PREFACE

My love affair with stories started when I was but a couple of years old. I have vivid memories of hot and scorching Sunday afternoons when our small family would be gathered on the kitchen floor, and my father would tell me stories as my mother usually  fed me lunch. Stories at dinner time were a ritual, one that was followed regularly.

I began reading at a very early age. From comics to picture stories, short stories to novels, books, and me were a match made in heaven. When I transitioned to writing, it just felt natural.

But it was not easy.  Vanhishikha has been a part of my life and psyche since my teenage years. She has lived, loved, grown, and matured with me. The decision to put her in a historical setup was an ode to the rich history of our country.

As I fleshed out her character, I realized that Vanhishikha is a study in contrast. She is fire and ice at the same time. I did wonder for a long time if such a character was humanly possible and if she made any sense. On the verge of killing her, I pulled back at the last minute and decided to give her a chance. It's better to let my baby survive than never let her see the light of the day.

This story owes its existence to many people.

To Susama: who listened to my endless ramblings for more than a year and bore through all my last-minute changes and still gave me a patient hearing.

To Amnu and Zenu: For being there, for pushing me to write and for bearing with my ramblings.

To these three girls for their inputs!!! Thank you so much.

Last but most important - To my father - for inculcating a love for stories in me.

Love
~ChhalkiSyaahi