As practice I am copying the last line of the previous post of the story, which in this case was “The End”. And how befitting it seems now. Today 31st July is actually the end of the month long blogging challenge called Ultimate Blogging Challenge. Many things happened in this past one month, many friends I stumbled into, many smiles I smiled, many tears I cried and many laughs I shared in the the comment sections. Overall the experience made me a better person.
A better person , yes. My common vendetta against some of the “novels” I see on bookshelves is this, they make you a worse person at the end of the read. The basic principle of reading gets defeated.
So I always want to tell people a story which helps them realise something they really didn’t ponder over. Something they were always preached about never made to experience. Why did “To kill a mocking bird” become such a huge classic, because it was probably the first time a white guy saw the futility of his own mindset, felt the pain of his fellow black countrymen.
Moving on, the lecture can always be converted into a seperate post. Today let the author speak and not the self assigned guru for all.
How did it begin?
An fb chat:
Me: Corinne how can I take part in this UBC.
Corinne: I have shared a link go read about it, you must really try.
Me: I am scared I won’t be able to.
Corinne: Just write short posts and I am sure you would be able to do.
Why a story?
I suck at writing normal posts (like this!).I cannot discuss things that are close to my life or perhaps don’t fall in the realm of fiction. My imaginary world is far better than my actual reality. Writing 31 unique posts with no story nothing would have made me give up on second day. And so the idea.
Why this?
Story started with the post Twenty seven is the last age to get married in style and back then I had no idea what I was going to write next. I wanted to write about being twenty seven (which is what I turn this October) and the words flew. Really nothing was planned at this level. After I had written this post, I became Radha. Yes this is a catch in my writing style. I cannot and somehow don’t want to as well, write in third person. So just in case I do write in third person I have my alter ego placed in the story.
Why the subject of homosexuality?
Being Radha was lonely. I imagined things happening to her, exciting things. And suddenly the thought of having a gal pal entered. When I decided that it should be a lesbian friend, I don’t remember. It fit in somehow. At this time many plots were running in my mind. There was one which involved a lot of shooting and violence, I scrapped that. Then there was the run of the mill twenty seven not married issues. I thought my Radha like me should have issues peculiar to her. And before I knew it the plot was ready. I wrote it quickly in a diary and then as they say rest is history.
How was the experience?
It was a routine. I came home at five thirty. Read blogposts from six to eight. Prepared dinner and was free by nine. Read a book for an hour. By ten I read other blogposts, random ones not UBC. And then exactly at eleven, started to write the post for the day. It was almost as if it went by the clock. Without fail I wrote. I once went for a party came back at twelve and still wrote. Now you may ask me why did I have to do that? I could have slept and written it in morning. All day Radha lived inside me, she thought about her life, she wondered what would happen and even cried tears of joy and pain together. I had to write her story, I had to get her out of my system. Days I tried to sleep without writing I couldn’t sleep.
Why the end?
Many people mailed me, some texted me some commented here. In office people hounded me at tea asking many questions. They wanted to know why not that? Why not this? Why at all such an end? Some agreed with the end partially, some completely and some rejected it. They all made me very happy inside. I had managed as a storyteller to evoke a certain bond between readers and the characters. They had all imagined these people as their own friends, and imagined a certain end for them. Imagined a happily ever after (there own version of it) for the story. I loved each one of their inputs. I really did. And somewhere I realised that this is my achievement, to make people take the story back home each day.
Still why the end?
