Writing a Novella - A to Z Reflections

       When I did the theme reveal for this year's A to Z blogging challenge, I was sure of one thing - I wanted to write a serial story. I had always wanted to write a full length novel but when I decided to write a novella, I suddenly wasn't sure if I could churn out a novella of 26 chapters amidst my busy schedule. So I decided to write 4 serial stories in the course of A to Z challenge.

        I confess - I am never the one who writes posts well before the challenge starts. I am a student and I stand true to the rule of students - Always go for last minute preparations. That is what I did this time too. I didn't know what the novella was about, I didn't know what the next chapter would be. Sometimes the confusion was too much that I wanted to give up but the positive response and encouragement I got kept me going. And before I knew, I had finished the challenge, that too by writing a single novella with 26 chapters! I had even surprised myself.

       There are a few things I learnt during this challenge - never ever do last minute preparations. Yeah yeah I know I stick to the golden rule of students but still I have learnt the lesson. I was religiously writing and posting till 'T' post but then I had college fest to attend and I couldn't concentrate on blogging. It was the last fest of college life and I wanted to enjoy completely. As a result, my novella suffered. When I didn't post for 2 days, I got many messages asking if everything was okay. Trust me, those messages were what encouraged me to make time for writing posts even when I couldn't. A big thanks to all of you for showering me with so much love :)

       And as always, A to Z helps you discover many blogs. I have stalked a lot of blogs this time. I met many new people and some old bonds strengthened too. I loved reading the blogs of following people - Prasanna Rao, Sundari Venkatraman, Devika Fernando, Ruchi Singh, Shailaja V, Shalini, Shilpa Garg, Aathira, Shantala Nayak, Janaki, Vinay Leo, Soumya Prasad, Amrit Sinha, The Little Princess, Nibha Gupta, Suzy, Rajlakshmi, Cynthia Rodrigues, Geetika Gupta, Parul Kashyap, Vinodini Iyer, Vidya Subramanian, Vinitha Dileep, Sulekha Rawat, Eli Ert, Elli Stornebrink, Sheethal Susan, Sanch, Ina Tales, Corinne, Vidya Sury, Sushree Dash, Vishal. Sorry if I have left out any names. You know I love your blog ;)

       I had so much fun this April - writing and reading. Yes, I have missed out the reading and commenting from 'U' post and though I want to catch up, I don't know if I can. But I will promise to stay in touch from now on and stalk your blogs forever :P After all, I didn't make friends just for one month! So, lets keep in touch people. Hoping to see you all around. Till then, Happy Blogging.

PS: Many of you asked me if I have plans of publishing 'Leave Me Never'. I would love to do that but I have so much to edit before I can think of publishing. I just have one month of college life left. After that, I will give this novella a serious thought ;)

Linking this to 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge Reflections.

Until the next post,
Keep Smiling :)

Love,
Swathi :)

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

My Soul to Steal

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 'My Soul to Steal'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 13

(Red the previous chapters here)

Kayra felt his hand on her, pinning her down. She struggled to escape but her strength was no match to his. She tried to fight him back and when that didn't work, she tried pleading. It disgusted her to plead him for mercy but what choice did she have. Tears flowed down her eyes, even as she tried to stop them. “Let me go” she cried before his mouth had come down on hers, muffling her screams. Nausea built inside her and her skin burnt upon his touch. She was about to scream again, when she woke up with a start.

‘Just a dream… It’s just a dream!’ she chanted continuously, trying to calm her racing heart. She wiped off the tears that had been flowing even in her sleep. Her body was drenched in sweat. She looked around and saw Ansh sleeping peacefully. Trying not to disturb him, she slowly went to stand by the window. The dream had shaken her hard badly. She stood there, trying to calm her racing heart. Who was she kidding? It was no dream. It was a nightmare; the one she had lived seven years ago.

