In the city of Aizawl, two individuals from different backgrounds found themselves rising together during their Pre-University (PUC). Their love story takes a heartbreaking turn when his jealous gay friend circulates a rumor, attempting to interfere in their budding romance. Despite their shared origins in Aizawl, her love becomes an unrequited longing. His shy and reclusive nature, compounded by tragic incidents, thwarts her attempts at connection. Perplexingly, she struggles to comprehend his gesture of acceptance, leaving their relationship in a prolonged state of oblivion. Undeterred by time and physical separation for higher education, her tenacity refuses to wane. However, her naivety hinders her from deciphering his clues, especially as he descends into severe addiction following his mother’s demise. As they pursue separate paths in the South, life takes its toll on both. Divine forces seem to intervene, preventing their meetings in one place. The unease in his mind compels him to reveal his hidden love and propose marriage after a long, tumultuous journey. Yet, every attempt at union is thwarted, leaving them in perpetual separation. The narrative takes a poignant turn as he begins to share his feelings and long-buried secrets post-marriage. A revelation of life’s unkindness unfolds, leading to a point where they express profound regret. This tragic love story, which commenced with passion, concludes with the transformation of love into enduring friendship. Upon finishing the book, readers may find themselves pondering whether these protagonists will forever remain as incomplete stories, waiting for the closure they once yearned for.
Hema Chhetri was born and raised in the Northeastern part of India. In 2016, while serving as a staff nurse in a hospital, she began her journey as a freelance writer. Driven by her passion for writing, she pursued a Master's in Journalism, earning accolades such as the CREAM award for academics and recognition as the Best News Anchor, among many others. During her tenure as a copywriter at a production house and an Ed-tech company, she made appearances on ZEE TV and Andhra Tourism ads. Currently, she holds the position of a senior content professional and resides in Bengaluru. REGRETs, the title of her first novel has been honored with awards such as the Bharat Guild, Sahityakosh Samman, and NE8x Litfest 2023. It has also been acknowledged in Literary Insider as a new wave creator, earning a spot among the top 5 books in Delhi Wire Magazine for its significant contributions to Literature. This novel delves into the struggles of her best friend as she transforms into a writer, exploring not only the creative journey but also the profound pain of losing someone she truly loves. Her second book, 'what RU raising? ME, a Tree of Poetry' is the compilation of her early poems from the time when she first started writing. Recently, it was honored with the notable Emily Dickinson Award.
This turned out to be a very unique story - it isn't a 'happily ever after' but neither is it a tragic love story where there are no hopes of the protagonist ever finding happiness. This is a book very close to life, a book that ends in uncertainty.
Based on a true story, this has a 'right person, wrong time' trope. The journey starts when the girl is in school. The book felt like a fireside chat with the author - a narration of the events from her perspective. By the end, I did not really connect with her because there was very little character building, the side characters weren't very memorable either. I do wish we had gotten a bit more of the internal monologues of the characters, but well, it is based on a true story and the author did her best to portray the truth of the matter.
One thing that could have been improved here was the fluidity of the language. Idioms were overused that lent a very rash light to the overall prose.
I always wondered why my love life is not like fairytale or the stories I read. I guess, not all stories I read are worth a wish to be true.
Book: Regret Author: Hema Chhetri Genre: Fiction .. My Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ .. Love is always not what we see in movies or heard in stories. Love story doesn't end with happily ever after sometimes Love is just s emotion we have to live with not the person to share our life with.
This book shared such an amazing story with love and no "happily ever after" in the end. This book made me smile, cry and felt stabbed by the power of destiny over the power of love.
The title of book is so suitable. The cover of book is perfect. The writing style just create a flow of writing. Author has poured her heart out on the paper. I could feel her pain in words. This book is well edited, well written. Author put special attention on cultural diversity and character development. I appreciate her successful delivery of emotions and wish her work to reach maximum audience.
I felt so connected. I like the book but felt book is just too much about the flow of reality.
Overall... amazing book I highly recommend it to everyone. I highly recommend it to be read by all typical romance lover.
