It took time, but Shashi was now able to miss his daughter, but without the accompanying burden of guilt. While he did miss her dearly, he was not... worried. He knew his daughter - her immense strength of character, the rationality of her mind, the honour in her conduct, her finesse at her work. She didn't need reassurances from others to keep going; her unwavering faith in herself and her family was enough to take her through any challenge. She would be fine - he didn't doubt that for a second. He hoped he would be too - he
really missed his daughter. ----- I loved this vulnerable mushy Dad...he is sweet and he knows his daughter well!
The phone call...Payal's feelings hearing her parents and sister's news...well, it all felt familiar...Garima trying to send some food to US...ha ha..well that was a nice touch...I have seen it happening a lot many times...at times I had been such a messenger...at times my mom did the same for me...And good to hear Khushi's progress with her professional life and writing...
"But, as silly as it sounds, I want to seal the deal with a ring. Not as a formality to announce our relationship to the world; I just really want to do something special. Let her know what she means to me, and that I really do want a life with her. I have nothing to prove here, Di. This is just a way that found myself comfortable with, to express what I feel. And I am sure... well, almost sure that it will make her happy."----Dreamy sigh ...I am happy as Anjali is! And also very very happy to see Anjali moving ahead with her dreams...its very important for her...
I wondering what is Shyam's reaction to Anjali's plans and do did a good job on him ""This was important to you and you should go. I am sorry I was so difficult in the beginning... you handle my mother much better than I do, and the prospect of spending all this time with her, without you around was terrifying to say the least. But that was petty and I apologise." Good!
Arnav's response was brilliant! I loved it "Di would never talk to me if I did that. I just hoped you would never let her give up her dream."
You gave a real honest picture of some men I have seen Twiggy which no one else have mentioned before in such a simple and truthful way and that makes Shyam very real to me--- : Shyam lowered his eyes, refusing to say anything. He knew he had done something shameful, and it was not his support that had helped Anjali take this decision. In the many years of their marriage, he had allowed himself to take his marriage for granted, coming to depend on Anjali for anything and everything, expecting her to do the needful regardless of anything else. It was selfish and cowardly, he knew that - but had refused to give it much thought. Anjali would be there. He, on the other hand, had failed to be a good husband. Despite the usual justification he gave him self - that he truly loved her - his actions, or rather his inaction, was unpardonable. Not any more. --- I am glad he realized his mistake and tried to rectify it...that was beautifully done Twiggy! this is why I love your writing..you paint human emotions - black, white, grey everything with accurate precision with an ease...
And most beautifully the closing scene was excellent - A woman radiating with love and warmth, hopes and dreams...the photographer in me wishes to capture that moment of perfect happiness and joy "She smiled brighter than she had in a long time - she had felt warmth return to her marriage; her heart throbbed with excitement as she imagined her brother dressed as a groom. Her grandmother would spend the rest of her life in peace and contentment. She also felt the exhilaration finally sink into her being - her dream was about to come true. Time was transient, that she knew. But she was grateful for this moment - this moment, of pure joy.
Twiggy,
Nothing like writing a story to release your pent up frustrations and feelings...even when you have one page MS word of your words it feels productive and happy...I am glad you turned to write this one...as for the title..I would say PJ was a unique name though I agree I googled to understand what it means..and PJ the short form always reminded me of Payal Joshi of Meera's EIT, Baby K's PJ...
"The fact that I so loved Arnav from IPK often surprised me, and also left me worried. The man was rude, arrogant, (often) cruel - and never did pay for his sins. Why then did I like him? There was very little about him that was truly admirable. ---- ha ha...thats so true...I share the same feelings and do wonder the same questions once in a while...but we do love him right? thats why we are still here in this forum reading stories even after the serial went off the air for more than 2 years now
Your Arnav was human...I mean all your characters were human...they had their flaws..their big pluses..It made them real...all of them had their vulnerabilities and issues...Arnav's was a journey of self discovery...there are so many people like him...even I have found a bit of me in him...Payal --- i have always wondered whether there was an inspiration for her character...never watched the show hence dont know the character but yes, she is all what you mentioned and should say that it was one of the strong character I have ever met...again I have found a bit of me in her...and should say that your Payal inspired me..taught me a thing or two...Akash was also a "real feel"character in this story...especially towards the end of the story...initial part he was that goofy cute guy but then he was the bitter man who couldnt ...well it happens...but ultimately he redeemed himself in my eyes...thats the best thing I felt about him...
Now I need tissues...Dedications and acknowledgements always leaves me so emotional...Good thing I never participated in Ms. World contest...if I had been the winner, I am sure I would create a scene on the stage by crying..ha ha...Thank you dear...as I have told you many times during this journey, this story really meant a lot to me as it did to you...there was certain feelings, situations which I could relate to. I was inspired and educated through this fictional story of yours. For that I will be eternally grateful!
Now don't stop with this story...Will be waiting for you to continue...:-)
Tum Se Tum Tak
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