At the start of Chapter Ten, Sen recalls a memory of when Shona was nine. What do you think about Shona, after nearly twenty years, finally being closer to her dream being actualised?
Based on the conversation between Sen and Shona, do you think that Shona was making a lot of assumptions regarding what her parents wanted her to do?
Was Sen right in assuming Shona was the one who forced herself to work at the shop?
The communication between Sen and Shona was slowly improving. Do you feel relieved by this?
What do you think of the conversation between Shona and Aruna? How does it affect what you think of their grandmother?
Anni setting Sen up on a date was really awkward. What do you think of Natasha revealing that she knows Sen and Shona are having a thing?
How long do you think it will be before Anni figures it out?
Sen’s mother definitely has a way about her. What do you think of her “threat” to tell Shona’s parents?
At first, many of us may have been wary of Felicity. What do you think of the growth of their relationship and how each helps the other to grow their business?
In Chapter Eleven, Sen calls Shona babe for the first time… did you squeal a little?
How do you feel about Shona’s memory regarding the sewing machine and the effort her parents put in. Do you think that this might be one of the reasons she is hesitant to reach out?
Shona learns about her family from Sen’s father. She learns that she is very much like her great-grandfather and that even though she may look like her grandmother, there are many differences. What do you think this interaction means to Shona and how do you think it will shape how she will see things from now on?
Shona mentions that she wants Sen in a lot of ways but that there are too many “buts”. What do you think is holding her back? What could these buts be?
12 responses to “Pillow Talk – Day Four”
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1. Seeing Shona finally move closer to her dream after nearly twenty years is so inspiring. It shows her resilience and how, even with all the setbacks, she’s finding her way back to what little Shona once dreamed of.
2. This one feels tricky, because I really do understand Shona’s deep sense of duty to her family and their business. But because no one actually talks openly, she’s left filling in the gaps herself. And that’s where so many misunderstandings creep in. She’s assuming instead of hearing it directly from them.
3. I don’t think Sen was completely right. With family businesses, there’s always that unspoken weight of “legacy,” and children often feel expected to step in whether they want to or not. At the same time, I do feel Shona could have spoken up about her own dreams sooner. Though it’s never easy to go against family expectations.
4. Absolutely 💯! It was such a relief to see their communication finally improving. It’s like a weight lifting off their relationship. Proof that when they actually talk and listen, things between them get so much better
5. That conversation really didn’t do the grandmother any favors for me. It just confirmed how mean-spirited and spiteful she can be. It also made me feel more sympathetic toward Shona and Aruna, because growing up under someone like that clearly left a mark on them both.
6. Anni setting Sen up on a date was so awkward. Crazy best friend energy but also a little meddling 😅. And then Natasha casually revealing she knows about Sen and Shona? Total game-changer. It makes me wonder if Anni is going to connect the dots sooner rather than later.
7. Honestly, I think Anni already suspects. She knows them too well, and I get the sense she’s just waiting for them to admit it themselves. In a way, she might even be nudging them closer to confessing.
8. I don’t think Sen’s mom really meant it. I read it more as a bluff. She definitely has a way of stirring the pot, but I don’t think she’d actually go through with telling Shona’s parents.
9. At first, I was definitely a little wary of Felicity, but I love how their relationship has grown. It feels like true ✨️women empowerment✨
Two women uplifting each other, sharing strengths, and helping one another grow their businesses. Such a beautiful shift from client to collaboration.10. OMG yes, I totally squealed! 😍 Hearing Such a heart-melty moment. Little moments like this make all the slow-burn tension so worth it.
11. I think at the time, her grandmother was still running the show. Her father, as much as he tried, couldn’t overstep his mother. The fact that he ended up buying Shona a sewing machine shows he wanted her to have it. Looking back, I think Shona could maybe be a bit more understanding of his efforts and the position he was in.
12. This interaction clearly meant a lot to Shona. She’s always disliked her grandmother and resented looking like her. So, hearing that she’s actually more like her great-grandfather, and that she’s her own person, was validating. It shows her that she can embrace her own kindness and softness, and I think it will help her see herself and her choices in a more positive light going forward.
