Rachelle Ayala's Reviews > An Incurable Insanity

A big hurrah to Simi Rao on her delightful story about Ruhi and Shaan, newlyweds, India style.

Ruhi is an independent, feisty, business school graduate who comes from a warm and loving family. Only problem. She is an only child and her parents want nothing more than to see her married. When the socially high-class and wealthy father of the groom brokers a match between Ruhi and his youngest son, Shaan, the stars seemed to line up and Ruhi is prepared for happily ever after.

Until... the groom drops a bomb on her wedding night. He won't sleep with her because he's in love with someone else! Scrreeeccch...

Ruhi does not want to disappoint her family or cause shame to fall on her, so she emigrates with Shaan to America where his married girlfriend lives. They agree to live together for two months and develop a disagreement that convinces their parents they should separate.

Secretly, Ruhi is in love with Shaan, but the last thing she wants is to be pathetic. When it appears he couldn't care less about her being a dutiful Indian wife, she sheds her accoutrements, the mangasutra and sindoor, and goes off exploring metropolitan Los Angeles. She meets a cast of colorful characters and causes Shaan heartache and worry as he wonders if she'll be mugged, kidnapped or swept off her feet by handsome strangers.

You can't help but pull for Ruhi because she is so direct with her emotions. And you really don't like Shaan at first until it becomes apparent that he realizes he's made a big mistake.

The book is full of fun scenes where Shaan tries to make up to Ruhi, taking her on fun trips to museums, restaurants, and even Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, Ruhi cannot trust Shaan's sincerity and tries his patience to the limit.

The chemistry and banter between the two is entertaining and Ruhi's antics are endearing. Even better, you get to learn about Indian culture and customs and see how important family is and how Ruhi's concern for her parents' feelings and loss of face overshadows her own happiness.

Shaan is forced to grovel to the vast enjoyment of the reader and not to give it away, but like all good romances, there is a happy ending for all. Well, maybe not for the married woman Shaan had an affair with, but she was a user anyway and a fitting villainess.

Unabashed 5 stars! I look forward to more from Dr. Rao. Bravo!