A Maverick Heart: Between Love and Life

A novel by

Ravindra Shukla

Synopsis – When people of similar frequencies come together – output is not a simple sum of individual work, but exponential. In science we term this phenomenon as resonance. Output at this stage is beyond any logical limit. Three young kids, with different family backgrounds and outlook meet during their graduation days at IIT-Bombay campus and become close friends. Although, individually they are in sync, but the same is not true for their interaction with the world. How will their relation withstand the conflict of family and society pressure? How do their characters shape out, as they traverse from an educational environment through the corporate world to the realm of the social-political world? Inspired by the real events across the globe from the last decade, Ravindra Shukla brings you the characters based story – struggle and triumphs of a young generation and their relevance in the current socio-eco-political era.

Plot/Context -

Book is inspired by the actual events from the last decade (mostly what happened between 1996 thru 2006) across India and USA. It covers the journey of three youth - their peak vibrant period between 18 years and 26 years.

The story revolves around the lives of three friends in IIT, one girl and two guys. The book goes through the ups and downs in their lives, their college life, their personal lives, their professional lives.  Depiction of love relation and friendship during academic life is very meaningful and realistic. In corporate and professional section – plot covers the glamour and up/down of Wall Street. Difference in Silicon Valley entrepreneur’s passionate interest vs glamour and manipulation of Wall Street has been described beautifully.  Finally journey takes you to the current social struggles people facing in country and their transition to political level.

We can relate to protagonist a lot who in one line is "a brilliant mind who chooses to follow his heart". The best part of the book are the discussion (long but don't feel long) between characters which stimulate your mind and heart at the same time, a great mix of philosophy and logic in these discussions. Language is very simple, which makes it a very easy read as well.

Character based story inspired by international events – 1996 thru 2006

- Campus academic life (Relation between three close friends, Richita-Rahul love relation)

- Middle class family conflicts – Decision based on security vs interest, generation conflicts

- Silicon Valley VS Wall Street in US – Entrepreneurship (Creator) VS Wall Street (Deal Maker)

- Glamour of making millions/successful life, The Rat race and Quality time concept

- Corporate world: USA Wall street life, Multi Billionaire IPO, Internet/wireless/emerging technology Boom/Burst

- India social-political reform movement (RTI) – Entry of young and rich self-made persons in politics

Main Characters -

Richita – She is combination of beauty and brains. She comes from an upper middle class. Her father, Dr. Deen Dayal, is a professor in Lucknow University and is in very powerful position in state politics. He is very protective of Richita. Mother plays a key role in shaping Richita character. Richita – a smart and beautiful girl – tries to follow family and society norms till the end when she cannot ignore her own consent.

Rahul – Son of an Air-force fighter pilot officer, who lost his life in Kashmir in 1990 when Rahul was still in school. Very sharp but highly emotional character, he goes with what his heart and believes in instant action (Genius in mind, socialist by heart, rebel against anything wrong in society). Although miles away from glamour and charm of any girl, he could not resist Richita beauty and attitude. Their relation attaches new meaning to eternal love.

Neerav – Comes from a wealthy businessman family. He knows what is right/wrong but flows with current flow in life. He follows predefined path, focuses on career and success. He is capitalist in belief. Rahul is his best friend. Neerav enjoys life to full extent, is not an emotional character but knows where real talent lies in society and corporate world.

Author - Ravindra Shukla is a graduate of IIT-Bombay. He works for IBM in emerging technology and business analytics in IT software technology. His professional experience includes working with consulting firms – PWC and IBM in USA for 15+ years. He is a member of the Film Writers Association, Mumbai. His interest includes – writing fiction, literature and movie scripts apart from sports, movie and travelling across the globe.