13. I think Shona’s “buts” come from a mix of fear and self-doubt. She’s worried she isn’t good enough for Sen and is scared of getting her heart broken. Especially, since she’s had feelings for him since childhood. The incident when she was 15, with the other girl, clearly left a mark. She isn’t quite ready to face how serious a relationship with him could be.
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1. I believe this reflects Shona’s determination and passion for her dream. It is rare to find individuals who go on to pursue the career aspirations they held as children.
2. I agree with Sen that Shona misunderstood her parents and made many assumptions. Shona seems to struggle with communication.
3. Shona has never openly shared her dreams with her parents and simply slipped into the role of managing the shop. She does appear to have some communication difficulties.
4. Absolutely. I have been waiting for their communication to improve, as they truly need to share their feelings with one another.
5.It was heartbreaking to hear about the treatment they received from their grandmother. It is unimaginable to picture their feelings, especially since both my grandmothers were incredibly kind, affectionate, and caring women.
6. That was very intuitive of her. Like many others around Shona and Sen, she recognises the feelings they have for each other.
7. I think Anni is aware, but she creates these moments of jealousy in order to encourage Sen and Shona to communicate their feelings to each other.
8. Coming from a South African Indian household, I can relate to the feelings of the parents, who are always conscious of maintaining a good family image. Often parents prefer relationships to be openly acknowledged by both parties, rather than kept secret.
9. It is wonderful to see women supporting one another and how this business relationship has been so beneficial to both Shona and Felicity.
10. Absolutely. I adore the sweet nicknames that male protagonists give to female protagonists in romance novels.
11. This may have contributed to Shona’s hesitation, as she believes her parents never truly supported her dream.
12. As a South African of Indian descent, and knowing where our forefathers came from, I always find it inspiring to hear how they built lives for themselves and made remarkable progress. I believe Shona feels the same way and will try to continue her great-grandfather’s legacy through her business.
13. Shona is probably hesitant because she embodies chaos, while Sen represents order. She may worry about how they would balance one another. From previous chapters, it was also clear that Shona felt uncertain about how Sen’s family would accept her. -
I love this for Shona! For her to be able to achieve a dream since shes had as a child is so incredible.
Of course she did as doing something for yourself was never the norm in her house growing up thus assuming she had to follow in her fathers footsteps of running the shop.
To a certain extent yes, but her parents are equally to blame as they never explicity told her to do whatever makes her happy. Her parents also never showed Shona that its okay to do things for yourself, or even as a family, as the shop trumped everything else. So for Sen to assume it was purely on Shona for forcing herself to work at the shop is incorrect. It goes both ways.
FINALLY! It feels so good to see them communicating and opening up to each other.
Their grandmother was not a very nice person and seemed to always want to control others
which is not ideal. Aruna and Shonas conversation just confirmed more as to why I dont like their granny.Honestly love that Natasha picked up on it so quickly which makes me think how Anni and Sam haven’t picked
it up already considering they know both Sen and Shona longer. It almost feels like Anni and
Sam are either overlooking it or they know but are somewhat playing into it.Hopefully soon as I cant believe she hasnt picked up on it already.
Her threat was a light hearted one just to mess with Sen and I am so here for it. This also
shows us that she cares for Sen and only ever wants the best for him.Felicity is so kind and is exactly what Shona needed! Their relationship is great and them
wanting to help each other out is super sweet and shows that they both respect one
anothers work.I sure did! Sen is so head over heels in love with Shona.
Definitely! Her parents didnt really stand up for her as parents should so I can understand
as to why Shona feels a little let down by them and is struggling to reach out to them. And
in all honesty I feel like they should have been the ones to reach out to her first.Shona clearly struggles with how she perceives herself especially since her grandmother
wasnt the kindest to her growing up. Hearing the stories of her great grandfather will likely
Spark more confidence in what she is doing and change her outlook on a lot of things when
it comes to her parents.There differences most likely as they are polar opposites but they work so well together.
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Q- At the start of Chapter Ten, Sen recalls a memory of when Shona was nine. What do you think about Shona, after nearly twenty years, finally being closer to her dream being actualised?
A- Shona’s story is such an inspiration – realising her childhood dream, despite many obstacles. It was also so lovely that Sen remembered that!Q -Based on the conversation between Sen and Shona, do you think that Shona was making a lot of assumptions regarding what her parents wanted her to do?
