Inditing Love
Prologue
Ruffled hair, a lopsided smile, Arnav Raizada greets us with a nod and a cup of coffee as we settle down to interview the successful author of the Freefall series, it's third book, Resting Pieces the latest best-seller on the stands. His answers to our questions are as candid as the protagonist of his books. Some excerpts:
How does it feel, being the recipient of so much adulation in such a short time span? It has only been a year since your first book, Arising came out.
In a word, good. It feels good to be acknowledged, to be recognized for your effort. As a professional, it is always a pleasure to know that your work is being appreciated and I want to thank all my readers and critics for deeming my book worthy enough of their attention and interest.
What is the inspiration behind the series? The content sometimes borders on dark, yet the narration is one that leaves you feeling light and warm. How do you do that?
Two questions together? (laughs) Well, my inspiration comes from my own life. I know when you think of the word "inspiration" it seems like it would be something fantastic, an epiphany of sorts that makes you seize your quill and spell out your heart. I don't know about others, but it wasn't like that for me. Freefall is a culmination of years of thoughts, ideas and experiences. In other words, you could say I find myself and my life pretty awesome. (smiles)
What made you decide to be an author?
The decision itself was spontaneous. I had always had an inclination towards the profession, but I never gave it serious thought. To carry out the decision was the harder bit. Especially the part where you have to convince horrified parents. (grins)
Does it surprise you that the majority of your fans are women?
No, not at all. They say a woman is hard to please, but I have always found myself disagreeing with the statement. So, it doesn't surprise me at all. (smiles)
Rumours abound about your relationship status. Can we know the truth?
(embarrassed) Umm, I swear I've said the same thing to a dozen odd papers and channels. If I have something to announce or someone to link my name with, you'll be the last ones to know. Seriously. (grins)
When is the next book coming out? Anything we should know?
I've already started working on it. I cannot tell you a definite time for the release, but it'll not be soon, obviously. No, there's nothing you should know. But a lot you can guess from the third book.
Any message to your readers?
My gratitude to all of you for your encouragement and support can't be put into words. Just remember, as my books say over and over, never let life's insecurities and set-backs pull you down. Aspire, move on, achieve. Let yourself fall freely into life, grab your chances and live your dreams.
As told to
Natasha Sinha and Nikhil Kaushal
I held the paper in my hand, surveying the article proudly. My first article. Where I myself interviewed the handsome author of my favourite series at the moment. This was the first major achievement in my nineteen years of life. Something that I would tell my grandchi-
'Pathetic.'
'Totally.'
I rounded on the two heads hovering above each of my shoulders, a frosty look already forming on my face. I turned to Maasi first, whose nose was still wrinkled at the article. She glanced at me and relaxed her expression a little. Just a little.
Pathetic? All the hard-work I did for this article, all the support and endless pastries for sleepless nights - and she said it was "pathetic"?
'Don't look at me like that, Nutty. His books are pathetic. That is one undeserving guy.' Before I could form my lips into an "o", the expression I had inherited from my aunt, my brother spoke at my other ear.
'So is he. Pathetic. I don't see why you have such a huge crush on him, Nutty.' I lost it. You can call me a nickname that I hate. You can take away my iPod and cell-phone, render me grounded communication-wise. You can tell me that I have no future as a journalist. But no one, and I mean, no one, insults Arnav Raizada in front of me and gets away with it. I slammed the paper on the seat beside me and stood up with veritable force from the sofa. Maasi and Piyush immediately jumped back a good foot away from the back of the furniture. I crossed my arms, spread my legs and took my warrior stance. And I began.
'Maasi, stop lying. I know you read both his books after I finished with them. I saw you reading late at night in the kitchen. So quit calling them pathetic when even you can't resist reading them. God! Just because you're a food critic, it doesn't mean you have to criticize every single thing you lay your eyes on!' My voice remained firm and very annoyed as I lectured my 29 year old aunt. 'And you.' My 13 year old brother stopped in his attempt to slink away unnoticed as I let open my tirade on Khushi Maasi. 'You don't get to call me that. And don't butt your over-long nose into things you don't understand.' My temper slid a notch higher as Maasi slunk around to the front of the sofa and sank down on it, patting the space beside it, a serene smile on her face, as if nothing had happened. I glared at my brother who looked at me warily, frozen in mid-turn.
'Aren't you done, Nutty?' I gave him my look. 'Di,' he added hastily.
'Go to your room, Piyush. Don't you have an exam tomorrow?' said Maasi. I fumed and sat down beside her as my jerk of a brother shuffled away.
'I'm proud of you Natasha.' I looked at Maasi. She was smiling her hundred-watt smile. I couldn't help but smile grudgingly. She put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to herself. I sighed. Maasi was adorable, however much she tried to pull my leg every chance she got. 'Your parents would have been very, very proud of you. It's a great start.' I laid my head on Maasi's shoulder and couldn't help sniffing a little.
'You really think so, Maasi?'
Maasi gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. 'I know so. Jiji would have already been busy making kheer and Aakash Jijaji would probably be bursting with pride. I know.'
I put my arms around my aunt, my Mom and Dad for eight years now. Nothing and no one could be better than her. Khushi Gupta was one in a million.
Index
Note: Yes. I'm mad. Beginning an SS in the middle of my exams. Hahaha. -_-
Alright, leave likes and comments, if you wanna. And tell me what you think of this. (read, you gotta comment. :p)
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