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Heartbreaks - The Weight of One Goodbye
Aryan never expected a bookstore visit to spark a deep conversation with a girl about love - how its meaning evolves with time, shaped by past experiences. His theories about relationships and dating platforms stirred her curiosity, and before he knew it, he was pulled back into his school days.
His young life had always been a cycle of restrictions and solitude. Then he met Mehvish - innocent, charming, and way out of his league. He never had the courage to talk to a girl before, but with the recent introduction to Facebook, he finally found a way to communicate. What started as awkward exchanges soon turned into a late-night texting routine, and against all odds, she began seeing Aryan as someone she could rely on.
But having something you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t always come without hiccups. As Aryan learns what it really means to love someone, he finds himself standing face to face with other elements of life - career, family and even life itself. But is first love meant to last, or is it just a chapter in a bigger story?
His young life had always been a cycle of restrictions and solitude. Then he met Mehvish - innocent, charming, and way out of his league. He never had the courage to talk to a girl before, but with the recent introduction to Facebook, he finally found a way to communicate. What started as awkward exchanges soon turned into a late-night texting routine, and against all odds, she began seeing Aryan as someone she could rely on.
But having something you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t always come without hiccups. As Aryan learns what it really means to love someone, he finds himself standing face to face with other elements of life - career, family and even life itself. But is first love meant to last, or is it just a chapter in a bigger story?
390 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2025
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 28, 2025
the perfect account of what a teenage love feels like! especially when it is set in your country. the references to bollywood, the love-at-first-sight, the confusion, the stress of exams and performimg well, the expectation of parents, so much has been covered in this debut novel.
the language is easy. the pace is adequate. and you will definitely end up picking a side.
the language is easy. the pace is adequate. and you will definitely end up picking a side.
June 9, 2025
Heartbreaks was a great novel about young adult romance, friendships, balancing family life and dealing with academic pressure ! The story is narrated by Aryan the MMC, who is someone influenced by Bollywood and SRK heavily ( which I loved ), he's in grade 11 and is struggling to balance a lot of elements of his life together. The story is set in Lucknow and really takes you there, you can feel the mood being set and going through all the different situations Aryan was going through.
It was so relatable as well, specially in terms of the instant messaging aspect of it! Really took me back to my Facebook and MSN messenger days!
Must read for all Bollywood fans! 🫶🏼
It was so relatable as well, specially in terms of the instant messaging aspect of it! Really took me back to my Facebook and MSN messenger days!
Must read for all Bollywood fans! 🫶🏼
June 28, 2025
There’s something inherently magnetic about stories that promise to take us back—back to school corridors echoing with whispered crushes, first glances, awkward texts, and the naive belief that love could fix everything. "Heartbreaks – The Weight of One Goodbye" by Saqib Ahmad walks into this space with confidence, offering a tale set in the early 2010s, at the cusp of the Facebook generation, when status updates and friend requests were the new love letters.
The boom traces Aryan’s adolescent journey through first love, heartbreak, and self-reflection. With a structure that oscillates between the past and present, it attempts to offer not just a romantic tale, but a commentary on emotional growth, generational shifts, and personal aspirations.
At its heart, the book is a tribute to first love raw, confusing, hopeful, and heartbreakingly fragile. Aryan, the protagonist, is a well-meaning, SRK-loving schoolboy with dreams and vulnerabilities. His encounter with Mehvish, the new girl in school, sparks a wave of transformation within him. Through late-night chats and innocent exchanges, the two form a bond that tiptoes between friendship and romance.
Aryan’s love for Mehvish captures the chaotic purity of teenage love, where every smile feels monumental and every silence, catastrophic. This is perhaps the strongest element of the book, even if it lacks emotional depth in execution.
The portrayal of Facebook as a facilitator of connection, especially during its peak, is a notable element that evokes strong millennial nostalgia.
The author tries to dig into how young love often collides with real-life decisions like careers, families, responsibilities. Unfortunately, these themes remain undercooked, introduced more as passing thoughts than as substantial conflicts.
The dual timeline approach tries to explore how time changes our understanding of the past, but this remains a half-hearted narrative tool rather than a deeply philosophical device.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The book scores high on the relatability factor. From Facebook chat pings to SRK references and 90s Bollywood tunes playing in the background, the atmosphere is well-etched and instantly transports readers to a simpler era.
🔸The prose is accessible, and at times charming. It mirrors the mental chatter of a young boy navigating the unfamiliar waters of love and rejection.
🔸It fills a gap in Indian YA fiction, offering a high-school romance grounded in Indian context instead of borrowing Western tropes or settings. This is refreshing.
4. **Honest Attempt by a Debut Author**: Despite its shortcomings, there’s sincerity in Ahmad’s writing. You can sense that this story matters to him, and that emotional investment comes through in parts.
✒️ The Cracks Behind the Charm :
▪️Aryan, though positioned as the protagonist, is written in a very one-dimensional manner. His world revolves almost entirely around Mehvish, and beyond his love life, we learn little of his inner world, interests, or complexities. His growth arc is more “told” than “shown.”
Mehvish, too, feels underdeveloped and inconsistent. She often comes across as emotionally distant or manipulative, though the book romanticizes her indifference rather than exploring it. The fact that many readers find her a “red flag” isn’t surprising.
▪️The emotional beats in the book are formulaic. There is a lack of narrative tension and psychological depth. For a book about heartbreak, it curiously lacks heartbreak. The pain is narrated but not felt.
▪️The back-and-forth timeline isn’t handled with finesse. The transitions are abrupt, and the connection between past and present feels mechanical rather than meaningful.
▪️Nostalgia is a powerful tool, but the book leans too heavily on it to carry the emotional weight. Facebook chats, SRK dialogues, and old-school romance references are abundant, but they often substitute for real storytelling. Readers might enjoy the throwbacks but still be left asking, "Where’s the story?"
In conclusion, it is like flipping through an old photo album, sweet, nostalgic, sometimes moving, but lacking in clarity and resolution. It promises depth but rarely dives in. It evokes the echoes of our past but doesn’t allow us to stay long enough to feel them. The author has a natural sense for tone and emotional rhythm, and with more polished storytelling, his future work could offer much more. But as a debut, this book feels more like an affectionate draft than a finished book.
If you’re a millennial who wants a breezy walk down memory lane, this might work as a light weekend read. But if you’re looking for a romance that pierces deep, stays long, and makes you question your own emotional journeys, this won’t scratch that itch.
The boom traces Aryan’s adolescent journey through first love, heartbreak, and self-reflection. With a structure that oscillates between the past and present, it attempts to offer not just a romantic tale, but a commentary on emotional growth, generational shifts, and personal aspirations.
At its heart, the book is a tribute to first love raw, confusing, hopeful, and heartbreakingly fragile. Aryan, the protagonist, is a well-meaning, SRK-loving schoolboy with dreams and vulnerabilities. His encounter with Mehvish, the new girl in school, sparks a wave of transformation within him. Through late-night chats and innocent exchanges, the two form a bond that tiptoes between friendship and romance.
Aryan’s love for Mehvish captures the chaotic purity of teenage love, where every smile feels monumental and every silence, catastrophic. This is perhaps the strongest element of the book, even if it lacks emotional depth in execution.
The portrayal of Facebook as a facilitator of connection, especially during its peak, is a notable element that evokes strong millennial nostalgia.
The author tries to dig into how young love often collides with real-life decisions like careers, families, responsibilities. Unfortunately, these themes remain undercooked, introduced more as passing thoughts than as substantial conflicts.
The dual timeline approach tries to explore how time changes our understanding of the past, but this remains a half-hearted narrative tool rather than a deeply philosophical device.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The book scores high on the relatability factor. From Facebook chat pings to SRK references and 90s Bollywood tunes playing in the background, the atmosphere is well-etched and instantly transports readers to a simpler era.
🔸The prose is accessible, and at times charming. It mirrors the mental chatter of a young boy navigating the unfamiliar waters of love and rejection.
🔸It fills a gap in Indian YA fiction, offering a high-school romance grounded in Indian context instead of borrowing Western tropes or settings. This is refreshing.
4. **Honest Attempt by a Debut Author**: Despite its shortcomings, there’s sincerity in Ahmad’s writing. You can sense that this story matters to him, and that emotional investment comes through in parts.
