Romantic Shorts Series by Sundari Venkatraman

The gorgeous Jaanavi is the star of Bollywood and has been the reigning queen of the Hindi film industry since she began her acting career some years ago.Tall, dark and handsome Ritesh is a billionaire businessman who had spent most of his life abroad and has only recently moved to Mumbai.It’s instant attraction when they set eyes on each other at the race course on Derby day.Both of them work long hours and even during weekends... moreThe gorgeous Jaanavi is the star of Bollywood and has been the reigning queen of the Hindi film industry since she began her acting career some years ago.Tall, dark and handsome Ritesh is a billionaire businessman who had spent most of his life abroad and has only recently moved to Mumbai.It’s instant attraction when they set eyes on each other at the race course on Derby day.Both of them work long hours and even during weekends. It is with great effort that the busy twosome builds a relationship……and then the villain strikes*A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven less

It’s the last straw for Simran when the guy who had come home to meet her with the intention of marriage, falls for her younger sister.Going to her mother’s best friend’s home in Mumbai to lick her wounds, she finds it difficult to forget the rejection she’s suffered at her father’s hands, all because she is dark skinned.Nitin returns early from his trip to Sydney and is fascinated with his mother’s young guest right from the moment he sets eyes on her... moreIt’s the last straw for Simran when the guy who had come home to meet her with the intention of marriage, falls for her younger sister.Going to her mother’s best friend’s home in Mumbai to lick her wounds, she finds it difficult to forget the rejection she’s suffered at her father’s hands, all because she is dark skinned.Nitin returns early from his trip to Sydney and is fascinated with his mother’s young guest right from the moment he sets eyes on her.Simran finds it too strange that someone as handsome as Nitin would want to spend time with her unattractive self and tries her best to keep him at arm’s length.Only, Nitin won’t listen as he pursues her relentlessly.Will Simran ever be able to come out of her shell to see how much Nitin loves her? Or will she continue to wallow in self-pity? *A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven less

Ritu simply hates the idea of an arranged match while her parents insist that she go home to Pushkar to meet the prospective groom they have chosen for her.Yash is equally reluctant to marry a woman that his parents have chosen for him. But his mother simply refuses to listen to his arguments, citing the reason that he is already past thirty and it was time that he settled down with a wife... moreRitu simply hates the idea of an arranged match while her parents insist that she go home to Pushkar to meet the prospective groom they have chosen for her.Yash is equally reluctant to marry a woman that his parents have chosen for him. But his mother simply refuses to listen to his arguments, citing the reason that he is already past thirty and it was time that he settled down with a wife. With great reluctance, they go to the Mumbai airport to catch a flight to Jaipur—Yash to his home there and Ritu to take a connecting bus to Pushkar. A powerful attraction sizzles between the two the moment they literally bang their heads. The two become inseparable over the next twenty-four hours. But what about the arranged match that was awaiting each of them in turn at the end of their journey? How were they going to escape their prospective life partners?*A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven less

Krish and Nikita hit it off from the moment they set eyes on each other and soon become the best of friends. Everything seems perfect……until Krish offers for Nikita’s hand in marriage via his parents.Too shocked and angry by the unexpectedness of it, Nikita chucks Krish out of her life and tries to lead her life like before.Only her parents seem to think that she has to get married ASAP as they keep pushing suitable grooms under her nose... moreKrish and Nikita hit it off from the moment they set eyes on each other and soon become the best of friends. Everything seems perfect……until Krish offers for Nikita’s hand in marriage via his parents.Too shocked and angry by the unexpectedness of it, Nikita chucks Krish out of her life and tries to lead her life like before.Only her parents seem to think that she has to get married ASAP as they keep pushing suitable grooms under her nose.Thoroughly frustrated and unable to stop them, Nikita comes up with a plan to tie the knot with Krish, hoping to revive their friendship. And to her surprise, Krish immediately agrees to it too.But it looks like her plan is set to backfire on her.*A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven less

