Some stories begin with a grand event, while others quietly unfold through ordinary moments that stay with us long after they have passed. Somnath Tunga’s debut novel, “Coincidence: A Story Written By Fate,” explores one such journey—a gentle and reflective coming-of-age story about friendship, dreams, memories, unspoken emotions and the mysterious ways in which people enter one another’s lives.
Set against the familiar surroundings of Contai, West Bengal, the novel follows Rudra, Sayak and Reshma as their lives gradually become connected through seemingly ordinary encounters. Rudra is quiet and observant, finding greater comfort in silence than in words. His best friend Sayak brings energy, confidence and warmth to their friendship, becoming the expressive voice to Rudra’s reserved nature. Reshma, meanwhile, is thoughtful, sincere and determined to shape her future through education and hard work.
Their paths begin to cross in simple, familiar places—a bus stop beneath an old banyan tree, a public library, a tea stall and the classrooms of Rajbir Sir’s coaching centre. Yet these ordinary settings become the backdrop for moments that slowly acquire deeper meaning. What initially appears to be a collection of accidental meetings gradually develops into an emotional connection that neither Rudra nor Reshma quite knows how to define.
The story captures the beauty of relationships that grow quietly. A forgotten page, an unfinished conversation, a brief meeting or even a moment of silence can sometimes leave a lasting impression. Through these small details, “Coincidence: A Story Written By Fate” explores the delicate space between friendship and love, where feelings may exist long before they are spoken.
As the characters move through examinations, family expectations, personal aspirations and the uncertainties of growing up, they are also confronted with an important question: how much of our lives is shaped by fate, and how much depends on the choices we make? The novel suggests that coincidence may bring people together, but it cannot make every decision for them. The paths they ultimately choose remain their own.
Beyond its emotional storyline, the novel also celebrates education, friendship and the influence of people who quietly shape our lives. The presence of Rajbir Sir adds another layer to the narrative, representing the understanding and guidance that can make a difference during formative years. The story reflects how teachers, friends, familiar places and seemingly insignificant moments can become an important part of our memories.
Written with simplicity and emotional sensitivity, the novel does not depend solely on dramatic events. Instead, it finds meaning in everyday experiences—the conversations that remain unfinished, the pauses between words, the places associated with memories and the feelings that are sometimes easier to experience than express. It is this quiet emotional observation that gives the story its reflective character.
Author Somnath Tunga brings a perspective shaped by both literature and teaching. An Indian writer from West Bengal, Somnath holds an M.A. in English from Vidyasagar University and has been associated with the teaching profession for more than eight years. His interests in literature, education and human relationships are reflected in his approach to storytelling, particularly his interest in the emotional lives of ordinary people and the dreams, uncertainties and struggles that exist beneath everyday experiences.
With “Coincidence: A Story Written By Fate,” Somnath Tunga makes his literary debut with a contemporary coming-of-age narrative rooted in familiar surroundings and universal emotions. Set primarily in Contai, the novel brings together themes of friendship, education, aspiration, family, memory and the relationship between fate and personal choice.
At its heart, “Coincidence: A Story Written By Fate” is a story about the moments that seem insignificant when they happen but become meaningful when remembered later. It invites readers to look back at the people they have met, the places they have visited and the words they left unsaid, and to wonder whether some encounters were truly accidental—or whether they were quietly written into the story of their lives.