The interaction over lunch with Shubha Menon, whose debut novel “The Second Coming”, a Harper Collins publication has already hit the stands, reflected many attributes of her profession. Beinga seasoned copywriter in a reputed advertising agency, it was crisp, breezy and worth the arduous commute to the multi-cuisine NYC restaurant at Radisson Blu Plaza in Mahipalpur.
What made her pen the novel? “It is a dream and ambition of every copywriter to write a book.” The reason being, throughout their career it is the clients who not only tell them what to write but also challenge their creativity constantly with feedbacks and suggestions. Elaborating further she says, “It is a slow build up. While writing a copy who feel it is not always fulfilling. You are trying to sell products to people who may or may not require it. There is a vacuum in the job. Moreover, over a period it becomes monotonous and mundane. How long can you keep pedalling soap, cars, hair oil and other consumer goods. Last but not the least is the fact nobody is aware that the copy is your creation as there is no byline –– that really touches you.”
Well, if that be the case then why don’t we see more books from her tribe. “Because they are a lazy lot. Besides, they spend so much time in the office that they neither have the space, time nor inclination.”
Shubha’s maiden venture is woven around a wedding planner who longs for romance in her own marriage. With the magic of the initial years having vanished, her chances of having a hot affair with a happening man are dim. But all this changes when the main protagonist (Mini) is sent on an assignment away from home where she meets her office manager. With their chemistry clicking they fall into each other’s arms. The story based on merely 20 per cent fact comprising events, situations and people, the remaining account being fiction, it took her three years to complete the story.
“Most of it is my imagination. At my work and other spaces I was privy to constant discussions among middle-aged women about affairs and who should have one with whom. It is because the women in their 40s need and require romance to make them feel beautiful and wanted. I realised all this was missing since their husbands had different priorities like computers, cricket, friends, etc. In case of working women their interaction with other men led them to start thinking of looking at options outside their marriage,” explains the writer sipping her fresh lime soda while I enjoyed the strong cappuccino.
According to Shubha she had to deal with the dilemma as very few wrote about it and whatever little was available were sob stories. In fact, romance was confined to women in their 20s. “The older and married women are breathing people who equally need love and romance. Husband, home, children and family does not mean that their life is finished. Even in Bollywood movies there is no romance for women in 40s.”
There appeared steamed idlis accompanied with inviting tomato and coconut chutney and piping hot sambar taking us away from the subject for a short while. Relishing each bite the author discloses her love for South Indian food like idlis, dosas, sambar, appan, vada and adai. Fond of Thai cuisine, Shubha is upfront about admitting that she can manage to cook and does it once in a while. But her daughter who recently joined as a trainee at a café — she reveals, beaming with pride— is a good cook. “She was inspired and taught by my mother-in-law who passed away last year.”
Drawing parallels between cooking and writing, the writer points out that both the activities bring joy and satisfaction to not only the creator but also to those who savour the end product.
“Both are creative and happy endeavours with final result drawing applause.”
Shubha’s daughter also influenced her to become a vegan so animal products like meat, milk, butter, cream, eggs etc are not on her eating list.
“The zero cholesterol aspect too was a guiding factor,” she says. A die hard chocolate fan, the author with a twinkle in her eyes confides, “Sometimes I cheat and eat chocolates. My daughter does make the vegan variety for me.” On that cue, my photographer colleague tries to tempt Shubha to try the colourful raspberry gateaux but she doesn’t give in.
Fond of street food like chaat, gol gappe, bhelpuri and other dishes in that category the writer loves and eats happily whatever tastes spicy, sweet and sour. Her maiden book reflects her love for food as there are plenty of references to it with the main character depicted as a foodie.
Pointing that Mini in the story is a product of our times and represents the working and married modern Indian women who are bored with their marriage and life which is devoid of romance. Is there an inherent message in her novel for women?
“Yes for both men and women. The former should not take their wives for granted. They must make her feel beautiful, desirable, romantic and wanted always. The latter must realise that teenage romance is not possible when you are older and wiser.
And most importantly they must adjust their attitude and value what they have instead of chasing a dream.” Shubha is now toying with the idea of penning a prequel or a sequel to her debut novel.
