Just Missed | Himanshu Bhatia | Book Review

About The Book:

Author: Himanshu Bhatia
Pages: 232
Publisher: Fingerprint! Publishing.
Format: Paperback.

Siddharth aka Mr. Perfectionist is married to his job. Relentlessly toiling for the promotion he wants, he doesn’t have time for anything, even a girlfriend. Naturally, marriage is the last thing on his mind… But not for his parents, who have plans of their own. Enter Shreya, the girl next door. One meeting and Mr. Perfectionist is instantly besotted—he even begins to dream about marrying her. During coffee meetings and Long drives, Siddharth comes to know that a boy has entered Shreya’s life—an IIT graduate named Shivam Malhotra she met on her flight to Bangkok. Shivam is a flirt, a Casanova, and the type of guy Shreya abhors. But there is more to Shivam than meets the eye. And Shreya, despite herself, finds herself hating him less and less every day… The wedding is approaching. What will happen with this trio?

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Just missed is a sweet and light read that is based on a love triangle. The three characters in the love triangle are Siddharth, Shreya, and Shivam.

The story is narrated by Siddharth, who is married to his job. His parents force him to create an account on a matrimonial site. There he meets Shreya, who is an IIM graduate. Siddharth’s heart melts when he meets Shreya. Soon they both spiral into an arranged marriage.

In the course of their meetings, Shreya meets Shivam, who is flirtatious, easygoing, and full of life. At first, she absolutely despises him, but when she gets to know the real him, she realizes that he is not what he pretends to be and soon she falls for him.

The story is simple and entertaining with a Bollywood-ish touch to it. The language is simple and suitable for beginners.

A point that I liked the most is the cover.

The small details on the cover are quite relevant. It perfectly suits the story and the title. The Aeroplane and the India gate on the front cover are relevant to the plot, and these black figurines give you much insight. The coffee cup, iPad, and ring on the back cover are an important part of the story. I really loved the cover.

The Hindi slangs used in the story are quite catchy and funny and make it more entertaining. One thing that I didn’t like is the lack of Sid. I would have loved it if the author had added more about Siddharth.

And I guess sometimes Shreya’s reactions to some situations were overdramatic. However, Shreya and Shivam’s characterization is pretty good and the side characters are also well portrayed.

Overall, the storyline was amazing, neither too harsh nor too heartbreaking but cute and charming. I loved Shreya’s and Shivam’s relationship as it developed from hatred to friendship and then to love. 

In a nutshell, this book is worth a read if you are into romance.
Congratulations to the author for such an impressive debut.

Some lines to notice:
“Their feelings were vast
Maybe waiting to be in cast
They were not holding hands
But waiting for some magic wands.”