That Chetan Bhagat is a foodie is reiterated by the fact that he knows the menu at Moshe’s Bakery & Café by rote. Just as we sit down at their Colaba outlet, the auhtor rants a list of sandwiches and desserts that he enjoys here and suggests some. “But I have had to keep a check on my diet because of my weight problem,” says Bhagat, who looks a bit in shape after following a strict regimen lately. “Earlier I had two jobs—investment banker and writer. I had absolutely no time for myself. Now that I have quit my banking job, I have plenty of time and no excuse not to diet,” he says calling for the menu.

One of India’s bestselling authors, he is easygoing but focused, loquacious but also a thinker. After three successful runs, Bhagat is now eagerly awaiting the launch of his latest book 2 States - The Story of My Marriage on October 10. “The story is about Krish and Ananya who are from two different states and cultures of India and deeply in love. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple has a tough battle in front of them,” says Bhagat who went through a similar phase in his life, while dating Anusha, a Tamilian, and now his wife. “No matter how educated or open-minded our society pretends to be, inter-community marriages always wreak havoc. It is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince,” he smiles while placing an order for a smoked chicken sandwich.

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