Suspenseful Thriller - The Mysterious Basement of Summer City

            

                                                                 An Excerpt

            Ravi Kiran mutely nodded his head.  He was anxious to get on

 with his work.  It was his first day in office, his clients were waiting

 for him in the lobby and here he was, hobnobbing with the police. 

What would everyone think?  What did this portend for the future of

 that commercial complex?  Things obviously didn’t augur well for

 Summer City!

           Meanwhile, Dwarka Charan’s entire family had turned up

 there and was waiting for the elevator to go to the fifth floor.  The

 priest was there too!  Pacing furiously in the lobby!  How his time

 had been wasted!  Precious time!  He could’ve minted money on

 this auspicious day!

           The elevator’s doors opened and out came Manish, Dwarka

 Charan’s son who had gone upstairs and found his father’s office

 locked. “The office is locked Ma.  May be Papa has gone out for

 some work.”  The priest grew even more agitated.

                                                           End of the Excerpt

        

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

This debut novel of mine, was adjudged as the second prize-winner, in a novel-writing contest organized by Vishwakarma Publications, Pune. It has got a 5 star rating at Amazon.in.

Intrigued? Kindly read this novel on Kindle and Paperback at www.amazon.com.  Eagerly looking forward to your reviews. Thanks. Priya

The Mysterious Basement of Summer City - My debut, second-prize winning novel!

  

This collage has been created by me with the help of Canva.com. Thanks, Canva!

                                                                          

                                                                 An Excerpt

          Back on her chair, she gulped a whole bottle of water and wiped the beads of perspiration from her forehead.  Then she called Dwarka Charan on the intercom and told him in a nervous and cracking voice.  “He isn’t there, Sir.  Now I can’t even spot the security guards anywhere!”

        “O.K. let’s wait and see,” he said.  Then he remembered that he could ask her to see if his car was there.  When he gave her his car number and requested her, she demurred saying in a scared voice, “Sir, kindly go there yourself.  I’m scared to go in there alone, with no one around.  I hope you understand, Sir,” she said apologetically. 

        “Yes of course, I do,” he said, realizing that girls were always worried about the safety of their modesty, so naturally the receptionist was reluctant to venture there, all alone.  She was a young girl of around 18 years, cute and vulnerable-looking.  He decided to lock his office and go down to investigate.  Once downstairs, he apologized to her personally for troubling her and went downstairs to the basement.  As he went out of the lobby, he surreptitiously dialed Hariprasad’s number.  It was dead.  He walked into the basement.  

 

                                                           End of the Excerpt

        

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

This debut novel of mine, was adjudged as the second prize-winner, in a novel-writing contest organized by Vishwakarma Publications, Pune. It has got a 5 star rating at Amazon.in.

Intrigued? Kindly read this novel on Kindle and Paperback at www.amazon.com.  Eagerly looking forward to your reviews.

No Mother-in-law, Please!

By

Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

The copyright of this novel is with

Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

  This book is humbly dedicated to my mother-in-law, Prema Nathan. She is a simple, talented and god-fearing lady. After her husband’s early demise, she single-handedly and ably brought up her two children.

Among her noteworthy talents are singing, steno-typing, playing the violin, embroidery, tailoring and cooking.

She is a stickler for time and tidiness. She loves to regale us with mythological stories and anecdotes from her family’s history. At 90, she’s a bundle of energy, bustling about the house with élan.

Above all, she has a mind of her own and doesn’t hesitate to call a spade, a spade!

Here’s wishing her a long, healthy and peaceful life!

                                                          Foreword

     One word that strikes unimaginable terror in a young bride’s heart is ‘mother-in-law’. It is not surprising, as a lady who is utmost loving and compassionate as a mother, often becomes a despicable ogre as soon as she becomes a mother-in-law!

     The reasons could be several, such as a difference in opinions, points-of-view, temperaments and attitudes; ego, one-upmanship, bias, prejudice, greed, jealousy and hatred.

     Often, life after marriage becomes a continuous tussle between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, with the husband/son sandwiched helplessly between the two warring ladies. Each lady tries to exert her control over the man and the household and establish her supremacy.

     A lady, who has been tortured by her mother-in-law as a newly-wed bride, viciously and gleefully takes over the onerous mantle effortlessly, when she becomes a mother-in-law!

     No wonder then that many a young girl these days has a strict (often unspoken) rule when she decides to marry. ‘No mother-in-law, please!’ Obviously, she wants to live peacefully and happily with her husband, without the baggage of a nagging mother-in-law!

But there are always exceptions to the rule!

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

This novel of mine has been serialized at Wattpad.com. Do read it and post your reviews online to enable me to get more readers and reviewers. Your reviews for all my other 27 books are most welcome too! Thanks in advance. Priya

 

 

No Mother-in-law, Please! Chapter 30 - An Excerpt

                                       

                                                                  Excerpt

           “Hello, is it Yogita Madam? A polite voice asked Yogita as she took her call.

