Polemic Jackanapes #2: [COMPLETE] Chapter 13-27B - Page 70

Wonderful update Twiggy.👏.

take ur time dear.. I really love ur story..Donno why it is not getting its due respect...Hope forumwasis will realize soon.

Take your time.

Take your time dear and your flounder DP is cute!

Originally posted by: Kishmish

No problem dear Twiggy ... will wait as long as it takes for you to update ... 😆

No problem... 😊
Will wait...

It was easy to connect with your Khushi for me due to various personal reasons..and once again when I read this update, I felt the same...She had taken up with this internship project out of pressure from her father but without annoyance or disinterest, she dedicated herself soul, mind and body into and worked for it sincerely. Even in relationships, she deals situations, emotions in such a deep connecting manner...when she didn't lash out at Payal, when she made Arnav talk about his issues, but not crossing or pushing him...she gets all my affection and love...you are doing an excellent job with her...Arnav, a man misunderstood by many, I would say...only understood by Khushi and what a couple they are! I simply love them...Was greatly relieved that Payal's words didn't cast an evil eye on Khushi-Arnav relationship.

Khushi's musings while going to meet Arnav, her unsettled nagging doubts about why Arnav, what happened Arnav was neatly and precisely done..her plans to stay mad at him, punish him...was cute...

"She would punish him for not meeting her the day before. She wouldn't kiss him. Yes, that was it. She wouldn't give him that pleasure. Not that they could so much more with Nani's presence in the house. But she wanted to kiss him, she realised. Why punish herself for his impudence? She'd kiss him alright! But she wouldn't say she loved him. And definitely not that she missed him. Where did she have the time to miss him any way! She puffed her cheeks in anger and straightened her face the next second as her helmet pinched where it met the frame of her spectacles".

Being friendly with all helps a great deal..not only you are being nice and doing a good deed by smiling at some person but you are filling up a positive energy around yourself.

"The watchman smiled as he saw the familiar face and allowed her to park at the convenient spot close to the residents' parking area. She thanked him sincerely like she did every time"

Arnav's warm welcome melted even me...ha ha..."She had barely registered how endearing his looked in the green shirt she had presented him a few years back, when she was pulled inside, backed up against the door and kissed - nay, mauled, by her evidently eager lover". And his smirk..hey allaah!

"Placing her shoes neatly on the rack, she sat down on her couch"---- I like this neat habit of Khushi..a person who arranges their shoe neatly while entering a house, - their that action speaks a lot about their personality...

Taking a seat next to her, he moved to put his arm around her shoulder, only to have her push it away. He thought she looked adorable trying so hard to look angry.

"I stopped you, because I owe you an explanation. And because we need to talk before I can eat you up." This time she didn't offer any resistance when he put his arm around her, pulling her closer to himself. ---- I dunno why, but I loved this scene..especially that arm around shoulder was pushed and later it was not pushed away...and Arnav's attitude to solve out issues first by talking...

Leaning into his shoulder, "You didn't even call me yesterday. I was worried. And sad." she said honestly, her voice soft but clear. She was his, he was hers; why lie? --- Again, here I loved the way Khushi presented her worry...straight and simple..Brutally honest!!!

Arnav's honest approach and his reply was touching..he wasn't holding back but wasn't sharing the cruel remarks which Payal made...instead he dealt diplomatically expressing what he felt that moment------ "I wanted to call you that evening, but, I was... I wasn't in the best frame of mind, Khushi. I'm sorry, that's hardly an excuse and in hindsight it was the silliest thing to do. But at the time it felt like not talking to you would be best for the both of us - I didn't want to say something stupid or for you to get worried over nothing. And then I went and did something sillier when I forgot to take my phone with me. Trust me it was painful not being able to speak to you, especially knowing that you'd be waiting for it. I called you the second I got out of the meeting." ---- We all do this...avoid the call when we know we have to pick the call and talk..but at times, when pain and confusion rules heart...that moment we would feel like by not talking we don't have to deal the issue until we are ready...but will we ever be ready?? Khushi's reply was what gave me a "wah" moment! She framed her response so elegantly and un-clingingly but it made impact, it created ripples in the water...it was best ----Without looking up to meet his eyes, Khushi buried her face in the crook of his neck. "Khushi?" he urged, when she didn't say anything. She wrapped her arm around him in response; "I don't know what to say, Arnav. Since when has not talking to me become a solution to your problems? I have always felt privileged to be the one person privy to everything about you - the good and the bad. And then you say this and I am not sure what to do any more." The dejection in her timbre was as good as a punch in his gut.---- I was really touched by these lines...especially the bold line...When I read that line, it reminded me of the times when I felt I was being kept in dark or be avoided there by making me feel like suddenly my privilege was revoked and restricted..it hurts badly... it pains like someone is tearing your limbs off...

