Paper Boat Journeys

Do we value someone only after losing them? Paper Boat Journeys, Manoj Phulambrikar's novel, follows Rishi and Kavya from the moment sparks fly between a free-spirited girl and an intense guy at India's top design institute. Their student romance flourishes amid dancing peacocks, Pink Floyd and campus unrest, as they build early careers while clashing over opposing views on relationships, until they part as sworn enemies. Abroad, Rishi shapes brands amid global consumerism, cultural dislocation and religious fanaticism; back home, Kavya builds bold campaigns while navigating corporate politics and sexual powerplay. A decade later, battle-scarred and wiser, their passion reignites, only for old differences to resurface over marriage and childbirth. When a chapter they thought closed comes back, acceptance is put on trial. Set in the fast-changing world of design and advertising, this is the story of two people who refuse to compromise their individuality for anything, not even love. National award-winning writer, actor and director Umesh Shukla calls it a search for meaning among culture, creativity and lost love, a novel for readers who enjoy layered contemporary romances about ambition, identity and the ones who got away.