Saugata Chakraborty

[FADE IN]

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

SHANTILAL and SAUGATA sip their coffee. Saugata, the creator of Shantilal in his latest book Mostly Mundane, is visibly upset.

SAUGATA (Frustrated) I just don’t get it, dear! I sent my book to that popular bookstagrammer, the one with thousands of followers, and all that he could manage was a hideous screenshot against a spooky background with a review written AI all over it! How do these people expect us to get any leverage out of it?

Shantilal raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye.

SHANTILAL (Teasingly) Well, you know how it is these days, Saugata. Authors like you, you’re all just too demanding.

SAUGATA Demanding? How?

SHANTILAL (Sarcastically) Oh, you know… you expect these busy influencers to actually read the book before posting a glowing review. I mean, where do they find the time? They have to pose with the book, find the perfect filter, write a witty caption… who has time to actually, you know, read?

Saugata stares at him, unsure if he’s serious.

SAUGATA But… shouldn’t they at least skim through it? To get a feel for the story?

SHANTILAL (Feigning shock) Saugata! Are you suggesting they actually put in effort? Come on, man! You’re talking about influencers here! They deal with the big picture, the aesthetics, the vibes. Details like plot and character development… who needs those?

Saugata sighs, realizing Shantilal is pulling his leg.

SAUGATA You’re having fun at my expense, aren’t you?

Shantilal throws his head back and laughs.

SHANTILAL Of course, yaar! But seriously, don’t get disheartened. True readers will find your book, even without the influencers.

Saugata manages a weak smile.

SAUGATA I suppose you’re right.

SHANTILAL (Patting his shoulder) Always am. Now, finish your coffee. I think I saw some jalebis at the counter…

[FADE OUT]