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 'Crux'
(Read the previous chapter here)
“Where do you think you are going Kayra?” Ayaan's voice reached her from downstairs even before he reached her room. She knew what was coming and she braced herself for the confrontation. Within seconds, Ayaan was up in her room. One look at her packed bags and he lost his temper. “Care to explain?” he spat out the words at her. His fists were balled and he had crossed them tight, as if he was afraid of hitting something. The image of Ayaan like that made her shudder. But this wasn't the moment to lose composure. She was prepared, wasn't she?
Chapter 3
(Read the previous chapter here)
“Where do you think you are going Kayra?” Ayaan's voice reached her from downstairs even before he reached her room. She knew what was coming and she braced herself for the confrontation. Within seconds, Ayaan was up in her room. One look at her packed bags and he lost his temper. “Care to explain?” he spat out the words at her. His fists were balled and he had crossed them tight, as if he was afraid of hitting something. The image of Ayaan like that made her shudder. But this wasn't the moment to lose composure. She was prepared, wasn't she?
“I am moving to
Bangalore” she replied as coolly as she could. She hoped Ayaan didn't notice
the slight tremor in her voice. Her nonchalance aggravated him more. “Aunty
told me that much. But why are you leaving all of a sudden?” She knew he
wouldn't understand. How would he when she was hiding the truth from him. It
would be easy, seeking his help but Kayra didn't wish to take that path. So,
she said what she had been rehearsing from a long time – “Ayaan, I have dreams
of my own and I want to fulfill them. I want to start a new life where I can do
things without you or mom looking out for me always. I want to be on my own. Is
it too much to ask for?”
Kayra wasn't sure how
she managed to say it all. She had been scared that she would break down any
moment and Ayaan would see right through her but nothing of that sort happened. But what she hadn't expected was Ayaan's next words. “I thought you knew I loved you Kayra” She had prepared for his anger but not for this. Yes, she had known it all along and that is what made it difficult for her to confess the truth. His pained
face and his feeble voice almost broke her resolve but then, she said what she
didn't know she was capable of. “The crux of the matter is not that you love me
Ayaan; but it is that I have a life of my own and I want to live it my way!”
To be continued...
About today's novel: Crux is a novel by Juliee Reece. She should have run. Now, she'll have to fight. Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she's surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host and she grabs some with the idea she'll be able to buy dinner that night. In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone's viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her. Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them until she realizes fate didn't bring them all together. Her heritage did. Now, with only twenty-one days left, she's got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she's only just met.
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 :)
I love the way the story is moving....
ReplyDeleteThank you Sushree :)
DeleteOh! What is she hiding from Ayaan and what's the hurry to leave. Waiting for the next part, now!
ReplyDeleteThat suspense will last a lil longer ;)
DeleteOh my! another suspense and now its getting serious :O
ReplyDeleteWhat is she hiding from Ayaan and why she has to sacrifice her love...waiting eagerly for more surprises :D
:D I wont disappoint you :)
DeleteWhat!! She is leaving but why?? Please don't let her!Caged
ReplyDeleteHehe :D I have to nibhz :P ;)
DeleteYour storywriting is perfecgt, The interest of the reader is maintained . Looking forward for the next portion.
ReplyDeleteThank you ma'am :) Do come back to read more :)
DeleteNow that I know her decision, I am curious about the reason behind it. You are doing a fab job, Swathi :)
ReplyDelete*Shantala @ ShanayaTales*
Thank you so much Shantala :)
DeleteFascinating, I love where this is going!
ReplyDeleteThank you Devika :)
DeleteI loved the theme..I wanted to do something similar but I couldn't make up for several letters. I love it now. So excited to see what's next. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://bluesomeheart.blogspot.in/?m=1
I too haven't made up for several letters yet but hoping it will be done in the mean time :)
DeleteThank you so much Namrata :) Keep visiting :)
Loved it Swathi! I am more and more hooked to this story and I really want to know what's cooking :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you loved it Parul :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteThe story is getting interesting.. coming back for more
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Do come back :)
DeleteThe plot gets interesting. I wonder what Kayra is actually hiding from Ayaan. Maybe she is suffering from terminal disease (Ok, I need to seriously reduce my Bollywood drama). Keep it coming Swathi :)
ReplyDeleteLol :D No!!! No terminal disease, I assure you :P
DeleteThe plot thickens ! Excellent narration. Can't wait to read more :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Eloquent Mind :) Keep Visiting :)
DeleteThe plot is moving ahead at a furious pace. Can't wait to find out what Kayra wants to hide from Ayan :D
ReplyDeleteKeep visiting ma'am :)
DeleteThis is the first time im dropping into your blog and I think is episode is lively. Waiting to see what unfolds. All the best!
