Every now and then, you stumble upon a book that doesn't shout for your attention, but quietly holds your hand and walks you through something beautiful. The Glitch in Our Stars is one of those rare reads. It begins with a message. A thank-you, really. One that turns into a conversation, which turns into a connection, which turns into something neither Rusham nor Dil expected.
It's a love story for the times we live in. And yet, it feels timeless.
A Chance Encounter in the Digital World
The story starts in the most unassuming way. Rusham, an author, messages Dil, a reviewer, after reading her honest thoughts about his debut novel. What follows is a series of gentle conversations. They start formal, then move into warmth, then evolve into something steady and quietly powerful.
This isn't a whirlwind romance. It's the kind that grows like a soft melody, one note at a time. There's something deeply authentic about the way their relationship is written. It feels like listening in on a very personal exchange between two people trying to make sense of their feelings in a world full of noise.
Their bond isn't forced or rushed. Instead, it feels rooted in respect, curiosity, and a shared emotional wavelength that's rare even in face-to-face connections.
Also read this review of: Breaking The Bubble
Characters That Live and Breathe
Rusham and Dil don't feel like characters on a page. They feel like people. Real ones. With layered pasts, emotional histories, and hearts that are a little bruised but still open to hope. Dil lives in Mumbai. Rusham teaches in London. There's an age difference, a cultural gap, and an ocean between them. And yet, none of those things become obstacles. If anything, they make the bond more fascinating.
Dil's inner voice is thoughtful, reflective, and sometimes unsure in the way only someone who's been through heartbreak can be. Rusham brings a calm depth to their connection. He's experienced, careful, but clearly stirred by the energy Dil brings into his life.
Their chemistry isn't just romantic. It's intellectual. Emotional. And deeply human.
A Love Story That Feels Like Poetry
There's something undeniably poetic about how this book is written. Not in a flowery way, but in the way moments are captured. Each chapter opens with a short poem that reflects the emotional undercurrent of what's about to unfold. These poems linger. They set the tone. They make you pause and feel before the next piece of the story begins.
The writing style throughout the book matches that rhythm. It's clean, heartfelt, and full of gentle observation. You won't find dramatic declarations here. Instead, you'll find quiet realizations. Small gestures. Soft silences that say a lot more than loud confessions.
That's what makes the romance so believable. It mirrors real connection. Where love doesn't always come as fireworks but as something warm, constant, and quietly necessary.
From Virtual to Real: A Seamless Transition
What begins online doesn't stay there. The relationship between Rusham and Dil slowly moves into the real world, and that transition is beautifully written. The excitement of meeting someone you already feel close to, the nervousness of wondering if that digital intimacy will carry into real life, the thrill of first touch — all of it is handled with such tenderness.
When Rusham visits Mumbai, the story takes on a different texture. Their relationship deepens. There is physical presence now. Shared space. Moments that can't be replayed or edited like messages. And still, that connection holds.
It's a beautiful reflection of how the digital world may start something, but it's the people who choose to keep it going — with effort, care, and intention.
Mumbai as a Subtle Character
While the story remains focused on its two leads, the city of Mumbai plays a subtle supporting role. The way the city is described, you can almost hear the buzz of traffic, smell the rain-soaked streets, and feel the contrast between its chaos and the calm Rusham and Dil find in each other.
It adds a lovely grounding to the romance. There's something magical about love stories that are wrapped in the energy of a living, breathing place. And Mumbai offers that backdrop beautifully.
Themes That Whisper, Not Scream
One of the most powerful aspects of The Glitch in Our Stars is how gently it explores complex themes. Trust, for instance. Especially in the context of online connection. Can we really trust what we feel through a screen? Or are we simply projecting?
Then there's vulnerability. Both Dil and Rusham are carrying pieces of their past. Relationships that hurt. Versions of themselves they've had to let go of. And yet, in this new connection, they allow themselves to be seen again. That kind of emotional honesty is rare, and the book handles it with grace.
Timing is another quiet theme. How two people can meet at the right moment, even if everything around them looks mismatched. The story reminds us that love doesn't follow a template. It shows up unexpectedly and asks only that we stay open to it.
Short, Sweet, and Emotionally Rich
One of the best things about this book is its length. It's under 150 pages, but you never feel like anything is missing. Every word feels intentional. Every conversation matters. It's the kind of book you can read in a single sitting, but the feeling it leaves behind stays much longer.
There's no filler. Just story. Just emotion. Just a slow build toward something real.
A Modern Romance That Reflects Our Lives
In a world where so many relationships begin through screens, it's refreshing to see a story that doesn't mock or minimize that. Instead, it celebrates the possibilities within digital connection. It shows us that yes, real emotion can exist behind typed words and voice notes. And yes, it can lead to something lasting.
Rusham and Dil's story isn't just romantic. It's relatable. It's comforting. It reminds us that even in a curated world full of perfect photos and clever captions, something genuine can still find its way through.
Final Thoughts
The Glitch in Our Stars is a quiet masterpiece. It doesn't shout to be noticed. It doesn't try to impress with twists or theatrics. What it does instead is offer you a story full of feeling. One that understands the loneliness of the digital world, the beauty of unexpected connection, and the bravery it takes to be open again.
If you've ever waited for a message that meant more than you could admit, or smiled at a screen for reasons you couldn't quite explain, this book will feel like home.
It's a celebration of modern love, but more than that, it's a reminder that no matter how we meet, how we feel is always real.
