Love is not bound by distance.
Life is unpredictable. And love is a frail human emotion. But who knew that a Bihari boy and a Delhi girl would have a strong connection when they first met on basketball ground.
The prologue of the book keeps you wanting for more. Madhav is almost devastated after he has lost his 'half girlfriend'.
The person he loved the most. He wanted to be loved too. The conversation with the author helps him in his quest to find his 'half girlfriend', Riya.
Madhav Jha and Riya Somani lived different lives. Both were poles apart. Riya hails from a rich family and Madhav from princely state of Dumraon which is not princely anymore. It is a touching love story. Yet there is something different about it. While Madhav wanted more from his friendship, Riya didn't. That's how she became his 'half girlfriend'. Being physical is not all love is about. Its about being cared and love selflessly.
Riya was a bit introvert who liked to listen than being questioned. Maybe girls don't like being questioned.
Madhav had his clan of Bihari boys with whom he would talk his heart out. He was a bit possessive about her. He didn't understand girls just like other boys.
The book is nicely covered in three Acts. First starting from Delhi and then moving on to Bihar then on to New York.
Delhi highlights beginning of their relationship. Ups and Downs. They had been more than casual friends and yet not more than friends. Things changed quickly. Misunderstandings crept in. They broke up. Madhav sulked. Riya moved on.
Being a prince of Dumraon, Madhav returned to Bihar. He wanted to help his mother who ran a school there. It was nothing like ordinary schools. As fate would have it Madhav and Riya met each other in Patna. They again became friends. Both were happy.
Meeting Riya again had given Madhav new hopes. But she vanished again. Madhav sulked even more. He lacked her presence. Her love. He searched for her for years. Nowhere to be found. He was sure she had followed her dreams. It was a hunch, but it had to be New York.
To know what happens in New York do read the book. Does Madhav find Riya? Has he lost hopes of meeting her ever again?
It is a nice mix of friendship, love, emotions, separations. And most importantly loving one when there is no hope.
Being a romantic at heart I loved this book. Although its a bit different in terms of writing from his previous books, Chetan Bhagat has done it again. In my opinion its one of his best books. Some might like it, some might not.
Hope you liked this review.
