She looked beautiful and she knew it. It was so conspicuous because Payal was hardly ever nervous or unsure; her eyes always sparkled with an unwavering faith in herself and her actions. --- Have I told you that I love confident women? Be it in their capabilities or their beauty or their job, I simply love such women. They inspire!
I loved Payal's tension. You know when the other person is pulling all stops to please you and make up to you - how to phrase what you want to tell him. You will start feeling guilty for delaying such a news.
She had hoped looking this alluring would help - that he would be too stunned to say anything and she would take the opportunity to tell him about Duke.--- aha! That's a kind of manipulation Payal, of male weakness and their love for you. I don't approve it.
And in the end, she was the one at a loss for words. --- aha! This I liked, she digged her own grave.
He was on a roll today, she realised--- again this happens in such situations...You will be like "how to break this news" I worry for AKash now.
And from what he could see, she was completely oblivious to the effect she had on him ---oh again this is something realistic --- Payal is sort of engrossed in how to break the news hence its natural that she misses his restlessness...
Oh dear you wrote about Akash so cutely ---" He had tried to flirt and make jokes in a desperate attempt to get himself together. And it had thrilled him see Payal flustered, and revelled in the joy of the fact that he was the only one who could make her blush so prettily, smile so freely". But inspite of that he had observed her distress.
Oh 2 years is a long time..
"The understanding look in his eyes took her breath away. Why did he have to be so nice?"---Here I thought of me. I mean I had been in such a situation once. Payal next thought was exactly my thought too that time -"It would have been far easier to get over with this if she had something to hold against him"
He had given her a memorable evening and she hadn't even expressed her gratitude. Anybody else would have taken offense, but not Aakash. --- Do you know that you are making me fall for this guy??
She had always assumed she was the more practical, more pragmatic one. But she had often found herself pleasantly surprised with Aakash's astuteness. Like his brother, he was a man of few words. Yet, while Arnav was passionate and emotional, Aakash was an epitome of quiet understanding. He did tend to have an unpredictable temper, but that was something she could deal with. --- I loved the 3 characterization here - Payal, Arnav and Akash.
Night jasmines- lonely secluded little park - how cute!
He wanted to steal this moment before Payal said whatever it was that was on her mind.--- Something I felt when I read this line. It was like he knew that whatever Payal is going to say is going to change few things but before that he wants one stolen moment with her..You really pulled a heartstring here Twiggy! Living the moment - rightly said! One thing which I liked is she didn't mince the words or prolong anymore in sharing the news.
Oh being cold is not a good sign! I mean that's almost indifferent and it's not good. It's dangerous to feel so..It means he is deeply hurt. A mistake she did was - she didn't ask him, it was like she was conveying her decision. Did she think how she would be able to stay away from him? Instead she is asking him whether it's doesn't affect him? What Payal? I expected better from you. Akash is not wrong in saying "It affects me, alright. But I'm unsure if that matters to you. What do you want me to say here, Payal?" he crossed his arms and looked right into her eyes, daring her to answer him, as if certain that she wouldn't be able to justify herself. "Why...so you can fulfil a formality or do you just want my validation of your decision?" - I say Akash's anger is justified.
Payal can be angry but I will say she is at fault here and whatever accusation came her way is right ones, no use in being angry then.
" I wasn't even serious about it when I applied, and they made an offer only a few days ago. ---oh this is something which again I feel realistic...because it had happened to me...are you writing my story?? He he..
Had you not been too busy for even a bloody phone call, I would have told you before. "--- that's mistake Payal. Anytime you could have broken this news..Ok. you said "if you take up"..Knowing you it wasn't difficult to assume that you would be going. But then it was a mistake on his part to assume. But it's a natural human reflex or defensive reaction, when you are going to loose someone/something precious to you you try to hold on - the tactic of holding on might be in the form of hurting also..that moment madness we tend to do this - try to hurt the one who is bringing us this news. Oh ho Payal...what a mess..However Akash cooled down immediately..That was nicely written about Akash's realisation.
He had felt betrayed, which he now realised was simply an overreaction. --- Sigh! This is a blunder which I always commit. Act before I think.
He knew he wanted to apologise and take away her pain - but he was a man after all, and while he could admit his follies to himself with remarkable perceptiveness, to express the same was a different matter altogether --- I loved this dig at male ego..
And so in one sure move, without giving her a chance to fight, he held her wrist and turned her around to pull her close in a tight hug - his hold on her both possessive and strong, making all her efforts to move away futile --- how sweet! This is a magical move...
"Is this how we'll have our conversations, Aakash? This is the first time I have come to you as your girlfriend with something so monumental to tell you, something so important in my life. And this is how you react. Is this how it will be whenever I say something that isn't to your liking? " --- Now that's a valid question
Payal Gupta wasn't one to forgive easily. But, she hadn't been a woman in love before this. Giving into her feelings for him as well as the sincerity she felt in his apology---love can lead to lot of emotional conflicts even in a confident pragmatic woman's head. Payal isn't different. Her fear of how Akash would react made her hold back the news but now when she delayed it, it totally blew up. Akash he reacted like any person who would react under such situations. But he soothed the issue soon. If he was thick headed kind then the relationship would doom that moment..
"Just know this - and I am not saying this to make up for the mess this evening - do whatever you want to do Payal. We'll work it out. I'll be with you every step of the way."---- Swooning!!! Men who say this or give such confidence to a woman is a very rare specimen of male species. I would like to hold on to this man.
It was because I felt that you had left me out of that decision, out of your life. Trust me, Payal. This isn't damage control.""How sweet! Can I give him a hug? And tell him if Payal doesn't take him, I will be here waiting..wink! May be because I am in a medical background career I understand how important it is to Payal to procure this fellowship but her realtionship status, I am really worried to see how it will work out. It isn't easy. I am looking forward to see how you pull this off..
Kumkum Bhagya
Arjun
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