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Pillow Talk – Day Six

Through Shona’s mother, we learnt that her father asked Aruna and her mother not to contact Shona. We can see that even though his heart was in the right place, it caused Shona some sadness. But what do you think of her dad asking them to give Shona some space?

Shona helps her father see the light. How do you think this will change everything going forward? What do you think it means to Shona’s father to be given this freedom that he couldn’t take for himself?

When we switch back to Sen’s perspective, Sen is talking to Kaavi. What did you think when Kaavi said this: “Do you really win any of your cases… because you are so dumb”?

During their conversation, Kaavi mentions something about walking away and not being able to return. What do you think she is alluding to here?

Sen is scared of getting his heart hurt and Shona believes Sen broke her heart. In this situation, do you think it was their actions that hurt each other or the lack of communication? 

After moping around for a while, Sen comes and fetches Shona. He takes her to the wishing tree. What do you think of Sen making the exact same wish as Shona all those years ago?

As the story wraps up, what do you think of the progress everyone made in the three months leading up to the end of Chapter Fourteen?

Would you love to visit The First Look Bridal Shop?

What do you think Aruna and Zayn’s story is like? Would you want to read it? Or is there another character’s story you would like to read?

What do you think of Sen’s proposal?

Did you know that the first chapter of the next instalment of the Rally series is after the acknowledgments? 

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11 responses to “Pillow Talk – Day Six”

  1. Roxanne Henry (roxannehenrysa) Avatar
    Roxanne Henry (roxannehenrysa)

    1) I think he deserves some grace for trying to do the right thing. He didn’t want her to feel pressured into coming back and even though it hurt her she did make the best decision for herself without the added pressure or influence from her family. He gave her the freedom to choose and I can’t fault him for that.

    2) She gave him hope that it’s not too late to change and find moments of happiness. She reminded him that he does not have to live shackled to a legacy that doesn’t make bring him joy. I think hearing that validation was a weight off his shoulders that he no longer has to be burdened with the shop and that change is good.

    3) I literally laughed out loud because she’s so right! For someone who is so intelligent, strategic and such a planner he can be really dumb to what’s right in front of his eyes.

    4) I think she has someone in her past that she walked away from and might be regretting it now. It sounds like she speaks from experience.

    5) It’s definitely a mix of both but their lack of communication is ultimately where the fault lies.

    6) I highlighted, tabbed and drew hearts on that entire page when I read it. I was like “FINALLY”! I was so happy that they both realized that they’ve been inlove with each other for all these years and were finally ready to admit it to each other.

    7) I’m pleasantly surprised. I love that they all learnt how to actually communicate and that Shona’s dream came true in more ways than just one.

    8) Yes!!! (Even though I’m happy married 😂) being in a bridal shop just makes a girl feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

    9) I would love to read Aruna and Zayn’s story because she kept it hidden for so long I’m sure there must have been a lot of sneaking around especially in a town like Rally; and I’m sure that they also went through a lot to get to where they are now.

    10) It was perfect because he kept his childhood promise to her (even though she was too slow to realise it lol🤭)

    11) I didn’t know but; I always read every single page of a book so I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t wait to read Kaavi’s story.

  2. Sumaya Adams Avatar

    1. Her dad’s decision came from a place of deep care, even if it looked harsh on the surface. He wasn’t trying to cut Shona off from love or family; he was trying to protect her peace while she found her footing. It’s easy to misread that kind of boundary as rejection, especially when you’re hurting, but in reality, it was a quiet act of love.

    Shona really needs to start seeing things from other people’s perspectives. She’s so caught up in her own hurt that she can’t recognize when people are trying to help her heal. Her dad’s gesture reminded me that sometimes love means stepping back instead of stepping in.

    2. I think Shona helping her father “see the light” marks a real emotional shift. Not just for him, but for their whole family. For so long, he’s been trapped by duty, guilt, and routine, the shop symbolized that weight. Having Shona see his struggle and gently nudge him toward freedom feels like a full-circle moment.

    For her father, that freedom means permission to live again. It’s not just about leaving the shop, it’s about releasing the burden he’s carried for years and realizing that his worth isn’t tied to sacrifice.

