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Two Fates
So what happens when you cross the happily-ever-after page of a Two States marriage? Find out in Two Fates.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
20 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Judy Balan
9 books78 followersAuthor of Two Fates: The Story of My Divorce, Sophie Says: Memoirs of a Breakup Coach, How to Stop Your Grownup From Making Bad Decisions (Nina the Philosopher #1), Tweenache in the Time of Hashtags (Nina the Philosopher #2) and Half Boyfriend.
Genre: Comedy
Hop over to the website www.judybalan.com for the long version.
Genre: Comedy
Hop over to the website www.judybalan.com for the long version.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 10, 2015
Dear Judy Balan,
So when is the STORY OF MY MOTHERHOOD is coming up :P
This is what I am now waiting for from the Author. The way this fantastically written book ended, only that can be coming up next!!
The book that made me laugh even though myself being in worst of the moods have become my all time favorite ones and this one is the latest addition in that category.
The story is inspired from my favorite TWO STATES - The story of my marriage but I must admit that this is more entertaining and wittier than the Chetan Bhagat's work.
At one end while Deepika and Rishab decided to get divorced because of their differences of thoughts, the families from both sides gets into the full efforts give them the surroundings to become parents as soon as they can. The hilarious situations and happenings emerging from this set up are guaranteed entertainers.
Judy Balan has every possible element in her writing to become a master in humor genre. I thoroughly loved the witty and hilarious narratives throughout the book. High on dose of entertainment and laughter, recommended for easing up any possible stress at any point of time.
So when is the STORY OF MY MOTHERHOOD is coming up :P
This is what I am now waiting for from the Author. The way this fantastically written book ended, only that can be coming up next!!
The book that made me laugh even though myself being in worst of the moods have become my all time favorite ones and this one is the latest addition in that category.
The story is inspired from my favorite TWO STATES - The story of my marriage but I must admit that this is more entertaining and wittier than the Chetan Bhagat's work.
At one end while Deepika and Rishab decided to get divorced because of their differences of thoughts, the families from both sides gets into the full efforts give them the surroundings to become parents as soon as they can. The hilarious situations and happenings emerging from this set up are guaranteed entertainers.
Judy Balan has every possible element in her writing to become a master in humor genre. I thoroughly loved the witty and hilarious narratives throughout the book. High on dose of entertainment and laughter, recommended for easing up any possible stress at any point of time.
April 19, 2012
Just over 170 pages long, a cover page with some funny cartoons and an interesting title, which reminds the reader of a recent red coloured cover page book by a notoriously popular writer!!! I picked up Two Fates at the airport yesterday when my flight I was to travel was delayed by two hours.
Judy Balan plots the story of an Indian married couple, a Punjabi boy (an IITian-IIMA aspiring to be a popular best-selling writer) with a Tamilian girl (a student of English turned psychotherapist), how they fell in love, plotted to convince their parents, their wedding, their marriage and their divorce. In between, how Indian families in general react to such a two state marriage, their insecurities and fears and the like.
This book is what one can call an urban flick full of enjoyable sarcasm and jokes in the background of stereotypical characters of the respective states and a couple who do not so much as fit in to the stereotypes presented. But then what are stereotypes for, as they are the most relatable to an outside audience (not that I favour them all the time). Here they were good.. they added the humour
The subtitle gives the story away, but given the funny cartoons it was curiosity of how it is narrated that make a reader like me pick the book and read.
What I loved most about the book – the part where Judy Balan is introduced, some very good humour
I think it is a companion piece or at least an answer to Two States by Chetan Bhagat, but I cannot in my sane mind read a Chetan Bhagat after One Night at A Call Centre… !! Your Five Pointer book was good, you should have stopped writing after that!!!!!!!
Verdict: Mmmmm ok, one time read One for bedtimes or flight reads, or when one wants to just read without much thought to it.
Judy Balan plots the story of an Indian married couple, a Punjabi boy (an IITian-IIMA aspiring to be a popular best-selling writer) with a Tamilian girl (a student of English turned psychotherapist), how they fell in love, plotted to convince their parents, their wedding, their marriage and their divorce. In between, how Indian families in general react to such a two state marriage, their insecurities and fears and the like.
