The Complexities of Love and Desire in Vikas Sharma’s Love’s Not Time’s Fool
https://doi.org /10.5281/zen od o.14973704
Author(s): Poorvi Garg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14973704
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The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
The Complexities of Love and Desire in Vikas Sharma’s Love’s Not Time’s
Fool
Poorvi Garg
Research Scholar,
Department of English,
Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
Article History: Submitted‐25/12/2024, Revised‐13/01/2025, Accepted‐04/02/2025, Published‐28/02/2025.
Abstract:
Prof. Vikas Sharma’s Love’s Not Time’s Fool is a compelling exploration of the evolving
dynamics of love, desire, and relationships in contemporary society. Written during the
COVID-19 pandemic, the novel reflects the emotional, social, and psychological struggles of
modern life and highlights how love often becomes transactional and driven by physical
gratification. Through the central character, Richa Pandit, the narrative delves into the
complexities of extramarital affairs, casual encounters, and the emotional emptiness that
permeates postmodern relationships.
The present paper explores the moral ambiguities of modern intimacy and themes such as open
relationships, same-sex experiences, and the emotional detachment that defines many
contemporary connections. However, amidst these moral ambiguities, the story ultimately
advocates for the enduring power of love.
Through Love’s Not Time’s Fool, Prof. Sharma offers a bold and unflinching commentary on
the complexities of human relationships in a world driven by personal gain and fleeting
satisfaction. The novel serves as both a mirror and a critique of modern society while
encouraging readers to reflect on the true nature of love and intimacy in their lives.
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14973704
The Complexities of Love and Desire in Vikas Sharma’s Love’s Not Time’s Fool
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Keywords: Contemporary Relationships, Physical Gratification, Moral Ambiguity,
Transactional Love.
Prof. Vikas Sharma is a leading voice in Indian English fiction who brings to life the evolving
dynamics of love and relationships in his English debut novel Love’s Not Time’s Fool. His
writing captures the dilemmas of modern youth and explores their search for success,
independence, and emotional fulfilment. In this novel, Prof. Sharma offers a bold portrayal of
desire and sexuality which reflects upon the increasingly transactional nature of love in
contemporary society. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel mirrors the social,
emotional, and psychological challenges of the time and emphasizes the fluidity and fragility
of human connections. The novel’s title draws from William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116, which
describes love as eternal and steadfast.
Love’s Not Time’s Fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me prov’d,
I never writ, nor no man, ever loved. (William Shakespeare, Sonnet 116)
However, Prof. Sharma uses the title ironically to highlight how modern love often lacks
permanence and focuses instead on lust and fleeting encounters. In contrast to Shakespeare’s
idealized love, Love’s Not Time’s Fool presents a reality where relationships are driven by
physical gratification and personal convenience rather than emotional depth or spiritual
connection.
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The central theme in Love’s Not Time’s Fool is the unquenchable desire for physical satisfaction
among the youth. The novelist delves into the complexities of love and portrays it as an emotion
frequently overshadowed by lust. At novel’s heart lies Richa Pandit, an upper-middle-class
woman trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband, Malya Vaidik, a successful
businessman in Agra. Their marriage, devoid of warmth and intimacy, mirrors the emotional
detachment that plagues many modern relationships. Malya’s extramarital affairs, impotence
and emotional indifference leave Richa yearning for companionship and understanding. Her
unmet emotional needs drive her into the company of Abhilash, a young and ambitious IAS
aspirant from a modest background. Their relationship, which begins innocently at a bookstore,
gradually evolves into a deeper emotional bond and ultimately crosses the realm of physical
intimacy. The novelist draws attention to the way sexual attraction often overrides social
conventions, as seen in scenes where Richa, despite being married, openly surrenders to
Abhilash’s advances. In one striking moment, Abhilash embraces her in the bathroom, kisses
her without hesitation, and Richa reciprocates without shame. This dynamic critiques the
fragile boundaries between emotional connection and physical desire and sheds light on the
moral complexities of extramarital relationships.
