Cross Connection

by Preety Praveen

To accomplish the dreams of her parents, Simar, a girl from Punjab, lands up in Tamilnadu to complete her degree in dentistry. But fate had written a different story for her. Struggling to survive in a new world, she meets the love of her life, Naveen, a boy from Kerala. Smiling in the world of their love, they weave a beautiful life around their dreams. But everything changes once Naveen leaves India, trying his luck to get a job abroad. After a year, he comes back to marry her…but…is she still there waiting for him…???

Genres: Fiction

214 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2019

About the author

Born and brought up in Patiala, Preety Praveen belongs to a traditional Punjabi family. An extrovert and fun-loving person by heart, she started writing poems in early teens but a couple of years back, took up writing as a serious profession. She has written and directed women-oriented theatre plays. Her first book was published in February 2019. Cross Connection, Preety's debut work, is an interpretation of her own love story. Without adding any spices, she tried to pen down her story dipped in raw emotions and feelings. She is currently working on the sequel of her first book, which elaborates on life after marriage.

Reviews

[Amit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naveen and Simar's love story... all enchanting and all interesting as it starts to develop with small fights, nok-jhonks and tension before turning into appreciation, emotional realisations and finally into love... This will offer a different kind of reading experience because the novel is rather simple, not loaded with spicy, sensual and avoidable obscene-depictions or too romantic encounters. I liked the writing style and I also loved the theme – it is more than a simple romance and very close to a serious novel with a romantic drive but not all serious... so, there is something for everyone and, in the end, the novel promises a sequel too. So, decorate your day with this light-read and enjoy the love story set in the 90s..

[Nidhi P · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Simar is emotional, romantic and heart touching. The author has wonderfully explained the best moments of her life with no extra exaggeration. A plain love story that will surley strike the minds of the readers. Friends, family, love, relationships, break-ups, misunderstanding, transformation... everything is there. I must say the book is perfectly written and the author has left no stone unturned in the narration. It can be a perfect read for every reader interested in light-hearted literature.

[Naman Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl is forced to study things she did not like.
She comes to a totally new place where she meets her friends and a seemingly unfriendly person whom she almost hates... only to fall in love with him eventually! Naveen and Simar fall in love with each other too deeply to be separated and their love has to face trials of fate, distance, accident and families' expectations... a dramatic love story based on the real life incidents of the author herself. Written in simple language and having very straight storyline, the novel will certainly attract the readers.

[Abhishek Ranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel is a perfect blend of romance, realism, autobiography, and emotional drama... you will love it from the very beginning, as soon as you begin reading it. Simar's innocence and her ardent love for Naveen, Naveen's dedication to his love and the secret meeting between Naveen and Simar's father in her presence... things are so well managed by the novelist. I truly enjoyed reading it and so will you!

[Kritika Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, the novel seems to be an opposite version of the two states. However, it is quite different from the story of Chetan Bhagat. It has presented the social dilemma in the context of parents and children very well. The story is from the girl's side that discusses a lot of things. Cross Connection will let you feel the emotion of the central protagonist Simar. The language is lucid and the narration is good but it has been dragged at places. To all those lovers of love stories, the novel is a perfect piece to read.

[Sima Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title itself is enough to tell the essence of the story and the prologue completely helped me in its grip. Well, though the novel may appear like 2 states from the top, it has many differences. The first and the most important is that it is more from a woman perspective rather than a male telling the story. Beautifully weaved love saga with emotional romance episodes and some bitter realism that keeps the protagonists close to reality.

[Avdhesh Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love. Trust. Commitment. Faith. The story of this book beautifully signifies beauty of these words. As they are not mere words. It is the base of any relationship. I like the plot of the story. It is gripping. However, at language part this work failed to impress me as much as I might have wanted. I did like the storyline and its theme. And I am sure the readers of the day will love it.

[Abha Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross connection by Preety Praveen is a usual story spiced-up with common & casual as well as deep and serious mixed together to add many layers to the narrative. Cross-culture makes it even more different. Both the protagonists, Simar and Naveen, are well developed and easily relatable. Like me, if you're also a fan of Romcoms then it's a perfect read for you. A love story, a story of true friends, a story that is based on realistic scenarios and a story that ends on a happy note.

[Rahul Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A healthy love story with moments of pain, joy, romance and struggle as well. A close relationship turns to be a long-distance one when Naveen has to live far from Simar, his love interest. And since it is a true story, I have come to know, it becomes more and more interesting with time. The author has pretty well expressed her feelings in the words how were those times in the 90s and when maintaining relationships and turning them into marriages were herculean tasks. You will feel it yourself once you start reading the novel.

