Signing of 'The One You Cannot Have.'

'Preeti, the books have arrived. Around 3000 copies will reach your home at 5.30 pm. It's a request--could you please sign 1500 copies by tomorrow morning? Because they have to be dispatched to places all across India.'

This was the regional manager of Westland speaking to me, on Monday afternoon.

I was flabbergasted. How in the world would I be able to sign 1500 copies by next morning?
It was excessive pressure on me. It seemed like an inexecutable task.
I told him that I will do as many as is humanly possible.

The boxes arrived. There were about 50 of them.


I called up Satish at work and told him my predicament.

"Don't worry. You can do it. I will come and help you,' he said.

He was true to his word. He came early from work to help me unpack the boxes.

"How will I sign so many by tomorrow morning?" I asked, still skeptical.
"If it has to be done, it has to be done. Just think, so many people are waiting to read this. Let's just do it," he said.
We cleared  six seater rectangular dining table .
This is how it looked before we began.



Then Satish started piling up the books in neat piles of 15 books,stacked on top of each other.


I began signing.

And signing

And signing.

It was back-breaking work. After a while my hands hurt, my neck hurt and my vision started blurring.
I took a short break.

 Each time I felt down and out, and felt that i could not go on any more, I recalled a post that I had written-- "Why i sign my books with love." 
(Do read it)


Satish was with me for a huge part of it. As soon as I finished signing he would pack them away and say something encouraging. He was my strength. I  don't think I could have done it without him.

This is what he said on facebook:






By 10.30 PM, I began running a fever. I took a Combiflam and I continued signing. I had given my word that I would complete it.


By 1.00 AM, I asked Satish to go and sleep. The next day was a working day. He left reluctantly.

By  1.30 am, I positively wanted to curl up and go to sleep and never wake up.

I think my dog realised what I was feeling. She kept me company through out.
She put her head on my arms. She could sense my emotions. She knew I was down.



I signed till 2.45 am and then I went out like a light--utterly exhausted.
I had finished about 18 boxes.

I woke up in the morning at 5..45 am.  And began signing again.

 By 11.30 am, I had signed the required number. They were promptly picked up by Westland.

I woke up this morning at 4.45 am. There were still 1500 more copies to be signed. This was my view.


 I continued signing upto about 11.00 am, this morning, and now I am finally done, signing the pre-orders.

 My hands are numb, my neck hurts, my whole body is sore and I am still running a fever.


It is such a mixed feeling--triumph, happiness, pain, exhaustion, a sense of achievement and awe of how much the human spirit is really capable of achieving, even when the odds are against you.

A big thanks to all of you who pre-ordered early. You shall be getting your signed copies soon.

Signed with a lot of care and love.
From my home to yours.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the  book.

With love
Preeti

____________________________________________________________________



Get  TOUCH!  (The One You Cannot Have) :)

Crossword: http://is.gd/Touchcrossword
Flipkart: http://is.gd/TouchFlipkart
Landmark: http://is.gd/TouchLandmark
Infibeam: http://is.gd/TouchInfibeam

Uread: http://is.gd/TouchUread (Uread ships internationally too)



Comments

  1. Eagerly waiting for mine..thanks for your care,concern & hardwork Preeti ..:-)

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  2. You are such a powerful person ma'am! So much dedication and commitment towards your readers is so endearing. Thanks a lot :) I am eagerly waiting to have my pre-ordered copy of the the one you cannot have!
    Thanks to Satish Sir and your dog as well in supporting you in completing the mammoth task. Rest well :)

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    1. Thanks a lot Umesh--Hope you like the book! :) I did rest. I am not 'powerful' at all :) I am just determined :)

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    2. just so excited to read the book.....and a signed copy is like icing on the cake...
      your really rock...as you do so much for your readers...love you.

