I still remember the high I had felt when I searched through templates & images to zero in on these covers. It is a mad woman’s pride. But now it is time to change the music 🤗
Forever: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GNPL4DN
Burning Hearts: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09S12JD7Y
My latest book BURNING HEARTS is now available at a reduced price for readers on Amazon Kindle.
The initial price of Rs.199 has been reduced to Rs.99. Grab your copy at the earliest. Don’t forget to leave your valuable reviews and ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.
Hello friends, if you want a taste of my book BURNING HEARTS, to see if it piques your interest before you buy a copy, here I’m offering you the prologue and first chapter of the story. Do read and if the plot and characters catch your fancy, you know where to find the book to read.
Paperback on Notionpress, Amazon, Flipkart
PROLOGUE
Canada, 2022
“I know it’s too late. But still…”
Though she remained quiet, her eyes locked with his.
“I’m sorry.”
“CUT.” For a moment Pranav and Pallavi couldn’t connect with their surroundings but in a flip second, they did.
“Are the visuals okay?” Jasmine came towards the screen before Viren to check the visuals.
“Beyond perfect since you are handling the camera,” he winked at her.
Jasmine ignored his obvious flirting. Pallavi smiled at them and strode towards her vanity van whereas Pranav hesitated for a moment before walking into his.
Hotel Trident, Suite: 568
Pallavi walked inside her room and locked the door. She closed her eyes leaning on the door for a minute. Images from the past flashed across her mind. When she opened her eyes, it was blank. She stood there for a moment before walking in for a shower. Much later, sitting in the balcony watching night settle over the city, she dialled a number. As soon as the line connected, her face lit up with a smile hearing the voice at the other end. She whispered into the phone, “I miss you.”
Hotel Trident, Suite: 571
Pranav barged into the room slamming the door behind. Though he expected things to be hard, he never counted it to be this torturous. There was no one to blame because it was all his doings. Suddenly his mobile started to ring. The caller ID read ‘Janaki.’
“Hello.”
“Good evening, Pranav. Hope I am not disturbing.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“How is the shoot going?”
“Good.”
{Silence}
“Pavan asked for you.”
“I will call him after a shower.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Bye.” He disconnected the call and moved towards the balcony to open the curtains. The sky wrapped in a dark robe, and the city adorned with lights posed for his view. Slowly, he let the memories engulf him.
CHAPTER-1
2010: Munnar
Veer Nanda was lost in thoughts.
My elder daughter, Nisha never gave me a headache over academic choices, but my younger one is a champion in that matter. Pallavi, who is turning eighteen in a month, stood firm in her decision to pursue acting and in her ambition to become an actress.
Though I appreciate my daughter’s talent and passion, I’m not entirely pleased with her choice to make it a career. My wife is angry with me for giving in to Pallavi’s decision but how can I not when my sunshine turned her trusting eyes onto me, silently pleading to give her the freedom to do something she believed in? I can’t let my daughter down; all my life I’ve taught them to stand up and fight for what they believed in. I just hope my daughters find the right path always and make the right choices, and learn from their faltered steps.
Pallavi Nanda was the most beloved member of her family. Cinema was her biggest obsession since childhood and somehow even before she knew it, being an actress became the biggest desire of her life. She daydreamed of herself as a warrior queen fighting her enemy on battlefields, dancing alluringly to hit music, emoting to intense scenes which would move the audience to tears; she’s a dreamer and goner. She’s someone who would mimic and dance around the house to appease her angry mother when she got up late or irritated her sister lost in medical books by engaging in dialoguebaazi like a full-throated drama queen.
Pallavi was a die-hard fan of Pranav Malhotra and found his journey to becoming an actor as her inspiration. He commanded the film industry and ruled Pallavi’s heart too; typical teenage celeb-crush. Her teenage mind saw the world with rose-tinted glasses but real life and its harsh side were soon going to beckon her.
As usual, Pallavi was going to surf the entertainment section of the newspaper to learn the new gossips in tinsel town when the bold headline on the front page stopped her heart.
PRANAV MALHOTRA, NO MORE A BACHELOR!!!!
