Marriage Unarranged | Book Review

 Review of Ritu Bhathal's debut novel in the Rishthay series

• Title - Marriage Unarranged
• Author - Ritu Bhathal
• Publisher - Spellbound Books
• Year published - 6 June 2022
• Pages - 380
• Genre - Romcom
• Format -eBook

It all s̶t̶a̶r̶t̶e̶d̶ ended with that box…

The year 2000 and Aashi’s life was all set.
New Millennium ,exciting beginnings, new life.
Or so she thought.Like in the Bollywood films, Ravi would woo her, charm her family and they’d get married and live happily ever after.

But then Aashi found the empty condom box...

Putting her ex-fiancé and innocence behind her, Aashi embarks on an enlightening journey to another country, where vibrant memories are created and unforgettable friendships forged.

Old images erased, new beginnings to explore.

And how can she forget the handsome stranger she meets?
A stranger who’s hiding something…

 

Get ready for a delightful desi Romcom that will sweep you off your feet! After ages, a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in love again. Meet Aashi, a spirited bride-to-be, whose happiness is shattered when she discovers her fiancé, Ravi, is having an affair with his colleague, Nishi. Determined to find solace, Aashi and her family cancel the wedding and embark on a long-awaited trip to India, originally planned for wedding dress shopping.

As fate would have it, on this journey, Aashi, her brothers, and her bestie Kiran cross paths with Arjun, a charming traveler seeking to reconnect with his Indian roots and experience the authentic essence of the country. Sparks fly, bonds are formed, and what unfolds between Aashi and Arjun, as well as Kiran and Sunny (Aashi's protective brother), becomes the heart of this captivating tale.

The story takes us into the vibrant world of a Punjabi household residing in the UK, where traditional customs and cultural values are cherished amidst the challenges of living in a foreign land. We witness Mummy-ji's desire to shield her daughter while grappling with societal judgments, while Daddy-ji wholeheartedly prioritizes Aashi's happiness. The two brothers exhibit unwavering loyalty, willing to go to any lengths to see their sister's smile, even if it means unleashing their protective fists.

The author skillfully transports us to the bustling streets of Delhi, through the various markets and shopping sprees and the serene Golden Temple, painting vivid pictures with rich descriptions of the sights and sounds. We revel in the culinary delights savored by the characters, sharing their joy (and a chuckle when the tea proves a tad too sweet!). Some elements such as the airport baggage carrier evoked a sense of nostalgia!

The narrative flows effortlessly, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions as we cheer for Kiran and Aashi's dreams to come true. Heartbreak, love, laughter, sibling protectiveness, friendship, parental affection, jealousy, and betrayal—each emotion is skillfully portrayed, leaving a lasting impact. The story also offers a glimpse into the lives of an Indian family settled in the UK, reminiscent of classic Bollywood movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge!

Milan and his endearing "Eenas" will undoubtedly win your heart with their charm and charisma. Meanwhile, Arjun's little secret reveals a touching aspect of his character, tugging at your heartstrings and deepening your connection with him.

The cover is simply delightful, encapsulating the essence of the story in a charming and adorable way. The inclusion of a glossary of Punjabi relationship titles is a thoughtful touch, particularly for readers new to this cultural backdrop.

Overall, this is a simple and enjoyable read that seamlessly fits into your reading list, providing a refreshing break from heavier material. I give it a resounding 4/5 stars! Stay tuned for my review of the second book in the "Rishthay series" coming soon!

Ritu Bhathal was born in Birmingham in the mid-1970s to migrant parents, hailing from Kenya but with Indian origin. This colourful background has been a constant source of inspiration to her.

From childhood, she always enjoyed reading. This love of books is credited to her mother. The joy of reading spurred her on to become creative in her writing, from fiction to poetry. Winning little writing competitions at school and locally encouraged her to continue writing.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, she has drawn on inspiration from many avenues to create the poems that she writes.

A qualified teacher, having studied at Kingston University, she now deals with classes of children as a sideline to her writing!

Ritu also writes a blog, www.butismileanyway.com, a mixture of life and creativity, thoughts and opinions, which was awarded first place in the Best Overall Blog category at the 2017 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards, and Best Book Blog in 2019.

Ritu is happily married and living in Kent, with her Hubby Dearest, and two children, not forgetting the fur baby Sonu Singh.

You can meet the author on Instagram @ritubhathalwrites

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