The Unending Nightmare - Thriller by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

 Dear friends,

Kindly purchase and peruse "The Unending Nightmare" - E-book written by me. It's available as a paperback too for die-hard paperback fans!

 

It's a thrilling and suspenseful book that will keep you guessing till the very end.

 

It will be available for just $2.99 (at a whopping discount of 58%) at www.amazon.com from 9th to 16th August, 2026.

Do post a review online at Amazon to enable me to get more readers and reviewers!

 

Thanks in anticipation. Priya

                                                               FOREWORD

“Forget the past and move on!” How easy it is, for people to thus advise a person, who is struggling with the unpleasant memories of a gory past! As if it is so easy to erase memories, more so, nasty ones!

Often such a troubled person will take such advice and truly try to move on, but his mind will prevent him from doing so. If he ignores the well-meant but impractical advice, he will be plagued by recurring nightmares of his past.

Reena is one such troubled soul, trying hard to put her dark past behind and forge ahead in life. Yet the past catches up with her and pursues her till her very sanity is at stake!

To be one up on it, she devises lots of plans but what will be, will be…

Follow gutsy Reena on her quest for a peaceful life, fighting bravely against all odds, all alone.

Will she succeed in her difficult and challenging mission?

Read on to find out, in this edgy thriller…

                                         

  Here's the link: Preview a sample for free!

THE UNENDING NIGHTMARE

by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan | Jan 12, 2022

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09QCL8DBB
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Priya Ramesh Swaminathan
• Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 12, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled 
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled 
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages 
• Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled 

                           AN EXCERPT

          I stared back, unabashed. He was looking drop-dead gorgeous. His thick hair was being ruffled by the strong wind. Though rivulets of perspiration ran down his temples and neck, he appeared fresh and alert. Only the clenching and unclenching of his square jaws gave away his tension. He was evidently waiting for me to speak first. Ladies first!

          Looking intently into his dark eyes, I was trying to fathom his intentions. Discussion indeed! About what?.........

          Feeling slightly uncomfortable, he turned his attention towards the copper bottle that he had in his right hand. “Water?” he inquired.

          “Thanks” I said and took it from his hand. As my hand slightly touched his, a frisson went up my spine. I looked downwards and then raised my head and had a long swig from the bottle, taking care to not touch the bottle’s rim. He was keenly watching my tanned throat as the water went down my gullet and I gulped. Then his gaze fell on my heaving chest.

           His left hand twitched as it gripped the lower part of the bench. Was he nervous? 

                                                END OF THE EXCERPT 

                             Collage created by me with the help of Canva.com! Do you like it?

                 Intrigued? Can't wait to find out what happens next? Instantly purchase the e-book and settle down for a highly entertaining and suspenseful reading session. Don't forget to post your review online! Do spread the good word around!

Thanks. Priya😍 

                 The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

National Handloom Day - Please say "Yes" to our heritage weaves!

       Once, we visited a handloom exhibition. The exhibition had stalls from nearly all the states of India. They showcased the traditional saris, dress materials, furnishing materials and accessories made from handloom.

A resplendent Kanjivaram sari

        The exhibition was held in a vast marriage hall. I had expected it to be filled with enthusiastic patrons, especially ladies! Alas, there were hardly five to six ladies including me, there. My husband was the odd man out.
   

     Stacks of materials beckoned me in the hall that seemed to be bereft of any customers. The stall-owners expectedly, latched on to the stray customer who strolled over.
     

    "Here, Madam, look here! Hand embroidered silk saris from West Bengal. 10 colors. Take your pick!"
    

      From across, another stall-owner beckoned, rather desperately, "Bed-sheets, gowns, dupattas from Rajasthan! Please have a look Madam."

An elegant Banarasi sari 

An intricately woven Paithani sari

       What was amazing was the sheer variety and volume of the handloom material exhibited there!    There was a lone stall with exquisitely crafted wooden toys. Again, no customers! It struck me that India had such a vast repertoire of art and craft, but hardly any takers!

        

     To encourage artisans and handloom weavers, we could take to decorating our homes and offices with their products. We could gift these items to each other.
          

     Students could wear handloom attire in their colleges. Competitions could be held to decide the most elegantly dressed person in college! I'm sure the judges would have a tough time as each handloom variety has a unique charm! Thus separate segments could be formed to decide the winners.

