The Nameless Relationship

by Preeti Shenoy

Some of the best relationships that exist in this world are nameless ones. They crouch behind those sanctioned by the legitimate ones, the ones that you can define because they are approved, allowed, understood and normal. In this finely crafted short story, Preeti Shenoy examines one of these ‘nameless relationships’, peeling back the layers of complexities that underlie marriage, love, desire – and the many grey zones that lie between two people.

Genres: Short Stories, Romance, Fiction, India, Love, Ebooks, Novels

13 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2018

About the author

Preeti Shenoy, one of India’s highest-selling authors with over a million books sold, has written seventeen bestselling titles. Known for her accessible style, she explores complex themes such as mental health, gender inequality, and socio-economic divides. Featured on Forbes’ list of influential Indian celebrities, Preeti has represented India at international literature festivals in Birmingham, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

Her work has been featured in major media outlets, including BBC World, Cosmopolitan, The Hindu, and The Times of India. She has received prestigious accolades, such as the Popular Choice Fiction Award (2021) from the Times of India’s AutHer Awards and Amazon India’s Most Popular Self-Help Book of 2021. She was also honoured as Indian of the Year and received the Business Excellence Award from the New Delhi Institute of Management.

Beyond writing, Preeti is a sought-after motivational speaker, having delivered talks at organizations like Walmart, Infosys, ISRO, KPMG, and Accenture. A fitness enthusiast, artist, and traveller, she has had her short stories and poetry featured in Condé Nast and Verve. She also writes a monthly opinion column for The Indian Express and has previously contributed to The Financial Chronicle.

Connect with Preeti:

Website: www.preetishenoy.com

Email: ps@preetishenoy.com

Twitter/X: @Preetishenoy

Blog: blog.preetishenoy.com

Instagram: @Preeti.Shenoy | @Preetishenoyart

Facebook: preeti.io/fb

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/preetishenoyauthor

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like her writing style. But I hate the characters with all my being. And the plot is so superficial.

[Rishabh Malviya]

Usually, I don't worry about spending a little extra money for the sake of an intangible benefit (this habit of mine is usually met with reactions of shock and eventually, ridicule). For example, I'll happily pay the carpenter a few extra thousand bucks just because it saves me the hassle of the bargain. So, you'll know this short story was a real piece of crap when I say that after reading it, the nine rupees that I spent on it really chafed. This was well on its way to my 'couldn't finish' shelf, but the story was so short that I ended up finishing it before that could happen.

There was so much potential in this opening:
"Some of the best relationships that exist in this world are nameless ones. They crouch behind those sanctioned by society".
I wanted this story to show us that when we are overwhelmed by the world, these nameless relationships are where we find solace and comfort. They connect to some deeper part of ourselves, a part of ourselves where we nurture that child within us; the child who believes in his own unique ideals and principles, but isn't entirely sure if they will be accepted by the world around him or whether or not others will understand him. These nameless relationships are exhilarating and captivating because they let us free that child within us and express our own unique thoughts and ideas in our own unique ways; knowing that even when no one else does, this person will understand me - this person will connect with me in ways that shouldn't even be possible according to society.

But this hasty and shallow story doesn't explore the child within its characters; I'd say that it doesn't even explore the adult within its characters. Shenoy goes about the task of building up her characters by negligently stringing together a series of highly cliched situations (making sure to add plenty of sex in between), with zero to no exploration of their psyches. Furthermore, the relationship Shenoy writes about does have a name! It's called an 'extra-marital affair' . Not that that's an inherently bad choice - I'm sure one could write a beautiful story based on an extra-marital affair - but Shenoy has done us no such favours.

What was really off-putting though, was the amateur writing style of the author. Consider this cringe-worthy line:
"I have some elite clients who like that my designs refrain from tawdry ostentation."
Absolutely pathetic. You can tell how desperately she tries to masquerade these fancy words into the sentence. A writer shouldn't have to do that; the thought they are trying to convey should create the niche for the 'fancy word' of it's own accord. But of course, there isn't much thought in this writing anyway....so, what're you gonna do?

I get it though, it's an easy read - it fulfills the need for a kind of 'wholesale' entertainment that you turn to when you need to come out and see what the masses are reading. I guess I was expecting too much from this book. Well anyway, I wasted time and money on this...so I needed to do this rant.

