Author Abhaidev shared his journey and insights in an exclusive conversation with Unnati Shahi, the founder of The Bookish Gossips.
Heaven’s Gate: A Story of Redemption and Reflection
Abhaidev’s latest novel, Heaven’s Gate, opens a new chapter in his creative evolution. The title, he admits, came almost accidentally. It was first a name he coined for a company project before he realised its metaphorical power. “It sounded catchy and meaningful, hinting toward the possible salvation of mankind, both material and spiritual,” he said.
Set in California, the book steps beyond the familiar landscapes of his earlier works. It is his first story written entirely outside an Indian context, filled with Western characters and a distinctly global tone. Yet beneath the surface, it remains unmistakably his. The story explores salvation, free will and the search for purpose, blending science fiction with deep introspection.
Interestingly, Heaven’s Gate also marks a quiet shift in his personal and creative life. None of the characters smoke, a detail he points out as symbolic of change and growth. “It might seem small,” he said once, “but it means something to me.”
The Craft and the Calling
For Abhaidev, writing is not merely a profession but an instinctive process, one that feels both deliberate and divinely guided. Many of his ideas come from dreams so vivid that he often wakes to jot them down before they disappear. His method balances structure with spontaneity. Certain scenes and ideas are carefully planned, while others arrive unexpectedly, as if whispered by an unseen source.
He believes that creativity does not belong to the artist but flows through them. To him, writers are simply conduits, translating the universe’s energy into words. That belief keeps him grounded, even as his body of work grows. “We are just tuned to private radio channels,” he once said. “Our brains are conduits to the infinite current of creativity.”
Exploring Genres and Ideas
Over the years, Abhaidev has built an impressive and eclectic bibliography. His earlier works include The Influencer: Speed Must Have a Limit, The Gods Are Not Dead, 13 Minutes Before Midnight, and The Meaninglessness of Meaning, all distinct in tone yet unified by their philosophical undercurrent.
He has never wanted to be confined to a single genre. “I have tried paranormal, spiritual, philosophical, thriller, and now science fiction,” he explained. “I will keep exploring.” His willingness to cross boundaries keeps his stories unpredictable and fresh. His current work in progress, a detective novel, will add yet another shade to his growing collection.
Abhaidev also values brevity in storytelling. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, he believes every sentence should matter. “A book must not be too long in this modern digital world,” he said. “There’s no point writing long, irrelevant stuff that people will skip anyway.”
Influences and Inspirations
When asked about the authors who have shaped his perspective, Abhaidev’s list reveals his intellectual curiosity. He draws inspiration from Hermann Hesse, Aldous Huxley, Philip K. Dick, Dostoyevsky, Kafka and Camus, among others. Three books, however, hold special significance for him: Flowers for Algernon, The Razor’s Edge, and Steppenwolf. He often revisits them whenever he finds himself in a reflective or spiritual mood.
Outside of writing, he stays creatively active through photography, anime edits, indie music and travel. He also reviews TV shows and films on his YouTube channel. These pursuits, he says, help him recharge and keep his imagination in motion.
From Engineer to Author
Abhaidev’s journey toward authorship began long before his debut novel. At sixteen, he read Smriti Ek Prem Ki by Sindhi writer Krishan Khatwani, a love story that revealed to him the emotional power of language. “It was then that I realised words can make even the strongest people cry,” he reflected.
During his college years at VIT Vellore, he became a fixture in the library, reading three books a week and taking detailed notes. Over time, his passion for reading evolved into a desire to write. What started as short online posts grew into full-length fiction, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with storytelling.
But the defining decision came later, when he left behind a secure corporate career to write full-time. A graduate of one of India’s top business schools, he seemed destined for an executive path. Yet, as he puts it, he could no longer ignore the growing tension between external success and inner truth. That moment of clarity changed everything.
Writing, Purpose and Perspective
For Abhaidev, writing is an act of meaning-making in a chaotic world. He writes not just to tell stories but to ask questions that might never have answers. “I often write about free will,” he once said, “and usually have the characters declare it an illusion.”
His view on success is refreshingly realistic. He sees bestsellers for what they are: books that sell well, not necessarily books that are great. InIn his opinion, commercial success and creative value don't often go hand in hand. Yet he remains unfazed, confident that every story finds its reader.
Despite his growing recognition, Abhaidev remains humble. He credits early rejection for keeping his ego in check. “Had my debut work become an instant hit, I might have been arrogant too,” he admits. “But writing taught me humility.”
Advice for Aspiring Writers
When asked what he would say to those struggling to finish their first draft, his advice was straightforward: stay authentic. Let the words flow naturally, unforced and true to your own rhythm. “Don’t try to emulate anyone,” he often reminds new writers. “Writing heals both the writer and the reader.”
He also urges aspiring authors to focus less on trends and more on truth. “If you are writing only for money,” he once joked, “there are better ways to ruin yourself.” To him, writing is cathartic; a way to make sense of the noise and to be heard in an often indifferent world.
A Continuing Journey
As the conversation came to a close, one thing became clear. For Abhaidev, literature is not about mastery or recognition but about surrender. Whether he is writing philosophy, thrillers or speculative fiction, he continues to explore the mysteries of human existence, guided by an unwavering curiosity about the universe and our place within it.
Interview by The Bookish Gossips
Written by Ana Lopes