In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality, and Happiness

By Gita Audhya

The culture of Hawaii, the spirituality of India, lots of romance and love, corporate corruption, father's greed, and melancholy unhappiness made In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality and Happiness multi-dimensional. My book is about higher feelings. We've all had some sort of spiritual experiences in our lives. That is just one slice of my story. The juicy part has plenty of romance and finding happiness in love.
Starting out, my hero is just an ordinary young American man born into enormous wealth who has no knowledge of the real world. Then Jonathan meets Oliana, a beautiful Hawaiian girl, while on vacation and everything changes. Jonathan learns about nature and religion, faith and trust, power and helplessness, and (most importantly) love. Later in the book his own ethical values and Oliana's vast supportive love prepare him to confront his evil father's greed. The readers will witness his tormented heart racked by helplessness and see him gradually mature to become an individual - his own person, not controlled by the desires and rules of others as all of us make this journey to find who we are and who we are supposed to be. Do you think Oliana and Jonathan will return back to Hawaii where they first fell in love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503542068

Gita Audhya

Gita Audhya migrated to the United States from England. She has earned her B.A. degree in Literature from India and computer programming degree from United States. She is very passionate about India and America. Her entire devotions are placed on the job, writing and the family.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Gita Audhya.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015901946

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5035-4204-4

                Softcover        978-1-5035-4205-1

                eBook             978-1-5035-4206-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/07/2015

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Contents

About this book

Kirkus Reviews

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Author Bio

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About this book

I n pursuit of Love, Spirituality, and Happiness, examines the transformative power of all three. Jonathon, the story’s main character, leads a shallow, and sheltered life in a beautifully gilded cage—a gold cage that was built, bar by bar, with dirty money accumulated by his father, a covetous, dishonest businessman who never lets ethics or legality stop him from accumulating wealth. The underline conflicts began long time ago at his childhood with his father. Then Jonathan meets Oliana, a beautiful Hawaiian girl, while on vacation and everything changes. Jonathan learns about nature and religion, faith and trust, power and helplessness, and (most importantly) love. The readers will witness his tormented heart raged by helplessness and see him gradually mature to become an individual—his own person not controlled by others desires and rules as all of us make this journey to find who we are and who we are supposed to be. The main character of the story is portrayed as a symbol for the ethical and moral struggles of human life.

The inspiring use of breathtaking imagery, and lovely turns of phrase are very effective in this story. The story’s heart is very compelling and touching as one cannot help but empathize with Jonathan and Oliana’s struggles to find their way back to Hawaii where they fell in love for the first time and enjoy sharing their journey "In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality, and Happiness." This book takes reader beyond this physical world, makes them escape to an enthralling world where they can travel to a mythical land where Oliana dances in the rim of the volcano to please her Volcano Goddess Pele. Their aspirations which will strike a chord as it describes how Jonathan in love with Oliana stands up to the irrational norms set by the society, and also solves many conflicts in their day-to-day life bringing ultimate happiness. It sends reader to imagine beauty of life, romantic love, love at first sight, sacrifice for real love and most of all happiness, in contrast to reality of cold world, corruption, selfishness, and ethical quandary.

Now-a-days many people in America and Europe are adopting an additional faith to shape their own spiritualism. Main character like Jonathan, the new generation has embraced Dalai Lama’s Buddhist view with his Christian principle. Jonathan’s friend O.C is a product of Indo-American relationship; the Hinduism incorporated into his own culture and shaped its own Christian view. Oliana, the heroine in this book derives her life experience through her deep-rooted ancestral background as she worships nature as God like many of us do.

In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality and happiness is a wonderful and a romantic love story, setting in USA, Hawaii and India. It captures the essence of true love between two people, their conflicts, astonishing and amazing romances and the relentless pull of day-to-day problem living in a corrupt situation. It also takes a compelling look at religions, spirituality and cultures of different countries and draws unique inspirations from Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism into the plotline, emphasizing the age-old adage money can’t buy happiness. It is a tale of epic and romantic love, set against true-to-life background of corporate greed, ethical quandary and spiritual and religious diversity and achieving definitive happiness. From wonderful Kirkus Review "A refreshing blend of romance, history and religion that entertains as it informs."

My web site: www.me-a-star.com

Kirkus Reviews

R omance, Hawaiian history and spirituality intertwine in Gita’s first n ovel.

