~ArHi FF~#2~The Hands of Time~ - Page 9

Hey...

Even after reading the chapter twice, reading the previous chapter once, I'm unable to gather my thoughts...still trying to process everything.

I guess you have tried to present the other side of the coin here...the effect of the happenings 20 years ago on the Raizadas.

The first thing that came across to me was the glaring difference between the familial ties among the Raizadas and the Guptas. Although I suppose losing a child is graver than handling a child whose psyche has been affected very deeply owing to an incident. Even then, the disparity between the two families is massive.

So long, I was only feeling bad for Khushi. Now my heart breaks for Arnav (and Akash) too. It must be dreadful watching your family disintegrate in front of your eyes. Living with broken people, wrecked relationships.

I was surprised by Aarti's hostility in the previous update but I didn't want to judge her. I still don't but it's more difficult now. Her suffering, loss, her anger is understandable. But, that she has let her existing family come second to her own pain, her obstinacy, I cannot understand. She is so cold towards her children, who are alive and well in front of her but starved of a mother's affection. Is it all just about maintaining a facade in front of servants and society for her? And I don't think this kind of behaviour is only out of anger at the present situation. Based on Arnav's deliberations, Akash's reaction, it seems they have been raised and groomed to behave as per elitist standards. They're used to this kind of treatment from her.

She was shown to be high-handed and proud even when Anju was alive but I had not expected this lack of warmth and such unsympathetic, unforgiving behaviour towards her children. In fact, if anything, her loss should have brought her closer to her children, her family.

I like Sumitra, Manorama and Pratap...they have probably helped in maintain some kind of a semblance of family in the kids' lives. I like the idea of Manorama as a warm, loving woman with understated elegance.

I'm waiting to find out about what happened between Payal-Akash and whether divorce was the reason he took to alcohol.

Arnav...in the previous chapter, he was all set to pursue Khushi, charm her, and woo her. Now, all he wants is to forget her. He blames her for being put in the current situation with his mother. I suppose, it is early to lament for their relationship, which was destroyed before it had any chance to grow. Can't help but feel sad, though.

Damn, I've gone on for too long, again. I get carried away too easily. Sorry about that!

I like the pace of the story...there's so much happening. Each update gives some answers and presents more questions. Eagerly awaiting to read Khushi's reaction to the meet'.