Arnav's anguish during the last evening when Khushi'call came was excellently written...his confusion was ruling..the self doubts were gnawing him and I feel it was good that he didn't talk in that mood...

"He had seen Khushi's number flash on his phone several times; he wanted to speak with her, not just because he missed her, but because he had to tell her that he'd be unable to make it to the station. But his doubts had taken over him and he had held back, not knowing what to say, not wanting to say something he didn't mean".

For the first time in his life, he didn't know whether confiding in her would be a refection of his faith in her, or just him taking advantage of her love for him. ----- Something about this line - the Payal words caused doubts in Arnav's mind ruled..and it's a very difficult and conflicting situation and mood to be in...that fear, uncertainity, insecuredness one would feel then...you brought out that very well in Arnav Twiggy! This was a brilliant expression...

As he lay in bed at night, he realised that the doubts didn't plague his mind any more. The only thing that did, was the fact that he hadn't spoken to Khushi. Hadn't told her that he loved her. That he missed her. That he was terribly sorry about not being able to come to the station. About that terse, cowardly text he had sent her. And then, he knew that Payal had been wrong. Her accusations had been wrong. It was true that he needed to look deeper within himself to know what he wanted from his life. But his love for Khushi - he would never allow himself or anyone else to question that again. ------ I loved this part (bold)...Sometimes people like Arnav doesn't need a passion like Payal's to fuel them...All aren't passionate...its not a crime...god has made people in different forms, for different purposes of life...Payal is passionate about her profession, knows what she wants in her life but there are people like Arnav, who discovers what they want from life as they go through life, living it...Arnav asking for forgiveness and Khushi's request as the reply was a gripping moment...

"Please, please don't say that Khush." he pleaded, his voice broken. "I.. wasn't thinking straight. And do you know how I realised how foolish I was being? When I thought about you. When I thought about the call I didn't take, the things I didn't say to you last evening. I knew then that I had made a terrible mistake. I am so sorry. You are my life Khushi, what is mine is yours. I, am yours. Forgive me this once, please?" Khushi looked up at him, and leaned in to kiss him softly on his lips. "Don't distance yourself from me ever again, Arnav. I cannot bear that." the tears that were pricking her eyes now made their way down her cheeks.

She realised now why Aakash had felt compelled to be so harsh with her sister. If he had seen Arnav look anything like he did right now, he would have been furious with Payal. Just like she was. ---- Twiggy, would there be a faceoff between the sisters regarding this matter? It would be an interesting plot to read...

Arnav's pride in Khushi's work and sincerity was lovely...I love such a man who takes pride in his wife achievements and abilities..."He had seen her work the past two months with such passion and dedication; that her manager was asking her to continue was no surprise. She was an asset wherever she was"

"What is there to think, Arnav? This was it! After I graduate, I am finally going to do what I want. I've had no time to even look at my manuscript during the past few weeks, let alone edit it. I want to focus on it once I graduate. I want to write, Arnav. That hasn't changed. It cannot come second on my list of priorities any more. Dad said I am free to do whatever I want once I have this degree in hand. This time, I am going to hold him to his words." ----- Am happy that Khushi made this decision. And is not going along with whatever her dad wishes...ofcourse, his wishes might be valid..but Khsuhi's life is Khushi..she has to make her choices and plans..

"Whatever you want, Khushi. Whatever makes you happy. Just keep Shashi informed." And Arnav's support here was great!

. A complement from his Khushi bitiya will have him smiling the rest of the week." he chuckled. ---- often a thought, a word, a compliment, a miss you can bring immense joy to the receiver...

I'll have to ask for more time..." she pouted.

"You hate doing that!" --- Same pinch Khushi!!!

"I know. But I have no choice" she said as she finished the last bit of rice on her plate. "Here, let me" he said and took her plate,--- Aha! I love a girl who cleans her plate by eating even the last bit of food on it and a man who clears away the plates after dinner...he he..

