ArHi FF: Revealed #6 | Thread 7 Link Pg 1

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Arshi67

@Arshi67

Sparkler

+ 13

Ocean of Happiness

Posted: 9 years ago

#561

But before we get Avni and Harshad's party started, we have another one that's waiting for us ...

It's Jigs' birthday on the 9th!!! So please come and join the party on her Birthday Thread

The sunlight playing hide and seek with her was like a glimpse of her childhood. Basking in Dadi's warmth even while being bewildered by her mother's lack of it. Her tracing the carving in the bannister was so sweet. Little childhood rituals which unconsciously stay with us.

While I don't condone how Avni has behaved, I understand her more now. She has made overtures over the years, as Khushi herself says, which have been rebuffed. And you can see why Khushi would. A child can't comprehend that there may be reasons for her mother's attitude. It just understands that the mother is not there for her. Khushi naturally built safeguards in her heart. Which solidified as she grew up.

Avni's need to be needed made her gravitate more towards Payal, who she already had a bond with. It's her own weakness that she didn't make more of an effort with Khushi. Not malicious intent. And as the years go by, it gets harder. You begin to overthink every word, every gesture.

At Khushi's birthday, she in no way disrespects Avni. It's just that the joy she feels when Sofia and Dadi wish her, is not there in her heart for her mother. And Avni views it with regret while blaming only herself. In her own words, "After all, it was all her fault"

Dadi donning sunglasses, loving the ride in the convertible was so cute! But I really liked how Khushi asked her father, "Is that okay Papa?" to Dadi riding with Arnav and her. Her instinctive thoughtfulness and inherent goodness so wonderful to see. And this is what makes her tell herself that she will be there for her parents. It's to her credit that her sense of duty supersedes her many grievances. Just because they weren't there when she needed them, doesn't mean she won't be there when they need her.

And now I can't wait for Mr and Mrs Raizada to enjoy their private party ... Raja eat your heart out ...

Edited by Arshi67 - 9 years ago

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Meena

@chotidesi

Rocker

+ 5

Posted: 9 years ago

#562

I don't condone what Avni did. But... you led me to understand her. You are so, so good at that- there isn't a single one of your characters that I feel as if I don't understand, even if I don't agree with their decisions. You've made them remarkably human- with flaws, but also with good characteristics. They're never bad, they just make decisions that hurt those around them- just like most of us do. However, the key to redeeming oneself after those decisions is in regretting them and trying to fix them.

While Payal isn't there yet (not by a long shot), Avni's regret in this chapter was palpable. You can feel Avni's regret at not being closer to her daughter so strongly. She knows she has done wrong- and I like that she doesn't shy away from that. That anguish, the sadness... you have written it so well. It's not only in her words- it's in her actions too. The way she caresses Khushi's cheek, the way you write the pleading in her voice, sharpness she feels when Khushi tells her the truth about her actions, the pang of jealousy when she realizes that her daughter has found what she was missing from Avni in someone else... it's in those little details that you have really brought the reader to feel what Avni does. She's holding onto the strands that are left, and it is so poignantly felt.

Regardless of what she did, regardless of the fact that it was her doing to an extent- you've written Avni as a mother. A mother who has made many mistakes, but a mother nonetheless. The way she notices Khushi tracing a pattern on the scroll, the slight admiration that enters her thoughts when she thinks of how Khushi stood her ground about marrying Arnav, and the anguish in that one sentence: "Harhsad, she's leaving again...". That sentence hit me so hard. That is where you have excelled in this chapter- writing a woman who is as flawed as anyone, who has made so many mistakes as a parent- but she is a parent. She does love Khushi.

You made Avni real in this chapter- something you have done so effortlessly with all of your characters. I can't hate her. You haven't allowed me to. You gave her heart, and feelings, and made her someone I could connect to. I struggled to find words for this chapter- not because you hadn't written it well, but because you wrote it too well. I think the epigraph (whoever that author was, said it very well) perfectly sums up this chapter. I wanted to dislike Avni- I wanted to be able to condemn her. And your writing left me unable to do that- and that is a true testament to how well you write, because it truly takes skill to write characters that aren't black or white, but have both in them.

Love always,

Choti.

Edited by chotidesi - 9 years ago

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Sadh123

@Sadh123

Rocker

+ 5

Posted: 9 years ago

#563

As expected you had me bound by your update. Well I will be honest here, I didn't expect a complete update dedicated to Avni (more or less). If I tell that I expected this or rather expected that I sympathise with Avni, then I am definitely kidding. I never expected myself to feel for HER, of all the people. You weave magic jigs. A magic which ties me and pulls me into your tale and prevents me from shaking myself off the entangled magic. I seriously love you for this Jigs.

