Inconvenient Relations (35 page)

“Wow, really?” She sounded excited. He could imagine her eyes gleaming with delight. Indeed she’d make an awesome witch. “Then shall I start discussions with the Sharmas for their daughter, Renu? She’s supposed to be a really good cook. Or what about the Roshans? Their younger girl, Sush, is apparently very skilled in needlework.”

“Ma...are you getting married or am I?” He barked into the phone.

“
Beta
, listen...I...” she wailed.

He retorted sternly. “I’m willing to listen to you but on only one condition. I’ll choose my future wife entirely on my own!”

Acknowledgements

E
ven though
Inconvenient Relations
is a work of fiction, it would not have come about without the involvement and encouragement of many.

My mother for her unerring belief in my abilities and my daughter who has come to share a similar fondness for writing.

Anica Mcfarlane and Marsha Sanders who took on the ordeal of reading the initial manuscript and Kelley Moulds for going over the proof with a fresh pair of eyes. Their contribution which lasted throughout the entire process and beyond has been invaluable.

Pooja Nagpal, Ramani Bhoothalingam, Vatsalya Gunjan, Kashish Agarwal, Sonali Dhir and countless other wonderful people whose support and companionship has made this entire journey a lot more meaningful and worthwhile.

And finally, I want to thank my editor, Brittiany Koren. Finding her was a stroke of luck for she’s a lot more than what she claims to be; she’s a
writer’s dream.

About the Author

S
imi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several years. The inspiration for her stories come from her own experiences and what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community. She also writes poetry, is an avid photographer, loves to travel, and is a practicing physician. She lives in Denver with her family. Her next novel,
The Accidental Wife,
is forthcoming in 2015.

You can connect with the author and read more of her work on her website at www.simikrao.com.

Follow on twitter @simikrao and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simikrao.