Author’s Background: Step into the world of Akshay Masurekar, affectionately known as Akki, in his debut book “The Will and Other Short Stories.” As the Founder & CEO of SAMAKSH Holistic Wellness, Akki has dedicated his life to guiding individuals towards their true potential. His expertise as a Transformational Catalyst, Motivational & Spiritual Speaker has made him a sought-after Coach  & Mentor for Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Students, helping them overcome obstacles and ignite the flames of success through Coaching, Talks, and Mentoring. Speaker has made him a sought-after Coach  & Mentor for Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Students, helping them overcome obstacles and ignite the flames of success through Coaching, Talks, and Mentoring. At the core of Akki’s philosophy is a deep-seated passion for understanding the profound influence of emotions on our overall quality of life. In “The Will and Other Short Stories,” he skillfully weaves together six captivating tales, each revolving around distinct emotions such as Greed, Love, Hope, Fear, Lust, Jealousy, and Faith, to showcase how these powerful forces can shape the course of our lives. “The Will and Other Short Stories” is more than a collection of tales; it’s an intimate exploration of the human experience. Akshay Masurekar invites you to delve into these narratives with an open heart and an inquisitive mind, to reflect upon the intricate dance between our innermost feelings and the choices we make. Prepare to be captivated, enlightened, and moved as you uncover the hidden truths of your own heart and soul through the lens of Akki’s storytelling. These stories will not only entertain but also inspire personal growth and self-discovery. “The Will and Other Short Stories” is a testament to Akki’s wisdom and storytelling prowess, leaving readers with a profound sense of reflection and the motivation to embrace their own emotional journeys. Questionnaires:    Q. 01. Can you share the inspiration behind the title, ‘The Will and Other Short Stories’? What significance does it hold for the collection as a whole? Akki: My book comprises six enthralling short stories. It opens with ‘The Will,’ a poignant tale portraying a deceased father’s unwavering love for his wayward son. I chose this title for the book for two significant reasons: firstly, as the inaugural story, its inclusion in the book’s title was paramount, and secondly, it symbolizes my sheer ‘will power’ in bringing my debut book to publication. The title embodies the determination to pursue one’s ambitions, illustrating that with the will to achieve, one will push boundaries to accomplish their goals. Q. 02. In the book, you mention that the stories are set in a time before the era of social media. What motivated you to explore this particular timeframe, and how do you believe it enhances the reader’s experience? Akki: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, offering abundant opportunities. However, it also stands as a significant distraction, often diverting us from our work and aspirations. Cultivating discipline in managing our screen time concerning social media is crucial. Despite this, I aim to transport my readers to an era devoid of social media interactions. In pre-social media times, we enjoyed ample personal time and engaged in meaningful conversations, savoring delicious food without the urge to document it on our social platforms. I wish to reintroduce audiences to the age of immersive and profound conversations. Q. 03. Among the six stories in the collection, is there one that holds a special place in your heart? If so, could you tell us why it stands out for you personally? Akki: Among the stories in my collection, ‘Known Devil, Unknown Ghost’ holds a special place as my personal favorite. Through my protagonist Neil Bhatawdekar, I’ve endeavored to reflect aspects of my life and personality. Instances in the story, whether portraying Neil’s playful character, his interactions with friends, parents, or Samira (the female lead), and the inclination to seek guidance from the universe, draw directly from my own experiences. This narrative particularly delves into the potency of faith and its ability to shape our true selves. To grasp the profound impact of faith, delving into this story is essential. Q. 04. The story “Known Devil, Unknown Ghost” has an interesting title origin story involving your wife. Can you elaborate on how the title came about and its connection to the narrative? Akki: That particular day remains vivid in my memory. I had crafted around 80% of the story and was recounting it to my wife, Samira. Originally titled ‘Love vs Arranged,’ as I narrated, she spontaneously coined the title ‘Known Devil, Unknown Ghost.’ Amusingly, she remarked that both of us ended up marrying an ‘Unknown Ghost,’ and our journey together has been an adventure. She found the original plot too serious and dull. I admired her spontaneity and embraced her suggestion as the story’s title. Inspired by her insight, I embarked on a complete rewrite, transforming the narrative into a comical romantic drama. Q. 05. Your book explores the themes of love and affection through believable characters. How do you approach character development, and are any of the characters inspired by real-life individuals? Akki: As a reader, I find a deep connection with stories that feature believable characters. Throughout my readings, authors like John Grisham, Amish Tripathi, Chetan Bhagat, and Ravi Subramanian have captivated me through their narratives populated with characters that feel real, instantly drawing me into their stories. During my writing process, I adopted a focused approach, dedicating my attention to one story at a time. This method allowed me to meticulously develop each character to be as authentic as possible. For ‘Das Babu,’ a fictional representation of a true story, maintaining the characters’ originality was crucial. ‘Akinova’s Akhil’ was inspired by a close friend renowned for his charisma and adeptness at managing multiple relationships. Neil Bhatawdekar, as previously mentioned, mirrors facets of my own personality. As for the other characters, I drew from my observations and interactions with various individuals to flesh them out. Q. 06. The stories cover a range