Oh Avni and Khushi are equally right. Yes I have titled towards Avni too. Look what your writing has done to me. I could understand her flaws and her ability to correct, but as you mentioned it was late..maybe very late. I suddenly realised no one, none can be perfect or flawless. You so very easily conveyed that. You are a pro, Jigs.

Avni's time during Khushi's birth was bad. But punishing a baby, who was faultless, should not be targeted. After all, what was the kid's fault? And you know what, I have heard people saying this. I don't know how true or false this is. But I am sharing it here. "It seems that kids choose their parents. Before their birth, they choose to whom they wish to be born." Ironical right? In Khushi's case I would say so.

But you know what, I am glad here that even when Avni had pushed her away, Sofia and Dadi were there for her. Sometimes once broken, can't be fixed. "Remember the person who broke your heart, can't fix it." Doesn't this apply to all? But here it aptly does. This is why, Khushi sought respite in two other people who were there to give her what she yearned for.

So you ended the chapter with sweet promises of the night of fun to the night of paradise they are looking forward to impatiently. Okay that lehenga you have chosen for her, looks too good. In fact you have made a perfect choice. The decor looks equally grandiose and welcoming. Is there more to the party than that we are expecting? I am waiting to catch a glimpse of Sidhu here. And and will he be adamant to be with his aunt and uncle? I want to read and know that too.

Grazie jigs for another amazing and emotional update. Ciao!

Edited by Sadh123 - 9 years ago

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canapoem

@canapoem

Sparkler

+ 6

Posted: 9 years ago

#564

In human relationships, distance is not measured in miles but in affection.

Two people can be right next to each other, yet miles apart.

Jigs, thank you for another wonderful update. 🤗

This update gave us an insight into about Avni and her relationship with her daughters.

Children are like tender creepers, they are always looking for love and affection and they latch onto the people who give them that and grow up taking their support like a creeper takes the help of a tree curling itself around the tree to grow and become strong.

Khushi did not get the love of her parents especially her mother, instead she found that love in Dadi and then Sofia. She became more attached to them and over the years the gap between Avni and Khushi widened to such an extent that bridging the gap has become close to impossible for both of them.

Relationships are like mirrors, once broken can be patched up but the patched marks are always visible. No matter how much Avni tries, it is a tough job for her to win her daughter's love back particularly when her attempts are still half hearted.

Coming to her theory that Payal was weak and always needed her support more than Khushi, as Khushi was independent, no child is totally dependent or independent except if the child is physically or mentally handicapped.

Even the weakest child many times shows strength in tough situations and even the strongest child needs support in certain other situations.

Avni's logic that Payal needed her more is totally unacceptable. Maybe Khushi needed her too, but did she look deeply into Khushi's life to see if she is really as independent as she shows it to the world.

I remember in one of the earlier updates when Khushi was devastated after the failure of many attempts of infertility treatment, it was Sofia who was trying to cheer up Khushi and give her the necessary strength and support.

Where was Avni at that time? Does Avni even know how heart broken Khushi was after Pari's miscarriage?

And being a mother how could she say that Khushi has decided not to have kids due to their career choices? Does she not know about the years of infertility treatments Khushi has undergone and how much Khushi is suffering due to the inability to conceive?

I cannot believe that a mother can be so insensitive.

Sorry Jigs, I am not able to sympathise with Avni even after listening to her POV. Her guilt seems superficial to me. Deep down even now she still cares for Payal more than Khushi. Otherwise even after 10 years of Khushi and Arnav's marriage, Avni still feels that Khushi would have been better off married to Kabir and she even disclosed this to Payal.

And she failed as a mother to Payal too. She made Payal so dependent that Payal could not take differentiate between right and wrong on her own, inturn ruined her own life.

Jigs, why did Harshad say that he might not even see Khushi again, is he ill??

Finally it was so relieving to read about the love and flirting between Arnav and Khushi.

Arnav upgraded the room to a suite.😉 Wonder what he has planned for the night.

And before that we have to go through the whole evening of more drama and hopefully Payal and her husband behave well and do not embarrass the Guptas anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIGS!!!

Hope you are having lots of fun today. Have you taken an off from work today?

Edited by canapoem - 9 years ago

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sman

@sman

Inactive

Posted: 9 years ago

#565

res

Jigs...the way you get into every characters mind, you are better than any shrink yaar...amazing..