    And for Shona, it’s healing too. By helping her dad reclaim his freedom, she’s also forgiving him. And, in a way, freeing herself from old resentment. It’s such a beautiful reflection of how understanding and empathy can rebuild broken connections.

    3. Kaavi’s comment definitely came from frustration, but I think it also shows how different their thought processes are. She’s blunt and straightforward, while Sen tends to overthink, analyze, and sometimes hold back. Traits that make him a great lawyer, but not always the easiest person to read in emotional situations.

    So when she says, “Do you really win any of your cases… because you are so dumb?” it’s less about insulting his intelligence and more about her disbelief that someone so sharp in the courtroom can be so lost when it comes to matters of the heart.

    4. I think Kaavi is warning Sen that some choices, especially when it comes to love, aren’t reversible. Once you walk away from someone who truly matters, things don’t go back to the way they were. She’s reminding him that pride or fear can cost him something permanent.

    It’s like she’s saying: “If you let Shona go now, you might not get another chance.”
    A subtle but powerful nudge for him to stop hesitating and make things right.

    5. It’s a mix of both their actions and their lack of communication. Their choices created misunderstandings, but it was the silence between them that made those misunderstandings grow.

    If they’d just talked, really talked earlier on, so much pain could’ve been avoided. But that’s what makes their story so real… sometimes love isn’t ruined by big betrayals, but by the small moments where we don’t say what we feel.

    6. Oh, that moment absolutely melted my heart 😭💛 It was such a full-circle moment. It showed that his love for her wasn’t fleeting or based on circumstance, it’s been constant since they were young.

    The fact that he made the exact same wish says so much about how deeply he’s always cared for her, and how his feelings never really changed, even when time and misunderstandings got in the way. For Shona, I think hearing that would’ve been incredibly healing, to realize that all along she was loved the way she hoped to be.

    It’s one of those moments where everything just clicks into place. Nostalgia, longing, and love coming together in the sweetest way.

    7. I actually loved seeing how much growth each of them experienced in those last three months. 🌿 It felt like everyone finally started stepping into who they were meant to be, individually and in their relationships.

    Shona, especially, found her voice. She stopped carrying everyone else’s expectations and started choosing for herself, that was huge. Sen also learned to open up and communicate, instead of shutting down out of fear. Their relationship finally felt balanced, built on understanding rather than assumptions.

    Even the family dynamics shifted. There was more honesty, forgiveness, and compassion all around. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt real, like the kind of progress that takes time and small steps.

    Overall, those last chapters gave such a satisfying sense of healing and new beginnings. Everyone seemed a little lighter, a little freer. ✨

    8. Oh absolutely, yes ! It’s been described with so much care and charm in the book that it feels like more than just a shop, it’s almost a character on it’s own. The atmosphere, the gowns, the little details make it feel warm and full of stories.

    It’s the kind of place you’d want to browse slowly, touching fabrics and imagining all the dreams tied to each dress. Even just for the vibes – it sounds magical.

    9. Aruna and Zayn definitely have that quiet, intriguing energy, the kind of couple whose story would be full of gentle tension and unspoken emotion after years of finding each other again.

    10. Aww, that’s such a perfect full-circle moment 😍 Beautifully symbolic without being over the top. I love how his proposal tied back to their shared childhood memory, it’s so them. It’s not just romantic, it’s deeply sentimental, showing how long he’s carried those feelings for her.

    11. No, I didn’t know. But, I found out about it from the author’s social media posts. I was so excited to have another chapter, haha. And now I want to read more….

  3. Karishma Singh (bookish_blurbs_sa) Avatar
    Karishma Singh (bookish_blurbs_sa)

    1. Her father’s decision stemmed from a place of love and genuine care; however, it appears that even the Shahs struggle with clear communication. Open and honest dialogue is essential to prevent misunderstandings and emotional hurt.

    2. At times, our elders remain bound by traditional mindsets and can benefit from fresh perspective and guidance from the younger generation. Shona has helped her father realise that he can still lead a fulfilling life, engage in activities he enjoys, and devote time to cherishing and spoiling her mother.