Love and its complexities have been a central theme in modern Indian literature, as it reflects the changing dynamics of Indian society and culture. Indian literature has explored the nuances of love through various genres such as poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Love, in Indian literature, is not merely a romantic emotion, but also encompasses familial, platonic, and spiritual relationships. Modern Indian literature has portrayed love as a complex emotion that comes with its share of joys, sorrows, and challenges. It has explored the intricacies of relationships, including societal norms, class differences, gender roles, and sexuality. Moreover, Indian literature has also highlighted the transformative power of love, depicting how it can heal, inspire, and bring about personal growth.
Hema Chhetri's "Regrets" is a heart-wrenching tale of love that transcends all boundaries, but ultimately transforms into an enduring friendship. Set in the beautiful city of Aizawl, the story revolves around two individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, who meet and fall in love during their PUC days. The book takes readers on a tumultuous journey of the couple's love story and the challenges they face along the way. As the story unfolds, readers are confronted with several tragic incidents that leave a profound impact on the protagonists' love story. The male protagonist's mother's untimely death plunges him into a downward spiral of drug addiction, which threatens to destroy their relationship. The female protagonist's unwavering determination and innocence add depth to the story, making it a gripping tale of emotional turmoil. The book touches upon various themes such as love, identity, heartbreak, and regrets. It portrays the complexities of relationships and how life-altering events can shape the course of one's life.
A standout feature of Hema Chhetri's "Regrets" is the exceptional depth and complexity of its characters. The two main protagonists are portrayed as multidimensional individuals, with distinct personalities and quirks. The female lead is a determined and passionate individual, while the male lead is reserved and introverted. The author's portrayal of these characters makes them relatable, and readers can easily empathize with their struggles. The secondary characters are also well-developed and play pivotal roles in shaping the main characters' lives. For instance, the gay friend brings a unique perspective to the story. The story takes readers on a journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, with unexpected twists and turns along the way. The book's setting, is vividly described, immersing readers in the characters' lives and surroundings. The author's use of descriptive language and imagery adds depth to the story, making it all the more captivating. The writing style is another highlight of this book, with poetic and lyrical prose that evokes powerful emotions in the reader.
To conclude, Hema Chhetri's "Regrets" is a captivating novel that delves into the depths of tragic love, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart. The author's ability to create well-rounded and nuanced characters is remarkable, making the protagonists and secondary characters all the more relatable and believable. Overall, "Regrets" by Hema Chhetri is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written, emotionally charged, and thought-provoking romance novel. The author's skillful portrayal of characters, setting, and themes makes this book a truly compelling and memorable read.
"Regrets – All You Need to Know One’s True Value" by Hema Chettri is a powerful exploration of how regrets shape our lives, influence our self-perception, and ultimately help us discover our true worth. Through deeply personal reflections and relatable stories, Chettri offers readers a meaningful perspective on how regrets, rather than being seen as burdens, can be transformative experiences that guide us toward personal growth.
Chettri’s writing is accessible and heartfelt, making the book feel like a conversation with a close friend who has been through the same struggles. She covers a wide range of themes, including lost opportunities, broken relationships, and life’s many “what ifs.” What makes this book stand out is Chettri’s ability to shift the focus from regret as something negative to seeing it as an essential part of life’s journey. She emphasizes that regrets are not failures, but lessons that, when embraced, lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of our true value.
One of the most touching aspects of the book is how Chettri encourages readers to look at their regrets with compassion. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, she prompts us to reflect on them, extract valuable lessons, and move forward with renewed purpose. Her insights are thought-provoking, reminding us that it's never too late to grow, change, and appreciate our own worth.
The pacing of the book is smooth, and each chapter builds upon the previous one, providing a comprehensive guide to self-reflection and self-discovery. Chettri’s use of simple, clear language makes complex emotional concepts easy to understand, ensuring that the message resonates with a wide audience.
My Favorite Part of the Book: My favorite part of "Regrets" is when Chettri beautifully illustrates how we often realize the value of people, experiences, and even ourselves only in hindsight. She emphasizes that while we cannot change the past, we can always change how we let it affect our future. This message of hope and redemption is one of the most uplifting and inspiring elements of the book.
