The Literature Times: What inspired you to write I Still Love You and I’m Not a Rapist, and how did the title come to be?
Shubham Ajbale: Ah, the inspiration behind “I Still Love You & I Am Not a Rapist” is a very personal one. It’s rooted in my close relationship with the person who inspired this story. Witnessing their guilt and emotional turmoil firsthand sparked a deep desire within me to help them find closure and redemption.
To truly understand the title, it’s essential to delve into the protagonist’s backstory. He was raised in a unique environment, where he was nurtured like a girl from childhood. His family instilled in him strong values and morals, teaching him the difference between right and wrong. As a result, he developed a remarkably simple and empathetic nature.
Interestingly, most of his friends were girls, and they remain close to him even today. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was falsely accused of molestation by someone he loved deeply. The accusation not only devastated him but also made him question his own morals and beliefs.
Despite the trauma he experienced, his love for the girl remains unwavering. This paradox – of being falsely accused and yet still holding onto love – is what drew me to this story. I wanted to explore the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the human capacity for love.
Initially, I titled the book “He Still Loves Her and He Is Not a Rapist.” However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I realized that the title needed a more personal and introspective tone. That’s when I changed it to “I Still Love You & I Am Not a Rapist.” This title not only reflects the protagonist’s emotional journey but also poses a poignant question to the reader: will they be able to absolve him of his guilt?
The Literature Times: How did your personal experiences influence the narrative and themes of your poetry?
Shubham Ajbale:My personal experiences have been the driving force behind the narrative and themes of my poetry. I’ve been writing poetry since childhood, and love has been a recurring theme throughout my work. However, it’s my own experiences as a lover that have truly shaped the essence of this book. Growing up, I recall a particularly poignant moment when someone I loved told me, “You can’t maintain a relationship.” Those words left an indelible mark on my heart, and I found myself questioning my own abilities. But as I delved deeper into my writing, I began to uncover the truth. I realized that relationships aren’t solely dependent on one person’s efforts. It’s the collective support and effort of both partners that makes a relationship thrive.
Interestingly, I recently watched the movie Pushpa 2, which resonated deeply with me. The film’s portrayal of Pushpa and Srivalli’s relationship struck a chord. If Pushpa hadn’t received Srivalli’s unwavering support, his life might have taken a drastically different turn. This cinematic representation reinforced my belief in the importance of mutual support in relationships.
The Literature Times: The title of your book is provocative and bold. What message do you hope to convey through it?
Shubham Ajbale: The title of my book is indeed provocative and bold, and that’s intentional. I aim to convey a powerful message that resonates deeply with me. Through this book, I want to address a critical issue that affects many innocent lives. My message is simple yet profound: exploiting someone’s simplicity and good nature by making false accusations only serves to expose your own character. It’s a stark reminder that true love and relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and empathy. To those individuals, particularly women, who may be tempted to manipulate or falsely accuse others, I urge you to reflect on your actions. If you’re incapable of genuine love and respect, then it’s best to refrain from engaging in relationships altogether.
The Literature Times: How do you approach sensitive topics like love, consent, and societal judgment in your writing?
Shubham Ajbale: Approaching sensitive topics like love, consent, and societal judgment in my writing requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. In this book, each poem is a story that builds upon the previous one, weaving a complex narrative that explores these themes in depth. To truly understand my perspective on these topics, I invite readers to immerse themselves in the poetry. Each piece is carefully crafted to reveal the intricacies of love, consent, and societal judgment, and how these forces intersect and impact individuals. Ultimately, my goal is to encourage readers to think critically about the complexities of human relationships and the societal norms that shape our experiences. By reading the poetry, I believe readers will gain a deeper understanding of these issues and develop a more empathetic and compassionate perspective.
The Literature Times: Can you tell us about the emotional journey you went through while writing this book?
Shubham Ajbale: Writing this book was an emotionally draining experience. As I poured my heart into crafting the protagonist’s story, I cried alongside him. The realization that boys often suffer silently in relationships, only to be hurt and falsely accused by girls who feign love, was devastating. My emotional journey was tough, but the protagonist’s was tougher. I’ve tried to honor his story and share it with the world.
The Literature Times: How do you think poetry can serve as a medium to address issues of societal prejudice and injustice?
Shubham Ajbale: Poetry has the profound ability to humanize and personalize social injustices, making them relatable and tangible. Through verse, I aim to confront societal prejudices, spark empathy, and inspire critical thinking. By sharing the protagonist’s story, I hope to challenge readers to reevaluate their assumptions and contribute to a more compassionate and just society.
The Literature Times: What challenges did you face while publishing your debut book, and how did you overcome them?
Shubham Ajbale: I’m grateful to say that my debut book publishing experience was relatively smooth, thanks to the exceptional support from Astitva Publication. The first contact was made by Jasmine Laha, who introduced me to the team. Under the guidance of Project Manager Vivek Pal, the entire process was streamlined and efficient. While every author faces some challenges during the publishing process, I was fortunate to have a supportive publisher that made the journey enjoyable. The team at Astitva Publication was responsive, helpful, and committed to bringing my book to life. Their professionalism and expertise made all the difference, and I’m thankful for their hard work in making my debut book a reality.
The Literature Times: How do you hope your readers will relate to or be impacted by your work?
Shubham Ajbale: My hope is that my readers will deeply connect with the emotions, struggles, and triumphs expressed in my work. I aspire to create a sense of empathy and understanding, particularly for those who have faced similar experiences of love, loss, and resilience. Through my poetry, I aim to validate the emotions of my readers, letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles. I hope that my words will inspire reflection, self-awareness, and healing, ultimately empowering readers to find their own voice and share their own stories.
The Literature Times: As a young author, how do you see your journey as a writer evolving in the future?
Shubham Ajbale: As a 21-year-old author, I’m thrilled to be embarking on this writing journey. Despite my young age, I’ve already experienced a significant setback that has taught me valuable lessons. A recent breakup took a toll on my physical and mental health, but I’m determined to bounce back. If I can regain my health and maintain it for a long time, I’m confident that my writing career will soar. I envision myself producing works that inspire, motivate, and resonate with readers worldwide. With each passing day, I’m growing more passionate about storytelling, and I’m excited to explore new genres, themes, and styles.
The Literature Times: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who wish to address deeply personal or sensitive topics in their work?
Shubham Ajbale: To aspiring writers who wish to tackle deeply personal or sensitive topics, I offer the following advice: be courageous, yet compassionate. Be honest with yourself and your readers, but also be mindful of the impact your words may have.
Firstly, ensure that you’re emotionally prepared to delve into sensitive subjects. Writing about personal experiences can be therapeutic, but it can also be triggering. Take care of your mental health and seek support when needed.
Secondly, approach your topic with sensitivity and respect. Consider multiple perspectives, and be aware of your own biases and privilege. Be thoughtful in your language and tone, avoiding gratuitous or exploitative content.
Thirdly, remember that your story is not the only one. Be open to feedback and criticism from others, particularly those who may have experienced similar situations. Use this feedback to refine your work and ensure that it resonates with your intended audience.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries. Writing about sensitive topics requires vulnerability and courage. Trust your voice, and trust your readers to engage with your work in a meaningful way.