My friend Anshul wrote how this was a Bollywoodish end and he was not happy. Why Sushant? Why at all show a happy end? Yes of course even my very own Apoorva Kapoor also mentioned her slight discomfort at the entry of Sushant. She of course also said, life has so many opportunities one can never know. My Radha like me is slightly bollywoodish, she may bot be courageous but she is bollywoodish. And I wanted a happy end for her. I didn’t want her to be left alone without someone to love. I know what you would say now, if she had to compromise on her love with Sangeeta why not Shikhar? Why not go back to him? Who says if you cannot complete your love story go back to the mistakes you have validated? I am not one of them to support this. I wanted Radha to have a fresh start, after all Sushant was her first love. Why not give it a fairytale touch? And poor Sushant harassed you people so much he deserved to come back to haunt you guys 🙂
But what happens after the end? Because no end is an end without the romance of a beginning
Radha decides to marry Sushant after all. Arti grows up to be a wonderful lady who is forever sensitized on the issue of homosexuality. One day after she completes her college, she has a candid chat with her mother Radha and suddenly out of nowhere talks about Sangeeta. Arti accepts that all these years back she did something she should not have done and that she is aware how Radha sacrificed her love because of Arti’s apprehensions. Sangeeta and Kavita live a wonderful life. Sangeeta misses Radha off and on and she often mentions it to Kavita who without fail always has a taunt ready for her on this. Anyone interested in the three sisters? Well they all become victims of infidelity from their husbands but eventually forgive them and still remain happily married 🙂
My friend Maggie‘s birthday is today. A great fan of Harry Potter shares her birthday with not only the wonderful boy who lived but also his creator- JK Rowling 🙂 She had a very interesting point of view about what happens after the end. She says that Arti grows up to be a lesbian who finally discovers that all her fears or apprehensions at thirteen about his mother being a lesbian was because she herself felt those emotions inside. Her scared demeanour and frantic behavior was like a reaction to this sudden realisation. I myself found this wonderful as a concept. It makes the plot so interesting and also plausible upto a certain extent.
Thank You!!
But I cannot help but thank all of you, every single one of you who took time to read. Who took pains to come back and still read further. It always made me feel very happy to see your comments. I cannot open blogs in office but the moment comments arrived I quickly checked them on my phone through mail alerts. I love all of you! And I cannot begin to tell I happy I feel that in this huge sea of bloggers I have you people as friends, to love me and my writing.
Thanks a lot, I wish words could express my gratitude.
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This is day 31 at:
You can also link your post at Write Tribe where we, a group of bloggers, are celebrating UBC together 🙂
A writing contest to is also running on my blog.
Please do visit the link A contest to get published to get more details 🙂
Also please do spread some love to my dear friend Apoorva Kapoor, who has just forayed into blogging ; Where the Mind is Without Fear
Err I shared Apoorvas discomfort… but of cours eit only means tht ur story left a deep impact! U r a fab story teller babes….
Thanks Mina, I know many were not so happy with the ending but then life has so many takes right? Will one day write a different end for you guys 🙂
Wow!! That’s a wonderful behind the scenes story! Glad that you shared it and gave some more insights about you and the cast.
I must tell you that after reading your day’s story, a lot went in my head and wondered and anticipated the next move/twist you’d share with us.
Enjoyed reading this story! And looking forward to read more from you!
Cheers 🙂
Thanks Shilpa and that is why I keep saying that my success lies in you people taking back this story. Thanks a lot seriously for helping me achieve what I wanted to.. 🙂
Girl you are awesome. I loved the series and esp this last part…Keep writing!! Must have been hell of a month fr u but you really inspired me! (Btw…think we have lot in common…You once mentioned on my post that you from Lko…n m turning 27 this Aug) Hugs n Love!!
Yes Aditi I am from Lucknow 🙂 And twenty seven is a fabulous age to turn! 🙂
I loved the story, Richa and am rather sad that it ended. You’re a very brave lady to take this on – looking forward to more!
Nice round up post!
Thanks Corinne, I have said it umpteen number of times its because of you that I embarked on this 🙂
I too had the same thoughts like Apoorva 🙂 :)… but now I know why Sushant came in… Nice Author’s note Richa..:) 🙂 loved the story and liked the concept… your story telling is just superb 🙂
Have left an award for you on my Day #31 post… hope you will accept it 😀
Thanks Suku and it turned out to be a great journey for me in the process. And it would not have been possible if it hadn’t been for you guys to accompany 🙂
I feel very very bad now..Did I hurt you Richa with my stern comments about Radha time and again..I am sorry.Feel very very small right now… I like you soooooo wala very much Richa(Straight but hardcore).. please dont get me wrong looking at my view of Radha :'(
Awww Deepti 🙂 I have not felt bad for one second also. Its something that evokes emotions and that my success 🙂 and thanks for being with me all along in this journey 🙂
I love that you took the time to analyze and explain the background of the story!! And, I love the various interpretations!
Thanks Roshni 🙂
Your story was a really good one! Glad I stumbled upon your blog!
And congrats on completing the challenge! 🙂
Thanks a lot 🙂 🙂
That’s a great behind the scenes kind of post. It was definitely an achievement to have connected with the readers. Good going Richa…stay connected!
