Monday, 3 June 2024

Just Not Meant For Marriage! - Kindle Countdown Deal- Hurry!

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 from 3rd to 10th June, 2024 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.

You could even peruse my other 27 books.

Eagerly awaiting your invaluable feedback!

Thanks.

Priya Swaminathan

EXCERPT

Preet had an annoying habit. It drove girls literally up the wall. He would court all the pretty girls in college, have them eating out of his hands and eating out their hearts for him and then spoil it all by popping the most-dreaded question. It was not the eagerly looked forward to, “Will you marry me please?” No, that wasn’t the most-dreaded question. It was, hold your breath, “Are you just not meant for marriage?” All the girls who had swooned over him some time in their college lives had been flabbergasted by that bomber.

But eventually, everyone had reconciled themselves to the inevitable, ridiculous proposal. In fact, no girl was still quite sure what that absurd question meant. Did he mean that he was asking her to marry him in a back-handed manner, or did he want to cast her away by insinuating that she was not worthy enough for marriage? And that too after wooing her as if she was the last girl on earth!

******************

Preet was the equivalent of Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Salman Khan and Naseeruddin Shah; all rolled into one combo package of style, romance, brawn and smoldering intensity. As for looks, he had everything going for him, right from grayish-brown dreamy eyes fringed by thick lashes, smooth high forehead, well-chiseled cheek-bones and chin, tawny complexion and thick black hair that was always styled as per the latest trend in town. His gym-toned body was just meant for modeling as he wore smart outfits that suited him to the T. Towering well above six feet, he stood out from the rest of the college boys.

Almost all the girls who enrolled in Universal College fell in love with him as soon as they set their eyes on this impossibly good-looking dude. After all, seeing the above-mentioned heroes on screen and seeing their combo in person, was different. Well actually, thrilling! They just couldn’t believe their luck. Each girl tried to get into his good books and charm him as much as she could. In fact, these girls thought that education and careers were secondary, as their primary aim was to land the catch of Preet! It was the be-all and end-all of their existence.

Thus Preet got to see girls of all shapes and sizes, dressed in all types of clothes from mini-skirts to saris, ‘artificially’ made-up or ‘naturally’ made-up and with all sorts of fancy accessories. His friends envied him but joked that thanks to him, they also got to see well-dressed lasses and feast their eyes on them! Preet was cool and casual in his manner towards the girls. He didn’t lead anyone on. He obviously was waiting for someone special to light up his life. He just knew that one look would be enough to separate the grain from the chaff. His heart would tell him so!

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!

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

Sunday, 2 June 2024

My Confidante? Mum’s the word! Woman's Era (Part 4)

This article of mine, was published in the October (First) 2012 issue of Woman's Era.

My Confidante? Mum’s the word!

Trupti was irritated with her uncle who insisted on petting her and caressing her whenever he visited their house. He was 45 years old and she was eighteen. As soon as she spotted that creep, she’d make an excuse and walk out of her house. She wondered whether she could confide in anyone at home. She didn’t want them to feel that she was trying to prove that she was so desirable or that she was leading that lecherous man on! She was even frustrated with her inability to take the bull by its horns and rebuke that man. What would the family members think! They would think that she was rude and impertinent.

She confided in her closest friend, Neha, who wisely advised her to confide in her mother. After all, mothers always trusted their children and protected them from such unwelcome advances. Surely, she would teach that creep a lesson! But Trupti was scared of her strict mother. What if she didn’t believe her, worse, told her father about it? She’d die of shame! Still, after a lot of coaxing by her friend, she confided in her mother.

Instinctively, her mother guessed that she was telling the truth. She assuaged her fears and told her to avoid being alone with that uncle. She even devised plans to stop him from visiting them altogether. When her indirect attempts failed, and the uncle continued to brazenly visit them and stare lustily at Trupti, her mother squarely confronted him and threatened to expose his behavior before their family; and if need be, even report the matter to the police. Needless to say, his visits abruptly ended and he cut off all ties with Trupti’s family, much to the relief of Trupti and her mother.

