Undelivered

Introduction

AKSHARA SHARMA, A 33 YEAR OLD DEBUT NOVELIST

She  sat comfortably at her desk, her laptop screen glowing softly in front of her, the Instagram Live session already in full swing.
She had recently published her debut novel, a blend of heartfelt writing and beautifully crafted comic strips, which had unexpectedly gained massive attention.
The screen was flooded with comments from readers, all eager to share their love for the book or ask her questions about her creative process.
She smiled warmly at the camera, the thrill of this new phase in her life still surreal. A question popped up on the screen that caught her attention:
"The way you described love was just...wow. Have you ever been in love? It's so authentic!"

Her heart skipped a beat as she read it. Akshara paused for a moment, her fingers playing with the edge of a notebook beside her, where she had jotted down ideas for future stories.
Love—the central theme of her book. She had poured her heart into those words, crafting emotions that resonated deeply with her readers.
She let the silence hang in the air for a second, a teasing glint in her eyes as she leaned a little closer to the camera.

"That's a good one," she said, her voice soft but steady. "Have I ever been in love?"

She paused again, Enjoying the curiosity buzzing through the live chat, letting her mind drift for just a moment.

Love, a word that could mean so many things to different people. Was it the rush of first attraction? The quiet understanding between two souls? Or maybe, it was something else entirely.No one knows the real definition of LOVE.

“You know,” she continued, her gaze growing distant, “I’ve always believed that love doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Sometimes it’s loud and passionate, but other times… it’s quiet. It's in the small things—like a smile, a thoughtful gesture, or just knowing someone is there, even when the world feels too much."

She tilted her head slightly, as if thinking aloud. “Maybe I’ve been in love... or maybe I've experienced something close to it. Love can surprise you. It creeps up in unexpected places, through unexpected people. And when it does... it changes you. Leaves a mark that never really fades.”

Akshara’s smile returned, a little more private now, as if she was letting the viewers in on a secret, but only just. "But have I fallen in love the way it happens in stories?Well maybe I have Or maybe I haven’t.”
The comments exploded with hearts and exclamations, as more viewers begged for details, intrigued by the mystery she’d left hanging in the air.
Akshara glanced at the chat, her fingers brushing over the keyboard lightly, but instead of giving more away, she shifted the conversation.
“But honestly,” she said, changing her tone to something playful, “it’s not just romantic love I write about. It’s the love you find in friendships, the connection you have with your passions, even the love you have for yourself. That’s also the love I wanted to capture.”

She wasn’t sure if they wanted to hear more about her personal life or were just curious to see if the lines between her art and reality blurred—but either way, she was happy to leave them guessing.

“Love, after all,” she said, her voice growing softer as she glanced at the camera, “is a story that never really ends.”

Akshara smiled as she scanned the final wave of comments flowing through her Instagram Live chat. The question of love still hung in the air, swirling in her thoughts like the pages of an unfinished story. As much as she enjoyed the playful teasing, there was something deeper she wanted to say before she ended the session.

She leaned closer to the camera, her tone turning more sincere, her gaze thoughtful.
“Before I go,” she began, “there’s one last thing I want to share. If you love someone—whether it’s a friend, family, or something more—don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment to tell them. Because... sometimes that moment never comes. And if you wait too long, you might lose the chance to say the things that matter most.”

Her eyes softened as she paused, letting her words linger, the truth of her advice hitting closer to home than she’d let on. “So, don’t hold back. Don’t let fear, pride, or the illusion of time get in the way. Tell them, before it’s too late.”
The comments filled with hearts and words of gratitude from viewers who clearly felt the weight of her message. Akshara smiled one last time, giving a small wave before ending the live session.

She sat back, staring at the blank screen of her laptop, the quiet of the room settling around her.
Her own words echoed in her mind, stirring something she had long buried. She swallowed, her throat tight, as a memory,sharp and vivid,rose to the surface.
Her hand brushed across the cover of her latest book, but her thoughts were no longer in the present.