Coming September 2026: 1000 Days of Love

An uncommon love story between a young girl and an old man - and how love, in all its forms, transforms us.

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About the book

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What if the greatest love story wasn’t romantic?

What if love wasn’t a grand gesture, but a daily decision? What if the person who changed your life wasn’t a soulmate, but a stranger who became family?

‍1000 Days of Love is an unconventional love story between Riya, a 25-year-old immigrant in San Francisco and Sri, a 52-year-old man dying from Parkinson’s. Through letters, late-night calls, and improbable acts of care, they become each other’s chosen family.

Over a thousand days, this novel explores grief and healing, loneliness and laughter, success and surrender. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered what it means to love - and be loved - when nothing is guaranteed.

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About the author

Hi! I’m Soundarya Balasubramani aka Pooja :)

A writer, entrepreneur, and someone who believes stories can heal us.

I’ve written two nonfiction books (Admitted and Unshackled), founded Unshackled (a company to help immigrants in America), and co-created Beyond Luck, a course with Rajesh Setty, the person who inspired this book and the turning point of my life.

‍1000 Days of Love is my first novel - and the one closest to my heart.

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The Story

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Story behind the book

1000 Days of Love was inspired by Rajesh Setty. We met in July 2021, through a chance introduction. I was 25 and lost in more ways than I cared to admit. He was 52 and had Parkinson’s - and yet, had more appetite for life than a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory.

‍Our first conversation lasted two hours. Then, somehow, we spoke again the next day. And the next. For the next thousand days, he became my lifeline (and continues to be). A stranger who turned into a teacher, best friend, and my third parent.

This novel isn’t our story - but it carries the heartbeat of it. It’s about what happens when someone chooses to show up for you, without needing anything in return. It’s about ordinary moments that become extraordinary because of who you share them with.

It’s fiction. But the feelings are real.

Who is this for

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Is this for you?

If you’ve ever...

Felt like you were too much - or not enough

Moved to a new city, hoping it would change everything

Stared at your phone, waiting for someone to text back

Chased a dream and wondered if you were delusional

Missed someone who felt like home

Wanted to be understood, without needing to explain yourself

…this book is for you.

I dedicate 1000 Days of Love for all the South Asian woman who grew up being confined by rules and norms, and had to spend a lifetime unlearning them. It's for the introverts who pretend to be fine but lie awake at night wondering if they’re doing life right. It’s for immigrants, dreamers, misfits, late bloomers, and anyone who knows that love isn’t always romantic.

Testimonials

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Early love ❤️

I loved reading the story behind your book, 1000 Days of Love. Learning about your relationship with Rajesh fills me with hope that one simple hello can lead to a life-changing experience.

Rahul

This book is a beautiful way to redefine what "love" really means. I can't wait to get my hands on the book!

Sejal

I heard you talking about wanting to write a contemporary "Tuesdays With Morrie." Now, it looks like you're doing much more than that.

San

I'm touched seeing the inspiration behind this book, and how Rajesh's influence shaped you. This book is a gift to the world.

Vidya

I've read countless self-help books, but your book might be the first novel I ever read.

Nafees

This book will redefine the genre of romance. So excited for this!

Tesh

Coming September 2026: 1000 Days of Love

What if the greatest love story wasn’t romantic?

About the author

Hi! I’m Soundarya Balasubramani aka Pooja :)

Story behind the book

Is this for you?

If you’ve ever...

Early love ❤️

Want early chapters, behind-the-scenes, or to be part of the launch?