Mirrors another exceptional and extraordinary piece of fiction written by the queen of FF's Miss Amna (multitalented she is). This fiction involved various themes from social & economical statuses to friendship and the process of falling in love. Despite only having 10 chapters, this fiction managed to portray a wonderful piece of love story, its shortness just kept the readers wanting to read more and more. Ultimately, these ten chapters felt like the best fiction I've read in a while. Not because it was written by you (Amna) but, it was because of the uniqueness in the concept that captured my heart. This will be remembered for eternity, seriously.
Prologue- Usually, I never found prologues interesting to read at all as they were never captivating to me. However, yet again Mirrors proved me wrong. The prologue was endearing, intriguing and making you want to read further to see what happens. The opening scene in the book shop itself kept me hooked just because a love story beginning from book shop sounded very much likable to me. The whole atmosphere and description of their clothing felt as though I was watching everything happening through my eyes, everything was realistic and subtly described. Raman is such a charmer; anyone can fall in love with him instantly. "With the way he looked, he could be a detective too, with his crisp personality in white button shirt along with a grey blazer, his hair side swept and a dimple that adorned his face when he smiled." And just like this, after reading this description of Raman I fell deeply in love with his character. You kept the very subtle and simple, yet it said alot about his personality. Though, the difference in social and economical statuses between the two, you never once made it obvious. Coming too Ishita, normally I don't like female protagonist for obvious reasons (them being typical) but, I loved the way you portrayed Ishita in this. For some reason I could relate myself to her, her laughter instantly gave a sense of happiness. "That smile which was already a keeper of a million hearts slowly made its way on her beautiful face as she caught up with his jibe." It felt like a foreshadow, how possible she will happiness into Raman's life. The conversation between the two just brought a huge smile too my face, it felt as though they already knew each other already. I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards Raman and I'm sure many people were able to relate themselves to Raman due to being an orphan. But, it still kept him dreaming for a better life, a sense of realism. After all dreams is what we only have in the hope for a better future. I love the fact that the girl was from a rich background as oppose to the guy, you changed the typical tradition. Just by reading the prologue, I instantly knew that Karan (his friend) would be a gem. Hard to find friends like him.
Chapter 1- Since the prologue was better than what I expected, my expectations for the first was quite high. But, Miss Amna you never fail to disappoint me, it's as though you are writing whatever I want to read. And then the story began with a bang... Raman a father (WOW) I always wanted to see how Raman's interaction towards a toddler/baby and guess what Ruhi was a toddler (Yaaay). Though, Raman was in a disastrous state and clearly cannot look after Ruhi. Everything was illustrated brilliantly "It looked like it was invaded by an army in search of drugs only it wasn't" This could be visually visualised, again a touch of realism. The use of vivid imagery was spot on. Furthermore, Raman was looking for a nanny and for some reason I got the feeling that it would be Ishita (it had to be). A new character was also introduced, Natasha (like her name) she was very much likeable and did make me feel sorry for her. If only there was someone for her as well. The further description of the business entrepreneur Raman gave me a feeling Christian Grey (Fifty shades of grey); and somewhat I felt has though Raman's character could be very similar to you in the sense that he has a business. How can a male protagonist in your story not have some sort of secrets, hence in this Raman also was quite mysterious "Perhaps she didn't have any secrets like he did" this definitely kept me intrigued and guessing to what his secrets maybe. And then entered Ms. Iyer (Ishita), "she was in a dishevelled form and her designer black jacket had a smudge on the elbow and her nude pumps were dusty as if she had walked to his house instead of using her car" this gave me feeling that something was not the same. Ishita that brought happiness, today herself is in a terrible state. "I am here for the job of a nanny. Mr. Bhalla?" Just like Raman, this also made me wonder what may have happened to Ishita and why a rich girl would need to work as a nanny. Yet again, this chapter left so many unanswered questions which makes the readers want to read further.
