Can We Be Strangers Again? by Shrijeet Shandilya is a poignant exploration of love, heartbreak, and the difficult process of letting go. Set in the emotional aftermath of a breakup, the novel follows a young man who is forced to confront the lingering memories of a past relationship when he receives a message asking if they can become strangers again. Through this journey, Shandilya delves into the complexities of navigating love’s end, the pain of unrequited feelings, and the fragile nature of friendships that often fade in the wake of romance.

A Heartfelt Story of Heartbreak and Closure

Can We Be Strangers Again? is the debut novel by Shrijeet Shandilya, a story that delves deeply into the complexities of love, loss, and the emotional journey of letting go. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic, the novel follows a young man who must confront the end of a cherished relationship after receiving an unexpected message: “Can we be strangers again?”

This novel captures the bittersweetness of moving on from a love that once defined a part of life, exploring how memories and emotions can linger long after the relationship ends. Through the protagonist’s journey, Shandilya examines the inevitable heartbreak that comes with relationships, and how, ultimately, the hardest but most loving act is learning to let go.

A Story of Heartbreak, Unrequited Love, and Lost Friendships

The novel also highlights the painful realities of unreciprocated love, where one person’s expectations and hopes fall short of the other’s feelings. The protagonist must grapple with watching someone he once loved rebuild their life with someone new, adding an extra layer of emotional struggle to his experience.

Beyond romance, the story also explores the shift in friendships when romantic relationships dissolve. When love takes center stage in one’s life, it can cause other important relationships to fade. But as the protagonist navigates the aftermath of the breakup, he turns to these friendships, only to find that things are not always as they were before. The blurred lines between old bonds and unresolved feelings complicate the healing process, and the novel reflects how messy and complex those emotional transitions can be.

The Search for Closure and the Art of Letting Go

At its heart, Can We Be Strangers Again? is about seeking closure in the wake of a relationship that never truly resolved itself. The novel captures the lingering doubts, unspoken words, and unanswered questions that often follow a breakup. As the protagonist faces the emotional toll of no contact, the story examines how the search for meaning and answers ultimately leads to the realization that closure is not always something you can find—sometimes, it’s something you have to create for yourself.

Through this journey, Shandilya explores the idea that closure, while elusive, is an essential part of healing. The book ultimately reflects on how the act of letting go can bring a sense of peace and understanding, even if the love and loss never fully fade.

About the Author

Shrijeet Shandilya is currently pursuing an MBA at the Goa Institute of Management. A graduate of Christ University, he has recently discovered a passion for writing, which draws from his own personal experiences and reflections on life, love, and growing up. His writing is infused with a mixture of humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth, making his debut novel a heartfelt exploration of the spaces between love, loss, and the complex emotions that come with both.