[Shabana Mukhtar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like her writing style. Her vocabulary is good. I understand what she's trying to say.
But the ending? What the hell?
Does it mean that she can see him only behind closed doors and under the sheets?
Just don't get it.

[~sun~shine~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the story built up was nice, the end was too abrupt. Is it just me?

[Manisha Baishya · Rating 1 out of 5]

An older women having an affair out of marriage with a man who is just a year or two older than her own son.. too cliched!! And the worst part is the ending when she suddenly starts feeling hate for the man after her husband's death...
(I'm getting irritated while writing this review even🙄)
Sorry! Not my type!

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly, the clichéd plot and disappointing conclusion couldn't overcome the strong writing.

[Nithya K · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok read...

Expected something really dramatic or interesting after seeing the no of reviews. Quite a let down...
One positive thing is that the language is bearable.

[Bookdragon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not even 1 stars.
It's so unclear and trash written .
It's good enough to spoil your day
Does that mean she just only want fuckin game with him?
Trash.

[Sai Amirapu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unusual flings over late age.


Two things I never expected from this author 'Preethi Shenoy'.
1. She would pen down a quick read book consisting of just 11 pages hardly.
2. Kind of plot she opted to depict.

Well, I read a few books of Preethi Shenoy before but this one really baffles me a lot. Maybe because of the storyline and the characters inscribed in it. Yet the other part is the ending, which further led me to many questions. Well, short story, quick read yet a lot of content and a great fling. It also posed a different dimensional facet.

Guilt outweighs.

[red · Rating 1 out of 5]

well that was disappointing to say the least.

[Ankit Nigam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not wotth yhe time

The could be more depth im the story. These many pages are enough to create an impactful story and shake the hell out of the reader. What we get is an attempt to weave a scandal which isn't really one these days. I find the story telling a bit naive.

[Divya Ramnath Bandodkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Nameless Relationship by Preeti Shenoy is a short story that is bound to leave you pondering about life and life situations. This story reminded me of Radhika Apte's story in the movie, Lust Stories.

The title gives you a fair idea about what the story could be. The story is about extra-marital relationship. I believe that we as humans always crave for love. We expect it from the people who are close to us. But what happens when the people who are close to us drift away? Does the love fade? Why do we seek for other options?

Preeti Shenoy is known for her novels on relationships. This short story too speaks about relationships. It hardly 30 minutes read but teaches a great lesson.

My rating for this short story is 3.5/5 stars.

[Poonkuzhali · Rating 1 out of 5]

A short story which speaks about an elderly woman having an affair with a guy younger than her. That's pretty much it. What does the ending mean? That she can't face this guy in front of others? Which sounds really horrible!

[Manoj Sethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong message in a different way!!!

Beautifully written, as one of the best author in our country. Every word are kept so engaging and after some days I have read a book that I don't know when it ends!!

I shocked. Wait for more!!!!!

[Sandeep Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing to comment about this one. it's a short read, nothing to cherish, nothing to bash about. Just a simple story of a relationship between a lady with age of 53 and a guy who was 29 years old.

[Shikha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite intriguing. Refreshing.

[Spandana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story.... Should have been better if the ending is little different.... Dhiraj should not be the only one to be blamed for the "nameless relationship", both are at equal fault......

[Savitha Subramanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

Interesting. not even a single dull moment. Short story and would have loved to read more. Will recommend to people if they are forward in thinking

[Meenal · Rating 2 out of 5]

We need more!!

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful short story...

The author tells about the relationship in which we cannot name it and kept under wraps. The emotions which the main character goes through is beautifully depicted by the author. The story also explains the loneliness one would feel at later stages of marriage or at old age. These relationships are sweeter for a short period but in a long run, we never know what happens... It's a good read and brilliant story... I loved the way how the story concluded.... Full on 5 stars... 👏👌👍

[vrushabha chaleswara · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love is always an accidental " .. This book is quick and very short story about human connections and emotions

[Khyati · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 2.5 stars for me.

Story line was alright and the potential was visible in first couple of pages, but then the downfall started with every paragraph. It felt like author wanted to stuff as much information as possible in a few pages, and it was like someone was giving interview, just for the sake of it.

