Endless: A Villain's Love Story

By Ananya Mallik

Endless: A Villain's Love Story explores the dark side of obsessive love, passion gone awry, and unrequited ambition.

This is the story of a woman who wants nothing more than to escape from her life, yet endures failure every time she attempts rebellion. Through a kaleidoscopic exploration of brokenness, obsession, a

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Degree Press
• Release date: Aug 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636763767

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Endless

Endless

A Villain's Love Story

Ananya Mallik

New Degree Press

Copyright © 2021 Ananya Mallik

All rights reserved.

Endless

A Villain's Love Story

ISBN

978-1-63676-375-0 Paperback

978-1-63676-451-1 Kindle Ebook

978-1-63676-376-7 Ebook

To Maa and Baba

Who always took me to the library.

Contents

Author’s Note

Act 1.

PRELUDE

Act 1

Act 2.

PROTASIS

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Act 3.

EPITASIS

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

SCENE 5

SCENE 6

SCENE 7

SCENE 8

SCENE 9

SCENE 10

SCENE 11

SCENE 12

SCENE 13

SCENE 14

Act 4.

CATASTASIS

SCENE 1

SCENE 2

Act 5.

DENOUEMENT

Act 5

Acknowledgments

Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.

—Albert Camus

Author’s Note

I have always wanted to experience Bollywood in a book. The movies have a universal thrill of being genre-defying with romance, action, and comedy in equal parts. Then, I watched Ram Leela, an Indian adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Having read and performed the play multiple times, I was especially interested in how they would modify the classic. What I found was an intense, dark storyline juxtaposed against vibrant sets and colorful dance numbers. While on the surface it seemed like a bright and cheery movie, an underlying tone provided a build-up of continual violence and featured a cataclysmic, twisted ending. I wanted to emulate similar qualities in my romantic thriller. While on the surface it would be a fun book to read, I aimed to speak to dark undercurrents and themes of sacrifice, crushed dreams, and lost hope. This was partly inspired by the four-time Golden Globe award winning film, Parasite, which has two distinctly different tones. The first half is lighthearted entertainment, while the second half becomes a thriller.

I realized to do this effectively, I wanted to have two love interests. Trios always bring in interesting twist because it is always fun to juxtapose different character dynamics and examine characters react with one another. For my two leading men, I wanted to do polar opposites. I always loved Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter and wanted to see the series from his perspective. In this book, Milan is similarly complicated, compelling, and dark. Is he deserving of redemption? How far would he truly go for a girl he loved? Would he believe love to be all consuming? Would he die for love? It was very similar dynamics to Romeo except a little darker and a little more dangerous.

Then there’s Riaan, the competitor for my protagonist’s heart. The nice guy, the light to Milan’s dark nature, but there’s more depth than that. He, like many South Asian kids, wrestles with a constant choice—do I run away from all expectations of me to live the life I truly want or do I conform to make my family happy and try my best to find true happiness within that? I also wanted to explore the lasting psychological effects of being forced into a path that he never truly cared for. In this manner, I wanted to emphasize the fragility of appearances and the ubiquitous nature of deception and façade in our society.

Why was this important to me? Growing up, I consumed books hungrily. No matter how much I read, it was never enough. However, most books centered around white protagonists that I could never see myself as. I realized exceedingly early on that race did not stop someone from enjoying a book, yet it would have been nice to see someone like me as a main character at least once. When exploring other issues South Asians tend to struggle with, I realized familial issues were at the forefront. The protagonist, Alana, feels a constant push and pull with her family, a dynamic many South Asians are remarkably familiar with. Alana struggles to make a choice between running away or conforming to society’s expectations throughout the entire novel. She often sees running away with Milan as her only option to truly live a fulfilled life. Yet, Riaan is always there, giving her the hope that a conventional life may not always result in dissatisfaction. For her, he symbolizes happiness and true love while still following a conventional path.

As Alana struggles with deciding between her two love interests, the reader simultaneously grapples with the deeper questions her relationships provoke, such as: How many of the relationships in one’s life are genuine? And what do we do if the ones closest to us are the ones hurting us most? Our expectations and ideas of relationships are often not what they truly turn out to be. As an author, I wanted to play with this on a metaphysical level, twisting the narrative into a story within a story within a story. I wanted to see how far I could push the fourth wall. To bend it but not break it. It was also an exploration of how far I could take this concept of a story within a story, something seen in another Shakespeare play, Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare has influenced this book greatly, as have other classics from the theater. However, unlike Shakespeare’s method of relying on miscommunication, I preferred Chekov’s style. Anton Chekhov’s plays were a major influence, dealing with what is left unsaid and relying heavily on character development and growth rather than improbable situations. I appreciate his model of what is left unsaid being more important than what is said—in those plays what’s said is never what the character means or really wants, and thus, it’s much more touching and heartbreaking at the end.

