Monday 21 January 2013

Right or Wrong? – my entry to the GetPublished contest’’


My story Right or Wrong is the story of Raina Kapoor, a woman who finds herself displaced from her husband's exclusive attention and is unable to handle being second place in his life.

Six years ago, at her graduation day, two men proposed to her, Siddharth and Arnav. She accepted Arnav because she loved him and to all appearances he loved her. Attractive and charming as he was, she had eyes only for him. As time wore on, Arnav became the typical workaholic medico. Now absorbed in his patients, he has no time for her. He even passes onto her the presents he gets as gratitude tokens from his patients, making her feel less like a loved wife and more like forgotten washing left hanging on the clothesline. Raina, an only child of wealthy parents, was used to being doted upon. All her life she took affection and adulation as a matter of natural reaction from people. Now she begins to feel she's been cheated by the veneer Arnav wore of an attractive and debonair man. At this point Siddharth comes to stay with them and shows her what a man's attention feels like. Being a dutiful wife she doesn't encourage him. But a message on Facebook pierces her armour. 

Would she succumb? Is it a second chance at love that she threw away? Or a senseless temptation that could destroy her marriage?



I was inspired to write this story by observing real people like professional couples who find it difficult to give time to their marriage and their spouse. A fact which creates distance and detachment between them. Being a doctor myself, I know all about being busy in work. Nowadays, couples are finding it harder and harder to find time for each other in marriage. Furthermore, for doctors, it's the patients welfare and their own livelihood tied together. Even other professionals have to face demands of their job in this competitive world. However, I strongly believe, that work, any kind of work, does not provide an excuse for ignoring your family. 


Extract : The boat wobbled as it drew to the bank. Siddharth got off and extended a supportive hand. She placed her own in it and it closed over hers. His clasp felt dry, firm. Not as warm and big as Arnav's but what it lacked in sensuality it made up in strength. Closing it tight, he pulled her with a jerk that brought her right up to him till she found herself looking into his intent dark gaze.


Last but not least, there's another angle to the story. Society can impose restrictions but when it comes to following her heart, what is right for a woman? That which is right for the mind or that which maybe wrong? When heart is involved what is right, what is wrong? How hard is it to make the distinction? 

"This is my entry for the HarperCollins–IndiBlogger Get Published contest, which is run with inputs from Yashodhara Lal and HarperCollins India."



To vote for my contest entry, please go here:http://www.indiblogger.in/getpublished/idea/519 

10 comments:

  1. Interesting premise. And the dilemma is so real. Looking forward to reading this story! Good luck.
    Adite

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  2. now this one is different from other entries. not sure if anyone else has written a story on a married person. would love to read the entire story. the narration is brilliant!! all the best!! going to vote for your entry now.

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    1. Thanks for the wonderful words and the vote, Debajyoti.

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  3. Congratulations, Ruchi. In the old days most of us, especially in India, would never have dared explore the theme of a married woman's dilemma when faced with a busy and neglectful husband on the one hand and the flattering attentions of another man. So glad you have as "love in the 21st century" is all about striving for a meaningful partnership between two individuals.

    Can't help hoping the husband wakes up in time :-) Looking forward to reading your story in the book.

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  4. Thanks, Kay. So happy you liked it.

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  5. Congrats Ruchi..... very interesting take on real life stories in these times. Look forward to reading the whole story in the book.

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  6. Hi Nirvana, great to 'meet' you here :) Thanks for the wishes and the wonderful encouraging words.

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