This book is what one can call an urban flick full of enjoyable sarcasm and jokes in the background of stereotypical characters of the respective states and a couple who do not so much as fit in to the stereotypes presented. But then what are stereotypes for, as they are the most relatable to an outside audience (not that I favour them all the time). Here they were good.. they added the humour
The subtitle gives the story away, but given the funny cartoons it was curiosity of how it is narrated that make a reader like me pick the book and read.
What I loved most about the book – the part where Judy Balan is introduced, some very good humour
I think it is a companion piece or at least an answer to Two States by Chetan Bhagat, but I cannot in my sane mind read a Chetan Bhagat after One Night at A Call Centre… !! Your Five Pointer book was good, you should have stopped writing after that!!!!!!!
Verdict: Mmmmm ok, one time read One for bedtimes or flight reads, or when one wants to just read without much thought to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2013
I do not understand why in the first place Rish and Deepu went in for a divorce. I guess it was to assist Judy to write something about. In my opinion Judy thought of writing a book which is an opposite of Two states, so in her enthusiasm has situated the situation where the couple want a divorce but they don't have a valid reason but play along with the author for her convenience.
But at the same time i would say Judy has kept the pace of the story brisk. U can't find faults with the portrayal of characters.
But there has been an unnecessary and nagging attempt to sound too witty and humorous at all the time.
Overall its a light reading that u would soon want to forget.
But at the same time i would say Judy has kept the pace of the story brisk. U can't find faults with the portrayal of characters.
But there has been an unnecessary and nagging attempt to sound too witty and humorous at all the time.
Overall its a light reading that u would soon want to forget.
August 11, 2021
Where do I even start…
Two people wanting a divorce because of reasons as big as not agreeing on the same wall colour spend almost the entirety of this book in planning their divorce and eventually get one (thankfully)… But soon after their divorce, they suddenly realise that they never had a reason to get divorced in the first place. And voila, they re-marry!
A hallucination/inner voice bit and a strange 'Guru' character further add to the nonsensical plot.
A cringeworthy and pointless book.
Two people wanting a divorce because of reasons as big as not agreeing on the same wall colour spend almost the entirety of this book in planning their divorce and eventually get one (thankfully)… But soon after their divorce, they suddenly realise that they never had a reason to get divorced in the first place. And voila, they re-marry!
A hallucination/inner voice bit and a strange 'Guru' character further add to the nonsensical plot.
A cringeworthy and pointless book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2014
With great humour sense, Judy has tried to outsmart Chetan Bagat.
The couples are fighting for divorce having no strong reason for their fight. Only few ego clashes, here and there.
This book can be our travelling companion, but it miserably fails as a sequel to Two States.
The couples are fighting for divorce having no strong reason for their fight. Only few ego clashes, here and there.
This book can be our travelling companion, but it miserably fails as a sequel to Two States.
November 26, 2018
Do you ever just walk into a movie knowing fully-well how it's going to end? This book is kinda like that.
Rishabh & Deepika are THAT couple. You know, the ones that have it all but still bicker about it, rubbing it in our faces that we don't have anything close to what those two have.... yeah, THAT couple! Don't let the 'D for Divorce' fool you, this book has nothing but funny moments strewn among its pages.
Anyone who wants to read a short & sweet feel-good book should definitely pick this one up.
Rishabh & Deepika are THAT couple. You know, the ones that have it all but still bicker about it, rubbing it in our faces that we don't have anything close to what those two have.... yeah, THAT couple! Don't let the 'D for Divorce' fool you, this book has nothing but funny moments strewn among its pages.
Anyone who wants to read a short & sweet feel-good book should definitely pick this one up.
May 4, 2018
Gosh! This was not laugh out loud as it was relatable. I'm beginning to see my extended family in a more amused light rather than groan at their antics.
And the digs at Chetan Bhagat come thick and fast, but it's all in good humour.
And the digs at Chetan Bhagat come thick and fast, but it's all in good humour.
