Zero Visibility

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Zero Visibility'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 26

(Find the series index here)

Kayra couldn’t speak a word. The tears she was holding back with difficulty flowed freely. She had always imagined Ayaan doing this before her life had changed but seeing Ayaan do it now, her happiness knew no bounds. Her past didn’t matter to him. She didn’t know how he could love her so much but she felt grateful for it all the same. “Kayra! Say something! My knee hurts” Ayaan made a face as he said it and Kayra burst out laughing. She didn’t remember the last time she had laughed so much. “Idiot!” she said as she went on her knee so that she can look him in the eye. “Oh Ayaan! I love you too. I missed you all the time but I was afraid you wouldn’t accept Ansh. Though a part of me said you would, I was scared that he might remind you of what Sameer did every time you see his face…” Kayra would have went on but Ayaan silenced her with a kiss. Kayra was too startled to react at first but then she relaxed and gave in to the moment.

Epilogue

Kayra finally found something which she loved – interior designing. She has a job she loves and she is happy with her life. Ayaan was right – he loves Ansh a lot and Ansh looks up to him for everything. The bond between them has only intensified with time. Kayra has finally forgiven Shruthi but Ayaan is reluctant yet. Kayra thinks time will set that right.

Mrs Sharma was shocked when she found out the truth about Kayra and Ansh but was ecstatic when Ayaan asked Kayra’s hand for marriage. She is a doting grandmother who visits Ayaan and Kayra every now and then but more because she loves to spend time with Ansh and chat with Mrs Iyer.

Jason did return to the insurance company where Rinki worked after wrapping up Sameer’s case. Rinki couldn't stop blushing when he asked her out for coffee. Rinki’s parents doesn't like Jason as he is from a different caste but the young couples are confident about making their love work.

And for Lucy? She has found a new love – her career. She has vowed to stay out of distraction's way but her sub ordinate Michael is set on breaking that oath of hers.

The End :)

About today's novel: Zero Visibility is a novel by Georgia Beers. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,
Keep Smiling :)

Love,
Swathi :)

Your Dreams Are Mine Now

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Your Dreams Are Mine Now'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 25

(Find the series index here)

“You know you should consider taking up interior designing seriously” Ayaan suggested as he stepped inside Kayra’s home. The first time he was there, he hadn't paid attention as he was preoccupied and the next time, he was under Mrs Iyer’s scrutiny. Now that he was free and wanted to buy some time before Kayra gave him an ultimatum, he pretended to look around. The house was small; enough for two to live in comfortably but it was the way Kayra had arranged things that caught his eye. He remembered how much she loved decorating her home. She had taken up the job of designing his room too after she had taken one look into the messy room. She had roamed so much to buy the right things she needed even when he had insisted that he wouldn't mind if things were little different. But she hadn't listened and when she was done, Ayaan couldn't believe it was the same room. She had totally changed the look of it. How happy he had been!

“Why are you here Ayaan?” Kayra’s question brought him back to the present. He sighed. There was no point in beating around the bush anymore. “Why do you think I am here Kayra? Don’t you know it already? I love you. I loved you when you completed my assignments. I loved you when you roamed all over Mumbai to find perfect things to decorate my room. I loved you when you cooked my favorite dishes though cooking wasn't on your list of favorites. I loved you when you got jealous when other girls talked to me. I loved you when you took care of me. I have always loved you Kayra. I was shattered when you left. I flew to Singapore so that I can leave everything behind. But I could never erase you from my memories. You were always there – every little thing reminded me of you. I tried to move on but I couldn't. How can one forget their soul Kayra? You are my soul and I can never imagine living without you”

Kayra stood there, speechless. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She could feel a lump in her throat and her heart was beating fast. Tears threatened to spill but still there was one little part of her that kept reminding her of all the things why she shouldn't sway from her decision. There was her past which had scarred her for life and then there was Ansh. Would Ayaan be able to love him like his own?

