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American Born Indian - Part 10

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I've just realised how inconvenient it is to give release dates. Or even some time period of release. Because the antsy me will put up those chapters like 5 minutes after giving a date. Fortunately I held back for a day or two, but I just can't wait. Yes, the end is here, the last few chapters to a story you guys have given love. Hopefully it's a novel later this year. So now I say goodbye to American Born Indian, but not without a quick foreshadow of these chapters: the aftermath of Nani's attack leads Jay to questions about his father and his identity, which transcends into Aravind's joyous birthday celebrations. Chapter 42 Turning Time Around As soon as we enter the reception, I ask the lady there to call my mom. She definitely has questions, but I can’t explain, so she reluctantly dials the number into the telephone and hands me the receiver. Three rings, and Mom picks up. “Jay.” She sounds so tired. “Mom. Where are you?” I ask. “At the hospital. Don’t worry. It...
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American Born Indian - Part 9

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The penultimate chapters have arrived! Here is part 9 of  American Born Indian. Love is in the air on Valentines’ Day, Jay prepares a special gift for Aravind while someone sends Ruchi a mystery love poem. Dive right in! Chapter 38 Paper Planes It’s now a few days before the fourteenth of February—Valentine’s Day. Nobody here exactly  celebrates  it—students start preparing for the finals during this time. But it’s not like a few people don’t have plans. Currently, it’s chemistry class. We’re supposed to be doing a worksheet on balancing equations as Madhura Ma’am grades our notebooks. In reality, though, my classmates are goofing off and have totally forgotten about it. The shifting atmosphere is unnoticed, until someone flings a paper plane and hits our class cupboard, next to Ma’am.  “Hello! What is this, rocket science? Who threw this?” She yells. Funny enough, no one answers. No one tells on anyone, either. We all saw the paper plane—but not the person who set i...
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American Born Indian - Part 8

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Hey guys! Back again with another part (and now we have two more left to go!). After quite a long break of real life work, writer’s block and trying to find readers , I present the eighth part of American Born Indian. Ruchi’s fourteenth birthday takes a somber turn with devastating news about her family’s bookstore. Read on to find out what happens next! Chapter 33 Golden Birthday I rap my knuckles on the Singhs’ oak-panelled door. Chanchal Aunty opens it and smiles at me. “Good morning, Jay! You’re here early.”  I hold up a gift bag. “This is for Ruchi.” “Arey, beta—“ “Aunty, I wanted to surprise her. I know the party’s in the evening, but I just couldn’t wait.” She pats my cheek. “Such a sweet boy. Ruchi, Jay  aa gaya!” Ruchi comes barreling down the hall and skids to a stop in front of the door. She’s wearing a brand-new T-shirt featuring OneRepublic’s latest tour. “Jay!” I give her a big hug. “Happy birthday!” She squeezes back. “Thanks!” Looking at the gift bag in my hand...
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