On Mother’s Day, Trupti presented her mother with a huge bouquet of red roses and a lovely greeting card that simply read, “To my dear mother, my best friend and confidante! Happy Mother’s Day!” She added her own words below the printed ones. “Sorry for not trusting you earlier. You are the best mother in this world.” Her mother shed tears of joy. She had just realized how her strictness had cost her, her daughter’s confidence and how she had just regained it. Trupti also had tears in her eyes as she kissed her beloved mother.

Now you know whom to tell that secret to!

THE END

My mother - My best friend and confidante!
My unconditional supporter and believer!

My Confidante? Mum’s the word! Woman's Era (Part 3)

This article of mine, was published in the October (First) 2012 issue of Woman's Era.

My Confidante? Mum’s the word!

Vikram was a flamboyant young lad who was addicted to smoking, drinking and consuming drugs. His parents were frustrated at their attempts at reforming him. They wondered about why he appeared so distracted and withdrawn all the time. Though they had given him the best of education and all the material comforts of life, he never seemed to be genuinely happy. He was not at all interested in turning over a new leaf. Hence he resisted all attempts to get him to meet a counselor or go in for a detoxification treatment. When his health deteriorated, the counselor advised Vikram’s mother to coax her son into confiding his problems and worries to her.

“Beta, please can you confide in me, about where we are going wrong in dealing with you?” she asked him one night. He appeared anxious and distraught. When he saw her look of genuine concern, he broke down and said plaintively, “Oh, why couldn’t you have asked me this question earlier, Mama? I was waiting patiently for you to do so, all these years. But both you and Papa were so involved with your careers that you just didn’t have time to spare for your only son! Now, I fear that it is too late. I just cannot give up all my vices. They bring me in my comfort zone.”

A shiver went up his mother’s spine as she realized that she and her hubby were the real culprits who were responsible for their only son’s sad plight. She immediately resolved to set matters right by assuring him that she’d give up her handsomely paid job and pay more attention to his wants and desires. She had neglected him in his growing years and he had been unwittingly pushed into that morass of vices. She had shunned her motherly duties; a fact that she deeply regretted now. Both mother and son spent a long time that night, trying to understand each other and consoling each other. She persuaded him to promise to confide in her whenever he felt the need to do so. She promised to keep all his confidences to herself.

Within six months, Vikram was a changed person, having gone in for rehab and of course, having purged his soul of all the negativity that had shackled him all those years. He had his mother’s backing and unstinted support. His life was saved and transformed.

To be continued...

Amma - Always heard me out!
And just let me be!

Friday, 31 May 2024

Shadows in the Dark - What Will They Reveal - Find Out Today!

Shadows in the Dark - An enigmatic thriller! Last Day for the Discount!
(Recd. a 5 star rating at amazon.in. Do read the review at the end of this post.)
Its e-book will be available for just $ 1.99 at www.amazon.com till 31st May, 2024 under a Kindle Countdown Deal, at a whopping discount of 72%!

An excerpt

His square-cut face with a lined, with years of squinting against the sun, at various excavation sites; was a photographer’s delight! His ruddy, sun-tanned complexion and sturdy build belied his 50 years of age.

His deep-set, raven-black were alert and focused. His nose was slightly hooked and his lips slightly full. He was always clean shaven. The one indulgence he swore of! Peculiar, that he was totally bald. In fact, he had tonsured his hair to save the trouble of maintaining his rather sparse, graying hair. Who had the time to spend on unnecessary stuff? He had more important things to do in life.

At 5 ft. 5 inches, he didn’t tower over the ground and over everybody else, as he’d have liked to, but nevertheless, his achievements were outstanding and made him a cut above the rest!

End of the excerpt

Intrigued about Dr. Ajoy Mitra? Do purchase a copy and read it to find about more about him and his life! Please don't forget to post a review at the Amazon website. Thanks in anticipation. Priya

FOREWORD
Dear friends,
Often, the questions that niggle one are "Who am I? Where do I come from? Where do I go henceforth?"

Why these questions keep recurring in one's mind is beyond anyone! But when they do rear their heads regularly, the quest begins earnestly.

To find out more about the answers. To ensure peace. Not only with oneself but with one's milieu.

In this intriguing novel, Dr. Ajoy Mitra is one such troubled soul who is at great pains to unearth secrets. Of the past!

Caught willy-nilly in his life's mission are his clever protégés, Himesh and Shivani. And a host of other enigmatic characters!

