Finally!!!
Shikha Mam meets her favorite character, Harry (Hrishi), from Tender Intimacies.
The friendship between Peter and Harry was one of the most favorite parts of the story for Mam. She was so thrilled to understand when I had told her that Harry was actually inspired by my best friend Hrishi. As the first reader of the story and the critic, she explored the brotherhood of Harry and Peter. Harry's character always fascinated her. In no time she liked this character and ended up becoming her most favorite by the end of the book.
Meantime I always kept Hrishi into the vagueness of what I am actually writing for Harry. Just to give him hard time I always told him that, "Hrishi, your character is so worst that people would despise it so much. They would pray that one shouldn't get such a worst best friend." And his expressions were worth watching for me. I kept telling him this because I didn't want to unfold the surprise to him.
And today Shikha mam unveiled it to him that his character is best in the story and people would love it. It is her own most favorite character. And I was there in that cabin watching her talking to my brother, not by blood but by bond, Hrishi, taking all those compliments.
HIS FACE WAS WORTH WATCHING.
I had come to college in the morning for documents-related work then I had met Shikha mam, there I had casually mentioned that Hrishi is also here. That had her all attention at me. Seeing her expression I fathomed that desire in her to see her favorite character of the story then I suggested it myself that I would bring him along in the evening. And I did.
"Hrishi!" there was a great jubilance in her voice as she saw him entering her cabin. "Finally seeing you for the real. It is so nice to meet you."
And then this idiot did something that really touched my heart. "Hello, Shikha Mam." he greeted her and went to her and touched her feet and took her blessings. She felt so overwhelmed and I felt it so great. I quickly took out my mobile phone and clicked his picture with her.
Then mam was engaged in the conversation with him, telling him how she always liked the nature of that Harry character and also suggested him to keep rebuking me for my stupid actions in life, as Harry does to Peter in the book. She wished him the best and he was just happy to finally meet the person who made his best friend the person he is today.
Shikha mam is greatly loved by the people close to her author student. His stupid friend Aastha is no exception either. She loves Aastha's character Hope too, and loved the ending of the book most. She wished to meet Aastha too, but due to the busy schedule it couldn't happen but hopefully, soon it would.
Then Hrishi and I had to leave as he had a bus to catch. He was going back to our hometown. He is on the bus right now as I am writing this blog. It was a nice and quick meet which all of us loved a lot. Hopefully, someday all those people who inspired these beautiful characters shall meet the first reader of this story.
But before that, I am going to meet the person who inspired the main character of the book. Someone who was the first person to say me that I should try becoming a writer.
Veronica!
Yup, she's here in Pune, and will meet her soon.
