The Haunted Fortress of Bhangarh: Book 1

Behind the scenes

As I type the closing remarks in the last chapter of this book, I can't believe it's actually done. Over three years of relentless efforts, plotting the chapters, writing the drafts, editing, proofreading, re-editing, and again proofreading led to the creation of this story. It's very close to my heart and is like a baby to me, but I am just in awe of all those readers who stuck to the story despite the inconsistent update schedule.

As volume 1 of the FORTRESS series draws to an end, I want feedback from all my readers regarding this book. Drop a comment or write to my board—whichever way you prefer, but do let me know your views and opinions on how the book fared. Don't forget to point out errors or inconsistencies in plot/grammar.

I can't wait to begin writing the second volume of this series where all these characters return. It's going to be darker, shadier, grittier, more sinister, and highly adventurous. With the central focus on Rudra and Ishita, the next plot delves deeper into the lives of Rishabh, Sudha, Ayush, and Nidhi.

Having said that, it's going to take me some time to chalk out the finer details and begin publishing. I am targeting February/March 2025. I do understand the concerns about the length of time, but I will need at least six months to plan it well.

Until then, keep Rudra and Ishita in your thoughts, folks. They need a lot of positivity sent their way to deal with the upcoming string of upheavals. Like... a lot.

I do have a few story-specific questions for my readers, and I hope even silent readers will take the chance to express themselves.

1. Who was your favourite character in the book? (P.S. I think I know the answer already!)

2. Who do you think earns the Villain of the Year award?

3. What do you think happened to Chitra?

4. What do you think happened to Kalavati?

5. Do you think Ishita realizes what Rudra feels for her?

6. Where do you think Ishita got her powers from?

6. Finally, and the most important question is, how do you think Dr. Kashyap is going to play a significant role in the story?

Also, I need honest feedback on one more thing. Do you think the story got boring at certain points or could have been packed better? I will try to improve with the second volume. And if you felt the story was monotonous at places, please do point out which parts were that way so I won't make the same mistakes twice.

I am so very excited. I can't keep calm. I am jumping up and down because of the immense love shown for this book. What started as an outlet for the fascination I have for Bhangarh became this intricate story very close to my heart. What started as a means to not be bored during lockdown became these characters who are as dear to me as my friends, family, and readers. I am thankful, gratified, and very appreciative of your patience towards the extent of my mood swings. Thank you again, and I hope to see you in the next book too.

You know what? *lowers voice to a conspiratorial whisper and giggles* Here's the sneak peek!

They say nightmares are the delirium of one's hyperactive mind, but Rudra has had a different experience altogether. Dreams and hallucinations can be much more than random imagination, and once he has gotten rid of the horrific and traumatic nightmares he had been plagued with for a long time now, he has no inclination to be in that state of hysteria ever again.

However, when a beheaded man wreaks havoc in his waking and sleeping moments, forcing him to imagine ghastly scenarios, coaxing him into thinking of ways to brutally kill a dear friend, Rudra is certain he has gone senile. But has he?

Mirrors serve the purpose of creating a reflection and showing us a corrected image of ourselves. But when Ayush starts seeing a dead and departed woman—who he was very fond of once upon a time—lurking in the shadows of every mirror he comes across, he is certain mirrors hold a world of their own beyond that thin glass. A world where menacing spirits have the potency to ruin lives.

However, he has a great solution at his service to communicate with the dead and tell the spirit in the mirror that he was in love with her when she was alive. After all, not many get the chance to do so when death claims the other's soul. But should he?

As questions and concerns reenter the lives of Rudra and his friends once again, they find themselves drawn to the dying fortress of Ranthambore in a bid to quell the unnerving ghosts and tame the inner demons of their hearts.

Not to forget, Rudra's newfound feelings for a certain someone might just be all of their undoing, for a vengeful spirit out there is hell-bent on unleashing a realm of terror and fire upon Ishita Verma.

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