Chapter 2- The second chapter followed on from the first one, the way Raman was asking Ishita questions it definitely felt intimidating for me especially. If I was in her place, I would feel awkward. This made me wonder, does Ishita remeber Raman from the book shop? The fact that she lied about her qualifications clearly showed something was wrong. Raman gave her the job but, we all know for what reasons (for his own pleasure of course LOL). And then the queen (Amna) finally put in an aww moment "All she had to do was smile and he gave in. He didn't know what had transpired in her life but in that one moment he had given her what was in his power just to make that smile linger a little longer." Raman is such a cutie pie, this small dose of romantic (romantic for me, not sure about everyone else) was just enough for me to gush over Raman. How perfect can this guy be (I want him, find me someone like him please). Normally, I don't feel sorry for female protagonists (I like to see them suffer LOL), but I couldn't help feel sympathetic towards her situation. And her being in this situations was somehow because of her father (such a Kameena, he is). After reading this chapter, it clearly brought out more of Raman's personality and his kindness towards Ishita. Both of them have secrets but, by being together they will be able to understand each other and open up; its just a matter of time.
Chapter 3- As soon as Ishita entered in the house, the definitely livened up the house, the use of vivid imagery was a pleasure to read. Can I just say you describe every little move and detail to perfection... I wonder whose photograph had a garland around it? Shagun? We got to read more of Ishita's point of view, understand more about her character and yet again it made me more curious to know more about her. It wasn't enough. I love the fact that all these guys in this story are well dressed, Mr Siddiqui (the surname sounds very familiar 😛) is a detective; WOW Raman is clearly going out his way to find out more about Ishita. The mention of Karan just makes me wonder, why hasn't he shown up yet. Something happen to him? Oh and I'm liking Natasha even more now, will she play a cupid between them? Raman you need to befriend her just because I like her. And finally, we get some conversation between the two. Raman is kind of a control freak, but I like the fact that he is concerned about her studies. Their converstation between them are not dragged, very much are short, snappy and to the point which, I certainly like. And the credit goes to Miss Amna.
Chapter 4- Ishita might as well be considered as a house wife, she is definitely beginning to adjust so well in the household. And just like in the show, the bond between Ruhi and Ishita is a visual treat. Hahaha thanks for mentioning my childhood favourite cartoon programme (Dora the Explorer 😉) Ishita clearly needs a reason, to go to the book shop. I like the fact that Natasha isn't one of those horrible b****es, though she also likes Raman she isn't going out of her way to get him. Instead she is convincing Ishita to marry him. Amna darling you are seriously a unique woman hence, why your stories are one of its kind. And Mr Siddiqui is back with a ton loads of information about Ishita (its pretty creepy what Raman is doing). You have kept the suspense of Ishita's background up until now and let me tell you girl, I loved how everything is getting unfolded. I'm wondering why she didn't want to marry Rahul? "He hadn't known he had become possessive of her until the fear of seeing her married to someone else arose. Had he really fallen for her, he wondered." This is just what I wanted Raman to say, of course he is falling in love with her. Actually, he fell for her when he saw her at the book shop; but the difference was that he didn't think she would look at him that way due to his economical status. Amna you illustrated this beautifully, his inner thoughts were a pleasure to read. And then Raman's concern and possessiveness for Ishita was depicted excellently.
