Heartbreak is universal, yet rarely spoken about in public. It is carried quietly, often with shame, even though almost everyone has lived through it. Author of contemporary romance Milan Vohra believes this silence deepens the pain. In her latest book, 'Heartbreak Unfiltered', she turns the spotlight on emotional loss, asking readers not to rush healing but to understand what heartbreak does to the mind, body and sense of self.

Milan was speaking at a literary session moderated by Jane Joseph at the seventh edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2026). The conversation explored her move from romantic fiction to non-fiction, the emotional labour behind the book, and why society remains hesitant to talk openly about heartbreak.

From romantic fiction to emotional reality

Milan, who has written romance fiction for over 15 years, said the shift to non-fiction came from a long-standing commitment to emotional realism.

“I never wanted to write romance that felt unreal,” she said. “Even love stories carry wounds.”

She explained that from her earliest books, including her first novel for Mills & Boon UK, she focused on characters shaped by betrayal and emotional scars. In that debut, the female protagonist discovers that the man she loves is married, a revelation that becomes the foundation of her emotional journey.

Collecting stories of heartbreak

As her readership grew, people began sharing their own experiences with her. Milan soon realised she had become a keeper of deeply personal stories.

“I kept asking myself how I could write about love without writing about its other side,” she said.

'Heartbreak Unfiltered' features 20 real-life stories from across the world, representing different ages, genders and sexual identities. Milan was deliberate about inclusion, ensuring queer and trans voices were part of the narrative.

“Heartbreak doesn’t discriminate,” she said. “It’s the great equaliser.”

Making sense of why it hurts

Beyond storytelling, the book helps readers understand emotional patterns that often repeat in relationships. Milan addresses issues such as narcissistic behaviour, attachment styles and push-pull dynamics. 

“People keep asking why the same kind of pain follows them,” she said. “There are psychological reasons for that.”

To unpack these, the book includes insights drawn from therapists, doctors and mental health experts, explaining both the emotional and physiological impact of heartbreak.

A gentle plan for healing

The book is structured in three parts: real-life stories, hard truths, and a gentle plan for healing. Milan wanted readers to engage actively rather than remain passive.

Drawing from her four decades in advertising, she adapted creative tools such as personal manifestos and visual exercises. “It’s about giving yourself direction when everything feels chaotic,” she said.

The exercises aim to help readers gain closure, rebuild self-worth and, eventually, find enough distance to look back without pain — and sometimes even with humour.

Why heartbreak is still a taboo

Milan believes heartbreak is still seen as a personal failure rather than a shared human experience.

“We are comfortable talking about physical loss,” she said, “but emotional loss makes us feel exposed.”

She noted that while readers respond strongly to the book, many choose to speak privately rather than publicly, reinforcing how difficult it remains to discuss emotional pain openly.

Holding the reader’s hand

Rather than offering quick fixes or forced optimism, 'Heartbreak Unfiltered' validates pain and walks readers through it with care.

As the session moved towards a reading from the book, Milan’s message was clear: healing does not come from pretending heartbreak didn’t happen, but from facing it — slowly, honestly and without shame.