Originally posted by: CogitoErgoSum
Hey Kashmi...🤗 🤗
Was lovely interacting with you over PMs and on my thread yesterday and here I am on your wonderful thread, with such a powerfully narrated tale. Actually, I'd typed a detailed comment yesterday, after reading all the 5 chapters together with great interest, and lost the whole thing since my net was down when I pressed "post reply". 😭 Sorry about that.
Where do I begin, Kashmi? Really, you have done such a good job with this piece, and being your first work on the forum, kudos to you on the choice of subject, the sensitive way you've handled it, and the very powerful way you have portrayed the emotions of all the characters.
Attempted rape/ sexual molestation is such a heinous crime, and one of the worst aspects is the psychological impact on the survivors. You portrayed this so sensitively right from Chapter 1. I was literally wincing in the beginning, feeling helplessly furious at Lakshya for daring to attempt this contemptuous crime, on a woman who is his brother's wife; and whom he claims to love. What kind of love is this, that involves forcing himself on her? When she has told him clearly, time and again, that she doesn't care for him, and only loves Sanskaar?
Man, Lakshya is so vile here, so contemptible. I can only hope he gets the due punishment for his sins.
You handled this traumatic subject with the utmost sensitivity. Kudos for that.
The highlight of Chapter 2, was Sanskaar's gut wrenching concern, love and protectiveness for Swara; and his guilt for not having been there to protect her/ rescue her. It isn't really his fault, but one could see the sheer agony he went through, seeing Swara like that. I just loved the way he handled Lakshya, punching him and slapping him like he deserved.
And the SwaSan interaction, where he promises himself silently, that he will bring her joyful, confident self back, was so moving.
Chapter 3 was amazingly moving, the way Sanskaar so gently, so carefully held Swara and removed the memory of Lakshya's lust, hate and anger, with his own loving and tender touch. I want to salute you here for emphasizing the tenderness and caring aspect of the scene, rather than making it sensual of passionate---as Swara was really not in that frame of mind at all. Sanskaar, too was approaching it as a comforting, protective gesture and not a "leading to more" act, and you portrayed that with such finesse.
And here you gave us a glimpse into Ragini's mind as a woman, as a human being. Finally, she realizes what her sister has gone through. What is the point of her obsessive fascination for Lakshya when he is a man with such a weak moral compass? Intoxication, after all, is just an excuse. The lack of control, the crazed lust which is evil enough to result in this action lay dormant within, the alcohol just loosened it from its lair. Glad that Ragini realized this, and got on track for her long overdue redemption! The way Lakshya was trying to blame Swara for the crime, almost hinting that she brought it on herself, was just so contemptible! Ugh, that man!! 🤢
Chapter 4: I was amazed yet again, and severely disappointed at Annapurna's stand of trying to find excuses for Lakshya. Lakshya himself, again says that he couldn't help himself, he was intoxicated, and couldn't bear it when Swara kept pushing him away, and saying she loved Sanskaar and Sanskaar only! Lakshya, I think, really doesn't understand the meaning of the word "NO". Sickening guy.
But Durga prasad rose to the occasion and insisted that Lakshya would be punished for his sins, and no one would shield him. I felt very proud and happy when Swara very firmly told Annapurna she couldn't forgive Lakshya for this crime.
And Ragini, too, stood by Swara and Sanskaar, and handed over the house and safe keys; giving up her attempt to ruin the Maheshwaris. At least she has reached a realization and repentance of her sins, still a far cry for Lakshya!
Chapter 5: I liked the delicate touch and nuance with which you have shown the comfort and awareness between Swara and Sanskaar. She is still so unselfish, she doesn't want news of Lakshya's arrest to leak out in the media and for their family reputation to be harmed. She also doesn't want her folks to pity her and feel sorrow at what happened to her. It was good to see Sanskaar admiring her yet again for the wonderful, selfless person that she is.
All in all, a great start and most enjoyable read, Kashmi. 🤗 Good Luck with your Exams, and look forward to chapter 6, after Monday, I think you said?
Wish you and your family a Very Merry Xmas!! 😊