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Love or Hate
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Love or Hate The Dilemma in Her Heart
Dhruthik Shankar
EDUCREATION PUBLISHING (Since 2011) www.educreation.in
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Dedicated to My Father “Shankar K.S.”
I love you mom “Girija Shankar”
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Acknowlegements
I would like to thank my friends – “Dilip K Mohan, Deepshika Reddy, Yashika S, Kavya S, Shubha R Bharath R, Sajjan K, Rishabh Gowda, Bharath M, Arun Kumar B N, Aditi S Kulkarni, Dhanya R, Akhil S K, Anup K, Lekhana H, Rajini Hegde and Sukeerthi D” And those who have encouraged and supported me in completing my novel I would also like to thank my uncles-“ Yogesh B.H , Gurumurthy B.H, Shivaprasad B.H”, my aunts-“Prema Kumar, Dr. Veena Manjunath, Latha Shashidaran”, my brothers and sisters who have stood by me and supported me Disclaimer: All the characters, names and events, occurring in the novel, are a work of fiction and do not bear any resemblance to any person, living or dead
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Index
S.no Content Page. Prologue viii 1 The Beginning 1 2 The Premam Effect 6 3 The Mistake 13 4 The First Meet 18 5 The Missing Case 27 6 Exams, Fights and Love 34 7 The Big Secret 41 8 The Marriage 48 9 The Truth 54 10 Rise to Fame 65 11 Accident 75 12 New Girl 87 13 Suspension 96 14 The Graduation 107 15 The Ex 118 16 Life 139 17 The Proposal 153 18 Epilogue 163
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Prologue
I have everything in my life now. I am a famous and trending rockstar. I have lots of fans across the world. I have earned lots of recognition and wealth, yet I lost the most precious thing in my life – the love of my life. It has been 10 years since she left me, but I am still waiting for her. She kept telling me that she hated me, but I know very well that she bore affection on me. I have been inquiring for her curiously, for the past 10 years but still haven‟t found her. I scribed a song for her and showed the entire terrene how much I love her, and I know that my voice will reach her wherever she is. My loved ones questioned if she‟ll come back has it‟s been a while .But I never lost faith as „True Love never confines!‟. She is my world and life. She guided me through life and bore the boundness for who I am today. I got there to my bungalow, after completing my early morning jog. As I entered, I could see a young man in his early 20s waiting in my visitor's room. My personal assistant, a tall and a hot lady who had amazingly cute eyes, tall figure, slender legs and unbearable lips acknowledged me. I felt charmed and blessed on having an assistant like her. „Sir, there is a person waiting for you. He says that he is your fan and wishes to meet you.‟ she said. „Yes, I'll be there in 5 minutes, ask him to wait.‟ I replied and climbed the stairs to reach my bedroom. My bedroom was sited at the first floor. The ground floor embodied a visitor's room, a huge hall, a diner and the kitchen. The entry of my room filled with posters and
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my magazine cut-ups. The posters dwelled and reposed Priya‟s memories. Though her memories killed me , my day was incomplete without her image. Then, my closet which bore variance in my outfits. I would never reshow my dress. It was actually a small area where I had arrayed my T-shirts, shirts, pants, jackets and everything. My guitars were partitioned and kept safe in a separate cabinet. Hello, my name is Dhruv and I‟m a rockstar. I have fans all across the universe. But my main fan base is in my motherland, India. I spruced up and went to meet the lad who was waiting for an hour and so. As I stepped into the room, I could see him sitting on the couch waiting for me biting his nail . He was in his mid-20s. He was an average looking boy and was extremely skinny. He wore huge framed glasses which put down his looks. Further, it made me fascinated how such a gentlemen would become my fan. I could see his face lit up immediately, on seeing me and he greeted me with a warm smile. „Sir, I am so excited and delightful that I could finally meet you. My name is Gaurav. I am your huge fan, Sir!!‟ he said. „Relax Gaurav, have a seat.‟ I replied. „Sir, thanks a lot for meeting me. Today is the best day of my life.‟ „My pleasure, so you wanted to talk to me regarding something ?‟ „Sir, I am aspiring to be a movie director. I wanted to talk to you about the same thing.‟ „Oh nice, it is good to see modish and youthful directors upcoming . What can I do for you? Do you want me to sing a song for your direction or compose music for your story play?‟