March 8, 2013
A decent read. Somehow, I got the feeling that the author got too influenced by the author to the prequel, Chetan in terms of story telling.
Plusses:
Good story telling
Simple vocabulary that reaches out to people like me.
The characters portraying relatives of Rishab and Deepika were well thought of, and connected quite well to real ones we see in everyday life.
Sweet ending with a good twist
Minuses:
Boring redundancies in sentence making - How many times did I see a "matter-of-fact" term in the book!
Too long phrases "He gave me a I-wanna-kill-you-and-dump-body-in-well look" -- Man, I cant take such long phrases !
No strong reason for a breakup emphasised - this hurts particularly when both Deeps and Rish are shown as very sensible people, and true believers of the maarital system.
Obnoxiously filmy halfway down -- the couple who are on the verge of break up go to london to plan how to announce their breakup. Even in most dreamy films, this sounds unrealistic.
Way too much sulking by the protagonists, right from page one - Relatives can get crappy I admit, but dont tell me you hate all relatives, including your mom !
Plusses:
Good story telling
Simple vocabulary that reaches out to people like me.
The characters portraying relatives of Rishab and Deepika were well thought of, and connected quite well to real ones we see in everyday life.
Sweet ending with a good twist
Minuses:
Boring redundancies in sentence making - How many times did I see a "matter-of-fact" term in the book!
Too long phrases "He gave me a I-wanna-kill-you-and-dump-body-in-well look" -- Man, I cant take such long phrases !
No strong reason for a breakup emphasised - this hurts particularly when both Deeps and Rish are shown as very sensible people, and true believers of the maarital system.
Obnoxiously filmy halfway down -- the couple who are on the verge of break up go to london to plan how to announce their breakup. Even in most dreamy films, this sounds unrealistic.
Way too much sulking by the protagonists, right from page one - Relatives can get crappy I admit, but dont tell me you hate all relatives, including your mom !
February 23, 2013
Marriages are made in heaven. They say, in India, a marriage does not involve union of two individuals but two families. But what if the families are from two different cultural backgrounds? Can a Punjabi and Tamilian family coexist? You bet they can.
Two Fates begins where Chetan Bhagat’s Two States ends: a cross-cultural marriage. Life is not a “happily ever after” story always. Deepika and Rishab are the “model couple”. From colleagues at office to relatives at home, everyone swears by their love story. But all is not quiet on their bedroom front. After two years of companionship, Deepika and Rishab want a divorce.
This book is not for the “starched cotton saree “clad Literature connoisseurs who discuss Shakespeare over tea. Two Fates is for those who like to read for the fun of it. And mind you, fun is oozing between the covers in this side-splitting, mirthful tale of a young couple who get divorced.
Full Review - http://antorjatikbangali.wordpress.co...
Two Fates begins where Chetan Bhagat’s Two States ends: a cross-cultural marriage. Life is not a “happily ever after” story always. Deepika and Rishab are the “model couple”. From colleagues at office to relatives at home, everyone swears by their love story. But all is not quiet on their bedroom front. After two years of companionship, Deepika and Rishab want a divorce.
This book is not for the “starched cotton saree “clad Literature connoisseurs who discuss Shakespeare over tea. Two Fates is for those who like to read for the fun of it. And mind you, fun is oozing between the covers in this side-splitting, mirthful tale of a young couple who get divorced.
Full Review - http://antorjatikbangali.wordpress.co...
June 29, 2016
This book was meant to be a parody of Chetan Bhagat's Two States: The Story of My Marriage Frankly speaking, after having read both I must say that this book is far better than the original one in terms of the humour, the writing style, the punchlines, the story even. It was so much more interesting and I never for one instance found myself bored or wanting to put it down because it was hilarious.
Rishab and Deepika's relationship was far more believable, narrated in a hilariously witty manner. The fights they had, them constantly trying to separate themselves from each other and 'make the divorce work' and yet finding themselves to be a much stronger team than they thought or in fact they wanted to be were pretty clever elements in the book.
So, Judy Balan has performed above and beyond the call of duty on this one. What I like most about her is her easy going, flowy as well as witty and funny style of writing. I can't wait to try more!
