The name Durjoy Datta has, in recent years, become almost synonymous with heartrending love stories. The author’s latest book, released on September 29, is no exception. World’s Best Ex-Girlfriend is a book that can only be described as a roller coaster of emotions, taking readers along on a journey that is equal parts heartbreaking and cathartic. A t2 chat with Datta, who, 21 books later, is still brimming over with stories:

Congratulations on the new book! What has the response been like so far? Praise must be pouring in from all directions…

Thanks! It’s been pretty wild! Readers are really connecting with Daksh and Aanchal’s story, and it’s been amazing to see their reactions. It’s always a thrill to see how readers interpret the characters and their journeys. Hopefully, the readers who are yet to read the book will enjoy the twists and turns in their lives.

Durjoy Datta World's Best Ex-Girlfriend September-October 2024

Daksh and Aanchal are each very strong characters and they both have very solid background stories. Walk us through the genesis of this particular plot.

Well, the idea started brewing when I was thinking about second chances and unfulfilled love. What happens when you get a second shot at love years later, but life has changed you both? And then a third shot, and a fourth! That’s where Daksh and Aanchal’s story began — exploring how they navigate their past and present feelings for each other. Both have to make tough decisions throughout the book, and that really sets the stage for their journey.

Which of the two did you like writing best and why?

Aanchal was more enjoyable to write. She is multifaceted and exhibits strength and independence while navigating difficult decisions. There are interesting complexities in her personality that make her borderline unlikeable, and that’s always more compelling for me. To push a character to their limits and yet have something redeeming about them.

We can’t ignore some of the other characters – Gourav, Rabbani, and Amruta – either. It’s interesting how you’ve written both Daksh and Aanchal as essentially revolving around these other people in their lives, and the two don’t actually get together till nearly the end of the book. Thoughts?

That’s the heart of it, right? Life’s messy, and it’s rarely a straight line to love. The other characters are like planets orbiting Daksh and Aanchal, pulling them in different directions, creating tension and ultimately shaping their journey. Gourav, with his gaming career, and Amruta, with her own journey of healing and love, both play significant roles in how Daksh and Aanchal’s paths unfold. I wanted to give every character their own arcs rather than them just being bouncing boards to the main characters.

And, of course, the overarching theme of the novel is of yearning and unfulfilled relationships. How do you still sustain such intensity in your writing, 21 books later?

Honestly, after 21 books, you’d think I’d be out of angst, right? But the truth is, human relationships are endlessly fascinating, and the older I get, the different facets become interesting to me. The push and pull, the yearning, the what-ifs – it’s all fuel for the fire. And in this book, the intensity comes from the weight of their shared history and whether they can truly overcome it.

You’ve been the voice for an entire generation when it comes to love and relationships. How does that feel?

It’s humbling, to say the least. Knowing that my stories resonate with so many people is a privilege. I don’t take it lightly, and I always try to write with honesty and empathy.

What new adventure for D and A can we expect next?

There’s something in the works. Too early to talk about. And I don’t want to jinx it!