~Drabble Series: Life Lessons with Pragya Bhabhi & Mina~

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

KKB Meta Drabble Series: Life Lessons from Pragya Bhabhi

INTRODUCTION
So, this series started on a random whim. The context comes from our little subculture on the AbhiGya AT. It probably sounds like utter madness to outsiders, but for the sake of posterity let me try to explain. Basically on the AbhiGya AT, we consider each other as sisters, with Abhi as our Bhai and Pragya as our Bhabhi. If you really are about the whys and hows of this, feel free to PM me. To understand the drabbles, all you need to know is that they take place in a kind of alternate universe AT world where whatever happens in the show does happen, but at the same time Pragya and Abhi are living out their marriage with a normal domestic context...and about three dozen behenas (and at least one or two bhaiyyon) floating around the mansion.

So in this series, "Mina" is sort of me, and sort of a character, and Pragya Bhabhi is sort of who she is on the show, but mostly...me being my own therapist 😛. Mina visits Pragya Bhabhi for advice when she has problems. And yes, there's a running joke about me getting married, and another one about kachodis. It...is what it is? Thanks for giving it a chance, if you do 😉

GLOSSARY
Chudail = Tanu
Fox = Aaliya

RECURRING CAST
maasi/DMB = -Tia-
mini-me = MinMinMehra
donny = SaaraDon

INDEX

PAGE 1
Episode 1: Backbiting
Episode 2: Chores
Episode 3: Meanies
Episode 4: Crushing
Episode 5: Expectations
~special episode: Mina and Bhabhi discuss HookUpdate (aka, addressing writer problems)~
Episode 6: Shock

Edited by -mina- - 9 years ago

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

Episode 1: Backbiting
originally posted 23 Feb/15 in AT#94

M: Bhabhiii

P: Yes Mina? Come and sit while I fold your brother's clothes.

M: Arre?? Why do you do that bhabhi you are not his maid you can't let him take advantage of you.

P: Some things are married people secrets. I have my reasons.

M:...Oookayyy.

P: Chalo Mina what did you want help with?

M: There's a person and I don't like something they did and I want to tell another person.

P: Don't do it Mina. Backbiting is bad.

M: But what do I do?!!

P: Live and let live. Sometimes people do things you don't like. As long as they aren't stealing your husband or causing your mother heart attacks you should leave them alone.

M: Err...what???

P: I'm just saying, if no one's getting hurt, you should just chillax.

M: Bhabhi since when do you use words like 'chillax.'

P: Since your brother taught them to me.

M:...Right. And are you...maybe...plotting something against someone who is...doing bad things in your life?

P: Maybe. For example, I know Chudails freak out when all their boyfriend's clothes smell like his wife.

M: ...That's why you're folding?!!

P: Just an example Mina. Did you need more advice?

M: Bhabhi you know all the behenas and I would round up that chudail and throw her in the woods far away from Bhai. You just have to ask.

P: No, sometimes we have to solve our own problems.

M: Why don't you just tell Bhai to get rid of her?

P: Don't worry Mina...her days are numbered.

M: Well...just let us know if you need help. Don would make it happen fastfast, I know it.

P: I know it too, and before long Chudail will know it also. You just don't worry about it. Now I have to go out and buy a stale cake for your Bhai.

M: What? A stale cake? Bhabhi, Bhai is king of nakhras, he won't eat stale food.

P: He will when his Fuggy feeds it to him. More married people secrets, Mina. If you're so interested in those, maybe it's time we found you a-

M: NO NO!!! You're just like Maasi and Mini Me honestly Bhabhi like please can we not talk about this like really.

P: Well seriously speaking Mina, you're one of the older behenas, some of the others are already married.

M: IRIS. IRIS is my age, she's not married.

P: That's not nice Mina, you're trying to deflect. That's not my responsible nanad, what's going on with you?

M: You know what Bhabhi? You go buy that cake! And I...I am gonna...go swimming! And try not to think about backbiting!

P: Ok Mina but this conversation is not over.

M: Yes it is...love you bhabhi kthxbai!!!! *M runs away as P fondly chuckles and puts away the last of her pati's now Fuggy-scented clothing*

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

EPISODE 2: Chores
Originally posted 23 Feb/15 in AT 94

M: Bhabhi!! Bhabhi where are you!

P: I'm in the kitchen making kachodis come and help me.

M: Hi Bhabhi...smells good in here. Are these kachodis for bhai???