A- Yes. There has definitely been a lack of communication on all fronts.Q- Was Sen right in assuming Shona was the one who forced herself to work at the shop?
A- He’s right. However, it’s totally understandable from Shona’s perspective.Q- The communication between Sen and Shona was slowly improving. Do you feel relieved by this?
A- Finally 🙂Q- What do you think of the conversation between Shona and Aruna? How does it affect what you think of their grandmother?
A – It’s quite sad actually. Family drama is always difficult to navigate. I’m glad that the sisters are finally speaking openly and honestly with each other and not repeating past family patterns.Q- Anni setting Sen up on a date was really awkward. What do you think of Natasha revealing that she knows Sen and Shona are having a thing?
A- Super awkward! If Natasha could pick it up, I’m sure Anni knows what’s going on!Q- How long do you think it will be before Anni figures it out?
A – I suspect she already knows and is waiting for Shona to tell her.Q- Sen’s mother definitely has a way about her. What do you think of her “threat” to tell Shona’s parents?
A – I don’t think she’ll really do it!Q- At first, many of us may have been wary of Felicity. What do you think of the growth of their relationship and how each helps the other to grow their business?
A – It’s really refreshing and empowering.Q- In Chapter Eleven, Sen calls Shona babe for the first time… did you squeal a little?
A – Eeeeek! So sweet.Q – How do you feel about Shona’s memory regarding the sewing machine and the effort her parents put in. Do you think that this might be one of the reasons she is hesitant to reach out?
A- Absolutely. She feels the past would repeat itself if she confronts them.Q – Shona learns about her family from Sen’s father. She learns that she is very much like her great-grandfather and that even though she may look like her grandmother, there are many differences. What do you think this interaction means to Shona and how do you think it will shape how she will see things from now on?
A- It was really special. I think it will definitely help her see things from her fathers perspective.Q – Shona mentions that she wants Sen in a lot of ways but that there are too many “buts”. What do you think is holding her back? What could these buts be?
A – I think she feels Sen is too “good” for her. He is so organised, well off and has his ducks in a row, while she is still trying to figure things out. -
1. I’m so proud of her! Girl said what she would do and did it, whether or not she remembered it. And 20 years later, Sen is still by her side.
2. Yes, unfortunately she was putting the thoughts and words into their mouths, without ever asking them.
3. Yes. I don’t think her parents would have forced her, unless her grandmother had a say.
4. So much so. Communication is a key element in any relationship and this newfound share-y-ness means that they’re on their way to more than just a casual fling.
5. I think it’s very sad that Aruna has been living with this weight of their grandmother’s influence all these years and that she said nothing. And that the sisters were held apart by expectations and rivalries. I despise the old woman now, to be honest.
6. I think that it means that they’re being super obvious and everyone knows, while they try to keep it a secret. I think Anni definitely knows, she’s just toying with them. It’s very funny actually and cute that they think they’re the only ones who know.
7. I think she already has.
8. I think it shows that she actually wants happiness for her son and that she can see he is happy with Shona. I also think she might be trying to get a marriage arrangement done before he can back out of their relationship.
9. I think it’s awesome! Women supporting women in business is a very close cause to my heart. After starting my own business recently, I’ve realised just how important that support can be and how much it means to one’s spirit and repuation.
10. I squealed a LOT!!
11. I think it was unfair that they listened to her grandmother and that her grandmother was so spiteful. But, I also think that they were trying their best to make up for it by getting her her own sewing machine. Obviously, they are not without their faults, but Shona was a bit ungrateful here. It’s definitely one of the reasons that she is so hesitant.
12. I think it’s opened her eyes to the people that came before her and to how they relate to her now. She finally realises that she is more Shah than she thought and I think this might lead her to make peace with her family and to grow her business.