Finally, another major inspiration for this novel has been the TV show You. You’s anti-hero, psychopath (and serial killer) protagonist, Joe Goldberg, is perhaps one of my favorite characters ever created. The show delves into the mind of Joe and charts his insanity to the point where his murders seem almost justified. I wanted to explore a similar route, seeing how likeable I could make characters who hurt others for their own end. Much like the show, I hope this is a story that continually makes the reader ask themselves: How far would I go?

ACT 1

PRELUDE

ACT 1

This is for you, Alana.

She looked up to an outstretched arm offering her a coffee. Riaan towered above her with a wide grin, blocking her view of the door. His broad shoulders gave way to a white linen shirt that had the top two buttons undone, revealing an obsidian ring hanging from a silver chain underneath.

Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he spoke again. Large vanilla bean crème, whole milk with extra whipped cream?

Alana nodded mutely, taking note of how his brown hair had grown out and hung down to his jaw. She hadn’t seen him in well over a year, and the last time they had barely talked, just said hi while grabbing food at her parents’ dinner party. The fleeting thought of taking her hair tie off her wrist to pull his hair back in a ponytail crossed her mind. She squashed it again and turned back to her laptop as he set the cup down.

Can I have a seat? Riaan’s hazel eyes turned pale green as they caught the sun.

Of course.

The clacking of her keyboard resumed. The sunlight dappled through the shades, obscuring her computer screen. Sighing, she looked away, letting her eyes roam over the familiar interior. The floors were checkered with a vintage black-and-white tile and the walls were papered in a floaty shade of sea-foam teal, lined with rolling brass shelves filled with elaborate arrangements of cake pops, European chocolate bars, sugar cookies, caramel squares, and scattered collections of porcelain teacups.

So, how’s your day been? Riaan asked.

Good. She turned back to her laptop and squinted as she tried to read the screen.

That’s good to hear! Mine sucked, I just quit my swimming lessons, he went on, willfully oblivious to her irritation.

Oh, that sucks. Sighing, she realized ignoring him was a futile endeavor and scooted over to the right side of the table, where large plants covered the window, giving her some shade. She leaned over to grab her coffee and accidentally knocked it over. Cursing to herself, she grabbed a bunch of napkins, trying to clean it up.

Here, let me help with that. Yeah, it does. I tried to learn for about two months, but I just couldn’t do it. Water’s not for me, ya know? I can’t hold my breath for that long. I always feel like I’m suffocating. I mean that’s why I started swimming in the first place because I feared drowning. I figured at twenty-five, it was time I learned. But I don’t know. Something about being underwater for that long, so far away from the sunlight, the trees, seems so unnatural.

I love swimming. Can’t relate. Alana realized some of the coffee had dripped onto her white skirt. That isn’t gonna come out. Sighing, she grabbed her long, cashmere cardigan and draped it around her shoulders, hoping it would hide the stain.

Oh. Riaan shifted around uncomfortably. Do you mind if I work here as well?

The coffeeshop was scattered with empty tables, save for a few college students absorbed in their laptops, a mother and child in the booth by the window, and a couple of young women, with their dogs, eating at the back of the bar. Three in the afternoon wasn’t exactly the peak for customers. Behind the register, the barista was unsuccessfully trying to hide his scrolling on his phone. The chalkboard menu amplified the vintage vibe that the owner tried too hard to emulate with the bare bulb lamps and velvet seat cushions.

I mean, isn’t that why you sat down? Alana asked curtly.

Well, I actually needed inspiration for a project. He looked at her thoughtfully. And I think I just found the perfect muse.

Alana simply raised an eyebrow at him before returning to work.

How’s work going? Riaan continued, bending down to grab his laptop out of his bag.

Great. I just got my promotion. Alana sounded like she was trying to convince herself as well.

Congrats! That’s amazing.

Alana looked up, smiling at his genuine enthusiasm, and made eye contact for the first time since they started talking. Yeah, it’s been super exciting. I’ve been wanting to be the senior product manager for a while now, so it’s nice that all my work finally paid off.

Are you doing anything to celebrate?

Yeah. My roommate, Alessandra, and I are going out for a girls’ night tonight. Sushi and shopping. What else would I want?

