Can You Ever Forget Your First Love? Pooja Misra Khaitan W Explores In New Book

The First Connect: Moment of Magic. Waves of Whisper (Penguin Enterprise) by Pooja Misra Khaitan W is a captivating new adult romance that delves into the unexpected return of love, the beauty of second chances, and the quiet, unforgettable moments that linger long after they're gone. Told with unflinching honesty and emotional nuance, this novel charts a powerful journey of rediscovery—of love, identity, and self-worth. At its heart lies a timeless question: Is love something that simply happens to us, or something we choose to fight for?

Blending memory with emotion, The First Connect speaks to anyone who has clung to a first love, walked away from something meaningful, or wondered, What if? Lyrical. Stirring. Unforgettable. More than just a love story—this is a tale of hearts finding their way back home.

Here's an excerpt from The First Connect by Pooja Misra Khaitan W 

Sacred Heart Convent school, a beacon of education and self-development, graces the landscape with its majestic presence. Its whitewashed walls gleam under the sunlight. They reflect the institution’s commitment to cleanliness and discipline. 

The sprawling campus, with its manicured lawns and vibrant blooms lining its paths, bursts with a riot of colours and fragrances, echoing the diversity of knowledge and experiences that flourish within its walls. Each step through the main building, standing tall and proud, stirs an environment that nurtures not just academic growth but also the development of character and values. The institution isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a community where students forge lasting friendships, mentors impart wisdom, and every individual fosters compassion, integrity, and a sense of responsibility.

The school’s motto, ‘Love Conquers All’, etched on a prominent spot, serves as a constant reminder of the transformative power of education, where minds are moulded and hearts are enriched. It’s a place where the pursuit of knowledge goes hand in hand with the cultivation of character, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the exteriors of the magnificent institution.

Disha, Muskaan, Ria, and Mouni, part of this all-girls’ convent school, are unique individuals, each with their distinct personalities, aspirations, and approaches towards life. Despite these differences, a shared set of values instilled by their school binds them together.

Disha’s reputation rests on her serene and introspective bearing, characterized by a calm and composed presence. Lost in contemplation, she observes the world with keen eyes. Her academic prowess stands out as her forte. Despite her attempts to engage in the pranks of her girls’ gang, she often finds herself shying away from such playful endeavours. However, her love for harmless casual gossip keeps making her come back, ensuring that she remains an intrigued and amused observer of the group’s mischievous exploits. 

Muskaan, in contrast, radiates a vivacious and outgoing personality, marked by a natural flair for leadership. Actively engaged in several extracurricular activities, she excels in debates and public speaking, motivating her friends to embrace challenges with determination. Her infectious enthusiasm inspires the group to fearlessly explore new horizons. The mastermind behind playful prank calls to the boys in and out of their lives, she adds a touch of mischievous spontaneity to their dynamics. Being a year younger than the others, she holds the junior status
in their school and group hierarchy.

Ria embodies a boisterous and free-spirited essence. Her laughter resonates through the corridors, and her playful demeanour brings joy to everyone around. With a fervent passion for sports, she actively participates in the school’s athletic teams, inspiring her friends to adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay physically active. Ria’s flirtatious nature leads her to seek attention from boys, and she engages in occasional flings. Her group of girl-friends, accustomed to this facet of her personality, chooses to forgo any further lectures, accepting and respecting her periodic indulgences.

Mouni is a captivating fusion of traits from her three friends, seamlessly blending the qualities of a selective introvert, a vibrant imagination, and an expressive personality. Much like a Gemini, she adapts to and navigates diverse situations with finesse. Her natural inclination towards music, dance, and writing poetry complements her leisurely pursuits of sketching and painting. Her love for art becomes a canvas for her emotions and thoughts. Her profound empathy and compassion make her a reliable confidante among friends. Though aware of her enchanting allure, she remains uninterested in seeking attention from the opposite gender. In her whimsical teenage escapades with her gang, she becomes an enthusiastic partner in crime, bringing infectious laughter and a charming energy to every gathering.

Despite their individualities, the four friends complement each other beautifully, forming an inseparable bond that transcends their varied personalities. They cherish and respect each other’s uniqueness, finding strength in their diversity.

The Fabulous Four, a title they have proudly bestowed upon themselves, share an inseparable bond driven by their mutual love for sports, fun, and recreation. Their beloved hangout spot is none other than Beldih Club, the city’s cherished hub. Over time, it has evolved into the ultimate haven for them. On bright, sunny afternoons, the Fabulous Four can be found on the tennis courts, their laughter resonating in varied decibels as they enthusiastically engage in spirited matches. Beyond mere competition, each game is an opportunity to cherish their friendship and revel in the joy of companionship. The sparkling pool at the club offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Here, they splash, swim, and dive, their youthful energy blending with the cool water and creating a delightful symphony of happiness with every stroke.

They eagerly await weekly movie nights at the club, where the open-air screening area sets the stage for their cinematic escapades. During intermissions, the girls unwrap paper packets of crispy potato chips, generously drizzling them with tomato ketchup. Reminiscent of toddlers, their fingers end up more coated in condiments than the savoury treats themselves, and they gleefully lick them clean, all the while trying their best to salvage the drenched paper packets. They anticipate the magic of cinema, discussing plots and characters long after the credits have rolled.

Extracted with permission from The First Connect by Pooja Misra Khaitan W; published by Penguin Enterprise.