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„No, I want to make a biopic on your love life ….‟ he said stammering. „A biopic on my life! I don't think that I have achieved so much that someone can make a biopic on my life.‟ I replied with a blush on my face, still hesitating. „Sir, please you are such a phenomenal rockstar, and a person who is extremely humble as well . I am undaunted that your story is worth making a movie and would be a true idolizer to the young generation. You are renowned as a modern-day Romeo who is in quest for his Juliet.‟ „Romeo and me ?‟ I replied filled with shreiking laughter. „Sir, me as one of your admirer wishes to know regarding your love life. This would be interesting to youth and let them gain faith that love can exist even after 10 years.‟ „Hmmm … Ok! So what do you want to know about my life?‟ I asked. „Sir, can I ask you a few questions?‟ „Ya, sure!‟ I replied. He pulled out his mini notebook and pen from his leather bag and started by tapping the book with his pen. „Sir, your album “I Lost My Heart” is trending even now after 10 years. You have dedicated all your songs to Priya, your love. We are keen to know more about her.‟ „Priya! What to tell about her! I don't know.‟ „Sir, you have been in search for her since 10 years, and you still don‟t know her existence. You composed an album dedicating to her and told the entire universe regarding your love for her. Through this album you portrayed your love and asked her to meet you as soon
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as possible. It has her pictures too. Why did she part you and let you suffer all alone in grief?‟ „It's a long story. I don't know from where to start.‟ „Have you not lost hope and concern on her? It has been 10 years, and you are still abiding for her?‟ „No way, I know that she loves me as much as I do, and I know that she will come back soon.‟ „What made your album “I Lost My Heart” become such a big hit?‟ „I composed that essentially for Priya as I wanted to express my sensuality for her. I knew then with the help of my voice I could make sure that it reaches the entire world and once she listens to my song, she will understand how much I love her even today and will come back to me. She left me 10 years prior, and I did my best to find her but everything went in vain. So I made an album that would recite our love story.‟ „You are already 32 and still single, have you not developed feelings for any other girl?‟ „No, Priya is my first and last love. I can‟t fantasize my life with any other lady.‟ „Sir, can you narrate your love story. How did the spark happen between you both that lasts even today?‟ „I don't think my story has a good climax!!‟ „Sir enumerate it , we will think about the climax later on . My movie will help you in your search for Priya. It is a request from my side and all your fans who want to know about their star. I am just one of the admirer in the list.‟ „Ok, I will begin. It all started 8 years back in the Rockford College where I did my masters,MBA.‟
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Dhruthik Shankar
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The Beginning W 8 years back
Rockford College of Management
I am Dhruv. I am 24 years old. I joined MBA in one of the least reputed colleges in Bangalore courtesy my low rank. The only peculiarity of this college was its locale. It was residing in the heart of the city. This college was mainly certified for its trending and vogue bunch of girls. My first day at college – it started with a lengthy orientation. These orientations were pretty much lifeless. It gave a chance for me to get familiarized with my new batchmates though. Most strength of the class belonged to the commerce students. Engineering students were quite scarce in number and I was one of them. As I came out of the orientation, I decided to gaze around the campus. The campus was quite vast and comprised of farfetched buildings spread across nearly 12 acres. One could see couples bunking classes and seated all around the pavements. There were many splendid-looking girls in the college, but I really don't fancy my chances considering my looks. I was an
