(Aarav is passionate about writing, but his father thinks he should take up a steady job. Trapped between his love for writing and family pressure, Aarav remains unhappy. His younger brother, Vidyut, seeing his sibling’s situation, steps in by passing Aarav’s manuscript to a publisher friend, and things shape up well for Aarav, and he releases his first book.)
Aarav never thought he would finish his second book within eighteen months of the first being published. Again, it was his brother, Vidyut, who made him write this book.
“Bhaiyya, I want this book release to coincide with my birthday on the 11th October.” Vidyut made a compelling demand.
Aarav had been genuinely anxious because his manuscript was still in the draft stage in July. Though the story was well planned, the ending remained elusive.
He didn’t mind the stress; Aarav would do anything for his younger brother, Vidyut. It was after all Vidyut who had stood by him during his days of depression while he had struggled to carve a niche for himself as a writer.
He vividly remembered Vidyut’s words as he grabbed all the sheets on which Aarav had written his first novel: “You will not stop me today. I can’t see you suffering like this. These are going to a friend who’s a publisher. I have already spoken to him.”
If Vidyut hadn’t taken that step, Aarav wouldn’t be basking in the glory of his first book’s success today.
When Vidyut asked for the book to be released on his birthday, Aarav worked until midnight to finish the draft. He wanted to end it on a positive note, but he knew that wouldn’t suit the tale.
The story revolved around Vihaan, a young man of twenty-nine, diagnosed with stomach cancer.
The first few chapters showed how a middle-class family struggled to raise two sons. Despite financial crunches, the parents gave their sons the best education. Vihaan was portrayed as the more passionate of the two siblings. Aarav used words judiciously to earn readers’ love and affection, so the agonizing news of Vihaan’s terminal illness would cut through their hearts.
He tried his best to pen the sad ending with subtle words, though he knew it would hurt; he also knew that was the ending readers would relate to. Readers had long stopped accepting inconceivable endings.
Aarav was concerned that editing and formatting might take at least eight weeks, which meant the end of September, leaving hardly a few days for the book release.
“I am trying my best to release the book on 11th October,” Aarav told Vidyut.
“That’s my Bhaiyya,” Vidyut smiled. “Do you want me to talk to my friend Deepak about arranging the venue, like last time?”
Aarav thought for a while, and eventually nodded. “If that is not going to be a problem,” he added.
“That is a lucky venue, Bhaiyya,” Vidyut beamed. “You signed several copies of your first book there, and it became the best seller very soon. Well, this book doesn’t need any endorsement or lucky charm; it is going to earn accolades after accolades. I sneaked through a few chapters. The unfeigned way you handled the story calls for applause. I especially appreciate the chapter in which you have written about how the fiancée of Vihaan breaks down upon hearing the news.” Vidyut had a volley of praise for his elder brother’s book release.
On October 11th, Aarav was there at the same venue to release his second book titled “Thirty Summers.” It stood as a symbol of the struggle Vihaan and his family went through fighting the deadly ailment for a year.
Dr. Ashok Ansari, the town’s famous oncologist, agreed to grace the occasion as the chief guest and speaker. The invitees were all ears to listen to him speak about various forms of cancer and how many of them could be treated if diagnosed at an early stage.
“Vihaan, the main character of this book, Thirty Summers, had many earlier symptoms. However, unfortunately, the early symptoms of stomach cancer were mistaken for common digestive issues. His unexplained sudden loss of weight was attributed by him and his family members to erratic office timings and poor food habits. This was considered a reason for all the symptoms like a bloated belly, a burning sensation in the upper belly, and nausea.” He paused for a while as he turned the pages of the book to read out a particular chapter.
“Drink warm water with a tinge of asafoetida; it will help your tummy,” Kamala aunty advised. “Eat ripe bananas; they do good to the stomach.” Ajay uncle advised. The advises came pouring, but following them only lead to further discomfort. When everything failed, the family visited a doctor, but it was too late!
“Advanced stage of cancer,” The doctor said, shaking his head. “Why didn’t you consult a doctor earlier?”
Vihaan’s mother broke down on hearing this.
Then he read out the entire last chapter.
“Today Vihaan had been throwing up since morning. Sayali sat beside him, not able to control her tears. She knew her fiancée was going ……………His parents broke down to see their thirty-year-old son lying lifeless!
The venue reverberated with thunderous applause. Aarav knew then and there that this book would make it big. After all, true-life stories always made for a genuine read. He looked at his parents in the first row and the empty chair between them, meant for Vidyut.