Polemic Jackanapes#3: Complete [NOTE + BLOG LINK Pg69]3rd Jan - Page 37

Originally posted by: Eccentrica

Two smiles and a surprise is how I would sum up this chapter. The break from each other (although it wasn't technically a break) did good to both of them. For one, they discovered themselves individually, and secondly, the aphorism of 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' (and the sex raunchier😉) proved to be true. Khushi's moment of hesitation did make me apprehensive, but it was Arnav's 'You and me are forever' that smoothed the ruffled feathers.

About Shashi and Garima, I had expected it to be in this manner. May be Shashi understands how the trip actually might have impacted his daughter, or maybe he is relieved that his decision is not going to cause him any regrets. But a mother's heart always worries. Sure, she shall come to understand it in the passage of time; right now, she will have to deal with some frustration and loads of worriment.

Now for the surprise. The way you portrayed it, a break up seemed to be the right thing. And considering the arguments that have strained their relationship in the past, it is understandable as well. But even so, I did not expect a breakup. Not because I'm a shipper of a happily ever after, but because it raises a big question. Do relationships end on the basis of a difference in the intensity of emotions towards one another. Do two people have to be on the same page for one to sustain. And then there is the cliched 'long term relationship' dilemma. I agree it is a different case for Akash and Payal, but if he hadn't reacted as violently to Payal's departure, would they still have said goodbye in the present. It makes you wonder then, if there is a perfect recipe to the existence and sustenance of relationship, and how much should one compromise, and whether personal life and professional aspirations can coexist.

Comment coming up soon!

"What?"

"Everything is going to be okay, right? Between us, between me and my parents?"

He hated to see the doubts cloud her face; placing his mug back on the table, he held her face between his palms. "Shashi and Garima understand, Khushi. Give them time to deal with their guilt, and the fact that their little girl has risen above all odds. About you and me... we are forever. I'm not giving you a choice. I want you, all of you, and I will settle for nothing short of eternity."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

The deal was sealed with a kiss.

I loved this scene to the core...1. The way Khushi asked Arnav - her fears, her doubts...there was a vulnerability in her, inspite of how strong and successful she is...her need for an assurance from Arnav, whom she knows wont lie, whom she know would be there for her...and Arnav with his solid dependable nature, the way he soothed her and promised her...sigh! I wish I had met a man like that...do you know anyone like that in real life? if you do...please introduce me...he he..such a cute ending to a lovely truly exceptional love story...

About Garima and Shashi---- Mothers even fictional doesn't change a bit...they are always worried about their daughters or sons till their end...I loved this part when Shashi stood firm and his words touched me "I feel just as guilty as you do about what we did, perhaps even more than you. But try to understand her actions from her perspective, not ours."

"We have our entire lifetime to deal with our guilt, Garima. But this is a moment of pride; please open your eyes to see that. Our daughter has risen far beyond what any one of us expected. She has discovered herself... didn't you listen to her talk? How could you even think she didn't feel the words she spoke! I could feel the rush she felt, the belief she had in her choice, in her willingness to serve. She wants to do something for people; her genius and her generosity of heart will now benefit society. You should be thrilled!" ---- He is proud of his daughter..it strikes a chord deeply...how I wish! Shashi's mention about being proud of Payal also was a good thing..he considers both his daughters equal...and is happy for both of them

"I have been bracing myself to face the consequences of our actions and this is far better than even the best-case scenario. Such things don't happen to us very often, Shashi. We are blessed." ---some mothers don't realize appreciate how blessed they are...even if someone points it to them...may be they do but however some don't find it necessary to express their love towards their blessings...

"What do you mean?" hissed Payal.

"Is it difficult to understand what I said or is it difficult to accept? You can live without me, Payal. But I cannot live without you. That is a fact."

sometimes its a truth...a bitter truth which people keep ignoring...am glad that Akash faced it, accepted it and made Payal acknowledge it too hence they could be saved from the bitterness and remain or hold on to the affection they earlier had...it was sad, touching but the right thing to do...Sigh! Off to read the epilogue...I wont put it off...I have the habit of keeping the epilogue without reading because I think the longer I take to read it..the story lives and goes on...stupid me...its just that I get sentimental when one of my favorite stories comes to an end...

Comment updated on Page 49 :)

Originally posted by: vgedin

Thanks, Chaitu!

And you raise a valid point. Everything stems from the preceding choices we make.

Aakash has a lot of things to deal with, so does Payal.And they are very different people. Even if they do end up together, the quintessential "happily ever after" is not their cup of tea, don't you think? Maybe they'll have a chance sometime in future.. when Payal returns and learns a thing or two about tact, or Aakash somehow learns to deal with his ego/insecurity. But that I will leave to the readers' imagination 😊

Thank you so much for being with me throughout my journey with PJ, Chaitu! You gave me you feedback every single time, and I loved that you were so very honest in your opinions, unswayed by what others or even I was saying. It helped me a great deal - in building my story and with keeping myself motivated to see this through till the end. Hugs to you! 🤗

Un-Resed on Chapter 34 here

Beautiful story this! Have always loved the relationship Arnav & Khushi shared. Career decisions juxtaposed with love...the way Payal & Akash were able to handle it was so different from Arnav & Khushi's, yet was quite a mature stand to take. For couples to realize the future & prevent a disastrous relationship to develop is uncommon...most of them would try & then realize after failing.

awesome - grounded, realistic and to the point. One of the best stories I have read on this forum and one that I actually found by chance! Thank you.

Awww. It ended. But it was a very good story. Well done.

wonderful update.. loved the last part.. arnav-khushi the strength and weakness of each other.. loved the sweet arnav-khushi.. payal-akash have finally reached their destination where they have got to know what they mean to each other and how much does they need each other in life.. well hope garima is able to understand what khushi is trying to tell her and that khushi have not given up her writing but will be doing so with her job as she have finally reached a spot where she got to know the reality of job satisfaction after her major project which taught her many things.. just wanted to know about anjali, where is she standing at the end of the story.. have she and shyam able to understand each other and will they keep on going the way.. don't want anjali to remain unhappy as if she is unhappy, her brothers will and then her bhabhi's, nani and this is vicious circle.. so therefore want no guilt or pain but happiness be around.. thanks for such a beautiful story..

Payal and Akash's part made me cry! :(