Centered on a couple’s romance and life together, Gita’s book subtly informs readers about Hawaiian history and finding faith—whatever form it may take. The story begins when Jonathan, a wealthy, big-shot banker for his father’s company, takes a vacation to Hawaii to escape his miserable job and oppressive parents. There he meets Oliana, a full-blooded Hawaiian beauty. Their relationship quickly progresses and they get married before he leaves for the continental U.S. The couple’s love and passion is on full display. Oliana teaches her new husband much about Hawaiian history and religion, but after moving to Houston with him, she has a difficult time adjusting to a ritzy lifestyle; she also feels suppressed by her possessive mother-in-law and cold father-in-law. Likewise, Jonathan soon becomes consumed by work, and the passion they shared slowly dwindles. When Oliana returns to her first love—Hawaii—Jonathan searches for and discovers the true meaning of love, happiness and spirituality. Many married readers will be able to relate to Gita’s novel. An engaging story line and a well-rounded supporting cast. In covering Hawaiian religion, Christianity and Buddhism, the novel draws attention to spiritual discovery, emphasizing the age-old adage money can’t buy happiness.

A refreshing blend of romance, history and religion that entertains as it informs.

Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744 indie@kirkusreviews.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A fine pick, highly recommended August 7, 2010

By Midwest Book Review

The pursuit of Happiness, a constitutional right, is not an easy right to exercise. In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality, and Happiness tells the story of a young man trying to make on his own separate way from his corrupt father and pursuing a Hawaiian beauty, but seeing that there is nothing easy about getting what he wants. A fine story of chasing one’s goals, In Pursuit of Love, Spirituality, and Happiness is a fine pick, highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little hard to get into it, but once I did it was so interesting! It tells the story of a young man coming to terms with the differences between his native culture and Christianity. I like the way this character was portrayed and seeing him mature and become an individual, his own person not controlled by others desires and rules. All of us make this journey to find who we are and who we are supposed to be. Check it out, I think you will agree it’s a great book. 48228.png

• | flagangelswing | Aug 23, 2013 | www.librarything.com

This is a great book. I had a hard time getting into it. But once I did I couldn’t put it down. The characters are great and the depth of the story was great. I am going to pass the book on for my friends to read. 48230.png

• | flagtricia35 | Aug 5, 2013 | www.librarything.com

I’m not quite sure why this book took me so long to read. Maybe because I had such a different view of what In Pursuit… was going to be. To be honest, In Pursuit… is a real, true story. I kow we all throw that word around quite liberally, but for the first time, in a long time, I actual read the story, and really enjoyed the depth of the characters, Oliana and Jonathan. Their love story seems troubled, and the external strife with Jonathan’s work seems fabricated, but trust me, this is one true story, you will get into. 48232.png

• | flagkristincedar | Feb 18, 2013 | www.librarything.com

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Acknowledgements

I am indebted and grateful to the following colleagues for their advice, assistance and support: Steve Harris, CSG Literary Partners and my friends Christine, Helen and Carol. Thanks to my editor Cynthia Beatty of [e-mail] who took time to check grammar and improve the clarity of my manuscript. My special thanks go to my editor James Oliveri of [e-mail]

My heartiest thanks go to Mr. Herb Kawainui Kane who has provided the painting of Pele, the Volcano Goddess of Hawaii painted by him as my front cover image in my book. He is an artist-historian in Hawaii and his extraordinary artistic career experience has included advertising art, painting, sculpture, publishing art, publishing for National Geographic and postage stamps.

My book has been recommended for American Library Association, All books review International and www.Goodreads.com

Dedication

T his book is dedicated to my husband, Tapan who supports me now with his insight and suggestions how to make everything better. I am also dedicating my book to my wonderful two sons, Paul and Jon. I am a very proud mother. My older son is an accomplished medical director in one of America’s leading companies and my youngest son is an Assistant research professor in a major University. I love all of them with all my heart.

Author Bio

I was always passionate about writing at very early age and it became a lifelong dream of mine to be a writer later. I realized that I need to learn more about writing in a constructive way, so I took honors courses in literature, read enormous amount of books and then started to enjoy writing fiction where I can give a voice to a character and where I can express my lifetime experience; the beauty of life, the pain and conflict of living and glory of hope.

I was born and raised in India. After completion of my education with B.A. degree I migrated to UK to join my husband who left India ten months ago to pursue higher education and a better life for us. After staying three years in London we came to America. I always loved America—the land of hope, freedom, and fortune. I still remember the first day when we arrived in America. We were overwhelmed with happiness, and joy which I would not be able to describe in words. America is my homeland now. I have two wonderful sons. My time is dedicated now to job, family and writing. Though I miss my India tremendously and it was very hard for me to abandon my heritage, my childhood and my parents but at the same time I thrive for Freedom, higher education, better judgment and wealth in economic term—all the immigrant’s dream in America. I love my India and my America.

