Continuing with her tryst with romance, young writer Anamika Mishra has come up with her third novel, For The Sake Of Love (Westland). Well-structured, it has two love stories running parallel to each other. One involves David who loves Jasmine and writes to her continuously without ever receiving a reply. Then there is love blossoming between David’s grandson Alex and Twisha, who is visiting Shimla on an assignment. What is interesting is how the writer impresses through them the importance of selfless love, the need to be patient and, most importantly, opening up about one’s feelings.
Excerpts:
On how the story came into being
A few years back, I met an old gentleman in a Shimla bookstore. I have a habit of interacting with locals while travelling, so we started talking and upon knowing that I am an author, he asked me if I wrote love stories? I said, yes, I do, and in fact, I am working on one. Then he said, I don’t know if it’s relevant to you or not but I’d like to tell you something, maybe you can use it in your book. I was like why not! He then shared a small incident of how he used to write to the girl he loved, when he was young and she never replied. My first reaction was, ‘that's so rude!’ He then laughed and said, ‘maybe she had her own reasons!’ I was touched and instantly decided to weave a story. I asked him if I can use this to weave a plot for my next book and he replied, ‘the moment I shared this with you, it became yours. You can do whatever you want’. I have always believed that love should be selfless. You shouldn’t complain or demand, when in love. And this old man exactly gave me a perfect plot to explain this.
I didn't ask his name, nor I remember his face clearly and I might not be able to recognise him if I stumble upon him, but I will always respect him for his beliefs. It's hard to find guys like this!
On juxtaposing the two love stories
Jasmine and David’s kind of love is rare to find in this era. I wanted to revive the charm of old school love. Our generation is very impatient. We simply don’t want to wait which is wrong. Twisha’s story is of how our generation thinks about love and relationships and the story of David reminds how things should be! I also wanted to inspire readers on not giving up in between and holding on to things/people we love. We should trust our instincts and that’s all what ‘For The Sake Of Love’ is all about.
As an author I really like writing stories with juxtaposition. My first book Too Hard To Handle , too had a flashback and so did my second book VoiceMates . I feel it enhances the charm of the story. And I really like making things complicated, in my books of course.
On the enduring charm of old-school love as people still love Romeo Juliet or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge for that matter
It's just because they too like things that way. They too want someone to love them with that level of craziness. But the problem is, we often do mistake affection, attraction or infatuation as love. David is an example of selfless love. He also gave a strong message that one should talk. Everything is fair in love, even breaking the promises made if that can help save your relationship.
On David-Jasmine relationship being platonic
Love is not just about intimacy. It’s a feeling, a bond that is pure and divine and has no boundation, terms or conditions. I agree that everyone deep inside wants to be with the one they love but that shouldn't be the condition.
On how Twisha changes after her Shimla visit
She had a misconception towards love. David’s story moves her and changes her perception towards love and relationships. At first she feels that it’s all waste of time and David is insane, but then with time she realises that it’s all for a reason and that love does exist. The voice of heart never tells lies.
On the importance of communication in love
Communication plays a very important role. Sitting and assuming things never really helps. Speaking out, talking and getting a clear picture is what really helps. David made Twisha learn this by giving the example of his own life. We don't really want to make a move, especially girls. Frankly, if you ask me...I'll say if I really like someone, I will not be shy in making the first move. People make it a big deal, although it's very simple. People think what if the person rejects him or her, I say it's ok! At least you got the clear picture. It's better than sitting and assuming a series of what-Ifs. I believe whatever the situation is, talk and get it sorted.
On using letters to take the story forward
This format just came to me. Frankly, I really like the idea of writing letters and all stuff like that. I find it really romantic and I thought in this era of social media and emails, it’ll be sweet to read something like that. I am glad that readers are liking and appreciating it.
On including the character Bobby, who personifies a true friend
The idea behind Bobby's character was to give a message that we shouldn't judge people because of their looks and the way they talk. Bobby is really a good human and that's what Twisha realises. She selflessly cares for Twisha and is fun-loving. I think Bobby is a friend that everyone wants in life.
On continuing with the romantic genre
I want to explore all genres, including crime and horror. It’s just that right now these stories are stuck in my heart. And I don't know about the sales, because I read books of all genres including non-fiction, historical and biographical books and have noticed that these genres sell well too.
