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It Had To Be You
What if you don’t get what you want from life? Do you learn to live with its terms and conditions?
Anuj, a young professional, is just getting by from day to day when the beautiful and vivacious Pakhi walks into his life and turns it upside down. Love blossoms and Anuj knows she is the one for him. But when all is going well, Pakhi unexpectedly leaves, causing him to lose his faith in love and happy endings.
To shake off his depression and restart his life, he heads to Mumbai where he meets new people—the stunning Meera; rom-com specialist Vishal; the man of reasons, Rahim Chacha; and the lovely Anushka. With their help, he begins to put his past behind him but Fate intervenes. Will he be able to find the answers he desperately seeks and finally get closure or does life have other plans?
It Had to Be You is a story that, in its simplicity, shows us the importance of love, life, family and friendship.
Hindustan Times-
An Inspirational romance
The Asian Age—
Bestselling author Anuj Tiwari is a self-confessed mamma’s boy, who draws inspirations for his novel from the love story of his parents, who encourage him to love, live and write
Deccan Chronicle—
Myriad shades of romance.
Afternoon—
An unforgettable love story.
Amar Ujala—
Pearls have come down on paper.
Dainik jagran—
Anuj’s journey touches every heart that beats.
Anuj, a young professional, is just getting by from day to day when the beautiful and vivacious Pakhi walks into his life and turns it upside down. Love blossoms and Anuj knows she is the one for him. But when all is going well, Pakhi unexpectedly leaves, causing him to lose his faith in love and happy endings.
To shake off his depression and restart his life, he heads to Mumbai where he meets new people—the stunning Meera; rom-com specialist Vishal; the man of reasons, Rahim Chacha; and the lovely Anushka. With their help, he begins to put his past behind him but Fate intervenes. Will he be able to find the answers he desperately seeks and finally get closure or does life have other plans?
It Had to Be You is a story that, in its simplicity, shows us the importance of love, life, family and friendship.
Hindustan Times-
An Inspirational romance
The Asian Age—
Bestselling author Anuj Tiwari is a self-confessed mamma’s boy, who draws inspirations for his novel from the love story of his parents, who encourage him to love, live and write
Deccan Chronicle—
Myriad shades of romance.
Afternoon—
An unforgettable love story.
Amar Ujala—
Pearls have come down on paper.
Dainik jagran—
Anuj’s journey touches every heart that beats.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2014
73 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 22, 2014
So it takes me 4 hours to read "It had to be you" written by Anuj Tiwari. The 198-pages novel is a sequel to the first book- "Journey of Two Hearts". Anuj Tiwari has released his second book with Rupa while his first was a National bestseller with Srishti Publication. Anuj has taken his own time to come up with this short sequel and hence my expectations with this book were quite high. Considering that, I have found improvement in his narration which I pinpointed in my review for his first book. It seems as if author has been writing this tale to entertain audience rather than making them feel a part of this book. He made it sure that the book can be taken with you on a train journey as it does not pressurize you to concentrate on intense parts; because they are not intensely written.
The extremely beautiful and perfect cover page for a love story could have become epic if it would have been treated with little more twists. Author has tried to keep it too simple to even excite you at few points where you wished you celebrated or emoted yourself well. Short chapters make this book a smooth ride for the readers. All the characters that are mentioned are been treated well till the end. The equation of the protagonist with Rahim Chacha is the best part about this book. I wish if author writes a completely new book mentioning Rahim Chacha's life and philosophy.
Poetry and songs should be added in the story if it gives speed. Here, it stops the flow and makes you applaud poetry before moving ahead and finding a totally new scene thereafter. Also, author should have tried to avoid using Hindi as much as possible. Remove quotes in Hindi and poems in English, this book could have been completed in just 160 pages. Making it more easier for the readers; if that was the target.
The first half of the book is well-treated. Considering it to be a sequel, Anuj has assured that you need not read his first to understand this. You can directly start with this. He has given a totally new outlook to a romantic book in the 1st half by not using depression as his key to get into readers' heart. He has kept an attitude of exploration while discussing the protagonist's life who has just come out of hospital after 6 months of admission for being depressed. But when you find that he meets the fate that he has been praying for, you are disappointed as the words does not create the magic you had expected from it.
