by Kaveel Lilmohun
Someone has brought an obsession to Oceanrock.
International release coming soon
← Back to all booksAkshay Bhatia has never suffered from a shortage of confidence. Arrogant, flirtatious and completely aware of his appeal, he enjoys keeping girls interested without ever taking romance too seriously.
During an outing, Akshay meets Dia, a beautiful, funny young woman who immediately catches his attention. Their brief encounter ends with them losing contact, only for them to unexpectedly recognise each other at university and pick up where they left off.
Then another girl enters Akshay's life.
Dia doesn't take the competition well.
Soon, unsettling accidents begin occurring around the people closest to Akshay. Dia apologises, explanations are offered and everyone tries to move on, but suspicion is difficult to ignore when she is repeatedly caught in the middle of the trouble, and makes no secret of wanting Akshay back.
Months later, believing the worst is behind them, the group heads to Oceanrock for a holiday in a secluded beach house.
What begins as sun, sea and freedom quickly becomes something far more volatile. Jealousies resurface, loyalties shift, accusations fly and buried resentment refuses to stay buried.
Someone has brought an obsession to Oceanrock.
And before the holiday is over, getting Akshay's attention may become the least of their problems.
Tap or click a card to open their file.
The one everyone wants
Handsome, wealthy and thoroughly aware of both, Akshay checks his reflection, flirts almost instinctively and enjoys being admired. He can be affectionate, apologetic and genuinely fond of his friends, but following through is harder than saying the right thing. Understanding what he owes someone who cares about him is more complicated.
The one who won't let go
Dia brings warmth, teasing humour and a taste for excitement into Akshay's life, whether she's planning time alone with him or driving with more confidence than her passengers would like. She wants a connection she can trust, and notices when his attention wanders. Her tenderness and temper sit close together.
The one who isn't impressed
Outspoken, self-possessed and difficult to impress, Sayantika makes her own choices and has no patience for Akshay's belief that charm excuses his behaviour. Her humour has a sharp edge, and being attracted to someone won't stop her from confronting them.
The one who shows up
Playful and affectionate, Max trades jokes with Akshay, but their friendship matters far more to him than the banter suggests. Warm with Mercedes and protective of Payton, he forgives readily, until repeated disappointment makes him question whether his loyalty is returned.
The one who says it out loud
Direct and perceptive, Mercedes says what others would rather leave unspoken, including to Akshay. Her bluntness comes with real tenderness, and she is protective of her younger brother Nelson. She has little patience for apologies that change nothing.
The one who laughs it off
Bolkar loves being strong, looking good and reminding everyone how much time he spends in the gym. Sociable and openly affectionate with Farah, he gives people the benefit of the doubt, and meets tension with jokes that don't always reassure.
The one who notices
Expressive, strong-willed and fiercely protective of Bolkar, Farah expects him to remember where his loyalties lie. When someone hurts him, she confronts them directly, and her concern can sharpen into suspicion. Broken trust takes her a while to rebuild.
The one they underestimate
Reserved and awkward, Saurav would rather listen than attract attention, and he thinks through possibilities others barely consider. Among louder personalities he is easily underestimated, and his quiet manner leaves others interpreting his feelings without stopping to ask.
The one who keeps them guessing
Quick-witted and observant, Payton is happy to tease people older than her and puncture the group's self-importance with a dry remark. She knows how to keep admirers guessing, but Nelson brings out a more hopeful, vulnerable side.
The one with other plans
Athletic, playful and affectionate with his sister Mercedes, Nelson would rather do things his own way than share the older group's worries. Most of his attention is on Payton, and he wants time with her away from everyone else.
One of them brought the obsession.
Find out who goes too far.
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