13. Their families – she doesn’t know that his family adores her, despite their economic statuses. Fear – that getting too close to him will get her hurt, and that he will start to dislike her chaos and her personality, that he doesn’t really love her. The future – if her business starts to boom, she’ll be very busy. Perhaps too busy for him? -
– [ ] It’s must feel like the highest form of manifestation when everyone didn’t think it would come to be and I’m even she herself doubted but it’s coming through in the most natural way possible must feel very validating
– [ ] Absolutely . I feel a lot of things she’s hurt by so far could’ve at least been approached with a conversation at the least and where we like it or not brown parents will not be the ones coming to first but she knows better or at least should know better
– [ ] She let her trauma from her granny bleed into her sub conscious and subsequently she’s made a lot of assumptions about her parents the shop and her own livelihood
– [ ] Thank GoD!!! The girls communication skills is some what present 😭 I think she spends a lot of time in her own mind that she lets thoughts breed in real life assumption which sub consciously holds herself back
– [ ] I have a bit more empathy for Aruba as a character . Hate the granny . She’s dead thank god
– [ ] They’re so obvious but they think they’re slick
– [ ] Bahahaaha such a brown mum she knows the lines to pull to get her way
– [ ] I love females helping each other build !
– [ ] I squeaked and gawked !!!
– [ ] Absolutely she felt isolated in a very grounding moment which would’ve led her to being very apprehensive to assume they’d supper her
– [ ] I think it should help her separate her hatred for her granny from hatred for the shop
– [ ] I think she has a lot of deep rooted insecurity she keeps mentioning what Sen had said much a while back about her being complicated which I do understand how it’d sit on her conscience . I feel the biggest barrier is her own mind . She thinks of everything worst case scenario wise before even broaching the actual topic . -
1) I love that despite everything Shona is still pursuing her dream. She is determined to make it come true and I’m confident she will achieve that.
2) Shona was definitely making a lot of assumptions regarding what her parents wanted from her but I honestly don’t blame her; because there were so many unspoken rules and lack of communication that she had no choice but to make her own assumptions and draw her own conclusions.
3) Honestly whilst reading this chapter I did feel like Sen was overstepping a little but;he was right. I do believe that Shona isn’t solely to blame though because there was such a lack of communication between her and her parents.
4) Yes! Finally they’re communicating and trying to understand each other!
5) It breaks my heart that a grandparent can be so cruel! I felt very sorry for both Aruna and Shona for having to tolerate such a horrid woman.
6) If it’s so obvious to a Natasha (who is a total stranger) then CLEARLY it’s obvious to Anni and Sam and everyone else.
7) I really think that Anni already knows because she’s been best friends with both Sen and Shona for years and she knows them both very well. There’s no way she is that clueless. I think she’s just waiting for them to tell her.
8) I dont think she actually meant it. I think she was just teasing him but subtly nudging him in the right direction.
9) If Felicity wasn’t a fictional character I would owe her an apology for how hard I judged her lol. I really didn’t trust her but I’m glad she proved me wrong and was so uplifting and supportive. A real girls girl!
10) I totally did! Had me giggling and kicking my feet blushing.
11) This frustrated me so much but I honestly understood why her parents reacted the way they did especially her father. It’s very hard in some Indian families to speak up against an elder in the family. It disrupts the peace and can be seen as disrespect. But her father still buying her the sewing machine months later should have been validation that he did believe in her.
12) I sadden me to read that Shona had to learn about her family heritage from Sen’s grandfather but; I loved that it gave her validation that even though she might look like her grandmother that she inherited her grandfathers passion and work ethic and I think she needed to hear that and will carry that with her throughout her life. It made her proud to learn how hard her grandfather worked to leave a legacy behind.
13) Shona feels as though she isn’t good enough for Sen. She is chaos and he is structured so that makes her believe that they’re incompatible. She struggles a lot with self confidence and that is creating doubt in her mind. I suspect she is also afraid of both rejection and commitment.
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1. I’m honestly so proud of her! All the steps she took to get to where she is were not in vain!
2. Both yes and no. I think that there’s always this sense of owing to one’s parents especially in the grown community and I think that is where shonas assumptions stem from. It’s always an unspoken rule for us to do what makes them happy but at the same time that is what they think is best for us
3. Sen does have a valid point but he should also understand Shonas sense of duty to her family as he had never had to be put in that position so not really
4. So absolutely relieved!!
5. I’m so happy that they got to have this conversation though I’m furious at the grandmother for being the reason aruna had to leave dance for such a silly reason. She sounds very old fashioned in her ways
6. I honestly find it so hilarious that even she noticed something was up !!
7. I honestly think she’s hot on their tail… definitely soon
8. I think she did it just to see the reaction honestly!
9. I wasn’t really suspicious of her from the start so I find their partnership very endearing!! I think they both are a benefit to each others business so why not!
