space, dignity, and depth. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.