Meet Vinay Singh Parihar, a down-to-earth man with roots in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s Jigani village. From the simplicity of village life, he ventured into bustling Ahmedabad and studied mechanical engineering in Bhopal. Now, he is not just a businessman with enterprises like SHREEJI MACHINERY and MECH TEA CAFÉ; he is also a genuine animal lover and advocate for social causes. Beyond the corporate world, Vinay, an empath at heart, found solace in books, eventually writing stories. In our conversation, we will unravel the layers of Vinay Singh Parihar life, where the clatter of machines meets the warmth of heartfelt narratives about love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Questionnaires:
The Literature Times: What made you decide to become a writer along with being an entrepreneur, and how do both of these aspects of your life relate to one another?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Reading has been my hobby since a very young age. I have always been drawn to books, and the stories I have read over the years have consistently influenced me to create one of my own. On the other hand, business is something that has propelled me to the point where I am today. My thoughts and decision-making ability have been nurtured by the books surrounding me. When I read beautiful books written by great authors, it always plants a seed of writing in me. With this book, that thought has turned into a reality.
The Literature Times: Can you share a personal experience that mirrors the fun and transformation depicted in your book when you met your friends?
Vinay Singh Parihar: I’m an introvert, and making friends and being around people has always been difficult for me. I would rather spend a weekend with books than be around strangers. However, upon meeting my friends, my world changed for the better. They filled my life with the spirit of camaraderie, and there was never a dull moment living each day with them under the same roof. We cooked together, studied together like a family—they were no less than my own. This experience helped me grow as an individual, and I owe that growth to them.
The Literature Times: The book seems to explore the complexities of love and friendship. How much of the storyline is drawn from your own life, and how did those experiences shape the narrative?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Love is a complex feeling, while friendship, if genuine, is simple and soothing. My book’s plot is inspired by moments in my life when I discovered friendships and love that were worthwhile. But life is never flawless, and it comes with its own problems to overcome. The turbulence I have experienced over the course of my life is described in the book, shaping the storyline.
The Literature Times: In the book, the trio devises strategies to help Vinay befriend Pratiksha. Tell us more about the support system in your life during those pivotal moments, and how did it influence your journey?
Vinay Singh Parihar: When staying away from family, the support from friends and acquaintances becomes important. I was fortunate to have my friends with me in a different city. Those four years away from family passed with a snap of a finger, and my friends were my biggest cheerleaders after my family. Their contribution to my life is indelible.
The Literature Times: Your love for animals and standing up for social causes is mentioned. How does this passion translate into your writing, and can we see these themes reflected in the book?
Vinay Singh Parihar: I have always loved being around animals, but my tender feelings for them awakened only after I became a pet parent almost two years ago. Animals don’t judge us based on our bank balances like humans do; all they want is a little love, and they are ready to be yours in thick and thin. While writing this novel, I vividly remember adopting my first pet dog. He made me believe that I don’t have to complicate things in my head. Life seems to be easier with his wagging tail, and I personally believe animals have a lot to teach us about life, bringing joy back into our monotonous lives.
The Literature Times: Vinay Singh Parihar struggle between love and friendship is the central theme. How do you think readers can relate to this dilemma, and what do you hope they take away from it?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Certainly, readers are likely to resonate with the story because at some point in life, everyone faces the dilemma of striking a balance between two equally important spheres. Whether it is love and friendship, work, or other priorities, people often find themselves in situations where focusing on one aspect may complicate another. In Vinay’s struggle between love and friendship, I believe readers will find relatable elements reflecting their own life challenges.
The Literature Times: The character Aditi introduces a twist in the cute romance. Can you share your thought process behind introducing this twist and turn, and how it adds depth to the story?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Aditi’s character is the catalyst that stirs up the story. Every relationship faces various problems, some fleeting and others monumental, adding dimension to the narrative. While crafting this plot, I was aware that Aditi’s character could make the story riveting. Similar to the other characters in my story, Aditi is not a fictitious creation; she is genuinely inspired by real incidents that have shaped the journey leading us to this story.
The Literature Times: As someone who has a background in mechanical engineering, how did your technical knowledge shape the storytelling or themes in the book?
Vinay Singh Parihar: In engineering, the concept of creating a prototype before a full-fledged machine is emphasised. Similarly, in my factory, the research team develops drawings and prototypes before introducing a new machine to the market. Applying this learning, I incorporated a similar approach into writing my novel. Initially, I created the manuscript and edited it multiple times, akin to the prototype phase. My technical knowledge played a very important role in balancing both my work and my passion for writing, ensuring I didn’t compromise on either.
The Literature Times: Moving from a princely state to Ahmedabad and later to Bhopal for education—how have these diverse locations have an effect on your perspective, and did they find a place in the backdrop of your narrative?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Every place has taught me humility, and each holds a special place in my heart. My village, Jigani, where I was born and spent my childhood, provided a grassroots upbringing. Ahmedabad, where I live and where my factory is located, holds a special affinity. Meanwhile, Bhopal gave me memories for a lifetime. This entire story revolves around my life in Bhopal—those magical moments depicted in the book are from this place, which brought new dimensions into my life and shaped me into the person I am today.
The Literature Times: The book appears to be about discovering oneself in the middle of love and friendship. How do you hope readers, particularly young adults, would identify with the story’s path of self-discovery?
Vinay Singh Parihar: Young adults from millennials and Gen Z will surely resonate with this book because, being a millennial myself, I understand that in this fast-paced world, the emotions of love have become fast-forwarded. People are often unwilling to fight for their love, and breakups can occur over trivial matters. However, this story portrays the struggle to overcome odds and make a relationship work. My intention with this story is to bring the real essence of love to my readers, offering a perspective that goes beyond the fleeting nature of contemporary relationships.
Link to the book: https://amzn.eu/d/f1HYMdB
Also Read: How to Find a Publisher for Your Book?