Neither spoke a word till Khushi sat up after a few minutes. "That bad?" he asked, amusedly.

"It was lovely." she rewarded him with a content smile. "But I was the one who went for the trip and you look like you've toiled in a paddy field. I want to know why."--- love this ease in their confidence of each other and asking to open up, share, tell me...in a nice sweet way..

Being busy can be a good thing,----yes, it is a good thing to postpone your emotional worries aside and give importance to work but your probs never go away...you need time to sit and sort it out...am glad that even if it was accidental slip - Arnav has hit the right path..His doubts and thoughts are genuine..i feel like all career people go through this situation or stage at some point in their lives..

"He wondered if anything was ever really worth it, if he would still want to do any of it if it weren't a necessity. The only thing in his life he was certain about was Khushi, the rest could change and it wouldn't bother him. She was the centre around which his universe revolved; nothing else made sense any more. He had felt it happening, felt himself become dispassionate about every other thing in life. He no more looked for meaning or a purpose in his work except the inevitable need to work hard and do his best that was always him. Perhaps he was deluding himself, distancing himself from things so they wouldn't affect him anymore. So he wouldn't have to accept the ugliness that came with reality. But then, he already knew the realities. Seen it, felt it in the moment he had found himself unable to look into Aman's eyes when he returned from his sister's funeral. He had drowned himself in work after that moment, putting his mind into it while distancing his heart. But that wasn't who he was, and the fight within himself was consuming. ---Aha Twiggy! Here you scored 100/100...Arnav's feelings was excellently written...I cant find words to say what those bold lines did to me...#purereflection

"Arnav is everything okay? How did this come up all of a sudden?" she made a move to lean away from him but he held her to himself, his arm still wrapped around her."Arnav really surprised Khushi and her natural worry and concern was sweet

"Why is this worrying you so much, Khushi? Weren't you the one who often said that I should take a break? Give myself some time? I think now is a good time. I could really use it." he explained, convincing himself too in the process. ---- loved this self convincing..its often when we voice out the thoughts swirling within our head we get clarity

I loved how Arnav offered to take Khushi together with him and her immediate response"No, no" she said immediately. "I was just... you deserve some time alone, Arnav. Solitude is underrated, and everyone deserves to indulge in that luxury from time to time. I won't take it away from you. But don't flirt with other women, okay?" she said smiling sweetly, her hands in his collar tugging at it lightly. She was still uneasy about it, but maybe she was overthinking. But this was one of the rare occasions when he proposed doing something for his pleasure alone, and she'd be damned if she took that away from him. If he needed time alone, he would have it. ----Love you Khushi!!

He told her that night with his touch and his kisses, how much he had missed her, how much he loved her. How grateful he was to have her in his life; the girl he had fallen in love with as an adolescent boy was today the woman who meant the world to him, who filled his world with warmth and joy with her presence, with her love. He revelled in her giggles as he kissed her navel, in her moans when he teased her damp core, in her sighs when they came together and the content smile that bedecked her face when he felt her come apart beneath him. She was his benediction, there was nothing he was left wanting with her his arms. ---- Waah! Waah! Superb closing to Arnav's worried thoughts and proper ending to Payal's acidic words...

Once again, I am very behind (I was out of town, and came back to a crazy AD), but I was finally able to catch up with the last three chapters - each one was very nicely written and of course, very interesting to read.

I love that Arnav and Khushi are finally back together. You had me a little scared for a moment that Arnav was going to be something a little destructive or completely withdraw from Khushi after his talk with Payal (maybe it's a good thing I read the last three chapters in one go, otherwise I would have been on edge waiting to see what happens!). I know Arnav might doubt himself, but at least he realizes that he doesn't need to as long as he's with Khushi.

I'm still really annoyed with Payal for her harsh words with Arnav. At the end of the day, even if her intention wasn't bad, she shouldn't have said what she did. She's downright rude and judgmental at most times. And because of that, I felt no sympathy whatsoever when she was crying to Khushi or even when she and Akash got into that big argument (call me a little heartless here, but that's just how I feel). I guess I just have a huge problem with people who feel they have the right to impart wisdom to others when it's just not their place to do so!! I also really resent her constant judgement of Arnav not having a direction/passion, etc...I personally feel like not everyone has found their true calling in life, and some maybe never will, but that doesn't mean that one can't get a job to support oneself and their family. Would she have been less judgmental if Arnav was unemployed and "searching" for himself? I don't think so...it seems like she just has a problem with people who aren't like her.