Ayaan could see a wide range of emotions on her face – surprise, happiness, love; but there was something else too - fear? He could guess very well where her thoughts were leading. “Are you thinking of Ansh?” he asked. “You saw how much he liked me even though it was the first time I met him. Give it some time Kayra. Have some faith in me. I will love Ansh just like you love him”

Kayra could hear the earnestness in Ayaan’s voice. She knew he meant every word he said. Though her heart yearned to say 'Yes', her mind wouldn't let her. Just as the fight between her mind and heart was growing, Ayaan spoke up. “You will make me do it, won’t you?” Saying this he sighed and went on his knee. He took out the ring from his pocket and held it out. “Miss Kayra Sharma, I love you with all my heart and I want to spend all my life with you. I don't care what happened in the past. All I want is to see you the first thing in the morning when I open my eyes and the last thing in the night before I go to sleep. I want to make your dreams mine and feel the happiness when they come true. I want to be yours not because I want you but because I can’t live without you. Will you please marry me?”

To be continued...

About today's novel: Your Dreams Are Mine Now is the latest novel by Ravinder Singh. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

X

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'X'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 24

(Find the series index here)

Sameer didn't try to run away when Jason confronted him on Ayaan’s behalf. If anything, he was happy to surrender. He had thought he had escaped when he had run away from home and to the city of Jaipur. But he couldn't have been more wrong. He could have cheated Kayra and Ayaan but he couldn't escape from the clutches of Karma. Karma had indeed come back to ruin his life, just like he had ruined Kayra’s.

When he had come to Jaipur after his mother's death, he started working in a small cloth shop. He had wanted to lie low and change cities often but fate had different plans. He had succeeded in his plan for the first two years but then fate had intervened as a charming neighbor in Delhi. He had fallen for her and though he had tried to brush it off as a minor crush, he couldn't. Her innocence and her beauty had drawn him right in and just like the moth drawn by fire he had walked in willingly, surrendering to her charms. It wasn't easy to convince her though; but he had been persistent.

Finally after a year, she had agreed and they had married. Sameer was so smitten that he had almost forgotten about the heinous crime he had committed. But Karma hadn't. When he had thought his life couldn't get any better, everything had come crashing down. History had repeated itself and this time the victim was his wife. Some other Sameer had done what he had done to Kayra years ago. His wife, who wasn't as strong as Kayra hadn't survived the brutality. She had committed suicide. Sameer was furious with the one who was responsible for all this but then he remembered that he too had done the same thing once. To say Sameer was devastated was an understatement.

He was guilty beyond words. He knew it was Karma that was getting back at him like this. His wife had paid the price for his mistake. He wanted to go fall at Kayra’s feet and beg for her forgiveness but he wasn't sure that she would ever forgive him. No matter what he did, that wouldn't be enough. He had spent the past one year grieving the death of his wife and the sin he had committed when Jason found him in Delhi. He had surrendered willingly. He didn't want to live without the love of his life and accepting his fault was the only way he could think of to do a little justice to her.

To be continued...

About today's novel: X is the 24th novel of Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton. It is a series which has the books with titles starting from A to Z, just like our A to Z Challenge. Read more about the featured book here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

When Only Love Remains

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'When Only Love Remains'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 23

(Find the series index here)

Ayaan waited till he saw Kayra walk out of the house. He didn’t want to confront her yet. He knew he had been unfair during his last visit and he didn’t expect her to forgive him with a simple apology. She deserved more than an apology. So he had thought everything carefully. As Kayra walked out, Ayaan slipped in and rang the bell of Mrs Iyer’s home. A furious Mrs Iyer let him in after he pleaded with her to listen to him. Though it was a hard task convincing her, he felt happy seeing the concern and love this lady had for Kayra. He felt ashamed thinking about his behaviour. A small chat with Ritwik the previous night at the club had cleared all his misunderstandings. He refused to believe that he had spoilt the one chance he had to convince Kayra. So here he was, trying desperately to set things right.

