Loved and not lost

A couple coping with the ups and downs of their relationship in the scenic Port Blair makes up the plot of Kulpreet Yadav’s new novel

Kulpreet Yadav

“India is a country of great storytellers. It has always been,” says Kulpreet Yadav, author of the book, A Waiting Wave . It is his second book after The Bet . The book revolves around the story of a couple whose married life goes through a rough patch. Later, the couple realises their depth of love and starts regretting the misunderstandings which took a toll on their relationship earlier.

The author introduces the readers to the unique landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, of its flora and fauna, and also the ruins that represents history. “The way of life of the tribal people has been ruined by those who arrived in hordes from the mainland after independence. I thought someone, someday, would take notice of the ugliness we are constantly smearing on this beautiful place,” explains Yadav when asked why he had chosen to set his story in Port Blair. The part of the story which author enjoyed writing the most dealt with teasing the protagonists of the story, Harry and Kareena, until they realise the intensity of their love. “I also enjoyed describing the islands and the tribals I came across while I researched the islands,” says Yadav.

The inspiration of the story has been the differences of opinions and attitudes between the married couples. “Married couples who think their differences are irreconcilable repent later. But, in most cases by that time, it is too late.” Asked how he relates to it, he explains, “I relate to it completely. I work on my marriage and I am sure my wife does the same.”

The author doesn’t have any fixed list of favourite authors. It is dynamic. “At the moment, I can say I admire Upamanyu Chatterjee for the cunning wit and the stickiness of the characters. And I love David Baldacci for pace and multiple plot lines,” says Yadav.

The author says he wanted to promote storytelling for a global audience. Open Road Review , is a quarterly literary magazine which he edits with two others, Shanti Perez at Washington and Shernaz Wadia at Pune.

Yadav, who works for the Government of India, has finished writing his new novel,

The Business of Honour . “It’s a small town story set in Haryana. In this, khap-panchayat labels an inter-caste love against tradition and an angry mod lynches the lovers. A young journalist breaks the story and it captures national imagination.”