[Saket Niranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross connection by Preety Praveen is an much more than an ordinary love story. Moreover, with no unnecessary sensuality and a fresh fragrance of realism make this work even more unique. Written from the female perspective, this book unfurls various issues of life when finishing teenage you enter in your young age. It focuses on fun days of college and hostel life, kachchi-pakki friendship, nok-jhok with your friends and love interest, love and beyond. I am sure, this book never let you feel overdone. An exciting, relaxing and perfectly ending love story!

[Deepika · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the conclusion, I could not say the same about the novel as a whole. There is a monotonous description of the love story that seems a little made-up at the beginning. The serious parts in the novel are truly appreciable and the lighter parts are rather artificial in tone and tenure. However, the conclusion escapes the novel and makes it a memorable experience for the readers. Maybe, Preety should do better when she writes the expected sequel that she has promised at the end of Cross Connection.

[Rupesh Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Connection is the love story of Simar and Naveen... also, know it before you read that it is a true story of the author herself! A girl from Punjab is inspiring to fulfil their parent's dreams but destiny wanted something else. She fell in love with a boy from Kerla and the campus connection runs in front of the readers for a while before things become serious and tense to an extent. However, things become more complicated when the situation of marriage arrives. Trust me, it will not let the readers feel bore till the end. A five star novel by all means I must say!

[Anivesh Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eventful love story with all the checkboxes touched. I liked how the novelist has kept the love-making descriptions limited to the necessary information only and did not prolong it wilfully as many other novelists do. There are families too... that we seldom find in modern love stories. It is a story set in the 90s when things were different and Preety has been able to transport the readers back into the time. Love, revelation, pleasure, pains and the conclusion – so, how will a happy relationship end? In pleasure or in pain? The novel has an ideal length, easy language and an engaging plot that, at times, does feel a little too loaded.

[Manish Narayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story with a common problem in Indian society that is parents expecting their children to fulfil their dreams instead of doing something they love. The protagonist is a girl from Punjab who becomes a doctor because of the parent's pressure. Nobody asked her if she really wanted to do this or not.
Many individuals go through this problem where nobody wants to know if someone would like something or not. Parents fail to understand their children completely.

The protagonist meets a guy who is from Tamil Nadu, belonging to a completely different culture and she falls in love with him and everything is going perfect until the guy has to move to Abroad for a job. Things start to turn around. One must read it to find out.

It’s a light read as the language is very easy to understand. I found the page design and font of the book really nice, something different from other books I have read.
This is not only a love story but also a story highlighting parental issues and two individuals from different cultures manage to stick together. So, I highly recommend it to everyone who is a fan of reading romantic books

[Vinod Manas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I am not a Punjabi but luckily, I have many friends who are Punjabi. Also, by chance, I have worked with a colleague from Kerala... believe me, the predicament of the protagonists! God! I could relate to the leading characters very closely and could try to feel their emotions and chaotic thought lines during the trying times. It also reminded me of my college life. Simar leads the story and she is a leader till the last. Naveen comes up as a true lover who understands life within and outside the periphery of imagination. A nice debut by the novelist!

[Sandesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel! It has dealt with the story of love minus the usual bed descriptions that we find in the novels of young readers. Perks of reading something by mature people! :) Cross Connection has its distinct qualities and it offers a wide theme that transcends simply being a love story. You will find many characters on the campus enjoying their academic years and you will also find a struggle outside the comfort zone of campus post education's completion... yes, the set-up might remind you of Bollywood movies but it's worth enjoying! Emotional towards the conclusion.

[Sushmita Payal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross Connection can be said a novel of hearts, a novel of minds and a novel of the social issues... not from today but rather from the 90s. Could a boy from Kerala and a girl from Punjab marry? Will the Kerala family accept a girl outside their thought-horizon? Will Punjabis be ready for someone from South India? And in between, you get your romantic story unfolding itself on the campus – canteen, mess, coffee shop, hostels and so on... :)

[Saloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful... Simar has scripted a line of fate for herself and her true love, dedication and also that of Naveen's pay off at the end when they unite. However, this union in love wasn't easy and that is what readers will love reading. Preety Praveen's true love story has found its 'almost the same reflection' in her debut work and Cross Connection will tell you all that you might want to know. Do read it and enjoy the love story you seldom read these days.

[Akash Sangwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi guys, would you like to read a story full of love, action, romance, pain, motivation and suspense ?

Or, do you believe in the power of your dreams and in the power of true love ?

If yes, then, this book is for you my friends.

The story starts with Simar. A young girl full of dreams and ambitions.

She is from Punjab but lands up in Tamil Nadu to pursue her degree in dentistry. Here initially she faces some difficulties.

But then, she meets a guy named Naveen.