P: They are for everybody. I don't spend all my time catering to my husband, you know.

M: Of course not -

P: If you do that, they get spoiled. When you have a husb-

M: BHABHI WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT

P: Mina, you can't hide from reality

M: Whatever...Bhabhi so I need your advice

P: About finding a hus-

M: NO

P: Fine, what about?

M: Bhabhi 😭

P: Arre?? What's happening? Don't cry! Did someone hurt you? Your bhai will end them with his fists. Or I will end them, with lectures. Just tell us who.

M:...No No Bhabhi. It's not like that. It's just Bhabi!! OMG!! I have so much cleaning to do and I don't wanna!

P: Mina! Don't be a baby. What will your laadlis think? If you insist on being everyone's di you should set a good example

M: But Bhabhieee. Tell me how you handle it? I know you are often doing things you don't want to do, but have to do. How can you stand it? I don't want to clean, so I won't.

P: Arre Mina that is not the way. You have to fulfill your responsibilities. That will make you happier.

M: BHABHI Don't be crazy. Cleaning will never make me happier.

P: Yes, it will. You feel accomplished when you get it done, and you feel relaxed when you don't have to worry about it.

M: Yeah but Bhabhi...can't I just do it later!

P: You know what your Bhai says about that.

M: If you can do it tomorrow, do it today...if you can do it today, do it now

P: Exactly!

M: But Bhabhiii

P: No buts Mina. The sooner you face and finish an unpleasant task, the better!

M: AUGH. Well Bhabhi!! Why aren't you finishing off that Chudail right now then! Why do you keep putting it off!

P: For shame Mina! That is no way to talk about your brother's girlfriend.

M: But she is a wicked wi-

P: No, Mina. Don't be rude. You're better than that.

M: But -

P: Anyway you have to trust your Bhabhi. I'm working on it. It will happen.

M: I still say if you need help -

P: Yes yes Donny will get out her bandookwa and the other behenas will form a ninja squad, I know

M: Fineee Bhabhi. Waise how are my kachodi folds?

P: They're ok but you need practice. When you go to your sasural -

M: BHABHI

P: Well, see Mina, here's another case. The sooner we find you a husb-

M: STOP BHABHI STOP

P: - the better it will be! Don't put off unpleasant things!

M: Hah! Husbands are unpleasant! That's what you just said!

P: Husbands are complicated. I'm sure Krishu, Kat, Mishti or even your Mini-me could tell you that. But they have their uses.

M: OMG Bhabhi please don't wink at me when you say that...Bhabhi that's...you're married to my BROTHER!!

P: Of course, how else would I be your Bhabhi?

M: ...Yes. Of course. Well ok Bhabhi I guess I better go clean. No time like the present as they say.

P: Great, and I will have a word with your DMB and your Mini-me about the search for your hus-

M: EATING ALL THE KACHODIS NOW BYE BHABHI

*Mina gobbles up eight kachodis and steals six more and runs away while Bhabhi laughs and finishes frying the next batch*

THE END

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

EPISODE 3: Meanies
originally posted 4 March/15 in AT 101

M: BHABHI BHABHI BHABHI

P: Arre arre Mina sambhal ke! Why are you running! Oh my goodness, why are you crying! *drops the towel she was folding and takes hold of her frantic nanad and makes her sit down on the bed*

M: Oh I'm crying because I read this really great story called A Second Choice by Scarlett on the forums omg it made cry look I'm still crying

P: Yes I see that. And why were you running?

M: Because I need your advice of course!

P: About...crying because of stories?

M: What! No! OMG Bhabhi I have SUCH a problem I really need your help!

P: OK So tell me what is the problem!

M: BHABHI!! Some people are talking about me and my friends behind my back and and and they're calling us names and - and I just want to answer them back in their own language!

P: Ok, first of all, calm down. Take a deep breath.

M: No Bhabhi I'm too worked up to -

P: *teacher voice* Deep breath Mina!

M:. *mina pouts but then she does yoga breathing drills for a minute*

P: There we go, shabaash. Now lets look at this logically, ok? These people who are talking about you, are they people that matter to you? Do they affect your life? Do you need their respect or admiration?

M: Well...no.

P: And are they spreading misinformation? Do you need to clear the record?

M: Not...really. I mean they just - their opinions and how they talk are so obnoxious!

P: Come on Mina, people could say the same thing about your opinions and how you talk.

