Review- Girl Next Door by Arpit Vageria

 BOOK SUMMARY:

After that terrible night fifteen years ago, Ishaan had vowed to never
return to his hometown. But when has destiny been so kind to our
plans!
When Ishaan thought life was at its best, the world was hit by a deadly
pandemic. India went under complete lockdown, and he unwillingly
ended up at a house he once called home.
He isn’t prepared to stay in Bhopal for an entire month. That too
with the father he doesn’t relate to anymore, an elder brother who
broke his trust, and a mother who didn’t stand for him all those
years ago. He is figuring out what to do, when he fell in love with
The Girl Next Door.
Ruhi is a well-known choreographer and the chief minister’s daughter,
back home for the lockdown. As much as people were staying away
from each other, Ishaan’s and Ruhi’s hearts were coming closer to beat as one - in the 90’s way.
Their love was breathing the 1990s in 2020.
Will this lockdown teach Ishaan to love once again? Will he learn the true meaning of forgiveness?
Will his love story be eclipsed by the life-threatening pandemic?
This extraordinary story of love will melt your heart and make you believe in the power of true love.

Release date: September 14th 2020

Published by: Srishti Publishers & Distributors 

Page numbers: 216

REVIEW: 

Although the author has quite a few books in his name, Girl Next Door was the first book of Arpit Vageria that I read. There are two reasons why I was attracted to the book. I had watched Srishti Publisher and Distributor's Arup Bose interview Arpit and I found the author's personality to be quite energetic, positive and cheerful and so I was naturally inquisitive to know all about his book. Even though I do not read romances, I was drawn to the lockdown love story as I was quite curious to read about the worldwide lockdown in fiction. 

While we have all read heaps and heaps of articles and studies about the Coronavirus, and we have seen videos of stuff people were up to all over the world during the lockdown, we haven't read it much in fiction yet. Although the name of the virus and everything related to it was changed, it was quite refreshing to read about the memories created during the lockdown in a typical desi household. We all have some or the other interesting story to tell from the time, and the author managed to do it quite well. Most of the things going around the main characters' neighbourhood were relatable and brought back memories from the lockdown. 

The story of Girl Next Door was your typical filmy, entertaining story with loads of drama which sometimes got on my nerves because of how unrealistic it seemed. While the romance between the main characters Ishaan and Ruhi made me nostalgic as it brought back memories from the 90s, I felt it lacked depth at times due the lack of glimpses into their actual bonding. That is understandable though, because most Indian romances focus more on family than the actual romance. I would have honestly loved a few more deep talks that Ishaan and Ruhi must have (hopefully) shared. 

All the side characters in the book from Ishaan and Ruhi's families to their friends and neighbours were very well portrayed and developed. This story is all about being apart for years and how the virus was actually a blessing in disguise for both individuals and the wonderful planet we inhabit by making both better. Making mistakes, accepting them, forgiving those involved and yourself in the process... author Arpit Vageria portrayed it all amazingly well in his simple writing and captivating storytelling. 

Overall, quite an adorable romance and although at times over dramatic, this was still a wonderful story that will bring back memories from your childhood, from the lockdown and will leave you both smiling and heartbroken by the end. The biggest advantage is that it's also a quick paced read, so do give it a go! 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Srishti Publishers in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.