I saw this book in the "New Arrivals" section of flipkart, the writer's name sounded familiar and it took few min to figure out, it's the same from Just Friends.
I ordered it straight away, there are some bonds which writers build with the readers; a bond of trust.
And Sumrit Shahi fulfilled my expectations or rather I should say expectations of many others (the book is already on best sellers list).
From the back –
He’s a player. She knows the rules. They meet. Smile. Talk. Add each other on Facebook. Exchange BB pins. He asks her out for coffee. She agrees. Another coffee follows. So do movies, drives, moonlight walks, study dates, sneakouts, make out sessions.
Shadab and Arnika.
Both eighteen. Committed. In a relationship.
It’s a perfectly clichéd bubblegum love story...or is it?
For love today, comes with a ‘conditions apply’.
Career. Ambition. Practicality.
Different colleges. Different countries. Different aspirations.
A long-distance relationship.
They decide to give it a shot. Skype video calling. BBM. Lists of do’s and don’ts. Fidelity checks. Promises.
They’ve planned it all out.
But can love be planned?
Is chocolate a safer proposition for the heart?
Is cheating on your partner an offence only if your partner comes to know about it?
What happens when you’re in something which is A lot like love…a li’l like chocolate???
About the author –
His looks have changed, as I could recall from his last book.
He is now 18 and his debut novel was published when he was just 17 and that too a National Best seller.
About the book –
When you upgrade to XI standard you might feel 10th class was fun, Sumrit makes you feel exactly that in the first book. Just Friends And then when you enter your college you beg for your +2 days to be back again, now Sumrit makes you feel that in his 2nd book.
Based on the lives Shadab and Arnika, who are in their high school and in love.
The style of writing has not changed and some phrases like "he smiled and she smiled" are repeated again, which I think works towards the positive aspect of the novel.
The basic skeleton of the story is an old theory, distance effects relationships, but he presents this in a fresh and surreal way.
You actually enjoy and feel the words in the heart.
The sweetness of childhood combines with the hormonal imbalance of a teenager,a rare combo which makes the conversations humorous and in many cases romantic.
Page 68,
‘I have always been a good boyfriend,’ he says.
“Always?” she raise her eyebrows. “How many?” she asks, taking another sip.
“Okay…let’s see,” he pretends to scratch his chin. “Can’t remember,” he winks.
“It’s easier for me,” she sits back. “Rahul,..Vikram..Ajit” Hits back hard.
He takes another sip from the beer can.
“And …I’m just kidding..it’s just Vikram and you know about it.” She says.
“And you know about Rhea, Rheaaa, those lips…God Imiss them,” he exclaims, just to check how possessive she feels.
“I know what you mean, Vikram was such a tongue-teaser,” she ends, giving a dreamy look.
“Oi” his efforts backfires.
“Yeah?” she replies unaffected.
And they drifted apart, not before spending wonderful and quality time together, nothing special I could add here. The author's works speaks volumes, grab a copy today (when you haven't laid you hands on the 1st one; in that case make it two copies).
I promise you won't regret it.
Happy reading. :)
P.S - Sumrit left some questions to be unfolded (just like in the previous one)
I wish all the success to him and hope he write the 3rd one next year. ;)
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