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Love or Hate average-looking guy in average height and from a middle class standard who wore normal casual pants and shirts. It's really tough for me to compete with the tall and handsome lads with amazing super-bikes and fashion quotients. „Hey! You come here.‟ I heard a voice from behind. As I turned back, I could see a gang of seniors. These guys looked really tough with huge muscles. They were all sitting on the pavement at the entrance and wore a wicked grin on their face. „Yes.‟ I said being little scare stiff. „So, where are you from? Bcom.?‟ asked a guy with a grim voice. „I am Dhruv. I am an engineer.‟ I replied. „Oh engineer!‟ he replied sarcastically. „Yes.‟ I said with irritation. „Go and run 5 rounds in the ground.‟ another guy ordered in a forbidding voice. I had to be attentive and follow their orders. Though ragging was banned, there was still formal ragging going on in the campus. I didn't want to make enmity on the first day , so I nodded to them and left quickly. „You two guys join him and complete 5 rounds.‟ said the senior spotting to the guys who were standing behind me. One of them was short, thin, average looking and the other was tall, fit and not so availing. These people joined me in completing the task. As we started running, the tall guy was the first to pick up the conversation. „Hey, I am Kiran and this is Ravi. We are from SVEC engineering college.‟ he said. „I am Dhruv from GBIT engineering college.‟ I said and introduced myself. So, this was the opener of our friendship. From then on, we became really close, and co-incidentally, they were my roommates in the hostel. We gelled up really
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Dhruthik Shankar well. Within a few days, we became best buddies. We would show around together and explored many places alongside the college. It was Friday, and the regular classes would commence from Monday. So to kill the time we watched movie in the nearby cinema hall.
Monday
This was the first day of our class. We preferred to sit in the last bench. All the students started converging inside the class. We came early, so that we could take a look at our classmates, there was much gossip about a girl named „Priya‟, and she was supposed to be in the same class. The whole class assembled after 10–15 minutes. The first class generally begins with the introductions and admittances. We realized that 70% were filled with the students from commerce background, and it came as a little disheartening stat. At the commencement of the second hour, a girl creped in. She was of medium height, very fair and had a clear skin that was charming . Her eyes were so captivating that anyone could get lost immediately looking at it. She was quite slim and looked perfect. She looked like an angel to me. She wore a hot jeans shorts with torn patterns on it and a white crop top that was sleeveless which revealed her tummy. She made quite a happening entry and made all the guys go weak on their knees. After the completion of the first day , we decided to go to cafeteria. Cafeteria filled with rich kids forming huge groups and amusing with Priya. „That's Priya, right? She is so hot.‟ said Kiran. „Ya! That is Priya, looks like she has already formed a group.‟ I replied. „I want pav bhaji guys.‟ said Ravi.
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Love or Hate „Go get it, Dhruv. You are an impelling guy.‟ said Kiran. „I don't want to stand in the queue.‟ „Oh! Come on, Dhruv. I'll pay for you, just go and get it for us.‟ „Okay! Fine, this time I will go but next time anyone of you guys are going.‟ I replied and departed to stand in the queue. The flowers which were put for decoration were being removed by the canteen staff. I was standing in the queue, and Priya also started drifting near the counter. Before she could realize, she stumbled over the chair and bamnn!!! She collided and toppled on me. We tripped and hugged each other. All the flowers came crashing down on us. This was like a typical movie scene which came into being with the hottest girl of the college. Our eyes met. I did not want to let her go. I just wished that I could freeze this moment. There was a huge cheer in the canteen who witnessed this shocking scene. All the guys would have burned with jealousy glancing at us. Priya stood up in frustration. She looked really cute when she was angry. Before I could say anything, she got up, „Don't you have sense, how dare you touch me.‟ shouted Priya. „I am sorry, Priya, but it's your mistake.‟ „Oh! Please, it was this bloody chair. Still you don't have the right to touch me, get out of my sight. I am Priya, keep your distance from me.‟ she said in a contortioning voice and left. That was our first meeting. The entire college would remember the meeting more than me, and that was my first day at the college. Priya became a popular star more because of her extremely hot looks; she contemned me a lot considering what happened on our first meeting at the cafeteria. Myself , Kiran and Ravi came from not so well-known engineering colleges, and we didn't have the best grades.
