Tu Jaane Na

Chapter 1: A Favour from an Old Friend

The world beyond the bedroom window consisted of beautiful beams of sunshine, the laughter of little children and the chirping of cheerful birds amongst the blossom trees, all representing a new beginning. The season of spring. From her bedroom window, Ishita was witnessing a reality that was right upon her doorstep, except she was constrained by the internal conflict of anxiety she was experiencing as a result of the fact that her failing career could potentially deprive her of this view permanently. Surrounded by heaps of crumpled sheets of paper, Ishita was drowning amongst the thoughts of her life decisions so far. She wondered whether having done her masters degree in creative writing was really worth it. Every publishing company over the past three years have seemed to completely overlook and undermine her. She had written several novels from fantasy to thrillers, yet not a single acknowledgement of any potentially promising pieces of work. Ishita feels a strong sense of uncertainty and potentially regret too about her life choices. However, she attempts to inspire herself with the beginning of a new season, as it may be the beginning of a new opportunity that will relinquish her days of rejection and struggle. As she gazes beyond her window lost in her thoughts, Mansi bursts in desperate for Ishita's attention.

Mansi: "Ishuuu!! I need you to come to the living room right now!".
Ishita: "Mannu, I'm not in the mood. I'm sorry".
Mansi: "Ishu, I wouldn't be forcing you out of your room unless it was important, hurry up!".

Ishita slides her feet into her cosy house slippers before making her way into the living room lazily. She finds Mansi glued to a news broadcast on the television, confused by the sheer look on Mansi's face. She hurried towards the couch and makes herself comfortable before breaking her silence.

Ishita: "So... what did you wanna show me so urgently Mannu?".
Mansi: "Do you remember Karthik Malhotra?".
Ishita: "From school? Sure I remember him. Equally as obsessed with literature as I was. How come you remember him all of a sudden?".
Mansi: "Well, I was scrolling through channels because Sunday programmes are crap and I came across this news broadcast about Karthik Malhotra. Apparently he has his own publishing house named 'Malhotra Publishing' and has just signed a huge contract for a book series with Jaya Kohli".
Ishita: "Wait, the Jaya Kohli? As in the most popular female author of our country? That's insane!".
Mansi: "YES! At first I thought I was mistaken, but I'm pretty sure it's him".

*Mansi points towards the television screen, showing a handsome young man in a beige checkered suit, making intense eye contact with the camera and showing off his teeth confidently. Ishita's mouth drops wide open, as she realises how much her fellow classmate has not only grown up but glown up as well".

Ishita: "Puberty did a lot for him. I remembered used to wear ugly sweatshirts and wore glasses ten times the size of his face".
Mansi: "Hahaha, well that's him all right! Maybe you could try contacting him and explaining your situation. You guys were good friends I'm sure he will try and help you somehow..."
Ishita: "I don't know Mansi, it just seems selfish of me to only approach him because I need a career boost".
Mansi: "Maybe he is exactly what you need. He knows you from when you guys were younger. He will understand and know your potential better than any other publisher in the world. Promise you will think about it at least?"
Ishita: I promise Mannu!

Ishita makes her way into her bedroom again. She face plants into her pillow for a few minutes before going on her phone and searching 'Malhotra Publishing' online. She comes across various articles and pictures, giving her a clearer picture of how successful Karthik has become. She comes across a phone number and decides to enquire about meeting with Karthik. After a few rings, a lovely old woman picks up the phone.