#1PolemicJackanapes: Complete [Note + Blog Link Pg154] 3Jan 2016 - Page 64

Chapter 6

Arnav. I absolutely love how mature he is, and yet how he gives in to human compulsions as well. The rational side of him understands Shashi's motives in what he's making Khushi do, but love after all is irrational and a part of him resents the fact that Khushi's zest for life is a little chipped because of these decisions. The conflict in thinking is, as always, brilliantly realistic and relatable.

Must say, I was surprised reading Anjali and Arnav's conversation, and it really made me think. I love her characterisation too - sweet and understanding, but with a mother-hen tendency that hints at how tough she can get. And honestly, her opinions really did make me reflect on Arnav and Khushi's relationship and at how completely committed Arnav is to Khushi and her happiness...but then, Khushi is there for Arnav in her own way, curbing his doubts and insecurities, supporting him, trusting him, shielding him. Anjali's idea of Khushi as someone not ready to sacrifice her own independent happiness is rather interesting, because last chapter was all about how she pushed her happiness to the backseat for her family and Arnav's sakes. And it takes some prodding for her to open up to Arnav too, and it's their honesty that I love about their relationship and how they fall into their own little world when together. But then again, her stand is understandable - she's a mother figure for Arnav and like all mother-figures, nothing is ever too good for her Chote and she probably worries coz she doesn't get to see the way Khushi holds Arnav up, in their own private niche of life. I like how you balanced her opinions here - she adores Khushi and yet at the same time wonders if shes good enough for her brother, which the way you wrote it comes out as a perfectly legitimate concern. And because it comes out legitimate from her point of view, its hard to not like her for thinking this way.

Ahh, the father-daughter convo. Was waiting for this one. It's so insightful how you've outlined both Shashi and Khushi's personalities through the crossword puzzles - brilliant stuff :) Their situation reminds me of the saying 'Caught between a rock and a hard place' - they both have their reasons for their stands, both refuse to budge from it, but they are aware of what its costing the other side and standing still in their posts just becomes harder. The conflict, somehow, seems to be reaching a pitch here - Khushi's inability to work on her manuscript, and the slight resentment she tries not to bear but ends up bearing since she views her father as hellbent on keeping her from her dreams. And then there's her father, who's having to bear that resentment wishing he could give her what she wanted, but knowing what he's doing is for her own good. I wonder if Khushi understands that? I hope she does.

That little cross-word scene was perfect to lighten up the tension - and as always love how you find and incorporate the perfect words into these stories. 'Impasse' hits the nail straight on the head :)