Um, I don’t know, maybe genuine fulfillment in life and not selling your soul to the corporate capitalist machine? His eyes sparkled with mirth.

Uh-huh. Coming from Mr. CEO himself! How does it feel to have sold out just to hit a $500 million valuation on your startup?

He simply raised his eyebrows.

Alana felt the heat creep up her cheeks as she realized she had just admitted she kept up with news about him. She pushed on, desperate to wipe off the smirk slowly forming on his face. "I’m sure being featured on magazine covers and having every major investor in New York City court you softens the realization that you’ve turned into those same corporate behemoths that you wanted to disrupt," Alana continued, sarcasm dripping from the last word.

Hey, hey, hey, a ‘congratulations, I’m so proud of you’ would have sufficed. Riaan matched her cold stare until they both burst out laughing despite themselves. Catching his breath, he added, Also, that’s a lot of talk coming from someone who literally studied engineering at an Ivy League.

Uh-huh. Says the guy who studied computer science at Berkeley. Pot, meet kettle.

Okay, okay, truce! Riaan held up both hands, laughing. And just for your information, I wasn’t just a computer nerd; I also was the president of the chess club. He glanced at her amused face before adding dryly, It was my true passion.

Ummmm, I don’t think that’s something you should tell people. Alana pursed her lips to stifle another giggle.

What do you mean? We were the coolest kids on campus! I was a very well-rounded nerd. He nodded sagely.

I’m sure that didn’t stop you from getting girls.

Oh, is someone jealous? Riaan teased.

Just pointing out a fact. I do follow you on social media, you know. I saw all the stories of you going to crazy parties every weekend. Alana nonchalantly tossed her long black hair behind her shoulder.

Hmmm, are you wishing you were one of those girls partying with me? His lips twitched.

Okay, I think it’s time for me to get back to work, but it was nice catching up!

It’s fine. It’s totally normal to be jealous. Don’t worry, I’m an empathetic guy. He winked at her.

Alana not so subtly put in her headphones, ignoring his wink.

Riaan sighed and started up his laptop when a male voice interrupted them.

What would you like, sir?

He looked up, noticing the waiter. One coffee with an espresso shot, oat milk, extra whipped cream, please.

Okay, sounds good. And you, ma’am?

A croissant would be nice.

Of course, we’ll get that to you right away! The waiter smiled enthusiastically, and his gaze lingered on her for a few seconds too many before he walked away.

Riaan followed it, truly taking in Alana for the first time since he sat down. Her hair had grown longer since the last time he saw her, hanging in a straight sheet down to her hips. He hadn’t remembered it being straight. Her furrowed brows seemed to make her almond eyes look bigger, and her bottom lip pouted out even more as she continued her losing battle with the coffee stain.

She kind of looks like Princess Jasmine… Is that racist? Wait, if I’m Indian too, it’s not. Plus at least I didn’t compare her to Mia Khalifa... Okay, that’s definitely racist. But I can’t be racist toward my own race!

What? Alana took out her headphones to look at him quizzically. Who said anything about racism?

Riaan turned the shade of beetroot. Luckily for him, the waiter showed up and started lavishing attention on Alana again. Yeah, he’s definitely the one thinking racist thoughts.

Riaan sighed, looking at the blank screen, waiting to be filled up with words. His eyes slid above his laptop, and he studied her closely. The New York winters had leached the usual golden tan out of her skin, accentuating her undereye bags. He frowned, wondering how long it had been since she had a proper night of sleep. His gaze slid over to the croissant Alana had left untouched. A sudden, unexplainable urge overcame him, and he reached out to grab it.

What are you doing? Alana whispered furiously at him.

Something sparked inside of him. At least I’ve finally got her full attention.

What? It wasn’t like you were going to eat it anyway...

Are you imagining things? Of course, I was going to eat it. How dare you assume I wasn’t?

Riaan smiled insolently and pointed to her right, where another untouched croissant was laying. Alana sputtered, turning slightly pink. Whether I eat my croissants or not is none of your business. I ordered them, so they’re mine. Now, give it back.

Ooh, needy, needy.

Alana’s blush deepened, and she reached out to grab it from his hand, accidentally knocking over her coffee again. She threw up her hands, cursing.

At the exact same time, his phone dinged. He checked it, seeing a text from his mother reminding him to bring some of her favorite halal cart platters when he went upstate for the weekend.

Why are you smiling? Alana scowled as she gave up trying to clean the stain. At this point, her entire skirt was covered by coffee stains