Mumbai: Pranav Malhotra, the Raging Star of the cine world, the heart-throb, the most sought-after bachelor, broke many hearts yesterday night. He got married to Janaki Kashyap, the new CEO of Kashyap Industries, yesterday in a strictly private function held at his residence. There were very few members from the film field and the media was not allowed. This sudden unannounced marriage has come as a surprise to many and news for heart break for his female fans. Anyways, we wish Mr. & Mrs. Malhotra a Happy Married Life!!!
Just like many teenage fan girls, she mourned the news for a few days until her admission at Pune Institute got her going. She concentrated on her dream and worked hard for it. In a guest lecture session, she met Jasmine Elvis, a well-acclaimed Cinematographer. Jasmine was a strong-willed lady who made an identity for herself in the film industry with sheer hard work and passion. She was known for her tough nut image within the industry since she climbed the ladders of success at a young age. Her interactive sessions excited Pallavi.
Jasmine noticed the fire in Pallavi Nanda and became the much-needed morale booster she needed in this field. Though their ideologies were different about most things and they belonged to two different decades by age, their passion for cinema made them bond well. It was Jasmine who recommended Pallavi for her first break in films.
December 2011, Mumbai
Suraj Gupta, the renowned Film Director, had a project in mind for a long time. Since he couldn’t find his heroine in any existing actresses or new faces he auditioned over the years, he had the project on the backburner. However, when Jasmine handed over Pallavi’s portfolio, he knew he had found his lead actress.
When Pallavi opened the door, Jasmine took her in a bear hug. It had been three months since Pallavi came to Mumbai, after completing her studies and stayed with Jasmine. Pallavi was juggling between giving auditions and doing some random modelling and ad jigs to sustain like many other movie aspirants.
“Whoa, what’s up?”
“Catch this. Actually, you should be giving the treat, but it doesn’t matter.”
“But for what?”
“Your final audition.”
“What?”
“I am just coming from Suraj Gupta’s studio. He loved your portfolio. Want a screen test tomorrow itself. He was waiting for the right heroine to do Bepanaah; a script which he wrote himself. It’s a great story.”
Pallavi was too stunned to say anything. Jasmine grinned.
“I know how it feels. Can’t believe it right?”“Yes, I can’t believe this. It’s huge. Suraj sir….oh my God! Even to be considered by him is a great thing. Even if I don’t pass in the audition, no big deal.”
“Think positive. You will rock it. And yes, to be launched by Suraj sir is luck! And now before you fly high, you have one more reason to be happy.”
“What?”
“There is a chance that Pranav Malhotra might be the male lead of the film. He is Suraj sir’s favourite and seems like he has been fixed for the role for a long time.” Pallavi gasped.
“Yes, I can’t believe this. It’s huge. Suraj sir….oh my God! Even to be considered by him is a great thing. Even if I don’t pass in the audition, no big deal.”
“Think positive. You will rock it. And yes, to be launched by Suraj sir is luck! And now before you fly high, you have one more reason to be happy.”
“What?”
“There is a chance that Pranav Malhotra might be the male lead of the film. He is Suraj sir’s favourite and seems like he has been fixed for the role for a long time.” Pallavi gasped.
My first film paired opposite my favourite actor, and a launch under such an acclaimed director…dreams does come true.
Pranav and Pallavi met for the first time at a cemetery. Read BURNING HEARTS to learn their story.
Available on Amazon Kindle, free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Those who love the feel of a physical book, you can check out Notionpress, Amazon and Flipkart for paperback copies of BURNING HEARTS.
Check out the reel below:
My latest book BURNING HEARTS is now available at a reduced price for readers on Amazon Kindle.
The original price of Rs.199 has been reduced to Rs.149. A big treat for Indian readers. And not to leave behind global readers, book has been set at the lowest price range of $2.99.
Don’t forget to grab your copy at the earliest.
Hello friends, here is the first sneak peek to my latest novel Burning Hearts. The book is available on Amazon Kindle and as paperback via Notionpress, Amazon & Flipkart.
SNEAK PEEK:
“I know it’s too late. But still…”
Though she remained quiet, her eyes locked with his.
“I’m sorry.”
“CUT.”
For a moment Pranav and Pallavi couldn’t connect with their surroundings but in a flip second, they did.
“Are the visuals okay?” Jasmine came towards the screen before Viren to check the visuals.
“Beyond perfect since you are handling the camera,” he winked at her.
Jasmine ignored his obvious flirting. Pallavi smiled at themand strode towards her vanity van whereas Pranav hesitated for a moment before walking into his.