“I won’t sugar coat the truth for you young man. The way you left had Kayra in tears. She has cried her heart out. It was difficult enough for me to see it once. If you are going to do that again, I am not going to spare you this time” A smile played on Ayaan’s lips as he heard of Mrs Iyer’s threat. “Believe me ma’am, it wasn’t easy for me either. I was just hurt beyond words when I thought she got married. I had lost her once. Thinking that I have lost her forever made me behave like that. But I was wrong. I should have let her speak before jumping to conclusions. I am sorry” he spoke earnestly. Suddenly, he felt like a teenager speaking with his girlfriend’s parent, trying to get approval. Once Mrs Iyer was certain about him, she led him towards Kayra’s home.

“Since it is Saturday, it is a half day at school and Ansh should be here any moment” Even as Mrs Iyer spoke this, the boy ran up the stairs and straight into her arms, throwing the bag on the couch. Mrs Iyer laughed as she fondled him. Yet she was quick to chide him “Didn’t I tell you not to throw your bag like that? Now go pick it up and keep it properly” Ayaan stood at a distance watching the scene unfold. The chubby little boy, as if suddenly realizing the presence of someone else, turned to him. He was quick to recognize Ayaan. “You are the one who made mumma cry” he accused. Ayaan was shocked but before he could react, Mrs Iyer intervened. “You shouldn’t say like that Ansh. He is mumma’s friend. They had a little fight just like you fight with your friend Mithun. He is here to say sorry. Won’t you let him do that?”

Ayaan stood there holding his breathe as Ansh contemplated what she said. He so wanted the approval of this little fellow. “Have you not brought any flowers?” Ansh spoke up suddenly. “Flowers?” Ayaan asked, confused what the boy was talking about. Ansh shook his head in disapproval. “Don’t you see TV? Boys always give flowers to girls when they say sorry. Don’t you want to fight to end soon?” This time Ayaan didn’t stop himself as he laughed. “How stupid of me! No one told me this before. Will you help me?” he asked, even as he hoped Ansh would agree. The cute little boy had already won his heart. “Only if you promise to buy me chocolate” Ansh was quick to reply.

Mrs Iyer could see the bond forming between the two. She sent a silent prayer to the almighty that things turn out well this time. Ayaan lifted Ansh in his arms and they went out to bring the flowers as directed by Ansh. Ayaan felt happier than he had in years. He asked Ansh about his school and friends. Ansh talked animatedly as he told him how he had won first place in running race and how he liked Mrs Iyer’s homemade cookies. He told him about his best friend Mithun and how they say sorry to each other when they fight. “Momma tells me one should always say sorry and forget the fight. You will do that too right?” he asked and Ayaan couldn’t help kissing Ansh before answering. “Yes. With the flowers” he said and winked.

By the time the two reached home after buying flowers and chocolate, Kayra was standing at the door, waiting. Ayaan slowed down as she saw her fuming. “Don’t worry. She will always forgive once you say sorry” Ansh whispered and ran towards his mother. “Momma, I like this uncle. He bought me chocolates and flowers for you” Kayra ushered him in towards Mrs Iyer, who stood watching the whole scene unfold. “Up” she said to Ayaan and marched towards her home with a silent Ayaan following her. “They will say sorry na aunty? I don’t want mom to cry again. And the uncle is nice too. I like him” Ansh said looking up to Mrs. Iyer with hope filled eyes. She tussled his hair and watched the retreating figures. “We will make them do it if they won’t” she said as Ansh’s face lit up with happiness.

To be continued...

About today's novel: When Only Love Remains is a novel by Durjoy Datta. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Voice of the Heart

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Voice of the Heart'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 22

(Find the series index here)

It had been a week since Ayaan had met Kayra and he was no where feeling fine. Hurt, betrayal, anger – he was on an emotional roller coaster. He regretted taking up a project in Bangalore. He had thought it would help him to be near Kayra but now it was like a sentence to him. He wished he could go back in time and stop himself from running to India. But now that the damage was done, he had no other option but to serve his sentence. He even contemplated dropping the project but the loss of Crores together wouldn't go unnoticed by his father. It would harm the fragile relation he had built with the man. He sighed as he walked out of the meeting. His work for the day was done and now that he had free time on hand, he didn't know what to do. Not left with much option, he decided to visit the place which was his refugee 7 years back – The night club.