✒️ The Cracks Behind the Charm :
▪️Aryan, though positioned as the protagonist, is written in a very one-dimensional manner. His world revolves almost entirely around Mehvish, and beyond his love life, we learn little of his inner world, interests, or complexities. His growth arc is more “told” than “shown.”
Mehvish, too, feels underdeveloped and inconsistent. She often comes across as emotionally distant or manipulative, though the book romanticizes her indifference rather than exploring it. The fact that many readers find her a “red flag” isn’t surprising.
▪️The emotional beats in the book are formulaic. There is a lack of narrative tension and psychological depth. For a book about heartbreak, it curiously lacks heartbreak. The pain is narrated but not felt.
▪️The back-and-forth timeline isn’t handled with finesse. The transitions are abrupt, and the connection between past and present feels mechanical rather than meaningful.
▪️Nostalgia is a powerful tool, but the book leans too heavily on it to carry the emotional weight. Facebook chats, SRK dialogues, and old-school romance references are abundant, but they often substitute for real storytelling. Readers might enjoy the throwbacks but still be left asking, "Where’s the story?"
In conclusion, it is like flipping through an old photo album, sweet, nostalgic, sometimes moving, but lacking in clarity and resolution. It promises depth but rarely dives in. It evokes the echoes of our past but doesn’t allow us to stay long enough to feel them. The author has a natural sense for tone and emotional rhythm, and with more polished storytelling, his future work could offer much more. But as a debut, this book feels more like an affectionate draft than a finished book.
If you’re a millennial who wants a breezy walk down memory lane, this might work as a light weekend read. But if you’re looking for a romance that pierces deep, stays long, and makes you question your own emotional journeys, this won’t scratch that itch.
June 28, 2025
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.”
Why is love so difficult?
How can someone say “I love you” one night, and the very next day, everything changes?
I’ve always believed that life isn’t random. Sure, it’s unpredictable but never meaningless. And as someone who places their faith in the Almighty Allah, I trust that everything is already written in His books. Everything that happens, happens for a reason.
Heartbreaks – The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib Ahmed tells the story of Aryan, a lonely young man working as a consultant at McKinsey in the fast-paced city of Mumbai.
One quiet Sunday, finally finding some time away from work, he decides to visit his favourite café—SUBKO. He’s looking forward to a peaceful evening, sipping a hot cup of coffee in his own company. But fate has other plans. He stumbles upon a bookstore-café nearby, lured in by the fresh, comforting scent of new books. And just as he picks up a copy of Norwegian Wood, a girl nearby turns to him and says:
"Make sure not to read that during a tough time. It can be brutally depressing."
That unexpected exchange is how Aryan meets Sakshi.
What starts as a casual conversation over coffee, books and dating apps evolves into a deeper series of conversations about Aryan's love life right from his school days. They talk not just about love, but about life , career, family, responsibilities, vulnerabilities and eventually reach the question: What does love really mean?
Aryan, a 16-year-old boy from Lucknow, with curly hair that looked like Maggi noodles (Uff! I can perfectly picture him fussing over his hair before school), has just passed Class 10 with 91% marks. Entering Class 11, he’s proud, hoping for at least some recognition from his friends. But to his dismay, nothing feels different. No one seems to notice or acknowledge his achievement.
That sense of letdown quickly fades when a new girl, Mehvish, walks into the classroom and just like that, everything lights up for Aryan.
He comes from a household filled with restrictions, where loneliness is almost routine. His two older brothers live away , one for work, another for college. His parents, both working, are mostly caught in a cycle of arguments and bitterness. And like so many children, Aryan begins to silently blame himself for the cracks in their marriage.
In the turmoil of life and academics, Aryan and Mehvish connect on Facebook. Their awkward chats slowly evolve into long, late-night conversations. They find comfort in one another until life, once again, takes an unexpected turn. The weight of family, future, and unspoken truths begins to creep in, leaving behind only echoes of what once was.
Saqib Ahmed has beautifully narrated this fast-paced story, blending it with the essence of 90s school-time crushes and innocent romances . The protagonist, Aryan, is a die-hard SRK fan often quoting his famous dialogues and imagining scenes from his films which added a nostalgic charm for someone like me, a 90s kid at heart. Alongside the sweetness of young love, the story also thoughtfully explores its fragility, and how, when misdirected, it can deeply impact one’s career, choices, and emotional clarity.
Why is love so difficult?
How can someone say “I love you” one night, and the very next day, everything changes?
I’ve always believed that life isn’t random. Sure, it’s unpredictable but never meaningless. And as someone who places their faith in the Almighty Allah, I trust that everything is already written in His books. Everything that happens, happens for a reason.
Heartbreaks – The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib Ahmed tells the story of Aryan, a lonely young man working as a consultant at McKinsey in the fast-paced city of Mumbai.
One quiet Sunday, finally finding some time away from work, he decides to visit his favourite café—SUBKO. He’s looking forward to a peaceful evening, sipping a hot cup of coffee in his own company. But fate has other plans. He stumbles upon a bookstore-café nearby, lured in by the fresh, comforting scent of new books. And just as he picks up a copy of Norwegian Wood, a girl nearby turns to him and says:
"Make sure not to read that during a tough time. It can be brutally depressing."
That unexpected exchange is how Aryan meets Sakshi.
What starts as a casual conversation over coffee, books and dating apps evolves into a deeper series of conversations about Aryan's love life right from his school days. They talk not just about love, but about life , career, family, responsibilities, vulnerabilities and eventually reach the question: What does love really mean?
Aryan, a 16-year-old boy from Lucknow, with curly hair that looked like Maggi noodles (Uff! I can perfectly picture him fussing over his hair before school), has just passed Class 10 with 91% marks. Entering Class 11, he’s proud, hoping for at least some recognition from his friends. But to his dismay, nothing feels different. No one seems to notice or acknowledge his achievement.
That sense of letdown quickly fades when a new girl, Mehvish, walks into the classroom and just like that, everything lights up for Aryan.
He comes from a household filled with restrictions, where loneliness is almost routine. His two older brothers live away , one for work, another for college. His parents, both working, are mostly caught in a cycle of arguments and bitterness. And like so many children, Aryan begins to silently blame himself for the cracks in their marriage.
In the turmoil of life and academics, Aryan and Mehvish connect on Facebook. Their awkward chats slowly evolve into long, late-night conversations. They find comfort in one another until life, once again, takes an unexpected turn. The weight of family, future, and unspoken truths begins to creep in, leaving behind only echoes of what once was.
Saqib Ahmed has beautifully narrated this fast-paced story, blending it with the essence of 90s school-time crushes and innocent romances . The protagonist, Aryan, is a die-hard SRK fan often quoting his famous dialogues and imagining scenes from his films which added a nostalgic charm for someone like me, a 90s kid at heart. Alongside the sweetness of young love, the story also thoughtfully explores its fragility, and how, when misdirected, it can deeply impact one’s career, choices, and emotional clarity.
June 28, 2025
The soft hum of the coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, and the gentle turning of pages, these are the subtle notes that accompany the symphony of emotions in Saqib Ahmad's "Heartbreaks." I stumbled upon this book in a cozy little bookstore, much like Aryan, the protagonist himself. The cover, simple yet intriguing, promised a journey into the complexities of love and life, and it delivered far beyond my expectations. This isn't just a story; it's an intimate conversation, a shared reflection on what it means to navigate the messy, beautiful landscape of human connection.
From the very first page, I was drawn into Aryan’s world. His initial awkwardness, the relatable struggle to initiate a conversation with someone he found captivating, it all felt so disarmingly familiar. The author masterfully paints a picture of a shy, self-doubting teenager, overshadowed by his friends and desperate for recognition. We've all been there, haven't we? That desperate yearning to be seen, to be the protagonist of our own story rather than a mere sidekick.
The introduction of Mehvish, and the burgeoning online world of Facebook, felt like a breath of fresh air, not just for Aryan, but for me as a reader. The evolution of their conversations, from stilted exchanges to late-night confidences, was genuinely heartwarming. I found myself rooting for Aryan, silently cheering him on as he navigated the uncharted territory of first love. The small triumphs, making her laugh, keeping the conversation flowing, felt like monumental victories, mirroring the innocent joys of young affection.
