Wednesday, 1 April 2015

A Stranger In The Mirror

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 'A Stranger In The Mirror'

Chapter 1

Ayaan looked at Kayra who was sitting on the bench, staring at the children playing on the other side of the lake. Her gaze was on them but he knew that her mind was elsewhere. Where it was, that he didn't know! The girl whom he had known so well, whose every movement and every thought process he could predict, his best friend, was now a stranger to him. Something had happened, which had made her withdraw into her shell. How he missed their easy banter! She had even stopped hanging out with him, which was unacceptable. How could she do that to him? Didn't she know he missed her?

Lost in her own thoughts, Kayra sighed. She knew Ayaan was worried seeing her like this but she couldn't give in. If she had to stick by her decision, then she had to do this. It was just the beginning. She dared not to imagine what would happen when Ayaan would finally get to know her decision. But no, she wouldn't say it just yet. She had to prepare herself for the storm that she knew would come in the following days. She walked to the edge of the lake and stood there watching her reflection. The girl in the reflection looked stronger; her face determined. Her expression was totally different to the emotions that were swirling inside her. Still, Kayra longed to be like that stranger in the reflection - A person who was strong and confident! Because she knew she would badly need that strength and confidence in the coming days.


What was Kayra preparing for? Find out more in the coming chapters.

About today's novel: A Stranger In The Mirror is a novel by the popular author Sidney Sheldon. Toby Temple is a superstar, the world's funniest man. He gets any woman that he wants but under the superstar image is a lonely man. Jill Castle is a sensuous starlet. She has a dark and mysterious past and has an ambition even greater than Toby's. Together they rule Hollywood.

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 :)
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81 comments:

  1. Shilpa Garg1 April 2015 at 00:07

    Aha! That's a fab start!! Wonder what's the reason for Kayra's this state of mind. Will wait as the story progresses! I have read A stranger in The Mirror thrice and loved it! The climax is simply amazing!!

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:40

      I am glad you like it Shilpa :) Thanks for being the first one to read my a to z post ;)

      Delete
  2. Shanaya Tales1 April 2015 at 00:19

    You have started with a bang! A very fitting title and I loved how you gave us a peek into both of their minds. Staying tuned for more.
    *Shantala @ ShanayaTales*

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:42

      Thanks Shantala :) Do come back for more ;)

      Delete
  3. Wendy of the Rock1 April 2015 at 04:52

    That's a very creative and challenging theme. I'm not a fiction writer... but I sure am a reader. This month is going to be a lot of fun... I can see hours disappearing as I visit blogs all over the world. Enjoy!
    Wendy at Wendy of The Rock

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:43

      So true that is Wendy. I donno where the hours are disappearing! But yes, it is fun :) Keep visiting :)

      Delete
  4. Rajlakshmi1 April 2015 at 07:44

    You Got Me Hooked. I Wonder What Kayr Is Up To. Beautiful Narration Too :)

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  5. Arpita Dash1 April 2015 at 08:30

    Wonderful start dear. I love your theme selection,it's unique. Eagerly waiting for your series...

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    1. Arpita Dash1 April 2015 at 08:31

      Come to my world, http://shinningappy.blogspot.in/

      Delete
    2. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:44

      Thank you Arpita :) Sure, will visit your world :)

      Delete
  6. Prasanna Rao1 April 2015 at 10:45

    Wonderful start Swathi. And A stranger in the mirror was one of my favorite novel of Sidney Sheldon. Good book to start the challenge :)

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:45

      Thanks Prasanna :) To be honest, I havent read the book yet!

      Delete
  7. Aathira1 April 2015 at 12:16

    I love this novel by Sidney Sheldon! And you have done justice to the title. Can't wait to know what was going on in her mind! I shall be back tomorrow to read the rest :)

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:46

      Glad you think I have done justice to it :) Thanks Aathira :) Keep visiting ;)

      Delete
  8. Rat1 April 2015 at 12:37

    Lovely start. Theme is very unique. I'm looking forward to read the A - Z series :)
    A Rat's Nibble

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  9. sulekkha1 April 2015 at 15:00

    Interesting story, like your idea of Reader's Take on a well known story. Will be here tomorrow to read some more :)
    My link http://sulekharawat.com/2015/04/01/a-long-time-ago-in-kochi/

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  10. Vinay Leo R.1 April 2015 at 16:52

    I think I've read this novel before, but not quite sure :) Will have to check the library when I visit next.

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  11. Unknown1 April 2015 at 16:58

    Great post Swathi! Looking forward to the rest of your posts.

    My link is here: http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/ablutophobia-a-to-z-challenge/

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  12. Suzy1 April 2015 at 17:21

    Sounds very interesting. Looking forward to the next part. A great start to the AtoZChalllenge

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  13. Soumya1 April 2015 at 18:29

    Ah I cannot wait to read the next part!

    A stranger in the mirror is one of my favorite books and I'm glad you chose that for a start. Initially I thought you would be re-writing it though :)

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:53

      Thanks Soumya :) Stay tuned for more :)
      and re-writing Sidney Sheldon's novel!! I am not ready for that big challenge yet! :D

      Delete
  14. S. L. Hennessy1 April 2015 at 19:23

    I Want to know what she's preparing for!! Great way to grab our attention.

    Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
    A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:54

      Thanks Hennessy :) Do come back for more :)

      Delete
  15. Anonymous1 April 2015 at 20:48

    What a way to start! Loved it, Definitely coming back tomorrow to read more! Happy A to Z, Swathi! :)
    *Shalini @TaleofTwoTomatoes*

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  16. Corinne Rodrigues1 April 2015 at 21:03

    You drew me right in, Swathi. I'm curious to read tomorrow's post. :)

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  17. Vinitha1 April 2015 at 21:53

    Wow, what a start, Swathi. I can't wait for the following chapters.

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  18. Unknown1 April 2015 at 22:09

    Yay- Swathi - great start - I look forward to more:-) best of luck with A to Z

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 19:56

      Thanks Eli :) Keep visiting :) And allthe best to you too :)

      Delete
  19. Dannii1 April 2015 at 22:10

    This is a great start and you definitely have me hooked!

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  20. Simran1 April 2015 at 22:18

    Ah! suspense. What's next? Eagerly waiting for the next part :)

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  21. Unknown1 April 2015 at 22:26

    Great start to the challenge ! Can't wait to know what the suspense is about... :)

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  22. Sushree Dash1 April 2015 at 22:58

    Good one Swathi....and a great start :) All the best for the rest of the challenege. Waiting for the next parts....

    Mine at.... http://drsushreedash.blogspot.in/2015/04/away.html

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  23. Sundari Venkatraman1 April 2015 at 23:02

    Hey Swathi, your concept is unique. And I enjoyed reading your first post. Looking forward to the next one :D

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:01

      So glad you enjoyed it ma'am :) Keep visiting for more ;)

      Delete
  24. Nibhz1 April 2015 at 23:06

    What changed her?? Spill the beans!!

    And Then There Were None

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  25. Vinodini1 April 2015 at 23:38

    Got to be here again for the sake of curiosity! Wonderful start Swathi.

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  26. KatyTrailCreations2 April 2015 at 00:57

    Enticed to come back tomorrow :) another a to z blogger

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  27. Anonymous2 April 2015 at 01:17

    A fab start with an incredible theme :) Silence before the storm. waiting for the further posts Swathi!

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  28. Indywrites2 April 2015 at 01:24

    Nice take on the novel, I am a big Sidney fan. I Have read all the books. All the best.

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:04

      Wow!! I have still so many book pending to read :) Keep visiting Indy ;)

      Delete
  29. Unknown2 April 2015 at 02:01

    Toby Temple is one my faaav characters. That story had such a chilling end .. and so does your story. Looking forward to know more about Kayra's decision.

    My link :http://inatales.blogspot.com/2015/04/letter-atum-gets-his-canvas.html

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:05

      Glad you liked the story Ina :) Keep coming back for more :)

      Delete
  30. bookworm2 April 2015 at 06:46

    I haven't read the Stranger in the Mirror novel, so this will all be fresh to me. Looking forward to subsequent chapters (and thank you for visiting my blog. Alana at ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:07

      Hope you liked it :) Do keep visiting for more :)

      Delete
  31. Pooja Priyamvada2 April 2015 at 08:01

    Good beginning...in the Sheldon way gripping.my new post #atozchallenge second day for B http://poojasharmarao.blogspot.in/2015/04/blessing-of-being-bibliophile-in-memory.html

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:08

      In sheldon way gripping! Wow thanks for that compliment :) Keep visiting for more pooja :)

      Delete
  32. Debbie D. 2 April 2015 at 08:17

    I remember reading Sidney Sheldon's book many years ago. Your story is also intriguing! Unique idea for a theme. ☺

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 20:09

      So glad you found it intriguing :) Keep visiting Debbie :)

      Delete
  33. Devika Fernando2 April 2015 at 08:28

    What a wonderful idea and great kick-off!

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  34. Unknown2 April 2015 at 18:30

    Good and intriguing start.

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  35. Shrikant2 April 2015 at 22:44

    An intriguing start to something. Waiting for the plot to develop. Nice post :)

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    1. Swathi Shenoy2 April 2015 at 23:07

      Thanks Shrikant :) The next part is live on the blog already :) Hope you like it :)

      Delete
  36. Amrit Sinha4 April 2015 at 00:30

    I love your theme for the A to Z challenge. Your plot definitely had the perfect start. Eager to read more :-)

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  37. Shesha Chaturvedi7 April 2015 at 00:01

    That is quite a start. I haven't read too many novels though but it is going to be interestin to know the common ones :)

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    1. Swathi Shenoy12 April 2015 at 11:32

      Thank you :) Hope you will enjoy the whole novella Shesha :)

      Delete
  38. Jyotsna Bhatia7 April 2015 at 02:46

    Good start Swathi :) Would love to know the story.

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    1. Swathi Shenoy12 April 2015 at 11:40

      Thanks Jyotsna :) Do drop in to read the rest :)

      Delete
  39. Prathima Rao8 April 2015 at 12:04

    Interesting theme Swathi! I enjoy reading novels so I will be coming back here for more :)

    My blog : http://totallyinternalreflections.blogspot.sg/

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    1. Swathi Shenoy12 April 2015 at 11:41

      Thank you Prathima :) Welcome to my blog :) Keep visiting :)

      Delete
  40. Shailaja V20 April 2015 at 00:20

    Wow, looks like you have quite the fan following for the story, Swathi :) Lovely to see the comments. Just started reading. Will catch up and leave a comment at the end of my reading. Hope that's fine :)

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  41. elly stornebrink22 May 2015 at 11:38

    I missed a number of your earlier posts...catching up...didn't know this was based on other novels! An interesting concept! ;) And a great story too boot so far for chapter 1! :) <3

    ReplyDelete

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