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    3. Thanks Rani! :) I am lucky to have readers like you :)

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  3. You are really amazing Preeti! This is another reason why you are one of my favorite authors. Thanks to your love for your fans, you gave up everything so that you could sign the books in time for them to be sent to those who had pre-ordered them. I know for sure everyone is going to really appreciate you for that! Way to go Preeti. Get well soon and hope you can catch up on your sleep!!!!! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Prathima! Really appreciate your wishes.

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  4. *respect*

    Eagerly waiting for my copy :)

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  5. Kudos!! Loved your dedication. Eagerly waiting to smell the book and complete it in a single stretch. Preeti mam, you always inspire me with your most powerful weapon of words. Thanks a lot !!

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    1. Thank you! waiting for a review once you read :)

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  6. When we have to sign 15 to 20 times for a bank document we lose our patience and you sign 3000 copies of pre order every time..hats off..that's the reason why your fans love you..good luck for your new book. I hope it will TOUCH people as it always does..

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    1. I too lost patience and felt discourages--but it just *had* to be done--so i kept going. thanks! Hope you like the book.

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  7. WAY TO GO! SO proud of you! Lots of hugs to you, Satish and Lostris!

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    1. Thanks Shachi! waiting for you to read it :)

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  8. Great... God Bless in you en devour...

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  9. WOW!! Iam soooo touched reading this... your will, your husband's love and support, your dog's commitment.. I am impressed beyond words... :)

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    1. Thanks a lot :) Oh--we have our share of fights too :) But he is my best friend--as is my Lostris. And this was one time I would have collapsed without their support.

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  10. lots n lots of respect n a big salute to u mam.......u took so much of pain for dis....its amazing now I m desperately waiting for my pre ordered book.....thanx alot....love u

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    1. Thank you Ananya. much love to you too :)

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  12. Oh my God ! it' so touching ! no words are enough to appreciate your will and sense of commitment !! I am feeling bad already.. for having pre-ordered a copy like always.. somehow put you through this ! THANK YOU !! loads of love :)

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    1. Oh no Ipsita! Please don't feel bad! it is a pleasure and a privilege to sign books! If you enjoy the read, help me spread the word :) That will more than suffice! :)

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  13. Congrats Preethi! That is so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing!!

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  14. Anonymous8:26 AM

    You are a realy star Preeti :-)
    I am also waiting eagerly for my signed copy :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the read!

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  15. I can't thank you enough Preeti..Writing the book itself must have deprived you of many things and now,signing the copies.We sincerely appreciate your efforts and big Thank You for loving us so much.The sight of you with the pile of books is making me irresistible , just like a child who cannot wait to have his piece of cake at a birthday party.I will surely enjoy your work..:)

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    1. Thanks Arpitha! Music to my ears :) If you like it, help me spread the word please :)

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    2. WOW..I received a reply(first one ) from you...you made my day...:) I pre-ordered my copy but still I didn't get it...:( I totally loved "Life is what you make it" and "The Secret Wishlist".I like the way you make the female protagonist so strong,I wish I were like that....Very inspiring.By the way,whenever I read your books,I feel like you are sitting next to me and telling me the story personally.Love ya...:)

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  16. preeti, you are truly an epitome of dedication and sincerity. i have a lot to learn from you.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks femina :) Yes, i do believe in old world values :)

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  17. hats off to you ma'am... :)

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    1. :) Thanks Rohit! I was quite proud too that I managed to do it :)

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  18. Mam ur awesome..... it was a touching deed.... thanku mam for ur concern of ur readers.... eagerly waiting for my copy........

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    1. Thanks a lot! :) Hope you enjoy it :)

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  19. i'm happy for 2 reasons 1. I'l be getting d signed copy frm my fav author <3 ^_^ ^_^ 2. I can c my name in a pic posted in blog :D really d blog post was so touching :/ i had tears :') tnq u soooooooo much for d concern Preeti ma'm <3 <3 ^_^

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    1. Awww--thanks Sachin :) I noticed your name in the pic, after you mentioned it :) :)

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  20. Hi Preeti,

    I am very impressed by your sincere effort to make sure that every one gets a personally signed copy !
    I have read all your books and I find it quite down-to-earth in approach.
    Usually I wait till the books arrive at my local library, but seeing this honest post made me rush to Flipkart to get a personally signed pre-order copy...And I got a message that it will be delivered once the books are released...I hope it will be a signed copy of yours..!