Sitting in the dimmed light of the club with music blasting in his ears, Ayaan felt like he was home. The loud music and the whiskey made it difficult for him to think clearly. Yet his thoughts kept going back to her. He remembered the time he had been to a club with Kayra. Not being a party animal, she had hated the place and they had left soon. She had vowed never to visit one again. A small smile formed on his lips as he thought about that night but soon bitterness crept in. He chased it down with another glass of Whiskey. He wasn't going to host another pity party. Lost in his own world, he missed the first two calls from Jason. When he finally noticed it for the third time, he walked towards the exit to receive it. “Where the hell were you? I found him” Jason spoke up as soon as he picked the call. It took a little time for this news to penetrate the haze and sink in Ayaan’s mind but when it finally registered, he felt like cold water was thrown on his face. Anger bubbled up inside him as he remembered the root cause of all his problems. He would definitely make Sameer pay for everything! After a short conversation about the whereabouts of Sameer, Ayaan decided to take his leave when he saw a familiar face. He was the one he had seen at Kayra’s home – her husband!

To be continued...

About the novel: Voice of the Heart is a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Upside Down, Inside out

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Upside Down, Inside Out'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 21

(Find the series index here)

Everything happened so fast that Kayra was having a tough time sorting out her emotions. Upon seeing Ayaan, she had just walked up to him without knowing what to say. It was as if her body had a mind of its own, which she didn't have a control over. Mrs Iyer, who had seen the whole thing had soon caught up and invited Ayaan in. Sensible that she was, she had left Kayra and Ayaan to themselves, ushering Ritwik and Ansh to her home, promising them to serve her homemade cookies. Now that they were alone, Kayra didn't know what to say.

All these years, she had wondered what she would say if she would meet Ayaan ever again. Though there were thousands of things on her mind, when she opened her mouth to speak, no words came out. What was Ayaan thinking? How did he find her? Did he know the truth? What would she say if he didn't? Questions were buzzing in her mind, yet she couldn't voice them. So she stood there silently, willing Ayaan to say something. But he seemed to be lost in a world of his own. He had silently followed her in when Mrs Iyer had invited him and ever since was sitting on the couch without speaking a word. He just kept staring at her, his face devoid of expressions. Kayra suddenly felt self conscious. She knew she looked like a mess. She had just returned from office, after a tiring day. She fumbled with her Dupatta as she thought of something to say.

“You are nervous” said Ayaan. It wasn't a question; just an observation. It was an old habit of hers, fumbling with the Dupatta whenever she was nervous. A thrill ran through her seeing he remembered that little detail about her still. “I, umm, I am just surprised” she said, hoping he would say why he had come. Ayaan was quick to take the hint “I spoke to Shruthi” he said. Kayra froze. So he knew. Then why had he come here all the way? “Why didn't you tell me Kayra? Why did you run away?” There was pain in his voice which Kayra couldn't let go unnoticed. He deserved to know the truth. “I was scared Ayaan. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to be alone, away from everyone. I didn't want to hear people judging me for what happened. So I came here, to start anew. I wanted to be free”

“I am sure you didn't have a problem starting anew with him?” his tone turned accusatory. Ayaan didn’t mean to say that but he felt betrayed. Did she think he wouldn't have understood if she wanted to start anew somewhere else? She had left him and started a new life with someone else here when he could do nothing but think about her all these years. He couldn’t think straight. It was too much for him to bear. He needed to get out of here soon. “I hope you are having a wonderful life” he said and left, leaving behind a startled Kayra.

To be continued...

About today's novel: 'Upside Down, Inside Out' is a novel by Monica McInerney. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

The Choice

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'The Choice'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 20

(Find the series index here)

Kayra was feeling on the edge the whole day. She wasn't able to concentrate on work. To be honest, this never was her calling. Given a choice, she would never have chosen this life style. But I wasn't given a choice – a dark thought crept inside. She suppressed it soon. She wasn't given a choice didn't mean she had to accept whatever came her way. If she really wanted to do something, then she had to fight her way through it. Life never was easy. She was just 21 when her life was robbed and from then, she had just lived the life for the sake of it. Yes, she loved Ansh and whatever she did, it was for him. But what about her dreams? Had she ever given them a chance? The choice was easy to make. She was chosen for a new project which required working night shifts. She was guilty of not spending time with Ansh as it is and now this? She turned in her resignation letter. It felt good. She didn't know what she would do next but she would figure it out soon.

