Feel-good romantic fluff
Reviewed by Aradhika Sharma

It's Complex; 
by Shoma Narayanan
Rupa. Pages 262. Rs 295

There is something about a book that's quite unashamedly a love story without pretences or too many complications - a story that sets out to capture the reader's momentary romantic proclivities and nothing else. That there are no lessons to be learnt or that the characters are stereotyped is immaterial. Shoma Narayanan, the author is a published Mills and Boon writer which probably explains the totally feel-good fluff of the book.

It is thus but natural that in this book, Shoma has catered to the multitudes of women who devour romances but in an Indian setting. Her previous Mills and Boon books include titles like Monsoon Wedding Fever; Twelve Hours of Temptation; The One She Was Warned About and Secrets and Saris. Having said this, It's Complex is not a bad read at all. Especially when you are feeling like taking an uncomplicated book on a journey, that you can give away once you are done with it. It is, what you may call a "smart" book about career "corporate types" — living lifestyles that people working for a corporate apparently should. Nobody is bad. People are generally likeable and the end for most of the characters — and there are plenty of them — is happy.

It's Complex is the love story of Jaiveer Singh, a struggling writer and Nikita, a committed professional, who is looking to marry a rich fellow. The book begins dramatically where we find her lying hurt in hospital, rescued and brought there by Jai, the hot neighbourhood guy. Nikita subsequently employs Jai as her driver. She's attracted to him, but well…he's not rich. But surprise! In fact, he is the scion of a huge jewellery business family.

So, some ups and downs later, where both Jai and Nikita get involved with different partners, there is the inevitable happy ending. Of course, Nikita being a small-town girl at heart does not go all the way with Naveen, her fiancé (a rich guy she does get engaged to) and that's where Shoma plays safe. No sex unless with the married partner! Nikita and Jai are not the only players in the romantic drama. In a bid to be as contemporary as possible, Shoma brings in the typical issues that career couples face by introducing Nikita's cousin and his wife who live with problems like not having enough time to dedicate to a marriage and children; maid concerns (without whom the household comes to a grinding standstill) getting along with the partner's boss and his wife; old boyfriends turning up; temptations in office. Set in an upmarket Mumbai housing complex and there are plenty of goings-on in the lives of people there to keep the casual reader satisfied. It's Complex is not all that complex after all, but is readable.

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