The Last Christmas

Mark is despondent at the turn of events in his life because Patrick, his father, has changed his mind. He disapproves of his son’s fiancée, Elizabeth, saying, ‘How can a Christian boy marry a girl of Sarna faith?’ Mark despairs at the thought that his romantic courtship which began at Santoli Church, grew up in the thickets of Bhairo Pahari and blossomed near the fountains of Kelaghag might come to a tragic end. Though pensive, a smile lights up his otherwise ashen face when he recalls the time and place he had first set his eyes on Elizabeth. He is transported to an enthralling game of cockfight which is taking place in the crowded market of Simdega- a remote place in the tribal heartland of Jharkhand. She appears as a demure yet assertive, vivacious and quick-witted contestant in a male-oriented game. The sight of a spirited Elizabeth holding the game prize of two cockerels in her hands takes Mark’s breath away. Spellbound, he tries to find out more about her…

An intriguing tale of how Mark wins his love and the young couple’s struggle to unite in a tribal society amidst religious confinement, anger and obstructions of their families, and religious tensions which swept their entire village once upon a time…

An extraordinary tale of love & romance set in contemporary India.