Thanks Kajal and of course we would stay connected!
Hi Richa,
Last two days I did nothing but read the entire story because I had forgotten where I had left it last time. But this time I was determined to finish it till the end. Anyway, as I was reading the story, I found it pretty engrossing — like a page turner novel. And yesterday hours after I had read the entire story the only thought that came to my mind was — hats off for taking a sensitive issue, writing a brilliant story thus doing a full justice to the issue.
The dilemmas of Radha felt real and I could visualise each and every character, especially — no there is no especially they all were brilliant and complete.
The Secret: Somewhere in the starting I had guess that Sushant was lying about his engagement to get a response from Radha and when she showed no sign of sadness he got irritated and sarcastic. But then as they say Men will be Men.
Brilliant story and yes the idea of Arti realising that she is a lesbian could be a good point to follow. But then who knows where the imagination takes the author to. All the best.
P.S. Sorry for such a long reply. Feels like a post in itself. 😉
Thanks Swati for taking efforts to read the whole story much love. And you know I had an inking that many would have guessed it. Now I know at least one person admitting to it 🙂 Yes I also feel that Arti being a lesbian is a great end really..
Yes you did it again!!! I have said enough about the story , but here in this comment I want to only and only celebrate the author… Taking such a sensitive issue and making so many people connect to it is a challenge…and you did it like a cake walk. Even though I advocate homosexuality, as I live and die for freedom..freedom of thoughts, words and freedom to choose, even to me I will confess imagining two women in love in real life is tough. But nowhere in your story I felt any discomfort.. Great job lady!!!
Thanks a lot! And well that was the point to understand if what you feel is something you can practically live with. That was the objective really…
This was awesome how you tied up loose ends with the story. I loved your story and I wondered if indeed Arti would grow up to be a lesbian. Interesting. It was a joy to come back and read each installment. You are a talented writer and I am happy I found you here in cyberspace.
Kathy
https://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Thanks a lot Kathy. And so many people imagine her to be a lesbian perhaps a great end that can be for the story no? 🙂
Good to know the history behind The series ! Its not writing a post everyday and its definitely not easy writing a series. And you pulled it off so well !
Thanks Ruchira, and yes it was not easy but I could do it because of people’s support really…
Well well well Richa, what do I say to you girl.
One, the topic of homosexuality is close to my heart and I believe that everyone has the right to choose their way of living, as long as they do not compel it onto others; the point being, I loved your story, the way you tackled it and the way you wrote for us everyday. Thank you 🙂
I am glad we connected during the UBC and I’m sure this is just the beginning of better things to come. 🙂
I am glad too Bhavya and I have this notion that all meetings are destined, I found a wonderful blogger and friend through this 🙂 Thanks for always coming back to read much love XOXOXO 🙂
I stumbled upon your blog just 3-4 days back, so did not catch up with the entire story. However, I think it is amazing that you managed to roll out a post each day, even more so that you chose to continue one narrative rather than writing separate posts. It commands great discipline, commitment and creativity. Kudos to you!
Thanks a lot. And I hope you catch up on the whole story whenever you get time 🙂
Thank you for taking us behind the scenes. Strong characters have a way of doing things exactly the way they want to and of leading their authors by the nose.
Great story, Richa. And I’m so glad you elaborated on the end after the end.
Thanks Cynthia! It has been undoubtedly a great challenge I must say 🙂
Great story! It kept me engaged. During reading, I had completely gone into character(Radha). The 1st chapter’s title teased me a bit of my bachelorhood and being over 27. Radha’s like and emotions brought me nearer to her. Description of Sangeeta reminded me of a “Geeta” my sis’ classmate, one who used to arrive at our house driving a bullet(Imagine! A Girl on Bullet!). She was bold and “not an easy to digest” character for some readers. I meant her assertiveness on her sexuality. Nothing really for Sushant and Shikhar(Men are all like that). Liked colorful character of Kavita, overly sensitive at times but loved her devotion towards Sangeeta. Arti’s open talk of “homosexuality” wither her mother did shocked me initially(Kid’s really maturing fast these days). But the way Radha handled her was unbelievable. Not judging anything. It was her life and she made the choices as she wanted and also yours(as you felt Radha inside you). And yes, I did like Bollywood like end but then how many times we see character like her in those movies. Awesome job. Best of luck for future writings. Cheers! 🙂