But "Heartbreaks" isn't a simple, saccharine tale of first love. It delves deeper, exploring the inevitable intertwining of relationships with other facets of life: career, family, and self-discovery. The author doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, the moments of discomfort and quiet despair that punctuate even the most promising beginnings. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Aryan's past and present, creating a powerful sense of introspection.
From the very first page, I was drawn into Aryan’s world. His initial awkwardness, the relatable struggle to initiate a conversation with someone he found captivating, it all felt so disarmingly familiar. The author masterfully paints a picture of a shy, self-doubting teenager, overshadowed by his friends and desperate for recognition. We've all been there, haven't we? That desperate yearning to be seen, to be the protagonist of our own story rather than a mere sidekick.
The introduction of Mehvish, and the burgeoning online world of Facebook, felt like a breath of fresh air, not just for Aryan, but for me as a reader. The evolution of their conversations, from stilted exchanges to late-night confidences, was genuinely heartwarming. I found myself rooting for Aryan, silently cheering him on as he navigated the uncharted territory of first love. The small triumphs, making her laugh, keeping the conversation flowing, felt like monumental victories, mirroring the innocent joys of young affection.
But "Heartbreaks" isn't a simple, saccharine tale of first love. It delves deeper, exploring the inevitable intertwining of relationships with other facets of life: career, family, and self-discovery. The author doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, the moments of discomfort and quiet despair that punctuate even the most promising beginnings. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Aryan's past and present, creating a powerful sense of introspection.
June 10, 2025
HeartBreaks is an emotional book that touched my heart. The book is about a teenager named Aryan who's in 11th grade and navigating high school life and friendships and his first love. He has crushes but his main focus is on a girl named Mehvish. He tries his best to get her attention, and the story takes many interesting turns.
The main character's journey is beautifully told, with all its ups and downs and This high school romance is well-written, and the ending makes sense.
At first, I found the main character Aryan a bit confusing, but as the story went on, I understood his feelings and dedication to his relationship. His journey, especially his love for Mehvish is beautifully told. What I loved most about this book is how it showed me what a high school romance can be like. The way Aryan, as a teenager, puts in so much effort to make things work is inspiring. His passion and dedication are admirable. The ending is satisfying and emotional, and I loved how Aryan succeeds in the end..
The book is full of emotions and quotes that will touch your heart. I highlighted many parts because they were so good.
The author includes references to Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood songs, which adds a nice touch to the story.
also the way the characters interact and the phone conversations are realistic and engaging..
Overall, 'Heartbreaks' is an emotional ride that I highly recommend. The writing is engaging, and the story is captivating and heartfelt. The last 20% of the book is particularly good, with a superb conclusion and I was shocked in the end tho...
Thanks to the author for sending me an advance ebook – I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
The main character's journey is beautifully told, with all its ups and downs and This high school romance is well-written, and the ending makes sense.
At first, I found the main character Aryan a bit confusing, but as the story went on, I understood his feelings and dedication to his relationship. His journey, especially his love for Mehvish is beautifully told. What I loved most about this book is how it showed me what a high school romance can be like. The way Aryan, as a teenager, puts in so much effort to make things work is inspiring. His passion and dedication are admirable. The ending is satisfying and emotional, and I loved how Aryan succeeds in the end..
The book is full of emotions and quotes that will touch your heart. I highlighted many parts because they were so good.
The author includes references to Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood songs, which adds a nice touch to the story.
also the way the characters interact and the phone conversations are realistic and engaging..
Overall, 'Heartbreaks' is an emotional ride that I highly recommend. The writing is engaging, and the story is captivating and heartfelt. The last 20% of the book is particularly good, with a superb conclusion and I was shocked in the end tho...
Thanks to the author for sending me an advance ebook – I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
June 27, 2025
What a nostalgic journey!
The book is not just a book but a medium to travel in time and relive those smartphone-free days when Facebook was the biggest hype of all time. The story follows the journey of Aryan, an 11th-grade student who just scored 91% in his 10th boards. The anecdotes in the book, such as the score comparison, the foolishness of teenagers, the enduring love for SRK and other Bollywood movies, love at first sight, etc., are very relatable to all Millennials.
When I first picked up the book, I anticipated it to be a romantic love story of old times with a tragic end; an end that would leave me in tears with an aching heart. However, the moment I started reading, the feeling of deja vu kept me hooked enough to read 4 chapters in 20 minutes.
At numerous points, I had to stop and reread the paragraph, not because it was difficult to understand, but because it took me back to the good old golden times when I was in the exact same situation. When the book said 'SRK's romantic song playing in the background' when Aryan first saw Mehvish, my mind actually conjured the song 'Tujhe jo Maine dekha, tujhe jo Maine jana".
The best thing about the book, apart from the nostalgia, is how it plays and weaves the other aspects of life, especially when it comes to a teenager- someone on the way to becoming an adult, but doesn't always get the recognition for the same. Topics like love, career, family, money, satisfaction, exploration and most importantly- how things always align for the greater good.
You may not see the ending, but even if you do, it still holds the power to paint you in shock, along with various emotions bursting in your tender heart.
The book is not just a book but a medium to travel in time and relive those smartphone-free days when Facebook was the biggest hype of all time. The story follows the journey of Aryan, an 11th-grade student who just scored 91% in his 10th boards. The anecdotes in the book, such as the score comparison, the foolishness of teenagers, the enduring love for SRK and other Bollywood movies, love at first sight, etc., are very relatable to all Millennials.
When I first picked up the book, I anticipated it to be a romantic love story of old times with a tragic end; an end that would leave me in tears with an aching heart. However, the moment I started reading, the feeling of deja vu kept me hooked enough to read 4 chapters in 20 minutes.
At numerous points, I had to stop and reread the paragraph, not because it was difficult to understand, but because it took me back to the good old golden times when I was in the exact same situation. When the book said 'SRK's romantic song playing in the background' when Aryan first saw Mehvish, my mind actually conjured the song 'Tujhe jo Maine dekha, tujhe jo Maine jana".
The best thing about the book, apart from the nostalgia, is how it plays and weaves the other aspects of life, especially when it comes to a teenager- someone on the way to becoming an adult, but doesn't always get the recognition for the same. Topics like love, career, family, money, satisfaction, exploration and most importantly- how things always align for the greater good.
You may not see the ending, but even if you do, it still holds the power to paint you in shock, along with various emotions bursting in your tender heart.
July 19, 2025
So lately, I’ve been slowly dipping my toes back into romance books(maybe I’m healing? maybe I’m just soft 🥲). And Heartbreaks by Saqib Ahmad found me at exactly the right time.
So the story starts with a random bookstore conversation but it somehow ends up tugging at those memories you didn’t even know were still there.
Aryan’s story is so simple and so honest. He is that boy who has never had the courage to talk to girls and suddenly he finds himself texting Mehvish. She is the girl who is charming, totally out of his league( well that’s what our Aryan feels 🤭 ), and way too kind. (Also did I get butterflies? Yes,Yes, I did 🫣)
Their love story unfolds like a series of 2 a.m. texts that is shy, slow, and full of longing. But…but, just when you think it’s going to be all sweet and sunshine, life throws in career choices, family expectations, and that one big question — Is love ever enough?
Honestly, reading this book literally felt like listening to a close friend pour their heart out. (I really wanted to hug Aryan and also scream a little 😭) I do want to say more, but I’m scared I’ll spoil the magic. So as of now all I’ll say is, if you’ve ever had a first love, then this book will bring it all back like the joy, those aches, the bittersweet memories and the what-ifs. 💔✨
So the story starts with a random bookstore conversation but it somehow ends up tugging at those memories you didn’t even know were still there.
Aryan’s story is so simple and so honest. He is that boy who has never had the courage to talk to girls and suddenly he finds himself texting Mehvish. She is the girl who is charming, totally out of his league( well that’s what our Aryan feels 🤭 ), and way too kind. (Also did I get butterflies? Yes,Yes, I did 🫣)
Their love story unfolds like a series of 2 a.m. texts that is shy, slow, and full of longing. But…but, just when you think it’s going to be all sweet and sunshine, life throws in career choices, family expectations, and that one big question — Is love ever enough?