Chapter 5- This chapter started of with a bang, I couldn't have been much happier. It was beyond my expectations, I loved how you described the photograph. Yet again the vivid imagery was much appreciated. "She was fixing her hair around her aviator sunglasses" For some reason, I was imagining you instead of Ishita. 😎 And can I just say I how loved their conversation that lead Raman into marriage talks. "It was his trump card he thought, the closest he could get to own her, to marry her and keep her." The picture in the newspaper was just an excuse for Raman really, his charms would've definitely melted Ishita's heart. On a serious note, I liked the fact that he proposed to her though Ishita may say that its absurd, his reasoning behind it is pretty valid. He wanted to protect her and never let her get hurt. This therefore, brings me to this extract which has been written wonderfully."But what triggered him to propose such an outlandish solution was her eyes and the fear in them. So Mr. Bhalla, once again did what was in his power to protect her. He proposed to marry her." It was amazing to read how Ishita opened up about herself truthfully to Raman and how she acknowledged that she didn't want to start a new relationship on the basis of a lie. It was indeed beautifully penned. And finally a mention of Karan again but, this time we find out that he is dead (one criticism, I would've actually liked to see him alive, he indeed would've been a lovely character). "She was simple, he was twisted. She owned his heart since he knew her. He didn't even exist in her world!" Something yet again reminded me of John Green's "Looking for Alaska". you seriously are a star darling, you keep on surprising me again and again.
Chapter 6- Their wedding was pretty much how I had imagined it to be, very simple and nothing OTT. I loved how Raman ordered some outfits and then told her to choose the red one "It was an exquisite piece of bronze embroidery all over red shirt with a heavily embellished red chiffon dupatta with bottle green applique and gold chooridar." from the description, it just made me want something like this. You are indeed an expert in this. Another aww moment, "He stood up as if in spell and caught himself short before he embarrassed himself further" absolutely amazing the way you wrote it. This guy just keeps on making me fall for him again and again. I like the fact that Raman gave Ishita the time to adjust into their new relationship which they have been bound too (Gave me a Zaroon/Kashaf feeling). Yet again, it was beautifully written. And then we finally get to know the reason to why she didn't want to Rahul, it was because he was a kameena 😳 Though, I loved that Ishita shared this with Raman. It took their relationship to another level, they are able to comfortably share their pasts with each other. Coming to Raman, he finally revealed his secret to Ishita. Wait what, Ruhi is Karan's daughter. Okay this definitely was a shock for me and I'm sure for others as well. Now I can understand Karan's significance in the story. Hats off to you darling for keeping the suspense. This indeed is an ideal wedding night, nothing explicit (my kind of night 😆) But infact they are getting to know each other bit better; before they take their relationship to another level. I just loved it, it couldn't have been better.
Chapter 7- This chapter began with Mr Iyer, who totally sucks. I want to kill him if thats possible?! 😆 And then comes Raman's cuteness"Like us." Raman replied as he made his way towards his side of the bed and shared a smile with his wife." his cuteness can melt anyone's heart. Even if someone is sad, they'll eventually be happy after reading this. All thanks to you darling and the way you have portrayed Raman. Raman in fact also has a great choice in fashion, firstly the material is lace (my favourite) and the the colours black with gold embellishments is like a cherry on top of a cake. It feels as though this sari is for me and I want it now 😆😛 I like how Raman gives Ishita the assurance "You won't. Just be with me." and how just by being with him, nothing will be ruined or messed up. I'm glad My Iyer left the venue 😵 Short but, beautiful scene between Ishita and Raman where he asked her to freshen up. Ooo, finally some action I loved that punch. That idiot deserved it. Thanks Raman, you are a star and now please come to me (I need someone like him in my life 😳) This makes me come too the kiss ☺️ their first kiss and it was beyond perfect! And you certainly excelled in the writing 😳 And this has to be one of my favourite chapters 😉
Chapter 8- If chapter 7 was my favourite, then this chapter wasn't nothing else but, exceptionally better than the previous one. It began with a ray of happiness that described Raman's joyful life, which brings me too this superbly amazing extract "Happiness is within yourself, they'd said. It was true because where you found happiness, you also found your own self. Such was the case for Mr. Raman Bhalla as he found his own reflection in his new companion for life, his wife. Never before he realized, a smile could light up his bleak life, sweet nothing still existed in this world and sharing a meal with his family could make him feel as light as a feather." the way you wrote was sheer brilliance, I cannot fathom enough of how much I love the way you illustrated his happiness. And you used metaphoric personification where you associate Raman as a light feather. Do you know what, it's very rare when I come across these in a FF and yours did. Now this is what I call excellent good piece of literature writing, which makes it would analysing. Hats off to you darling, seriously! The adorable conversation between Ruhi and Raman was very much realistic, I could imagine my cousin having this convo with his daughter. Very simple yet very touching. Then comes the convo between Ishita and Raman, I am so glad that Raman mentioned that she could start writing it was very much needed. (Ishita's character seriously, reminds me of you in terms of dreams) I really did hope that she considered Raman's talk very seriously, as oppose too lightly. And then, tada they finally consummated, nothing explicit you kept it modest and elegant. Which I really appreciated. You did complete justice to this scene. They always say someone always has their evil eye on your happiness and just like that Ishita's happiness were about to get ruined by an evil eye (her papa I'm guessing). See you are an expert at ending your chapters on a cliffhanger...