Overall, "Regrets – All You Need to Know One’s True Value" is a deeply moving and insightful read, perfect for anyone looking to heal from past regrets and discover their own path to personal growth. It’s a book that encourages self-compassion and transformation, reminding us that our true value is not diminished by our past but is strengthened by it.
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting tale of Dheeraj and Prema, two souls whose destinies are intertwined from the very beginning. This compelling novel weaves a tapestry of love, heartbreak, and the enduring power of friendship, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the complexities of love.
Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit as they navigate the trials and tribulations that fate throws their way. Life seldom offers second chances to right our wrongs, and as Dheeraj finally summons the courage to confess his hidden love and propose marriage, the sands of time have already shifted, forever altering their lives. What follows is a tragic love story that blossoms from love and evolves into an extraordinary friendship.
Overflowing with vibrant characters, intricate plotlines, and poignant dialogue, this book immerses readers in a world of heartache, hope, disappointment, and unforeseen twists. The author's storytelling prowess is nothing short of riveting, leaving readers spellbound and eager to uncover the next chapter in the lives of these unforgettable characters.
The author's deft hand in character development, the intricacy of the plot, and the narrative's simplicity lend a unique charm to the story. Amidst the ebb and flow of love, the tale delves into the labyrinthine paths people traverse on their journey to find true happiness.
The language employed in this literary gem is both accessible and poignant. Its straightforwardness strikes a chord with readers, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. The emotional impact of the story is so profound that it becomes impossible to put down, etching itself into the annals of unforgettable tales.
Highly recommended to all who yearn for a remarkable love story that will transport them on a rollercoaster of emotions. Prepare to lose yourself in this extraordinary narrative, for it is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced by all.
This book entails an intriguing, heartwarming and heart breaking love story of Dheeraj and Prema whose fates begin conspiring from the very beginning itself.
In this love story, the readers have a lot to learn and imbibe about love as this unfinished love story also goes through several tests of the time and tragedies and ends up with only regrets which is something which will keep you hooked to this absorbing romance saga.
In reality, life hardly gives second chances to set everything right, so in this story, a lot changes in their lives by the time Dheeraj comes close to expressing his hidden love for her and is about to propose for marriage. It is a tragic love story that starts with love and ends with friendship.
The story is full of life, love, tragedy, hope, disappointments and tragic turns and twists in the love journey of the characters. The storytelling is sufficiently riveting and it will keep you hooked and excited to know what actually happens further in the lives of these characters.
Characters sketching, plot, dialogues, storylines, and storytelling is good. The story isn't simple at all as it seems as there are several intriguing phases in the story which conspicuously shows the meander path people take in their love life.
The language used in this book is legible and at the same time, the simplicity in the language and directness in the narration of the story is one of the specialities of this book. No doubt, it also leaves an indelible mark in the mind with its emotional impacts and hence, the story is simply unforgettable and unputdownable. Recommend to everyone, a must read love story!
🌸𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🌸 The title is significant enough to give a clue about the instance of life being focused by the characters.. The read will take you to the tale of two characters belonging to distinct native. They belonged to the same city of Aizawl, meet and fall in love during adolescent period of their life. The love was talk for the circle and soon circulated with envious embarks by a close friend..which affected their lives. Although they had a rift, it was a temporary end to a sprouting love story but the story doesn't end here.. We all have some incomplete love story, sometimes it's our life and sometimes just a part if life...sometimes it just doesn't regret...but in all ways it will remain embedded deep in our heart..
𝗦𝗨𝗕 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧𝗦 -They meet again once they are mature enough to understand the circumstances.... -One was about to get married and the other one was still holding the painful yet beautiful part of the life.. -Destiny plays with their lives and even being close couldn't bring them close....
But it doesn't end here...there is much to get revealed in the story...
𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦 ✅I was the first one to get the experience of listening this take from my dear friend friend colleague @chhetri.hema . Therefore it is absolutely special for me..
✅The plots and subplots are relatable and captivating.
