Seduction and Subjugation: The Dynamics of Desire and Dependency in "Love's Not, Time's Fool"

This paper examines the complex relationships between love, lust, desire
dependency, and dominance in contemporary Indian English writer Vikas Sharma's
book Love is Not, Time's Fool. The novel deftly tells the story of complicated
relationships, with a primary focus on the novel's protagonist and her interpersonal
relationships with various characters. The glaring power disparity between the
heroine of the novel, Richa, a wealthy and intelligent woman, and Abhilash, a young,
destitute student, is brought to light when she gets involved in a romantic connection
with him despite being married to a wealthy husband.
This study explores the conflict between the main character's emotional
vulnerability and reliance on others for love and approval and her power in the social
and financial spheres. The examination explores the protagonist's fear of rejection
and social disapproval, as well as how her need for love and approval pushes her to
uphold a power dynamic that guarantees Abhilash's dependence. On the other hand,
Abhilash's acquiescence to Richa's approaches and the ensuing extravagances
indicates his realistic adjustment to his financial situation, prompting inquiries
concerning the moral aspects of their partnership. The study also looks at how the
balance of power changes when Abhilash starts to take charge and carefully manage his place inside his Dependency. In order to present the protagonist as a complex
character, the book also contrasts her emotional and sexual cravings with her
academic interests. Her interactions with other women, her husband Malya, and her
ex-lover Lee highlight the various facets of control and reliance while also further
complicating the power dynamics within the story.
Overall, this study seeks to reveal the complex representation of power and
reliance in "Love's Not, Time's Fool" by a thorough character analysis and thematic
investigation, advancing our knowledge of the socio-psychological foundations of
human interactions in modern literature