Honestly, reading this book literally felt like listening to a close friend pour their heart out. (I really wanted to hug Aryan and also scream a little 😭) I do want to say more, but I’m scared I’ll spoil the magic. So as of now all I’ll say is, if you’ve ever had a first love, then this book will bring it all back like the joy, those aches, the bittersweet memories and the what-ifs. 💔✨
June 22, 2025
I have recently completed this book “Heartbreak” by Saqib Ahmad which is undoubtedly a novel which squarely falls in romantic genre and I'm definitely a sucker of romantic reads.
Talking about the book , it reminded about my High school days and it was so very nostalgic . The story was definitely interesting and the narration felt smooth. The author followed back and fro kind of narration when he was going back to his young days while narrating the story in present day scenerio to Sakshi with whom he became comfortable and felt attracted to at the first meeting which was in a bookstore.
Oh ! How can I forget Mr . Aryan’s first crush Mehvish and their cute and romantic conversations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the conversations as well.
Now , I won't give any further spoiler but I would surely say from the writing references that the main male character Aryan is a SRK fan and he follows every SRK film dialogues which was fun while reading. There were many other characters but except for the main characters I also like the character of Kaif.
Overall , I enjoyed reading the book and being a debut novel, it really turned out to be a 5 star read.
Talking about the book , it reminded about my High school days and it was so very nostalgic . The story was definitely interesting and the narration felt smooth. The author followed back and fro kind of narration when he was going back to his young days while narrating the story in present day scenerio to Sakshi with whom he became comfortable and felt attracted to at the first meeting which was in a bookstore.
Oh ! How can I forget Mr . Aryan’s first crush Mehvish and their cute and romantic conversations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the conversations as well.
Now , I won't give any further spoiler but I would surely say from the writing references that the main male character Aryan is a SRK fan and he follows every SRK film dialogues which was fun while reading. There were many other characters but except for the main characters I also like the character of Kaif.
Overall , I enjoyed reading the book and being a debut novel, it really turned out to be a 5 star read.
June 28, 2025
Heartbreak by Saqib Ahmad was a refreshing surprise for me. I had picked it up expecting a run-of-the-mill love story but landed with something far more heartfelt and nostalgic. As a romantic lover, this book went straight to my heart. It was not just about love; it was about memories, growing up, and the little things that are more important.
Aryan's journey and, in particular, the opening up to Sakshi felt very personal.. It felt like sitting down and listening to a close friend pour his heart out over a cup of coffee. The first meeting point of theirs in the bookstore won me over instantly-It was romantic but not in your face.
Mehvish, Aryan's first crush, was described with simplicity and charm. Their interactions had that retro old-world charm that I really enjoyed. Every time Aryan quoted a Shah Rukh Khan dialogue, I found myself smiling; it gave this fun, filmy flavor to the book. Kaif's character also contributed more dimensions to the story.
Aryan's journey and, in particular, the opening up to Sakshi felt very personal.. It felt like sitting down and listening to a close friend pour his heart out over a cup of coffee. The first meeting point of theirs in the bookstore won me over instantly-It was romantic but not in your face.
Mehvish, Aryan's first crush, was described with simplicity and charm. Their interactions had that retro old-world charm that I really enjoyed. Every time Aryan quoted a Shah Rukh Khan dialogue, I found myself smiling; it gave this fun, filmy flavor to the book. Kaif's character also contributed more dimensions to the story.
June 21, 2025
complete package of emotions... or I could say a rollercoaster of emotions.
I hope the book reaches the big number of readers it deserves...
I hope the book reaches the big number of readers it deserves...
June 18, 2025
For a debut, this book is pretty good.
Tropes: High School romance, First Love, Diljit X Taylor Swift, cute text convos, nostalgia, old school romance vibes, Bollywood(SRK) references.
This book took me back to the years when social media and love weren’t the same. Aryan & Mehvish’s story of first love showcases the emotional roller coasters of teenage years, high school romance, cute text messages on Facebook, glances in between school, and many more nostalgic memories.
I love how Saqib captures the cute, confusing, and emotional moments in the love of teenage years including the overthinking by Aryan following his crush on Mehvish, it felt more relatable. I love the cute text exchanges between them. While romance is the central theme the book also delves into academic pressure, life’s struggles, family expectations, and personal growth. Bollywood references mainly SRK and a Swiftie FMC just add to the charm.
However, I felt disconnected from the chapters on how one ends and the next one begins. Though the writing is simple and engaging, the pacing is slow and felt like parts of the book are struck together due to lack of continuity. While Aryan’s character is relatable, all the other characters felt on,y supportive like they exist primarily to serve Aryan’s journey.
If you are looking for an easygoing romance with some cute moments and take you down memory lane, you can pick this one.
Tropes: High School romance, First Love, Diljit X Taylor Swift, cute text convos, nostalgia, old school romance vibes, Bollywood(SRK) references.
This book took me back to the years when social media and love weren’t the same. Aryan & Mehvish’s story of first love showcases the emotional roller coasters of teenage years, high school romance, cute text messages on Facebook, glances in between school, and many more nostalgic memories.
I love how Saqib captures the cute, confusing, and emotional moments in the love of teenage years including the overthinking by Aryan following his crush on Mehvish, it felt more relatable. I love the cute text exchanges between them. While romance is the central theme the book also delves into academic pressure, life’s struggles, family expectations, and personal growth. Bollywood references mainly SRK and a Swiftie FMC just add to the charm.
However, I felt disconnected from the chapters on how one ends and the next one begins. Though the writing is simple and engaging, the pacing is slow and felt like parts of the book are struck together due to lack of continuity. While Aryan’s character is relatable, all the other characters felt on,y supportive like they exist primarily to serve Aryan’s journey.
If you are looking for an easygoing romance with some cute moments and take you down memory lane, you can pick this one.
August 13, 2025
Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib Ahmad
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (because I’m saving the last half for the version of me that finally heals)
I didn’t go looking for this book. I wasn’t chasing heartbreak or wandering the aisles with a broken heart waiting to be mirrored. I just showed up at my favorite bookstore in Bandra, for their weekly reader’s mixer. The weather was moody, the crowd cozy, and the scent of old pages lingered like perfume.
There was this guy I ended up chatting with. We bonded over the layout of the bookstore, laughed about how some books just call to you from the shelf even if you were trying to be fiscally responsible, and he mentioned nothing about being a writer. It wasn’t until much later, with a casual gesture, that I found out, he was Saqib Ahmad, the author of Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye. And when I told him I’d never read his book but just picked it up on a whim… he signed it for me.
“Dear Simran, may you be loved according to your definition of being loved.”
And that. That was the beginning.
I’ve always lived under the shadow of this line from The Perks of Being a Wallflower—“We accept the love we think we deserve.” It’s haunted me, guided me, maybe even hurt me. But what Saqib wrote? It felt like an antidote. A counterspell. Not about accepting scraps, but redefining the whole damn meal. It wasn’t just kind. It was radical. And that one line made me want to open the book and see what else he had the courage to write.
About the Book:
Heartbreaks is a deeply personal, soul-gazing narrative that feels less like fiction and more like emotional archaeology. It follows Aryan, a class 11 student who meets Mehvish—a girl who unravels his guarded heart and teaches him what it means to truly fall in love. It’s raw, nostalgic, tender. The kind of story that doesn’t rush you, but instead walks beside you like an old friend, letting you feel every ache, every soft laugh, every unsaid goodbye.
But it’s not just about young love—it’s about the weight it leaves behind. The kind of love that changes you even when it doesn’t last. And that’s what makes it real.
The framing device where Aryan shares his story with Sakshi, a girl he meets in a bookstore is almost poetic symmetry, especially because that’s exactly how I came across it. In a bookstore. From the author’s own voice. Full circle, fate-touched.
Final Thoughts:
Saqib Ahmad doesn’t scream "romance author." He writes like someone who has lived through something, sat with it, and then handed it back to the world as a warm, slightly bruised offering.
There’s no over-glossed drama or bollywoodized idealism. Just truth. Messy, aching, familiar truth.
This book didn’t shout at me, it whispered. And sometimes, that’s louder. This isn’t just a book I picked up. It’s a book that picked me.
It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about the people who give it- it’s about how we choose to receive it.
It’s about rewriting old scripts, healing old wounds, and finally allowing ourselves the softness we’ve always offered others.
