"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."- Toni Morrison.

I would say this was the exact sentiment that began this journey called Expectedly Unexpected. Three years ago, I was frantically browsing through the pages of India Forums for a love-child tale on Samaina, for I was desperate to read something on those lines. There were only a handful of authors at that time on the portal, and I had never heard of Wattpad at that point. Needless to say, my search met with a dead end. I was disappointed, and on the spur of the moment decided maybe I should write a short story on that concept myself. I acted on that impulse and started crafting a story in my mind.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, it started falling together. Sameer and Naina had to have a child out of wedlock, but for that they needed to get physical with each other. That was a topic of contention for me, as personally, I was not comfortable with writing about physical intimacy, and also it deviated from the innocent love shown in the serial that had so drawn me towards it. But I steeled myself, and started scribbling anyways. Of course Sameer had to be an arrogant jerk, with huge issues so he wouldn't realize his love for Naina and keep pushing her away, and Naina would be smitten by him which would force her to give-in to her feelings. I realized the protagonists needed plenty of personal time with each other, which would not have been possible in Ahemdabad with their family and friends around. That was the reason I moved them to a college in Mumbai, leaving even our beloved Mundit and Preeti-Swati gang behind. Shefali was a character I personally admired and wanted to see more of, rather than her jilted story we saw in the show, and hence I brought her in for a pivotal role. Moreover, even in the show, she was the one Naina had been able to open up to easily and seek advice on her love life.

Again, it was my wish to see more interactions between a jealous Sameer and Tibrewal, which is why I brought him along to their college. The idea for Meghnaa had come to me during Sameer's redemption after bet in the show- what if the ex-girlfriend Sameer was bragging about in Mt. Abu suddenly appeared in Ahemdabad and flung her arms around him, maybe that would make Naina jealous and she would realize she still harboured feelings for him. I played around with the idea, but never got around to writing an OS on it. And suddenly EU seemed the perfect opportunity to include Meghnaa's character. 

I wrote the first few chapters and snippets of the later chapters in a single day, as if words were pouring directly from my heart. I don't remember sitting down to think much as well. EU was meant to be a short story, something that would be finished in at max. ten small updates. But the love and support I received for the story was seriously unprecedented and unexpected. Slowly, I started assimilating feedback from you wonderful readers and expanded on the backbone of the story I'd written. I introduced new characters like Arvind and Noopur and tried my best to maintain the suspense without the readers losing interest.

I admit I have failed on many fronts- the prolonged separation (which wasn't in the initial plan); the feeling of sadness which plagued many readers, some of whom even decided to take a break from the story; some dialogues that came out all wrong and caused misconceptions; and probably the hits and misses (yes, they bothered me on the show too, so I was ashamed to be doing the same thing to my readers).

All in all, the story was based on the fact that a lack of communication can create major issues. If you have feelings for someone, get it clear right then and there. Yes, in the worst case scenario, you'll face rejection, but as someone a little older than many of my readers, understand that it is better to have a clear rejection than a vague, hanging acceptance. We all deserve to be accepted and loved the way we are, not as a back-up option. And while it is important to bow down to the ones we love, it is equally important to maintain our self-respect and dignity.

Another point that I tried to emphasize with my story was that addiction isn't the solution for our problems. While these things may provide an easy escape, it is, but a brief respite. Many lives have been ruined because of addictions- be it alcohol or smoking or drugs. So please, say 'No to Drugs' and be responsible if and when you drink and smoke, and try to lead a healthy life.

Now had Sameer spoken to Naina calmly instead of in anger, they might never have separated, which brings me to my next point- Anger management is important.

Remember how in the Epilogue Sameer and Naina could laugh and joke about the worst phase of their life? This happens more often than we think. Things which seem the end of the world at this point, might seem silly ten years later. This tale ended on a happy note. Some of you might argue that in real life, things do not sort themselves out so easily. Sometimes they do, but some times they don't. And that is why we escape into the world of fiction- to get a breather from the reality we face- something that brings a smile upon our face even during tough times.

So lastly, no matter how tough the going gets, please do not give up hope. Trust me, we may all be battling issues and feel incredibly despondent at times. But let's be kind and help each other up when needed. Thank you to all those who showed their concern to me, and were patient as I struggle through the worst time of my life. Sometimes pain alters you as a person, but even then we must learn how to live with the pain. As I preach all this, remember it is the toughest thing for me to do at this point in my life.

All in all, Expectedly Unexpected was a tale of two imperfect individuals, who committed mistakes in their life, but as they aged, experience and circumstances made them wiser, kinder and more grounded. The story tried to unravel different facets of human emotions and I tried to portray all my characters in shades of gray, rather than completely black or white, for this is what I firmly believe people are like in real life.

As I wind up this story, I'm immersed with a feeling of nostalgia and awe. A few months ago, I reread the whole story myself to get me back in the groove of writing, of Samaina and to remind me of things I might have forgotten. I found it hard to believe it was me who had written it- all those sequences that came to my mind and fit as the missing pieces of a puzzle- these 400 odd pages of prose written by me still leaves me stunned.

But most of all what intrigues me is the love this story and the Samaina of EU have garnered. I got requests to reunite Samaina, people complaining of being in a sad mood all day or crying after a morose update. All those sequence requests for the story and the Epilogue, the way you incredible readers waited till the wee hours of the morning for my updates, and were patient with me despite the inexcusable delays, and provided me with much cherished feedback- all of this still feels like a dream.