M: But Bhabhi I don't call people snarky names and -

P: Missing the point, Mina. Sweetheart, you have to learn not to be bothered by such stuff. If you know the people are irrelevant in your life, and what they're saying isn't harming you or anyone, then just let it go. Life is too short to police other people's conversations!

M: *sighs*...I guess you're right Bhabhi. I knew you'd set me straight.

P: Anytime. Though again this just makes me think that if you have so much free time to be worried about a pack of backbiters, we really should be linking you up with bachelors so you'll have more useful conversations -

M: Bhabhi! No marriage talk!!

P: You want my help naa, I just want to help you progress in life. I'm telling you Mina this -

M: You know what Bhabhi! You are too good!! You take such good care of us behenas and the house and everything. You know what you should do? You should spend more time with Bhai!

P: Well...I...*blushing*

M: You guys should go somewhere. Like - like camping!! Imagine how romantic that would be, Bhabhi, you and Bhai under the stars, in the open air -

P: Yes...someday...someday we'll go Mina but don't think you can distract me with such talk! Maybe I will tell your Bhai we need to go abroad on a spouse-finding expedition for you and Iris and Kate and Ishaa and -

M: BHABHI. I'M GOING TO THROW TOWELS AT YOU.

P: *laughing* No you're not.

M: *grinning* No...I'm not. And...and I'm not gonna talk back to the meanies either.

P: That's like a good girl! Now since you have such an affection for the towels you better help me finish folding them.

M: Bhabhi! You don't need help folding! You are superwoman!

P: I know you need folding practice Mina so don't even try to flatter me. When you are married you will be responsible for -

M: ACK OK FINE I'LL FOLD!! *mina grabs a towel and starts folding - she's a disaster at folding and she hates doing it - but she'll fold a hundred towels if it will stop bhabhi from this marriage talk!*

THE END

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

Episode 4: Crushing
originally posted 5 Mar/15 in AT 102

*mina skitters into the garden*

*bhabhi is lounging under an enormous silk umbrella, enjoying a sunny day and a cool breeze*

M: BHABHIEEE

P: *raises her sunglasses...looks a teeny tiny small little bit annoyed to be interrupted at her leisure* Yes Mina?

M: Bhabhi I have a PROBLEM

P: *sets her sunnies down...scoots over to let mina share her lawn chair* And what is it this time?

M: Bhabhi...*whispers* Bhabhi I have...a...crush...*loudly* ON A BAD MAN

P: *shocked* Wait, what? Hang on...let's take this one at a time. What do you mean, crush?

M: Well basically I'm really attracted to him and I think he's super hot and I imagine what he would be like in erm hot moments and every time I see him I get giggly and you know bhabhi, a CRUSH

P: Ok...and the bad man part?

M: ...The truth is...he's kind of a jerk.

P: How so?

M: He's really selfish...he gets creepily obsessive about things, and doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants...and well I don't know for sure if he's done dangerous things but he has sketchy friends...he abuses the power of his job...he's basically a disgusting human being

P: Ah. The old looks vs character dilemma.

M: What's that?

P: Well one thing I can tell you is, you shouldn't feel bad about being attracted to him. Physical attraction is beyond our control, right?

M: Right...

P: And you're at an age where it's only natural -

M: Bhabhi I don't need THE TALK trust me ok don't go there

P: I'm just saying, the part where you think he's hot, that's ok

M: But Bhabhi how can it be ok! He's a terrible person!

P: That's what I'm trying to tell you. His character and his looks aren't related to each other. He's a beautiful beast, basically.

M: Lol Bhabhi that's an...allusive way to put it.

P: The point is that you can see him for what he is. You know he makes wrong choices. You're not so overwhelmed by your attraction that you make excuses for his bad deeds.

M: Sure...I guess...

P: So now the really important question - what do you want to do about this crush?

M: DO about it? Nothing. I just want it to stop.

P: You don't want to get involved with this guy?

M: No...

P: Even though he's superhot and makes your hormones go -

M: No no nothing like that...because...well I haven't told you the worst part

P: There's a worse part?!!

M: Yes...worse. The worst thing is...he's taken! By one of my sisters!

P: What? Mina, you're crushing on a jiju???