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Dhruthik Shankar We just managed to pass with a first class degree. So, decidedly, didn't get placed in any industry. All of us chose this because we hoped at least a Master's degree would help us settle with a job. We lived in hostel, and we were roommates that made our bond stronger. We were the least attractive among the folks in college; considering our looks and the economic background. The girls' hostel was placed right behind the boys' hostel detached by a barrier as it was more like India–Pakistan border guarded by security guards on both sides, though there was a small hole on the other side of the barrier which was deserted that helped the guys peep into girls' hostel. There were parties which hit the girls' hostel but we were not invited. The classes went on calmly and casually. There were no strict rules regarding the attendance which helped us to bunk the classes and catch movies. Well, I started to like my new life, two best friends and Priya of course. I don't know why but her grace and twinkling eyes were mesmerizing, it was really hard to forget and move on. This is the beginning of a new life, a life I never imagined would be so eminent and stupendous.
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Love or Hate
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The Premam Effect W May 29th 2015
It was Friday and the most preeminent day of the week. We would always go and catch first-day of all new movies which were released. „So, which movie are we going today?‟ asked Ravi looking at the oversized display board of the show times in PVR cinemas. „There is no current good Hindi movie out this week. Look, “Welcome to Karachi” starring Jackky Bhagnani‟ sounds interesting.‟ said Kiran „No, I dislike humour cinemas.‟ I replied. „Hey, why don't we watch “Tanu Weds Manu: Returns”. It's a blockbuster. I guess this is a matchless choice this week.‟ said Kiran. „Yup, that's a perfect choice.‟ I replied, and we departed to the ticket counter. „Namaste Sir, welcome to PVR cinemas!!‟ said a captivating and charming voice at the counter. „Yeah, three tickets for “Tanu Weds Manu: returns” at 10:30 am.‟ I replied.
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Dhruthik Shankar „Sorry Sir, all the tickets for “Tanu Weds Manu: Returns” are sold out.‟ „Oh shit! any other cinemas available?‟ „Sir, there is Premam at 10:15.‟ She replied. „So shall we go?‟ I asked them. Premam is a Malayalam romantic comedy. The enchanting love between the couple was absolutely splendid. We usually don‟t fancy Malayalam movies but considering the reviews we gave it a try. „No way guys, I am not watching romantic movies .I can‟t handle the scrutiny amongst the couples.‟ replied Kiran in a stern voice. Kiran hates romantic movies, and he never felt or trusted love. It took us 10 minutes to convince Kiran to watch Premam. We finally sat at our seats. I thought it would be a good movie considering how awesome “Bangalore days” was. „Wow! that was an impressive movie, would definitely watch it again.‟ replied Kiran. „Seriously!‟ me and Ravi echoed together. It was a mild shock to us . „Ya guys it was really pleasing , especially Malar, I just fell for her. He should have married her.‟ said Kiran. „No way, Celine is the best. I mean look at her smile, I love her.‟ I replied immediately. „No! Malar is the best.‟ he protested. Malar and Celine were the heroine cast of the movie. „Guys, guys, stop stop! I am damn hungry. Let's go and eat something.‟ said Ravi corking upon his stomach. He was a complete foodie. He would no way stop eating. He would easily gulp up a mouthful of idilis at a shot. Even though he ate so much, still he was extremely thin and I envied him. „Ok, let's go.‟ I replied and we left to our hostel. „Premam‟, as we all anticipated became a huge blockbuster. Not just us but there were many audiences
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Love or Hate who were fighting for Malar and Celine. But the amusing part was this movie had an impact on our lives as well.
