~Arhi FF~#5~The Hands of Time ~ New Banner ~Sep 5 2020 - Page 14

Maybe this confrontation between mother and son was needed.

Part 1

Another festering wound erupts... Akash's vicious venting, an outpouring of 20 years worth of suppressed feelings of abandonment, of survivor's guilt spews forth as a vitriolic diatribe. Yes, Aarti needed to hear the bitter truth that she emotionally sidelined both her young sons in her single-minded quest to find her missing daughter Anjali, but Akash's tirade was both disrespectful and wrong.

Aarti like any other loving mother is clinging to hope, praying that her lost child is alive and well. Akash's callous outburst unleashes the protective motherly instinct in Aarti earning him a resounding slap. She is completely mortified by her uncharacteristic reaction, she is not a violent person, never raised a hand on her children and now this... What a mess !!

Arnav like always is caught in the crossfire... I admire him for his patience and especially for his perseverance and resolve to turn this dysfunctional family around. It will be an uphill task, but I have faith in his unflinching determination and tenacity.

Akash is suffering from withdrawal symptoms... Alcoholism is a disease and like any disease needs proper and timely treatment. He needs to enter rehab NOW if he wants to win this battle and have a chance at a happy, love filled future. He is extremely fortunate to have a loving, levelheaded and supportive girlfriend Lavanya. I am hopeful that with her love and encouragement and the unwavering support of his brother Arnav he will stay with the program and beat this addiction.

Sandhya, I love how you have sprinkled the narrative with striking, colorful images of a warm and inviting home in the Nilgiri's... Floors covered with ethnic cotton rugs, wooden couches strewn with varicolored bright cushions, kitchen shelves lined with mouthwatering pickle jars, corridors adorned with lush greenery and above all the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee !! This is what I love about your stories, a gripping account peppered with vivid, vibrant visuals.

Now to answer your questions... The story begins for me with the first word of the chapter and has been the same for all the preceding chapters. I never skim, in fact I go back to re-read to savor and enjoy !!

Part 2

Now Khushi has a genuine reason to stay on in Kotagiri. She has a new job, that of a 'civilian research consultant' working for the local police. She can continue her in-depth investigation into the mysterious disappearances of underprivileged young girls; the nefarious goings-on involving misguided young boys and most importantly an opportunity to be with her man Arnav, the one who infuses her heart with incandescent joy and happiness.

SP Shyam Ponnappa an officer of "impeccable integrity" makes good on his promise to Khushi. Not only does he provide her with the requested information, but also offers 'help' in finding the child kidnappers and punishing them for their misdeeds. He is cognizant of the potential dangers involved in the unmasking of ruthless criminals, as such he does not want Khushi tackling this problem alone. He has a huge crush on Khushi and would like some 'alone' time with her. This may have been one of the motivating factors for him to offer Khushi a job; but he is also an astute, logical man who realizes that his under-staffed police department will benefit from the services of a diligent and dedicated investigative journalist like Khushi.

Shyam keenly observes Khushi's familiarity and relaxed demeanor with Arnav, which he attributes to her longstanding association with the Raizadas. Little does he know that the girl he is interested in has already chosen her mate; any attempt on his part to pursue anything personal with her is going to be met with rejection. I hope he will be a gracious 'loser', and accept Arnav/Khushi's relationship without any acrimony or rancor.

Arnav, the seasoned businessman is extremely perceptive. It does not take him long to figure out that the fine SP Ponnappa is smitten with 'his' Khushi. He is not bothered by this as he is secure in the knowledge that 'his' Khushi reciprocates his feelings with equal fervor.

The strong-willed, courageous Khushi carries some deep emotional wounds. It is heartbreaking to see her feel she is undeserving of enduring love and/or a long lasting love filled relationship. Arnav's love, patience and commitment will be the much needed balm to help soothe and heal her suppurating wounds.

I simply love the fact that Arnav and Khushi candidly discuss their successes, disappointments and fears with each other. I agree with Arnav one has to first savor the present, the 'now', before one can reflect upon the ambiguity of the future.

I am absolutely delighted that these two have decided to acknowledge their incendiary chemistry and take their relationship to the next level !! They have a long way to go before they can attain their happily ever after, but as long as they are together they can overcome all...

Later alligator!! 😃

....
😃
Part 1 thoughts...too long..

What an emotional upheaval in a family. A decades old criminal act still rips and tugs at the hearts of the inhabitants of Ashirwad while the criminal is still at large. Anniversaries of more than one kind approaching and the tragedy once again at the forefront.
Ashirwad - A misnomer at present, once a happy home is just a house at the moment where people reside and interact as needed, but crystal splinters and doors slam once too often.