          “Yes please?”

          “Madam, please could you get your baby to the clinic for some tests that Doctor Sreshtha has asked for?”

          “Tests? Which tests?” asked Yogita anxiously, even as her heart started pounding. What was wrong? Why the sudden request from the clinic? She hadn’t reported any matter regarding her baby to the clinic. So this was rather unusual!

          “Could I please speak with the Doctor?” asked Yogita tensely. She eyed her baby who was busy flinging his arms and legs in the air, in his cradle, looking cheerfully at the colorful toy twirling above him. He appeared perfectly fine.

                                                      End of the Excerpt

Intrigued? Keep reading....

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

Plagiarists, BEWARE! You and those who aid and abet you will be prosecuted for Copyright Infringement. 

One such case is already on its way...

No Mother-in-law, Please! Chapter 28 - An Excerpt

                                                                  Excerpt

           Yogita said cautiously, “I want to call Ritesh. Could I have my mobile please?”

          “Oh here it is! You see, it was ringing and so I just picked it up thinking that you would be tired and sleeping soundly, what with the baby keeping you on your toes all day…”

          With a tight smile, Yogita said through barely opened lips, “I understand! Good night.” Then without much ado, but with her heart beating an uneven staccato in her chest, she walked back quickly and closed the door shut. She eyed her baby.

          He was sleeping innocently, with a slight dribble running down the left corner of his pretty pouting mouth. She smiled, gently wiped the dribble with a clean tissue and lay down on the bed.

          Just what was going on? 

                                                      End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 26 - An Excerpt

 

 

Excerpt

          Ritesh hugged her closely, with his arm around her slender waist. He couldn’t bear to see her so distraught. “Don’t worry dear, everything will be all right.” He whispered, casting an apologetic look at the others who were boarding the plane. They were casting sympathetic looks in their direction. Some were even talking in hushed tones. “What a handsome couple! Made for each other!”

          As they took their seats, Yogita wiped away her tears and looked straight into Ritesh’s loving eyes and said calmly, “Ritesh, sorry and thanks for everything. I love you.”

          Astonished, Ritesh hugged her. “That is the first time that you have said that. I hope you keep saying it again and again. I love you too. More than anything else in this world!”

          “Excuse me Sir, Madam, would you like to have anything?” the polite air-hostess enquired, once the flight took off.

          “A bar of chocolate please! And yes, we are not to be disturbed afterwards!” Ritesh told her cheekily, grinning from ear to ear.

                                                         End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 24 - An Excerpt

 

                         

Excerpt

          A stray tendril of her dark hair hung over her smooth forehead. It made her fairness even more striking. He cautiously pushed it away towards her hairline. It slipped again and occupied its pride of place on her forehead. Amused, he thought, even her hair is as stubborn as her! I have quite a task ahead!

          His cell-phone rang loudly and he hastened to take the call. It was his mother. “Ritesh, where are you? We’ve been waiting for you since 7.30. Now it is 8.30. Don’t you want to have breakfast? We enquired with the receptionist who told us that he had seen you leaving the hotel, way past midnight. Are you now in your room or elsewhere? We are worried, dear!”

          Ritesh slapped his forehead. What an idiot he had been! He had totally forgotten to inform her about the midnight drama, in all the commotion.

          “I’m sorry Mummy. There was an emergency here. Yogita…”

                                                         End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 22 - An Excerpt

 

                                                  

Excerpt

        “Well, Ritesh just sit and relax now. I’ll get a cup of hot coffee for you. I’ll cajole Yogita to join you.” Yogita’s Mom was desperately trying to salvage the situation.

          As father and son led Ritesh to the sofa, she fled into the safety of the kitchen and started heating the milk in a pan. Her mind was racing furiously. That girl was impossible. Just what did she think of herself? Imagine quarreling with her fiancée just two days before the wedding! It was too much.

          She pitied Ritesh. She would have to din some sense into her adamant daughter’s head, that night. It was ‘do or die’ for her!

          “Yogi dear, come out and have coffee with all of us. After all, we have just 2 days left with you in this house. Afterwards you’ll have coffee with your new family members!” Yogita’s Mom wisely avoided mentioning the word ‘in-laws’ to avoid infuriating her belligerent daughter, even further.

                                                  End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 20 - An Excerpt

                                                  

Excerpt

         Her co-passenger, a middle-aged lady, nudged her to open her eyes and asked with concern, “Anything wrong? Should I call the air-hostess?”   

          “Oh no! I’m fine. Thanks anyway!” she exclaimed, flustered. She had to be on guard!     

          Her mobile buzzed discreetly. It was Ritesh.

          “Is everything O.K.? I’m missing you, dear. Come soon,” he purred.