A deeper layer of the novel draws a subtle yet powerful comparison between Richa and the
Lady of Shalott, a figure from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem. Prof. Sharma weaves this
allusion seamlessly into the text and invites readers to reflect on the similarities between Richa
and the tragic Lady of Shalott. Like the Lady, Richa is trapped by societal expectations. The
line, “One loses one’s sense of wisdom due to one’s passions.” (Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 15)
resonates deeply with Richa’s character and emphasizes how passion can cloud judgment and
drive individuals to break societal norms. This literary parallel between classical literature and
contemporary struggles is really commendable which enriches the novel’s thematic depth and
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allows readers to perceive Richa not merely as an individual but as a symbol of the larger
human condition who is torn between desire and duty.
Richa’s decision to hire Abhilash at her company, Peppe & Tette Footwear, marks a pivotal
moment in their relationship, which provides her with emotional comfort and practical support.
Their arrangement reflects a transactional dynamic, where both know their needs and priorities.
Abhilash, focused on his IAS preparations, sets clear boundaries from the outset, stating, “But,
Madam, remember, I work only for three hours a day lest my studies should be disturbed.”
(Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 16). This statement emphasizes a relationship driven by necessity and
convenience. For Richa, Abhilash fills the emotional and physical void left by her husband
Malya, while also helping her manage the business in his absence. Simultaneously, Abhilash
benefits financially, receiving a steady income, accommodation, and freedom to continue his
studies without interference. Their relationship thrives on this unspoken give-and-take, where
Richa fulfils her sexual and emotional desires, while Abhilash gains economic stability and
intimacy. Abhilash expresses his gratitude as
“I have simple ambitions and wish to be faithful to you and my job. Thanks for your
cooperation and love and affection. You supported me at a crucial time. Had you not
supported me till now, I might have returned to my fields, ploughing my land.” (Love’s Not
Time’s Fool, 72)
Prof. Sharma skilfully highlights the pragmatic nature of modern relationships, where physical
intimacy often becomes an outlet for emotional stress and dissatisfaction in modern
relationships. The protagonist Richa consistently turns to Abhilash for comfort and escape, and
highlights the emerging trend of “situationships”, the relationships driven by convenience,
desire, and mutual benefit. For instance, one evening, Richa is visited by Ankit Saini, a Senior
Excise Officer, who warns her about potential drug smuggling through her company’s footwear
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supply chain. The encounter leaves Richa anxious and distressed. Seeking solace, she confides
in Abhilash, who reassures her and proposes involving chemistry students to address the quality
control concerns. However, their conversation soon shifts, and Abhilash initiates physical
intimacy as a way to divert her mind from the stressful situation. The evening concludes with
them making love and reinforcing the idea that physical closeness serves as a coping
mechanism for Richa’s unresolved emotional and professional burdens.
This incident reflects how, in contemporary society, physical relationships are often seen as a
quick remedy for more profound psychological and emotional struggles. Additionally, the
novel delves beyond the exploration of extramarital relationships to address the broader
dimensions of modern intimacy, including open relationships, casual sexual encounters, and
same-sex experiences. Through Richa Pandit’s interactions with characters like Tara, Rikki,
and Ishqi, Prof. Sharma highlights the fluidity and evolving nature of contemporary
relationships. One significant episode occurs during a massage with Tara, which begins
innocently but gradually transitions into a sensual experience. Although Richa initially feels
uneasy, she later accepts and even enjoys the intimacy, which reveals the underlying openness
in their relationship. Such experience is further exemplified when Abhilash massages her. The
physical touch evokes memories of her intimate moment with Tara. She recalls, “His hands
were harder than those of Tara. But he put oil on my legs and hips. I felt delighted, and he
pressed my hips with his hands and rubbed them in a superb manner.” (Love’s Not Time’s Fool,
83). Similarly, during another massage with Ishqi, Richa once again recalls Tara, “Her hands
were softer than those of Tara but harder than those of Abhi. It was useless to blame her for
lack of skill of massage, and she applied oil to my body softly without doing any mischief.”
(Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 91). This indicates a recurring pattern of seeking comfort and
companionship in physical intimacy, regardless of the partner’s gender or relationship status.
