For most software engineers, weekends are a time to rest after a week of coding, sprint meetings, and system deployments. But for Pune-based engineer Prajwal Gulhane, weekends gradually became something else — a quiet space to write.
What began as a personal creative experiment would eventually turn into a published novel, 4 AM Bus Stop, a clean and wholesome romance that unexpectedly found an audience online. Within just a month of its launch, the independently published book crossed 200 copies sold, a notable milestone for a debut author navigating the world of indie publishing.
At its heart, 4 AM Bus Stop tells a reflective story about relationships evolving over nearly a decade — focusing less on dramatic twists and more on the quiet moments that shape people over time. Prajwal initially wrote the story simply as a creative outlet, never imagining it would reach hundreds of readers.
Balancing Code and Creativity
By day, Prajwal works in technology, building software systems and working within structured engineering environments defined by deadlines, sprint cycles, and technical problem-solving.
Writing, however, offered a very different rhythm.
The early drafts of 4 AM Bus Stop were written during late evenings and weekends — moments when the pace of engineering work slowed down and creative thoughts could take over.
“I never started writing with the intention of publishing a book,” Prajwal shared in an online discussion. “It began as a way to capture small moments and conversations that felt meaningful.”
As the story developed, those fragments gradually turned into chapters. The narrative structure slowly emerged, shaped by observations about relationships, time, and personal growth.
Eventually, the manuscript became something more than a collection of ideas — it became a complete story.
The Reddit Post That Sparked Interest
The turning point for the book came through an unexpected channel: the internet community platform Reddit.
Gulhane shared a short excerpt from the manuscript in a discussion thread where readers were talking about meaningful romantic stories. The response surprised him.
Within hours, readers began engaging with the post. Some commented on how relatable the writing felt, while others asked where they could read more.
As the thread gained traction, the excerpt began circulating across other discussion spaces, drawing attention from readers curious about the unfinished story.
Encouraged by the interest, Prajwal decided to publish the book independently.
Early Readers and Growing Word-of-Mouth
After publication, readers from the original Reddit thread began ordering copies and sharing feedback online.
Within the first 30 days, 4 AM Bus Stop crossed 200 copies sold, helped largely by word-of-mouth recommendations and organic online discussions. For a first-time indie author without a traditional publishing campaign, the early response marked a promising start.
Early readers described the novel using words like “relatable,” “grounded,” and “unexpectedly moving.”
Several reviewers highlighted the book’s simplicity and emotional authenticity — noting that the story avoids the dramatic tropes often found in modern romance narratives.
Instead, it focuses on subtle emotional shifts, missed opportunities, and the quiet passage of time — elements that many readers say mirror real-life relationships.
Looking Ahead
Following the early response to 4 AM Bus Stop, Prajwal has begun engaging more actively with readers through online communities and small reading circles.
He has expressed interest in organizing informal book discussions and meetups, particularly within local reading communities in Pune. For Prajwal, the goal is not just to promote the book but also to connect with readers who enjoy reflective storytelling.
While his professional work in technology continues, writing has now become an ongoing creative pursuit.
What began as a quiet weekend experiment has evolved into a new chapter — one that blends the analytical world of engineering with the emotional depth of storytelling.
And as more readers discover 4 AM Bus Stop, the story behind the book may be just as compelling as the story inside it.
Author Information
Author: Prajwal Gulhane
Book: 4 AM Bus Stop
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance
The book is currently available on major online platforms including Amazon and Flipkart. Readers can explore the book here:
Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/011kf3ll