Memories Of Love

Author's note...

Thank you, dear reader, for picking up 'MEMORIES OF LOVE', my first novel. Each word in this book has been formed by the support and inspiration of many great people. Here's thanking them all... To the people who really matter- mom, dad, brother and sister. Mrs.Mariamma Thomas and Mr.Anil Kumar Pavitreswaram - my editors. The whole team at Grandhapura Publications, Kollam, for publishing my book. Marygiri Public school, KoothattukulamI thank each and everyone in my school. Principal, teachers, students and other staff for moulding me into what I am today. Today, I feel proud to study in such a prestigious institution. Fr.Mike George, Principal of Marygiri Public school, KoothattukulamHe's a wonderful person who became my inspiration and role model within no time. Thank you, Father for that support and inspiration. I thank all my friends in Marygiri who helped me by providing the tits and bits for the story. Elizabeth Thomson and Ashish Manoj- for reading the story and encouraging me with their appreciation. They are my best buddies who motivated me during my rough phase. Those who helped me in various stages of conceptualizing and research. James Sir- a great man whose words made me think.
Thanks to Chetan Bhagat and Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam whose books provided me the inspiration to write this story.
My extended family on facebook. Before I conclude my 'Thank you' note, let me mention a person to whom I owe special thanks. It is Prof. Leela Mary Koshy, who has written the introduction for my first novel. Finally, I thank God Almighty for helping me achieve my dream to become a writer. I'm extremely sorry if I've missed out a few names, but each one who is reading this holds a special place in my heart. I want to reach out to as many people as I can through this book. Thanks a million... Welcome to 'Memories of Love '.

Principal's note...

It is a matter of pride for me, as well as the institution I work with, that a student of ours authors a book. It is not a wonder that Pooja has a book to her name, given the immense talent she possesses. She is very dynamic, creative, industrious, intelligent and is bestowed with all qualities of an ideal student. Now that she has found the power of words, my wish is that she is named among the best writers in the world. This be just the beginning of a long journey and let your ideas feed the brains of millions. Let pen be your weapon, words your armour and ideas wealth. All the very best, dear Pooja...

Fr.Mike George , Principal Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam

Introduction Prof.Leela Mary Koshy

Amazing! Pooja Gunasekharan, the young author, makes a graphic portrayal of three young minds in her novel, 'Memories of Love'. The throes of being in and out of love, the pain of breach of trust, the recklessness of being disillusioned, the depths of depression, the hopelessness of having lost the beloved, all these are intricately put together in 'Memories of Love'. Pooja Gunasekharan's insight into the working of the human mind is simply amazing. I see in her the making of an Indian writing in English, whose works would, one day, top the list of block buster fiction. Arohi's positive response to the isolation to which she is confined for her 'fault' of falling in love with Siddharth and her subsequent decision to make an 'impression' by excelling in her studies appear a little forced. Without a mentor, does a young girl normally respond positively in a similar crisis in life? Not likely. Yet we know that no two persons react identically in a similar situation. Perhaps human mind is capable of strange reactions. Obviously, the crisis inspired her to chase her dreams. Pooja Gunasekharan's sense of morality is conveyed very precisely to the reader. The three protagonists, Arohi, Siddharth and Yadav are caught in the interweaving flow of sentiments, passion and possessiveness in matters concerning love. Arohi puts Siddharth in his place, when he questions her about her relationship with Yadav, who is her partner and trainer in the dance item, salsa. In an earlier episode, we see Siddharth persuading Arohi to swear in God's name that she will only marry, him. Her decision to excel in studies eventually takes her to Bangalore for medical studies, where she is once again in Yadav's company. But her conduct is admirable; Arohi knows where to draw the line. 'Once smitten, twice shy' seems to be Arohi's relationship with Yadav at Bangalore. Amazing, because she is away from the spying eyes of her parents! Yadav's advances are of no avail. What Arohi wants is to create an impression through excellence in studies! The plot is evolved mostly through episodes and incidents Arohi recalls. They are etched vividly in her memory. Arohi is engaged to be married to Yadav, but her memories come haunting, stifling the joy of expectation. At another stage, there are memories recorded in Siddharth's diary. The novel ends with the memories of Yadav, in the epiloque. Pooja Gunasekharan reminds us that memories don't change. There certainly is no expiry date for love, because love is Divine. Divinity is eternal. The author has elevated love into a lofty plane of the union of hearts. For Siddharth, love goes beyond the precinacts of this mortal existence. He remains faithful unto death and beyond. How amazing is this spiritual aura given to love! Indeed 'Memories with Love' is an encomium to LOVE. May Pooja Gunasekharan's flights of fancy help her scale to great heights as a writer.