Chapter 1

H awaii, eight islands of eternal spring, where the sun, abiding by its assurance to the ancient Hawaiian God Maui who had once lassoed it, travels at its slowest. Hawaii, land of gentle breezes and bright sunshine, home of the graceful hula, the lei, the surfboard, Pele, the Goddess of Volcanic Fire and the protected bay, Honolulu, settled almost a thousand years ago but now home only to the new. Honolulu, ringed by splendid beaches including that world-famous sun-seeker and surfer’s paradise, Waikiki. Honolulu of open shirts and sunburned skins, of thong bikinis, flowered shirts, and wild print dresses of ageless beauty.

The expected time of arrival at Honolulu International Airport is 13:40 hours, just five minutes away. The temperature there is a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius. Please return to your seats and fasten your safety belts. The pilot’s resonant voice broke in on his reverie, and Jonathan reset his very expensive Rolex watch, a present from his mother on his recent 25th birthday. He noticed once more that in the past 20 hours he had gained a few hours in the time zones.

As the Boeing 767 descended for landing, the magic of the Hawaiian Islands began to infuse into Jonathan’s sensibility as he stared out through the aircraft’s window. Every rain-washed feature of Oahu—its Diamond Head Mountain, the surrounding ocean of deepest, purest ultramarine flecked with prancing white horses, and the high-rise buildings housing expensive hotels—stood out with stark clarity. It had been a long flight from Los Angeles—over 2,000 miles and about five hours of traversing an endless stretch of water. But as he saw the islands appear mysteriously from the sea, he felt as if he had stepped into a fully realized dream. Jonathan wondered whether the ancient Polynesians, who had sailed and paddled their canoes from the South Seas to these islands more than 1,000 years ago, had felt the same way.

He had read James Michener’s Hawaii a couple of months ago and had developed an immediate fascination for the Hawaiian archipelago with its sugar-white beaches, trembling volcanic mountains, and its legends. Jonathan had been planning this holiday in paradise for a long time now, but there was always something at his office that got in the way. It was only when he finally decided that he’d had enough and that he had to get away from it all, at least for a while, that he was able to make the final arrangements. Houston, where the headquarters of the family firm were located, was both a major aerospace research and development center and a focal point for networks of gas pipelines. A great place if it was money that you wanted. But that was all, Jonathan told himself. He had never wanted money for itself nor had he hankered after the power that a large business enterprise brings with it almost as a natural appendage, as it were. Even before going to the Hawaiian Islands, Jonathan would have exchanged his oak-paneled office in downtown Houston for a shack and a stretch of beach anywhere on that bit of heaven.

As far as he remembered, this would be his first trip outside mainland.

Any time he suggested or expressed interest in visiting any other country outside America, his mother would object—her fear was some people would harm him or kidnap him even though he always had a bodyguard to protect him. Jonathan never liked it but as he always wanted to keep tranquility in the family—that’s the kind of person he was—he did not want to create any more commotion. There was enough tension because of his father’s attitude. Jonathan did not desire to create more. It was always like that. It permeated his memory of his childhood and adulthood.

As far as he remembered, he was quite happy growing up—he had all the luxuries from the swimming pool, tennis court, most expensive cars, lots of maids and servants to the dazzling huge mansion. As a matter of fact, as a teenager, though he was aware of the difference between him and the poor, like all wealthy teenagers he did not pay much attention to that. When he used to get all the attention from the people surrounding him, especially the girls, he thought how fortunate he was.

He had many digital games, the most expensive electronic gadgets, many friends, expensive clothes, and an expensive car. Before he could ask for anything, his mother would provide it for him. He would get any exotic food he wanted, expensive digital phones and cameras, all were within his reach. But as he grew older, he came to understand vaguely how the system of inequality functioned—why some people were so rich and why some were so unfortunate. He would wonder about that, and then, to be absolutely sure about this notion, he would go to his father for the answer. He vividly remembered what his father said to him. When you have poverty you would be ashamed, but, on the contrary, wealth is a blessing, and the wealthy are privileged.

When he asked his mother, who had a different belief and philosophy, the same question, she would explain to him, You know giving things away for nothing is obviously very bad—don’t you think so? It is not our way—because, you know, it’s called socialism or welfare. Right? She would pause for a moment, then add, Even though I give lots of money to charity, charity alone is a band-aid solution. Well, in fact—I think, the key is to get your freebies, known in Hollywood as swag, into the right hands. You give some things but in return you demand to get something even more. Jonathan was surprised to hear his parent’s explanations, and as a matter of fact, it made him very upset.