A dazzling Kanjivaram sari

         

      Each month, the handloom of a particular State could be chosen for a contest; thereby ensuring that all varieties get equal and assured prominence.  All would get their place under the sun! Since we have 28 states and 8 Union territories, this contest would run for three whole years! Enough of excitement for the collegians!
        

      Likewise offices and institutions could hold contests for their employees. Housing societies, supermarkets, banks, the list is endless...
         

     Contests could be held by the National Handloom Development Council to get ideas regarding newer varieties, newer ways of presenting the materials, marketing and product development. Awards could be given to those designers who use indigenous material.
         

     All ladies could wear handloom saris as often as they could, not restricting the ritual to functions and special occasions; if only to ensure that the glorious weaving tradition gets a much-needed fillip.  

        The weavers will then be able to sustain themselves and maintain their legacy!
        

        Those ladies lucky enough to grace award ceremonies and red-carpet events could espouse the cause and be brand ambassadors too!
        

        Let's revive the gorgeous, traditionally woven fabric materials and the ever- elegant handloom sari; and prompt the whole world to say "Wow!"

A magnificent Patola sari

A gorgeous Banarasi sari

 The copyright of this article is with   Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

 P.S. The snaps are of saris from my   collection.
      

Chennai - A blend of the modern and the traditional - Concluding part

             Wherever places had been dug up for the Chennai Metro, the areas were neatly demarcated with tin sheets on which strings of lights served as warnings for motorists, in the dark. No rubble lay around.

             We noticed that all the buses had their destinations marked only in Tamil, which could be troublesome for non-Tamilians. Women safely commuted, wearing loads of gold ornaments! However, the unscrupulous auto-drivers were a bane!

Ashta Laxmi temple

                 We saw the Ashta Laxmi temple, with various forms of the Goddess on two levels. The stone-hewn idols were benign and beautiful. Then we saw the Parthasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balaji with his two consorts. This temple was  ISO certified.

Parthasarathy temple

Parthasarathy temple

Fort George

Government Museum

Thiruvalluvar Kottam

Thiruvalluvar Kottam

Thiruvalluvar Kottam

Guindy Snake Park

                        The half-day’s sightseeing tour of Chennai that we had booked, was a whirlwind tour of all the must-see attractions like the historic Fort George, the first fort constructed by the British in India; that housed a museum, the Government Museum with priceless antique sculptures; the profusely carved Thiruvalluvar Kottam, dedicated to the memory of the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar; the snake park at Guindy, with its collection of reptiles; the Padmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Sheshnag with Goddess Laxmi beside; and lastly, the famed Marina beach, Asia’s longest beach.

Marina Beach

             There, horse-borne policemen patrolled its shores. We watched the milky waves lashing against the beach with awe, even as couples and families laughed and frolicked amidst the waves.

              Later, we visited the Kapaleeshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Peace permeated us and our Chennai sight-seeing ended on a blissful note, with just one regret. Time didn’t permit us to visit the centers that sold the colorful golu dolls displayed by Tamilians during Navaratri. Hence a return trip is on the cards!

Concluded

The abridged version of this travelogue was published in the Sakal Times newspaper published in Pune, in 2015.

The copyright of this travelogue and snaps is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Chennai – A blend of the modern and the traditional - Part 1

                 Recently, we visited the metropolitan city, Chennai. We were totally enamored by its wide roads, orderly traffic, cleanliness and efficient public transport system. There are very few private travel operators as the Corporation’s buses run regularly and at great frequency, within the city’s limits and also to its mofussil areas.

               Since our guest-house was located right near the Parry’s bus depot, it was very convenient for us to go to Koyambedu for the CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus) for our sight-seeing trips around Chennai. This 45 minutes’ ride was itself thoroughly enjoyable, as we passed by heritage structures like the Chennai railway Station, Ripon building, etc. The ride over the heritage Harris bridge and with a view of a small island with a huge tree on it in-between a placid lake, was out of this world!

Ripon Building
Headquarters of Greater Chennai Corporation

Chennai Central Railway Station

Madras High Court

Madras High Court

               

              Then we rode over spiraling flyovers deftly constructed for the smooth one-way movement of traffic. We felt as if we were on a roller-coaster ride! The absence of unruly riders, traffic snarls and jams made it a dream ride. We noticed that unlike Pune, there were very few two-wheeler riders in Chennai; thanks to its superb public transport machinery.

