Once Upon a Curfew

Set against the backdrop of the Emergency, this is the story of Indu—a woman torn between comfort and courage, tradition and transformation, as she builds a library, finds unexpected love, and dares to take charge of her own future. Honestly, I'm at a complete loss for words after finishing this book. It gave me everything I hoped for and more. With the perfect blend of romance, drama, and action, this story swept me off my feet—I’m truly speechless! Do I like anything about the book? Everything! The characters, the story, the setting, the quiet undercurrents—each element is so exceptionally crafted. And is there anything I didn’t like? Not a single thing! Indu and Rana completely stole the show for me—especially Rana. They’re total opposites, yet they fit together so seamlessly. Their chemistry, their contrasts, their companionship—it all just worked. And the Rajesh Khanna references sprinkled throughout? Absolute cherry on top! To choose a politically intense time like the Emergency and turn it into a heartfelt story of love, self-discovery, and courage—that's just genius. And I have to say, srishti absolutely nailed it! Here’s what I loved most: 💮 Indu and Rana’s banter – It wasn’t just casual flirtation. Their words carried meaning, depth, and emotion that truly grounded their relationship. 📚 The Number 7 – Even though it's 2025 and not 1974, I’d still love to have a place like that. It held such charm and significance, it feels timeless. 💮 Amita’s journey – So relatable and real. She reflected so many women in our society—confused, constrained, yet quietly powerful. 📚 Natty – A delightful surprise! He added just the right touch of subtle flavor to the narrative. 💮 The 70s setting – Even though the story takes place decades ago, I never once felt disconnected. The writing made it accessible, relatable, and thoroughly engaging. I’m so glad I picked up this book instead of letting it rot in my TBR. If I hadn’t, I would’ve missed out on a gem. My only regret? Not reading it sooner!

Once Upon a Curfew is an engaging and lovely read, set during the time when Smt. Indira Gandhi was India’s Prime Minister. The story is about Indu (Indira), a young woman from a well-off family in Delhi. Her father works as a top lawyer, closely associated with the PM. Things take a turn when Indu inherits her grandmother’s apartment, which she shares with her sister. Indu wants to turn the place into a women’s library, but her brother-in-law has completely different plans for it. After some struggle and resistance, she finally sets up the library — and Rana plays a big part in helping her build it from scratch. He becomes her constant support through the journey. Though Indu is engaged to someone chosen for her, someone she barely knows, she starts developing feelings for Rana, which makes her question everything. The curfew part comes later in the story, and while it doesn’t directly affect Indu much, it brings big changes in Rana’s life.A lot unfolds in the final chapters. I do wish the curfew aspect had appeared earlier in the book — it only comes into play toward the end. Personally, I loved the first half of the book the most. The writing is simple and blends history, fiction, love seamlessly. The partition stories included were incredibly moving. My favorite character was Indu’s sister, Amita, who finds the strength to chase her dreams on her own terms. Another standout was Fawad, a courageous and committed journalist who stood firmly for freedom of the press. His character left a strong impression. Reading this reminded me how, even now, press freedom feels limited. Often, the media doesn’t reflect reality — it reflects what people want to see.

There are some books that feel like a conversation with your younger self a mirror that reflects your doubts, desires, and the parts of you that quietly fought to be understood. Once Upon a Curfew is exactly that kind of book deeply relatable, nostalgic, and full of that unspoken warmth you feel when a story truly gets you. It's not just about a woman's journey; it's about every woman who's ever stood at a crossroads, wondering if choosing herself was worth the chaos that followed. Indu, our protagonist, is someone you'll recognize almost instantly she's that girl who smiles through uncertainty, who dreams big but is told to be sensible, who wants love but not at the cost of her individuality. Fresh out of college, she inherits her grandmother's flat and finds herself faced with life's "expected" decisions marriage, career, family. But Indu refuses to be boxed in. In the middle of political unrest and a country under Emergency, she dares to create something remarkable a library for women. Not just aplace filled with books, but a safe space where women can breathe, share, and exist freely Supporting her through this journey is Rana the perfect blend of charm, wit, and sensitivity. Their relationship is that old-school, slow-blooming romance you root for. It unfolds gently amidst curfews, restrictions, and the hum of Delhi's 1970s life, complete with Rajesh Khanna songs and smoky tea stalls. Srishti Chaudhary's writing captures this era so beautifully that you almost feel transported back in time to a Delhi that was both restrained and alive. What truly stands out, though, is how real the characters feel. Indu's imperfections, her contradictions, her small rebellions they're every woman's. You'll love her, get frustrated by her, and ultimately see a reflection of yourself in her. Blending politics, romance, and the tender ache of self-discovery, Once Upon a Curfew is as much about freedom as it is about love. Very engaging and something that will hold audiences attention something as radical in the 1970s as it remains precious today.

-

I found myself entangled with the happenings of the urban territory of Delhi mixed with culture, love, political disputes, fear of an encounter with the government, imprisonment, escape, family ties untied, divorce, new hearts, liberal corners, and one gunshot thanks to the Jasmine lady, Indura.