Some writers imagine worlds. Others simply observe them — and in doing so, capture the poetry hidden in everyday life. Vivek Kumar Tyagi, in his latest book “Yellow Line,” belongs firmly to the latter. After publishing three acclaimed poetry collections, he returns with something refreshingly real — a collection of 25 true stories, all drawn from his daily metro rides to work.
At first glance, the setting may seem ordinary — a metro train, crowded platforms, brief journeys between stations. But under Vivek Tyagi’s keen observation, these short commutes become windows into the vast theater of urban life. In “Yellow Line,” he records moments most of us overlook: the silent glances between co-passengers, the subtle shifts in expression, the quiet endurance of the working class, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. Each story, though brief, carries a universe within — because they are not imagined, but lived.
The author himself was part of each story. He observed, listened, and sometimes even became a character in his own narrative. The result is a book that reads not as a detached chronicle, but as an intimate diary of human behavior. Every journey on the metro — from the rush-hour scramble to the tired evening return — reveals something about who we are when life squeezes us shoulder-to-shoulder in a public space.
Through his vivid yet simple storytelling, Vivek Tyagi turns routine travel into reflection. “Yellow Line” is more than a collection of incidents — it’s a mirror to society. The small acts of compassion, irritation, laughter, and frustration that unfold between two metro stations reflect the rhythms of modern life. His language remains accessible, his tone conversational, and his insight sharp — making the book enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds. Once you step aboard this literary metro, it’s hard to disembark until the last page.
What makes this work special is its authenticity. There is no fiction, no exaggeration, no artificial drama — only the pulse of real life. In an age when so much storytelling is manufactured, “Yellow Line” reminds us that truth itself can be more compelling than imagination.
For Vivek Kumar Tyagi, this marks a new creative chapter. Known earlier for his poetry books — Ek Khushi Dhundhta Hoon, Ab Meri Hi Baari Hai, and Khwahishon Ki Kashti — he has always explored the emotional spectrum of human experience. But “Yellow Line” departs from the lyrical to embrace the observational. It demonstrates how a poet’s sensitivity can translate beautifully into prose — every detail, every emotion, finely tuned.
Outside of writing, Vivek is a man of many passions — traveling, music, and human connection. These interests breathe life into his work, allowing him to see stories where others see routine.
With “Yellow Line,” Vivek Kumar Tyagi redefines storytelling as an act of noticing — of paying attention to the people and moments that rush past us every day. His metro becomes a metaphor for life itself: fleeting, crowded, unpredictable, and profoundly human.
This book doesn’t just take you on a journey to the office — it takes you on a journey within.