Ritwik saw Kayra leaving early and walked towards her. He was shocked to find out she had resigned. But the more he thought about it, the more obvious it seemed. They had become friends after that scare incident, when Kayra had returned to apologize and he had put across the condition that he would accept it only over a cup of coffee. That is how their friendship had bloomed – slow but certain. He had heard Kayra complain many times about the schedule and it wasn't a surprise she had resigned. He offered to drop her home. “I might not get to do this again, you know” he said when he saw that she was about to protest.

The drive back was quiet, both lost in their own thoughts. Ritwik wanted to know what she would do next but he sensed that she needed some time. She looked like she was fighting a battle with her own mind. He still didn't know what her secret was. It was the reason he had first started talking to her but as their friendship grew, it became unimportant. As they reached her place, he got down and put his arms around her, saying it will be alright. She cringed lightly but didn't pull away. As they walked towards the gate, Ritwik saw a Porsche parked in the neighborhood.

“You didn't tell me you have a cool neighbor who rides a Porsche” Ritwik’s voice pierced through Kayra’s thoughts. “I don’t” she said and turned to look where Ritwik was pointing and she froze. No, it wasn't her neighbor and it definitely was not the car that shocked her. But it was the person behind the wheels, who had standing with jaw dropped. Suddenly she realized that Ritwik still had his arms around her and Ansh had come running as soon as she opened the gate!

To be continued...

About today's novel: The choice is a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Second Chance

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Second Chance'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 19

(Find the series index here)

Ayaan couldn't believe his ears when two days later Jason called him to update about the case. Not only had he found Kayra, he had got her contact details as well. He was tempted to call her immediately but then, he didn't know how she would react. And some things were better discussed face to face. He wanted to see her expression when she saw him after all these years. He wanted to see that shy smile that made his heart skip a beat. He wanted to see the twinkle in her eyes when she laughed at his lame jokes and those eyebrows which appeared to be knit together when she was trying hard to concentrate. Oh, how he missed her!

Without wasting much time, Ayaan put his things together and started with the journey. Life had given him a second chance and he wasn’t going to miss it. It was early in the morning and he would reach Bangalore by evening if he drove without stopping much. His heart thudded with excitement. It was like he was in college all over again, when he first had crush on Kayra. Encountering the sweet memories, Ayaan drove, his excitement increasing with each mile he closed.

It was 5pm when he reached his destination. The thought of seeing Kayra after all these years made him giddy with excitement. Questions started buzzing in his mind - What will she say when she saw him? How would she react? Well he would find out soon. Just when he was about to get down, he saw a kid in school uniforms entering the house. Doubts started creeping in his mind. Was this where Kayra lived or had she moved? Was the girl tricking Jason when she gave the address? Or worse, had she move on with life? A dark feeling started creeping up on him as he thought about that. He didn't have to wait long. He got his answers the very next instant. A car stopped in front of the house and Kayra stepped out from it. She still looked beautiful, or maybe more. His heart did a small somersault upon seeing her. But it didn't take it long for the joy to fade. A guy came out of the other door and stood beside her. He put her arms around her and they started walking towards the house. As she opened the gate, the boy in the uniform came out running and hugged her saying ‘Mumma’.

Ayaan felt the ground beneath him sink. Breathing became difficult. How could he have assumed that Kayra would be waiting for him still? Hadn't he runaway last time? It was natural for her to move on. And there he was, like a fool, searching for her. Ayaan forced his eyes away from the scene that was enfolding before his eyes and fumbled with his car key. He needed to get away from this place and he needed to do that fast! After two failed attempts, he succeeded in starting the car and just when he was about to drive away, she turned and looked in his direction.

