My Rating - 5 out of 5 stars
Publisher - Self-PublishedGenre - Contemporary Fiction
Publishing year - 2026
Language - English
ASIN - B0H6VFRFHS
Pages - 409
Some stories make me laugh, while others leave me reaching for a tissue. Jinesh Bhagdev’s debut novel, Happily (N)ever After: A Love Story of One More Day, belongs to the latter category.
This is my second consecutive contemporary romance read, and both books have left a lasting impression on me, particularly because of their characters. However, there is something about Viyaan and Meera’s story that makes it difficult to move on from the emotions it evokes.
The story follows Viyaan, a banker who believes in living life on his own terms rather than spending every waking moment working without truly experiencing life. An adrenaline junkie, he finds joy in adventures and challenges. It is during one such adventure that he meets Meera, a woman who comes from a very different personal and professional background.
Their relationship develops gradually, making the romance feel organic and believable. What I particularly appreciated was the intensity of their connection. It is not the exaggerated, larger-than-life kind of romance we often encounter in fiction, but a love that feels grounded in the everyday realities of a relationship.
Viyaan and Meera come from different cultural backgrounds, yet their relationship is a beautiful reminder that love is not confined by such differences. Their marriage, the home they build together, and the family they create reflect a partnership that feels genuine.
When Viyaan is diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease scleroderma, their lives change considerably. Meera, however, never leaves his side. Their relationship continues to evolve, and the little things that once seemed ordinary become increasingly meaningful.
The novel explores the impact of scleroderma on a person’s life, particularly how a condition can gradually affect even the simplest activities, such as walking. While the disease can be managed, the challenges vary from person to person, and the uncertainty surrounding it is something the book portrays with considerable sensitivity.
I appreciated how the narrative brought attention to a condition I knew very little about before picking up this book. It was an informative reading experience without losing sight of the emotional story at its heart.
What makes Viyaan and Meera’s relationship so special is how they navigate their circumstances, their families, and life's changes. They create a safe and happy space for themselves, finding joy in the smallest things. Their relationship is not about grand gestures or unrealistic expectations. It is about showing up, understanding one another, and choosing to remain together even when life becomes difficult.
Meera, in particular, left a strong impression on me. The patience, clarity, and emotional strength with which she handles everything are qualities I deeply admire. I found myself reflecting on how I would love to develop that kind of patience and command over my own emotions. Her character is a reminder that strength does not always have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it is simply about being present for the people you love.
Viyaan also deserves appreciation. In the Indian family setting, where major life decisions can often become complicated by expectations and opinions, the way Viyaan and Meera communicate their decisions to their families was refreshing. I genuinely appreciated how they approached these conversations as a couple. Men could certainly take a few pointers from Viyaan on what it means to stand by their partner and treat a relationship as an equal partnership.
Another character who deserves more attention is Khushi, Viyaan’s sister. Her life changes significantly after moving to Mumbai, and the way she stands by her brother and his family is commendable. I would have loved to explore more of her personal life and see the story unfold from her perspective. There is considerable potential in her character, and I hope to read more about her in the future, if possible.
While the emotional depth of the story is commendable, I did find certain portions repetitive. Some of the reflections and descriptions could have been trimmed without affecting the narrative or its emotional impact. A tighter edit would have made the storytelling more effective. Nevertheless, the sincerity with which the story is written is evident throughout.
At times, I genuinely felt that the author had either experienced something similar or drawn inspiration from real life. The emotions, the relationships, and the way the characters navigate their circumstances make the story feel remarkably personal.
And then comes the ending.
I will not give anything away, but it broke my heart. Despite that, I loved how the story came together. It reminded me that happiness does not always look the way we imagine it, and that love is not necessarily about having an entire lifetime together. Sometimes, it is about making the most of the time we have, appreciating the ordinary moments, and finding reasons to be grateful for one more day.
Overall, it is a heartfelt and emotionally moving contemporary romance that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I commend Jinesh Bhagdev for bringing attention to a rare disease while telling a story about love, companionship, family, and resilience. The book made me chuckle, made me cry, and gave me a lot to reflect on.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally layered contemporary romance, realistic relationships, and stories that explore love beyond the happily ever after. If you are looking for a story that will make you appreciate the little things in life, this one is worth picking up.
And yes, the ending might break your heart, but I believe this is one of those stories that deserves to be read, felt, and remembered.
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