[Sumith Chowdhury · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The Nameless relationship' is a book on scandalous relationships that exist in many parts of the society where unhappy couples drift away from their marital bond in the pretext of seeking (searching) someone who could bring comfort, happiness & some sort of relief in their lonely (empty) lives. The thread that holds these kind of relationships together is 'lust.' The gap between two people due to many causes can be the reason which leads them to drift apart from each other. They don't give time nor value to their partners, hence their counterparts seek solace, shelter & happiness in others.
Some may call these kind of relationships as 'illegitimate' or 'scandalous' 'outrageous,' whereas others may deem fit & call it 'valid' or 'normal' based on the nature of the act & the intention by which it was committed; hence, the consequences.
This short story revolves around this basic fact, & tends to ask many questions that arise in our mind pertaining to the definition of life, family, love, lust, bond & relationships in all. It shows the rudimentary thinking of society where a man or a woman has to hide away from everyone & must maintain secrecy or seclusion; in terms of prejudice thinking that has been passed down from eons so as to avoid any shame or the fear of being trashed by the society.
Cover is beautiful & justifies the plot.
Title is apt & has been chosen carefully.
Language is perfect & upto the mark.
Narration is also good & doesn't miss out anything.
A perfect short book to accompany our boredom.
An extract from the book is given below :
Some of the best relationships that exist in this world are nameless ones. They crouch behind those sanctioned by society: the legitimate ones, the ones that you can define because they are approved, allowed, understood and normal.

[Anushka Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my other reviews at Feminist Quill

A short story that is reasonably well-written, even if it offers nothing new. A story doesn't need to offer something unusual or unique. Every day we devour the same stories in minor variations, even re-read the same tales because we like what we see, and we want more of it. 

The Nameless Relationship is made remarkable by its ending, as are many good short stories. A surprising twist that gives us a window into deeper emotion than the character could possibly convey within the 12 pages given to her. 

If you're into short stories and light reading, you'll probably like this one. And at about 10 minutes of read time, it's not a big investment either. 

[Priti · Rating 2 out of 5]

The central theme of the story was nice. "Some of the best relationships that exist in this world are
nameless ones". It started with a promise of being something big and good. But in the end, it was too dry and didn't touch any chord.

Although I personally don't judge the characters for being shallow and opportunistic, the story didn't allow any thoughts or inner feelings of both the characters. Lithika, who is a successful, "modern women " of todays age, came across as too shallow and flat, and on the other hand, the other author didn't even bother to give glimpse of inner world of the character Dhiraj.

Although the story is of short story genre, it was partially developed, under cooked and bland, in my opinion.

[Ankita Purkayastha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only good aspect of this book is the language and the writing style. Also, the book is a quick read which is a plus.

On the downside, I didn't get any enjoyment of the story at all. I personally do not enjoy older woman and younger man stories, yet gave this one a try with an open mind. However, I came away disappointed. It was barely a plot and the ending was highly abrupt. What was that?

The characters could have been developed further and the story could have enriched more with much more details.

It was very undercooked and shallow for me.

[Bipasa Mund · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not upto the mark for a bestseller

Out of the 2 stars, one is for the author's crisp writing style and another for the good depiction of characters.
Now, I don't even know where to start. This isn't a book, it's even too short to be termed as a short story.
Anyways ignoring that, the story starts with two characters one is Lithika and another is Dhiraj. The story is narrated from the perspective of Lithika, a 53- year old woman who is in a nameless relationship with Dhiraj, a 39 year old lad, very much like the title suggests.
As the book progresses more and more you would come to know of the situations of how Lithika met Dhiraj and how they developed a relationship. How the married life of Lithika isn't fulfilling enough for her to indulge into an extra-marital affair.
Now, my problem is not for their relationship. My main issue is the narrative of the main character Lithika, that every marriage has to have some sort of grey area where the flings and infidelity can be put so that one survives the hardship called marriage.
The character agrees herself that she resided in a young boy just so that she was receiving attention and was attracted to his body initially and he made her feel like as if she was drinking from the elixir of youth (in her own words).🙄
This all wouldn't have been problematic so much if one would have connected to Lithika's situation but as story progresses more and more, you would just come to the conclusion that she is just a woman who basically wanted a fling and ended up having a so-called nameless relationship because this time she ended up with an unmarried man (again in her own words).
She is just selfish, self-centred and is of the view that inorder to survive the battle called marriage one has to be infidel to one's partner or you won't survive marriage.
The last thing the story is so short that it just ends abruptly and by abruptly I don't mean leaving you in a cliff-hanger.
You have to be connected to the characters enough to be left in a cliff-hanger.
The story ends in a manner that you don't even feel like despising Lithika even for what she thinks is correct or what she does and it doesn't even let you feel sorry for Dhiraj.
Overall, the book/chapter could have been a good read if it continued for 2-3 pages more and could have ended in a logical and sensible conclusion.

