Polemic Jackanapes #2: [COMPLETE] Chapter 13-27B - Page 17

Brilliant update again, the conversation between Khushi and her father - can it be any better, surely not. I really like to bond Arnav and Payal share in this story - they are just so open to each other and indeed very honest - I wish relations as such exist in this real world more! Yes, all the way through very natural with emotions portrayed so brilliantly.

Originally posted by: 1chilly

Undressed Twiigs, on page 23. 😉

I guess I have told you before that what attracted me to your story to follow it religiously as if it is a bible is the amount of similarity the story has with my life. I can easily relate with many situations, people and their attitude, the way people deal situations etc. In fact I sometimes see me through these words you write, like you explaining my life to me. The way relationship glitches are painted can be easily related to. Hence its kind of learning experience for me. I am learning where I made mistakes, how I should have dealt with the matter without being difficult. Sometimes your Khushi shows me the mirror and tells me this is the way I should have presented myself. Thank you dear! I no longer take this FF as a fictional work, its sort of have personal attachments to me.

Throughout Shashi-Khushi conversation, I wished my dad was patient like Shashi. Of course, he is and there were glimpses of my dad in Shashi. One thing which I understood is all dads are same!

Some of the scenes which I loved, I am mentioning it specially, since I felt so connected to them. I have underlined some parts where I really got amazed by the exactness of the scene because I felt the same in life.

---- Shashi smiled at the sight his daughter made, lost in all that food oblivious to the world around her. And they said that it's a man's stomach that is the route to his hearts, he chuckled. (my dad usually rolls his eyes and stare unbelievingly, seeing the amount I eat with such a relish)

-----"Mmm.. this is what heaven feels like, Papa. I love you!"

When she saw him smile bemusedly in response, "What, I am serious! I've had the longest week this time and this is just perfect to make it all right. Seriously, I think this is the solution for all of the world's problems. I'm telling you this is the way to world peace. Between a gun and this samosa, I can vouch that everybody would go for the latter!" she finished and took another bite of the crispy snack dunked in generous amounts of kasundi as her father laughed at her antics. (What is kasundi?)

------"You are doing what you can, beta. It-"

"I know that Pa, but I don't think it is enough. He has been there with me whenever I have needed him, even at times when I did not know I needed him. Since the day he walked into my life, I have never left alone even for a second. And now, when he needs me the most..." she sighed and left the statement unfinished. (I felt touched by Khushi's need to make Arnav's life right, even though the situation might differ, I have also shared the same helplessness over matters of my life with dad, wondering how I could correct it and make it all better, Tell you this, people say this is just a passing phase and I really wish such kind of phases pass soon, its totally unbearable but unfortunately those are the times where we feel time is moving at snail pace)

-----Holding her gently in a hug, he thought for a moment about how swiftly time passes. He felt like it was just yesterday, when she was a child asking for a piggyback ride. And here she was, all grown up, talking about supporting someone else in a storm. (That was a sweet father daughter moment, most of the father feel this when the daughter is on the verge of leaving home and standing on their own feet)

-----Now we knew we were together, and we didn't even realize the kind of strength that knowledge gave us. Even if we had just ten minutes together, we would feel each other's presence for the rest of the day. I guess what I am trying to say is... how much time you are able to give him, isn't as important as how you make him feel when you are there with him, and the confidence you are able to build in him about his place in your life.. thats what really matters." (Now lady! That was some awesome lines!! I am going to quote these from now on..of course its true the next lines -----"You could be right next to him and he could still be lonely. You could be miles away and he could feel your arms around him. If you can impart that kind of strength and confidence to a person, then there is nothing that's going to stop them. I hope Khushi takes this lesson seriously and I wish I could transfer this knowledge to two important people so that they would know what I really need)

-----Khushi, you are doing what you can, what you should be doing. You remind me of Garima... she was my anchor when I was lost. I'm not being romantic, its just the truth that I would be nothing without her. You are a spitting image of your mother, your face and your heart. You'll be fine, beta. Arnav is a lucky man." (I felt the love Shashi has for Garima! What more does a woman need from her man! This is love! This is love! Wistful Sigh!)

==== he did everything right yet things went irreparably wrong."---that's life. We try our best to built the castle with cards but wind need not be generous on us, it will topple without giving a value to our effort which went in making that castle of cards.