The biggest drawback of this book has been the author's attempt to keep it as easy as possible. He has basically targeted the audience who have just started reading books. If he could have made this book thicker by 70-80 pages more, he could have done great justice with characters, story and the amount of twists and tales it needs. Also author talks about different topics like Mumbai, parents, Ganapati festival, IT industry, girls, sex which looks more like small pieces of article joined together to fill the book as story does not have much to give to its audience. I wish next time when Anuj Tiwari writes, he focuses on plot which has many sub-plots into it. And stop making it easy for the readers. You are losing your case because of it. I give this book 2.75/5.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
April 27, 2014
wow,splendid,interesting,outstanding,too good,etc etc...
i felt really good after reading a book after a long time,i was engrossed in the book n every page made so excited n i got enthralled by the exquisiteness of the heart touching tale..
sometimes life plays with us just to make us realize the reality,importance of the people who really matters,who love us,who stand by us in the time when we actually need them,who motivates us to come out of our depressed shell..it's truly said that when you have something you don't understand the importance of it but when you lose it u understand how much u need that n besides someone has told me that 'god always gives us what we need not what we want'..life stops for none,we have to carry on somehow with what we have..
'nevertheless,we can't ignore the immortality of life. if you have something precious,there is always a fear of losing it. nobody dies for anyone but when someone becomes your need,it becomes difficult to live without them.'
overall i loved the story,the motivated speeches touched my heart..during reading the book i was re-reading some lines n those were really awesome..
keep it up,well done,keep motivated us like this,wish you all the best for your future n will pray n hope you get all the things that you deserve...
i felt really good after reading a book after a long time,i was engrossed in the book n every page made so excited n i got enthralled by the exquisiteness of the heart touching tale..
sometimes life plays with us just to make us realize the reality,importance of the people who really matters,who love us,who stand by us in the time when we actually need them,who motivates us to come out of our depressed shell..it's truly said that when you have something you don't understand the importance of it but when you lose it u understand how much u need that n besides someone has told me that 'god always gives us what we need not what we want'..life stops for none,we have to carry on somehow with what we have..
'nevertheless,we can't ignore the immortality of life. if you have something precious,there is always a fear of losing it. nobody dies for anyone but when someone becomes your need,it becomes difficult to live without them.'
overall i loved the story,the motivated speeches touched my heart..during reading the book i was re-reading some lines n those were really awesome..
keep it up,well done,keep motivated us like this,wish you all the best for your future n will pray n hope you get all the things that you deserve...
March 20, 2014
Hopefully it is a good book. :)
April 27, 2014
This is something unique. A good read
April 27, 2014
must read book
May 9, 2014
A simple heart touching story which connects with you and shows you how beautiful life could be if you start to feel those small happy moments which you miss in day to day life. And love is not about only dating but more than that, something spritual. Anuj is giving new dimensions to the indian writing. keep it up man.
February 11, 2018
It had to be you - Amazing Story. The plot keeps you engage throughout. A pinch of suspense makes this novel more interesting.This book is definitely the one which you can't stop reading till the end!
April 18, 2014
I have never read any contemporary indian author besides Chetan Bhagat obviously but it seems to be good.... I will be writing a review as soon as i read it!
February 15, 2019
Love has a habit of coming back if not physically then eternally
Without a further ado ,Anuj tiwari upcoming author of modern times ,of 21st century have done a great work and provide us some true and fantastic story .
The story opens with Anuj and his mom and their are many moments in the story we witnessed the eternal connection of a mother and son .As an Indian I also love Mumbai and admired her rainy season like many do and never sleeping and fast pacing life . Visualising all those things give peace to my eyes . And that IT sucks, its and undenying truth featured in this book. I liked that small comparison between India and America .Like after 100 pages I got impatient to know the ending little I get bored then reunited my feelings to witness the eternal love .It's worth reading and I don't want to give any spoiler to readers just read the book and witness jow Anuj met Pakhi eternally ever after
Without a further ado ,Anuj tiwari upcoming author of modern times ,of 21st century have done a great work and provide us some true and fantastic story .
The story opens with Anuj and his mom and their are many moments in the story we witnessed the eternal connection of a mother and son .As an Indian I also love Mumbai and admired her rainy season like many do and never sleeping and fast pacing life . Visualising all those things give peace to my eyes . And that IT sucks, its and undenying truth featured in this book. I liked that small comparison between India and America .Like after 100 pages I got impatient to know the ending little I get bored then reunited my feelings to witness the eternal love .It's worth reading and I don't want to give any spoiler to readers just read the book and witness jow Anuj met Pakhi eternally ever after
July 14, 2020
Speechless. Don't know how he gets the courage to write all this.
A motivational, intense love story. You will feel the love and emotions while reading the book.
