Nandini Ray Baruah — affectionately and quite fittingly known as “Lioness Scissorhands” — has been the invisible force sharpening the soul of what I try to write. By day, she juggles the demanding world of HR and Administration; by night, she transforms into the editor-warrior who fearlessly takes her scissors to my chaotic drafts.
What emerges from her tireless labour is nothing short of magic: tangled thoughts become flowing narratives, scattered ideas evolve into compelling chapters, and every sentence walks out of her hands straighter, stronger, and clearer.
Her critique and contribution to my musings has been profound — as an editor, a ghost-writer, a mentor, and sometimes the voice that told me, “Cut this, trust me.” She brings not just skill but heart, patience, and an uncanny instinct for storytelling.
Based in Guwahati, Nandini is a highly accomplished corporate professional with deep expertise in Training, Human Resources, and Administration. Beyond offices and boardrooms, she is a gifted writer and avid blogger whose words breathe life into travel diaries, reflections, and stories of the everyday. Her debut novel, The Disquiet of Dow Hills and Other Hauntings (Ukiyoto Publishing), made an extraordinary splash — selling nearly 300 copies on the very day of its launch.
My mentor, my guide, and the father figure I never knew I needed — Air Marshal G.S. Bedi has been the unwavering North Star of my creative and personal journey. His wisdom didn’t just refine my understanding of the Indian Air Force; it shaped the heartbeat of my books.
An aviation and defence expert of rare calibre, his clarity, depth, and brilliance continue to inspire me. From serving as the Director General of Inspection and Safety at the Indian Air Force to being Air Advisor at the High Commission of India in London, and later a Distinguished Fellow at CAPS and CLAWS — his life is a masterclass in duty, courage, and leadership.
For me, his mentorship has been more than intellectual guidance. It has been a fatherly hand on the shoulder, a grounding voice in moments of doubt, and a gentle but firm reminder to chase excellence with humility and soul. He has left an imprint not just on my work but on the person I am becoming. Every day, he inspires me to live by the motto he embodies so naturally:
“Touch the Sky with Glory.”
My Guide in the World of Books and Publishing - Aneri Shah has played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the complex world of books and publishing. As one of my first beta readers, she provided invaluable feedback that shaped the final form of my work. Her expertise in publishing, writing, and editing has been instrumental in guiding me through each step of the process. As the founder of Language Loft, a seasoned ghostwriter, editor, and SEO & digital marketing specialist, Aneri brings a wealth of experience that has not only refined my writing but has also opened up new avenues for me in the publishing landscape. Her mentorship continues to inspire and motivate me.
Music has a strange way of lingering long after the final note fades — just like stories. It carries memories, solitude, longing, and the hidden journeys we don’t always speak about. My writing has always tried to capture that spirit.
Bringing that emotion to life is the theme music composed by Arpan Barua, my schoolmate, my best friend, and a gifted musician based in Dallas, Texas. His global experiences seep into his sound, weaving nostalgia, wanderlust, and belonging into every layer.
His composition isn’t just background music — it’s a bridge. A journey of its own. It binds melody to memory, words to emotion, and past to present.
Beyond music, Arpan is a seasoned Business Consultant with significant expertise in Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Portfolio Consulting, and Data Center Advisory across Asia Pacific. With a Master’s in Operational Research and an Economics degree from St. Stephen’s College, he brings both analytical brilliance and artistic depth to everything he does.
A leader with heart, a professional with fire, and a friend who never lets you lose your way — that’s Suhale Nadeem Quddus. A schoolmate and one of my closest comrades, Suhale has been a powerful presence in my journey as an author.
He kept me grounded, motivated, and laughing through the entire process — from scribbled drafts to printed pages. His infectious humour, his energy, and his unwavering encouragement made the journey just as memorable as the stories themselves.
A remarkable corporate professional, Suhale has vast experience across Channel and Partner Sales, B2B/B2C operations, and project execution in PSU, government, and private sectors. His expertise touches everything from agriculture and livelihood development to telecommunications, banking, climate-sector initiatives, FMCG, and media.
A passionate angler, nature lover, and music enthusiast, Suhale brings warmth and camaraderie wherever he goes. He is a natural team builder — someone who leads with conviction but also with a smile.
A brother in arms, a creative powerhouse, and one of the most dependable people in my life — Bhargav Ranadeep, along with his phenomenal team at Geekworkx, has shaped the digital soul of my books.
His artistry, patience, and obsession with perfection are stamped on every page, every pixel, every cover, and every corner of my online presence. The website he built flows like a story of its own — intuitive, striking, and deeply connected to the narrative.
But Bhargav didn’t stop there. He poured his heart into crafting some of my book covers, giving them not just beauty but personality, emotion, and identity.