Divining the Leaves

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From critically acclaimed author Shveta Thakrar comes a contemporary fantasy about two teens—one a believer in magic yearning for belonging, the other a skeptic seeking escape—who become entangled in a world of court intrigue within a forest ruled by yakshas, mystical woodland spirits from Hindu and Buddhist folklore. Plant-loving Ridhi Kapadia, once friends with popular Nilesh Batra, now wanders her local woods, blending natural perfumes and wearing flower crowns, longing for acceptance in the enchanted realm of the yakshas. Meanwhile, Nilesh, reeling from the revelation that his parents' perfect marriage is a façade and facing suspension from school, unexpectedly finds himself at Ridhi's doorstep. When a yakshini offers him the magic he once mocked, he eagerly accepts. In retaliation, Ridhi strikes a deal with noblewoman Sulochana: she will help restore Sulochana's reputation in exchange for becoming the yakshini she desires and learning the secrets of the trees. However, when Nilesh becomes trapped in the yakshas' realm, Ridhi discovers that the forest may hold dark truths that threaten their future, revealing a story woven with thorns and challenges they must confront together.