Book Review # 138 The Runaway Bridegroom: Sundari Venkatraman

Blurb:
Eight-year-old Chanda Maheshwari and thirteen-year-old Veerendra Singh Choudhry are married as per custom. But when the bridegroom runs away immediately after the wedding, the Maheshwari family’s world comes crashing down. They move to Jaipur to begin a new life in the city.
Fourteen years later, as a management student in Delhi, Chanda takes up a temporary job at RS Software Pvt. Ltd and finds herself falling head-over-heels for her boss, Ranveer Singh. But, for all her feelings, Chanda is still a married woman. Meanwhile, Ranveer’s secretary, Shikha, is determined to win him for herself. Even though his second-in-command, Abhimanyu, keeps getting in the way, she keeps a steady eye on the main prize. So when Ranveer starts to show an interest in Chanda, Shikha is furious. Back in Jaipur, an astrologer predicts that Chanda’s errant husband will soon make an appearance.
A secret childhood marriage, a vindictive secretary and unwelcome cosmic predictions—how much can Chanda deal with? And does anyone care about what she wants? Torn between the man she loves and the claim a missing husband still has on her, will Chanda ever find happiness?

My Take:

Love stories is a genre which gives limited imagination and scope for experimentation is what I felt. And normally they have villians, misunderstandings, fights ,arguments other than romance,passion. But Sundari has managed to break the barriers and write a love story that engrosses you ,connects with you. A love story that is supported by the family and has a role for all the family members. There is no negativity. The story is mesmerizing and stand out for the geniuinity.

Chanda has had a child marriage of few hours only to be left by the bridegroom. He runs away which leaves the families in lurch. Her family shifts to Jaipur unable to face the turmoil and hoping the change of place helps Chanda move on.

Ranveer runs away from his marriage hours after getting married as he doesn't believe in  marriage and is naive. Works hard, foster parents and education he builds his own software company and successful. Reluctant to visit back and face the music he tries to move on. Still the guilt is somewhere in his heart of what he did to his family and bride of few hours.

Shika, his secretary is ambitious and her dream is to marry someone rich. Her turbulent past experiences leave her bitter and cynical. Her only aim is to marry Ranveer. Her character is written well. I liked the way her role shapes up and doesn't end bitter.

Years later they both come face to face unknown of each others identity and fall in love. But both have a past to confront and resolve. You can connect with their turmoil especially Chanda's who is always worried that her childhood husband would make an appearance and she would have to live with him. What would be their reaction when they realise they were made for each other and binded by marriage then? Will Chanda accept Ranveer after all what has happened? Read the book to find out.

The story is weaved intricately with all characters given importance and the family plays an important role, a rare quality in these days love stories.

5/5 for this beautiful love story. Looking forward for the love stories of the brothers.