Chapter 9- This begins with how Raman wants to confess his feeling with Ishita, but one thing I don't understand is how you a couple make love and not confess their feelings before hand. (Maybe its just the way I'm thinking about it 😆) So as you said "With shadows hanging overhead" it definitely suggested that something will happen and which, will prevent Raman from confessing. And just like that the step mother (evil woman she was) enters and ruins Raman's plans. Seriously, I feel more sorry for him. Though, I did hope that he would tell Ishita that he was a orphan, I wonder why he didn't?! However, I also cannot help but imagine what Ishita must be feeling and going through. But, I'm glad she didn't come up with any assumptions, and instead decided to listen to his side of story. Very smart move by Ishita, and I'm glad you didn't let her character go down the drain. Thank you hun! Well hot pink sari, gosh she must look very sexy 😉 I like array choice of outfit colours. Truly amazing. The ending pretty much again left another suspense. Overall, I loved how all the events were unfolding, they smoothly followed by one another. And nothing sounded out of place.
Chapter 10- It was a bitter sweet feeling whilst, I was reading this chapter as I knew it was the last one and this story would definitely be missed terribly. The chapter began with Ishita confronted Raman, it was just how I imagined it would be. Actually, it much much better than what I had imagined. Of course it was because Miss Amna wrote it so beautifully. And then Raman explaining everything to her, followed by the confession which led to the revelations of Ishita remembering Raman working in the book shop; it wasn't OTT but simply written and their conversation was very much deep and touching. "He had really been the one. He had saved her from her father. From her demons on their wedding night, from herself when she was desperate in a new city, in a new place.The truth was, him. The truth was their relationship, because it was meant to be. They were each other reflection, they completed each other. She was herself around him without any insecurity, without any doubt." Raman indeed was like a saviour in Ishita's life, that kept her away from all problems. Their relationship was very pure and meaningful, it was all because of the way you portrayed them together. Very realistic and nothing clichd, which in fact I have too thank you for. I loved how Ishita began too start writing, I'm so glad that you made her. Did I mention how I love this Ishita?! (Lets hope Ishita will be as prolific as the author herself). Finally, coming to the father & daughter convo, I loved it despite hating Mr Iyer I do appreciate his effort to try and make mends with his daughter and he did. This, in fact was written exceptionally, short and sweet. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better way to end this amazing journey of Mirrors, you did complete justice darling. Seriously woman you need some applauds and major recognition!
"Those around you can have their novellas, sweet, their short stories of clich and coincidence, occasionally spiced up with tricks of the quirky, the achingly mundane, the grotesque. A few will even cook up Greek tragedy, those born into misery, destined to die in misery. But you, my bride of quietness, you will craft nothing less than epic with your life. Out of all of them, your story will be the one to last."- Marisha Pessl
This quote pretty much sums up whatever I wanted to say too you!
A sincere 
for this truly amazing story, I can't commend you enough! You are the BEST! 🤗
P.S. I cannot wait to read more from you! 😳xoxoEdited by Samilicious.. - 10 years ago
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