A major difference between the novel and the web series is the characterization of Preeti. A strong inner strength in how she handles things was brought out wonderfully by both Mahima Makwana as well as the writing team. In one way she can be considered as an equivalent of Shivani Nagaram’s Katyayani in Little Hearts. A life partner not everyone is lucky to get. Chander and Sudha are well etched in both the web series and the book. Keeping aside this comparison author Divya Prakash Dubey does a fine job in exploring different societal aspects, for example pressures of conventional society related to marriage and career plans
Musafir Cafe streaming on Netflix has become a much-discussed show. The characters of Chander, Sudha and Preeti have become household names with many doing a psychological analysis of the three protagonists. The cliff hanger at the end with the question of how season 2 will unfold has sparked numerous speculations. For those not aware this superhit web series is based on a novel by the same name.
Ruchir Arun’s interpretation of Musafir Cafe has certain similarities but also varies significantly to how the novel unfolds. Apart from the already mentioned contrast the web series has a back-and-forth storytelling unlike the book which is more linear. There is no suspense on whom Chander eventually ends with, the culmination is on excepted lines and readers would be happy on whom Chander eventually chooses. The pregnancy subplot in the book plays out very differently too in comparison to the web show. I wouldn’t get into specific details, it’s better to discover it while reading.
But one binding point is the dynamics between Chander and Sudha. Their contrasting personalities gives the novel much of its strength. The conversations have the right mix of light and poignant moments. How Sudha plays a small but crucial role in Chander chasing his dream makes for an engaging read.
Through their love story Divya Prakash Dubey also looks at individual ambitions acting as a speed breaker in a seemingly perfect relationship. Sudha has major professional ambitions, and marriage is the last thing on her mind. Chander on the other hand wants to settle down, at one point he even drops the idea of the cafe too.
This friction leads to a quite drifting with neither being labeled as a villain. Of course, in the web series the same scenario plays out differently with explosive arguments. But this balance of light and poignant moments gives the novel much of its strength.
Mention must also be made of how Divya Prakash Dubey justifies the title of Musafir Cafe. The cafe run by Chander and Preeti represents a perfect resting place for hearts caught between life expectations and personal freedom. Much like the web series the place is a character in itself, it represents a temporary pit stop for lost hearts to pause and reflect briefly before moving on.
Final word: Musafir Cafe is a breezy read for fans of romance or those into relationship stories.