Rishab and Deepika's relationship was far more believable, narrated in a hilariously witty manner. The fights they had, them constantly trying to separate themselves from each other and 'make the divorce work' and yet finding themselves to be a much stronger team than they thought or in fact they wanted to be were pretty clever elements in the book.
So, Judy Balan has performed above and beyond the call of duty on this one. What I like most about her is her easy going, flowy as well as witty and funny style of writing. I can't wait to try more!
May 3, 2012
Judy Balan has her own way of writing which is funny with sarcasm and sometimes perceptive. I have been following her blogs and really enjoy them. That was the sole reason for me to pick up this book. Well, the book is a simple read, flows easy and a page turner (atleast the first 100 odd pages). Since it is highly influenced by the author's life for the most part of it, it seems very realistic. I could totally relate to some of the characters. While I was reading the book , I was like 'oh, one of my friend is like that' or 'My aunt is just like her'. Somewhere in the middle though, it seems a bit repetitive and slows down and made me feel 'Come on! get it over with, already!'. The fact that the book has a few redundant characters and a couple of loose ends can be excused considering it's the author's first book. For a first timer, its a great effort and this book deserves a read.
January 31, 2012
I put aside an awesome book( Sarita Mandana's Tiger Hills) and picked this one up as soon as flipkart delivered it to me. I've been reading Judy Balan's blog and find her style of writing loads of fun. So in a sense , i started reading this book with loads of expectations.I am glad that the book didn't disappoint me and Judy's writing is effortless here as well. I hated Two states and found it malicious , whereas this book is written in good-natured jest. All characters were so adorable - including Reshu Aunty!Definitely a super debut and I'll definitely pick up her next book, whenever it comes out. Pick this book up if you are looking for a breezy, funny , irreverent read.
My rating : 3.5/5
My rating : 3.5/5
February 4, 2015
It's an average read. The author seems to be very inspired by Chetan Bhagat, so much so that the husband of the protagonist, Deepika Sundar, seems very much like him.
Very predictable story! An attempt to be picked up by Bollywood, maybe?
Very predictable story! An attempt to be picked up by Bollywood, maybe?
May 14, 2012
Can't think of a funnier way to depict something as sad as a divorce! Beautifully sarcastically well written!
January 22, 2013
After reading "Two States" this was a treat.A nice ending of the North Boy meets Southern girl love story.
March 19, 2013
this book was definitely a page turner.couldn't keep it down.
A nice romance told.although the end becomes obvious the untold romance between the leads was pretty.
A nice romance told.although the end becomes obvious the untold romance between the leads was pretty.
May 27, 2013
This book was really intriguing. Liked it :)
August 26, 2013
A lot-LOT better than its pseudo-ancestor (2 states)...
Although, it still beats me why did Deepika & Rish want a divorce in the first place....
Although, it still beats me why did Deepika & Rish want a divorce in the first place....
March 28, 2019

Book - Two fates
Author- Judy Balan ( @judy.balan )
Ratings-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pages-199
Genre- Fiction
If you have read 'Two States' by Chetan Bhagat then you must give this book a try.
The book has been written in a context that a Punjabi boy meets a Tamilian girl. They fall in love with each other, the families oppose their love, But love conquers and they get married to live happily after.
But four years later they fall out of love. They start having marriage issues and want to get divorced, but if getting married was hard then getting divorced was much harder because by now their families have fallen in love with each other and are putting in all the efforts they can just to make them fall in love once again.
So this book deserves to be called as the second part of the book "two states " by Chetan Bhagat.
Names of the characters may be different but we readers are creative enough with our reading skills or aren't we.
Book - Two fates
Author- Judy Balan ( @judy.balan )
Ratings-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pages-199
Genre- Fiction
If you have read 'Two States' by Chetan Bhagat then you must give this book a try.
The book has been written in a context that a Punjabi boy meets a Tamilian girl. They fall in love with each other, the families oppose their love, But love conquers and they get married to live happily after.
