
“Can I share your book as my WhatsApp status Amma?”
Laddu’s voice carries from the family room where she is to the study where I am engrossed in My Dearest a sageuk saga that has me riveted.
“Sure!” I say not quite comprehending what she asked.
An hour later as I flip through my phone, I notice new status messages on WhatsApp and give out an audible gasp when I see this.

I rush out to hug this child and proclaim her to be my super fan. As I log off my laptop well past midnight, I check my phone before I go to bed and see two long messages from Saathi. One a meticulous compilation of questions about my book he is currently reading and another a sweet message stating how much he is enjoying this fictional tale that weaves in so much of our daily lives.
I wake in the morning to see pictures of people holding a physical copy of my book and saying it is their weekend read. I lie in bed lingering on these moments that make me feel loved, seen and, celebrated.
Putting work out in this world is a vulnerable act. One that opens you up to judgement and scrutiny. Knowing that flawed as it is, my book is a labor of love, these messages mean a whole lot. Letting go of the book means I am now free to work on the next story bubbling in my head.
I have no idea if this book will go further than the thirty odd copies sold so far but I am grateful for every single one of you who has supported me online and in real life. It means much more than I can ever vocalize.
Saranghae.
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