ArHi FF: In This Moment | T1 | Link to T2 - Pg 142 - Page 88

Merry Christmas. ...🥳🥳🥳

Apologize for the delay in commenting. 😳

'In This Moment' - That alone is enough to capture the reader's attention and you happen to do so in an effortlessly-literal manner (if that made any sense).

When one looks at the banner, it is a reminder of an era where letters were valued more than texts and emails. There is definitely a certain charm when it comes exchanging hand-written letters, in general, but not knowing everything about the person you are interacting with can be a bit mind-boggling. The one thing that is evident is - No judgement. I feel the characters are comfortable with the fact that, there is a certain space one gets, is allowed to be himself/herself or even more when the interaction is limited to plain simple sharing of views, thoughts that are exchanged regularly.

Chapter 1-2

Jalebi is truly a unique nick name, and no wonder A (since the names haven't been shared officially) is intrigued. I love how you kept things in suspense. I actually scrolled back into the calendar to check the date and it was a Wednesday, so here in lies your real work - Paying utmost care and attention to tiniest detail, make it not only realistic but engrossing us all along the way. Dwindling between what they feel, especially when they are strangers is amazingly thought out. Friendship is subjective, Jalebi and A are exploring the realms of it, detached of any romanticism (Hope I used the right word), where in lies the purity. They are simply exchanging letters and being themselves. Deciphering personalities awaits.

Chapter 3-4

4, 11, 17, 23- The dates are consistent, which is nice. So sorry I take note of the weirdest things. 😳

So now they are comfortable sharing information, a few background details too. there is a tinge of excitement on Jalebi's side, but A is playing along, finds her weird, but is also able to see a friend in her, and doesn't mind disclosing facts. She is fun for sure, and he could be too, if he is in the right company. The bond shared is very beautiful, in spite of the fact that they are figuring out if they have crossed the stranger's phase or not.

A guy being called Jalebi - I think there would be someone. It is quite funny when thought out loud.

Salman - I think he was pretty decent in the 90's.

Chapter 5-6

This is lot of fun, the little revelations. Sibling bonds are unique, Jalebi and Aman will get along for sure. As much as it seems, her being carefree had led him to be so as well, as far as, writing to her is concerned. He is a careful person, has learnt from his mistakes and does know how to tease her. His father seems strict, and both their mums seem sweet. Is her father strict as well?

Diabetic - That is tough and glad that he is able to reassure his new friend all is fine.

Would love to know why she is seeing a shrink too.

Chapter 7-8

It is the mid of December, guess it is exam time. Noticed the A! change to Dear A. The friendship is definitely brewing.

She hates Math, he likes Math - They definitely are doing well in Chemistry without even trying, the Laws of Attraction is/are playing it's/their part as well.

Such a wonderful update! I like that both of them enjoy each other's company and can also be patient enough to completely reveal their side of the stories, also promise to be supportive all along.

There is a thin line between sharing and over sharing. Both of them are able to respect each other enough and know where to draw the line. It may seem repetitive, but the bond they share is simply amazing, sheer brilliant writing.

Jalebi girl - That is such a cute and a cool nick name, wonder if A gets an extended version as well, she is quite expressive, I am sure a little creativity wouldn't hurt.

Chapter 9-10

Ha ha a tiny Jalebi girl doodling, that is quite the visual. Her father seems like a passionate man. I think she paints as well. Aman seems like a good friend, it is nice to see her trust A enough, to extend her friendship to his friend as well. A's di sounds like a caring sister and for some odd reason, I feel he thinks he isn't competent enough yet, to look after her, he can do much more for his family. Jalebi girl does know how to cheer him up, and that is what friend's are for, right?

What I love about this narration, is the flow. It is so natural, there is hesitation, but there is strong bonding as well. They aren't even attracted to each other, yet there is a spark, an excitement. I am enjoying the phase where in, they are friends, and not soul mates, just as yet.

As much as this seemed fun a day ago, I think it would be unfair to gobble up so much of space on your thread. I will keep the comments short, type in one go for the rest of the chapters, and sincerely hope you do not mind. 😳

Okay, I read and kept reading all morning, just couldn't let go. It is such a tremendously addictive piece of work.

It somehow also, instantly reminds of those days when I used to receive letter's from mum, when she was away, and relatives when they sent wishes on birthdays, holidays. Having a telephone was a luxury then. One thing is for sure, the wait - Painstakingly long.

Moving on, right from the moment, Jalebi girl revealing that she is an orphan, until they exchange their mutual excitement to meet - Every single letter exchanged was outright beautiful, if I may add, heart-felt.

It not only gave her an opportunity to paint memories, add in colors of her choice, but actually helped her live life to the fullest, when she had lost all hope. Words can mean a lot more and she truly understands the value of each and every single one of them. A medium of expression becoming a life support , is not what she had signed up for. But, now both of them, truly cherish the moments, words exchanged.

He has been on the receiving end as well,became more care free and also took inspiration from her, while he was doing the exact same for her knowingly/unknowingly all along.

What I loved all along is the way is how they deciphered things, reveal a little bit about each other, in their own unique ways, but also were able to self-discover themselves along the way, conquering their respective fears - Be it watching his mom fall sick and recover, he learnt to value his parent's company, his mum's food more. Also, I think she helped bind the sibling bond, make it grow stronger. For her, she began to paint once again and won the competition, letting go of Munchkin, and now moving to a different city, ready to make it her new home etc.

Anonymity is the key. The magic lasts because there is a mystery, even though we know the characters in and out, there is still a tiny bit, that helps us wonder, do we, in totality, know them?

His encouragement, words of hope, her way of cheering him up, decoding Aman's and his di's relationship status, their fearlessness of stating their feelings are all treasures that readers are going to value. Delving into their minds makes us wonder if A and J (Thanks Ruchi di for coining the term) were to be in a version of The Lunchbox - This would be it. Your version, is way better, honestly.

To create the curiosity, more so, keep it alive for such a long time, speaks volumes of your work, your art of writing. 👏

Also, wanted to add Sadh ji, UV_Arshi ji and Aysha ji - The banners are simply amazing, really pretty and carry the message along. Such a lovely tribute to her venture. 😃

Also, just realized you have moved to the next thread, Congratulations are in order. 🥳

Now we all know how they A and J feel for/about each other, would that change once they come face to face?

March 6th seems too far away,

Zeffy