Some lines from the Book
"Chal un gamon ki silwaton ko mita, ab ek naya jahaan banayein,
Jahan bas hum sang jiyein,
Aur Sang hi ek dusre ki baahon me humesha ke liye so jayein"
And my favourite one
"Success doesn't depend on what your forefathers have done before you, it actually depends on how you take the best from the worst and how you reform the worst as the best."
A motivational, intense love story. You will feel the love and emotions while reading the book.
Some lines from the Book
"Chal un gamon ki silwaton ko mita, ab ek naya jahaan banayein,
Jahan bas hum sang jiyein,
Aur Sang hi ek dusre ki baahon me humesha ke liye so jayein"
And my favourite one
"Success doesn't depend on what your forefathers have done before you, it actually depends on how you take the best from the worst and how you reform the worst as the best."
February 16, 2018
The characters like Pakhi, Reema, Vishal and Raheem Chacha makes so much impact on us that it seems real. Anuj Tiwari did an awesome job by compiling all emotions of an common man love in a words. By time, you will start feeling Pakhi's life for sure.
December 8, 2017
It is readable, but I definitely expected more than it ended up offering.
December 25, 2017
Average. The only exciting part of the entire book was when Anuj receives an email from Pakhi after 2 years.
February 12, 2018
Anuj Tiwari definitely is an amazing story teller. This book is must read for the young generation and for everyone else. Big Thanks to my friend Arjun who recommended me to read it.
December 18, 2019
Nice unputdownable.
December 17, 2021
Picked this up as a part of my reading marathon. Took me less than 4 hrs to finish.. plot is pretty much predictable. Easy to read. Actually 2.5!
December 9, 2022
Couldn't finish it . The grammar and the writing wasn't professional at all. I had to drag myself the pages i read. This book was putting me in my book slump.
January 17, 2017
An emotional tale about a pure and true love
March 8, 2017
Wrote from heart. tragic end tough...
May 23, 2015
What to say about this book, I am speachless at the moment. Completed reading it just a few minutes ago and still trying to get over it.
I was never a love story reader. Won the giveaway listed by author, and am glad to have won it now.
Started reading the book with some hesitation as it was a love story. Read first few pages and was engrossed by it. Author has done a splendid job to pen down these moments where one has lost senses. From the reality of life in IT industry to the wise words of Rahim Chacha, from enjoyble college days to the busy and hectic work in IT, it all seemed real and could imagine it infront of my eyes.
For the first 100 pages, I had not liked the book much. Was in turmoil to read it not not. Story griped later and was left in awe. Loosing the most loved person, getting them back and again loosing them, is the worst thing one can imagine. Salure to you Anuj to have this kind of patience.
Your story has motivated me and will motivate others to take care of their loved ones.
A must read book to people who dont realise the value of people around them.
I was never a love story reader. Won the giveaway listed by author, and am glad to have won it now.
Started reading the book with some hesitation as it was a love story. Read first few pages and was engrossed by it. Author has done a splendid job to pen down these moments where one has lost senses. From the reality of life in IT industry to the wise words of Rahim Chacha, from enjoyble college days to the busy and hectic work in IT, it all seemed real and could imagine it infront of my eyes.
For the first 100 pages, I had not liked the book much. Was in turmoil to read it not not. Story griped later and was left in awe. Loosing the most loved person, getting them back and again loosing them, is the worst thing one can imagine. Salure to you Anuj to have this kind of patience.
Your story has motivated me and will motivate others to take care of their loved ones.
A must read book to people who dont realise the value of people around them.
June 8, 2017
It was ur heart touching novel IT HAD TO BE YOU ..really its touched my . What to say about this book, I am speachless at the moment.
A simple heart touching story which connects with you and shows you how beautiful life could be if you start to feel those small happy moments which you miss in day to day life. And love is not about only dating but more than that, something spritual. i was very much touched while reading this book in fact i have cried in some instances.... very touchy, very well expressed their feelings.... very nice...
Your story has motivated me and will motivate others to take care of their loved ones. Really I was love with ur words <3 <3
Thank you so much you .. You were wrote a heart touched story <3
A simple heart touching story which connects with you and shows you how beautiful life could be if you start to feel those small happy moments which you miss in day to day life. And love is not about only dating but more than that, something spritual. i was very much touched while reading this book in fact i have cried in some instances.... very touchy, very well expressed their feelings.... very nice...
Your story has motivated me and will motivate others to take care of their loved ones. Really I was love with ur words <3 <3
Thank you so much you .. You were wrote a heart touched story <3
October 24, 2015
A must read. Anuj Tiwari, one of the finest Indian contemporary writers shows us how he survived for the sake of it when life took away his love and his only happiness and everything that ever meant to him and yet in such scenario he could try and find happiness in every little thing and cherish those moments which we generally avoid in our day-to-day lives.
The writer also illuminates the importance of every relationship in our life.
One of the best of part of the book, Rahim Chacha and his motivational lines gives us a message that not every person that you meet is by accident.
The writing skill is amazing and simple. The story is touching and motivational, it surely touches every heart that beats.
The writer also illuminates the importance of every relationship in our life.
One of the best of part of the book, Rahim Chacha and his motivational lines gives us a message that not every person that you meet is by accident.
The writing skill is amazing and simple. The story is touching and motivational, it surely touches every heart that beats.
August 11, 2015
I dont know wheather the writer was a ravinder singh fan .. the plot was almost like i too had a love story! i wont hesitate to compliment him for the awesome writing skills he has .. i go really visualize the scenes .. the detail description took my heart away! it was really a fun reading the novel .. ! im taken aback with the beautiful lines he added to the novel for love of his life pakhi ! Almost a perfect novel but ending could have been better still looking forward for his next novel .. :)
i wont say go for the story for this novel but do buy his side for the skilled writing he has !
i wont say go for the story for this novel but do buy his side for the skilled writing he has !
August 28, 2015
i didn't had any idea wt to expect frm this book as i didn't read the previous book of the author
after reading it .... i dont have words to describe my thoughts ..."it stays with u for a while"
for me....its one of the most emotional story I've come across ( am nt vry emo types bt trust me wen i say this)
am gona end this review with the lines i'll surely remember foreva .....frm the book
"tu door hai aur paas bhi
teri kami hai aur ehsaas bhi
jeena chahta hu har lambha tere liye
tu zindagi hai aur ek aas bhi"
after reading it .... i dont have words to describe my thoughts ..."it stays with u for a while"
for me....its one of the most emotional story I've come across ( am nt vry emo types bt trust me wen i say this)
am gona end this review with the lines i'll surely remember foreva .....frm the book
"tu door hai aur paas bhi
teri kami hai aur ehsaas bhi
jeena chahta hu har lambha tere liye
tu zindagi hai aur ek aas bhi"
April 10, 2015
Hi Anuj,
Read your book 'It Had to be You'... while reading that you got your Pakhi back in life, I felt very happy.... but then her illness took over her... felt really very sad... felt sad about her trauma which she went through when her father passed away....
Would love to read more and more of your books.... do keep writing.....
Happy writing.......
Read your book 'It Had to be You'... while reading that you got your Pakhi back in life, I felt very happy.... but then her illness took over her... felt really very sad... felt sad about her trauma which she went through when her father passed away....
Would love to read more and more of your books.... do keep writing.....
Happy writing.......
February 18, 2015
don't know what it would have been like for him. Truly it makes his heartbreak echo in your ears. yet don't know what always gave him the strength to grip it with all he had.
"I'll wait till the day my heart hates her..."
An amazing followup to his bestseller "Journey of two hearts". Though i wish it had ended differently for him.
"I'll wait till the day my heart hates her..."
An amazing followup to his bestseller "Journey of two hearts". Though i wish it had ended differently for him.
July 12, 2016
omg!!what an awesome book to read..I thought it was a normal book where the male lead searches for his girlfriend.. but the unexpected turn of events makes you remember the book for a long time!!the author has done a wonderful job in bringing out an intriguing story that lingers in the readers mind for a long time..overall,this book deserves 5 stars
November 6, 2016
"She was his priority,
He, not even amongst options."
This line is enough for this book.
& it is always know that, sometimes life plays with us jst to make us realise the reality!
Motivational lines by author 'Anuj Tiwari' make me read some lines twice. 4.5 star for their inspirational romance.
Such an unforgettable love story keep it up author.
He, not even amongst options."
This line is enough for this book.
& it is always know that, sometimes life plays with us jst to make us realise the reality!
Motivational lines by author 'Anuj Tiwari' make me read some lines twice. 4.5 star for their inspirational romance.
Such an unforgettable love story keep it up author.
October 19, 2015
It's a awesome book with pure emotions. Best love story. Simply awesome.
Author has done a outstanding job. Hat's off to this writer. One and only on book. Full of emotions. Liked it soooooooooooo very much.
Author has done a outstanding job. Hat's off to this writer. One and only on book. Full of emotions. Liked it soooooooooooo very much.
August 31, 2016
To be very honest, I somehow finished this book. The plot is very very old plus the intermittent small poems were annoying when presented in high doses. If you are a damn lovey Dovey ultra romantic person then you can try to pick this up. I will not recommended for any kind of reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews