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 :)