    3. She expressed precisely what I was thinking. Sen is an intelligent man, yet his decisions concerning Shona have often been questionable.

    4. Kaavi appears to be speaking from experience, advising Sen that when you truly love someone yet choose to walk away, it may become difficult to win them back, often resulting in lasting regret.
    5. It was a combination of both. Their lack of open communication caused them to misinterpret each other’s actions, which ultimately led to hurt feelings.

    6. It was a truly a full-circle moment for them, reinforcing my belief that when two people are destined to be together, they will always find their way back to each other.

    7. I loved witnessing the characters’ growth. Shona and Sen were finally able to express the depth of their feelings for one another. Shona is experiencing her moment to shine as she pursues her dream career and continues her great-grandfather’s legacy. Aruna, too, has taken control of her life and is steering it in the direction she desires. Shona’s parents are now enjoying the marriage and independence they have longed for. The family dynamic as a whole is heartwarming and harmonious.

    8. Absolutely. Browsing the beauty within the shop would evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.

    9. I would love to read Aruna and Zayn’s story, as theirs was a love kept secret for years, filled with challenges they had to overcome to reach this point. I would also enjoy a prequel exploring Anni and Sam’s story.

    10. His proposal was perfect, especially as it fulfilled the promise he made in childhood.

    11. I was unaware and discovered it through the Instagram post. I appreciate how the author subtly teased Kaavi’s story. It has truly piqued my interest, and I am now deeply invested in discovering more about her journey.

  4. Crystal Govender Avatar

    1. I think he meant well. I don’t think he realised that that made her feel isolated. I think he wanted to let her clear her head

    2. I think for once he’ll finally be able to not think of familial happiness but rather his own. I think it’s refreshing that Shona is setting the tone for future generations

    3. I was like, same girl!! No but seriously, she was so right. Sen needed that push so that he didn’t live with regret .

    4. They always say the best advice is given by someone who’s experienced it. She sounds like a woman who knows what she’s talking about

    5. I think it was definitely their lack of communication

    6. I think it was such a full circle moment. I felt like I could finally breathe.

    7. I feel like there was a lot of character development. Everyone changed for the better and I loved it

    8. One hundred percent yes!

    9. I’m so in for it!!! I would love to know how that would go!

    10. I think it was so cute and long over due! I love that he made it so sentimental

    11. Yes I did!

  5. Zaharah Avatar
    Zaharah

    – [ ] He did it with good intention . To allow her the space to peruse what she wanted but didn’t take into account that he was isolating her as well
    – [ ] This will relive everyone form their self inflicted subjugation . Like all brown people it’s difficult for them to let go control but they will see how reward it is !
    – [ ] Because at the sign of conflicted he bailed with Shona 😭😭
    – [ ] She got her own past fling ?????? Her own possible second chance
    – [ ] The biggest lack of communication in history !!!! They could’ve literally said how it made each other feel from the get go . But they also seem like people that need to have space to think and process situations
    – [ ] If feels like something so divinely guide ! Such spin from the universe
    – [ ] I love all the changed mindsets and acts of moving forward
    – [ ] Absolutely!!!
    – [ ] I’d love to read it ! Aruba’s character would make for a great story !
    – [ ] It’s so sweet!!!
    – [ ] Yesss!!! So excited for kaavis storyyy

  6. Hayley Avatar

    Q- Through Shona’s mother, we learnt that her father asked Aruna and her mother not to contact Shona. We can see that even though his heart was in the right place, it caused Shona some sadness. But what do you think of her dad asking them to give Shona some space?
    A- This was such a caring and thoughtful action on his part, even though it didn’t seem like it at the time.

    Q-Shona helps her father see the light. How do you think this will change everything going forward? What do you think it means to Shona’s father to be given this freedom that he couldn’t take for himself?
    A- I think the whole situation gives Shona’s father some hope and inspiration for his own future!

    Q- When we switch back to Sen’s perspective, Sen is talking to Kaavi. What did you think when Kaavi said this: “Do you really win any of your cases… because you are so dumb”?
    A- I just had to laugh.