To be continued...

About today's novel: Second Chance is a novel by Jane Green. Read more about the book here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Revealed

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Revealed'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 18

(Find the series index here)

‘Not good’ thought Jason as he striked through another name on the list. He had spoken to 5 of Kayra’s friends so far. After speaking to Shruthi, he had got the list of her friends and their contact details. He had immediately started the job as Ayaan was breathing fire down his neck. He browsed through the list again. Rinki was the next on the list. Shruthi had said she was a school friend who had recently moved to Mumbai. A little searching through social media gave him all that he wanted to know. She worked for an insurance company and had moved quite a bit. But what caught his attention was that she was working in Bangalore 7 years ago, when Kayra had left. Hadn’t she told she was going to Bangalore to pursue her dreams? Jason’s instincts told him he was going in the right direction.

Rinki looked up from her file when someone tapped on her desk. “Yes?” she asked taking in the man standing before her. Definitely hot, she thought as she smiled up to him. “I was wondering if you could help me find someone” he said. Of all the things he could have asked her! Irritation flared up inside her. Did she look like a receptionist? He looked like he was fighting hard to suppress his smile. Great! “I am sure the receptionist works over there” she pointed to the front desk and got busy with her file again. “Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me about Kayra” said the hot guy and she froze. Who was he and why was he looking for Kayra? It had been 7 years since Kayra moved to Bangalore. Why was he asking about her now?

Jason watched carefully as the emotions played across her face. He was right, she knew where Kayra was. With visible effort, she pulled out a blank expression as she said “I am sure I don’t know who you are talking about” Jason smiled. Of course, he wasn’t a newbie in his field and he knew when he was right. “I am sure you know exactly who I am talking about. Don’t you think it’s time now to let her live a happy life? She deserves it after all that she went through” “And who are you to decide that?” Rinki bit her tongue. Jason laughed. She was easier to trick than he thought. ‘And pretty too’ a small voice whispered at the back of his mind. What was wrong with him? He tried to focus on the matter at hand. A little convincing from Jason was all that was needed.

Rinki wished good for Kayra and she knew how much Kayra loved Ayaan. She hadn’t told Shruthi anything when she had called but Rinki knew if anyone could help Kayra forget the past completely, it was Ayaan. Kayra might be stubborn but it was up to Ayaan to convince her. So, with a threat of not sparing them if they hurt her friend, Rinki wrote down the address of Mrs Iyer’s home. She prayed to God that Kayra get all the happiness she deserved. Smitten by her innocence, Jason left with the address, mentally making a note to ask Rinki out for a coffee once he finished this task. 'One down, one more to go' he thought as he dialed Ayaan's number to give him the good news.

To be continued...

About today's novel: Revealed is the 11th novel in the 'House of Night' series by P. C. Cast . Read more about the novel here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Quiet Angels

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Quiet Angels'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 17

(Find the series index here)

Kayra returned home to find Ansh already back from school. She wanted to be there for him when he came back, to ask him how his day was, to feed him while he described the day at school but being a single mom meant she was the sole bread earner and so, she had to abide by the office timings. But she was grateful for the presence of Mrs. Vimala Iyer in her life. When Kayra had first come to Bangalore, she had found this small house for rent with the help of an old school friend. Mrs. Iyer had been skeptical at first about Kayra’s character, given her condition but her friend had managed to coax her to let Kayra stay.

Mrs Iyer was a woman in her late fifties. She was all about rules and discipline. When Kayra had first arrived, she had been given a set of do's and don'ts by the elder woman. For her, Kayra looked like trouble. But as the time passed, Kayra had won over Mrs Iyer and the ladies had grown closer. Kayra, in a moment of weakness, had shared her tragic past with Mrs Iyer and from then, Mrs. Iyer had grown fiercely protective of Kayra. Staying away from her son, who was in Kolkatta, Mrs Iyer had grown fond of Ansh. She was the one who took care of him while Kayra was away. Kayra couldn't imagine how she could have managed without Mrs. Iyer’s support.