               The CMBT stand was just too good to be true! An ISO certified Bus Terminus is possible, I realized, only when I saw this certified Depot. The vast, clean and swanky waiting area, with authorized stalls, restaurant, seats, fans, clean toilets and drinking water facilities overwhelmed us. There was a pre-paid auto booth at its entrance and police on duty to handle any enquiries. Stalls sold the subsidized mineral water branded under the former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s name as Amma mineral water, for just Rs. 10/- .

              When we entered the Terminus, we saw a counter manned by Health Personnel who attended to needs of the passengers who could need medical aid. This service and medicines were provided free of cost. A security officer was monitoring a dozen monitors of CCTVs, in a booth. Lady police constables constantly shooed away the beggars and vagabonds out of the premises.

              A huge, decorated kiosk with a life-size cut-out of the former Chief Minister’s photo beamed at us. It displayed the photos and video of her implementing various welfare schemes for the needy people of Tamil-Nadu, such as providing things, cows, etc.

              A Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation’s (TTDC) Office was situated behind the kiosk from where we obtained pamphlets regarding the sight-seeing tours conducted by TTDC and also the tariff rates of various TTDC hotels.

TTDC's Office

To be continued....

The abridged version of this travelogue was published in the Sakal Times newspaper published in Pune, in 2015.

The copyright of this travelogue and snaps is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Last Day Today for the Discount Offer, Hurry! Just Not Meant For Marriage by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

 Dear friends,

What happens when a person finds his soul-mate but that soul-mate is unwilling to reciprocate?

Read on to experience it in my e-book titled Just Not Meant For Marriage!

A Kindle Countdown Deal will be on till 3rd August, 2026 at www.amazon.com for this e-book which will be available for just $1.99. So hurry and purchase it. Read and review it. Enjoy your reading and reviewing sessions. Please don't forget to post your invaluable review at Amazon.com.

You could even peruse my other 27 books.

Eagerly awaiting your invaluable feedback!

Thanks.

Priya Swaminathan

EXCERPT

                  As all the girls in his class turned towards him like sun-flowers towards the sun, he walked into his class-room, oblivious and blissfully whistling, “I love you” even as the Professor standing there admonished him, “Stop right where you are Preet! How dare you casually walk into my class, whistling like that! You are late. Please get out.” Preet stopped in his tracks as he realized his faux pas. Instantly he apologized and turned to go.

                   He was stunned when Professor Mhatre told him, “O.K. Preet. Apology accepted. Take your seat.” He cheerfully said “Thank you sir. Sorry once again!” and took his seat in the last row. As he was tall, he had to sit in the last row. He was Professor Mhatre’s favorite student, hence the Professor had relented. 

          

END OF THE EXCERPT

Did you like what you just read? Would you like to find out what happens next?

Kindly purchase the e-book and read on.... Preet is waiting for you....

Here's the link:

Just Not Meant For Marriage!

https://www.amazon.com/Meant-Marriage-Priya-Ramesh-Swaminathan-ebook/dp/B0716TDTJK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

108th Birthday of Dada J.P. Vaswani - Sadhu Vaswani Mission - Spiritual Mentor

           On this sacred occasion, we humbly pay our respects to the great soul who was truly an apostle of peace and unity. True to his name, Jashan, his life was a celebration of all the noble things of life, Service, sacrifice, humility, purity, genuineness and goodness! We were blessed to have heard his speeches, discourses and been in his divine presence on several occasions.

        As a student, I had even visited him in his tiny and pristine room in the precincts of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission complex. I was impressed by how he lived so modestly, without any pretense and with hardly any worldly belongings!  He spoke with a twinkle in his eye and was very sweet and polite in his manner. 

        We had heard of an interesting and illuminating anecdote related to him. Once, one of his followers gifted him a shawl. Immediately, he gave it away, saying that he already had one and that it was more than enough for him. 

        

        Even his soul was devoid of any baggage of negative virtues. He embodied simplicity and selfless service in all that he did. He proved that true religion was meant to be lived and not just talked about! Thus he was a true successor of his mentor and founder of the Mission, Sadhu T.L. Vaswani; in letter and spirit.

     

        We pray to the Almighty that his blessed soul rests in eternal peace and his teachings continue to inspire and motivate us to lead enriched lives!

     

        Dear Dada, we will observe the moment of calm today at 2 p.m. on the occasion of your birthday and pray for universal brotherhood, peace and forgiveness.

      

        Your legacy will always live on in our hearts!

