SECOND SPRING

About the Author:    Sandhya Jane

The Author’s style of writing can be termed not only as matured but extremely confident too. The Book is unique in the sense that the whole book has been written from two different points of views. One chapter has been written from the point of view of Avantika and the other one from Rohan, both the lead protagonists. Although this is a very difficult way of writing, but the author has pulled it off with such finesse that it seems very natural. While doing so, she has done full justice to the male point of view, and that too, without sounding judgemental or without taking sides of either of them.

Generally, when one tries to echo two different opinions on the same subject, repetitiveness cannot be ignored. However, the author has done a commendable job on that too.

About the book :       

The book is about Avantika’s journey through love and life. It has the elements of romance mixed with inner struggle. A very beautifully written book, which talks about giving second chances to oneself and deliberates upon the complexities of human relationships.

The Synopsis: 

Here is a woman, a complete control freak, a bossy character... A man with a carefree attitude .... Love blossoms between these two entirely different creatures...

Avantika, a successful investment banker, a single mother, who has a difficult past is struggling against her growing attraction for her charming colleague Rohan. She decides to tread cautiously where Rohan is concerned.

Rohan, an attractive, smart, aspiring investment banker, two ranks junior to her is a part of Avantika’s team. Even he struggles to gain the foothold in his career, while at the same time battling against his strong desire for Avantika.

They struggle ends when both give in, only to make way for a disastrous exit when Rohan chooses duty over love.  He goes on a guilt trip for breaking Avantika’s heart. On the other hand, Avantika finds solace in spirituality.

Will they ever be able to meet again? Will she accept him back in her life ever?

From the Reader’s point of view:    When I went through the blurb of the book, I thought that it would be yet another Boy meets Girl story; they meet; they fight; then they are unsure before reaching agreement, etc.. I was proved wrong by the author. The author was creative enough to allow Avantika to make decisions which were not only unique but far more sensible too.

Cover Page:   A beautiful cover page, but could have been better designed.

Overall Rating:          4.5/5

AN INTERVIEW SESSION WITH MR AJAY KUMAR PANDEY, AUTHOR OF THE BESTSELLER "YOU ARE THE BEST WIFE"

Mr. Pandey is a humble and shy personality, and was initially reluctant to give an interview. Still, I would like to take the credit for my ability to pursue a case till I finally convinced him for this fantastic interview.

KM     Heartiest congratulations on the book. From an engineer to an author; how has the journey been?

AKP-Thanks for the wishes. The journey was tough, but nothing can be tougher than what I have already been through. I got a positive response from Srishti, after a year of my submission. But then I was inclined to release it on Bhavna’s birthday for which I have to wait for another year.

KM     These days, they say, if you have got admission in an Engineering College; you will soon become a Writer. How true, do you think isthis?

AKP- Yes, there are a few Engineers who have switched over to the field of writing (smiles). But, in my case, it was my own story. More so, the Engineering Colleges make you tough enough to face the realities of life. Some of the incidents are so hilarious, that they should reach out to all.

KM     What are the difficulties a person who starts writing for the first time faces? And what is your advice for those people?

AKP- First drafting is a wild and wonderful ride, full of discovery, dreams and promises. But at some point we have to settle down and make the book really work. One should approach their manuscript with sober objectivity and knowledge of the craft.

Start small. 300 words per day is plenty. Have an outline. Have a set time to work on your book every day. If you want to take a day or two off per week, schedule that as time off. Don’t just let the deadline pass. I always choose a unique place to write and will suggest the same.

KM    The book is a personal account of your life. How difficult was it for you to pen it down, since it has a tragic ending.

AKP- Initially it was not very difficult to write as I was writing my own journey, but I realized soon that I have to present the content in creative manner to trigger the interest of the readers. Then the struggle started, I read many books to know nuances of writing. And re-edited it dozens of times to present my draft for final editing. It took one and half years to share the final draft with the publisher.

KM     What was the purpose behind writing the book?

AKP- It is atribute to my wife Bhavna. It gives me immense satisfaction to see her alive in so many hearts. So I am more than happy.

KM     Did the book transform you? If yes, how?

AKP- Yes, you are right; it transformed me in many ways. I found a confident person inside me.It is not just a book for me. It is journey of my life, and after penning it down I feel myself emotionally stronger.

KM     What do you want the readers to 'take-away' from the book?

AKP-  The most important take away from the book I wish to highlight is “Life is a journey; we all are born and will die someday. Some celebrate their silver jubilees, some celebrate golden ones and some may score a century, but life cannot be evaluated on the basis of the number of years spent alive. The quality of life is what matters, not the quantity.” 

KM     Who is your inspiration and why?

AKP- My wife is my inspiration behind writing this book. I have never written if she wouldn’t be an inspiring soul. Now coming to my writing mentor and inspiration, I am big fan of Buddhadeva Bose and Khushwant Singh. I learnt the art of writing and also how to demonstrate emotions in limited words. I admire their characters which were real and close to common people.

KM     What more do you plan to do for the 'best wife'?

AKP- As I already mentioned that whatever will be the earnings from the book will be donated for good cause in life and if this book will reach the peak of success than I have a hidden plan which I don’t want to reveal now. I am confident that her journey would transform many lives. This is the best way to prove that she is the best wife.

KM     Do you wish to write more books? Why or why not?

AKP- I never had a thought to write even a short story but this book has given me a lot of appreciation and enthusiasm and my readers are definitely not leaving me with single book. So I will come back with something inspirational but currently nothing to share.

KM     What kind of books do you read?

AKP- I read love stories that have deep thought and message behind it.  I don’t prefer love stories with childish theme and forced intimate scenes. Sometimes I also like to read stories inspired from real life.

KM     And lastly, how does it feel to be on top of the bestselling fictions’ list and to be voted as the No. 1 book by the online magazine Salisonline.in?

AKP- Feels nice, that’s all I can say at this stage.