- April 3, 2025
Ram Talks About His Book “You Have To Let Me Let You Go”
About the Author:
Ram is a senior software engineer at Tata Technologies and graduated from Pune University in 2020. Along with his technical degree, his passion for traveling and reading has grown over the years. To pursue this interest, he completed a Bachelor of Journalism in Print Media from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune. He runs a YouTube vlogging channel called “Half Journalist,” meaning he blends his experiences as both an engineer and a journalist. This is his first book, “You Have to Let Me Let You Go,” written for his beloved friend Shrutika.
Exclusive interview with the author
Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?
A:This book was inspired by my friend Shrutika, who transformed my life over three and a half years. I met her at Torrent Power, just as I was navigating the chaos of post-engineering life. She brought joy—through late-night talks, trips to Bandra Fort, and shared books like Because Life Is A Gift. Writing it was my way to hold onto those memories. But it’s also born from pain—her leaving left me confused and angry, with no chance to ask why. I wanted to process that loss and honor her impact. Life’s unpredictability hit me hard; I’d always gotten what I wanted, but not her. This book captures our friendship’s growth and my regret for not being there when she needed me. I hope it reaches her someday—to thank her and apologize. It’s also a reminder to others: say what matters before it’s too late. Love doesn’t need to be returned to be real.
Q: Can You Tell Us About The Book?
A:This book is a memoir about my friendship with Shrutika, a girl I met while working at Torrent Power in Mumbai. It spans three and a half years of our lives—full of bike rides, book exchanges, and trips to places like Barvi Dam and Kedarnath. It’s a true story about how she changed me, how we grew together, and how I had to let her go when she moved on. It’s raw and real—no made-up bits—just our conversations, the places we went, and the emotions I felt. I wrote it to honor her and to figure out my own heart after she left me wondering why.
Q: What Does The Title Mean?
A: You Have To Let Me Let You Go is about love and release. It’s me telling Shrutika—and myself—that holding on isn’t always possible, even when you love someone deeply. She left my life in a way I didn’t expect, and I had to accept it, even if it hurt. It’s also a plea, like I’m asking her permission to move on while still cherishing what we had. The title captures that struggle—loving someone enough to set them free, even when you’re not ready.
Q: Was The Character Inspired By A Real Person?
A: Yes, Shrutika is absolutely real. She’s not a character I dreamed up—she’s the girl I met during training at Torrent Power, with her black eyes and incredible spirit. Every moment in the book—her laugh, her scooter rides, her love for betel leaf—happened. I didn’t change a thing about her; she’s as real as the Mumbai streets we roamed. This isn’t fiction—it’s my life with her, exactly as it was.
Q: What Do You Think Happened To The Characters After The Book Ended?
A: Since it’s a true story, I can only guess about Shrutika. I think she’s out there, maybe in Pune or chasing her dream of studying in Germany after that visa rejection. I hope she’s happy, surrounded by friends like Dipali, living the life she wanted. As for me, I’m still here—working at Tata Technologies now, driving that Thar I booked partly for her. I like to think she’d smile if she knew. But honestly, I don’t know where she is, and that’s the hardest part.
Q: How Long Does It Take You To Write A Book?
A: So far, I’ve written just one book—You Have To Let Me Let You Go. It’s my first, and honestly, it feels like my whole heart’s in it. I’ve played with writing before—blogs, little pieces here and there during my engineering days—but this is the only one I’ve poured everything into and published. Since it’s my only book, it’s my favourite by default, but even if I write more, I think it’ll always hold a special place. It’s not just a story—it’s Shrutika, our time together, and everything I learned from loving and losing her. Nothing else I write could mean more than that.
Q: You Have Any Suggestions To Help Others To Become A Better Writer? If So, What Are They?
A: Sure—first, write what you know, what’s real to you. That’s where the heart is. Don’t force fancy words; just be honest—people feel that. Read a lot, like I did with Osho or Slumdog Millionaire—it sharpens your mind. Keep a diary; I used mine at work to jot down thoughts, and it helped me later. Don’t rush—let the story breathe. And finally, write for yourself first, not for others. If it moves you, it’ll move someone else too.
Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?
A: The hardest part for me was reliving the pain. Writing this book meant digging into moments with Shrutika—some beautiful, some brutal—like when she left, and I didn’t know why. Putting that on paper felt like tearing open a wound; I’d sit there, stuck, wondering if I’d failed her. I’m shy too, so baring my soul like this, knowing people might read it, was terrifying. Another tough bit was figuring out how to say it all without losing the truth—every word had to feel real, not forced. Some days, I’d just stare at the page, overwhelmed, because letting her go again through writing hurt more than I expected. That emotional weight—it’s what made it so hard.
Q: Where Do You Get Your Greatest Ideas For Writing?
A: My greatest ideas come from life itself—real moments, real people. For this book, it was Shrutika and everything we went through together—those bike rides through Mumbai, quiet talks at Barvi Dam, or even just sitting with a book on a worksite. I get inspired when I’m out there, living it—whether it’s the chaos of Mumbra’s streets or the peace of a place like Kedarnath. I’ve always loved reading too; books like Krishna by Osho or Because Life Is A Gift spark something in me, make me see my own story differently. Honestly, the best ideas hit me when I’m alone, riding my bike or scribbling in my diary, just letting the memories and feelings flow. That’s where the truth lives, and that’s what I write from.
This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.
