Belief in the institution of marriage and that it can be worked upon and relating to it at a personal level are all reflected in Shikha’s debut novel “He Fixed the Match She Fixed Him”, published by Vitasta.
The B.Tech in Computer Science cites two reasons for writing the book. “I disagree when people state that they can’t make situations work pointing that they are difficult and incompatibility of two persons. I believe in love and that its healing power can help overcome all obstacles,” says the writer. The story is about Kunal marrying Shreya by deceit to settle old scores and proceeds to depict how the latter by her words and deeds makes the marriage work and successful without surrendering her self-respect and dignity.
Shikha terms majority of the stories written specifically for youth as “irresponsible and frivolous” as they tend to support infidelity or one-night stands. “Touting that it is the demand of the hour and that young people like it is specious. Our youth is responsible and accept a story provided it is positive and connects with them and our value systems. To prove this I wrote this novel.”
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Slotting her book as young adult romance she says it is no college or fairy tale romance indulging in erotica but dealing with reality. “My readers and society at large will relate to it. Through entertainment it will instigate a thought among them that things can be done and difficulties overcome by making changes and little tweaking.” It emphasises that relationships are not a sink of negativity but rather a source of positivity and stresses that husband-wife bonding can be excellent provided there is adjustment in attitude and keeping ego and pride at bay. “This is bound to have a cascading effect changing our behaviour in the world outside for the better.”
According to Shikha, the story portrays the modern Indian women and their changing personality. “It is about women who are independent, educated and modern. They want matrimony to work because of the emotions and sentiments attached and not because they are financial dependent on their husbands or docile or timid,” she explains adding, “Shreya’s belief in traditional values, promises and vows made during marriage made her change Kunal for the better.” Having said that she quickly adds that men also ought to make an effort to make the relationship work amicably, support their wives and accept them as individuals. “Marriage is a process of give and take and one must remember that it takes two to tango.”
Thrilled by the readers’ feedback Shikha was elated when a woman told her that after reading the book she started talking nicely to her spouse. “I am glad that the easy and conversational writing has been widely appreciated. It has made the readers smile and at the same time convey to them the sugar-coated message of adjustment and change in attitude.” With many stories already in her head one can expect many more works from her in future.
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