I am really feeling sympathetic towards Avni..there are many people around us are like Avni.. I hope Kushi patches up with Avni.. they both need to solve their differences for peaceful life for both..Avni might not be able to fill Sofia's place but still she is her mother..they both need to bond..

my darling Bello has sensed something is wrong.. hope there wont b any showdown at party..

Dadi is sooo sweet.. I really want to see her wearing Chanel sunglasses.. :-)

wonderful update Jigs.. am already waiting for Sat night "NO" sleep over at the resort ;-)

Edited by sman - 9 years ago

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sweety421

@sweety421

Inactive

Posted: 9 years ago

#566

Wonderful update...!!
Finally got to read the insight of Avni...!!
I won't say that I hate her... but disappointed..!!
No doubt she went through a tough phase...
But thatz not an enough excuse to treat her daughter like that...!!
Here payal was easy child for Avni coz she always needed her help...
But khushi was a different kid... And may be thatz why she needed her more..!!!!!
Being a mother it was her moral duty to take care of her daughter which sadly she failed duin...
So here I feel rilli sorry fo Avni...!!
Sofia and dadi are in a true sense her mothers...!!!
Again I loved dadi...!! She is super cool...!!!!
Very eager to read now what will be happening in the Party...
Plz continue soon dear... that was an excellent update... Very well written as always...tc

Edited by sweety421 - 9 years ago

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albmum14

@albmum14

Inactive

Posted: 9 years ago

#567

Originally posted by: Arshi67

Jigs indeed is a magician. But you, my dear G, are no less in your ability to understand, reflect on and then share your wonderful insight on all of the characters. It's always a pleasure reading your thoughts. Whether they be the main protagonists or any of the other characters. All of whom play a huge role in making the protagonists who they are. We don't live in isolation. We are shaped by the people around us.

Arnav is indeed swoonworthy ... I'm happy to share a bottle of (full) Petrus with you as we fangirl over him and wait for Saturday night ;)

Your reading of Khushi's equation with Avni so resounds with me. Self preservation is a very powerful thing. The good are indeed tested time and again. Because they have the strength to say "Why not me" instead of just a "Why me".

La mia dolce Ruchi, ti adoro!!!

You are such a great friend! Your ability to light up everyone and everything with your comments is amazing. I need to thank you for the great support you show me here.

I am spellbound by how well you can read my comments and this story.

I will definitely share a full bottle of Petrus with you while waiting for Saturday night. We have to buy it in UK, as I cannot bring it in my hand luggage (100ml liquid limit be damned!).

Also, I just realised that there is a "double espresso macchiato" (who would have thought to check the coffee beverages when ordering hot chocolate from Startbucks). I am sorry for being rash, rude and impertinent with my comment regarding this on the previous thread.

I have to buy you a lungo macchiato to compensate...😊

Ti voglio un mondo di bene!!!

Edited by albmum14 - 9 years ago

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rulama

@rulama

Sparkler

+ 8

Posted: 9 years ago

#568

Jigs... Your choice of quote..."None of us is totally white or totally black. It's how deep we allow ourselves to be submerged in grey that defines us" is interesting... How very true... If we allow ourselves to submerge in the Eigengrau... the intrinsic gray... our own gray... you give in to failures, struggles and fears... and it is too hard to watch it and not be affected... but still the color of truth is always grey... And the truth is like the sun... You can shut it out for a time but it will never go away... It will pop out and peep in at unwanted times... Now Avni is thinking that there is some mistake on her part but has not really acknowledged it... How would Khushi know what she is thinking now while all along Khushi is relegated to being an unwanted child and made to feel as a pest who landed up in her life and never conformed to her mother's whims and wishes... What I find lacking in Avni is humility... Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less... Even now she thinks in terms of Khushi not acknowledging her and how her position is not on the top of Khushi's life pyramid... Her thought that she has been usurped by Sofia is quite understandable but why is she not thinking why it is so??? How it has actually affected Khushi's life??? Her apology would have gone a long way... for apologizing does not mean you are wrong... It means you value your relationships more than your ego... Here it's a blunder committed towards your own child who is forced to become independent whether she wanted it or not just to survive in the suffocating atmosphere... Khushi has learnt to be alone and like it amidst her parents, thereby freeing and empowering herself... I wonder if Avni has done even a simply gesture as smiling back at little Khushi... Ignoring the child's smile and failing to smile back is destroying the child's faith and self esteem... Well this is Khushi... But look at her handiwork... Payal, whom she acknowledges needed a helping hand much more and so had given her attention to her... How has she turned out??? It is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make successful human beings...

