Finding 'Darshana'

Whenever I start work on a new book, it doesnt take me much time to outline and then define the key characters in terms of their physical and menatl make up.Thereafter, starts the process of making them become real people who live,  eat, shop, laugh and cry just like all of us do.

For An Autumn Melody, I'd created a character called Darshana, who is the main protagonist of the book.That name had just popped up into my head and I'd gone on, filling in all the details over the course of the book.

I'd never met a Darshana in my life and and it was so nice- just to be able to keep on making up and telling Darshana's story...

The book was published by Rupa publications and released in India in September 2011 and in Oman in October. The book has been well received and I'm happy...

On the 8th of  December we were attending WGOs Crystal Ball at Shangrila's Bar Al Jissa Hotel. Seated at a  table for 12, we knew most people.But there was one couple we didnt know and as we sat down we introduced ourselves to them.

I said, "I'm Sunaina", to the lady in a blue dress.

She smiled back at me and  replied- "I'm Darshana...."

Many hours and the entire evening later...we are bonded...

I guess this has to be...for life....