If you, like me, have hesitated to read Indian romance novels beyond the Durjoy Duttagalaxy, let this be your entry point. Saqib Ahmad is writing with the sincerity of someone who knows heartbreak, and the grace of someone who believes in hope anyway.
So if you're someone who has ever:
• Romanticized bookstores more than people
• Felt the hollow echo of an unfinished love
• Tried to reimagine what it means to be loved wholly, on your terms
Then put this book on your shelf. Let it sit next to your favorite mug and the quote from Perks. Maybe this time, we’ll stop accepting love like it's charity and start demanding it like it’s poetry.
Read it. Feel everything. Dog-ear the pages that hurt. Then pass it on to someone who’s learning how to love again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (because I’m saving the last half for the version of me that finally heals)
I didn’t go looking for this book. I wasn’t chasing heartbreak or wandering the aisles with a broken heart waiting to be mirrored. I just showed up at my favorite bookstore in Bandra, for their weekly reader’s mixer. The weather was moody, the crowd cozy, and the scent of old pages lingered like perfume.
There was this guy I ended up chatting with. We bonded over the layout of the bookstore, laughed about how some books just call to you from the shelf even if you were trying to be fiscally responsible, and he mentioned nothing about being a writer. It wasn’t until much later, with a casual gesture, that I found out, he was Saqib Ahmad, the author of Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye. And when I told him I’d never read his book but just picked it up on a whim… he signed it for me.
“Dear Simran, may you be loved according to your definition of being loved.”
And that. That was the beginning.
I’ve always lived under the shadow of this line from The Perks of Being a Wallflower—“We accept the love we think we deserve.” It’s haunted me, guided me, maybe even hurt me. But what Saqib wrote? It felt like an antidote. A counterspell. Not about accepting scraps, but redefining the whole damn meal. It wasn’t just kind. It was radical. And that one line made me want to open the book and see what else he had the courage to write.
About the Book:
Heartbreaks is a deeply personal, soul-gazing narrative that feels less like fiction and more like emotional archaeology. It follows Aryan, a class 11 student who meets Mehvish—a girl who unravels his guarded heart and teaches him what it means to truly fall in love. It’s raw, nostalgic, tender. The kind of story that doesn’t rush you, but instead walks beside you like an old friend, letting you feel every ache, every soft laugh, every unsaid goodbye.
But it’s not just about young love—it’s about the weight it leaves behind. The kind of love that changes you even when it doesn’t last. And that’s what makes it real.
The framing device where Aryan shares his story with Sakshi, a girl he meets in a bookstore is almost poetic symmetry, especially because that’s exactly how I came across it. In a bookstore. From the author’s own voice. Full circle, fate-touched.
Final Thoughts:
Saqib Ahmad doesn’t scream "romance author." He writes like someone who has lived through something, sat with it, and then handed it back to the world as a warm, slightly bruised offering.
There’s no over-glossed drama or bollywoodized idealism. Just truth. Messy, aching, familiar truth.
This book didn’t shout at me, it whispered. And sometimes, that’s louder. This isn’t just a book I picked up. It’s a book that picked me.
It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about the people who give it- it’s about how we choose to receive it.
It’s about rewriting old scripts, healing old wounds, and finally allowing ourselves the softness we’ve always offered others.
If you, like me, have hesitated to read Indian romance novels beyond the Durjoy Duttagalaxy, let this be your entry point. Saqib Ahmad is writing with the sincerity of someone who knows heartbreak, and the grace of someone who believes in hope anyway.
So if you're someone who has ever:
• Romanticized bookstores more than people
• Felt the hollow echo of an unfinished love
• Tried to reimagine what it means to be loved wholly, on your terms
Then put this book on your shelf. Let it sit next to your favorite mug and the quote from Perks. Maybe this time, we’ll stop accepting love like it's charity and start demanding it like it’s poetry.
Read it. Feel everything. Dog-ear the pages that hurt. Then pass it on to someone who’s learning how to love again.
September 18, 2025
Heartbreak: The Weight of One Goodbye" by Saqib Ahmed is less about a love story and more about the emotional chaos that comes with growing up. At first glance, it might seem like a tale of young romance, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the heart of the book lies in its exploration of identity, personal growth, and the bittersweet process of letting go. The narrative isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel in terms of theme—but it’s the execution that makes it compelling. What makes this novel stand out is the introspective lens through which the protagonist, Aryan, views the world. We don’t just follow what happens to him—we experience every internal conflict, doubt, and realization alongside him. That deep dive into his mind adds a rich emotional texture to the story.
Another strength of the book lies in its supporting cast. Each character—be it Aryan’s parents, Mehvish, or his group of friends—brings something distinct to the table. Their personal struggles and perspectives weave together to show that life rarely follows a single path. These subplots don’t fight for attention but instead add depth and realism, reinforcing the idea that everyone is dealing with their own versions of growing pains. The conclusion, much like the story itself, doesn’t go for drama or fantasy. It’s understated and quietly powerful. Aryan’s journey doesn’t end with big declarations or dramatic resolutions—but with a sense of maturity that feels earned and real.
Overall, this isn’t just a book for fans of romantic fiction. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at what it means to grow up—to face love, loss, and everything in between. If you’re someone who enjoys stories that focus on emotional evolution and the quiet, difficult moments that shape us, this one is worth the read.
Another strength of the book lies in its supporting cast. Each character—be it Aryan’s parents, Mehvish, or his group of friends—brings something distinct to the table. Their personal struggles and perspectives weave together to show that life rarely follows a single path. These subplots don’t fight for attention but instead add depth and realism, reinforcing the idea that everyone is dealing with their own versions of growing pains. The conclusion, much like the story itself, doesn’t go for drama or fantasy. It’s understated and quietly powerful. Aryan’s journey doesn’t end with big declarations or dramatic resolutions—but with a sense of maturity that feels earned and real.
Overall, this isn’t just a book for fans of romantic fiction. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at what it means to grow up—to face love, loss, and everything in between. If you’re someone who enjoys stories that focus on emotional evolution and the quiet, difficult moments that shape us, this one is worth the read.
January 12, 2026
“Heartbreaks – The Weight of One Goodbye” by author Saqib Ahmad is a relatable romance novel that throws light on how a single goodbye can change the way a person looks at love and relationships. The novel explores themes of love, loss, heartbreak, career pressure, self-discovery, and more.
Set in Lucknow, the story is about Aryan, who has lived his life within strict boundaries imposed by his parents. It is the year 2012, and Aryan has just passed Class 10 with a good percentage. On his first day of Grade 11, he sees Mehvish, a new girl in his class. Aryan has just gotten a new mobile phone and finally creates a Facebook account, where he starts his first conversation with Mehvish. Soon, they become comfortable with each other, and their friendship begins to move to another level.
Aryan and Mehvish’s late-night chats feel very relatable. Other characters, such as Aryan’s mother and his friend Kaif, are also well portrayed.
The chapters are short, and the narration is easy to read, though it feels a bit slow at few places. As Aryan is a fan of Shah Rukh Khan, there are references to Shah Rukh Khan’s dialogues and songs, which fans will definitely relate to.
"Heartbreaks" is a book that will make readers nostalgic and take every ’90s kid back to their school days, especially to the time when the craze for social media had just begun, allowing us to express ourselves better on these platforms and reminding us of our school crushes.
The book helps readers understand that depending on other people for their own happiness is not healthy, and that it is necessary to realize the importance of building a career. If you are an old-school person or enjoy reading relatable teenage love stories, this book is a good choice.
Set in Lucknow, the story is about Aryan, who has lived his life within strict boundaries imposed by his parents. It is the year 2012, and Aryan has just passed Class 10 with a good percentage. On his first day of Grade 11, he sees Mehvish, a new girl in his class. Aryan has just gotten a new mobile phone and finally creates a Facebook account, where he starts his first conversation with Mehvish. Soon, they become comfortable with each other, and their friendship begins to move to another level.
Aryan and Mehvish’s late-night chats feel very relatable. Other characters, such as Aryan’s mother and his friend Kaif, are also well portrayed.
The chapters are short, and the narration is easy to read, though it feels a bit slow at few places. As Aryan is a fan of Shah Rukh Khan, there are references to Shah Rukh Khan’s dialogues and songs, which fans will definitely relate to.