Happy Valentine’s day friends. This year on the day of love, I welcome you guys to my fiction world. I’ve made a reel on my books. Scroll through them and see if you find your type of love story & ideal boyfriend/girlfriend 🤗
Special offers going on as Valentine’s special.
Hello friends,
I’m excited to share that my third book BURNING HEARTS is now available on Amazon Kindle for ebook readers and as paperback on Notionpress and Amazon.
This feels surreal. Starting off with no clue to releasing my third book, this has been quite a journey.
BLURB:
“Falling in love is easy; walking away from it, hard” – Pallavi
“A part of me comes alive with you, only with you” – Pranav
“To know you are not loved is more painful than being alone” – Janaki
“Sometimes love brings about our selfish side” – Pranav, Pallavi & Janaki
Burning Hearts is a realistic take on a passionate love triangle that deals with an extramarital affair. The characters are the often judged other woman, the man responsible for the mess and the wife who pays the price.
Hello friends, in the last post I spoke about my new book – Forever. Today I’m posting the prologue and first chapter of my book, that is available on Amazon Kindle and Pothi.com
You can read through the sample chapters and decide if you want to pick this up for a read. If you are interested, you can buy my book using the following links. Readers with kindle unlimited subscription can read the book for free. And those who prefer paperback/hardcopy can choose the Pothi.com link. Book will be delivered to your home. Links:
PROLOGUE
As the priest chanted the mantras, Arun and Megha sat expressionless before the holy fire. Their eyes and mind were vacant of emotions. As directed by the priest, the groom’s sister Anjana came forward to assist in the ritual. She handed him the mangalsutra. One look at it and he is reminded of her.
The beautiful dimpled smile that always took his breath away.
With a blank face he tied the mangalsutra around the neck of the woman who is now sitting beside him.
Megha closed her eyes. She remembered the first time a mangalsutra rested on her neck.
He was leaning forward to tie the mangalsutra around her neck when he whispered only for her ears.
“I promise to be with you forever and this is the evidence of that promise Jaan”.
She opened her eyes when she felt her maang being filled. Arun and Megha shared an eye lock while their faces remained deadpan.
Anjana saw their exchange and turned to her husband Karan with nervousness written all over her face. He held her shoulders reassuringly.
The bride and groom stood up for the pheras. Shashi and Garima Gupta looked on with moist eyes.Their daughter is getting married, again. They made a silent prayer for their daughter’s happiness and this time for it to last till eternity.
While the atmosphere screamed tension and heavy emotions, three little girls couldn’t contain their excitement. Aparna Arora, Akhila Arora and Pari Singhania are beaming with joy.
The pheras ended and the priest declared Arun Arora and Megha Singhania man and wife. Aparna and Akhila race into their father’s arms while Pari is handed to Megha by her mother. It is a new beginning, a second chance, for all of them. While the kids are thrilled at the turn of events, the two adults involved doesn’t know if they are ready for what lies ahead.
CHAPTER -1
The drive home is silent; Arun and Megha are lost in thoughts. They feel helpless as memories of a similar car ride wash over them.
“Stop crying Jaan. Anyone who sees you now will think you were forced into this marriage. But you did say you love me or was that a lie?”
“Shut up Akash. I had to leave behind my parents today. Do you know how difficult it is? You just have to marry me and take me home. You never leave your house”.
“So you want me to leave my home to set the scores even?”
“No, I want you to let me grieve my loss”.
“Not happening. Think about what you earned today jaan. A handsome husband who adores the floor you walk on” he winked.
Megha rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist the smile that tugged at her lips.
The car stopped at the signal. Karan threw a glance at the couple sitting behind. Their body language is rigid and their minds lost elsewhere. He sighed.
Arun is holding Lavanya’s hand and she is resting her head on his shoulder.
“You look happy. Not sad that you had to leave your home for me?”
“I am Arun. But this is our dream. I became your wife today. How can I spoil this wonderful moment with tears?”
She smiled at him, her dimples being omnipresent. He leaned forward to kiss her.
“We are home” Karan’s voice brought Arun and Megha back to reality. They exchanged a look. Arun got out of the car and opened the door for Megha. Megha eyed the two storey house before her. Ignoring the dread filling her, she walked with Arun, to his home.