She remarks, “It was all fun anyway.” (Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 91).
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Thus, Prof. Sharma’s portrayal of Richa’s frequent engagement in these interactions reflects
the reality of open relationships in contemporary life. Richa consistently turns to different
individuals like Tara, Abhilash, or Ishqi to fill the emotional and physical void created by her
loveless marriage and personal loneliness.
In addition to open and casual sexual encounters, the novel subtly hints at the possibility of
lesbian relationships, though the narrative leaves these connections ambiguously defined. Prof.
Vikas Sharma explores the intimate and often blurred boundaries between Richa and Rikki, as
well as between Nikki and Rikki. These relationships, though not explicitly labelled, mirror the
emotional and physical closeness often associated with same-sex desire.
The dynamic between Richa and Rikki, particularly when they share a bed, strongly suggests
undertones of a lesbian relationship. Richa’s increasing sexual desire and the constant pursuit
of intimacy manifests not only in her interactions with Abhilash but also in her physical
closeness with Rikki. The text vividly portrays this through scenes where Rikki joins Richa
under the same quilt, with Richa dressed only in panties.
“It was almost buttonless and Rikki entered her quilt and found her only in panties. She told
Rikki that generally she slept without clothes. She too can remove the gown if she so desired
yet she lay down by her side in the same quilt. Soon madam embraced her bosom taking him
to Abhi, both of them kissed each other for a long four five times.”
(Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 45)
Similarly, the relationship between Nikki and Rikki carries subtle implications of lesbian
intimacy. As roommates in a PG (Paying Guest) accommodation, the two share a bed and
experience a closeness that borders a romantic connection. Though their relationship is not
explicitly sexual, Prof. Sharma hints at the underlying physicality and affection that defines
their bond.
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“During sleep, Nikki embraced Abhi taking him to be Rikki. Quite often both the room
partners often shared a bed in P.G. home and enjoyed kissing and embracing each other at
night. Of course, they were virgins but young age had its own demands.” (Love’s Not Time’s
Fool, 45)
The narrative acknowledges the natural desires and curiosities that accompany youth and
reinforces that such relationships, while possibly platonic, can exist in a space that transcends
conventional friendship. Through these portrayals, Prof. Sharma reflects on how sexual
exploration and enchantment have become integral to contemporary life. The novel does not
overtly categorize these relationships but presents them as fluid expressions of human desire,
unconfined by labels or rigid social norms. This varied depiction challenges the reader to
reconsider the complexities of intimacy, where emotional bonds often intertwine with physical
attraction and reflect upon the evolving landscape of modern sexuality.
The relationship between Nikki and Abhilash further illustrates the transient and transactional
nature of contemporary connections. Prof. Vikas Sharma delves into the psyche of modern
youth to highlight how sexual gratification often takes precedence over emotional depth or
long-term commitment. For Nikki and Abhi, physical intimacy becomes a pastime rather than
an expression of love or attachment. Nikki’s fascination with Abhi’s appearance and charm
leads to an immediate sexual encounter. Unlike traditional narratives where intimacy implies
deeper emotional bonds, Nikki clarifies that her intentions are purely physical. When Abhi
hesitates at the prospect of continuing their relationship without emotional involvement,
Nikki’s response is direct and unapologetic,
“But I never asked you to marry me tomorrow. You go ahead jobs. I’ll not be an obstacle at
any stage in your scheme of things. But I am helpless in the hand of my heart and soul.”
(Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 95)
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Through Nikki, Prof. Sharma portrays a shift in societal values, where relationships are no
longer anchored in the institution of marriage or lifelong promises. Nikki’s perspective mirrors
the growing trend among young individuals who seek pleasure and companionship without the
weight of obligation. This relationship, which is devoid of emotional permanence, reflects the
larger cultural shift towards casual and non-committal engagements.
