T3| ArHi FF Second Chances| Note and link to T4, pg 148 - Page 5

How beautifully you draw us into the chapter Mirabell. The sights (well ... need I say more

) and sounds "The slow addition to the symphony of sounds" of a new day stirring up memories of similar mornings in India. Somnolent household members needing chai and chat to clear away the remnants of sleep from their eyes.

The image of the three women sharing their grief was so poignantly moving. Several lifetimes of it swirling between them.

And then you lifted my spirit with Khushi waking up happy. How long it's been since she's felt this simple emotion on first opening her eyes. Just happy.

Your Meera is an utter darling. So delightfully effervescent even while being endearingly sensitive. The bond that she shares with Arnav is so moving to read, right from the time he first came to visit and she quietly leant against his arm. Evinces a warm tearful smile in me ... every time.

I loved how you showed us the subtle difference in the way Manorama and Buaji looked at Khushi when Sumttra asked her to call Arnav. One sensing the underlying emotions between the two while the other only aware of what's outwardly obvious. An interesting reflection of both their personalities I thought. One quietly reflective while the other being one who bustles around.

I'm giggling along with Khushi at a mustachioed Arnav with this dialogue going round in my head "Moonchein ho to Nathulalji jaisi hon" 😆

Once again I marvel at the way you've written Mohan and Meera. Their interaction a delight to read. And Arnav transmuting his need to touch his child by stroking Meera's curls was so so touching.

Khushi may have been thinking that she'll spontaneously combust, but it seems the thought has made a "move from her mind to his ears" (Sorry, I'm totally misquoting you here!). Way to go Arnav. I for one will not be complaining if you choose to stay in that aankhon ko thandak giving state for a while longer 😉 Dhak dhak dhak dhak ... a "cacophony" very different to what we started out with!

And this is what I call luck 😊

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I have to confess that after reading the chapter last Friday, I was so ready to type in my comments. But the usual dreadful weekend and weekday AD schedule made me push it out and I made a resolve not think about SC the entire week😔.

I am glad to report that my attempt to sticking to that resolve was no better off than Khushi's. I might have left the story but the power of your writing made sure that the story never left me. After a weeks worth of savoring this chapter, I am discovering that there is a special kind of joy in losing some battles that you desperately want to win😊. I am sure I am in good company of the likes of your Khushi in this😃.

This chapter had a flair of simplicity, yet intriguing from start to finish. It was smooth ride starting with Manorama's early morning introspection to chit chat of the sisterhood of the sorrow and peppy musketeers. I am sure this chapter took every one of your readers to a place hidden deep down where the memories of India and childhood remain safe.

Thanks to your insight into Khushi's background, it makes her present even more appreciable for me. Looks like Khushi's relaxed sleep is indicative of lot more things that are coming her way😉. She can avoid the looks or avoid the hand or try and act like an adult but she cannot avoid the falling in love that is coming her way.

Talking about love, it's hard not to fall in love with the kids. Meera's clinging to Arnav, the shaving chat, kids talk of breaking papa between them - goes to prove that a child's heart is the greatest gift. Cannot wait for more of their antics for the rest of the trip.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmB5hESDq1c[/YOUTUBE]

The old ladies a developing a new friendship amongst themselves. While Manorama only wants happiness for khushi and Meera would she approve of arnav in their lives

Everyone is superseded and happy to see khushi sleeping peacefully.

Meera is thrilled and overjoyed to see arnav there. She is equally happy to have mohan there with him. I just love the bond between mohan and Meera and ASR.

The scene in the bathroom was priceless. First Meera coming up with her strange ideas and the mohan inisiting that she should call ASR ...papa. Arnav would surely love that.

Meera is so found of ASR.

Continue soon