Ansh was doing his homework when Kayra arrived. Mrs. Iyer was standing at the doorstep, as if waiting for Kayra. She looked sad. “What’s the matter aunty? Aren't you feeling well?” asked Kayra, concerned. Mrs. Iyer shook her head. “It is about Ansh. He was asking today why he doesn't have a dad like everyone at his school has. I told him that his dad has gone to a far place on work and that is why he couldn't come. He is satisfied now but I don’t know how long it will be before he asks something like this again” said Mrs Iyer, her voice filled with worry and concern. Color drained out of Kayra’s face for a moment but she recovered soon. “Don’t worry aunty. We will make it through this too” she said, though she had no idea how. 

Mrs Iyer's heart swelled with pride. Life had thrown so many challenges her way but Kayra never cowered down. She faced them all head on and that is what made Mrs Iyer like Kayra. She patted the young woman’s head affectionately before she made her way downstairs, to her own home. Kayra thought of Ayaan again. She had always been the reckless one and Ayaan was the rational one, who thought and planned things out. He was the one who always made sure that her recklessness didn't end them up in trouble. Oh, how she missed his presence!

To be continued...

About today's novel: 'Quiet Angel' is a novel by Prescott Lane. Read more about the book here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

P. S. I Love You

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'P. S. I Love You'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 16

(Find the series index here)

Ayaan walked in mindless circles, his anger pushing him all the time. The feeling was so strong that he couldn't think clearly. He wanted to find Sameer and kill him. He couldn't rest till he had Sameer’s blood on his hands. He had wanted to go straight to his home but Shruthi had told him that he had disappeared after their mom’s death. She had no clue where he was. Ayaan was skeptical. If she had hid the truth once, she could hide it again. He wasn't going to believe her now, no matter what justification she gave for her actions. It was because of her that Kayra was suffering today.

Kayra! The name pierced through the haze of anger into his rational mind. The more he thought about her, the faster his anger drained, only to be replaced by hurt. Poor girl! He had blamed her all these years for ditching him and running away. He had held her responsible for the turmoil in his mind. But what she must have been through had never crossed his mind! He felt ashamed of himself. He had run away too, hadn't he? He should have stayed, pursued her till she told him the truth. But he hadn't. In a fit of anger and hurt, he had left without trying to find out anything. Pain seized him hard.

He wondered where she was! Was she fine? A shudder ran through him as he thought of other possibilities. No he wouldn't think anything bad. He had failed her once but he wasn't going to repeat the same mistake again. He had to focus. ‘First things first’ he told himself. Shruthi had said that she had tried to find Kayra but she hadn't tried enough. Ayaan drew out his iPhone from his pocket and scrolled through the contact list till he found the one he was looking for – Jason. Jason was a friend and a client who ran a private detective agency. ‘He is the guy’ Ayaan thought as he explained Jason the tasks. He needed Jason to find two people as soon as possible. Though he wanted to go find Sameer first and teach the bastard a lesson, he asked Jason to find Kayra first. “Don’t worry about money. Just find her soon. Please?” his voice broke on the last word. Jason assured him he would give his best and asked him to mail the photographs and details of the concerned people before disconnecting the call.

Ayaan stood there, gazing at the sky. For the millionth time he wondered where Kayra would be. How he wished she had told him the truth instead of running away! “No matter where you are hiding, I will find you Kayra” he said aloud. “Because I Love You” There! He had said it finally. Some people turned and threw weird glances at him but he didn't care. All that mattered at the moment was finding his love and making sure she was alright. Once that was done, he would never let her go!

To be continued...

About today's novel: P. S. I Love You is a novel by Cecelia Ahern. Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Only Time Will Tell

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'Only Time Will Tell'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 15

(Find all the chapters here)

Shruthi stood watching the door, from where Ayaan had stormed off. She had finally told the secret she was harbouring all these years to him. As she told what had happened, Ayaan’s face had turned dark with fury. He had balled his fists so tightly that she could see the tendons standing out. It was a wonder that he hadn’t broken anything. But sometimes, the words can hurt more than anything else. “You know it is your fault that she has gone through so much, don’t you?” he had all but spat those words at her! “You could have told me before she left. How could you be so heartless Shruthi?” he had yelled.