Abhilash, on the other hand, is depicted as a passive participant in these encounters. The
novelist crafts Abhi’s character as someone who rarely opposes sexual advances and allows
himself to be shaped by the desires of the women around him. His ambitions, such as his goal
of becoming an IAS officer, gradually recede into the background as he becomes entangled in
the web of Richa and Nikki’s desires. This dynamic not only highlights Abhi’s submissive
nature but also the reversal of traditional gender roles, where women take charge of their sexual
agency while men become instruments of gratification.
Richa’s affairs with Robert Lee, her ex-lover, and Nirupam Kaul, her brother-in-law, reveal
relationships that transcend traditional love ideas and expose the layers of deception and false
love that shape contemporary society. These relationships reflect the fragmented and self-
serving nature of modern love, where personal desire often overshadows ethical considerations.
The relationship between Richa and Robert Lee embodies betrayal and loss of trust. Robert
Lee, Richa’s lover in the U.S., abandons her when she becomes pregnant with his child. Despite
their passionate encounters, Robert’s ultimate disappearance forces Richa to confront the harsh
reality of being left alone with a disabled child. The emotional weight of this betrayal lingers
and shapes her perception of love and trust.
Similarly, Richa’s relationship with Nirupam Kaul, her brother-in-law, further underscores the
novel’s focus on moral ambiguity and the fluid boundaries of familial roles. What begins as an
innocent interaction escalates into a physical relationship, driven by Nirupam’s persistent
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advances. Prof. Sharma captures the tension between desire and guilt, as Richa succumbs to
his affections despite her awareness of the betrayal it represents towards her sister. Nirupam’s
willingness to indulge in this affair, even proposing to establish a separate apartment for Richa,
reflects the erosion of traditional values and the normalization of forbidden relationships to
pursue personal gratification.
Thus, the portrayal of these entanglements serves as a broader commentary on the moral decay
within postmodern society. Dr. Sanjay Johari effectively compares Yeats’ view of modern
society with Prof. Sharma’s portrayal of postmodern relationships. The novel reflects similar
themes to those in W.B. Yeats’ Sailing to Byzantium, where Yeats mourns the fleeting, self-
centered nature of youth and love:
“That is no country for old men. The young
In one another’s arms, birds in the trees,
Those dying generations” (W. B.Yeats, Sailing to Byzantium)
Prof. Sharma mirrors this sentiment and illustrates how love in contemporary settings often
revolves around rivalry, lust, transient satisfaction, and devoid of lasting emotional fulfilment.
In Love’s Not Time’s Fool, the novelist explores the complexities of extramarital relationships,
casual relationships, false love and presents them not as endorsements but as reflections of the
emotional emptiness that often pervades modern life. The novel highlights the transactional
nature of many contemporary connections, where individuals seek comfort, financial gain, or
personal satisfaction without deeper emotional investment.
As a literary figure and academician, Prof. Sharma expresses concern over the diminishing
meaning of love in contemporary society, where lust often replaces genuine emotional
connections. Through his writing, he critiques this degradation, yet his work ultimately offers
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hope. The novel’s conclusion reflects Sharma’s belief in love as a transformative and
redemptive force. Richa’s pregnancy at the end of the story symbolizes renewal and the triumph
of love over societal judgment and personal struggles. Abhilash remarks, “Our life is complete
now.” (Love’s Not Time’s Fool, 176). This hopeful resolution reinforces the idea that, despite
the challenges and moral ambiguities the characters face, love endures as a powerful and
unifying force.
To conclude, the novelist advocates for a balance between physical passion and soulful
connection which reminds readers that love, in its truest form, remains timeless and resilient.
Works Cited:
SHARMA, VIKAS. Love’s Not Time’s Fool. DIAMOND BOOKS, 2021.
SINGH, NISHA (ed.). The Concept of Womanhood in the Novels of Vikas Sharma, THE
WOMEN PRESS, 2024.
SHARMA, VANDANA (ed.). Critiquing the Novels of Vikas Sharma. DIAMOND BOOKS,
2021.
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM. Sonnet 116. Quarto 1609, OXQUARRY BOOKS Ltd.
SACHDEVA, ASHOK. Novels of Vikas Sharma: A Critical Appraisal. AUTHORSPRESS, 2024.
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