          “Of course Ritesh. Thanks for your concern. See you soon!” she replied.

          Ritesh sighed. Why did he have a feeling that Yogita was responding mechanically. Wasn’t she happy? Was she feeling forced or rushed? Most important, didn’t she love him? Then why had she agreed to his proposal?

          “O.K. then. Please inform me when you reach home. Love you. Bye.” He disconnected the call.

          Yogita impatiently looked at her mobile every five minutes. 

                                                                   End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 18 - An Excerpt

                                                   

Excerpt

          But Yogita knew that he was just pulling her leg as his eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement. The wicked gleam in his eyes was so comical that Yogita burst out laughing.

          He put out his right hand, palm upward and she slapped on it instinctively. As cozy as old friends. Oh, if only they could remain as just good friends, thought Yogita. Then she paled as she remembered Sharon.

I

I

I

          She looked at Sharon to watch her reaction. Sharon was staring unseeingly at the navy blue rug on the floor. Those cream and pink blossoms woven on it had never appeared prettier! Those green vines… Tendrils entwining around each other…. Like poison ivy! Now they appeared to be unraveling. 

                                                                   End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 16 - An Excerpt

 

Excerpt

          “Oh come on, Yogita, I just….” He protested, stung by the sharpness in her tone.

          “Let’s not waste any more time Ritesh. I am hungry. You were supposed to treat me to lunch, remember?” she tried to make amends for her brusqueness. She got up swiftly.

           As she swayed slightly, trying to find her feet on the uneven ground, he steadied her by placing his palm against the small of her back. A frisson of excitement raced up her spine. There was some hope….

            At the restaurant, she willed herself to relax by closing her eyes and drawing in deep breaths. Ritesh observed her closely. What a beauty! Though a confused one! He quietly chuckled. 

                                                                   End of the Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 14 - An Excerpt

                                 

                                                               An Excerpt

         “So what do you do for a living?” Ritesh asked Yogita. He had been smitten by her as soon as he saw her. Gorgeous. Peacock-blue sari, open hair, no make-up save for some lip gloss and kohl, divine skin and figure to die for! What more could a guy ask for?

         “I have been working as a copywriter for an ad agency in Mumbai, for 3 years. I love my job and wouldn’t give it up for anything in this world!” she declared sincerely, a hint of a smile in her luminous eyes.

         “Not even for me?” he asked, daring her to refuse. He would do anything for her. Follow her to the end of the earth. Give up his life…

        “Excuse me?” she feigned surprise. She was very well-acquainted with the effect that she had on men.

         She examined him openly. He watched her as her eyes roved across his charming face taking in his well-chiseled cheekbones and chin, aquiline nose, deep-set brown eyes fringed by long lashes, bushy and long eyebrows almost meeting at the ridge of the nose, smooth, coffee-brown hair (was it out of a bottle?), his blue T-shirt clad torso rippling with muscles, long, cream, jean-clad legs that ended in open sandals showing off squeaky clean feet and long toes. He appeared as if he was into athletics and everything outdoor! Her antithesis!

         “So, do you like what you see?” he asked, as if on cue, when her gaze returned from his feet to his face and settled for a brief minute on his soft, well-chiseled, bow-shaped lips that now curled into a sardonic smile.

         Caught off-guard, she blurted out, “Um yes.  Very much!”

         He threw back his head and laughed a pleasant, full-throated laugh. “Right up my street! Yogita, I like women who can speak their mind fearlessly.”

         Now she smiled shyly at him. She shouldn’t have stared at him for so long and bluntly stated her approval of his good looks.

                                                               End of Excerpt

The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya

No Mother-in-law, Please! - Chapter 12 - An Excerpt

                                               

                                                                          Excerpt

        “O.K. Yogi. I’m tired now. I’d like to have some rest now. Come Ravi. Let her also take rest. Maaji, you also have a nap.” Yogi could literally feel the coldness in Sharon’s voice. She was dismayed. How had she been so indiscreet? The words had just slipped out involuntarily. But didn’t that mean that it was at the back of her mind then? At all times too?

         Tea-time was a strained affair. Everyone tried to make small talk and failed miserably.

         “Pass the sugar.”

         “Here are the biscuits.”

         “Isn’t it too warm now?”

         Soon, there were no questions to ask and none to answer! Everyone’s mind was buzzing with questions though! Only one person had the answers. Yogita. She was pensive and subdued. She ate with downcast eyes and avoided eye-contact with the others.

         Sharon and Maaji looked at her with piercing eyes that seemed as though they’d bore a tunnel into her brain to wrench those answers. Ravi looked distant and disturbed. Why had Yogita said that? 

                                                                           End of the Excerpt

 The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

You could read the full novel for free at www.wattpad.com. Just login and enjoy your reading session! Do let the reviews flow! Thanks in anticipation. Priya