Heartless! Yes, she wished she was that. Then she could have spared herself all the pain. She knew she was wrong when she sided with Sameer, but did she have a choice? Their mother was on the death bed and saying the truth would have only killed her faster. It was a difficult choice – a mother who always loved her son more than her daughter or a friend who had stood by her through thick and thin. Shruthi had always craved for her mother’s love but her mother had preferred Sameer over her. He was her son – the one who would look after her when she aged. It was an irony that it was Shruthi who had nursed her when she was on her death bed. Shruthi was tempted to tell her all this, about what her son did and bring justice to Kayra but she couldn't. A moment of weakness was all it took to make the choice. How she regretted that it wasn’t Kayra that she chose!

She tried to explain it all to Ayaan but he would hear nothing. “I wish you are happy with your mother” he had spat before he stormed off. Shruthi flinched hearing that. Little did he know that the one for whom she had done all this had passed away soon, abandoning her again, like she always did. Shruthi had tried to find Kayra by calling all her friends but with no success. The girl had disappeared completely. How she longed to see Kayra, to beg for forgiveness. She would surely understand, wouldn't she? She wasn't sure about that anymore after seeing Ayaan's outburst. Only time could tell what was in store for her. Till then, she would just have to learn to live the with guilt, like she had all these years.

To be continued...

About today's novel: Only Time Will Tell is the first book in the Clifton Chronicles series by Jeffrey Archer. Read more about the book here.

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

New Moon

My theme for this year's A to Z Challenge is A Reader's Take, where everyday I will be picking out a novel title corresponding to that day's letter and write my post based on it. To make it more challenging, I have decided to write a serial story. The novel I have selected for today is 'New Moon'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 14

(Read the previous chapters here)

Kayra had spent that whole night crying after Sameer left, leaving her there, scarred forever. She knew not what to do. She felt humiliated. Who could she share her pain with? She suddenly felt all alone. Ayaan’s thoughts had crept in but she felt scared to tell him the truth. She needed help and Shruthi was the only one she could trust; her best friend would never abandon her, or so she had believed.

Next day, Kayra had been to Shruthi’s home, after she had seen Sameer leave. He still had the courage to roam around with his head held high, despite the heinous crime he had committed. Kayra could sense that something was bothering Shruthi when she saw her but she had more pressing matters. A teary eyed Kayra had explained the whole episode in front of Shruthi, wanting to take the weight off her chest. It was killing her. She was sure Shruthi would help her. But when she had finished narrating what had transpired, Shruthi had scoffed at her and called her a lying b***h. She had asked Kayra to leave and never show her face again. She had said she was ashamed of their friendship.

Hurt, Kayra had locked herself in her room, shutting out everyone completely. Ayaan had sensed the change in her mood and had asked her the reason several times, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the truth. What if he reacted the same way as Shruthi? Would she be able to live with it? Dark thoughts had started creeping in, luring her to give up everything and fall into the oblivion. With each passing day, that had seemed more sensible. She had almost given up on life but then Ansh had come along.

She had freaked out at first! She wasn’t able to handle her own life and now a baby? What will she say to her parents? To Ayaan? What would they say? The thoughts were suffocating her. But once the initial fear started waning off, her thoughts became clearer. It wasn’t the baby’s fault. She couldn’t punish it for the crime someone else had done, even before it could see the light of this world. May be this was a new start that life was offering her. She saw a ray of hope. It was her secret, the one even Shruthi didn’t know, the one she didn't want to share. She had hugged it close to her heart and had made the preparations to leave. The toughest part was breaking Ayaan’s heart but she had to do it. ‘It is for his good’ she had told herself repeatedly. She had vowed to forget him and start afresh but no matter what, his thoughts always found their way into her mind.

To be continued...

About today's novel: New Moon is the second novel of the popular Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning...

PS: Linking this post to A to Z Challenge 2015. If you are participating too, please leave a link to your blog in the comments, so that I can visit you :)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)