Aarti, a mother longing for her missing* daughter, distant with her sons, abandoned by her husband and always in control of her persona loses her cool and does the unthinkable, slaps her son. Such harsh words from Akash who is clearly showing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal were triggered by Aarti's pooja plans for Anjali and while what he said might seem inappropriate, they reflected his suppressed feelings. Bad timing, but the unforeseen cannot be scheduled.
I felt the slap, I felt the welts on Akki's cheek and my shoulders stooped for Aarti. Kudos Sandhya!👏

The pooja she arranges every year, Ayush homam, to pray to God of life, I looked it up and feel both, sad and hopeful. Starting with this chapter I stand with Aarti where Anjali is concerned and consider her missing* only. I think she is around and close by!! 😉

Akash is an alcohol abuser. Since he has decided to undergo treatment he needs to get to rehab pronto. No delays, because there is always a reason to delay. Arnav's tough love stand, locking the liquor cabinet or moving the liquor to storage is admirable, but if Akash wants a drink he has other sources readily available. Lavanya's grounded fighter spirit and promise to be there by his side too is admirable, but Akash needs professional experts to help him deal with and overcome alcoholism. This disease requires long term care and maintenance. He has to be able to look at alcohol and not want one drop for himself. 😳

Akash and Lavanya's day together was a delight. Proud of both of them for their brutal honesty and desires. Loved Lavanya's cozy comfortable home. She is strong, resilient and not connected to the tragedy and she is just what Akash needs and he knows it!! ❤️

Arnav, the staunch sentinel for his family has his limits too! He is vulnerable amidst his family members who are all dealing with the tragedy in their own style. He also has a fiercely independent unpredictable babe, Khushi is her name, makes his heart go boom-boody-boom, also dealing with the same tragedy!! Have a feeling he too is off to nuzzle with his babe!! 😛

God of life, please be merciful to all the innocents in this story!!

Too much said, Breakfast Strained and I said to myself O O, Aarti rolling the place mat - O No, Akash's tirade - Doom; I do skim...a little, but will talk about it later. 🤗

PS: So touched by your gesture of posting the images in the chapter. 🤗
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For Part 2...

Khushi-Arnav
....

😛 Part 2
Partial comment...since I got carried away. 😉

"Birthdays were the last thing on her mind"....first hers and then Akash/Anjali or vice versa (can't remember).
Does Arnav know about her birthday?? Their first delicious close encounter...special Birthday gift?

Tonights the night...It's gonna be alright
Cause I love you girl...Ain't nobody gonna stop us now...
C'mon angel my hearts on fire...Don't deny your man's desire
You'd be a fool to stop this tide...Spread your wings and let me come inside...

Khushi-Arnav are an ordinary regular normal couple. They do all the things you are supposed to do, drink a little, fight a little and then make sweet sweet dessert moments. Strike of midnight will ring in Khushi's birthday!!
I don't mind where you stopped. I will let my imagination run free and wild. 😛 😛 😛

Full comment Tonight's the night

Me too!!
😊

A confrontation of some sort was bound to happen. The "birthday" cannot be an easy day for the family. The breakfast turning sour was most unfortunate, but perhaps a layer being peeled off and a step closer to "lightness". I look at it as hitting bottom for Akash and Aarti. The difficult journeys for the Raizadas and those close to them has begun.

Akash's alcohol addiction is no easy feat to conquer and while detox and rehab is a great start, he will need support for a long long time. Arnav can store away the family's liquor, but they live and conduct business in an environment where alcohol is consumed and for Akash staying away will be a task indeed.
His decision to take control of his life, after a screeching stop at the slope was a great step. Coming clean with Lavanya was another huge step. She is sweet, level headed and does not strike as a pushover. She has her share of difficulties, but she is grounded and she will stand with Akash. Enjoyed their casual meeting, heart to heart talk, filter coffee and romance.
One birthday celebration date set. 😉

Answer to your questions:
1. Akash's pain unleashed on Aarti and her slap.
2. No skimming*, read 4800 words.
*Same goes for previous chapters. I believe you have a reason for all the inclusions in the story.
👏

The dam burst and the emotions gushed and the gatekeeper (in this household it is Arnav) stood watching the mass destruction helplessly. I don't envy Arnav his job. He tries, and tries and tries again and all he gets in return are rejections and bigger messes to clear up. I can't help but wonder if the man is going to clear out of Ashirwad soon.

Updated chapter-16 part-1 on page 21😃

Good to see that you recovered. Will go and read and than will come back.

Wonderful update! 👍🏼

Hi Sandhya, An emotional chapter. You have beautifully stated the mind and working of an alcoholic who trying to give it up for his and his love's sake.