T3| ArHi FF Second Chances| Note and link to T4, pg 148 - Page 44

I read the article yesterday night but couldn't comment then as I had problem in collecting my thoughts after the article. I didn't lose anyone dear to me, of course I lost my grandparents, uncle but losing the closest one must be much more painful than any others. That's why, I don't know how those who lost their loved ones might feel.

After reading the article, I realized that when I meet someone who lost their loved ones recently, I couldn't express my sympathy or offer condolence. I just behave as if nothing happening. I always avoid talking about the death, in front of the family members of the dead people. Because I know whatever I talk, whatever I do won't change anything. Because the pain only belongs to loved ones to share, not to some outsider. Even if I can feel sympathy, understanding the degree of pain of those is too difficult. Because an outsider can forget and move on easily but those people will always have to live with that pain, maybe the pain will lessen in time but will not disappear completely.

It means a lot to me...

Not in a mind to write anything more...

Is there anything I can put in words that will fully and precisely articulate what I feel about this story and what it made me feel? I highly doubt it. I'll make an attempt anyway.

I have rarely seen anyone write about grief the way you do - enough detachment to be precise and so much empathy to make it palpable. I feel my own gut twist every tim Khushi misses her Naren - and every time the inner war with her own conscience leaves her miserable. Every time she feels like she was born only to be abandoned. Sigh.

And there is Arnav - the gentle giant. I love that title Maya has bestowed upon this wonderful, kind, mysterious man. And a dish, of course! I will wait for you to tell me what exactly or how he made that decision to come to her doorstep after all these years. But am I glad he did - or we wouldn't have this wonderful story!

Mano makes me miss my own Paati - the woman who raised me and loved me more than anyone else. My role model and the finest woman I ever knew. And who left us all too early. And theres Meera - that chubby, perceptive little sweetheart.

But I think my favourite bits about this story are Mohan, and the relationship between Maya and Arnav.

Because it is so easy to judge Maya - and say that she was irresponsible and made all the wrong choices. That she is unworthy. But Arnav sees her for the person she is - he is able to empathise with her and her motivations. What a man, this Arnav! And how did you conjure up this fine character? I am in complete awe!

And there is Mohan - people don't even get child characters right, and you managed to make this young boy with ASD sink right into our hearts with the sheer realism and sensitivity in your writing. I was blown, really. And that scene where Mohan and Meera laugh that first time - I kid you not, I was in tears. I am rarely this overwhelmed.

I was always a fan of yours. Now I am this close to being a groupie :D Take a bow, Mira! What a fine story you have here - and thank you so much for sharing this with us!

PS - I could also go on and on about how well you tackled the whole idea of what is expected of a widow in society and how that confuses her about her own feelings - unable to differentiate between what is real and what is forced. But I'll save that for a later day, yeah?

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83_H6cAQ16Q&list=RD83_H6cAQ16Q#t=243[/YOUTUBE]