Will they succeed in the mission?

Do purchase this suspenseful, thrilling e-book, read it and find out!
And share your excitement with your friends too!
Your invaluable, online feedback is eagerly awaited. Thanks.
Priya Ramesh Swaminathan
*****
Top review from India

Rajni
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mystery novel at its best
Reviewed in India on 31 August 2021

Dear mystery aficionados! You are in for a treat! Author Priya Ramesh Swaminathan has concocted a tale of an anthropologist researcher and his two dedicated assistants. The other characters in the plot add to the suspense and strange things happening at the site. The author has played with words and adds her inimitable style to the setting of the story. So what are you waiting for? It's time to read and unravel the secrets to fully solve the mystery woven in this gripping novel. Best wishes to the author and the readers.

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Shadows in the Dark - An Excerpt & Review

Shadows in the Dark - An enigmatic thriller!

(Recd. a 5 star rating at amazon.in. Do read the review at the end of this post.)

Its e-book will be available for just $ 1.99 at www.amazon.com till 31st May, 2024 under a Kindle Countdown Deal, at a whopping discount of 72%!

Do consider buying a copy. Enjoy reading it and post your invaluable review online at www.amazon.com. Your review will also be posted on this blog.☺

This collage was created by me with the help of Canva.com. Thank you Canva!

An Excerpt

Suddenly a thump landed on his back. It was Shivani. “Hey, why are you quiet, man? Say something. Isn’t it beautiful here?” Himesh looked around at the gulmohar trees slowly wobbling by, in full bloom, a gorgeous whir of green and orange; and felt the cool breeze ruffling his hair.

Shivani also looked very pretty in a cream tank top paired with black jeans. Her thick, shoulder-length hair blew around her face, making her look innocent and charming. Her lips had a hint of pale pink lip balm. Her eyes flashed brightly, further accentuated by an eye-liner. She had definitely dressed up to impress him!

“Yes, very pretty,” he drawled meaningfully. She blushed delightedly. “Me or the scenery?” she asked coquettishly.

“Both” he said, with a slight grin. Shivani fawned at him obviously. Probably she was making some headway with him!

End of the excerpt

Intrigued about Shivani and Himesh's equation? Do purchase a copy and read it to find about about what happens next! Please don't forget to post a review at the Amazon website. Thanks in anticipation. Priya

FOREWORD

Dear friends,

Often, the questions that niggle one are "Who am I? Where do I come from? Where do I go henceforth?"

Why these questions keep recurring in one's mind is beyond anyone! But when they do rear their heads regularly, the quest begins earnestly.

To find out more about the answers. To ensure peace. Not only with oneself but with one's milieu.

In this intriguing novel, Dr. Ajoy Mitra is one such troubled soul who is at great pains to unearth secrets. Of the past!

Caught willy-nilly in his life's mission are his clever protégés, Himesh and Shivani. And a host of other enigmatic characters!

Will they succeed in the mission?

Do purchase this suspenseful, thrilling e-book, read it and find out! In case you are a die-hard fan of a hard copy paperback, (Who isn't?), you could opt to purchase one so that you could keep reliving the excitement of reading this thriller all over again. And again...
And share your excitement with your friends too!

Your invaluable, online feedback is eagerly awaited. Your support is crucial and most welcome! Thanks in anticipation.

Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

*****

YOU COULD EVEN PERUSE MY OTHER 27 E-BOOKS (23 PAPERBACK VERSIONS TOO!).

Thanks. Happy reading! Have a great day ahead!

Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Here's the e-book's link! Preview a sample of the book for free....

Shadows in the Dark
$0.00Free with Kindle Unlimited membership
Buy for $6.99

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Shadows in the Dark Paperback – Large Print, July 1, 2021

by Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan (Author)
See all formats and editions
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$0.00Read with Kindle Unlimited to also enjoy access to over 3 million more titles$6.99 to buy

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$9.99
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End of the excerpt

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

Intrigued about Dr. Mitra and his quest? Do purchase a copy and read it to find about about what happens next! Please don't forget to post a review at the Amazon website. Thanks in anticipation. Priya

https://www.amazon.in/Shadows-Dark-Priya-Ramesh-Swaminathan-ebook/dp/B098JPZNL3/