Romantic Shorts Series by Sundari Venkatraman

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

Pavitra is young, good-looking and unbelievably sexy. She’s also divorced and a single parent to a two-year old. Though she’s totally averse to the idea of a relationship, one day she connects with Abhishek through Reema’s Matchmakers—a popular haunt for singles wanting to mingle. Except Abhishek and Pavitra have sworn to themselves that they plan on staying single, free and uncommitted. Abhishek—who has women swooning over him—simply drops by to help his cousin Reema get the party going... morePavitra is young, good-looking and unbelievably sexy. She’s also divorced and a single parent to a two-year old. Though she’s totally averse to the idea of a relationship, one day she connects with Abhishek through Reema’s Matchmakers—a popular haunt for singles wanting to mingle. Except Abhishek and Pavitra have sworn to themselves that they plan on staying single, free and uncommitted. Abhishek—who has women swooning over him—simply drops by to help his cousin Reema get the party going. But then Cupid strikes unexpectedly leaving both of them joyful yet confused and vulnerable. To construct barriers is so much more comforting than opening oneself to love… Will they take the risk, grab a second chance and get married again? *A brief version of this story has been published in the collection Matches Made in Heaven less

Bhaskar AKA Boss is in his final year at college when Reema steps into his life as a first-year student. The college hero who has women chasing him 24x7 falls for this gorgeous beauty at first sight, but he’s unable to gather up his guts and vocalise his feelings. Something about her reduces him to an awkward tongue-tied teenager. While Reema is also deeply attracted to Bhaskar, an innate shyness makes her stay aloof and distant... moreBhaskar AKA Boss is in his final year at college when Reema steps into his life as a first-year student. The college hero who has women chasing him 24x7 falls for this gorgeous beauty at first sight, but he’s unable to gather up his guts and vocalise his feelings. Something about her reduces him to an awkward tongue-tied teenager. While Reema is also deeply attracted to Bhaskar, an innate shyness makes her stay aloof and distant. Six years later, Bhaskar re-enters Reema’s life at one of her matchmaking network’s parties. This time he’s determined to explore the vibes he believes they share. Lady Luck showers her blessings and once again both of them are head over heels in love. This time round, will the matchmaker realise her dream of getting together with the only man she has ever loved? less

Tall, dark, and handsome, Kedar runs a successful start-up which is growing by leaps and bounds.The beautiful and intelligent Aditi needs a job urgently after being made redundant by the MNC she had been working for.Kedar finds her tailor-made for the position of his second-in-command in his company. It’s not long before their mutual attraction and respect for each other culminates into love; and marriage... moreTall, dark, and handsome, Kedar runs a successful start-up which is growing by leaps and bounds.The beautiful and intelligent Aditi needs a job urgently after being made redundant by the MNC she had been working for.Kedar finds her tailor-made for the position of his second-in-command in his company. It’s not long before their mutual attraction and respect for each other culminates into love; and marriage. Twenty years later, the couple is shaken when they are faced with the biggest fear of anyone's life when Aditi is diagnosed with breast cancer. Will their relationship survive these turbulent times? less