- What inspired you to write Meant Together, and how did you develop the characters of Maya, Abhi, and Shiv?
Writing Meant Together was a deeply personal journey for me. The complexities of human relationships inspired me, the emotional scars we carry, and how love and resilience can heal and transform us. Maya, Abhi, and Shiv are reflections of this idea, each embodying different aspects of these themes.
Maya’s character was shaped by my desire to portray a strong, independent woman who navigates the challenges of societal expectations while discovering her inner strength. Abhi represents the vulnerability and hope that comes with first love, while Shiv symbolizes resilience and a sense of purpose. These characters evolved naturally as the story unfolded, with Maya’s small-town upbringing and Shiv’s IPS background adding layers of authenticity.
2. Your novel intertwines themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience. How did you balance these elements while keeping the story engaging?
Balancing multiple themes required a careful approach to pacing and emotional depth. I focused on ensuring that each theme was interwoven into the characters’ journeys rather than treating them as separate elements. Maya’s evolution is at the heart of the story, and her relationships with Abhi and Shiv are catalysts for her self-discovery. I aimed to keep readers engaged by presenting relatable emotions, realistic challenges, and unexpected turns in the story. The combination of heartfelt moments and moments of introspection allowed the themes to complement each other seamlessly.
3. What motivated you to introduce a character like Shiv, an IPS officer, and how did you ensure his profession was portrayed authentically?
Shiv’s character was inspired by the qualities I deeply admire—discipline, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. Initially, I had envisioned him as an army officer, but adapting him into an IPS officer added a fresh perspective and allowed me to explore those traits in a new context.
To ensure Shiv’s profession felt authentic, I looked into the lives and responsibilities of IPS officers by reading articles and watching interviews. This helped me better understand their mindset and challenges, enabling me to craft a character that is both relatable and inspiring.
4. How does Maya’s journey reflect your perspective on overcoming emotional scars and rediscovering hope?
Maya’s journey is a reflection of my belief that healing is a gradual process and hope is the key to moving forward. Through her struggles and triumphs, I wanted to show that it’s okay to be vulnerable and that seeking support doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. Maya’s emotional scars are rooted in her past experiences, but her resilience and determination allow her to rediscover her worth and redefine her future.
Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a chance for light to shine through.
5. Your previous work, Flavors of Love, was a collection of poetry. How did transitioning from poetry to a novel shape your writing process?
Transitioning from poetry to a novel was both challenging and rewarding. Poetry allows for a more abstract, emotional expression, while a novel requires structure, character development, and a cohesive narrative. While working on Meant Together, I learned to expand my ideas and delve deeper into the characters and their stories. The discipline of writing a novel taught me to focus on details, pacing, and continuity, while my experience with poetry helped me infuse emotional depth into the prose.
6. How does your background, growing up in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, influence your storytelling and the themes you explore in your books?
Growing up in a small town gave me a unique perspective on life, relationships, and societal dynamics. It taught me the value of simplicity, resilience, and close-knit communities, which often find their way into my stories.
In Meant Together, Maya’s small-town upbringing plays a significant role in shaping her character and decisions. The cultural nuances and challenges she faces are drawn from my own experiences and observations, making the story relatable and grounded.
7. What message or takeaway do you hope readers will gain from Meant Together?
The central message of Meant Together is that love, in its purest form, is transformative. It has the power to heal, inspire, and bring out the best in us. I also hope readers see the importance of self-discovery and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.
Through Maya’s journey, I want to remind readers that it’s never too late to redefine your path and that every experience, no matter how painful, contributes to your growth.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to craft emotionally impactful stories like Meant Together?
My advice to aspiring writers is to write from the heart. Authenticity resonates with readers more than anything else. Draw inspiration from your own experiences and emotions, and don’t shy away from being vulnerable in your writing.
Consistency is key—write a little daily, even if it’s just jotting down ideas. Don’t be afraid to revise and refine your work; the magic often lies in the details. And most importantly, believe in your story and your ability to tell it.
