F.R.I.E.N.D.Z.O.N.E.D. in Faridabad By K. M. Avander — author of 200+ heart-stealing romantic hits! “Because every love story starts with ‘we’re just friends’… until one person brings feelings to the group project.” Welcome to Faridabad, where the roads have potholes, the friendships have drama, and the friendzone is deeper than the Delhi Metro tunnel. Meet Rudra Mehra, 17, average grades, elite meme game, and in love with his best friend Simran Kapoor since she lent him her glitter pen in 5th grade. The problem? She thinks of him as the “sweet bhai from next door” — the one who fixes her WiFi, listens to her boy problems, and holds her clutch during shaadis. Rudra doesn’t want to be her clutch holder. He wants to be the boyfriend she tags in Instagram couple reels. But when Simran crushes on a guitar-playing gym bro named Armaan (yes, with two a’s), Rudra realizes he’s dangerously close to becoming the national ambassador of “Nice Guys Finish Last.” So he launches Operation: Exit Friendzone — a plan that involves fake dating, emotional blackmail (by nani), Karan Johar-style drama, and a grand declaration of love during a society Dandiya night. But love isn’t a CBSE syllabus chapter. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes comes with board exam pressure, TikTok-worthy misunderstandings, and a whole lot of heartbreak. Will Rudra finally get out of the friendzone? Or will Simran write his name forever under “Emergency Contact” instead of “Boyfriend Goals”? 💬 Why Readers Are Falling in (and out of) Love with This Book: For anyone who’s ever crushed on their best friend… and got a Rakhi instead Relatable AF dialogues like: “Bro, if she hugs you sideways, it’s over.” A school romance that’s all things Faridabad — chai stalls, sweaty tuition classes, and dramatic aunties with binoculars A heartbreakingly hilarious look at teen love in India, minus the Bollywood filter (but with all the feels)

Originally Published on 24/07/2025