That night, she had been alone at home. Her father had been on a business trip and her mother had accompanied him. Kayra was waiting for Shruthi to return from the hospital, after feeding her sick mother. Kayra had been sensing the change in Ayaan’s mood and her instinct told her that their happy days were about to begin soon. She had always loved Ayaan and now, they were going to live happily ever after. She was waiting to share all this and more with Shruthi. When the door bell rang, she had practically run, no longer able to contain her excitement. But that had been the last moment of excitement in her life. What happened after that was no less than a nightmare. Her happily ever after had ended even before it began!

It wasn't Shruthi but Sameer, Shruthi’s elder brother, who was standing in the doorway, smiling down at her. ‘I was getting bored at home, waiting for Shruthi to come back’ he had said as he made his way inside. They had sat there talking, when Sameer had asked for water. And just when she had turned to go towards the kitchen, he had attacked her from behind. As he had forced himself upon her, she had fought and failed. She had prayed to God for a miracle to happen, that she would be saved but it wasn't a day for miracle. It was a cursed day. The day her soul was scarred forever.

To be continued...

About today's novel: My Soul to Steal is the fourth book in the series 'Soul Screamers' by Rachel Vincent. Trying to work things out with Nash - her maybe boyfriend - is hard enough for Kaylee. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara. the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears -  and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives. And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever - and whoever - she wants.

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 :)

Kaleidoscope of Hopes

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 'Kaleidoscope of Hopes'

Leave Me Never

Chapter 11

(Read the previous chapters here)

Ayaan boarded the plane, his mind unsure. Was he doing the right thing? He didn't know. He replayed the conversation he had with Lucy in the previous morning for the 100th time.

He had repented the slip of tongue during dinner and he wanted to apologize. But Lucy, like she always did, knew what he was about to say and stopped him before he could utter a single word. "Do you love me Ayaan?" She had asked. He was ready for many things that might have followed the apology but not this! Where had this come from? He had just stared at her, trying to understand the situation when Lucy threw yet another question, which crumbled the perfect world he had built around himself in the past 7 years. "Do you love me Ayaan, as much as you love Kayra?" she had asked. He opened his mouth to say that he didn’t love Kayra, that she was his past when Lucy stopped him again. “I know you want to say yes, but I want you to think about it before answering. Have you really moved on with your life? Are you ready to leave Kayra and her memories behind? Forever”

He had felt his heart twitch in pain upon hearing that. ?Could he do that? He had wondered but even as he thought about it, he knew the answer – he couldn’t. He had loved Kayra like he hadn’t loved anyone in his life and when he had thought that everything was perfect in his life, she had walked away; just like that, without telling him anything. What killed him more was he didn’t know the reason behind her decision. He knew she was hiding something. Even today, his heart kept wondering what made Kayra take that drastic step. He just couldn’t let go of her thoughts, no matter how hard he tried.

Lucy must have seen the emotions playing across his face because by the time he had reached the conclusion, her face fell. “I so wished your answer was otherwise Ayaan, but I know you can’t forget her” They both had sat quietly after that, each lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Lucy had said something that changed everything. “I think you should go back to India and find out what happened” she had said. “But I don’t want to!” he had protested. “You should Ayaan. You should find answers for the questions which have haunted you all these years. That is the only way for you to make peace with the present. If you don’t do it, you will never be able to start over, no matter how hard you try”

Ayaan had spent the night thinking about what Lucy had said. He knew she was right. He had to find the answers. Only they held the key to find the peace of mind he longed for. But should he go? What if he couldn't find her? What if she refuses to answer his questions yet again? There were so many questions. But as the sun rose in the morning, so did Ayaan’s hopes. He would go back and find out the truth. He decided to take the journey back before uncertainty clouded his mind again! 

Little did he know what truth he would discover and how it would affect all their lives!

To be continued...

About today's novel: Kaleidoscope of Hopes is a novel by Devika Fernando. High hopes mean big disappointments. Nadia has learned that lesson the hard way. Single, struggling to make ends meet, and hurt by the past, the last thing she needs is another complication. When her new boss - a handsome, secretive widower with a child - moves in next door, their worlds collide. Sweet hopes bloom again, but both of them are burdened by tragic secrets. Should she give love a second chance?

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 :)