M: UH EEW NO BHABHI PLEASE

P: I'm just trying to figure out...I mean, the husbands and boyfriends of your sisters are -

M: It's not like that, exactly. They're not...in a relationship. Yet. But he's in this really intense thing with - with one of my sisters, and they're honestly really well matched, and I actually want her to have him, so of course I don't want to do anything with this crush!

P: *thinking...comes to a horrifying conclusion...* MINA. Are you talking about that namaard Neil??

M: *winces* ...I told you he was a bad man...

P: And you mean him and Aaliya? Mina, there's no way your bhai and I are gonna let that happen, that bast--d isn't good enough for any of you -

M: I know Bhabhi! I know! That's why I came to you with my problem.

P: Huh...yes, my sensible nanad...OK. Well...I don't really think you have a problem.

M: What? Bhabhi have I not explained -

P: You'll just have to ride it out, Mina. Sorry. There's not really anything to be done, when you already know that his character is the opposite of his looks and that you don't want to be with him.

M: Ufff! Bhabhi!! How can there be no solution!

P: Well there's not a solution but there's an alternative...

M: Yes?? What is it

P: If you get married -

M: No way Bhabhi! A marriage never solves problems! How could you even -

P: Just hear me out, Mina. I'm not planning to marry you off tomorrow, ok? I just want to explain something about marriage.

M: ...Fine...I'm listening.

P: Marriage gives you focus. Once you've made that commitment, to spend your life with your husband, it's like an anchor for your thoughts and feelings. You won't need to worry about crushes, because you'll have your husband.

M: Bhabhi that can't possibly be true. People cheat all the time - mentally, emotionally, physically -

P: Yes, I'm not denying it. But I'm saying, it's a question of attitude. Some marriages just won't work out, no matter what. But you can try to make your marriage work - because we'll get you married to a decent, normal man, not a villain, ok?

M: Theories, Bhabhi. Let's talk theories only. I can try to make my marriage work - what does that even mean?

P: It means you build on the basis of shared values...you adjust to inescapable personality differences...you try to understand the other person. Basically...you make him your world.

M: Bhabhi...that sounds...really disempowering and...frankly unhealthy.

P: It has the potential to be, I guess. Of course you still have to be part of the real world. And I don't mean that you should lose yourself. And ideally, your husband would be doing the same from his side. Once you understand each other - that's what makes you everything to each other. And that's what make you able to take on the world, together.

M: ...Right...Is...is that what it's like, between you and Bhai?

P: *goes quiet for a moment...looks into the distance...* We're...getting there. Nobody's life is ideal, right?

M: Oh, Bhabhi...*suddenly gives Bhabhi a hug* Thank you Bhabhi...

P: *smiling and laughing* What, for lecturing you?

M: For...being you.

*bhabhi and mina hug again, and then they enjoy the shade and breeze together for some quiet moments*

THE END

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

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Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

Episode 5: Expectations
originally posted 11 Mar/15 in AT 104

*Pragya is passing by Mina's room and decides to ask her if she wants to join her for tea and kachodis. She knocks on the closed door. When she gets no answer she calls out for Mina, but then there is still no answer, so she opens the door and steps inside.*

*Pragya looks all around the room but Mina is nowhere to be seen, she calls out her name one more time*

M: *muffled* I'm here Bhabhi

P: Here where? Arre Mina! What are you doing under your desk??

M: Bhabhi I am hiding.

P: Hiding from what? Mina get out from under there.

M: No I'm going to stay here you can come here too.

P: Mina.

M: No Bhabhi I don't want to come out.

P: Why? What are you afraid of? There's nothing here.

M: Bhabhi they're EVERYWHERE!

P: What's everywhere? No bhootnis, no cockroaches, no corporators. Nothing to be afraid of meri baachi come out.

M: BHABHI.

P: Yes Mina??

M: EXPECTATIONS

P: What about expectations?

M: Expectations are everywhere and I am hiding!

*Pragya smiles to herself...leans on the desk and gets comfortable for a chat...*

P: Accha so that's what it is. Mina is hiding from expectations.

M: Yashhh.

P: What expectations are you hiding from?

M: ALL OF THEM.

P: Arre meri buddhu how can I help you if you can't tell me what they are?

M: It's just everything Bhabhi it's everything. What are you supposed to do when people want you to be a certain way or do a certain thing and you're not sure you can do it? I mean Bhabhi why can't I just be me and do what I want all the time why are there EXPECTATIONS?!

P: Ok. Yoga exercises.