    Looking forward to read this book of yours....
    All the Best for all your future writing endeavours !!!!
    Keep Smiling :-)

    Vidya

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    1. Thanks a lot Vidya/ Ashok Gupta ! I do hope you get a signed copy. (They will start sending from date of placing order--those who ordered before 24th October, get a preference for signed copies) Flipkart has started shipping already. Just by some small chance, if you don't get a signed copy, I will gladly sign it for you, when I visit your city.

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    2. Oh ! I checked the status and it says "Will ship once released"....so it reallllllllly looks like my chances of getting your signed copy is bleak ! And I live in the same city as yours, though I'm not sure where exactly you stay....! If I ever get to meet you somewhere, I am going to remind you of my copy to be signed :-)

      Vidya

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  21. Mam TAKE MY BOW!!! im telling it again.. again... n again U R SUI GENERIS....waiting eagerly for your signed copies :)

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  22. Wow, that's true dedication. Thanks for posting this because when I receive my signed copy I'll know how much of hard work went into that signature on the first page and I'll treasure my copy just a bit more :)

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  23. And you found time to let us know that we'll get our author-signed copies soon !!! Thanks a lot, Ma'm :) Its really nice to know how hard you work to bring perfection to all that you do... Touch wood, and lots of hugs for that !! :)

    You know what Ma'm, I was actually very late in ordering my copy of ' The Secret Wishlist'. In fact, I got it only two months back. Yet, I was surprised to see an author-signed copy. I really don't know how, despite my being so late in ordering it, I could get an author-signed copy !! So happy about it !!

    Cheers to the many more books to come !! :)

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    1. Thanks a lot Sreeja! Guess somehow an author signed copy of 'The Secret Wish list' got mixed with other stock and you got that! Hope you enjoy the read!

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  24. Anonymous11:10 AM

    Respect your writing power. Think after every sign that somewhere reades of yours is eagerly waiting for ur signed book



    Then u felt to proud of you and inside a part of you that is you dad.
    From your dad itself you have writing power which sensed me RETURN GIFT OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVING DAD



    I am regular blog of yours.
    From your reading books my life changes very lot.
    May your dad soul rest in 7 sky .I am eagerly waiting for ur next blog as eagerly to read ur next book


    FRM LOVE AND LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE
    ANISHA JAIN

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Anisha. Yes, i do believe it is my dad's blessings!

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  25. Speechless...happy...shocked ....more attached to you after reading the post

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  26. Unbelievable Preeti! I'm speechless. I usually read your posts and move away without commenting. This one I could not. Just one word R.E.S.P.E.C.T!

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    1. I am so glad that you decided to de-lurk and leave me a comment! Thank you! :)

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  27. Like in everything, you do put 100%... Hats off...

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  29. Thanks a lot mam,feeling so inspired from your dedication and lucky for pre-odering. Sure this book will be one of my greatest treasure.

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  30. all d best mam :) eagerly waiting for the signed copy "with love from ur home"
    wit so much pain ,
    wit much dedication
    wit so much love
    awesome u r :)
    saluting u :)

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  31. All the best Preeti. I ordered around 10th Nov at amazon.Not sure If I will get the signed copy.

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  32. You are a ROCK Star!

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  33. That is just amazing Preeti! Like Satish said, I do not know how many folks would have this kind of dedication to their work. Hope you rest well, and get well soon.

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  34. And my doubt got cleared. I came to know the price of an author's signature. You are such a sweet, dedicated, and undoubtedly precious author. I won't let my copy last earlier to me. Thank you ma'm!

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  35. hello ma'm,

    I got your fifth book " The one you cannot have" and with your sign. This is my 2nd book in which i have your sign. You made my day thank you.