Initially their impression for each other is not so good.

But as you guys now, almost every great love story starts from some initial clashes.

So, now, things get shorted out between them. And they become friends.

Day by day they gets more close to each other. Both of them like each other's a lot. And soon they fall in love with each other.

And now comes the exciting moment when they express their feelings for each other.

Then, everything becomes really beautiful for them, their life, their careers and everything.

Now, comes the twist as Naveen leaves India to get a job abroad.

But suspense comes when after some years he comes back to marry Simar.

So, is she still in relationship with him or not ?
Did Naveen get his dreams ?

Will Simar marry him ?

Atlast, will this love story comes to a beautiful way or not ?

My friends, read this book to find answers of all these questions.

The way of presenting the content, the engaging way of writing, everything is amazing in this book.

This book will make you feel the emotions of love, pain, hope and motivation.

It will make you feel the happiness of first love. Those sleepless nights to those all day thoughts of your love.

From the first smile to friendship. And from the proposal to that pain of separation.

You will feel this rollar coaster ride of intense emotions which will leave a strong impact on your heart and mindset.

Guys, this book will make you realize the power of your dreams and the power of true love.

How your love can make you really strong to fight any difficulty in your life. And how your dreams come true when you work really hard for them.

This love story of Simar and Naveen will be a long lasting story for you.

It will make you laugh, happy, excited, motivated and yes, a different person after reading it.

It's a must read book for all those who wants to become really successful and believe in the power of true love guys.

My ratings :- 5/5

[Neelam Mungekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Cross Connection’ by Preety Praveen is a story that revolves around Simar and Naveen. Simar is from Punjab and start completing her 12th standard her parents wants her to pursue her career in dentistry and hence shifts to Salem for further studies. Simar is a charming girl and makes friends easily in this unknown place. But things change soon one among their friends and hence break her friendship with Simar and hence she feel dejected. She soon moves on to other place to live and again make some good friends here she meets Naveen the love of her life and everything changes. Naveen and Simar mostly used to fight and tease each other but soon fall madly in love with each other. But they are not aware of the other problems that they might have to face from their parents but soon after Naveen had to leave India with regards to Job. What will happen between the two? Will the two of them be together after all the struggle they have gone through? To know more read ‘Cross Connection’

My Thoughts:

I loved the plot it has been written in an interesting manner and I must say that it will surely make the readers emotional. The author has actually showed us the reality that we as children have faced be it career choice or choosing a life partner. There are norms which have been set and they are somehow impossible to break even in this 21st century.

I loved the characters especially Simar I loved how determined she is in whatever she does. I also loved her friendly nature and how she loves to play prank around her friends. I could somehow relate to the characters as we have faced these problems in one or the other way.

Language is simple and lucid and the narration is done beautifully. The pace of the story is also perfect and it takes the book to another level.

I loved the cover page of the book it is simple but with a very deep meaning. I also liked the title of the book it is apt to the story.

Overall, I would say that it was a very emotional read and would surely recommend it.

[Series Of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by author Preety Praveen, Cross Connection is her debut novel.

The story revolves around a sweet, bubbly and outgoing Punjabi Kudi Simar who is an aspiring dentist and a rugged Malayali boy Naveen.

They are the complete opposite of each other but as we know opposites attract.
The relationship that seemed to have started as rivalry, gradually turns into a bittersweet tale of love.

As they weave their dreams of love, fate has other plans. Fate pulls them apart but is their love strong enough to survive all difficulties? Will they ever unite? Read to find out!

The story reminds me of a poem by Romana Rubyy:
She is kind, heart made of honey.
He is reserved, the opposite of sunny.
No one would ever think they would be together.
But they are the moon and the sun for each other.

Things I loved:

1) RELATIONSHIP: Their relationship felt so real and organic. The natural progression of their relationship really connects to the readers.

2) EMOTIONS: The book is assorted with emotions. You could feel the emotions portrayed by every character... it jealousy, ego, love, trust, hurt, anger or insecurities.

3) INTERACTIONS: I loved the humorous bantering between Naveen and Simar. That was so fun to read!

4) PLOT: The plot is simple. It isn't the most unique or complex but it's really engaging and entertaining to read.

