A review by booxoul
Delhi via Lucknow: Once, love travelled this route by Ashwini Rudra, Ashwini Rudra

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A late 90s tale of romance, this one is a memory lane revisit, taking one back to college days, possibly the best of anyone’s life that have a fragrance of their own, a carefree sort of demeanour, recklessness yet sensitivity in the most intricate manner. You know what I feel is the best part? This one belongs to the period when dating was still untouched by the clutches of technological demons such as AI, social media, dating apps, and so on.

This is the story of the protagonist, Guddu Shukla, a student leader at DAV College, finds himself in a love triangle with Bechu Mishra, a CA in the making (maybe huh..) and local goon, over the stunning Rimjhim Singh. The comical and pugnacious friends surrounding the trio add to the drama.

A tale that revolves not only around romance but also highlights many other emotions such as comic relief, friendship, college life, a dash of 1990s politics, and destiny. A fresh new voice and style of writing, warmth and exuberance radiated by each and every character is commendable.

I Tell you the book already had my heart, but I fell head over heels for it again especially when on the night of the wedding, Bechu and Guddu's gang were drinking away to glory to nurse the broken hearts. It made me realise how friendships can be made even over something as melancholy as heartbreak. Yes, one can resonate with Guddu, Rimjhim, and even Bechu about why they chose to deviate from the paths chosen and yet be on the same page with them. That relatability I could actually feel. There was a sense, which will make you go back and mull each character’s perception, understanding the scenario from their vantage point.

A fun-filled book which has all Bollywood ingredients but in a much more apt way where even an actual movie might fall short. So go ahead and buy yourself a copy now!!!