Arnav suggesting a break was an interesting twist - really wonder what's going to happen now.

Glad that Khushi will focus on her manuscript after graduation - there was no shame in agreeing to her dad's demands and now she's free to follow her dreams!!

One of the things that I really enjoy about this story is your characterization of all the characters - you keep them all so realistic and relatable - it's truly a pleasure to read a story like this!

Originally posted by: A_BA

..I personally feel like not everyone has found their true calling in life, and some maybe never will, but that doesn't mean that one can't get a job to support oneself and their family. Would she have been less judgmental if Arnav was unemployed and "searching" for himself?

Chapter 24

Aakash stared at the bright screen in front of him, trying to make some sense out of it. The words looked like a long string of worms and he found himself checking his phone yet again. He looked out from the window in his cabin; it was already 8 in the night and most of his staff had left for the day. He looked back at the phone on his desk and sighed; Payal had been calling him relentlessly since the past few days and he hadn't taken a single one. Instead he ignored her texts and emails as well. He knew they had to talk, but what was he to tell her when he himself wasn't sure what he wanted. He was still angry, but also guilty at having interfered with his brother's life, keeping him out of the loop. He also regretted speaking to Payal the way he had; he didn't regret the essence of what he said but the words that had come out of his mouth were a lot severe than he'd wanted. But that didn't mean he wasn't irked with her attitude. She continued to apologise for throwing silly accusations at him and being acerbic in her words to Arnav, but it was amply clear that she still saw nothing wrong in what she had said to Arnav. She truly believed she had revealed to him the truth about what was going on. Aakash didn't know whether to pity her or be furious. And so he'd taken an easy, albeit silly way out by simply shutting her out of his life, refusing to take her phone calls or even take a look at her texts and emails.

Perhaps it was time to call it a day; it had been a long one and he was too distracted to get anything worthwhile done. He shut his laptop close and placed it in his bag. He kept his cellphone in his pocket and was about to grab his coat when he sensed someone behind him. No...this was really not a good time.

He turned around and sure enough, it was Payal. "I've been waiting for you to call it a day for the past hour" she said softly and came to stand next to him. He wasn't sure what to say, but even in the haze he couldn't help but notice how tired she looked...like she hadn't slept in days. Was it work, or was it...

"You look awfully tired, Aakash."

He was surprised to hear her say what he himself had been thinking.

She reached out to touch his face, the relief evident on her face when he didn't turn away. Stroking his face gently with her fingers, "I've missed you" she said softly.

Payal grimaced as Aakash took a step back immediately. "What are you doing here, Payal?" he asked, stubbornly trying to be indifferent when he knew he was far from it. Anger aside, he had missed her. Missed talking to her, missed being with, missed kissing her, missed the way she ran her fingers through his hair when he lay his head on her lap. For someone who had always managed to compartmentalize his feelings, this conflict within himself was gnawing at him.

Payal didn't bother hiding her disappointment at his words, and Aakash felt a dull ache in his chest when he saw her shoulders droop. "We need to talk Aakash. You've been ignoring my calls, my messages. I was left with no choice, so I came here."

With a sigh Aakash placed his coat back on the hanger behind the door and sat down on his chair. His eyes widened when he saw Payal make herself comfortable on his table, sitting right opposite him, a little too close for his comfort.

He wasn't entirely surprised by her presence at his office. He knew she wasn't one to sit back and just watch things happen; she was relentless in her efforts. The fact she had waited over a week before coming down to his office was, in itself, a big thing. Knowing Payal, it usually didn't take long for her impatience to take over her. She could have come to his place but she hadn't; he knew it was a conscious decision from her side and for that he was grateful. The last thing he wanted was for Arnav or Nani to get involved in this mess.

He wasn't looking forward to this conversation. He was unsure how he wanted it to go. Whether he wanted to just let the whole argument go and move on. Or hold on to it because she simply refused to see anything wrong in what she did. He had realised by now that perhaps, he need not had interfered at all; Arnav was doing just fine and after Khushi's return, everything seemed to be perfectly normal. While he still wasn't okay with what Payal had done, Aakash admitted to himself that he had overreacted. And that was highly uncharacteristic of him. What was it about her? Around her, he was either at his very best or his worst. He wanted to stay away from her till he had sorted things out in his own head. But she was here now, and there was no escaping the impending talk.

