RIP by Mukul Deva explores the challenges faced by India, presenting a bold and somewhat idealistic approach to address these issues. The narrative highlights the frustration of self-proclaimed guardians of the state, who are enraged by the persistent corruption and disgrace undermining its foundation. They vow to eliminate corrupt lawmakers, even if it means resorting to extreme measures, in order to establish an effective and transparent governance in India.
The story begins with an intriguing premise, featuring the assassination of four prominent figures within the establishment, executed with remarkable precision. The group responsible for these actions identifies themselves as RIP, which stands for Resurgent Indian Patriots. This team comprises retired military personnel with distinguished service records, led by former para-commando Colonel Krishna Athawle, along with Majors Karan Singh, Kevin David, Kashif Nadeem, Kamlesh Saikia, and Kulwant Singh.
Their strategy involves instilling fear by targeting one legislator each day, publicly announcing their next victim, leaving no one safe from their deadly intentions. Their ultimate goal is to foster a leadership that is both honest and transparent.
In an effort to thwart their meticulously planned operations and restore peace and security, the government deploys teams to track the K-team, led by the zealous officer Vinod Bedi, Special Director of the CBI. Consequently, civilians, including the families of the K-team members, become casualties in this violent conflict. The tension surrounding Vinod Bedi is palpable as he faces political pressures, while Nandakumar grapples with the burden of reporting on his superior to his political superiors. The unfolding narrative captivates the audience as the grim events transpire before their eyes.
This narrative intricately weaves a complex and emotionally charged tale between two lonely souls. Reena Bhagat, a captivating news journalist grappling with the aftermath of her partner's betrayal, finds herself drawn to Colonel Krishna, a man who has endured the loss of his wife several years prior. Together, they offer readers a vibrant escape from the otherwise heavy circumstances surrounding them.
However, Reena brings along an additional layer of complexity in the form of Raghav Bhagat, her companion and a former rogue para commando, who happens to be Krishna's adversary. Raghav has been tasked by Home Minister Mr. Karunakaran to eliminate the RIP squad, driven by the fear that his own flawed political existence may be exposed.
The evolving love story between these two perplexed individuals forms the crux of the narrative, imbuing it with significant depth while maintaining a relentless pace as their emotions clash at various points throughout their intertwined lives over the years.
The romantic subplot does not detract from the intense tempo or the tension that permeates the narrative, which remains firmly rooted in passionate territory. The result is a blend of fantasy and realism that compels readers to empathize with the anti-heroes, rooting for their success despite their morally questionable paths.
The sheer quality of the writing, its impact with minimal invective, and the intricate plot contribute to the story's compelling nature. The storyline resonates with alarming authenticity, allowing readers to recognize the familiar themes of political cynicism and social defiance prevalent in contemporary India. The exploits of the RIP squad and the frustrations they face are particularly relevant in today's public discourse, highlighting their commitment to setting things right.
The personal turmoil experienced by those involved in the resistance movement is skillfully illustrated through the admirable qualities they develop and the remarkable sensory abilities they possess. As you navigate through the narrative, you will be able to clearly discern the events and individuals depicted with genuine vitality. There is a dramatic airplane hijacking, a deceptive artillery maneuver, and interactions involving silage, all of which resonate with contemporary relevance.
The pain of losing a loved one, the discomfort of a toxic relationship, the joy of newfound love, the shared trust among the team, the bond between true friends, and the trauma that even children endure are all conveyed with great sensitivity by the author. The scenes depicting Krishna's interactions with his son Sachin and the playful moments with Reena are crafted with precision, seamlessly blending the narration with the storyline.
The book immerses you deeply into the complexities of political affairs, presenting a realistic portrayal that is both poignant and sufficient for the narrative, with the plot supported by moral threads that evoke unsettling familiarity with real-life figures. The author cleverly names the characters based on contrasting beliefs to emphasize that this is not a religious narrative.
The story transitions fluidly from one event to another, never allowing the reader to dwell on details, thanks to the clarity of the prose and the author's ability to weave the tale, delving into the intricacies with just the right amount of detail. The writer excels in guiding the reader along a well-defined path filled with adventure.
The narrative successfully builds an engaging lead-up to the fast-paced tale that resonates with the reader. Those who enjoy martial crime novels and young Indian narratives, particularly those who yearn for revolution and seek to bridge the gap between reality and fiction, will find great enjoyment in this book.
This book is, overall, an admirable and engaging read, showcasing the author's skill in crafting a captivating narrative. The storytelling is straightforward and lucid, effectively highlighting the moral complexities present in the culture. There are various aspects of this volume that readers will appreciate; it serves not only as a compelling crime novel but also offers insights into contemporary India.
