The Book Launch

“I don’t know why I make a bet with you and loose always with a hundred percent track record? Neither I had made that bet nor had I to attend this ‘Book Launch Event’ as proposed by you.”

“Hey, hey Aarti… don’t call this any such event. Feel lucky that you got the pass to be an attendee here”, Pranav said with a feeling of pride in his voice.

“At least you should be thankful to me that I joined you for this.”

“Yeah, yeah, highly thankful.”

Pranav knew that he was able to convince no one except Aarti from his friend circle and thus expressed his gratitude wholeheartedly.

“And by the way, when we are already here let’s be a good audience.”

“You know that I’m good at that”, assured Aarti.

“Yes, you are”, Pranav could sense a feeling of contentment now.

“Pranav, one other thing apart from this topic.”

“Yes, tell me.”

“Why didn’t you give that novel to me since you have already read that way before?”

“I don’t believe in this borrowing thing Aarti and you should also.”

“But why?”

“My belief is that writers won’t survive if people would continue borrowing from each other. Instead, for the writer’s world to nurture, individuals should buy books and what best you can do is create your own library.”

“Kitna gyan dete ho yaar. At least this event shouldn’t pour this much gyan for God’s sake.”

“Don’t worry, the session won’t be like that. Trust me.”

“So, how did your journey into the world of writing started”, the host asked … the same usual question

“I would say, writing just happened. When I wrote my first book, I wasn’t able to find a publisher who would approve it. But, there is always another way. I simply got it self-published, distributed the copy among my friends and asked for their genuine responses. Fortunately, they liked it and urged me to continue writing. Then, I knew in my heart of hearts that I should start chasing my dream. That’s all!”

…and there was applause, more applause, and thunderous applause from the audience.

“Don’t you think Pranav, the writer gave too much gyan and I don’t trust that story of him to be genuine”, Aarti said on their way back to college.

“Whatever it be but captivating it was.”

“What happened? You are again touched by that gyan thing like always?”; Aarti said teasingly.

“No, no, I was just appreciating him.”

“Yes you are, I know you”, she continued mocking Pranav.

8 years later

There was again a book launch event and Pranav was still there. The only difference now was he was on the other side – it was his book launch – he had become an acclaimed author now.

The host kept asking the same usual questions and ended with, “Lastly, what advice you have for the readers?”

“Just one thing. Please don’t borrow books rather try to buy them. What best you can do is to maintain your own library. Borrowing books is surely one way of showering your love for the author but with a limit. I only urge you to shower that love without any limits. That would only give teeth to the writer’s world. That’s all.”

…and there was applause, more applause, and thunderous applause from the audience.

Aarti, who was a part of the audience could sense every bit of that applause and Pranav was already feeling it to the core.