Karishma had followed the news religiously.

“The divorce proceedings were long-drawn and ugly.”

“The death happened under suspicious circumstances. Industrialist claims that he was not in town.”

“The son told the reporters that his father drove his mother to suicide.”

“Siddhartha Sen claims that he and his wife have not spoken in last two years except in the presence of their lawyers.”

“Police questions industrialist Siddhartha Sen in connection with his wife’s death.”

“Siddhartha Sen refuses to talk to media. Company’s share price plunges. Recovers later.”

Bittu sent her a message. “He has sent your payment. Collect it. Doesn’t look like he’d meet you. Want to see someone else?”

Karishma met him to collect the money and told him that she was taking a break.

“I don’t know what all he has promised you, but these love stories never end well. You’d do better to move on. Especially with all this mess.”

“He hasn’t promised me anything. I can just… afford… to take a break.”

“Your wish. But whenever you want to come back, I am there.”

“I know. Thanks Bittu.”

—

Going by the news, Siddhartha’s life had settled down at least bit. The post-mortem reports were not made public, but there were rumours that she had died of drug overdose. The son had apologized for his earlier rash remark, made in a moment of “emotional vulnerability”. There was another news of him being offered a seat on the board of one of the group companies.

Siddhartha hadn’t tried to contact her still. Even during their trip, they hadn’t exchanged the contact details. So, the only way he could get in touch was through Bittu.  But he would probably not risk that anytime soon.

Karishma felt a depressing feeling wash over her. He had promised to help her plan her future. That wasn’t going to happen now. She was on her own, again. With a little more money than earlier!

She had wanted to be a teacher since her childhood and had taken up the job as a default choice. When it didn’t turn out to be paying enough, she had panicked. Now she had some cushion. She was thinking carefully and exploring options. Probably a change in the job? Something in the corporate world?

—

Dear Karishma,

It took me some time to read the novel. I am sending the manuscript back with some comments. You don’t necessarily have to make all the changes I have suggested. But you can think them over.

Would you like to publish it?

Best wishes
Manthan

—

Her attempts at finding a better-paying job had not been fruitful till now. She didn’t know how to get a foothold. The few small companies she had been able to get a call from weren’t paying any better than her current job.

Could publishing be the answer to her troubles?

—

Dear Mr. Manthan,

I had never seriously thought about publishing. I’m not even sure how to approach publishers and not end up in the unread or rejected pile. Do you have a suggestion?

I am working on revising the manuscript and send you a revised version in few days. It will be a typed copy.

Sincerely
Karishma

—

Dear Karishma,

I apologize for the delay in replying. I was waiting for your revised manuscript so that I could show it to my publishers. You should hear from them soon.

All the best
Manthan

—

Dear Mr. Manthan,

I don’t know how to thank you enough for whatever you have told your publishers. I haven’t heard of any new, unknown author, who has been given an advance for a book deal. They also told me that they would bring the book out in three months.

I must tell you that this deal not only brings me creative satisfaction, but is also a real help monetarily. It will save me from many professional and moral compromises that would, otherwise, have been inevitable.

I send my sincere gratitude and good wishes your way. I don’t know if you need this, but you will always be in my prayers.

Sincerely
Karishma

—

Dear Karishma,

I am glad that the book deal is helpful. Keep me updated on the progress of the project. I hope the book does well and you never have to make any moral or professional compromises.

By the way, I noticed only recently that you had completed my unfinished story. You should have told me what you had done. I had assumed that you had just returned me the originals.

Best wishes
Manthan

—

Dear Mr. Manthan,

Thanks a lot for mentioning your story. I was afraid that you had taken offense at my audacity and that’s why you did not say anything about it. How did you like my version of the story’s climax?

Publishers have sent me the edited manuscript. The project is going faster than planned. My guess is that it is your doing. So, thanks a lot once again.

Sincerely
Karishma

—

Dear Karishma,

To be honest, when I first realized that you had completed my story, I was astonished at what you call your audacity. When I read what you had written, I was ambivalent. If I had completed the story, my heroine would certainly not have done what you made her do. Then I spent some time thinking over it. And I realized that what you had done was better. It makes the character much stronger and also addresses a flaw in my writing that someone had pointed out to me recently. So, it is my turn to thank you.

I am waiting for your book to hit the market as eagerly as you are.

Best wishes
Manthan

—

Dear Mr. Manthan,

Thank you for not minding my audacity. When I read the incomplete story, the possible scenarios just kept playing in my mind and I felt compelled to write a climax for it.

Are you really not writing another book?

Sincerely
Karishma

—

Dear Karishma,

Probably someday the inspiration will strike again. Right now, I am not writing anything. Did you get around to reading the book I had sent?

Best wishes
Manthan

—

Dear Mr. Manthan,

I am half-way through the book. I must thank you for recommending and sending me the book. If I could write a book like this someday, I think I will happily and contentedly retire from everything.

The publisher tells me that they will organize a high-profile launch event for my novel. You must already be aware of it, because I think this is your doing too. Would you please attend the function? It would be an honour to meet you.

Sincerely
Karishma

—

To be continued