Tarun Vikash’s “She Stood By Me” is a heartfelt and engaging romantic fiction novel that offers a relatable look at love’s struggles within a traditional Indian context. The story centers on Aparna, a career-driven woman from an upper-middle-class family, and Abhishek, who comes from humbler beginnings and champions the power of love.
Their romance, while sweet and filmy at times, quickly faces the harsh reality of a long-distance relationship and the pressure from conservative families, societal expectations, and the complex logistics of choosing love over convention.
The novel is commendable for its simple and nicely done writing, which allows the plot to flow through one good sequence after another. The dialogue stands out as particularly well-written, especially in a memorable scene where Aparna and Abhishek discuss their future—she demands he take charge of the cooking, while he hopes she’ll wear a saree daily. These conversations, along with their fights and Abhishek’s too-real self-talk and self-doubts, effectively capture the emotional nuances of a burgeoning commitment. The story also earns points for truthfully depicting the complications of a relationship in a conservative family setting, including the subtle-yet-pervasive theme of submissiveness displayed by the women due to love, which, though not a favorite aspect, is a genuine reflection of societal nature.
However, the book isn’t without its weaknesses. The primary point of contention lies with Abhishek’s character. He is particularly annoying at times, and the narrative fails to provide a convincing reason—other than the necessity of the plot—for why the strong, ambitious Aparna would choose him over all the better options she has. This lack of persuasive character motivation for Aparna’s dedication feels like a missed opportunity.
Despite these tiny bits of the protagonist’s flaws, the book remains a very good read overall, offering both charming romantic moments (like the coordinated effort by friends to give the couple alone time) and a realistic portrayal of the obstacles faced by young lovers in modern India. It’s a compelling emotional journey that will resonate with fans of Indian contemporary romance.
A must read for anyone wanting to get out of their reading slump!
Check the book out here.