"Heartbreaks" is a book that will make readers nostalgic and take every ’90s kid back to their school days, especially to the time when the craze for social media had just begun, allowing us to express ourselves better on these platforms and reminding us of our school crushes.
The book helps readers understand that depending on other people for their own happiness is not healthy, and that it is necessary to realize the importance of building a career. If you are an old-school person or enjoy reading relatable teenage love stories, this book is a good choice.
June 6, 2025
'Heartbreaks- The Weight of One Goodbye' by Saqib Ahmad transported me back to my school days. It was a wonderful experience reading this book, with lots of emotions. It's the story of Aryan, the innocent class 11th student. His life was just like everybody else's. He had crushes in school, and got over them. But Mehvish, the pretty girl who came from another school wasn't just another crush. She was Aryan's life.
The book tells us about the story of Aryan and Mehvish. Their innocence, friendship, flirting, silly little fights gave this story a touch of reality. Aryan fell for Mehvish on the first day he saw her. Mehvish, on the other hand, believed in friendship first. They had their own share of problems- family, career, and studies. But they stood by each other during each other's tough times. But would things remain the same throughout their lives?
What I loved most about Ahmad's book is that being a romantic novel, it's not just only about love and it's cliches, it's much more. I often stumble upon romances that just go on and on about how two people are in love. This book discusses their personal problems, how they get over them, or how they discuss their lives with each other. However, I felt the storyline could have been stronger. Well, another thing, I think I don't like the character- Mehvish. She felt like a red flag to me. Anyways, texts between Aryan and Mehvish were cute, and helped to keep the story flow smoothly.
If you're looking for an easy flowing and light romance read, you can pick this up. I'm eagerly waiting to read the next part of the book. I hope my slight hatred for Mehvish fades away! 😭
The book tells us about the story of Aryan and Mehvish. Their innocence, friendship, flirting, silly little fights gave this story a touch of reality. Aryan fell for Mehvish on the first day he saw her. Mehvish, on the other hand, believed in friendship first. They had their own share of problems- family, career, and studies. But they stood by each other during each other's tough times. But would things remain the same throughout their lives?
What I loved most about Ahmad's book is that being a romantic novel, it's not just only about love and it's cliches, it's much more. I often stumble upon romances that just go on and on about how two people are in love. This book discusses their personal problems, how they get over them, or how they discuss their lives with each other. However, I felt the storyline could have been stronger. Well, another thing, I think I don't like the character- Mehvish. She felt like a red flag to me. Anyways, texts between Aryan and Mehvish were cute, and helped to keep the story flow smoothly.
If you're looking for an easy flowing and light romance read, you can pick this up. I'm eagerly waiting to read the next part of the book. I hope my slight hatred for Mehvish fades away! 😭
August 12, 2025
4.5/5⭐
Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib Ahmad is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that shows how first love, no matter how pure, has to find its way through the complexities of growing up and figuring out life.
Is it a love story? I wouldn’t really call it that… By the time I finished the book, I realised it was never just about that central love story—it was about love and life. Was a love story a part of it? Yes. But it wasn’t the whole picture.
Honestly, this felt like such a refreshing read. I’m not saying it’s something completely unheard of or a concept that’s never been written about before… but the way this story was told, with its unique narration, brought a lot of freshness. My favourite part? The way it delved into every single thought running through the protagonist’s mind. It added so many different angles to his journey and made him feel so relatable.
Another thing I really liked was how the author showed different shades of life through the supporting characters. Aryan’s parents, Mehvish, and even each of his friends had their own unique stories. None of them were living the same life, but together they painted a picture of how life is never simple.
And then there’s Aryan’s ending—so realistic and grounded. It made him feel more genuine than a typical fictional character, and I think that’s the heart of this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I wouldn’t say it’s just for romance readers—it’s for anyone who loves reading about life, growth, and all the emotions that come with it.
Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib Ahmad is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that shows how first love, no matter how pure, has to find its way through the complexities of growing up and figuring out life.
Is it a love story? I wouldn’t really call it that… By the time I finished the book, I realised it was never just about that central love story—it was about love and life. Was a love story a part of it? Yes. But it wasn’t the whole picture.
Honestly, this felt like such a refreshing read. I’m not saying it’s something completely unheard of or a concept that’s never been written about before… but the way this story was told, with its unique narration, brought a lot of freshness. My favourite part? The way it delved into every single thought running through the protagonist’s mind. It added so many different angles to his journey and made him feel so relatable.
Another thing I really liked was how the author showed different shades of life through the supporting characters. Aryan’s parents, Mehvish, and even each of his friends had their own unique stories. None of them were living the same life, but together they painted a picture of how life is never simple.
And then there’s Aryan’s ending—so realistic and grounded. It made him feel more genuine than a typical fictional character, and I think that’s the heart of this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I wouldn’t say it’s just for romance readers—it’s for anyone who loves reading about life, growth, and all the emotions that come with it.
June 16, 2025
Have you had your first crush in school days?
The moments when we used to wait for just one glimpse of their. The sudden peak in heartbeat when we could talk to them.
Well, Heartbreak : The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib will take you back to those days of nostalgia.
The book starts when our protagonist makes a friend in a cafe and embarks on the tale of his first heartbreak. Often childhood relations are said to be immature, but they hold a lot of power on you. They often shape your personality and decides what kind of love you allow in your life.
Our protagonist also goes through this. A crush turned into relationship and ultimately a heartbreak.
What I really liked was the male character's views and approach. The way he notices his previous toxic behavior and rectifies them, the way he is always understanding and how he loves selflessly makes me sooooo happy. Brownie points for the author.
The book takes us to a period I usually think as cringe love ( loss of all senses ) however the book felt PURE. It was so so relatable at times. Like this happened with me or I saw my friends going through this moment. And here is where the book won for me. If I can relate so much and smile as well as feel sad and angry all at once then definitely it has been a commendable reading experience for me.
Specially since it's a debut book, the book deserves as much praise as it can get for leaving a good impression.
The moments when we used to wait for just one glimpse of their. The sudden peak in heartbeat when we could talk to them.
Well, Heartbreak : The Weight of One Goodbye by Saqib will take you back to those days of nostalgia.
The book starts when our protagonist makes a friend in a cafe and embarks on the tale of his first heartbreak. Often childhood relations are said to be immature, but they hold a lot of power on you. They often shape your personality and decides what kind of love you allow in your life.
Our protagonist also goes through this. A crush turned into relationship and ultimately a heartbreak.
What I really liked was the male character's views and approach. The way he notices his previous toxic behavior and rectifies them, the way he is always understanding and how he loves selflessly makes me sooooo happy. Brownie points for the author.
The book takes us to a period I usually think as cringe love ( loss of all senses ) however the book felt PURE. It was so so relatable at times. Like this happened with me or I saw my friends going through this moment. And here is where the book won for me. If I can relate so much and smile as well as feel sad and angry all at once then definitely it has been a commendable reading experience for me.
Specially since it's a debut book, the book deserves as much praise as it can get for leaving a good impression.
July 1, 2025
The warmth and agony of first love are exquisitely captured in Saqib Ahmad's poignant coming-of-age romance, Heartbreaks: The Weight of One Goodbye. The novel, which is told in dual time, centers on Aryan, who recalls his adolescent years and his first love, Mehvish, when he stumbles into a profound discussion about life and love while at a bookstore.
It is remarkably realistic to read about Aryan's difficult school days, loneliness, and the eventual excitement of connecting with Mehvish through late-night Facebook talks. An intensely emotional journey that touches on love, heartbreak, personal development, and pursuing one's aspirations develops from what starts as a sweet crush. By fusing nostalgia with contemporary contemplations, the author creates a relatable and profoundly poignant story.
When discussing my personal favorite character, Kaif stands out because of his loyalty and groundedness. He provides Aryan with a silent support system during emotional storms and enriches the narrative beyond the main relationship.
Anyone who enjoys first love stories, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability should read this novel. Saqib's tales evoke strong emotions in us, reminding us all of the weight of our own heartbreaking farewells.
It is remarkably realistic to read about Aryan's difficult school days, loneliness, and the eventual excitement of connecting with Mehvish through late-night Facebook talks. An intensely emotional journey that touches on love, heartbreak, personal development, and pursuing one's aspirations develops from what starts as a sweet crush. By fusing nostalgia with contemporary contemplations, the author creates a relatable and profoundly poignant story.
