So the photograph had been Madhu’s.
Madhu ran her fingers gently over the girl’s face, her hair.
And Reena understood why the picture was worn.
‘She had lovely hair, thick and long. I used to plait it for her in two long braids, and tie it up behind her ears. She always made sure I used matching ribbons.’ Madhu smiled. ‘She sat so still while I oiled it and combed it, no matter how knotty it was, no matter how much it hurt. And I talked to her the whole time. She was my favourite, you know. It was a secret—hers and mine.’ Madhu’s voice broke.
Reena waited until Madhu had composed herself somewhat.
She hated herself for doing so but she had to ask. ‘Did she die?’
Madhu blanched. Years of living in a Catholic household had rubbed off on her and she made the sign of the cross, her puffy, red-rimmed eyes sprouting fresh tears. She spoke so softly that Reena had to strain to hear. ‘No. Thank God, thank Jesus, no.’
* * *
Find out the secrets behind the old photograph in
Monsoon Memories.
OUT NOW.
Find it at:
Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.ca | Amazon.com.au | Amazon.de
Praise for Monsoon Memories:
‘D’Silva weaves a tale so rich and complex in detail and history that I found it quite impossible to put the book down. The characters really came to life for me and I grew attached and invested in them and what was going to happen. The details are rich, vivid and so well described that I truly felt at times that I was there or at least was hearing the story first hand from the main character... from start to finish I loved this book and couldn’t recommend it more.’ 5/5. NovelEscapes.com
‘It mesmerized me with its poignant narration and heart-warming story and kept me hooked until the last page. 9/10. ChickLitClub.com
‘A wonderfully dramatic and poignant debut novel from Renita D’Silva. I was captivated by the characters and their plight. I was intrigued by what deep secret could have torn the family apart... I simply could not put this book down and although I figured out the secret about half way through, I had to know what would happen and if the family could resolve their issues.’ Momssmallvictories.com
‘a really moving and poignant story.’ Novelicious.com
‘Full of gorgeously crafted settings and descriptions, you’ll be pulled into this lush novel. Renita paints the most beautiful images with a few, perfectly chosen words. Monsoon Memories is a book to fall in love with.’ KimTalksBooks.com
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Letter from Renita
Monsoon Memories
The Forgotten Daughter Page 31
