Founder of Kaffeinated Konversations, Kavita Jhala, in conversation with debut author Arpana Bhuwania regarding her book ‘Ira’s Redemption’ published by Savitri Publications. Arpana not only talks about the book idea and the writing process but also the influences from her own life as an entrepreneur and artist that have influenced this book.
KK: Ira’s Redemption explores the profound impact of women supporting other women. How much of the friendship dynamics in the book drew from your own real-life sisterhood circles or experiences as a female entrepreneur in Ahmedabad?
AB: Women, all their lives, come in contact with different kinds of women whose stories or lifestyle might resonate with others. In my experience as an entrepreneur and as a woman, I have been consciously and unconsciously impacted by all kinds of women – strong and otherwise. Some of these have been my friends and some part of family. So these dynamics have been reflected in my story.
KK: The book addresses the pivotal moment when women “leave their youth behind” and decide to push back against conventional norms. What inspired you to focus specifically on this stage of life, which is so often overlooked in mainstream fiction?
AB: Personally, I am at that stage in life where youth and looks are not important. Health is given a priority. However, not all women can do that. The burden of responsibility is high and I see that in all the women around me, irrespective of any dividing factors. The point here is that we need to come out of this notion that ‘health, beauty and independence’ is for others. This book therefore is my way of drawing attention to that.
KK: Redemption is a heavy, powerful word. Without spoiling the plot, what does “redemption” truly mean for your protagonist, Ira? Is it an internal peace she finds, or an external reconciliation?
AB: I think it goes both ways. Inner peace and external reconciliation both are important for Ira. If you read the story, you will notice how she tries to focus on building her self-worth first and then ensures that Poonam too can work on her strengths.
KK: As a successful clothing designer and artist, visual storytelling is likely second nature to you. How did your eye for design, colour, and texture influence the way you built the atmosphere and visual world of the novel?
AB: You must have noticed how Ira and Poonam create something that gives them joy. Whether it is jewellery making or painting, the creative freedom is something I understand as a designer and an artist. This language of storytelling through visual cues can be reflected in the story. The way the paintings are described, the way Ira behaves like a founder of her venture – all these somehow are derivatives of my reflection as an artist and entrepreneur.
KK: Writing a book requires a huge amount of solitary focus, while running businesses like Elevate or Chai Nashta involves constant public interaction and fast-paced execution. Did writing Ira’s Redemption serve as a form of personal escapism or grounding for you amidst your busy entrepreneurial life?
AB: This story was so strongly waiting for me to put out to the world that I really had to balance my storytelling with my other passions and ventures. It was as much a mode to escape into storytelling as a writer as it was about birthing the story for the world to read.
KK: The book focuses on Indian women breaking out of “normal norms”. How do the specific cultural nuances of India—perhaps even elements of Ahmedabad’s blend of tradition and modernity—shape the constraints and choices your characters make?
AB: I have not consciously put in anything related to Ahmedabad. However, Ahmedabad has this blend of ancient artworks and traditional ethics that survive in the midst of modern buildings and commercial temperament. That’s something you might get a glimpse of in terms of the way the characters blend traditional ways of living with modern ideas and viewpoints.
KK: Which character in the novel evolved the most from your initial outline to the final draft? Did any of them surprise you by taking the story in a direction you hadn’t planned?
AB: I think more or less, the idea of the character development has been the same as I had visualised in my head. There was no major directional change or additions. Yes, they have turned out much better in the story than the visuals in my head.
KK: Looking back at the long journey of putting Ira’s story on paper, what was the most emotionally challenging chapter or scene for you to write?
AB: I think the scene when Ira pushes Poonam to embrace her gift of painting was rather difficult. You see, in the real world, when someone meets the other after a long time, friends or not, there’s this great hesitancy in pushing your ideas to the other person. This situation is easier to feel and rather very difficult to write. How do you explain it in a story without making it boring? That was a rather tricky part.
KK: Entrepreneurs and authors both have to face the daunting task of starting with a blank canvas (or a blank page) and dealing with self-doubt. What advice would you give to other women who feel stuck in a routine and want to write their own story or launch a creative project?
AB: Today’s generation talks a lot about self-love and self-care. This is the point, I believe, all women must make. Take time for self-love and care. It doesn’t have to be doing beauty care. It can be as simple as writing on a single page or probably painting without any specific purpose. This can start with, say, half an hour and probably move to one hour once this routine of doing something you love sets in between the routine of family and responsibilities.
KK: Now that Ira’s Redemption is out in the world, do you feel like you have said everything you wanted to say about these characters, or is there a possibility of a sequel—or perhaps a completely new book brewing in your mind?
AB: Currently, I am soaking in the experience of having my book out and seeking feedback from readers. Whether a sequel is in the works or not, I am not thinking about anything right now in that direction.
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ABOUT APARNA BHUWANIA:
Arpana Bhuwania is an Entrepreneur and an Author. She is also an Artist, creating paintings with materials such as Gold. She has her own design label – Lilac. She is involved in philanthropic activities whenever she can and aims to make the world a better place.