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  37. My wife is a a huge fan of yours and we both have read all your prior books. This time I wanted to surprise her with an author signed book and when I handed her the book yesterday she was shell shocked to see that it was signed by one of her favorite authors "Preeti Shenoy"
    Thanks to you :)
    Waiting for her to finish reading (thats the norm, she has to read it first before i can start). :) :)

    Keep up the great job you have been doing :) you are a true inspiration

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  38. I just got my pre-ordered copy from flipkart..can't wait to begin. the cover picture is lovely...i just know that i am going to love this book

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  40. I just received the copy from Flipkart....though I felt that the chances of getting a signed copy is less, I had a teeny meeny bit of hope, but as I had thought, I got an unsigned copy....But then, please do put up information when you will be available in Bangalore for events and I will be sure to bring my book to get your sign :-)

    I look forward to reading your new novel.....!

    Vidya

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  41. So much dedication towards the work... Love U for this ma'm...
    actually U should do what U love.. this is what i feel n even i do the same...
    n now by seeing your dedication i got more strength towards my work,
    Thank you so much ma'm.. U've really being an inspiration for me..

    I do look forward to reading your new novel.. !!

    Take care.. n do keep writing... :)

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  42. Dear Preeti,

    Lots of respect a humble thanks for taking this much efforts to sign the copies.
    But I must say I am the unfortunate one to get the pre-order copy without your lovely autograph on it :(
    I dont know how and why did this happen. I pre-ordered the copy from flipkart on 24th Nov and received it on 18th Dec. I deeply regret not to be amongst those readers for whom u took a lot of pain to sign. I wish one fine day I wud meet you and get my copy sign and click some gud pics..what say? :)

    Love your writing as usual and enjoying the book now :)

    Love
    Snehal

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  43. Only one word 'great'.

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  44. TOUCH was a wonderful read! The characters of Aman, Shruthi and Anjali is brought out very well...I felt sympathy for Shruthi in the end...The climax is depicted in the best possible way and I feel will be an inspiration for the youth who cannot get their loved ones! Definetely a blockbuster movie on the cards :)

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  45. Am very happie whenever i read your books... my favourite book on yours is " life is what you make it"..
    And i just love the title of all your books... "The one You Cannot Have is really awesome.... love always has two ends(Either happy or Sad)... i was very worried when shruthi left aman ..bt, i was very excited when aman decided to marrry anjali... No one had been hurted at last... vry happy ending.. Am looking forward forward for your upcoming books... wish you a great success!!!!!

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  46. Dear Preeti mam,

    First of all i really want appreciate to work and dedication for books.i started reading books so lately..The first book read by me is yours LIFE IS WHAT U MAKE IT..That bipolar disorder problem part really touched me and brought tears in to my eyes..after i read that book i narrated the story to my grandmother..she appreciated ur work and gave the blessings..then i showed ur blog to grandmother..she is loving each and every1 u have done..i take you as my inspiration and jus feeling u lyk my family..

    mam as a request may i call you as akka? and till now i am unable 2get any signed copie of your books..if i get an autograph from you am really so happie nd honoured to get a valuable gift in my lyf..kind request

    regards,
    Padma ramya

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  47. Dear preeti mam,

    First of all i really appreciate your work and dedication for books.i started reading so lately..The first book read by me is LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT the part of bipolar disorder really touch my heart and brought tears in to my eyes..34 bubblegums and candies and secret wish it i read it later..enjoyed and awesome..And the one you cannot have book i bought still i haven't read mam..whenever i read your book i feel it so real that is the greatest part..i narrate your stories to grand mother she was jus amazed by your work you have done thru ur books and i showed ur blog to my grandmother she gave her blessings to you mam.she also became fan of yours..your my inspiration mam.feeling lyk family..waiting for lot more books..
    as fan nd a reader my kind request till now i unable to get ur signed books if u don mine can i get a autograph from you with a msg..if it happens to me i will really feel humbled and happie to get a valuable gift in my lyf ..and my dream came true..

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