BOOK DESCRIPTION

Gisele, an independent and passionate woman, was simply seeking to have a good time with friends at a Hindu wedding in India and to travel to Nepal in search of inner peace and the true meaning of happiness. However, she was unprepared for what lay ahead: to fall in love.

Amidst the vibrant cities of India and the mystical lands of Nepal near the Himalayas, this compelling story, simultaneously heartbreaking, enlightening, funny, and hopeful, illustrates that life presents us with predestined events that shape our destiny forever.

Understanding that nothing in life is coincidental, Gisele chooses to embrace love with an open heart and place her hope in the belief that her ultimate destiny will reveal itself.

“Could India hold the key to unlocking what I eagerly seek to become the best version of myself? Furthermore, was there anything else for me in India?”

“Alvida” means goodbye or farewell in Urdu and Hindi languages. Its origin is Arabic, with “al” being Persian/Arabic, while “vida” is of Sanskrit/Hindi origin.

Throughout the creation of Alvida, I considered the following titles: Nine Thousand Miles Away; Mumbai, Where It All Began; A Magical Journey through India and Nepal, and even simply India. 

When I neared the conclusion of my writing, I realized that saying goodbye to numerous individuals I met and places I had been was one of the most important and emotional aspects of my journey. Consequently, Alvida became the best-fitting title for the book.

Besides, I like the sound of the word; its simplicity, yet with such profound significance.

“Indeed, that firsthand experience served as a powerful reminder of the blessings in my life, fostering a deep sense of gratitude. Additionally, it allowed me to witness and understand the complex challenges faced by those in Dharavi—challenges that I, and perhaps many of us, may never encounter or fully comprehend.

Dharavi is a place so distant from my reality, where men, women, and children persist in their daily struggles yet never lose hope.

The challenging life in Dharavi illuminated my understanding that life can be beautiful with so little.”

“Leaving the Taj Mahal, I could not resist glancing back one last time. My heart swelled with satisfaction at seeing such a magnificent monument constructed on the foundation of true love.”

"I reflected on our conversation thus far, attempting to make sense of everything. I gazed at the foggy night sky, realizing not a single star was visible. However, the Taj Mahal remained discernible in the far distance, prompting me to contemplate how far I was from home."

"At that moment, I found myself utterly enchanted with the Himalayas. They were grand and flawless in every way. Their beauty could only be described as an art of God’s perfection, as only He could create something so perfect!

Seeing the Himalayas made my dream come true. I felt fortunate and blessed, and I thanked God for that moment."

"The Himalayas boast over one hundred mountains, each varying in shape and size. The ten tallest mountains in the world belong to the Himalayan range, which spans over 1,500 miles. Crossing through five countries—Nepal, India, Tibet (China), Pakistan, and Bhutan—the Himalayas stand as a magnificent and awe-inspiring natural wonder."

From the day I began writing the book, I found myself unable to stop. The entire process spanned over a year, encompassing the time to transcribe the book from what I had already penned on my blog throughout my journey and to continue creating the story from that point. Additionally, I spent four months editing and proofreading the manuscript, and over two months were simultaneously dedicated to the final editing and design of the cover page. 

Utilizing an application called Atticus for drafting and formatting the book interior significantly expedited the process, saving me a lot of time.

Though exhausting, the endeavor was also stimulating, particularly as I discovered a newfound passion: writing. It served as a therapy, providing a shelter to concentrate on my thoughts and creativity, enabling me to encapsulate all my experiences into a narrative I hope many will enjoy as much as I did while writing it. 

As I firmly believe God orchestrates my life, I perceived signs from Him urging me to continue writing my story, which is why I found myself unable to stop. 

The results of my efforts and dedication are now captured in Alvida's two hundred and fifteen pages, written with love and hard work.

Number of times I cried: six times were written in the book.

Number of times I packed: fourteen times.

Number of flights taken: ten.

My favorite places: the Himalayas in Nepal and the Taj Mahal in India.

Most intriguing place: the cremation center of Pashupatinath.

My favorite dish: the butter prawns curry in New Delhi.

The happiest time: it is in Chapter Seventeen.

The saddest time: it is in Chapter Eighteen.

My favorite Chapter: Ten.

Time for editing the book: four months.

Times I read the manuscript: dozens.

Time to finish the cover: two and a half months.

Weight gained: several pounds.

What is so magical about India: the people.

Nepal: the Himalayas.

Would I write again? Stay tuned!