10. No… well yes. Maybe a little. Okay a lot, you got me!
11. I understand we’re Shona is coming from but at the same time I feel like she should just be the change she wants to see and reach out.
12. I think this helps her see things from a different light. I feel like this will be a little boost of motivation for her
13. I think she’s just afraid of the unknowns. She’s going through a lot in her life right now and I think she’s just scared that she doesn’t know what setting things in stone with Sen will have for her in the end
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Q – At the start of Chapter Ten, Sen recalls a memory of when Shona was nine. What do you think about Shona, after nearly twenty years, finally being closer to her dream being actualised?
A – Yes she is and I love it. I think she let it slip away while she was working in her father’s shop. I’m glad that she’s finding herself againQ – Based on the conversation between Sen and Shona, do you think that Shona was making a lot of assumptions regarding what her parents wanted her to do?
A – Definitely. It’s natural to do so but I’m glad that she realises it nowQ – Was Sen right in assuming Shona was the one who forced herself to work at the shop?
A – Yes, I think she assumed it was expected of herQ – The communication between Sen and Shona was slowly improving. Do you feel relieved by this?
A – So relieved, they are actually talking more – they deserve thisQ – What do you think of the conversation between Shona and Aruna? How does it affect what you think of their grandmother?
A – She was a deeply unhappy woman and I dislike her greatly. I’m so glad that Aruna and Shona have talked and are in a better place nowQ – Anni setting Sen up on a date was really awkward. What do you think of Natasha revealing that she knows Sen and Shona are having a thing?
A – I can’t see how Anni doesnt see it. I think she wants to push them to acknowledge their feelings. It was nice of Natasha to step backQ – How long do you think it will be before Anni figures it out?
A – I can’t help but feel that she knows alreadyQ – Sen’s mother definitely has a way about her. What do you think of her “threat” to tell Shona’s parents?
A – She knows which buttons to push and I love it!Q – At first, many of us may have been wary of Felicity. What do you think of the growth of their relationship and how each helps the other to grow their business?
A – I love how she pushes Shona to do more but also warns her that its not all roses and sunshine. She’s good for ShonaQ – In Chapter Eleven, Sen calls Shona babe for the first time… did you squeal a little?
A – YES I loved itQ – How do you feel about Shona’s memory regarding the sewing machine and the effort her parents put in. Do you think that this might be one of the reasons she is hesitant to reach out?
A – She may not have felt supported because they just let her grandmother do as she pleased. This may have made Shona feel like they didnt believe in herQ – Shona learns about her family from Sen’s father. She learns that she is very much like her great-grandfather and that even though she may look like her grandmother, there are many differences. What do you think this interaction means to Shona and how do you think it will shape how she will see things from now on?
A – Most definitely, I think she realises that her father may feel trapped by the shop too but can’t leave since there is no one else. I love how his grandfather reframed how she sees herself so her features are her own and not her grandmothersQ – Shona mentions that she wants Sen in a lot of ways but that there are too many “buts”. What do you think is holding her back? What could these buts be?
A – Shes scared of losing her friend and someone she cares about deeply. She may also be scared of what a relationship will entail – will they lose what they have? -
1. Its so beautiful to see how far Shes come. After everything she’s been through, she finally doing something for herself and turning her passion into reality.
2. Yes, Shona is one to not communicate, and given that she walked away to do what she loves made her not communicate with her family.
3. Yes, deep down shona chose to stay because she wanted her parents approval but it was more guilt and fear holding her back .
4. Yes, its about time they started opening up to each other.
5. It really sad what their grandmother had done to them but I’m really happy the girls had opened up with each other
6. That Moment was so awkward but also kind of funny. Natasha definitely stirred the pot and it made things more real for them .
7. Not long at all .
8. I don’t think she would do it , I think she just wants to protect them but her ways of doing it might not be the best.
9. I love how their everything changed . it started out cautious but turned into something really supportive. They pushed each other to take risks and believe in themselves.
