Monday, December 31, 2012

Which way will the wind blow? : My entry for the Get Published contest


The Story

In a society that is steeped in dogma, but is constantly struggling to break free, two individuals are thrown together by their respective parents, in the hope that a marital alliance is created.

Ashwin and Rhea are two strong, independent individuals who are perfectly amenable to the idea of an arranged marriage. However, after having gone through the increasingly annoying process of meeting an infinite number of prospective partners in the recent past, each views the other with a sense of frustration and mistrust. At first glance, one feels that there is hope. That this might just be it. However, a quick succession of flash judgments and trivial misunderstandings make both, Ashwin and Rhea, weary and defensive. This story is about a boy and girl, who spend a day together in the city of Delhi and how as the day progresses, both discover a little of each other. It is a day of shedding inhibitions and realizing that first impressions often need to be discarded. However, the question that begs to be answered is whether a day is enough to make this all important, life altering decision? And ofcourse, which way is the wind finally going to blow?
For Ashwin and Rhea it might not be about falling in love at first sight but about sharing a lot of firsts.

 
What makes this story “real”

Every strong and understanding relationship does not a marriage make and it is not necessary to marry your best friend to have a perfect marriage. Having observed couples from my grandparents’ era to now my younger siblings, I have learnt that marriage might be about a lot of things, but mostly it is about shedding preconceived notions and making an effort to understand your partner.

 
Extract

As they made their way from Vasant Vihar to GK, Ashwin couldn’t help but get drawn into the city passing by. This was his third visit to Delhi and he lamented the fact that he had not yet been able to see it. He was very keen on making a trip to the Red fort and then to the surrounding area of Chandini Chowk. He also wanted to see the majestic steps of the Jama Masjid and sample the kebabs made from “only god knows which meat”. Maybe after that he would drive down to India Gate and the President’s House. Some shopping from Janpath was also on the cards as he had promised to bring his friends back home “Indian stuff.

“Ashwin look, the driveway is so long and impressive!” barged mommy dearest into his thoughts. And the house, wow! It looks absolutely palatial. Are the pillars out front in marble? Son, you must marry this girl.


"This is my entry for the HarperCollins–IndiBlogger Get Published contest, which is run with inputs from Yashodhara Lal and HarperCollins India."

 Vote for me here: Promotional link: http://www.indiblogger.in/getpublished/idea/394