Book excerpt: Sanjay Tivari is just a little boy when he feels affection toward his aunt, BB Mausi. A classic Indian beauty, BB whispers sweet nothings in his ears to assuage his tantrums. Sanjay, who is an impressionable five-year-old, takes every opportunity to gain her attention, but what Sanjay does not know is that his feelings toward his aunt will slowly transform the way he looks at women for the rest of his life. As he matures, Sanjay craves Pratima, a girl four years older than him; the newlywed Meena; and finally Anju, a woman from another caste whose family is not averse to honor killing to restore the familys name. As he reveals his life story to each womanand she to himSanjay learns much from their circumstances that highlight the draconian beliefs, dogmas, and stereotypical mindsets that haunt their society. Interwoven within their heartrending stories reveal prejudice and heartbreak that fill Sanjay with a longing to right their wrongs. As Sanjay travels through a myriad of emotions, he has no choice but to continue his complex quest for true love and fulfillment. In this poignant story, a young Indian man embarks on a coming-of-age journey of longing and ecstasy where he hopes to find love and, more importantly, himself.