Polemic Jackanapes #2: [COMPLETE] Chapter 13-27B - Page 28

tht was a fabulous update

I don't know why, but I'm sort of feeling anxious after reading the latest update; the pinch in Arnav's heart and Anjali's last line makes me a little nervous (I don't know if I'm reading too much into that). Whatever the case, I want to know about how Arnav is coping now - he wasn't doing so well during the initial aftermath of Lavanya's suicide and Aman's subsequent arrest - he's playing it off as if he has healed from it, but I don't know whether that's true or not.

The two conversations between the two set of siblings were was realistic and nicely portrayed. Having both a brother and sister myself, I can relate to the conversation - a little bit of teasing, a lot of support, some common understanding.

Khushi and Payal are two brainy sisters - one researching biomass and the other possibly doing a fellowship at Duke - I guess this is their dad's dream.

Hoping Arnav and Khushi get to spend more time together soon - I really don't want them to drift apart.

Twiggy!!!!! I have been inactive on IF the last couple of months or so and just back to an active life here again :) It was the easiest to catch up with your story because the updates were not many. 😆

Res.

When I read the initial part of Khushi-Payal talk, I felt that despite Khushi's initial protest of not wanting to do anything with this project (that happens when you are denied to do what u have interest) now she is finding this work interesting and has a urge to do something for it sincerely. That's a nice touch. It shows that Khushi is adaptive and whatever work given to her with approached with complete loyality and develop a passion for it. Have I told u I love Payal? She is lifeline of this story. Payal and Akash, they aren't comedy characters but they have good humor (presented very well & consistent in their persona) which always makes me laugh. Loved Khushi's dig at the upper class society in following the conventional ideas and their hesitancy to experiment & also about feminist concept in our society when a girl raises voice against injustice.

"I mean, I know it won't be feasible today and we are quite used to the comforts of piped gas. But in future, this is one really good option."--- Am glad to see that Khushi is practical and is not arguing for argument sake. She makes a point and accepts the reality! Pretty mature!

"Accha baba, I won't argue any more than this. What is up with you and this... thing anyway? ---- Again I loved the way how Payal changed the addressing Lol!

I agree upon one point - Taskmasters are always great teachers. They try their level best to impart their passion to their students. Prof. Merchant sounded very much like me. I was such a taskmaster and slavedriver and Khushi's tirade reminded me of my student days when I screamed about professors being such hardnuts and showing no mercy. But once when I stood in their shoes, understood what they meant.

"What problem do you have? You like what you do. Papa likes what you do. And you are good at what you do. Sab badhiya hai." --- Again I felt a familiarity to this line. It is a common dialogue among siblings.

"Am I so easy to read? I thought I was a tough one." said Payal trying her best to sound casual.

"Good try... And if you must know, you are certainly tough but I've known you long enough to recognize your tell. Now, are you going to talk or not? This is me at my very best supportive-sister behaviour." she smiled. An attempt at a serious discussion or polite, sympathetic words would never work with Payal. The only way to get her to talk was to make sure she wasn't made to feel vulnerable. ---- Here, I loved loved loved the way you presented Payal. And Khushi's supportive, best supportive sister approach. It emates warmth, love and concern, faith, trust, comfort, support...etc..etc...

Payal's dilemma over her career hmmm is always a tough decision to make. Especially when she is good at what she does and when it is a chance to make her parents proud, it difficult to choose between what u desire, what would makes parents proud vs your love. It's a conflict. She wants to go but Akash, her love, the separation...tough..really tough..i don't envy Payal. The way she expressed her fears...you bought it out well, that uncertainty of how Akash would react to the news, if he asks her to not to go..whether she would be able to turn down the offer without regret or if he agrees then will she be able to go bearing the separation...Sigh! Though I didn't expect Payal's hand to be trembling. But I agree overthinking is a bitch, it drives you to insanity. I found Payal's pettiness very cute. She doesn't want to sound clingly or girly like but she feels like a girl but doesn't want to accept it..lol!

What is the point in a relationship if you cannot share your joys and sorrows?" --- There! She has a point!

Not knowing what to do with your life is a mad situation and as the time flows by while the uncertainty continues is definitely frustrating.

"Jiji, stop!" Khushi had to physically hold Payal by her shoulders and make her look up to get her out of the whirlpool of emotions she was allowing herself to get sucked into. --- Khushi is becoming an expert rescuer right?

Once she finished her tea, Payal looked curiously at her sister and asked, "You don't have anything to say to me?"

"Nope. Nothing." Khushi shrugged casually.

"Seriously? I totally thought we're going to dissect my feelings tonight."

"Whats there to dissect? You're in love, thats all there is to it." ---- I always feel amazed when your younger sibling gives one word solutions to your long essay like problems. I used to wonder how they do that. I would be pouring out each emotion I felt elaborately expecting she would be able to dissect and tell me what's my problem's root cause instead she gives the instant relief medicine.

She knew Khushi was perceptive. She had admitted her love for Aakash herself. Then why did she feel surprised? Shy even? --- Really? Payal and shyness???

"You can be happy later, let me where I am going wrong.----sentence error??

"So he is in the wrong then? He should have been there, right? He can't spare a few minutes in three weeks? He lives like ten minutes away!" she shrieked. ---

"No."

"What no?" I loved this outburst of Payal..cute again!

