Before I Go: A Story of Love, Loss and the Silence in Between
Today is a day I will always hold close to my heart. I feel incredibly proud—and just a little overwhelmed—as I share with you something very personal and very special: My first published book: Before I Go.
This book represents not just a story I’ve written, but a journey I’ve walked—one of discovery, reflection, and deep emotional connection. It’s a tribute to voices that were often unheard, stories that were never told, and memories that still linger quietly in the corners of our collective past.
About the Book
Before I Go is the story of Ranjeeta, a young woman who comes of age during the turbulent time of India’s Partition. In a society where women’s voices were often silenced, Ranjeeta’s family gives her the space to dream. But even the most hopeful dreams can be shattered by forces beyond one’s control.
Though fictional, this story draws deeply from real-life events and lived experiences. It is inspired by the stories of people who lived through Partition—those who endured unimaginable loss, trauma, and displacement, and carried its scars quietly for the rest of their lives.
This book is a tribute to them. It seeks to remember the forgotten, honour the survivors, and give voice to the emotional truths that history books often overlook.
My Inspiration
Earlier this year, I felt a strong pull to write something more meaningful than my usual blog posts. I didn’t have a clear topic in mind at first, but I’ve always loved reading historical fiction, and I’ve always felt deeply connected to India’s rich and complex history. That gave me a starting point.
I wanted to write a story that touched on history, women’s lives, and social issues-something intimate yet broad in scope. That’s when the Partition of India caught my attention. As I began reading more about it, I felt drawn into its depth—the heartbreak, the resilience, the silences.
I dove into research: articles online, old newspaper archives, survivor interviews, documentaries, books, and films. Every new piece uncovered more emotion, more insight—and with each step, I became more certain that this was the story I had to tell.
The Journey of Writing
The writing journey began in early 2025. I spent nearly two months immersed in research, after which I started writing the manuscript in earnest. By the end of April, the first draft was ready.
I then shared it with some of my closest friends whose feedback helped me improve the manuscript—correcting factual errors, refining the narrative, and ensuring the emotional arc felt authentic and resonant.
At the end of May, I started looking for a publisher. Once that was in place, a new journey began—editing, refining, designing the cover, typesetting, and preparing the final edition.
And finally, on July 19th, 2025, Before I Go was officially launched in Mumbai, India, alongside the work of six other authors. A moment I will never forget.
What Comes Next
Now begins a new phase: Reaching as many readers as I can.
If this story resonates with you, if you believe in the power of remembering and storytelling—please support me by buying a copy, sharing it with others, and letting me know what you think. Your reviews and feedback mean the world to me, and they’ll help this book reach people who may need to read it.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this journey with me.
How You Can Support
📚 Buy the book. The book is available on all Amazon websites. Just search: Before I Go Padmini
✍️ Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, and post your reviews
📢 Spread the word with anyone who loves historical fiction or stories that matter
With all my heart,
Padmini
2 responses to “Before I Go: My First Published Book and a Dream Realised”
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Dear Padmini I am Raj
My book Message by Mistake was also launched the same day as yours
I got your book Before I Go from my son Joy. Your first book and what a lovely story you have narrated.
We have a dark history that happened during our lifetimes – The Partition
As you mentioned in your book stories spoken often in whispers and sometimes in silence
You know Padmini, my father was also from the ‘other side’
My ancestors lived in a place called Satkhira that became East Pakistan in 1947. Overnight the lives of our family – the idyllic lives they had lived for generations in a village was destroyed because of a political decision. A decision that unleashed unspeakable hatred within the communities that had lived together peacefully for centuries
I grew up in Dehradun, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, where my father had settled down to make a home so that we, his children got a good education in a town that was famous for its schools
I remember when we were kids we always had refugees in our house from Bangladesh – people from our extended family fleeing from their homes leaving behind everything they possessed
They had a term for themselves ‘Aamra Kara Bostu Hara’ loosely translated as Who are we? The Dispossessed
Yet there was love in this sea of hatred and we must ensure that this love overcomes the hatred around us. Our mothers, grandmothers and those before them kept this small lamp of love alive. We must not allow it to be extinguished. Especially today when we see ultra nationalism and right wing politics rearing up its ugly face again
Under our skin we are all the same despite our different religions or the flags we follow
Let’s not allow some of the power-hungry people to divide us to satisfy their lust for power
Thank you Padmini for writing this book.
After a long time, I read a good one-
Thank you, Raj Ji, for your wonderful feedback, and for sharing your story. Partition is indeed one of the darkest chapters in our history. Through my book, I hoped to revive the forgotten voices of that painful past, so that we never forget. I remember the short interaction I had with you on that day and I’m glad, we have found a way to connect 🙂
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