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....

A Walk in the Park

This evening saw us at the Qurum Park from 4 m till about 6.Great weather, great companions and an even greater walk!

I actually managed to spot some birds in tne swamp and that was a novelty.

Moving on it was 'Sunset time' and that only added to the overall flavour of the evening.

I must confess that I havent been to Qurim Park in the last whole year so that made for a change too. Lots has changed but many things remain the same.

For instance the magnificient fountain in the centre of the Park.

Or the 'chaiwallahs cum popcorn sellers' along the periphery.

And whats the fun of being in the park without a hot 'cuppa'?

So that is exactly what one did next.

Two hours, a sense of exhilaration and many, many photographs later we headed back home.

Promising ourselves that we would make it back there..

One day, very, very soon....

Postcards from the Eid Holidays

We've had a week of Eid holidays here recently and there's been a lot of going 'out and about' in this glorious weather.

Sure, we did have a spell of heavy rains, but the major part of the holidays were fairly 'dry'

Instead of trying to describe all that we've been doing during this period, I've decided to try another approach.

Presenting my collection of the Eid Holiday postcards for all of you.

Happy viewing friends!