When discussing my personal favorite character, Kaif stands out because of his loyalty and groundedness. He provides Aryan with a silent support system during emotional storms and enriches the narrative beyond the main relationship.
Anyone who enjoys first love stories, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability should read this novel. Saqib's tales evoke strong emotions in us, reminding us all of the weight of our own heartbreaking farewells.
June 7, 2025
real, raw and reflective.
I've read young adult books but Heartbreaks really is one of those stories that instantly takes you back to your school days with crushes, late-night chats, emotional meltdowns, and all the silly overthinking in between. It felt like time travelling back to my school days.If you've been in relationships in your school-early college days, this book speaks to you.
What I loved about this book was that Aryan's journey is more about self-discovery than just romance, its also about pressure, expectations, and figuring out life while navigating heartbreak, totally relatable. He kept us entertained with his SRK references which was fun. i kinda have mixed feelings about mehvish tho which I'm gonna talk about in another post.
The age of confusion, intense emotions, failures, learning to stand up for yourself, and just going through life, this was a heartfelt read.
If you like to read about young love, nostalgia, little bit of drama, depth with bollywood references, i recommend reading this book.
I've read young adult books but Heartbreaks really is one of those stories that instantly takes you back to your school days with crushes, late-night chats, emotional meltdowns, and all the silly overthinking in between. It felt like time travelling back to my school days.If you've been in relationships in your school-early college days, this book speaks to you.
What I loved about this book was that Aryan's journey is more about self-discovery than just romance, its also about pressure, expectations, and figuring out life while navigating heartbreak, totally relatable. He kept us entertained with his SRK references which was fun. i kinda have mixed feelings about mehvish tho which I'm gonna talk about in another post.
The age of confusion, intense emotions, failures, learning to stand up for yourself, and just going through life, this was a heartfelt read.
If you like to read about young love, nostalgia, little bit of drama, depth with bollywood references, i recommend reading this book.
May 31, 2025
𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑺 : 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑶𝒇 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 - 𝑺𝒂𝒒𝒊𝒃 𝑨𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒅
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆 - 𝒀𝑨 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕 - 𝑬-𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 & 𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌
𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 - 370
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍."
💔 Heartbreaks: The Weight Of One Goodbye is a heartfelt and nostalgic young adult romance debut by Saqib Ahmad that perfectly captures the innocence, thrill, and complexity of first love.
📱Aryan and Mehvish’s love story begins in school, and the way their relationship unfolds—especially through Facebook chatting and hushed calls—feels incredibly relatable and realistic. The tension between virtual confidence and real-life shyness is portrayed with such honesty that it took me right back to the awkward beauty of teenage love.
💔 What really hit hard was how the author showed Aryan’s struggles as a teenager growing up in a conservative brown family. The pressure to succeed, the emotional weight of high expectations, and the desperate need to feel loved and break free—it was raw and honest. You could feel how balancing love and studies was taking a toll on him.
📱 The author has done an exceptional job of making the reader feel every emotion the characters go through—be it the excitement of a new message, the anticipation of a reply, the pain of silence or the weight of an unspoken goodbye.
💔I laughed, I smiled, and I definitely felt my heart break along with theirs. I’m already looking forward to the sequel—because I need to know what happens next in Aryan's journey.
📱Highly recommend this to everyone who loves a touching, emotional, and incredibly real take on young love.
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 - 𝑺𝒂𝒒𝒊𝒃 𝑨𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒅
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆 - 𝒀𝑨 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕 - 𝑬-𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 & 𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌
𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 - 370
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍."
💔 Heartbreaks: The Weight Of One Goodbye is a heartfelt and nostalgic young adult romance debut by Saqib Ahmad that perfectly captures the innocence, thrill, and complexity of first love.
📱Aryan and Mehvish’s love story begins in school, and the way their relationship unfolds—especially through Facebook chatting and hushed calls—feels incredibly relatable and realistic. The tension between virtual confidence and real-life shyness is portrayed with such honesty that it took me right back to the awkward beauty of teenage love.
💔 What really hit hard was how the author showed Aryan’s struggles as a teenager growing up in a conservative brown family. The pressure to succeed, the emotional weight of high expectations, and the desperate need to feel loved and break free—it was raw and honest. You could feel how balancing love and studies was taking a toll on him.
📱 The author has done an exceptional job of making the reader feel every emotion the characters go through—be it the excitement of a new message, the anticipation of a reply, the pain of silence or the weight of an unspoken goodbye.
💔I laughed, I smiled, and I definitely felt my heart break along with theirs. I’m already looking forward to the sequel—because I need to know what happens next in Aryan's journey.
📱Highly recommend this to everyone who loves a touching, emotional, and incredibly real take on young love.
June 7, 2025
Don't you ever yearn for a book that talks about the love that sprouted when we were teenagers?
Just when Aryan thought it couldn't happen, he scored the highest marks in his 10th Boards. Elated with pride, he enters his new class with a determination to focus on his studies. And then enters, Mehvish. And the rest is history.
Reading the exchange and conversations between Aryan and Mehvish, reminded me of the school days. When a simple Facebook request felt a monumental move😂. Those stealling of glances in between the classes, the passing of chits, the reserving the seats for our crush, oohh the blissful times.
As I already mentioned in the reel, this is a much needed book in the Indian book industry. It's high time that we've got to stop depending on Western books for the high school nostalgia, and get one of our own.
It's the perfect book if you're a millennial who wants to take a road down the memory lane!
Just when Aryan thought it couldn't happen, he scored the highest marks in his 10th Boards. Elated with pride, he enters his new class with a determination to focus on his studies. And then enters, Mehvish. And the rest is history.
Reading the exchange and conversations between Aryan and Mehvish, reminded me of the school days. When a simple Facebook request felt a monumental move😂. Those stealling of glances in between the classes, the passing of chits, the reserving the seats for our crush, oohh the blissful times.
As I already mentioned in the reel, this is a much needed book in the Indian book industry. It's high time that we've got to stop depending on Western books for the high school nostalgia, and get one of our own.
It's the perfect book if you're a millennial who wants to take a road down the memory lane!
June 7, 2025
Reading this book took me back to my high school days. Aryan and Mehvish's story reminded me of that awkward, exciting kinda love we all experience as teens. The late night texting, school crushes and emotional ups and downs felt so real and familiar.
Aryan was a sweet, simple guy who really liked Mehvish and was just trying to figure out what love meant. I liked how the book showed Aryan's thoughts and feelings, while also touching on career pressure, family stuff and the whole growing up mess.
The Facebook chats between Aryan and Mehvish were so fun to read.. they made me smile a lot, even got me emotional at times. Mehvish confused me though. I liked her... and then I didn't.
What I loved most was Aryan's journey. I felt sad, happy, confused and kinda at peace. Spoiler alert: it's not just about falling in love, it's about growing up. It's a great read for teens as well as grown ups.
Aryan was a sweet, simple guy who really liked Mehvish and was just trying to figure out what love meant. I liked how the book showed Aryan's thoughts and feelings, while also touching on career pressure, family stuff and the whole growing up mess.
The Facebook chats between Aryan and Mehvish were so fun to read.. they made me smile a lot, even got me emotional at times. Mehvish confused me though. I liked her... and then I didn't.
What I loved most was Aryan's journey. I felt sad, happy, confused and kinda at peace. Spoiler alert: it's not just about falling in love, it's about growing up. It's a great read for teens as well as grown ups.
June 25, 2025
"Heartbreaks - The Weight of One Goodbye" by Saqib Ahmad is a heartwarming and emotional read that beautifully captures the essence of high school romance and first love. The story follows Aryan, a teenager navigating his 11th-grade life, friendships, and his all-consuming love for Mehvish. As Aryan tries to win Mehvish's attention, the story takes several interesting turns, making it a compelling read.
What stands out in this book is the author's portrayal of Aryan's journey, with all its highs and lows. Aryan's passion and dedication to his relationship are admirable, and his growth throughout the story is remarkable. Although the main character might seem confusing at first, their emotions and actions become more relatable as the story unfolds.
Overall, "Heartbreaks" is a well-written novel that offers a realistic glimpse into high school romance, making it a great read for those who enjoy stories about first love and self-discovery.
