Short stories that feel real and alive.
Title: The Capital Tales
Author: C.S. Ramachandran
ISBN: 9789373353449
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
A Luxury Hotel Full of Stories, Secrets, and Emotions
The Capital Tales by C.S. Ramachandran is a charming and entertaining collection of short stories set inside a grand luxury hotel in New Delhi called The Capital. The book brings together humour, romance, suspense, mystery, and human emotions in a simple, relatable way. Each story feels like a window into a different world, and every page takes you deeper into the lives of the guests and staff who pass through this vibrant hotel.
The most beautiful part of this book is the atmosphere the author creates. You feel as if you are really walking through the shining lobby, listening to the clinking of glasses in the bar, watching busy managers handle crises, and peeking into the lives happening behind closed doors. The hotel itself becomes a living, breathing character—full of glamour, secrets, and unforgettable moments.
Ramachandran, being a seasoned hotelier, clearly knows this world closely. His experience shows in the small details—how a manager thinks, how staff respond during pressure, how guests behave when nobody is watching, and how one hotel holds hundreds of stories every single day. This makes the book feel real, enjoyable, and very easy to connect with.
Stories That Stay With You
Each story in The Capital Tales has its own flavour. Some make you smile, some surprise you, some hold you in suspense, and some touch your heart softly. The characters appear again and again in different stories, so the reader feels connected to them as the book moves forward.
1. “Passion Punch” – A Cocktail of Love and Mystery
This story is set in Nasha, the stylish and exclusive bar inside the hotel. Riva, the award-winning bartender, creates magical cocktails that are famous around the world. Her personality shines—confident, talented, admired by many. Yet she hides her own loneliness while helping others fall in love.
The masked man who enters the bar on Propose Day adds mystery and charm. The flirtation, the curiosity, the slow build-up of emotions, and the final twist of revealing his identity make the story extremely engaging. It feels like watching a romantic short film inside a luxury setting.
The writing is simple but smooth, and the emotions are beautifully expressed. The story shows how even people who create magic for others often wait for their own moment of magic.
2. “Enigma – Painting a Tale” – A Smart, Sharp Mystery
This story introduces Sherlock Singh — once a respected detective, now the Chief Security Officer of the hotel. The disappearance of an expensive painting from Room 307 seems impossible because there is no sign of forced entry. What follows is a clever investigation that keeps you hooked.
The twist where the name of the suspicious guest — Samuel Andrew Robert Adams, actually spells SARA, the owner of the painting, is extremely satisfying. The way Sherlock Singh pieces the clues together feels logical, simple, and very entertaining. The story shows that even glamorous hotels hide desperation, secrets, and unexpected human behaviour.
It’s one of the best stories in the book and adds a good thriller flavour.
3. “The Long Corridor” – A Touch of the Supernatural
This story takes the reader into a slightly mysterious and eerie setting. Vikram, a hardworking hotel employee, enters a strange corridor he has never seen before. The room numbers are odd, the doors slightly open, the lighting unusual, and the atmosphere heavy. Inside the rooms, he sees moments from his own day—mistakes, emotions, situations—and begins to question what is real.
The dreamlike experience makes the reader think about self-reflection, exhaustion, overwork, and how sometimes the mind creates its own illusions. The author balances mystery with reality in a way that keeps you thinking even after the story ends.
4. “A Tech Confusion” – A Realistic Look at Sales Pressure
This story throws light on the chaotic and high-pressure world of the hotel sales department. Alisha, a young sales executive, is under performance pressure. She struggles to secure a big event booking while dealing with confusing instructions, missing data, and an unreliable event organiser.
The story feels very real because it mirrors what happens in corporate life—targets, expectations, office politics, and last-minute chaos. Manik, the Revenue Director, adds another dimension with his strict, data-driven personality.
The story is funny, stressful, and very relatable, especially for readers who work in demanding corporate environments.
What Makes the Book Special
1. A Unique Setting
Most short story collections focus on relationships, travel, nature, or personal experiences. But The Capital Tales stands out because it is set entirely inside a luxury hotel. Hotels are mini-worlds — people come and go, bringing their joys, dreams, fears, secrets, and personal stories. The author uses this setting perfectly, making each story feel rich and alive.
2. Simple, Clear Writing
The author writes in easy English. Nothing feels difficult or complicated. Even scenes involving investigations, emotions, or long conversations move smoothly. This makes the book perfect for readers who enjoy clean, uncomplicated storytelling.
3. Characters You Remember
Kabir, the charming hotel manager…
Riva, the magical bartender…
Sherlock Singh, the fallen detective…
Vikram, the dedicated desk manager…
Alisha, the young salesperson…
As the stories continue, you feel like you know these people personally. They reappear in different roles, and the book feels like a TV series set inside a grand hotel.
4. A Blend of Emotions
The book gives you:
- Romance
- Comedy
- Mystery
- Drama
- Thrill
- Workplace scenes
- Human behaviour
- Glamour of luxury hotels
Every story has a different taste, just like the cocktails from Nasha bar.
About the Author – A Man Who Knows Stories
C.S. Ramachandran’s experience as a hotelier brings authenticity to the book. His writing comes from real-life understanding—late-night shifts, demanding guests, behind-the-scenes tension, and memorable interactions. Because he has lived this life, the book feels grounded and natural.
He writes with warmth, humour, and honesty. His love for reading and storytelling is visible in every chapter.
Overall Verdict
The Capital Tales is a delightful read. It is simple, engaging, and full of variety. The hotel setting gives the book a refreshing identity. Each story stands on its own, yet all stories connect through the hotel’s staff and guests, creating a familiar and enjoyable world.
Who Should Read This Book?
- People who love short stories
- Readers who enjoy romance, mystery, and humour
- Hotel and hospitality professionals
- Anyone who likes light, enjoyable storytelling
- Readers searching for something modern, fresh, and Indian
Final Words
This book succeeds in transporting you into the luxurious, unpredictable, and emotional world of The Capital. Whether it is a stolen painting, a mysterious corridor, a cocktail of love, or a confused sales meeting—every story welcomes you to check-in and enjoy the ride.
A charming, warm, and entertaining book that leaves you smiling at the end.
Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9373353446
