Every once in a while, you come across a story that quietly leaves its mark. They are written to make you remember a time, a feeling, or a person. I Had a Best Friend Too is one such book. It is less about asking, “Will they end up together?” and more about asking, “What happens to the people we once couldn’t imagine living without?”
CA Pranav Sharma takes readers back to the years of Orkut, SMS packs, printed railway reservation charts, keypad phones, and slow conversations that carried genuine emotions. The story follows Pranav and Aparna, childhood friends who unexpectedly meet again after twelve years during a train journey from Delhi to Lucknow. What begins as an ordinary train ride slowly becomes a journey through memories, unfinished conversations, and emotions that neither of them had truly left behind.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is its simplicity. The author doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or exaggerated romance. Instead, he allows the story to unfold naturally through conversations, shared memories, and quiet moments. The chemistry between Pranav and Aparna feels believable because it is built on friendship first. Their conversations often feel like listening to two old friends who are slowly finding comfort in each other’s presence again.
The nostalgia is another highlight. Readers who grew up between 2009 and 2011 will instantly connect with the references to Orkut scraps, SMS recharges, keypad phones, train announcements, roadside food, old neighbourhoods, and everyday moments that many have almost forgotten. Rather than feeling forced, these details become an emotional bridge between the characters and the readers.
The writing style is simple, clean, and easy to follow. There are no complicated words or heavy descriptions, making the book suitable even for readers who are new to fiction. The author spends time creating an atmosphere instead of rushing from one event to another. Lucknow itself almost feels like a character in the story, with its streets, food, markets, railway station, and old-world charm adding warmth throughout the novel.
The emotional tone remains gentle from beginning to end. Instead of loud emotional scenes, the author chooses silence, pauses, and meaningful conversations. That approach gives the story a comforting feel, almost like remembering an old diary or revisiting childhood photographs.
At the same time, the book is not without its limitations. Readers looking for fast-paced storytelling, high drama, or unpredictable twists may find the pace slow in several chapters. Some conversations and nostalgic reflections become repetitive, and a few scenes could have been shorter to maintain stronger momentum. The emotional restraint that works well for the story also means that some readers may wish for deeper conflict or higher emotional stakes.
Still, these points do not take away from the heart of the novel. This is a book that knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn’t try to become a thriller or an intense romance. Instead, it quietly celebrates friendship, timing, memories, second chances, and the small moments that often shape our lives more than grand events.
For a debut novel, CA Pranav Sharma succeeds in creating characters who feel genuine and relatable. More importantly, he reminds readers that not every meaningful relationship begins with romance. Sometimes the strongest love stories begin with friendship, shared laughter, and years of silence that never truly erase the bond.
Final Verdict
I Had a Best Friend Too is a warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt read that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burn emotional stories and realistic relationships. It may not be filled with dramatic twists, but it leaves behind something equally valuable—a quiet reminder that some friendships never really end; they simply wait for the right moment to find their way back.
Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