ReplyDeleteDo drop into www.malavikka.blogspot.com
Thank you. Welcome to my space Malavikka :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteI like the pace...it's neither too fast nor too slow, It kind of lets you see into the protagonists' character and want to help them...just the way a story should be. kudos!
ReplyDeleteAw, Thank you so much titli :) That made my day :)
DeleteThis is getting better and better everyday. Wonder why she is leaving ...
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzy :) Keep visiting ;)
DeleteI enjoy your take on the book's titles and the ongoing story too. Happy to be here :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I am so happy to listen that you are happy to be here :)
DeleteYou should seriously consider turning this into a book, Swathi. I'm liking Kayra more and more :) Keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteYou think so ;) Ah, I am on cloud nine :D Thank you so much :)
DeleteGripping! Its not fair to leave us like this again!! Tell us more :) Well done.
ReplyDeleteHehe :D Thank you Vidya :) More to follow soon ;)
DeleteIt is great! I do hope you'll turn this into a book, Swathi. I love your theme.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Vidya :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteAwesome idea for a theme! And I too want to know the truth.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteThis is getting better each day...can't wait to read the next instalment. I feel like I'm watching a TV series and it ends at just the right time but it drives me nuts that I have to wait! :P
ReplyDeleteAh it makes me so happy to hear it is going that well sanch :) Thank you so much :)
Deletewhat a great theme! I have to go back and read the previous posts now!
ReplyDeleteDo read them and let me know what you think :)
DeleteLoved this Swathi Waiting to read more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Preethi :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteEagerly waiting for the next part, I'm smelling more twists and turns in this story.
ReplyDeleteI would say that you are so right ;)
DeleteThrill you have created amongst your readers..!! Waiting for the next chapter
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thanks Geetika :) Keep Visiting :)
DeleteYour A to Z challenge is actually a two-in-one ... As much as the story is gripping .. these little titbits with novels with the same title is good to know information. Keep it going ....
ReplyDeleteThank you Jayanthi :) Glad you find the story gripping :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteI didn't get the theme immediately but now I followed :) story moving along fine. waiting for chapter D.
ReplyDeleteHope you will like it ;) Keep Visiting :)
DeleteSwathu! Aha a novella. Love the way u interpreted a story. It's not just about love but what each other seek in life and many of us forget that we have a life. It matters more than anything. Love the last line. A brilliant chapter:)
ReplyDeleteSo true Vishal :) Thank you so much :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteGreat theme! I love your word today too: Crux: such an under-utilized word! Wonderful story. I'll look forward to reading the next chapter.
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Zing
Michele at Angels Bark
Thanks Michele :) Keep visiting :)
DeleteLove this theme Swathi... getting reader on the edge. well done
ReplyDeleteThank you Nisha :)
DeleteWonderfully penned. I simply loved the narration. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteDo drop by my blog - http://blog.shinekapoor.com/
Thank you Shine :) Will definitely visit your blog :)
DeleteI couldn't read this yesterday, so hoping over to the next part now. :) can't wait, Swathi. You are good. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Vinitha :) Hope you will like the next chapters too :)
DeleteHmmm, I m getting curious now.. Why she is leaving .. Love how she stands up for herself and hope she follows her dream and passion and leaving for some good reason . I am tuned
ReplyDeleteThere is more to her leaving than that Eli ;) Keep reading to know more :D
DeleteI am wondering about what Kayra is going through ... off to read the next part
ReplyDeleteHope you will like it Raji :)
DeleteObviously there's a more serious reason why she's leaving. Nicely done with the suspense factor. ☺
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie :)
DeleteShe has a valid point to leave...
ReplyDeleteYes, and also more ;)
DeleteSometimes distance is inevitable, but it may also make the bond stronger.
ReplyDeleteSo true that is Amrit :)
DeleteThe advantage of not having visited your blog all this while is that I dont have to wait for the next day for the next part of the story .. :)
ReplyDelete:D reading it in one go haan ;) Happy reading Prathima ;)
DeleteAlways keeping us on the edge, aren't you? :)
ReplyDelete:D I like when ppl come back for more. So I had to do it :D
DeleteI feel sorry for Ayaan!! Poor guy doesn't seem to have any idea what's going on! Or does he?
ReplyDeleteNo, not yet atleast! :)
Delete