"Ufff, you're supposed to be the elder one here, Jiji! Can't you see? It's nobody's fault. I am sure he is just as upset about not being able to spend time with you. Have you been watching those TV soaps with him? Communication between lovers isn't actually telepathic, you do know that?" ---- Again I loved Khushi's maturity and calming technique. The dig at Akash's soaps is funny..

Nani, please. Di and her penchant for drama has rubbed off on you, isn't it? ---- that was another pointer at Anjali and her dramaqueen performance..Miss the serial sigh! Daljeet had really left an evergreen impression of Di!

"She doesn't travel alone, she travels with her team of musicians. And I know she is elder to me, trust her to never let me forget that important fact." he said rolling his eyes.

"What important fact?" Anjali's sweet, teasing voice interrupted their banter. She walked into the room and hugged Arnav tightly, a bit too tightly for a second before letting him go. "So, how is my Chotte?" she asked, ruffling his hair. To her surprise it made her grandmother chuckle loudly and her Chotte groan in frustration. "What?" she asked, perplexed. ----Loved the sweetness of this scene..the siblings love and Nani's audience to it. Very endearing!

"Your little brother was just saying that he will take his Di to the airport himself." added Devyani, her eyes twinkling. She did enjoy teasing her grandchildren, she thought. She'd be damned if they thought their Nani lacked a sense of humour. ---- I have a thing for Nani's who have sense of humor. That's why Jayshree T became a favorite of mine in the serial. And her dancing..wow!

"I remember I used to call you Molu when you were little, will that work?" she sat down on the bed, running her hands through the pleats of her starched cotton saree, just like her grandmother. --- Really? Molu??? ROFL!! The name suggestions by Anjali was really awful for a man like Arnav...good that his mother rejected them..Anjali's comebacks are really good..

I think I'd thrown a tantrum because I felt they didn't have any time for me attention" ---sentence error?

"Arnav. The name is Arnav." bellowed a rather cross man. The ladies in the room, however, refused to acknowledge the little interruption. --- Love these royal raizada ladies!

" Amar Chitra Katha-s with you all the time --- Same pinch! I miss them..I learned a lot from those small books..

. Your father spent through his nose for the whole set, but we realised soon that it was worth it. Look at you, it still makes you smile." she said pointing at Anjali who was smiling ear to ear. --- That's a sweet memory as well as a truth about certain books! Even now Harry potter books gives me a great solace when I am feeling low!

She nodded and made a move to leave when she heard Arnav speak."I think Chotte is perfect" he said softly and left the room. ---- Aha! Sigh! Again sweet! J

"For thinking I'm a fragile doll you were convinced would break? I think I am allowed to be offended." --- I loved that argument presentation!

"Thats not the point Arnav. You think with your heart, and while I truly believe that is your strength, that also means that you set yourself up for a lot of hurt." she tried to explain. --- Exactly when people think and do things with full heart and sincerity sometimes they get burned for their good intentions. Its sad and hard truth! Am glad to know that the open heart talk with Payal had put Arnav back on track and he is climbing from self pity and feeling anger towards who thought he couldn't pull it off. Often when people whom you bank on sympthatize with you for your defeat instead of motivating its greatly disappointing. Cant blame Arnav for his cutting remark.

"I'm sorry Chotte, if I have made you feel that way. I can only ask you to trust me when I say I was just worried for you. Not once did I doubt your ability to battle the challenges that life throws at you. You are my strength, Arnav. How could you believe I'd think you weak?" --- again a familiar remark when you confront..it may be true but you cant change what you made feel Anjali...You should have trusted more and stood tall for him. Its not possible for everyone but still you could have tried..

Sure I was shaken up in the beginning, but I am human after all. I just wish that had surprised people more than me getting myself together. ---exactly my point! It was guilt of Anjali which made her overreact. Nicely defended her concern. Shayam sounded like a lazy bum living on his wife's affections and efforts. And the picture of Payal, Anjali painted I really laughed. Often People are misunderstood for their harsh exterior. But believe me, the outspoken and precisely speaking people might be the soft core humans. You might think they aren't compassionate but they are reliable and loyal ones.

Yet, it took some effort to ignore the slight pinch in his heart. --- Aha! Here he feels like Payal. But he shouldn't feel that since Khushi had been very accommodating during his busy schedules. I didn't like that uncomfortable thoughts nor any shadows coming over this relationship.

Not a trace of pity, just understanding. Talking to her really helped me clear my head... I guess its because I knew she would never feel obligated to say something she didn't mean just to make me feel better."

--- clap clap clap! That's Payal effect! I love this lady!

The good thing about tough times is that it really tells you who are the people who really care for you."---- A very well said truth!

You covered siblings relationships very beautifully today..Khushi and Payal reminded me of me and my sis and yea, I don't like to admit like Payal but I did miss my Khushi. My Khushi would be over the moon if she reads this acknowledgement of me missing her. While I liked the first session of Anjali-Arnav talk, the last part made me feel little angry towards Anjali for not being there for Arnav. But I guess its natural for Anjali. When a girl gets married her priorities changes...

I am just getting back to detailed comments...felt good and interesting reading this one!

Twiggy! I cant stop thinking about the jibe on Singhanias :)

Originally posted by: avcmyd

I just read through this entire story and I'm floored by your word choice and the maturity in this story. It's just so vivid and... Real. It depicts life as it is, especially this last chapter. So awesome.

awesome update :-)