<p>The novella, India’s Hidden Heartbeat, is set in the late 1980’s and is about a young college student, Nikhil. Although Nikhil’s mother is supportive, his passion for music makes him determined to pursue a career as a professional musician, despite social pressures from family and friends.</p> <p><br /> Because of society’s disapproval of this non-traditional choice of career, Nikhil soon finds he is unable to keep his band together. They perform badly at the college music festival and the result is a terrible fight with his three band mates and best friends. The fight ends with the break up of the band. In one moment, it feels like he has lost everything.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>But fate intervenes, in the form of a chance meeting with a musician by the name of Ranina. Together with her, Nikhil sets out to establish a new band. The question is, with just four months to go for the Rock Festival, will Nikhil and his new band be ready to give the performance of a lifetime?</p>

<p><strong>Neil Orridge</strong> is a 15 year old, 10th Grade student of Pathways School Gurgaon. He is a passionate musician who plays the Trumpet and the Drums. His tryst with music began at an early age - he was presented a drum kit by his uncle when he was 3 years old. There was no looking back. He learnt to read music when he was 5 years old, while learning to play the piano.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> Neil currently plays in a band called “Double O Four”.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> Neil is also mad about football and is training to be a goalkeeper. He has also been a competitive swimmer with the school team and has represented Haryana in the National School Games more than once. He was also the Sports Captain of the Middle School.<br /> He currently lives in Gurgaon with his mom, dad, grandparents and two dogs.</p>