M: Bhabhiii

P: Even though you're still under the desk I can tell you're not breathing deeply. Come on Mina what's the first rule? More oxygen to the brain will always help you solve a problem. Chalo, breathing exercises!

M: Are you my bhabhi or my fitness instructor?!!

P: Less talking more breathing.

M: Fine. *does deep breathing drills*

*Pragya leads Mina through the deep breathing drills by counting 1-4 and then backwards*

P: Ok. Now that you are breathing easy, let's talk about this problem you have. You still won't tell me what expectations are bothering you?

M: Just general ones.

P: Well the best thing would be to think specifically about what's bothering you, and then imagine what you would tell your best friend in the same situation. Generally we're much more able to think clearly for other people than for ourselves. So whenever you're finding yourself overwhelmed like this, you need to remember to be a friend to yourself.

M: Oh...ok. I guess I would tell a friend to...relax. And that she could do it. But that's because I believe my friend could do it, what if I don't believe that about myself? How can I give myself advice if my whole problem is that I don't believe I can handle things in the first place??

P: Why don't you believe in yourself Mina? Don't you know how many people believe in you?

M: Well...

P: Are all those people wrong? Your family and friends and the people at your job? Your AT fambly, behenas, everyone you know on the forums and online? They believe that you are good at being you. That's all you need to be.

M: But they don't know! All the things I have in my head, my weaknesses and doubts, they -

P: Exactly. So their vision isn't clouded by the negativity. It's normal and healthy to have doubts about yourself but you have to be careful when you're listening to your inner voice. Sometimes it's too negative just because it has no check against reality.

M: Arre? How are you supposed to protect yourself from a delusional inner voice? That's even more scary!

P: *laughs* Well, that's when it helps to talk to someone who isn't you. But in general, if you're feeling so overwhelmed that you need to hide under your desk from the expectations that are everywhere...

M: Yeah?

P: Then you're definitely being too hard on yourself. If there's something you think you can't do, maybe you just need to look at it differently. Look at it smaller. Can you do a piece of it? One piece at a time, and you'll get there in the end.

M: Maybe...but what if the pieces don't add up properly at the end? What's the point of starting if I'm not sure I'll be able to finish at the end?

P: Arre Mina! Life is too short to wait for that kind of certainty about everything! You have to just trust yourself to deal with it if things go wrong in the future. You can't figure out everything ahead of time.

M: Why not? Bhabhi if I live under my desk for the rest of my life, my needs will be so simple. I think it's a good plan.

P: It's a terrible plan, Mina. You won't have any kachodis, your behenas won't be able to visit you, and where are you going to keep your husband when you get married? I'm warning you now Mina husbands do not like being kept under desks.

M: How do you know? Have you tried keeping Bhai under a desk?

P: Mina I love you but some things are -

M: Yes, I know, married people secrets! *Mina climbs out from under the desk and rolls her eyes at Bhabhi*

P: Feeling better?

M: Yeah, I guess. It always helps to talk to you. *smiles at Bhabhi*

P: *smiles* Good. Now come on let's go get some kachodis, ok?

M: Well, but Bhabhi...

P: Yes?

M: How do you deal? I mean there are so many expectations on you naa, Daadi and Sarla Maa expect you to start having babies, Bhai expects you to keep all his secrets, we expect you to break free of your chahtri chrysalis and become a better-dressed butterfly, Bulbul expects you to -

P: *laughing and throwing up her hands in a "please stop" gesture* Haaaye meri maa I get the picture!

M: But I really want to know...how do you do it? Don't you feel torn up with all these expectations? Where's the room for what you want?

P: Well...I have to make the room, right? It's my life. So I'm the only one who can make sure that I meet my own expectations. And for me...you know naa, my happiness comes from making sure that my loved ones are safe and whole and happy.

M: But Bhabhi sometimes I worry about you. You define your happiness by what you can give to other people. But you can't...you can't just keep giving til you're empty.

P: No, of course not. Relationships go both ways.

M: I just...Bhabhi, are you getting back enough? Compared to what you give?

P: Mina...thank you for worrying about me. And this, like everything else, is about getting through one day at a time. Some days...the balance is not on my side. But trust me, in the long run, I'll always get what I need.

M: You should get more than what you need...you should get all the love and happiness in the world.

P: Haaye! So sweet!

M: You should. You're the best Bhabhi ever.

P: Thank you...but I'm just a person. I'm not perfect. And...and I'll get whatever happiness is destined for me.

