Wishful Thinking

Navya ran towards the door as the bell rang. She was so excited to see her grandparents after a long time. She had so much to tell them. She wanted to tell them how she had aced in class. She wanted to hug them and tell them how much she missed them all these days they were away from home.

As soon as she opened the door, the old lady frowned. “God! Why did I have to see this unlucky face as soon as I returned!!” she said cursing her luck.

Tears brimmed in little Navya’s eyes. “Someday you will love me grandma” she whispered as they brushed past her. “I wish” said a faint voice in her mind.

PS: This post is written for BarAThon Day 6. 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Tiny Shoes

Priya looked around, a smile of satisfaction playing on her lips. The decorations were perfect. The pink and white balloons, the ribbons, the makeshift castles and the soft toys; they all fitted well with the princess theme. And little Jena was looking so beautiful in that Cinderella gown.

“You are a life saver” Emma’s voice interrupted her chain of thoughts. “I had searched so much for a gown but I could have never found one as perfect as this for Jena. You are one awesome party organizer dear” she went on. Priya beamed. “It’s my job Emma. And you know how much I love this” And Emma did know. After all, they were best friends. That is why she hesitated before saying the next line. “I know that. But that gown…” Priya cut her off before she could say anymore. “Don’t go there. It is Jena’s birthday and being her God Mother, this is the least I can do for her” her voice choked a bit but she recovered quickly and went ahead, calling the attention of the kids to start the party.

Priya was overwhelmed by the end of the party. Those happy little faces were the sole reason for her picking up this job. She loved being an event organizer. It was nothing else. She repeated the same in her head few more times but each time her resolve weakened and when she couldn’t hold back anymore, she rushed to her room. She stood in front of the wardrobe contemplating for a while but she opened it finally. It was beautiful, just like she loved it. There were so many beautiful dresses. Priya had loved buying pretty outfits for Pihu and dressing her up. She always looked like a princess, her princess. As she was about to close the wardrobe, a tiny shoe fell from the rack. The sight of it was too much for Priya to handle. She clutched the shoe in her hand started crying out loudly.

Emma, who had come to return the gown, saw Priya crying and rushed to her side. “I told you not to open that door” she said gently, as she put the gown back in the wardrobe. It was Pihu’s, the one she had worn on her last birthday. “I couldn’t hold it back after the party” Priya sobbed. “You know you don’t have to do this job if it is becoming too much for you to handle” Emma said as she stroked Priya’s hair. “But I love this job. Pihu loved these theme parties. Seeing all those kids smile makes me feel close to her” she replied in between her sobs. Emma understood it better than anyone. She sat there, consoling her friend, until exhaustion took over and Priya fell asleep.

She waited for a few more minutes before slowly taking the shoe from Priya’s hand. It was the same shoe Pihu had worn on that fateful day; the day when she had bid goodbye to this world. “A parent must never live through to see the death of their child” Emma thought as she put it back in the wardrobe and closed the door, hoping it wouldn’t be opened anytime soon!

PS: This post is written for BarAThon Day 5. 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Fragile Life

Rhea hesitated holding the phone in one hand and ghungru in the other. It had been her dream all her life to learn Kathak. But never had she got an opportunity.

During her childhood and for the major part of her student life, it had been about studies. “Study! You need to get a good job” they used to say.

When she completed studies, it was about earning money. Then it was marriage, settling down in new home, children… life was a rat race and Rhea had never given thought about doing what she loved. She was just going with the flow.

But a recent accident and a close shave with death had changed her perspective towards life. She understood how fragile life is and how little time she had to live for herself. Shedding the fears, she made a call and registered herself for the Kathak class.

PS: This post is written for BarAThon Day 3. 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

What You Don't Know

Anu rummaged through the drawer, searching for her car keys. First day in new town and she was already late. She cursed her poor memory for forgetting even trivial things.

A gust of cold wind made her shiver. She turned around to see the window open. She was in half a mood to leave it like that and rush to the office but the sound of the chair swaying irritated her.

Closing the window, she found the latch was broken. Of course, she had never believed the rumors about the flat being haunted by some old lady’s spirit. She knew it was just that – a rumor.

As she closed the window and rushed out of the room, a hand opened the window again. Maya was getting irritated with people walking into her flat and closing the window. She loved sitting by the window and waiting for her son!

PS: This post is written for BarAThon Day 2. 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Stranger Than Fiction

Snippets from her past began to flash in front of her eyes as she took slow, unsteady steps.

The first step brought along with it the memories of her school days and the first time they met. It was hate at first sight.

She remembered how she hated his know-it-all attitude while taking the next step.

Memories of all those crazy fights, making sure that the other never got an upper hand, made her frown slightly, making her next step a little unsteady.

And remembering the final goodbye on the last day of college, where they swore not to see each other’s face again made her halt at the end of her fourth step.

A small tug at her hand brought her back to the present and she looked up to see those beautiful warm eyes staring at her, wondering what made her stop. A smile played on her lips as she remembered the day that had changed it all. This time her step was more confident.

She remembered how seeing him after four long years had evoked a different feeling in her heart, a feeling which she didn’t think she would feel for him ever. She took the next step wondering when things changed. Was it love all along? She didn’t have an answer for that.

From then, till present, her story was Stranger than Fiction. Never in her wildest dream had she imagined that she will fall for her nemesis. But here she was, taking the Seventh and final of the Seven Steps, that proclaimed Her as His, for eternity.

PS: This post is written for BarAThon Day 1. 

Yes, I am back and this is my 250th post :) Yay!

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Her Fairy Tale

        She stood by the door waiting for her kid to return from school. 

       The bundle of joy came right at that moment, bursting with a happy news from school that she had to share with her amma.

       It was such a contented life - sending her daughter to school which was her dream ever since she was denied that chance 16 years back.

       "Back to earth!! I haven't employed you for day dreaming. Finish the work fast" The harsh voice of her employer put an end to her fairy tale. 

       "Amma will work hard to make life better for you" she said to her unborn baby as she carried the another load of jellies to the construction site.

PS: This post is written for Blog-A-Rhythm's Wordy Wednesday prompt.

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 :)

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 :)