But one thing that has nagged me all along is why is Avni now trying so hard for a place in Khushi's heart??? Is it because she knows that the apple of her eye... Payal... is not as successful in her life as she (Avni) wanted even with the help from her parents and Khushi through her grit and sheer hard work has come up without any help from her parents? Did she want a trophy child???

Well, though Avni and Harshad just ponder over things, it is Dadi who takes things into her hands and makes her Titaliya and Bello welcome in her life... She has shown her preference of being amidst the two cheerful people rather than the doleful souls...

That was once again a top notch update... Now waiting for the party Jigs...

Edited by rulama - 9 years ago

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Jay

@jduke

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 9 years ago

#569

Jigs,

As usual nice update and I enjoyed reading it. This chapter raised so many questions in my mind 😊.

Did Kushi become teenager by the time Avni came out of her postpartum depression? I think in her denial mode Avni took real long time to get diagnosed and lost a decade of precious time with her little daughter. Glad that Kushi had Dadi as mother figure during her growing years and even today.

Avni noticed and registered very miniscule things about Kushi but failed to reach out and embrace her Kushi at right time. I think lack of mothers's love and attention pushed Kushi to build walls around her and stopped letting Avni in however hard she tried to win her later.

Avni, did look for Kushi at Mehendi but as usual failed to look for Kushi at right place and at right time. Did Kushi become independent by choice or due to lack of attention from her mother? Was Kushi jealous of Payal in early years? How was relationship between Payal and Kushi?

Not knowing if I will see her again." Why did Harsad say this? Is he sick or he thinks Kushi may not visit them again after all the drama that took place?. It is high time for Kushi and Avni to embrace and say adios to their past.

Waiting for activities that Arnav planned with Kushi in their cozy suite 😉😛

Edited by jduke - 9 years ago

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Anu567

@Anu567

Voyager

+ 5

Posted: 9 years ago

#570

Res! Will be back after an elaborate read, Jigs!

OK...back from the read. Jigs, my girl, this was so impressive. Sometimes I think it would be best to dash off the review of the chapter immediately after a read, at other times, I am quite sure one needs to ruminate over things first and then come back, because you dear heart, leave one speechless! So, that being the situation right now...here goes anyway!😆 My two cents...

Loved how you started with Khushi and the chandelier...she has so many memories associated with her parents' house as any ordinary girl does...bittersweet as you rightly put it...there are the familiar nooks and crannies, but there are also those indefatigable moments of sadness and grief. She has obviously gone the whole hog here...

No, I will not fault Harshad and Avni as parents...this story has been a revelation of sorts...yes, yes, I know this is one reason you chose to title it so...😊...there are so many aspects of parenting as we all know...and the amazing quote you began with said as much...no one in this world is just black or just white. That was a point IPKKND also tried to make, albeit in a very roundabout manner. Arnav was never completely black, despite the vain attempts to dress him up as Machiavelli personified! Khushi was never completely white and angelic, either! Similarly, with Avni, I am reluctant after this update to tar her as evil through and through...she had her insecurities as a woman...the chaotic time she had in her life ahead of giving birth to Khushi certainly hit her hard...maybe easy to quickly say how dare she take it out on a small child...then again, it is easy to be judgmental, but rather hard to live life as is expected of you.

So her insecurities and her negligence in the past come back to haunt her...her daughter distances herself from her, and cannot seem to even confide in her...hopefully they will mend fences some time in life...but it is a remote chance, isn't it? Felt bad for Avni today when she recalled the scene from Khushi's 30th birthday party where Khushi so easily gravitated towards Sofia and Devyani. I sense Avni's trauma there...her own spectacular failure as a mother coming back to haunt her. At the same time, she shares a 'normal' relationship with Payal, who is the needy daughter, juxtaposed to Khushi's own independent persona. Now this, definitely has an impact on parenting as I have said one before too, Jigs. Most parents, revel in the fact that children might need them. The more independent ones often tend to get sidelined or overlooked, because parents seem to feel they are getting on fine anyway...hmm..

Lots of learning there, thank you for making one think these things through...real life rarely gives one a chance to do that!

Loved the Arnav and Khushi bit of course...who wouldn't...these two set the pages or screen on fire just by being there...lovely...cannot wait for their after party...haha...minus Raja, the rabble rousing Guptas, and the sanguine Raizadas...bring it on!

Take a bow girl...perfection unbounded...love it, and love you too for taking us to this lovely place in sapnon ki duniya...

Waiting for the next one now!

Best,

Edited by Anu567 - 9 years ago