[DALIP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Only Is This Short Read From PREETI SHENOY Truly Thought Provoking But Also Poignant And On Some Levels Heartwarming Too. What Makes This A Stand Apart Read Is That It Successfully Touches The Very Core Of The Heart Of The Reader And That Is Indeed Yardstick To Gauge How Well The Author Has Projected What Society Is More Comfortable Sweeping Under The Carpet Rather Than Facing It Squarely Because Lots Of Things No Matter How Uncomfortable Cannot Be Just Wished Away.
Society Has Over Generations Psyched Us Into Believing That What Relationship Cannot Be Labelled With A Name Is Definitely Not Legitimate Thus It Is To Be Swept Under The Carpet As It Can Only Bring Shame Because It Cannot Be Slotted And Thus Not Definable.
Thus When Lithika Falls In Love With Dhiraj Who Is Almost Her Sons Age..It Is Not Something That Occurs Almost On A Daily Basis. While Lithika Still Being Married And Having Children Who Are Well Settled She Scoffs At The Very Idea Of Getting Divorced From Her Husband Of Several Decades Just To Marry Her ToyBoy Dheeraj Who Is Stubbornly Insistent That They Get Respectability To Their Relationship By Putting The Stamp Of Approval By Getting Married So That Fingers Are Not Pointed.
But Lithika Refuses To Toe The Line Just To Align With Society.
Even Though PREETI SHENOY Leaves The Reader With An Open Ending So They Are Free To Decide Which Way The Tale Can Or Rather Should End Yet The Climax Is Truly Thought Provoking To Say The Very Least!!!
If This Happens To Be Your Maiden Read Of PREETI SHENOY You Could Not Possibly Chosen A Better Title To Get Introduced To Her Promising And Exciting World That Is Bound To Leave You Craving For More & More Where This Came From!!!

[Joyce Job · Rating 2 out of 5]

My only reasons for reading this book, despite coming across a lot of negative reviews, were 1)its length (short read)
2)I've not explored this writer a lot.

Preeti Shenoy can
1)write beautiful, intriguing sentences(Go no further. Read the first few sentences of this book.) but still surprise you at times with her awkward word choices(or should I say she sends us to 'freeze mode' through her 'tawdry ostentation' of words)
2)take up a highly conflict-prone plot with interesting grey characters but still let us down by
-telling the story instead of showing it. Almost felt like a summary
-not fleshing out the characters (We get cardboard characters with no deep delve into their psyches or arcs. Eg: A modern married woman who rationalises infidelity, a young man in love, a toxic husband, a son and a daughter.)
-avoiding all kinds of conflicts in the plot(for eg:the woman getting confronted by her husband or kids, the wife standing up against her husband's toxicity, the young man standing up strongly for his feelings or calling out clearly how the woman is gaslighting herself or leaving the unhealthy relationship where his emotional needs are not met, the woman feeling guilty/ having doubts about the infidelity or her act of refusing her lover's proposal to marry etc
-not exploring in detail the guilt/repulsion that the woman feels toward herself or to her lover or to their illicit relationship in the climax etc

Overall, the story was okay in the sense it gave me an interesting basic outline of a plot. But I felt it could be developed further. Especially in the exploration of the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.

[Abish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 🌟:-2.75

Since the story is very short and with very short I mean you can really can't bring any excuses of not reading or finishing it.Can you?

About Story _ The Fact that bothers me is the very page after 1 made me think {its something with casteism or L-B-Q} and after reading few 2-3 pages it felt more of like a sad person story not happy with her marriage and then having Fling was her thing (not judging this cougar's deferential care for her Husband)

Though the story for from beginning was very stagnant until the end where things actually escalate to point where you are ready to judge the story not because the author did wonderful job putting herself in shoes of someone who is 53 and denies relationship for sake of family & society but has no issues having sex or anything else \ As the author herself revealed She is not much of A_Happy Endings _ Optimistic Person_

The Story gets predictable except for the fact touching feet and Lithika's reaction to Dhiraj.... & And that ending was very disappointing As it seems a bit of hazzy and cracked more of incomplete ones
Ends leaving a whip on FACE ... was it A LUST STORY or all about "SOCIETY" & people running away from each other cause society doesn't allow these relationships