"What do you want to talk about?" he asked, finally meeting her eyes.

"Have you even read my emails, Aakash?" she seemed anxious.

"No. I didn't want to." he was honest in his reply. She never appreciated a superficial conversation. And even he didn't have the will or the energy to lie.

Payal looked down as her fingers traced invisible patterns on his desk. When she looked up, her eyes were moist. "Do you not want this relationship anymore?" she managed to say even as the tears threatened to choke her.

Did he? If he were honest with himself, he wasn't sure. That night, he had seen a side of her that he had never witnessed before. He understood that everyone had a fair side and a dark one, but what he had seen that day was sheer viciousness. Perhaps it was a momentary thing, but he hadn't been able to get past it entirely. Was he capable of loving her the same way after having seen that? He loved her - that fact hadn't changed. How he saw her has a person had changed, but he still loved her.

He saw Payal look at him expectantly, chewing on her lip in an effort to hold back the tears.

"Come here" he said and got up from his chair to hold her in his arms. Almost instantly, he felt her hands come around him and hold him tight as she exhaled loudly in relief. And before he knew it, he felt her tears wet the side of his shirt. "I've missed you too, Payal" he said with such tenderness, she felt her heart skip a beat.

"I'm so sorry" she said, almost sobbing now. "For the things I said to you and for spoiling your shirt and for not telling you about Duke before and for-"

"Shh" he tried to calm her down as he placed her head on his shoulder and rubbed her back softly. "Don't say anything else. We both made mistakes, okay?"

Payal buried her face into his chest as she tried to calm down, allowing the fact she was finally in his arms to sink into her being. She had been terrified to even think that their relationship had come to such a brusque end. The first few days when he had ignored her calls, she had been patient, wanting to allow him the time to think over things. The patience had, over time, turned to panic, and then agony.

They had been the worst days of her life, making her curse the moment she fell in love for making her vulnerable to such a miserable state, where for the first time in her life, she couldn't even concentrate on her work. Had her actions been so unforgivable? Her lack of tact so devastating?

But she hadn't even taken an effort to watch her tongue, had she? As she relived that evening over and over again in her head, she felt ashamed at the accusations she had hurled at Aakash. And the insensitivity with which she had spoken to Arnav. She still believed there was truth in what she had said to him, but it was badly timed and harrowingly phrased.

It reminded her of the several times her mother had requested, even begged her to watch her words, warned her that it would become her biggest weakness and her worst enemy if she didn't do something about it. Was it already too late? She hoped their relationship wasn't so weak as to break at the first sign of trouble. She had to apologise to him. Every time he cut another one of her calls, she felt her heart break a little more. And then she received that email...

She had to tell him about it. She wasn't going to repeat her mistakes any more. The very thought of disappointing him again, or doing anything that would jeopardise their relationship frightened her. She couldn't lose him. Love had found its way to her in the form of Aakash Raizada, and she wouldn't allow anything to tarnish the beauty of what they shared. Not anymore.

She lifted her face from his shoulder after a few long minutes; placing a quick kiss on his lips, she stood up before he could deepen it. "I have something to tell you." she said, her gaze intent on him.

He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear what she wanted to say, especially given the solemn look on her face. But he didn't have a choice. "Go on."

Taking a step back, she leaned against the desk. "I received an email from Duke two days back. I had asked for an extension to make my decision and they approved it. But it gets over tomorrow. That email I received the day before yesterday was a reminder. I need to tell them whether I am in or out. By tomorrow."

The corners of his lips lifted in a mirthless smile. "So that's why you were so eager to see me? Now I get it."

"No!" she nearly screamed. "Please don't say that Aakash. I would have come anyway. Perhaps a little later but I would have come. It was intolerable being without you." she pleaded, surprised at her own despair. If anybody else had doubted her intentions, her temper would have flown off the handle in no time. And here she was, trying almost frantically to make him see how she felt.

"Fine. I believe you." he let out a frustrated sigh. "What do you want me to say now?"

"Aakash please" she implored. "I need to know how you feel about this. This is an important decision... for the both of us. I am trying here... I don't want to make the mistake I made last time. Even then... I never intended to take a decision without talking to you first. Please, at least talk to me?"