----- "Look at all the things that are right. He has you, he has his family with him. As far as I know, his boss is also a kind and supportive man. And as silly as it sounds, he doesn't really have to worry about saving money for groceries. He will heal Khushi, it just takes some time."--- This is a typical daddy dialogue! Be positive, look at the brighter side! Etc etc..

----- Haan. I feel kinda sad, I won't be able to see the project when it meets completion. All these weeks.. I have invested so much of myself into it. And now I am expected to just turn in one document and then leave." she pouted. ---- Aha! I have felt this same feeling when I had to return back to India after finishing my PhD but still there was lot to research and discover...but obligations!

---- Shashi smiled at his daughter, a smile that reflected the pride of a father at his child's strength of character and sincerity of heart (Of course dad's are proud but they at times forget that they daughters could do more better, you just need to be supportive and you could be more proud of them, that they wont do and they have their own stupid justifications for it)

===="I didn't know what I want do it on. You know... there was nothing that excited me. --- Here I find myself in Khushi..ditto!

----- Khushi, its good to be idealistic in your ideas.. but in actions, be practical. You have to be extraordinarily lucky to just have something appear in front of you that will make you go "Eureka". You see what you like, check the pros and cons and make an informed, rational decision." Aha! Another typical family advice. I wonder what happened to "follow your dreams!" Only Kalam says it?? Daddys' and Mummy's wake up!!

------- "God, Papa you and Arnav sound just the same! And by the way, I had my Eureka moment, you just refused to accept it" she tried not to sound accusing ---- The bitterness will always be there, its hard to let go of that resentment, it lays there in heart as a unhealing wound. A kind of shattered piece of heart over the lack of trust, a very bitter disappointment!

----"I know what I have taken from you is unforgivable, Khushi. But it had to be done. I hope that some day, you will see my reason behind it. But I have never undermined or refute anything that you had to say. That I feel I am write doesn't mean I am saying that you are wrong. Just finish this, Khushi. Complete your graduation, do it well. This degree will always be with you, you are good at it and your skills will take you through the difficult times in life. Just finish this, and I promise I won't butt into your professional life ever again." his pleaded desperately.--- again a classic parental advice..sigh! one more part of this bit will be like---only when you are standing in my shoes of a parent, you will understand my reasoning! I know their reasons might valid and yes they are just trying to protect you, intentions are right, its not the trust, its just their fear which makes them like this, may be their experiences..whatever...I am on my new resolution ---"No overthinking" so yes, right now, only this much I will say- though I understand Shashi, I feel for Khushi (the rebel part in me isnt ready to completely accept Shashi's reasoning)

-----"Papa please, I don't want to talk about this now. We've had a wonderful evening and I don't want to ruin it. Please." and with that she stood up with a start and made her way to her room in quick, long strides as Shashi stood rooted at his spot, unable to say anything. (Thank you for the tip..I usually blew up and used to bring the house down, I think Khushi's method is more wise)

----Just before closing the door to her room, "I don't resent you Papa. I never could. Please don't ever think that. I just wish you had more faith in my ability to make choices" she spoke firmly and shut the door behind her. ----wow! She really blew me...that's not disrespect but her pain and disappointment which caused the her the pain, in plain sense she expressed very politely. I admire that approach!

Payal and Arnav conversation was very engaging and relaxing, right thing which Arnav needed, than Khushi's lectures. Payal-Arnav equation is really different, there is a charm in it. Like their last long conversation over Arnav's career choice and his life, though it wasn't Payal's business, she did give him some insight and he acted on it too. Here now, she is the best person which whom he can converse, without being judged or you know kind of recklessly free without having the fear of hurting feelings. She wont take it in a wrong sense and if she is hurt, she will give it back with interest. Anyhow, Some light moments with someone close but not that close who could read you completely but still understands, some lighter conversation and leg pulling, it helps a lot to be distracted and not think...and that's what he had..I loved it

------"And I thought I was the doctor." she quipped. Lol! I really laughed out when I read it..it was a nice touch!

----- I am okay but I am not. You get what I mean?"---- yes exactly!

----- Things aren't in my control anymore, so I am not sure what I am supposed to be doing. I feel like I am floundering in the dark." "Honestly, I am not sure what I should be doing. As of now, I am just trying to "----again I find a bit of myself in Arnav too...

I dunno whether its right for Arnav to give up that case entirely and loose hope but with Aman being uncooperative and the situation is very fresh, there isn't much he can do anyways. I hope he rebuilds his confidence and peace soon! And finds his real calling!

Lovely update dear! I enjoyed reading it!