After three days, Rihana informed me that she had read my Novel. She was full of praise for it. Now was the time for me to meet publishers. A few months back, Bhayya had told me about Mantra Publications in Daryaganj, where a close friend of his worked in a senior position. I thought of starting with him, and went to meet him. His name was Rajeev Pande. I waited for him in his office for about an hour. Then I saw two men wearing suits, coming out, both talking in English. I was scared as neither my clothes were so good, nor I could speak such good English. Anyways, it was now my turn, so I got up, sorted my clothes, remembered god, and went inside.

It was a very grand office. Mr. Pande, was sitting on a big black chair. He must have been around 45 years of age, a very slim, fit person, wearing gold rimmed spectacles. I was feeling more scared now, than when I was sitting outside. Mr. Pandey asked me to sit on the chair in front of him.

“So, you are Aarav? Your brother used to speak very highly of you.”

His statement increased my confidence. Because one, he knew my name, and second, Bhayya had put in a good word about me.

“Thank you, Sir.” I said.

‘So Aarav, you want to publish your Novel. Right?”

“Yes Sir. I have written it with all my heart. I am sure it is going to be a best seller.” I said with confidence.

“Do you know Aarav, our company brings a new Novel every month in the market. And like you, every writer who comes here claims that his Novel would be a best seller. But this is far away from truth. Forget about being a best seller, it’s difficult to sell even a thousand copies of these Novels.”

His statement made me feel as if I was appearing in IAS exam. I wasn’t sure whether he was trying to frighten me, or was speaking in my favor. 

“All this is a money game, Aarav. Without marketing, no one will even touch your Novel. How would anyone know that a new writer has published a Novel?” he continued.

“Yes Sir, you are right.” I said.

“It is a very costly affair to publish and market a book. Then only people come to know about your Novel. I am sure you write well, but my company’s boss doesn’t give a damn. He takes a risk of publishing a Novel, when the writer is willing to invest atleast five lakh rupees, which I believe you won’t be able to do.”

Mr. Pandey was right. Forget five lakhs, I didn’t even have ten thousand rupees with me. Even if I had sold everything I had, I would barely manage fifty thousand rupees. And clearly, without five lakh rupees, this publication would not publish my Novel.

“You are right Sir. I really don’t have so much money.” I said.

“Sorry Aarav, I can’t help you. I am also just an employee in this company. I also have to follow company’s rules.”

“Right Sir, I can understand. May I leave now?” I said, getting up from the chair.

“Yes. But, it was a pleasure meeting you, Aarav.” He shook my hands.

“The pleasure was mine, Sir.” I also shook his hands and came out of the office.

I felt very bad. I had hoped he would help me, but that didn’t happen. He killed my hopes under the excuse of rules of his company.

But I had realized one thing. Publishing a Novel wasn’t going to be a piece of cake. It wasn’t enough to be a talented writer, one also had to have money to publish and market one’s book.

In the evening when I met Rihana, seeing my sad face she asked,

“What happened Aarav? You are looking very sad. Any problem?”

I had already decided to not tell her anything about today’s meeting, to avoid breaking her heart. So, I said,

“Oh, nothing, I was thinking something.”

She was a girl, who knew me for so many months, and also loved me. So she sensed that I was sad about something. This was love…

“You are again trying to lie to me, Aarav. I have told you several times that you can’t even tell a lie properly. I catch you every time. Now tell me what happened. Why are you upset?” She asked again.

“It’s nothing like that. I am ok. You tell me – how was your day at Call Centre? I hope your fat boss was nice to you today.” I tried to change the topic.

“Everything was good, Aarav. You first answer me. Don’t try to change the topic. Why are you upset? Today you had a meeting in some publication company. What happened there?”

“The meeting went very well. They liked my story.” I again tried to bluff her.

“I can see on your face that you had a wonderful meeting. You are still lying. Ok, don’t tell me. I won’t even ask you again.”

She made a face like a crying kid. I could not see her like this. Girlfriends know how to make you do what they want. So I told her everything about the meeting.

“There are many good publications in Delhi. Don’t worry. Someone will definitely value your talent.” She tried to motivate me.

“Thanks. I was a little tense, but your words have given me a lot of inspiration.” I said.

“That’s why I ask you not to hide anything from me.“ She hugged me.