In all honesty, it was never expected and is truly humbling. For the first, and maybe the last time in my life, I felt what it must be like to be a mini-celebrity, to have fans and supporters waiting for your updates, wanting to connect with you. Thank you for this incredible feeling. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm deeply humbled by the love all of you have shown me. And pardon my poor sense of humor, the song main tera haaye re jabra, hoye re jabra fan ho gaya plays in my mind everytime I hear and write the word fan.

This fascinating journey hasn't been mine alone. There are a few names I would like to take- the people who helped me out with my writer's blocks, when I was literally pulling at my hair in frustration. Thank you my beloved sounding boards: @love_meenu (Meenakshi Sharma), and Pooja (Priyanka Samanta), for helping my Sameer and Naina out of trenches and back into the story innumerable times. I know I couldn't include some of the sequences you'd requested, but I promise to include them in some new story (hopefully, I'll get around to writing it).

Thank you Mayura @sixteenagain. I really admire you as a writer as well as a person. I wish I was half as good a writer as you are, and I always waited with bated breaths for your feedback on every update.

@Tashu (Aaisha Madan)- Thank you for being the lovely person you are. You've been there for me on the personal front as well as supported me in my writing. I remember falling in love with Suhana Safar and wanted a Season 2 of our show to be based on your story. Not to mention the fact I actually forced you to read EU, and then waited all jittery for your feedback on the story.

A special note of thanks to Humera, for always fighting for me and my story, and for being my indisputable fan. :D

Ashita Sharma (@doorashi)- Thank you Ashi, for without you, I wouldn't have been introduced to the wondrous world of Wattpad and got to know you and many other fascinating readers. Be the genteel and kind soul you are always. I feel so positive and light after talking to you.

Gurpahal, Shreeti, Priyanka, Muskan Surana, TereliyeMinu, Priyanka (@jhalliladkii), Dikshaa1408, Prernadubey4, Minu, Sujz, NidhiKP, Srii11, Adiba, Ifra, Palak, KirtiSetty, Surbhi, Heena Kulsum, Jyoti (@solemnly sarcastic), Jyoti Nazak, djpanl, sweta2005, DJVJ, RRao_13, Riz_1987, Sakshi, Khwaish, shallu_130, Hema, Suhani, akasonker, Dreamytales123, namafrin, Seema Srivastava, Dharapriya, Akasonker, Hema, Trupti190, Mohini, Anjali_J33 (Pandit's wife in the story :P), Sakina, Ashifan1011, prizi, Revati, Ashifan1011, Mdissan, PratibhaBharti, the Little Morpheus (Rashi), Aakriti, HeenaKulsum, Labhya, Toshi Belekar, Palak1501, Ria, Alexa848696, Parul, NeeSaj79, Anjana, Pooja, ShraddhaThakrar, tanvimorye2, Tellurium_Again, Euphoric_18, TanVi, tanvi_morye, Sakshi Prerana Shinkar, AnjaliRana, Kajal84, Khyati, Psr1403 (Pratyusha), fad_mugs, Shalooran, fallingasteroid, old_school_fanatic, juhii890, RananculusFlower, Manshita2335, Shivu-930901, Princessmohana, palakmodi2004, divyahanda1, Priya210, -wandering-, -pearlyclouds, ashwjen, ShwetaVohera, Khushi, Bhawna, ParulAgarwal8, aakritisinghh02, Anjana, Vandieeg, Apurva, pikumack, paridhi280, MiniMini268, Rishika, Mehak, Prachi, HerbertLamp, Sonia, Samaina9, dramaticaurora, renidh, RaniNair0, glooow994, SibaniMishra8, Khushi, Veena, Pooja, Archie, Satpriya, Hema, Shelly Nair, Shweta Vohera, monsoonbloom_zain, fiercefairybush, Suparna13, and many more of my readers- thank you guys from the core of my heart.

I would have left out many names here by mistake (sometimes the usernames confuse me)- forgive me, but please do know that each and every one of my readers is dear to my heart. Thank you for sticking with me and the story despite my abominably sluggish pace.

To all my new readers, welcome to the story. I hope it resonates with you and is able to touch your heart.

A special note of thanks to a few gentlemen as well- AsishAtmakuri, Rohit, Pravesh and some other readers whose names I may not know. Being a woman, I might have faltered in places while trying to depict Sameer's emotions. Your opinions and feedback were invaluable and were highly regarded.

Anshika, dear girl- I had the honor of interacting with you over messages because of EU, and I was overwhelmed with the love you had for the story. I remember you made Rahul read it too. I used to have this stupid grin on my face and appreciation for your witty writing as I read 'My Brother's best friend.' I still look back on those conversations we had, the exchange of our love stories, and it is hard to believe you are no longer here. But I hope wherever you are, you enjoyed the end of this story as you were always waiting for Samaina's reunion and the unwrapping of all twists. Rest in Peace you two beautiful souls.

Priyanka @Jhalliladkii. I know I promised you an update for your birthday last year. I'm sorry I couldn't do it you know why. Please take this Epilogue as your birthday present for this year.

It was my dream to finish this story earlier this year, and rewrite an edited, completely English version and then give it to my father to read. He kept asking me about the story I was writing and wanted to be my sounding board, but I was embarrassed to share the story as it was with all the steamy scenes included. But it wasn't meant to be and this is one of the regrets that will stay with me till the end of my time. Still, I would never have been here had it not been for the support and encouragement of my family- my father and mother, from whom I get the genes that made me an avid reader and writer as well as gave me a flair for art and science; my sister (an excellent editor and critic of my work, if only I could get her hooked to our show); and my husband (I really did pressure him for ideas at times). If there wasn't any encouragement from my family, my writing would never have seen the light of the day.