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Notion Press No. 8, 3rd Cross Street, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600 004 First Published by Notion Press 2021 Copyright © Elvira Fernandez 2021 All Rights Reserved. ISBN 978-1-63873-627-1 This book has been published with all efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. However, the author and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. While every effort has been made to avoid any mistake or omission, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that neither the author nor the publishers or printers would be liable in any manner to any person by reason of any mistake or omission in this publication or for any action taken or omitted to be taken or advice rendered or accepted on the basis of this work. For any defect in printing or binding the publishers will be liable only to replace the defective copy by another copy of this work then available.

for all those who find love

Acknowledgements All praises to the Heavenly Father for His ceaseless graces. He helps me leap ahead nimbly from one stepping stone to the next. He guides me to climb higher like a mountain goat. I can never thank my mother enough for choosing and gifting me the first Romance novel I read - Sister Peters in Amsterdam by Betty Neels. Its simple plot and lucid language fascinated me and instantly a love for this genre developed. Do I say ‘thank you’ to you, Veronica (Pinky), for bearing with me when I browsed shelves endlessly, at the local bookstores whenever we went shopping! I’m grateful to Mrs. Manju Chauhan, the then Librarian of my school, for nurturing my passion for reading. Let me not forget to thank my classmate Surbhi Kasliwal for helping me choose my first Romance novel in the school library – The Island of Love by Barbara Cartland. I would like to especially thank Mr. Prakash Manghnani for believing in me and encouraging me to

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try something ‘different’ after I penned the books of the Fantasy series – The Ferns and Blooms Trilogy. Much gratitude to Dr. Achal Deep Dubey for patiently proof-reading and editing my first Romance novel. What would I have done without you, Doc? A big ‘Thank You’ to Poornima Kapoor for reading this novel with the same excitement I wrote it with and sharing her views. I’m sure you all will agree that the beautiful cover designed by her is a visual treat. And you, my dear readers, how can I thank you for all the love you have shown me? I hope you all will keep reading my books and sharing your reviews!

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Introduction It’s approaching midnight. Silence prevails all around as we march into March. “Minh-aao! Minh-aao…”, a peacock calls somewhere afar in the darkness of the balmy night. I can also hear the whistle of a train in the distance as it embarks on its onward journey. I look out of the window; the stars seem to be shining brighter than any other night. The garden is a maze of the moon’s silvery light and shadows. A wind that crept up during the day is still blowing steadily. The mango tree is in full bloom and dances happily along with the Chinese honeysuckle who is constantly stretching out her delicate green arms skywards these days. I sit in the night’s stillness writing the introduction of this book that I penned a few months back. I must tell you it’s so restful to work in this quietude. The soulful song ‘don’t look away…’ from the poignant Aparna Sen film – Mr. and Mrs. Iyer - plays in the background to give me company. I scroll through the pages of the novel and try to focus on Eliana and Aaditya, the protagonists of this 7

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romantic novel. I’m reminded of Ruskin Bond’s words, “It’s courage, not luck that takes us through to the end of the road.” How true these words seem to be! One needs courage to accept love. A person needs courage to place love above the desire to be right. You may be lucky to find love but you need courage to stay in love – mind you, it’s courage and not luck that takes you to the end of the road! In this novel you will meet the beautiful but not petite Eliana Sharma and the man of every girl’s dream – Aaditya Bhargava. Mrs. Bhargava, Aaditya’s mother loves to play matchmaker for her son. When she meets Eliana, quite by a twist of fate, she can’t help but think of her as the best match for her son. She hopes to seal this deal in love and marriage while the gulmohar blooms in all its fiery glory. Indu Mukherjee is Eliana’s childhood friend; she is a lively young lady and a complete contrast to her. She’s able to sniff the ‘love in the air’ way before Eliana is willing to accept there’s love. The language is lucid as the surface of a crystal clear stream and flows just as steadily. As a young schoolgirl I have been a hopeless romantic and still remain so. I remember that ceaseless searching for the best plots in novels in the school’s library every week. I’d go through shelves over shelves stacked with Mills and Boons and Barbara Cartland(s) to choose the best stories. While others could only issue one novel a week I had the blessings of the Librarian as I could take as many as five a week. And, believe me I would read all five books within those seven days. As I look at this work of my hands, my first romantic novel, I feel all those years of reading have borne fruit. 8

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Dear readers, I hope you’ll enjoy reading ‘Gulmohar Love’. Do tell me how you liked it. You can mail me at [email protected] or follow me on Instagram @fernandezelvira8. Well, a peek at the wall clock tells me it’s getting 2 a.m. and I need to catch up on some sleep. Goodbye for now! Happy Reading! – Elvira Fernandez

