If It’s Not Forever It’s Not Love by Durjoy Datta |Nikita Singh

Book Summary

If It’s Not Forever (2012) is a poignant Indian romance-thriller set against the real-life backdrop of the 2011 Delhi High Court bomb blasts. The story begins with Debashish (Deb)—a publisher and writer—who miraculously survives the horror of the Chandni Chowk blast but is emotionally shaken and haunted by the events. His visit to the blast site leads him to discover a partially burnt diary belonging to someone who presumably perished in the attack, a diary filled with heartfelt love confessions to a mysterious woman named Ragini.

Moved by the intense emotions in the diary, Deb embarks on a journey to deliver its final words to Ragini. Joined by his fiancée Avantika, his best friend Shrey, and Shrey’s girlfriend Tiya, the group drives across Indian cities—from Delhi to Dehradun to Mumbai—following cryptic clues and piecing together the tragic story of the diary’s author, known only as “R.D.”.

The narrative intertwines Deb’s grief and guilt with R.D.’s unspoken love story, while also exploring themes like drug addiction, betrayal, and loss. Along the road trip, the group faces emotional revelations and moral dilemmas. Ultimately, they locate Ragini, who has survived the blast but is severely scarred, and attempt to help her heal emotionally. The journey becomes one of redemption, closure, and an affirmation of love’s enduring power—even when left incomplete.

While the plot begins with trauma and tension, some readers felt that explicit scenes and modern romantic tropes somewhat dilute the emotional impact; yet many reviews agree the second half regains momentum with suspense, emotional depth, and a satisfying conclusion.

About the Authors — 

Durjoy Datta (b. 1987) is a bestselling Indian author, screenwriter, and co-founder of Grapevine India Publishers. A former engineer and marketing analyst turned full-time writer, he has penned numerous bestselling young adult romance and suspense novels, and created several TV series including Sadda Haq and Never Kiss Your Best Friend. Known for his emotionally driven narratives and youth-centric themes, Datta frequently draws on real-life events to ground romantic tales in gritty realism.

Nikita Singh (b. 1991) is a celebrated Indian romance author whose debut novel Love @ Facebook brought her widespread recognition. A graduate in pharmacy and holder of an MFA in Creative Writing, she has authored multiple bestselling novels and co-authored works with Datta. Regarded as “India’s leading romance writer”, she brings youthful voice, emotional resonance, and contemporary sensibility to her collaborations that appeal strongly to young adult readers