What stands out in this book is the author's portrayal of Aryan's journey, with all its highs and lows. Aryan's passion and dedication to his relationship are admirable, and his growth throughout the story is remarkable. Although the main character might seem confusing at first, their emotions and actions become more relatable as the story unfolds.
Overall, "Heartbreaks" is a well-written novel that offers a realistic glimpse into high school romance, making it a great read for those who enjoy stories about first love and self-discovery.
June 8, 2025
Okay, this book made me feel like I was back in school when a small text could make your entire day, and you’d overthink even a hi. It brought back all those cute, confusing, and emotional moments from those teenage years. Aryan’s story felt super real. It’s not just about falling in love, it’s also about trying to handle life, studies, pressure, and emotions—all at once. And let’s not ignore the SRK-style drama! The references were chef’s kiss. At one point, I literally heard “Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho...” in my head and it just fit.
Some parts made me smile, some made me go ugh, and a few even left me a little emotional. And Mehvish? Still not sure how I feel about her I’ve got thoughts. If you’ve ever had a crush in school or been through your first heartbreak, this book will hit home. It’s simple, emotional, and gives all the filmy feels.
Some parts made me smile, some made me go ugh, and a few even left me a little emotional. And Mehvish? Still not sure how I feel about her I’ve got thoughts. If you’ve ever had a crush in school or been through your first heartbreak, this book will hit home. It’s simple, emotional, and gives all the filmy feels.
July 24, 2025
This is the story of Aryan from his high school days when he saw her. That moment? He was gone. Her name? Mehvish.
It’s a simple story, mostly told through chats, just two people texting, bonding, slowly falling in love. But Aryan? He fell first… and she? Did she feel the same?
Aryan was the first to send her a Facebook request and that’s how it started. From strangers to friends, just through messages. At one point, Aryan got distracted by another girl but that’s when he realized what he truly felt for Mehvish. So he confessed.
Mehvish was scared, unsure about being in a relationship but still, she said yes.
This book doesn’t promise a happily ever after. No high drama, no twists. It honestly felt like reading someone’s personal chat. Raw, real and super simple.
If you’re a teen or in college, this one’s definitely going to hit different. A light, heartfelt read 🫶🏻
It’s a simple story, mostly told through chats, just two people texting, bonding, slowly falling in love. But Aryan? He fell first… and she? Did she feel the same?
Aryan was the first to send her a Facebook request and that’s how it started. From strangers to friends, just through messages. At one point, Aryan got distracted by another girl but that’s when he realized what he truly felt for Mehvish. So he confessed.
Mehvish was scared, unsure about being in a relationship but still, she said yes.
This book doesn’t promise a happily ever after. No high drama, no twists. It honestly felt like reading someone’s personal chat. Raw, real and super simple.
If you’re a teen or in college, this one’s definitely going to hit different. A light, heartfelt read 🫶🏻
May 29, 2025
This book is a completely old school type of romance book, with the characters shying away from holding eye contact in public.
This book talks about missed opportunities, toxic environment, career and relationships. How it's crucial to prioritise yourself before others. Of course this was a 'pehela pehela pyaar', so you will find the rawest form of love defined by this book.
Aryan was a unique character. His love for Mehvish and Shah Rukh Khan was laudable. I'm glad that at one point he stood up for himself. The banter between Aryan and Mehvish was fun to observe. Sometimes, I would even laugh out loud reading those text messages. Side characters like Kaif, Aman, Sahil and Aryan's parents also played an important role in the book as pillars of support for him.
Every relationship comes with ups and downs, Aryan and Mehvish too had to face the wrath of fate. However there was immense character development in Aryan, it has to be appreciated!
If you're a fan of Shah Rukh Khan or Bollywood romance, this is the perfect stop for you!
This book talks about missed opportunities, toxic environment, career and relationships. How it's crucial to prioritise yourself before others. Of course this was a 'pehela pehela pyaar', so you will find the rawest form of love defined by this book.
Aryan was a unique character. His love for Mehvish and Shah Rukh Khan was laudable. I'm glad that at one point he stood up for himself. The banter between Aryan and Mehvish was fun to observe. Sometimes, I would even laugh out loud reading those text messages. Side characters like Kaif, Aman, Sahil and Aryan's parents also played an important role in the book as pillars of support for him.
Every relationship comes with ups and downs, Aryan and Mehvish too had to face the wrath of fate. However there was immense character development in Aryan, it has to be appreciated!
If you're a fan of Shah Rukh Khan or Bollywood romance, this is the perfect stop for you!
June 28, 2025
This book is a touching and emotional story about a boy named Aryan and his journey through love, friendship, and growing up. It begins with a small meeting in a bookstore that brings back memories from his past.
Aryan’s life was quiet and lonely until he met someone special. Through simple messages and late-night chats, a bond slowly grows between two very different people. The story shows how a small connection can turn into something very meaningful.
The writing is easy to follow and full of feelings. It shows how love isn’t always easy, and how life can test us in different ways. The book also talks about how people change over time, and how some moments stay with us forever.
It’s a sweet, honest, and heartfelt read that many young readers will relate to.
Aryan’s life was quiet and lonely until he met someone special. Through simple messages and late-night chats, a bond slowly grows between two very different people. The story shows how a small connection can turn into something very meaningful.
The writing is easy to follow and full of feelings. It shows how love isn’t always easy, and how life can test us in different ways. The book also talks about how people change over time, and how some moments stay with us forever.
It’s a sweet, honest, and heartfelt read that many young readers will relate to.
June 29, 2025
"Heartbreak – The Weight of One Goodbye" by Saqib Ahmed is a touching and nostalgic journey through the bittersweet emotions of first love, loss, and self-discovery.
Centered on Aryan, a quiet, SRK-obsessed boy from Lucknow, the story unfolds through heartfelt flashbacks shared with Sakshi, a stranger-turned-confidante he meets at a bookstore café. What begins as a casual chat blooms into deep conversations, revealing Aryan’s innocent bond with Mehvish—his first crush—and the emotional weight of growing up in a troubled home.
The book captures the beauty of school-time love, late-night chats, and painful goodbyes. It’s simple, relatable, and flows effortlessly—like reliving one’s own teenage memories.
A charming debut that feels real, emotional, and beautifully human.
Centered on Aryan, a quiet, SRK-obsessed boy from Lucknow, the story unfolds through heartfelt flashbacks shared with Sakshi, a stranger-turned-confidante he meets at a bookstore café. What begins as a casual chat blooms into deep conversations, revealing Aryan’s innocent bond with Mehvish—his first crush—and the emotional weight of growing up in a troubled home.
The book captures the beauty of school-time love, late-night chats, and painful goodbyes. It’s simple, relatable, and flows effortlessly—like reliving one’s own teenage memories.
A charming debut that feels real, emotional, and beautifully human.
July 4, 2025
Honestly this is not a book you read it’s a book that you feel and experience side by side of these characters in the story. This book strikes the feeling of nostalgia, teenage love, old texts that were never sent, the unsaid goodbyes, the weight of waiting for a closure that never came, the emotional distance from friends, moments of the first love and the first heartbreak.
These 57 chapters just pulled me back into my school days and the whole starting of Facebook era and the late-night texting uff it felt warm, relatable and authentic, it was like feeling everything that the characters are going through in the narrative.
The way Aryan feels after letting go of his first love and the ache he feels when he realizes things are changing between him and Mehvish and the way the author captures the whole hollowness of the phase where they are slowly drifting apart.
This book leaves you with not devastation but a calm emptiness that will linger long after you finish reading this book.Also, the author’s writing is simple and elegant best for the beginners who want to get into reading.
So recommending this book to everyone who hasn’t read it yet.
These 57 chapters just pulled me back into my school days and the whole starting of Facebook era and the late-night texting uff it felt warm, relatable and authentic, it was like feeling everything that the characters are going through in the narrative.
The way Aryan feels after letting go of his first love and the ache he feels when he realizes things are changing between him and Mehvish and the way the author captures the whole hollowness of the phase where they are slowly drifting apart.
This book leaves you with not devastation but a calm emptiness that will linger long after you finish reading this book.Also, the author’s writing is simple and elegant best for the beginners who want to get into reading.
So recommending this book to everyone who hasn’t read it yet.
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