5) The PROTAGONISTS: I loved both the protagonists immensely but I've developed a soft spot for Simar. Her soft heart and bold attitude makes you fall in love with her.😍

Lastly,
6. The STORY: A simple, beautiful and heartwarming storyline.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

If you are looking for a simple, quick, feel good love story, then this is for you.❤

[Muthulakshmi Mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if our love fades, memories will stay

Title: Cross connection by Preety Praveen
Pages: 214 pages
Format: Ebook
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-This is an astonishing love story between Simar and Naveen. It was a pure innocent love that I cherished reading.
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-The protagonist of the story is Simar. The author has truly presented the story with the ups and downs that a teenage girl who would feel while moving to another city to pursue her BDS degree. The pressure from family is also common in our society, it is true that parents don't find their children potential rather they push them to the field of science or engineering.
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- Her experience and the way of tackling things in Tamilnadu were totally amazing to discern and I could relate myself with the protagonist in certain instances.
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- Everything was smooth in her love until Naveen decides to go Abroad to acquire a job. Things started to fall apart. Are you interested to know if Naveen has returned back to Simar? Then grab this amazing book.
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- I could sense the true love that Simar has felt. If a girl loves a boy truly then she will never mind showing her blind love and trust no matter who comes in between. She will love him more than her life itself and such kind of love is depicted in this novel. The author has managed to keep the emotions raw.
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- I completed this book in one sitting and it shows how destiny can change our lives.
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- I highly recommend this book for the romance genre lovers and for the people who will carry depth feel and tranquility over light reads.

[Sadaf sarkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross connection is a love story of two college goers . The book narrates the tale of Simar and Naveen . The book however is not a typical love story but has many dimensions to it . The value friends and companion is also highlighted by the author . In fact the author has represented the Indian culture through the the story very well . The respect for parents , the need of the acceptance , their love and worry for their children's life. The book is like a journal of a college student as it contains all the ascept of it . The mini vacation , the studying for exams , the hostel life ,the flings and the childish misunderstanding. Every single of the feelings is touched by the author in details . The book contains a good number of characters which I feel led to poor character development but then we could not much character development in college student . The language used was slightly simple for me but it could helpful for the new readers
Overall it was a good book and would recommend it for someone who likes simple books.
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[Manish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A college love story that starts with tension and typically ends at love – can we say the same about Preety's novel? Well, you can say once you read the blurb but you will have to change your mind once you begin reading the novel page by page. While reading the book it feels like a Bollywood movie, it goes beyond that as well. A girl and a boy opposite in their nature, from different backgrounds in every possible sense, that we can think about... with the passage of time, they both fall in love with each other and the story is interesting! However, things do not go smooth all the time. They are a lot of hurdles in the life of Simar that is waiting to unfold. A good novel I must say!

[Samreen Shaikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this work more or less similar to the movie 2 States. But, in this book, the girl is Punjabi and the boy is Malayali and the book is free from unnecessary sexual episodes. What made me startled about this book is that it is the story of the author herself. Though the narration is in the third person the author has beautifully portrayed the incidents of her life. Whether it is pressure from parents, difficulty in embracing a new life in a new state, making new friends or finding the love of life. Everything is thoughtfully planned and executed. I really love this book.

[Bhuvan Mahto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book has attracted me the most. And this is what compelled me into reading this novel. The Cross Connection may deceive the readers for something else but in reality, it is a worthy to read the book. Readers may find it, and some have already registered, like Two States. However, though it is similar to a little extent, Cross Connection is a very deep novel with a wide storyline and it is nothing similar to Two States in its message. Well, youths might not find the masala that Two States brings with it but they will find a wonderful story that Two States could not deliver.

[Rani Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel takes many turns until it reaches the conclusion which is in the form of a marriage between a person from Kerala and a woman from Punjab. Well, there are the usual social and personal concerns of people involved in the relationship, families and friends circle. Usual college campus scenes are colourful and bright, bringing a fresh fragrance of the 90s love stories in the mind of the readers. The novelist, who is narrating about her own life, has made things straightforward for the convenience of contemporary readers.

[Anand Shiv Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it is a simple love story but it brings in light various issues. Like, how, many a times, parents do fail to understand their children. How do they impose their desires and dreams on children. How do they not try to come out of a cultural shell and accept the world for children's happiness. I liked the way the author has put up all these issues in her novel. Other than this, the novel is decked with all the elements of a romantic fiction and leave no space for the readers' distraction.

[Rishi Arya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it may seem like a usual contemporary fiction from the outside, Cross Connection has many twists and turns. The book is engaging and intriguing from the start to the end. Characters, storyline, ideas, issues that it deals with and everything about it... The author has perfectly narrated the story with perfect sequences of events. A love story with campus life at the fore and then harsh realities of life and a little bit of luck and destiny. A perfect entertainer that you must read.

[Rina Malhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love the novel... you will like its interesting twists that the novelist brings into the storyline and makes it even better an experience for the readers who are avid readers of contemporary romance novels. Preety Praveen excels as a novelist who is chronicling the days of her own college life in the 90s... meeting with her future husband and crossing all the hindrances on the path of their union, social and family.