Eye Candy and the Agony Aunt follows the unexpected friendship between Ridhima, a seasoned counsellor with deep insight into human behaviour, and Matangi, a stunning young woman haunted by bizarre events that threaten her sanity.
What begins as a simple counselling session soon turns into a journey through love, loyalty, folklore, and philosophy. Together, they unearth a truth that has been deliberately buried for generations—one protected by those who have sworn to sacrifice everything to keep it hidden.
As the line between reality and the unknown blurs, both women are forced to confront the price of knowing too much. Who gets to decide what truths the world is allowed to see—and what happens to those who dare to uncover them?
A gripping blend of mystery, emotion, and cultural depth, this story explores the fragility of relationships, the power of curiosity, and the consequences of awakening secrets never meant to surface.
1. What sparked the initial inspiration for this book, and how did the core idea develop?
I’ve always been fascinated by human relationships and how they evolve under different circumstances. I’m equally intrigued by the legends surrounding certain cults—anything hidden or mysterious tends to stimulate curiosity. I simply brought these two elements together and shaped them into an engaging story.
2. Can you walk us through your writing process? Do you follow a routine or have any creative rituals?
My writing process is quite organic and depends on how ideas flow in my mind. I did face challenges due to personal distractions, but I never let them kill the intent of completing the book. Creative writing is energy-consuming, and meditation helped me stay focused. Watching my favourite movies and reading other authors also kept the inspiration alive.
3. Are the characters in your novel inspired by real people, or entirely fictional?
All the characters are fictional, and any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental—although every fictional character is, in some way, a reflection of people we meet in life. No one is entirely good or bad, and that’s what makes human dynamics interesting. The characters feel memorable because they are relatable.
4. Your story explores strong themes like love, friendship, nationalism, and hidden truths. What drove you to explore these, and what do you hope readers take away?
My intention was to keep readers engaged while subtly encouraging them to value relationships, understand cultural roots, and develop critical thinking. We’re often fascinated by folklore and childhood stories—it just takes imagination to build a world around them. I want readers to enjoy the story, reflect on the people in their lives, and embrace curiosity as a path to learning.
5. The world-building feels vivid and immersive. What influenced your choice of settings and details?
Many settings were inspired by friends’ homes and places I visited long ago—some places leave an emotional imprint. I also drew from real historical locations and events, using them as a backdrop without altering them. Several films have done this too, and that influenced me.
6. How do you balance originality with genre expectations, especially when using historical or familiar elements?
A story can never be compelling if it isn’t original. The real challenge is blending fiction with real events without distorting history. Historical backdrops should enhance the story—not rewrite facts. Finding that balance is crucial.
7. The pacing is tight and engaging. What techniques did you use to maintain momentum and suspense?
Strong characters, an intriguing protagonist—or in this case, two—and interwoven subplots all help maintain pace. Relatable characters in contemporary settings create emotional engagement. I’ve also used time jumps to add depth and variety to the narrative.
8. With changing reading habits and digital media trends, how do you see traditional storytelling evolving—and how do you keep it relevant?
Traditional storytelling will always remain powerful because it’s rooted in universal emotions and human experience. Newer media often lacks lasting impact due to short attention spans. I connect with contemporary readers by creating characters across generations—especially Gen Z—while telling a story that is emotionally layered and intellectually reflective.
Some secrets can’t stay buried. Some truths change everything. Find out for yourself — available now on Amazon.