10. OMG YESS , it was such a small thing but it meant so much for them but , everything will be changing .
11. Yes definitely.
12. It was such a grounding moment for her. I think she finally realized that she’s allowed to be her own person not just live in her family’s shadow. It gave her a new sense of identity and peace. But its also very sad that she had to learn about her family from someone else
13. I think she scared of what’s going to happen, there so many things happening at the same time . I think she needs a little more time. -
1. I think its such a proud and surreal moment for both of them.
2. When put in that perspective, it did feel like she made assumptions. It’s quite relatable.
3. I don’t think she forced herself, I think she took on a role that was not given to her because of her family’s dynamic.
4. Yes definitely!
5. It was really sad to find that out, I wish we had more of their conversation.
6. It is blatantly obvious that they have feelings for each other!
7. I think Annie is playing them because she already knows.
8. I doubt she was serious about it.
9. I think their relationship needed more development.
10. I did blush a lot!
11. It was such a pure memory that turned so cruel. If only her parents knew the impact all of their actions had on her.
12. It was what we all needed, so special and I’m glad she finally had that with him.
13. They are very different people and probably dont want to ruin their friendship as well.
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I think it’s awesome that she’s finally able to achieve a dream that she’s had for decades. Some people achieve their dreams over a long period of time, but that doesn’t make the achievement less valuable, and I’m glad that Nivashni represented that through Shona.
I don’t think she made a lot of assumptions. I think her understanding of her parents is partly due to years of internalising her family’s dynamics and learning to/ feeling the need to silence herself to make things easier for everyone, and partly due to her tendency to make assumptions about her parents because she sucks at communicating, but feels like her parents won’t communicate with her anyway. So it’s partly a learned behaviour and partly because she assumed her parents thoughts and feelings without asking them about whether they actually expected her to be in the shop her whole life.
No. I love Sen, but there are some parts of Anni and Shona’s upbringing that he won’t be able to fully understand, and this is one of them. Shona didn’t force herself to work at the shop due to any assumptions of familial obligations. She worked there from a young age because of her grandmother enforcing these expectations of all the family members’ lives being tied to the shop. Shona luckily broke out of tha, but that was after years of internalising this idea (forced onto her from her childhood by her grandmother and complicit parents) that she has to work at the shop.
Honestly yes. It’s such a breath of fresh air, and makes me optimistic for the future of their relationship.
I think it was a conversation the sisters definitely needed to have, and I’m optimistic they will be able to mend their relationship now that they’re both doing what they want to with their lives/ what will make them happy and fulfilled in life. If anything, knowing the pressure and manipulation/ lengths the grandmother went to to make sure the sisters were trapped into the future she envisioned for them worsened my opinion of her only slightly (we already knew she was a piece of work!). So I was disappointed and sad for Aruna, but not surprised (given everything we know about the woman from Shona’s memories of her).
I think it proves that the two of them are obvious (so obvious, in fact, that now we can say that literally everyone else can see they love each other except for them!).
I’m pretty sure Anni already knows. A few chapters ago, when she, Sam, Sen and Shona were getting drinks, she kept looking at them intently and messing with Sen after encouraging Shona to talk to a guy at the bar.
I don’t think she was being serious about the threat. I think she was just playfully teasing her son the same way Sen’s dad teased him about his obvious feelings for Shona.
I think she’s a great business partner for Shona. She keeps encouraging Shona to take on more projects, expand her business, gives sound advice, connects her with brides/ potential clients, and seems to genuinely want Shona to thrive in her lifelong dream of being a bridal designer. I like their professional relationship/ developing friendship a lot!
Of course I let out a squeal! We’re nearly at the end of this book and finally got a pet name!!!
I think it was a reminder that although Sen’s words to Shona about making assumptions has some truth to it, there are parts of Shona’s past with her parents where she wanted them to stand up for her dream but they had their moments when they were both complicit in the grandmother’s suffocation of that dream. So after years of internalising their actions (or lack of actions againt the grandmother), Shona is probably hesitant to reach out in case they just reinforce any disappointment at her leaving the shop.
I think it was like a breath of fresh air to Shona. She seems to feel disconnected from her family, and hates the comparisons between her and her grandmother, so to find out that there was someone in her family who was just like her must be a relief.
I think she has a lot of self-doubt and we’ve seen her self-sabotage in their relationship before. She also probably feels like her volatile, chaotic personality and family life are too much for him (especially since he’s equated her with chaos in the past during some of their arguments) so she’s probably worried that if they take things further emotionally, she will be heartbroken once/ if he realises he’s “too good” for her.
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