But four years later they fall out of love. They start having marriage issues and want to get divorced, but if getting married was hard then getting divorced was much harder because by now their families have fallen in love with each other and are putting in all the efforts they can just to make them fall in love once again.
So this book deserves to be called as the second part of the book "two states " by Chetan Bhagat.
Names of the characters may be different but we readers are creative enough with our reading skills or aren't we.
November 1, 2019
While it seemed nice on blurb, Two Fates : Story of my Divorce did not really work that well for me.
It follows the chennai girl punjabi guy wanting a divorce, but throughout the book the concept of divorce just seemed thrusted upon them. Like they had no good reason for it. That kind of did not work for me.
However I still liked the description of families and being a chennaite , I liked that the potrayal was good, yet the layers that were present in 2 states were definitely missing in this.
Frankly it could have been named anything else too because there was too much of alterations to the original story in order to fit this as a sequel. I mean they ended up saying they did not even pass out of an IIM.
I found this story to be a little forced upon and not floq naturally and hence it did not quite work for me.
It follows the chennai girl punjabi guy wanting a divorce, but throughout the book the concept of divorce just seemed thrusted upon them. Like they had no good reason for it. That kind of did not work for me.
However I still liked the description of families and being a chennaite , I liked that the potrayal was good, yet the layers that were present in 2 states were definitely missing in this.
Frankly it could have been named anything else too because there was too much of alterations to the original story in order to fit this as a sequel. I mean they ended up saying they did not even pass out of an IIM.
I found this story to be a little forced upon and not floq naturally and hence it did not quite work for me.
June 12, 2025
Review Two fates story of my divorce, is the parody of Chetan Bhagat book 2 states,she shown the exact reaction of Punjabi and what gonna happen next is totally in control as they try to brush up some skills so in order to survive, author show how mature people behave and respect in strangers presence. How they handle there family, there customs, there decision to get separated, keep things out of family drama. Problems that occur they solve it properly as a unit that's is best mature sign they shown. there parents reaction was different towards them when they seen them sleeping at Different rooms in a house but the girl handle is carefully and things happens one leads to another an long as we are too best that they are together.
January 30, 2023
Got a physical copy of this in a book fair.. It's the story after the usual happily ever after in books so it got my interest... They both are just dumb to find the stupid reasons to divorce when they are just in love.. It's hilarious how both of their families are so in love with each other when they were enemies in the beginning.. A cute typical indian setup book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
Time pass
Time pass (18 more words required ufff to fill the review..blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah)
Time pass (18 more words required ufff to fill the review..blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah)
August 17, 2017
Does it really have to be a happy ending everytime...? How improbable.
October 18, 2018
I found 2 States by Chetan Bhagat very ordinary. This book is supposed to be a spoof on that but it fails miserably. It is a disappointment.
May 6, 2021
Actually more funny than 2 states.
August 21, 2021
She tried to create the Chetan Bhagat vibe from Two States, but didn't.
May 23, 2024
Balan ensures to entertain its' reader with an imprint of two states story.
BUT!!
At times, it felt that the storyline was lagging with too many details and deja Vu scenarios.
BUT!!
At times, it felt that the storyline was lagging with too many details and deja Vu scenarios.
May 15, 2025
Rishabh and Deepika,are two college sweethearts.
Instead of their marriage, the story revolves around their divorce.
It is all about how they retrospected themselves to fix their marriage ..
The thing I liked about the book is, the way they sticked through their common problem ,even when they hated each other .
The outside influences that is happening throughout the story is also a highlight here..
As the story ends, it describes two fate they had in their life as a couple.
A positive, yet thought provoking story.
My ratings : 7/10
@judy.balan Thank you for this one
Loved it 😍
Instead of their marriage, the story revolves around their divorce.
It is all about how they retrospected themselves to fix their marriage ..
The thing I liked about the book is, the way they sticked through their common problem ,even when they hated each other .
The outside influences that is happening throughout the story is also a highlight here..
As the story ends, it describes two fate they had in their life as a couple.
A positive, yet thought provoking story.
My ratings : 7/10
@judy.balan Thank you for this one
Loved it 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews