"Why Does Samar Not Love Me?"

Paru has been haunted by this question since her arranged marriage to Samar. Brought up sheltered and seeped in Hindu traditions, Paru's single status was seen as a burden by her parents, who believed "An unmarried woman is a burning stove of coals on your chest." At twenty-three, she must accept Samar to save the family name, even though she loves another.

Over twenty years and two children later, Paru, now a successful gynecologist in Chicago, still grapples with her unfulfilled life. Samar has left her for another woman, telling Paru: "She gave me two months of bliss, something you could not give me in two decades." His cruel words leave her feeling as if she has been slapped.

Everyone wants Paru to forgive Samar. Paru considers going back to him, but she can't forget Samar's betrayal or his threats against her and her career. When Harsha, her true love, offers her a new chance at love, will she shrug off centuries of tradition? Will she lose her children in the bargain? Or will she get a Bollywood ending to her life after all?

A Bollywood Romance is a poignant exploration of love, cultural expectations, self-identity and self-discovery.