The Next Day
„Hey Dhruv, is there anything defective or censurable on my face?‟ said Kiran with a puzzled look. „Nope, what's wrong, it's fine. Why what happened?‟ I replied anxiously. „Nothing bro, just leave it !‟ „Something is fishy, come on dude, you are not going to tell me, ah?‟ „Ok, this morning I saw a young girl, not sure she sighted at me a beautiful smile. I ignored, but she continued gazing at me . I anticipated something must be unusual on my face.‟ „Ohh!!!! Looks like someone is in love.‟ „What ?‟ he gave a nasty look. „Oh sorry, someone has developed crush on you!‟ I replied winking. „No, maybe it's just my conception. But she was really gorgeous though.‟ „Oh my God! Are you kidding! I can't believe you are saying this.‟ „Ya, she twirled her hair and gazed at me when I left, oh my God! I can't forget it, dude.‟ „Oh, looks like we have a love story on our hands, maybe you found your Malar in real life.‟ I said laughing. „Malar, ? Dude no but …‟ „But what? Confess it , do you know her?‟ „Nope …!‟ „Don't worry, we'll find her.‟ „What's happening guys?‟ Ravi fled through the room.
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Dhruthik Shankar „Someone just fell in love‟ I said laughing. „Oh, you and Priya, ah?‟ said Ravi and Kiran giggling together. „Shut up, dude! It's Kiran.‟ „Kiran, ah? What! Are you drunk?‟ he said. „Nope, ask him yourself.‟ I replied. Then, Kiran relished the entire incident. „Ok, we'll surely find her. It's getting late, come on guys, let's leave.‟ said Ravi and we left the room and went to class.
3 hours later
Canteen
„Guys, a double egg roll, one Oreo milkshake and a kheema samosa.‟ said Ravi. „Is it enough? I don't think so.‟ I replied while chuckling. Ravi and Kiran settled down while I went to pick up the orders. „Hey look!‟ said Ravi holding a phone that was lying on the table. „Looks like someone forgot their phone here.‟ replied Kiran. „Let's see, whose it is.‟ said Ravi switching the phone on. Fortunately, there was no screen lock for the phone but it had an app lock. „Give it to me!‟ said Kiran. So Kiran quickly uninstalled the „app lock‟ application, as the settings was not secured. He opened the stranger‟s facebook application, to recognize the identity. But to his shock, it was her, the girl he crumbled upon, Arpitha Joshi. She was a medium toned girl who was tall. Her smile carried an amazing charm. Her eyes were to die for. Yes, she was the real Malar in Kiran‟s eyes.
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Love or Hate „Hey, whose phone it is?‟ I said as I arrived with orders. „Dude, it's her phone.‟ shouted Kiran with excitement. „The Malar.‟ me and Ravi echoed. „Yes guys, her name is Arpitha Joshi.‟ „Wow! That‟s great news indeed, this will help us in finding her.‟ I said. „Call up her friends and inform them regarding the lost phone.‟ suggested Ravi. „No, I have an idea.‟ I replied. „What is that?‟ asked Kiran anxiously. „Check her pictures, girls these days are selfies pros. Check whether she stays in hostel.‟ I said. Both of them agreed and he started investigating her pictures. After seeing nearly 50 pictures, we concluded that she stayed in the hostel, and she even posted a picture in instagram “#hostel life”. One more picture which she took in class indicated that she stayed in another section. The B section class was the only one that had the emblem of our college behind the last bench. With the help of her picture, we were able to find that too. „What's next?‟ asked Kiran. „We need to catch up with her hostel room number.‟ I said. „Why? What‟s the use?‟ he asked. „Chill guys, You‟ll get to know it all soon. First, Kiran, you need to submit your SC certificates, right? Get it, let‟s go to the records section. Ravi, get your samosa and chutney.‟ The records section was filled with the important records of the college . There was only one old attender as it was early days of the college, records were not secured as yet. We finally arrived at the records section.
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Dhruthik Shankar
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