✅The language is clear, flawless and easy to comprehend by a wide variety of readers.
Love can be amazing, complex, and thrilling all at the same time. Of course, when you're crushing on, you have many questions running through your mind, from examining your genuine emotions to how to express them to know how they feel about you. We look to our friends and siblings for pieces of advice to get these answers about our love life, but I sometimes think it's helpful to get an unbiased opinion on our love life, and what can be better than reading a good romance book?
Regrets by Hema Chhetri is kind of a book that gives a perspective of young ones on love. This book explores friendship, love, identity, heartbreak, and regrets. The book follows the story of two high school students destined to meet each other, but circumstances and fate make them ignorant to take the cues for their love for each other. But as they say! Matches made in heaven, after a long time, once again their path crossed, and they discovered how life was unfair for both of them; from here starts the regrets of life.
I wish to see this heartbreaking, unfinished story as a happy ending love story. I love the raw emotion portrayed and the plot twists that make me think more about this story. However, I feel there is more space for character development. It's that one modern romance story with loads of hows and whats, twists, and a few aww moments.
Overall, the wonderful adage "what if it happens" inspired the novel, and I will recommend it to all beginner romance readers.
I often find myself wondering what love is and how it actually feels. is it like what poets and novelists write or is it individually different? The story of Dheeraj and Prema, our protagonists in "Regrets: All you need to Realize One's True Value" by Hema Chhetri, have had it between them but only after long years could they actually confess and confront each other and confess. But life is a box of chocolates, right? You never know what to expect. The love that they had from Aizwal to Bangalore, from school time, through higher studies, and to the job phase and further, didn't seem to be what they actually craved their whole life. What happened was most painful and unexpected.
The book is around 230 pages long and is full of suspense, longing, and love. I loved reading the confessions and playing in my head the scenes where they were drawn close to each other despite everything and then far again.
If you are a hopeless romantic and get your heart stuck too quickly, this book is for you. If you're someone who has been in a relationship for a long but you feel like to should not be in it, this book is for you. This book is for anyone who has felt love and romance.
A Beautiful Depictions of HARSH REALITY OF LOVE "REGRETS" by Hema Chhetri is a captivating novel that skillfully explores the theme of regret with sensitivity and nuance. The story is emotionally charged and keeps the reader engaged throughout, as we follow the journey of the protagonist, Prema, who is dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event that has shattered her life.
The author's writing is both powerful and emotive, and the use of flashbacks and present-day narratives adds an element of tension and urgency that keeps the reader invested in the story. What sets "REGRETS" apart is the way the author tackles the complex emotions of regret, guilt, and redemption with authenticity and depth, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Overall, I would highly recommend "REGRETS" to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking read. It's a book that will leave you with a greater understanding of the human psyche and the power of forgiveness and healing.
Chhetri's "Regrets" is a heartfelt and tragic love story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced missed opportunities. The author's writing draws you in, making it hard to put the book down until the very end.
In "Regrets," Hema Chhetri skillfully explores the themes of fate and unfinished stories. The characters' struggles and the author's evocative prose make for a poignant and emotionally intense read.
REGRETs is a rollercoaster of emotions — a deeply moving story based on true events. As the female protagonist’s journey unfolds, the novel delves into themes of regret, loss, love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It’s not a fairy tale, but a mirror held up to the raw choices we make in life.
This book invites you to reflect, to feel, and perhaps even to heal. If you’ve ever experienced love in any form, this story will leave an imprint on your heart. 📚 It’s available on major platforms including GoodReads, Medium, BookBub, Kobo, Google Play, Amazon, Flipkart, iBooks, and Notion Press.
After reading, I would be truly grateful if you could share your thoughts and reviews on any of these platforms. I read every word with care and gratitude.
You can also connect with me on Quora, Tumblr, Pinterest, YourQuote, Medium, Google Blogs, WordPress, and other social platforms via my website, where I share a wide range of content. Don’t forget to follow my author profiles on GoodReads, BookBub, Notion Press, and Medium to explore more of my work.
💛 Thank you so much in advance — your voice matters to me.