Judge: Monal

For: Desi Lihaaz 2019

Cover and Title: How will the combination of the two reflect upon the plot of your story?

The cover and title, both come together to paint a picture. I love how it doesn't focus on faces and rather on the rings; showing us the symbolism of what it truly means to be "Hitched".

Summary/Prologue and Chapter 1

Summary, however, does not hold its appeal. The author gives us 4 short sentences about the meaning of marriage. The sentences which are more or less synonyms. Stating one thing in different synonyms does not deepen the effect, and even if it did, the question in the end just sounds redundant. Two like-minded people who share the same opinions on marriage get together and the author is asking his/her readers 'what happens when they get hitched?' Err, sorry, dear writer, you already gave the answer in the shortest summary ever written. Coming to the prelude, which sounds to be a second summary in itself, gives more depth on where the story begins. Quite simple, no extravaganza and may be even cliche, the prelude mildly fills up the gap that the summary failed to do so. I especially loved the ending after prelude. In all honesty, those 3 phrases is what makes me want to give this book a chance.

Okay, say what now, let's rewind! They are married and sleeping separately? Yes, the book is off to a great start and something different to read for sure. I love how it's a love story post marriage. The beauty of falling in love in an arranged marriage is something else altogether -far prettier than a journey towards an arranged marriage. However, from the prelude, what I gathered is that they chose to happily tie the knot. Even if arranged, they weren't forced to get into this relationship so the events unfolding here; especially couple of months after the marriage ceremonies leave me somewhat intrigued. It feels as if they are in a live-in relationship post-marriage, the best way I can describe the start of this novel. I commend the writer to give the story this unique touch as it is sure to keep readers enthralled.

Writing level: How proficient are you with your language and grammar?

The writing level is on and off. It not poor where it makes one cringe and not enjoy the reading, however there are tons of grammatical errors! The transitions and usage of adjectives could use severe editing. The sentence structure is what pulls the level down. As I said, editing the chapter will lead to major improvements.

Indian Culture: Whether it is old-school, contemporary or 500 years in future, how well does your story spread the theme: Being Indian.

Contemporary Indian culture is shown through the beginning chapters. The office life, the changes of domestic life one would be seen going through as newly weds. I believe there is still a lot of potential in the novel and I hope to see that as I read further.

Chapters 2/3/4

Honestly, at a point I even forgot that I am supposed to be judging the book. I was simply reading and smiling as the plot unravels. Through all the mistakes I point out or the improvements I suggest, this is one huge quality the author has within the novel - I am completely hooked!

Plot Delivery: How well do you balance the genre and element you are trying to address?

Author does a fantastic job with targeting the new adult romance. Each scene is perfectly plucked from Sid and Anni's life and with each event, we can see their buildup towards each other. Good job!

Element: How well does your story reflect the element of your choosing, no matter the overall genre?

Once again, just as the author target the genre; similarly, the element is beautifully carried forward. With each chapter, I can sense Love Letters. We all have senses to know that Sid and Anni have moments away from each other, their life continues to carry forward. It's not that they spend 24/7 with each other only. The fact that the author takes note of that and knows that doesn't have to guarantee every instance of their life to be narrated is what keeps the book glued to its element.

Chapters 5/6

I would like to advise the author to may be lengthen the chapters because I feel as if I am just starting to reach the chapter and it's already over. I am a sucker for long chapters and the plot of this book just makes me want to keep on reading. If the author does not make it to Top 2, I wish you all the success with the novel. It's a beautiful story.

Over all, Hitched is on the right track. Each chapter developing at its steady pace. The character dynamics balancing the over all plot. Perfect implementation of the element through each event to take place. The writer nails everything at the correct time and that is what gives us a pleasurable read. With the exception of occasional grammatical errors, I wish the author good luck for the rest of the story.