With all that was going on, the most enjoyable time for him was when a landscaper named Bill came to maintain the garden’s new foliage with his son, Mike. Jonathan would immediately come down to meet him and have a conversation. One day, Bill came with Mike to examine the new plants he had put in the garden. Jonathan greeted them,

Hi, how are you? They returned his greeting.

Mike saw some of the electronic games left by the pool side and said,

Oh, you are so lucky. You have so many games!

Jonathan replied, I don’t care. If you want, you can have it. Mike played for few seconds with enthusiasm and then gave it back. Then he said cheerfully, I am going with my dad and uncle on a fishing trip next Saturday. Dad said I have to get up very early in the morning.

At that moment, Jonathan wished if he could go along with them. It would have been very adventurous and a thrilling time for him.

I wish I could go with my dad like you do.

Why don’t you?

My father is always busy with his work. He has no time for me or my brother, Jonathan admitted sadly. For his twelfths birthday, Mike went to McDonalds first and then bowling. Jonathan had to go to W Astoria where he met his father’s business acquaintances and their sons and daughters, who were very well-dressed and well-behaved. The most fun he had was playing with each other’s expensive electronic gadgets. What kind of fun is that? he wondered.

As soon as his mother found out that Jonathan was talking to Mike, she urged Jonathan to leave. To her it was inappropriate to have a conversation with a blue-collar worker. Jonathan went to his room sadly, and from the window he watched Bill and Mike laugh and chat together happily. He had never had that experience with his father.

Life’s simple pleasures were forbidden to him. He could never dribble a ball on the sidewalk or ride a bicycle on the side street by himself. Jonathan was not permitted to express any dissatisfaction. That was the culture of his family. Everybody was polished, well-dressed, and subdued. Any sudden expression of sadness or joy would be an embarrassment. That’s what happened one day to Jason when he was laughing loudly with his friends. His mother ordered him to leave. Jason, you are wanted by your father. Jason understood the implications and kept quiet afterwards. With all these restrictions, Jonathan was often embarrassed by his enormous wealth and wished he could keep it a secret.

It was not uncommon for a rebel to be produced within the ranks of an aristocratic family, and his healing thoughts would emerge from a proudly insular background. He remembered when he was in high school always being surrounded by all the beautiful girls. He never played football since his mother was afraid that he would be injured.

But the irony was he understood later that his wealth was the real attraction for those girls. Jonathan wanted to earn the admiration from his own effort, but everything was bought or came easily even before he wanted it or earned it.

He remembered when he was growing up wanting to explore artistic integrity. He wanted to play guitar like a rock star. Instead, he had to play piano even though he had no talent because it was more sophisticated by his mother’s standard. There were many incidents like this. It was a few days before graduation, and the friends were planning a trip. They sat around their college campus, and every one had suggestions. Bill played guitar and entertained them. The girls urged him to play popular numbers, and some of them danced. There was a lot of clapping and cheering. Everyone was happy with the band, food, drinks, dance and games.

Hi, Jonathan. What instrument you are going to play? Sandra asked.

The minute he said piano, the girls burst into peals of laughter. Just imagine, Jonathan playing Bach here in class or maybe Beethoven.

She imitated a pianist using the bench as a piano. Jonathan was hurt, but laughed along with the group, even though the joke was on him.

It would be foolish to react. Just to lighten it further, he sat next to her and they both enjoyed the sound on the bench. Sandra planted a kiss on his cheek for being supportive. She had a soft heart for Jonathan, maybe even some pity for him. Everybody knew that. Jonathan kind of liked her, too. Jack drummed on the table. George blew air into an empty beer bottle, producing a low humming sound. Someone stood on the table and picked up a pencil, using it like a bandmaster.

Thankfully, the moment was lost in jubilation and revelry.

After the party was over, they gathered around and discussed the trip.

They planned to drive down to Corpus Christi. It was about a four-hour drive from Houston. They would start early to reach their destination by noon. The beach has super-fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a nice breeze. My uncle owns a small condo there, not too far from the beach. We all could be accommodated, pitched in Ronnie.

Someone offered to get more drinks, another games.

But, Jonathan, I hope you will be staying with us and not at a five star? Sandra teased again. Sandra had every reason to tease. Last Christmas, Sandra had baked a cake for fun and brought it to Jonathan’s house. It would not be wrong to say that his mother really misbehaved, as she had told her not very subtly, "The only cakes we eat are baked by a well-known chef from New York,