Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsRomantic!
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 28 November 2022
The book begins with Ved Kashyap abandoning the love of his life, Aayushi Thakkar, in the hospital after her failed attempt to take her life. Unwilling but determined not to cause further upheaval in her life, he leaves her with the company of her family, never to lay eyes upon her again. At least that’s what he thought.
But when Aayushi stands in from of him as he is wrestling with his pet pig (yes, pig) in his farmhouse setup- which he uses to house underprivileged kids during their summer vacations to enhance their skills with various activities, they find themselves grappling with feelings they once used to have for each other. Aayushi is determined to get a clear answer from Ved. Does he want her in his life or not? Ved, on the other hand, feels guilty for what he has done to her and wants to stay away. But stay away he can’t. Not when Aayushi has made up her mind to spend some time helping with his NGO as an excuse to heal herself.
Well, soon sparks reignite and each one gets an opportunity to come clean about their feelings. Ved understands what Aayushi has been going through and Aayushi tries to free him of the guilt cage that he has built for himself. And when Ved asks her help to host a ball to fund his NGO, she is anything but excited to do what she does best.
But old habits have a way of re-emerging. As a result, friction arises and they distance themselves but Ved is uncomfortable. Has he lost Aayushi for good?
The book is a quick and heartwarming read. It targets mental health as an issue with finesse. I have read the author’s work before and she is adept in the art of making readers fall in love with the characters and this book is no different. The narrative is fast-paced and enjoyable. The characters are young and stand true as friends. I really liked their bond.
I just wish there was some emotional background given to the readers regarding Ved and Aayushi’s love story. As a reader, I did not get to experience how they fell in love and hence, could not experience the romance to the fullest. Just my humble opinion.
Once Upon A Regret is a good romance that one can pick up for a quick read. I especially liked the way it touched upon mental health issues. Definitely recommended.
