THE TALE OF A LAND... AND THE RIVER OF HURT THAT RUNS THROUGH IT... Ratan is a timid, lonely boy growing up in Assam in the late 70's. He recounts those days before the turmoil began - his sleepy hometown set beside the mighty river, the unhappy home he grew up in, his grandpa with his passion for history, the village, boarding school, social schisms, loss of innocence and his shameful act - all that which goes on to shape life. The Assam Agitation begins against illegal migration and normal life is overwhelmed. But Ratan could not foresee what everything would turn out to be. The six-year long agitation ends unexpectedly, but instead of peace Assam witnesses the rise of insurgency. Ratan loses his only friend to militancy, unaware to what extent this brief association is to change his life. After a scene with his father he leaves home abruptly, just as the army operations begin in Assam against the militants. Years later - when Ratan is living and working in the relative safety of a metropolis, and feels he has left everything behind - his past, and Assam, come hurtling back into his life. His destiny pulls him towards his soul mate, but she is someone with a terrible secret. Hers is a tale of courage and endurance. Together they have to face the past, present and future. Tridiv Chowdhury lives in Guwahati, Assam. The River of Hurt is his first novel.