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liana looked at her delicate wrist watch once again as she waved for a cab to stop. “Bhaiyya! St. George’s International School, Anand Nagar. I’m already late so please hurry,” she instructed as a cab drew up. “Help! Please help me!” gasped an elderly lady dressed in an expensive saree. Eliana who was just about to slide into the cab paused. “How can I help you Ma’am?” she enquired looking concerned. “My inhaler…” gasped the woman barely able to stand. “Is it in your purse?” asked Eliana taking her purse and opening it. “The capsule and inhaler…” the woman struggled to speak. “I got it,” Eliana got the inhaler ready and helped the woman use it. The elderly lady took a few deep breaths and soon she felt a little better. 11

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“Are you alright?” enquired Eliana. “Could I drop you somewhere? Where do you live, Ma’am?” “Yes, I’m feeling better now,” the lady smiled at the young girl standing beside her. “I live at A-40, Gulmohar Street, Gaurav Nagar. But are you going in that direction?” “That’s not a problem, Ma’am! I can’t leave you here knowing that you’re unwell,” smiled Eliana helping the woman to sit in the cab. “Bhaiyya… please take us to the address madam has given,” Eliana said to the driver. “As you say, Madam Ji,” the driver replied putting the vehicle into gear.

C “My dear, I must thank you for saving my life. I’m Mrs. Sudeshna Bhargava. What’s your name?”asked the woman cheerfully. “Mrs. Bhargava, my name is Eliana Sharma,” she replied. “And, please don’t mention it. It’s nothing. Had it not been me, it would have been someone else.” “Arrey Madam Ji… no one helps anyone these days. And, that too when you said you are late and in such a hurry,” chimed in the cab driver who seemed to be quite a chatterbox. “O dear! I hope you won’t get into any trouble. I’m so sorry about all this. My driver usually takes me for my meetings but today he was on leave as his daughter is sick. The meeting was important and I had to attend it. And, I had to get an asthmatic attack today only. It looks like I was destined to meet you,” Mrs. Bhargava laughed. 12

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“It looks like it,” laughed Eliana. “My car wouldn’t start and then I couldn’t manage to book a cab online.” “Anyway, that being said, tell me where do you live? What’s your mobile number?” Mrs. Bhargava asked. Eliana looked at this lady and couldn’t help liking her. Though she hardly knew her she felt she could trust her. “Ma’am, I live at D- 17, Mayur Society, Kaustubh Marg and my mobile number is 98280xxxxx,” Eliana said. “Oh! Mayur Society… the one near the Telephone Exchange?” confirmed Mrs. Bhargava. “Yes. Have you been there, Ma’am?” asked Eliana, looking surprised. “Well, yes! My friend used to live there long back. Now she’s shifted abroad. We used to meet often and spend much time together,” Mrs. Bhargava said reminiscing. “That’s very sweet! It’s nice to have friends and spend time with them,” said Eliana looking out at the Gulmohar trees on either side of the street putting out their first tentative fiery red blooms. “Bhaiyya… turn into the next gate on the left,” Mrs. Bhargava directed the driver. The cab stopped in front of a palatial villa. “What a pretty house you have!” Eliana observed as she helped her companion out of the car. She escorted her into her house where the lady was received with much concern by her domestic help.

C “Bhaiyya… let’s go and hurry a little bit. I’m already late!” Eliana rushed out and sat in the cab. 13

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“Madam Ji… I’ll try my best. We have to now go in the opposite direction,” the driver said gently merging with the traffic on the street. “I hope we reach fast. It’s already so late,” Eliana spoke to herself. “Madam Ji, are you going for an interview?” asked the driver. “Yes… yes. And, I’m late! A very bad impression to make at a job interview,” Eliana said nervously playing with the ruby ring on her right hand. “Arreyy… don’t worry Madam Ji, Karma says that those who do good deeds will receive good fruits too. I strongly believe in Karma,” said the driver. “Really! Thank you. But please look in the front and drive carefully,” laughed Eliana.

C Eliana was lost in thought as she looked out of the moving cab. “Madam Ji, we’ve reached,” said the driver about twenty minutes later. “Ok, thank you. How much is the fare?” Eliana asked opening her purse. “Nothing Madam Ji, while you went to leave that lady inside, her Personal Assistant gave me fifteen hundred rupees. You don’t need to give me anything,” “Ohhh! That was very generous of Mrs. Bhargava,” smiled Eliana as she stepped out.

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“All the best Madam Ji! I hope you get the job. Have a good morning!” the driver said as he turned the key in the ignition. “Thank you so much! Have a great day!” Eliana smiled.

C Left alone she looked at the majestic building set amongst sprawling gardens and grounds. The numerous domes, spires and window panes glistened in the mid-morning sunshine. The main building made of white marble had an archaic look. She entered the gates and began walking towards the main building which housed the reception area and the offices.

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Price 175