When Shweta receives an irrefutable offer from a TV production house to participate in the reality show Shweta ka Swayamvar, she’s not as excited as she should be. And there’s a reason for it. Adi is attracted to Shweta the moment he sets eyes on the fashion model cum TV actress. But he just doesn’t get an opportunity to woo her as he rushes off to the US for his father’s heart surgery... moreWhen Shweta receives an irrefutable offer from a TV production house to participate in the reality show Shweta ka Swayamvar, she’s not as excited as she should be. And there’s a reason for it. Adi is attracted to Shweta the moment he sets eyes on the fashion model cum TV actress. But he just doesn’t get an opportunity to woo her as he rushes off to the US for his father’s heart surgery. Disappointed at not meeting Adi or knowing of a way to contact him, Shweta signs up for the show, unaware of the surprise that awaits her when the shooting begins… Are the two of them—Adi and Shweta—meant for each other or will fate keep throwing hurdles in their path? Read the full story to know more. *A shorter version of this story was published before in the anthology Matches Made in Heaven less

Shyam Hariharan is deeply attracted to her, the moment he sets eyes on Aisha Mahajan at a party. It takes the history professor but a couple of hours in her company before he falls headlong for the scion of the Mahajan dynasty. But Aisha has had some bad experiences with men during her young life, her Pappa going to her rescue each time. It has made her rather cynical about men. Though recently, after meeting Shyam, she seems to crave his company, more and more... moreShyam Hariharan is deeply attracted to her, the moment he sets eyes on Aisha Mahajan at a party. It takes the history professor but a couple of hours in her company before he falls headlong for the scion of the Mahajan dynasty. But Aisha has had some bad experiences with men during her young life, her Pappa going to her rescue each time. It has made her rather cynical about men. Though recently, after meeting Shyam, she seems to crave his company, more and more. Could she trust him? And more than that, being Pappa’s Girl, Aisha wants her father to respect the man in her life. Will Shyam fit the bill? *A shorter version of this story has been published in the anthology called Matches Made in Heaven. less

Ahana is not exactly sure of her feelings when the nerdy Sadashiv Prasad lands up at her dating agency, seeking membership. While on the one hand she’s amused at his audacity, his fanatical obsession with finding the ‘ideal’ mate has Ahana climbing up the wall.When all efforts to find him a date fail miserably Ahana offers to go on a date with him. As expected, the event is a disaster... moreAhana is not exactly sure of her feelings when the nerdy Sadashiv Prasad lands up at her dating agency, seeking membership. While on the one hand she’s amused at his audacity, his fanatical obsession with finding the ‘ideal’ mate has Ahana climbing up the wall.When all efforts to find him a date fail miserably Ahana offers to go on a date with him. As expected, the event is a disaster. Luckily for her the winds of love are blowing in her direction as she unexpectedly falls in love with Sahil Pradhan. Ideally, Ahana’s life should run smoothly from now on. Alas, no! Sadashiv Prasad re-surfaces in her life and what’s even worse, Sahil and Sadashiv seem to know each other. What a tangle!Will Ahana find happiness with Sahil or is her love doomed forever?*A shorter version of this story has been published in the anthology called Matches Made in Heaven. less

Rahat is a new entrant on the NYC campus. She’s charming, cute and vivacious. Sid doesn’t know what’s hit him. For the first time in his life a girl has been able to distract him from his soccer game.They meet; they talk and fall crazily in love. All good so far! And then suddenly obstacles loom large in their lives. Sid is having weird nightmares. He keeps on calling out to a girl called Meenu. Rahat is convinced Meenu is his ex-girlfriend... moreRahat is a new entrant on the NYC campus. She’s charming, cute and vivacious. Sid doesn’t know what’s hit him. For the first time in his life a girl has been able to distract him from his soccer game.They meet; they talk and fall crazily in love. All good so far! And then suddenly obstacles loom large in their lives. Sid is having weird nightmares. He keeps on calling out to a girl called Meenu. Rahat is convinced Meenu is his ex-girlfriend. Sid works hard to convince her there is no ex-factor in his life. But Sid’s dreams are creating havoc in their lives. In these dreams Sid speaks with a strange accent and recollects incidents, people and locations with a clarity which disturbs Rahat tremendously.Rahat insists they see a psychiatrist as she feels Sid suffers from a mental illness.Will Dr Parker be able to help the young couple find peace?*A shorter version of this story has been published in my anthology called Matches Made in Heaven less