****
Anjana welcomed them with Arti. Arun and Megha looked uncomfortable as they went about the griha pravesh ritual. Arun and Megha took the blessings of Neelima Arora, Arun’s grandmother who is paralysed.
Pari who was in Aparna’s arms made a cry for her mother. Megha immediately took Pari in her arms and tried to control the tears that threatened to break out. Anjana could see Megha is scared about this new transition in her life. But before she could make a move to console Megha, Aparna and Akhila hugged Megha.
“Welcome home Ma” they screamed in unison.
The warm exuberance the kids perpetuated made Megha feel overwhelmed. But she hugged them back with a small smile. Arun felt relieved for the first time that day.
“Anjana, it is way past their bedtime, take the kids to their room”.
” Sure Daadi”.
“But Ma just came home” they whined.
“And she is going to be here forever. So let her rest. You can catch up tomorrow”.
They nodded grumpily and wished Megha goodnight. She smiled back at them.
“Megha, Anjana will put Pari to sleep”.
“She needs me at night” Megha held Pari closer.
“Today is your Suhaag Raat. So let her sleep with Anjana”.
Before Megha could object, Arun spoke.
“Pari is too small. She’ll need her mother at night. Let her sleep with us”.
“But…”
“I’m going to my room”.
He glanced at Megha. She eyed him with gratitude. He nodded in acknowledgement and walked out of the room. Anjana forbade Neelima with her eyes before ushering Megha out of the room.
****
Arun came out of the bathroom and saw Pari asleep on his bed and Megha fidgeting as she went through her suitcases.
“Megha”
She turned to look at him.
“We were honest to each other before marriage. We are not over Akash and Lavanya. We are in this for our children. We can focus on being their parents for now. I don’t expect anything else, relax”.
Megha’s shoulders lost stiffness.
“Thank you” she gave him a genuine smile.
He nodded. She went back to her suitcase and he slept on his side of the bed, with Pari next to him. *****
Megha came out of the bathroom an hour later. Arun has his eyes closed but she knows he is not asleep. She settled down on the other side of the bed. But sleep evaded her. Naturally her mind went back to her first night with Akash.
Megha is on her period on her first night. She is not sure how Akash would react. Even before she could decide how to present him with this information, she felt Akash kissing his way up her hand. When she felt him hovering over her lips she blurted out.
“I am on my period”.
Akash did not know how to react when he was interrupted from kissing his bride, by the bride herself. He chose to verbalise his immediate thought.
“Okay. But we can kiss, right?”
Megha doubled over with laughter seeing his pained expression.
Megha suddenly realized she is on her period, on her first night, again. Something twisted inside her and she couldn’t control the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Arun heard the faint sobs. But he was not sure if he should react. So he lay beside her in silence, giving her the privacy she needed. They waited for the next dawn; for what lay ahead but with no will to hope.
Hello friends,
I know, I know, it’s been long. My writing is keeping me busy and my mischievous toddler who demands the rest of my time. So I haven’t been able to express myself here like I would love to.
But I would love to give you an insight into my fictional mind. As the heading goes, my second book is out, on both Amazon Kindle and Pothi.com. You can avail the digital copy on Kindle and those who love the smell of a fresh book can click on the Pothi.com link I’m sharing here. My book will be delivered at your doorstep within days. Kindle unlimited readers can as usual enjoy the work for free. Just download it on Kindle and read away.
FOREVER: It is all about the journey together!
Link:
Broken in love, two battered souls get entangled in the knot of marriage, only to rise high in love together.
How will you feel when a lover who promised a lifetime together, disappears from your life suddenly?
Can you cope with that loss ever? Will memories of the bygone past hinder the future? Will you be able to love again?
How does it feel to realize your parents are not your real parents? How does it feel to bring up children that are not your blood? Are such bonds asserted only by obligation or are there chances for real affection and love?
Arun and Megha get pulled into marriage because they have responsibilities to fulfill. They need to get over their lost loves and find their anchors in each other. They have to create a home for three children, their blood or not. And those three kids need to accept them as their own. It is not an easy task for anyone involved. Join the Arora family to know how they etched out their happily-ever-after.
As I always say, putting my work out there does not come easily to me. So I would really really love your encouragement and constructive criticism in my journey as a writer. Do let me know your thoughts. I’m eagerly waiting.
Adhiti's Musings & Books 