M: And love?

P: That too.

M: *sighs* Bhabhi I don't know...sometimes I think you need to fight with destiny more. I don't like what destiny is doing to you.

P: I'll tell you a secret Mina...sometimes I don't like it either. But patience is the key. My story's not over yet naa?

M: No...not yet. *squeezes Bhabhi's hand in hope*

P: *accepts the comfort and pats Mina's hand in return* OK! So enough angst? Time for snacks?

M: Yes! But maybe instead of kachodis we could have samosas. Or pakoras, actually I -

P: Good gracious!! A day when Mina is turning down kachodis?

*Bhabhi keeps teasing Mina about kachodis, but Mina is so busy dreaming of pakoras that she doesn't even have anything to say in her defense...*

THE END!

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

Quote

Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

special episode: Mina & Bhabhi discuss HookUpDate
aka, dealing with writer problems!
originally posted herein AT #106[/URL]

p: MINA
m: yes bhabhi
p: mina your behenas are getting agitated, why are you not giving them hookupdate
m: i dunno bhabhi, why aren't you and bhai having that one conversation to finish that one scene in part 3?
p: we've already had that conversation so many times in your head. just type it up and post it!!
m: no, i can't get it right, i -
p: literally no one cares if you get it right. just put it down.
m: i care if i get it right
p: no you don't
m: i kind of do
p: so go back and fix it later. you know you can do that right? how long are you gonna be stuck on part 3? do you not realize how much everyone NEEDS to read part 4?
m: about part 4...i'm not sure it's ok for the forums...
p: you know it is ok for the forums
m: but what if...
p: there's no point of what ifs, mina. IF something happens, THEN you deal with it. trust future you, remember?
m: ...yeah i guess you're right.
p: i'm always right
m: but...but then, finishing part 5!!
p: you're so stressed about part 5, have you even tried getting back to it?
m: part 3 needs to get finished first
p: so? stop wasting time mina! finish now please! i can't deal with your agitated behenas. also your bhai is waiting for part 4 for ideas.
m: oh...kaaay...you shouldn't tell me things like that
p: and you shouldn't write mature fics about us. we all do things we shouldn't
m: that's kind of the central concept of hookup
p: really? i thought it was more positive than that
m: well it is but...but it's complicated
p: so get back to writing and make it uncomplicated for us!
m: ughhh...well, i will
p: not someday, mina. SOON.
m: i make no promises. the last time i made a promise, i couldn't keep it.
p: *sigh* fine. but you're working on it, right?
m: i'm always working on it.
p: no, i mean really working on it. like writing a few words everyday, not starting at the open doc in disgust.
m: gah...bhabhiii
p: it's the only way to make progress and you know it
m: uff...bhabhi...ok, i'm working on it. yes really working on it. but i can't say more than that.
p: fine, i'll tell your behenas. don't keep them agitated for the long term forever, ok? it's not good for their health, or your sanity.
m: i knooowww
p: my little writer nanad knows so much...and writes not enough!
m: you're kidding right. do you know how much i've written today?!
p: yes, and it was fun, but you have to finish what you started mina. the psychic hole of unfinished projects...
m: ok now you're creeping me out
p: accha, then my work here is done. you're gonna write now?
m: no...i'm gonna mina show...maybe archive drabbles...gotta go for ice cream with my sister, the non-AT one...
p: ok, but mina, don't procrastinate
m: i...i'll try?
p: not good enough...but i'll take it. so get writing and good luck, ok!
m: ok bhabhi...and erm, there's nothing to give new ideas in part 4.
p: you'd be surprised, your bhai doesn't have an imagination like yours.
m: more things i didn't need to know!!
p: *grins and pinches mina's cheek* you deserve to be uncomfortable sometimes. but i'm going now.
m: good. byeee!!!
p: bye 😃

Edited by -mina- - 10 years ago

Quote

Mina

@-mina-

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

Episode 6: Shock
not previously posted

M: Bhabhi, I had an awful shock today.

P: Why? What happened?

M: I thought something was going fine but turns out it wasn't and now I have to go in a new direction.

P: What? Can you be more specific? Mina, what exactly happened?

M: I don't want to talk about specifics Bhabhi...just tell me how you deal with this.

P: Deal with...what exactly?

M: The uncertainty. The sudden shock. Something happens that you didn't expect...you assume one thing was true but then you find out it's actually something else. Stuff like that has happened to you hasn't it?