He wanted to groan and just... go for a swim. When had his life become so complicated? What did she want from him? He didn't want to be the reason she let go of a golden opportunity. But he also couldn't get himself to say that he was okay with her going away. For over a year. Especially when things between them were already so fragile. Torn apart between wanting to do the right thing and the unwillingness to do the same, he felt his head begin to throb. "Does it even matter what I say, Payal?" he knew he was being intentionally rude, but he honestly didn't know what else to say. "You've made your decision already, haven't you?"

"In that case, why the hell would I even be here Aakash? I haven't given them an answer yet because I first wanted to talk to you about this. You have to believe me Aakash." she pleaded. "I want us to work as much as you do. This decision involves the both of us. Please, I cannot do this without you Aakash."

Crossing his arms across his chest, Aakash leaned back on his chair and asked, "Are you saying you wouldn't go if I asked you not to?"

There was a plea masked as a challenge in his question, which unsettled Payal. Khushi had posed the same question a few days back and at the time she had dismissed her. But it had been playing in her mind ever since; the answer clear and obvious, yet she couldn't get herself to admit it. It was a bitter pill to swallow, accepting a truth about herself that was far from pretty. It made her feel like a terrible person, undeserving and selfish. Yet, it didn't make her feel guilty. The truth never did.

"No" she finally answered his question, her voice soft but firm and certain. "I would be miserable and pathetic and sad. But I'd go anyway." she was surprised she was still standing straight; she heart felt so heavy she thought her knees would buckle any second. She moved away from him and walked to stand next to the window. "I've worked very hard to get here, Aakash. I earned this fellowship. It will allow to me access to the very brightest minds in my field, the best resources, cutting edge technology. There is so much I can learn and do. I don't think I can give that up and live with myself. My work has defined who I am long before we became friends, long before we fell in love. I'm sorry Aakash, I really am. It would be easy for me to say I'd give up anything for you, because I know you're an honourable man and you'll never actually ask that of me. But that would be a lie. And I don't want to lie to you Aakash. I love you. I'd rather live with the guilt of hurting you than lie to you." her voice quivered towards the end before her knees finally gave way and she slumped to the ground with a thud.

She seemed proud and helpless at the same time; how did someone manage that? Aakash had fallen in love with a woman like no other; she took him from the heights of exhilaration to the pits of distress in a matter of seconds. He wanted to go to her and hold her in his arms, comfort her, tell her that it would all be okay. That they would work things out.

She was right, he would never actually want to be the one responsible for her giving up on her dreams. Yet, as hypocritical as it was, it hurt to know that she would go ahead with it regardless of his feelings. The intensity of his unease at her words made him feel petty. He understood what she said, he felt the anguish in her voice and yet, at some level, he was disappointed. Disgruntled, knowing that he was only one of the many factors in the grand scheme of things in her life. But he also realised that he would have taken the same call had he been in her place. What did he expect her to do? He knew what it was like to work hard to get to the top, fight against all odds to make it big and the joy of being recognised for one's excellence. It was cruel to make someone choose between that and a loved one. And he wouldn't do that.

He was hurting, yes. It felt wrong and downright duplicitous on his part even to his own self, but he couldn't help it. Perhaps it was unreasonable, perhaps not. But his decision was made. He looked up to find her staring at him, the look on her face an amalgamation of silent resolve and a manic desperation.

"Go ahead" he said softly. He walked towards the window and sat down on the ground next to her. He took her hand in his and held it; he didn't know if he was trying to comfort her or drawing strength from her.

She looked at him, clearly surprised at his words. "You should go." he managed to say.

"You don't sound convinced. Aakash you can tell me. I-"

"I'm not going to sound convinced, Payal." he tightened his grip on her hand. "You will leave soon. For god knows how long. And...you want to go. Its not an easy thing to accept, Payal. You don't-"

"Aakash I don't want-"

"I know!" he said before she could complete what she had to say. "I know what you'll say and I understand all that. I know that the fact you want to go doesn't mean you want to leave me and that this is an impossible choice. This is the strongest I can be, Payal. And it's not going to last long. I am giving you all I have to offer right now. So, I am asking you to say yes. Tell them you accept the fellowship. That you're coming to Durham. We'll... figure it out."

Too overwhelmed to say anything, Payal closed her eyes tightly. When she opened them, the immense gratitude he found in her moist eyes took his breath away. Smiling for the first time since the past several days, Aakash put an arm around Payal's shoulders and pulled her closer to himself. "I love you" she whispered close to his heart and felt the life force return to her body.