‘Giving up is not an option when someone calls you mother.’

Abhay, still struggling with the grief of losing his wife, is unable to cope with his job and the care of his toddler son. So, when the mysterious Sheetal enters his life, applying for the job of looking after Ayush, he is thrilled.

All Sheetal has ever wanted, even as a child, is to be a mother. Circumstances mean that she might never be one. The almost instant bond between her and the young boy is balm to her soul and like a godsend to Abhay.

Still, something about Sheetal nags at him. She seems perfect, but why is she so reluctant to show him her identity card? What is she hiding?

What happens when Abhay finally discovers her secret? Does he stand by her side, or abandon her, as everyone before him has done? And what is the gift that she gives him, a gift that will change his life?

In An Unexpected Gift, bestselling writer Ajay K Pandey brings to us an emotionally resonant story that questions everything we believe about friendship, love and motherhood.

Is it a happy ending for Ajay this time around?

Ajay has lost his wife and is deep in depression. No amount of medication or therapy seems to help him as he struggles with his grief. He has only one wish—he wants to immortalize his wife.

Then, he meets Anisha, who is shocked at Ajay’s hatred towards God. How can a person hate God? Where would that hatred lead him? Anisha is ready to judge Ajay harshly, when a simple, caring and guileless gesture changes her perception of him.

So begins the journey of two people who are poles apart. A journey which will change their outlook towards life.

A bittersweet tale, told very simply, by a man who lost everything, except his ability to find humour in the world. This is the story of Ajay who finds a second lease of life. What helps him? A friend? Or the love that he finds again?

Bestselling author Ajay Pandey takes you on another emotional rollercoaster with his scintillating new book that will reaffirm your faith in life.

'My Black Shirt’ is an extract from the forthcoming novel The Unexpected Gift, from bestselling author Ajay K Pandey.

In this compelling, insightful chapter, Abhay finally gets a chance to live out his dream of acting in a film. He has always wanted to be called a ‘hero’. What happens when he sees the reality of the acting world? And what does he take from the experience?