P: Well...yes, on several occasions.

M: So then what do you do? When you were counting on something and then suddenly it's not there.

P: Well, as always, first you breathe.

M: I'm breathing.

P: Yes, I'm glad you are. But the point is you need to take a moment to ground yourself. When you have a shock, your mind goes spinning in a hundred directions, and your heart does leaps, and basically you're a mess. Right?

M: Right.

P: So then you have to take a step back from the inner chaos. You have to remind yourself that you're still here.

M: That I'm...still here?

P: Yes. Because if your world got tipped upside down by a sudden shock, then you don't know up from down, you don't know if you're standing or floating, right?

M: Well...it's not as bad as that. I know I'm here. What next?

P: Exactly. Then you ask yourself, what next?

M: But I don't know! It could be - it could be so many things. I don't know what will happen. That's what's so stressful.

P: Uncertainty is a part of life Mina. If you wait to make decisions until you are certain, you might end up waiting forever, and miss the time to actually make decisions.

M: But...but what if I make the wrong choice? What if -

P: The only wrong choice is to do nothing. Are you going to stay shocked and do nothing?

M: I...

P: Even if you were planning to, I won't let you. Shocks happen. You have to give yourself time to process them. But then you have to move on.

M: Well...I guess I understand what you mean. And anyway I'm not sure this is a bad thing. Actually, it's a good thing, it just happened in a...not so great way. How do you deal with that, when something is both good and bad? How do you cope, feeling torn two ways?

P: Well...let me tell you a story.

M: I'm listening.

P: You already know it, but I'll remind you. After I married your brother, I had a severe shock. I thought I was walking into a normal marriage, and it turned out I wasn't.

M: Right...and you decided to stick to it.

P: Not at first. At first I wanted to leave. But yes, then I stayed. And then I discovered that though your brother had trapped me like a villain, he wasn't one. That there is both good and bad in him.

M: Bhai is a bundle of complications.

P: Exactly. And over time I learned to take the good with the bad. Few things in life are all good or all bad. You're saying this thing that happened to you, it's both good and bad?

M: Yes! And I don't know whether to be happy and hopeful, or regretful and upset. One moment I'm thinking about how it will be good to go in this new direction, and then the next I'm thinking about what I have to leave behind. I can't decide how I feel or what I think about this mixed bag of a situation!

P: You don't need to decide. When you feel positive, embrace that and build on it. When you feel negative, acknowledge and accept that, but don't dwell. It sounds like you want them to cancel each other out like a mathematical equation, but that's not how thoughts and feelings work. They're not a zero sum game.

M: It's just so frustrating to have these...contradictory emotions.

P: It's human.

M: I don't want to be human. It's too much work.

P: Accha. You would rather be a...bandar?

M: Yes! Bandars don't have to deal with anxiety about the future. Bandars don't have to make plans and commitments. Bandars don't have to take risks.

P: Hmm. Maybe we shouldn't assume that. Who's to know what bandars can and can't feel?

M: Bhabhiii do we have to be technical about zoology now like pls -_-

P: I'm just saying, don't underestimate bandars.

M: You mean even if I was a bandar, life would be complicated.

P: That's the beauty of it.

M: I don't know how you can be so positive Bhabhi. Don't you wish you had an easy simple life?

P: I wish...well of course I wish I didn't have so many problems with your brother. But no, I don't wish for an easy life. I think that would be too close to an empty life.

M: You're so good at making the best of things.

P: A hard won strength...but it's one I know you have too.

M: ...Well. Yeah. I guess. Listen before I go, do you want to say anything about marriage? Mini me will be disappointed if we don't discuss that.

P: It sounds like you have other things you need to focus on. Don't get married until you're happy about yourself. Or at least, hopeful about yourself.

M: OMG! Did Bhabhi just give me advice that starts with "don't get married"?

P: Until. The until is a crucial part of the first clause, you understand.

M: Hahaaa. Yes ok. Well, I'm gonna go make lemonade.

P: Don't forget to add salt for your brother.

M: Sure, and mint leaves for you?

P: Yes. And cucumber slices for you.

M: Hayeee Bhabhi how did you know!

P: Is there anything I don't know about you?

M: ...Only time will tell?

P: Cheeky bandar! Ok, go make your lemonade.

M: Thanks Bhabhi...I really needed this.

P: I'm always here.