Authors Interviewing Characters: Chital Mehta

 Have You Seen Romit?

When twenty-five-year-old Romit, Usha’s adopted son, doesn’t respond to her calls, she has a sinking feeling in her stomach. Her husband, Om, who has never accepted their adopted son, tries to convince her to move on. With time, though, it’s clear Usha is right: Romit has gone missing.

When the police fail to help, Usha takes matters into her own hands and discovers that Romit went on a trek into the dangerous forests of Sholai in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Although her husband warns Usha to stay put, she leaves for Bengaluru to find Romit.

On her journey, she meets Vijaya, a young, fearless, and opinionated trekker fighting her own demons. Together they embark on a dangerous journey into the dense forests of southern India, coming up against unexpected complications.

In Have You Seen Romit? the two women of different generations discover they have more in common than they originally thought, and Usha begins to realize that while she may very well discover what happened to Romit, it will come at a cost. Usha, who has always strived to adhere to the societal norms of Indian society, must question everything she once believed in.

Chital interviews Usha

Usha is preparing to leave for the forest to look for her missing son. In front of her is a large backpack filled with stuff she has never seen before.

Chital – I can see that you are scared. Do you have to do this?

Usha (chuckles) – You’re still a young mom, always second-guessing yourself. At my age, things are pretty crystal clear.

Chital- So, you’re not scared of going into the forests, knowing that your son might not even be here?

Usha- Oh, I am scared enough. You can’t see through my face. The question is not whether to find him or not. It’s about knowing that I looked enough, that I did everything I could.

Chital- This could go in any direction. Should you put yourself into this trouble for your adopted son’s mistake?

Usha- You make it sound complicated. But I am very simple. My son is lost, and I must bring him home. Yes, he’ll face my anger once he is home.

Chital- And your husband? How does this affect your marriage?

Usha- Do we really have to talk about this? For all I know, Om might never let me in the house.

Chital- What if Romit is not here? What if you are wasting your time?

Usha- I trust Vijaya. She is experienced. I doubt myself a lot, but I’ll never know without looking enough.

Chital- Is this love? Are you doing this for love?

Usha- Don’t we all do crazy things for love?

Chital- Yes, but…

Usha- You have too many questions. But I have very little time. I must get going. I have a long journey ahead of me.

Chital – It’s just that I am really worried for you. At your age, you shouldn’t –

Usha – My age? There are many things I shouldn’t be doing at my age. But what about the things I should be doing?

Chital – Meaning?

Usha – You know what’s my biggest fear?

Chital – I don’t.

Usha – Regret. At my age, I shouldn’t be piling up regrets.

Chital (walks up to Usha and places her hand on Usha’s wrinkled hand)- Your son is lucky.

Usha- I know!

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Chital Mehta is an award-winning South Asian writer whose stories center around motherhood, family dynamics, and immigration. She won the Boggs Fiction contest for her story, “Damaged Gifts,” and her story “The Weight of Happiness” was a Finalist for The Pinch Literary Awards.

Her novel, Have You Seen Romit?, was the winner of the 2025 James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, judged by R. O. Kwon. She lives in Delaware with her husband and children.

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Interviews, On Writing