                                                                             

                                                 Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

                                               Ex-student of St. Mira's High School 

Courtesy: pro@sadhuvaswani.org 

Here's a poem that I had written when he was here:

Beacon of Love

With your innocent smile

Without any guile,

You spread the gospel of love, harmony and peace

Far and wide,

With friends and supporters by your side!

         You are the light-house which guides many

          In the stormy sea of life.

Your life you live, one of service and sacrifice

Without hatred or malice.

Your sincerity of purpose

We admire, appreciate and try to emulate!

          On this pious day, your birthday,

          We felicitate and wish you, Dada J.P. Vaswani,

          The harbinger of universal brotherhood,

          Who follows his Guru, Sadhu T.L. Vaswanis’s teachings,

          More than anyone could!

May you have many more,

To guide us as always

From your heart’s core!

The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

'Just Not Meant For Marriage!' - My Novel Dedicated To My Dear Anna (Dad).

                                                    

I had dedicated my novel titled 'Just Not Meant For Marriage!' to my dear Anna. Here's the tribute...                                       

Myself with the two Rs in my life!

                                        A tribute to my beloved father (Anna)

                                                   For a Very Special Person!

                     I dedicate this book to my evergreen Dad, Ramesh Sharma. Fondly called Anna by us, he is the person who taught us to be brave and confident, while struggling against all odds. His unstinting support was behind the success of my mother as a Principal. An old adage goes, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.” My father turned this adage on its head! “Behind every successful woman, there is a man!” 

                      He was like ‘The Rock of Gibraltar’ for her, always helping her out with the chores, guiding us in our home-work, availing leave for our Board Exams to ferry us to and from our respective exam centres and attending to his work at his office. He ensured that we didn't only study, but had hobbies and other recreation too.

                 I’ll especially never forget how he spent several sleepless nights when I had severe jaundice, as a young girl. He would be always at my bedside, at the hospital and later, at home, administering my medicines on time, buying and giving me the appropriate diet as prescribed by the physician and encouraging me with kind, loving words and lots of Chandamama books!    

                      Later in life, when I insisted on having an arranged, but registered marriage, without matching horoscopes; and with a list of attributes to be possessed by my would-be groom, my father ran around meeting prospective grooms, apprising them of my ‘demand’ for a simple, no-frills, registered marriage ceremony, braved being rejected by them; till he finally discovered one such ‘gem’ for me! A perfect match - my husband Ramesh! What a beautiful coincidence it was, to have my husband sharing my beloved father’s name!  Of course, I soon discovered that they share several endearing traits too! In fact, I often joke that they could pass off as father and son!            

                      He is also a great multi-tasker and shows us how life must be lived and enjoyed. He is great pals with our friends too and they envy us for having such an easy-going and friendly father. We are never scared of him and always look up to him for any advice, and he has never ever failed us. He is a living example of how a person can be a constant source of joy for everyone around him! He is very helpful, dependable and doesn't thrive on any ego. He takes equal pride in my mother's and our achievements. He never boasts about his accomplishments, which are quite a few! 

                      He’s blessed with a photographic memory as he remembers people and places, even after meeting and visiting them just once, no matter how long ago! He’s a good singer, a great artist and an excellent palmist. His exhibition of water-paintings and fabric paintings was very well-received by one and all! He’s fond of listening to good music and watching movies. He dotes on his grand-daughter and constantly teaches her new things. Apart from our family, his friends at the Senior Citizens’ Association are his other lifeline. He enjoys spending his time with them and often goes for picnics and other programs, with them. They miss his lively and cheerful company when he is not around. His enthusiasm is highly infectious!

                      He appreciates the wonders of Mother Nature and has inculcated the same perspective in us too. He has always encouraged us to be forthright and fearless, honest and just, in our dealings and interactions with others.

                 Thanks to these two great teachers, my mother and father, we siblings have become well-balanced individuals and always strive to make them proud of us. For them, we are three little gems and for us they are our heart and soul! We owe everything to them. Dear Amma, we miss you a lot!

                      Thank you Anna, for always being there for us!

           The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.    

     

Dear friends,

A Kindle Countdown Deal is on till 3rd August, 2026 at www.amazon.com for this e-book which will be available for just $1.99. So hurry and purchase it. Read and review it. Enjoy your reading and reviewing sessions. Please don't forget to post your invaluable review at Amazon.com.  

Thanks in advance. 

Priya          

This lovely collage has been created by me with the help of Canva.com. 

Thanks, Canva!