    Q- During their conversation, Kaavi mentions something about walking away and not being able to return. What do you think she is alluding to here?
    A – It sounds like she’s speaking from a past experience.

    Q- Sen is scared of getting his heart hurt and Shona believes Sen broke her heart. In this situation, do you think it was their actions that hurt each other or the lack of communication?
    A- Most definitely lack of communication. I think this a common thread throughout this book.

    Q- After moping around for a while, Sen comes and fetches Shona. He takes her to the wishing tree. What do you think of Sen making the exact same wish as Shona all those years ago?
    A – It was such a lovely moment! It makes all the drama worth it.

    Q- As the story wraps up, what do you think of the progress everyone made in the three months leading up to the end of Chapter Fourteen?
    A – From Shona and Sen’s perspective and Shona’s family dynamic – huge progress has been made in terms of communicating!

    Q- Would you love to visit The First Look Bridal Shop?
    A- Yes

    Q-What do you think Aruna and Zayn’s story is like? Would you want to read it? Or is there another character’s story you would like to read?
    A- Would love to hear all about it!

    Q- What do you think of Sen’s proposal?
    A- It was absolutely perfect!

    Q- Did you know that the first chapter of the next instalment of the Rally series is after the acknowledgments?
    A- Yes and can’t wait to read more!

  7. Helen Faber Avatar
    Helen Faber

    1. I think that it was the most unselfish thing ever and that her dad really loves her enough to have her pave her own way, without interference.
    2. I think their whole family will finally be able to make and chase their own dreams for once and actually learn how to live a life outside of the shop. I think it means everything to him and that he won’t take this for granted.
    3. They’re definitely like siblings, for one, because it’s only a sibling that knows how to take us down a few notches. And also, I agree sister! He’s blind.
    4. Perhaps a previous relationship of her own or her modelling career to which she won’t return?
    5. It was definitely the lack of communication that got them hurt here.
    6. They were always in love with one another, but both were too stubborn and stupid to admit it. So, it’s like…finally!!
    7. They all grew so much as people and as groups, Sen and Shona especially. But also Aruna and their parents – there was a lot of personal growth and progress.
    8. So much! I think it would be amazing and beautiful.
    9. I think their story sounds like it can be really sweet – secretive, but good. I would actually love to read their story, but from when they met / were kids until their marriage… I would also love to read Anni’s and Sam’s story, they seem like they had a tough road what with Anni’s childhood trauma and all that.
    10. I think it’s really sweet in the context of their relationship…Also, again…FINALLY!!!
    11. I did yes. I read it and I can’t wait for Kaavi’s story!
    10.

  8. Tish - lifewithtishaj Avatar
    Tish – lifewithtishaj

    Q – Through Shona’s mother, we learnt that her father asked Aruna and her mother not to contact Shona. We can see that even though his heart was in the right place, it caused Shona some sadness. But what do you think of her dad asking them to give Shona some space?
    A – I had had a feeling that he wanted her to move onto bigger things, but it would have been better if he had just spoken to her

    Q – Shona helps her father see the light. How do you think this will change everything going forward? What do you think it means to Shona’s father to be given this freedom that he couldn’t take for himself?
    A – I think it will make everyone happier to do things that they want to and not out of misplaced obligation

    Q – When we switch back to Sen’s perspective, Sen is talking to Kaavi. What did you think when Kaavi said this: “Do you really win any of your cases… because you are so dumb”?
    A – this is such a sibling thing to say and I love their relationship. Again, everyone can see that they love each other except them themselves

    Q – During their conversation, Kaavi mentions something about walking away and not being able to return. What do you think she is alluding to here?
    A – Theres some story here and I can’t wait to learn more

    Q – Sen is scared of getting his heart hurt and Shona believes Sen broke her heart. In this situation, do you think it was their actions that hurt each other or the lack of communication?
    A – I think it definitely was lack of communication

    Q – After moping around for a while, Sen comes and fetches Shona. He takes her to the wishing tree. What do you think of Sen making the exact same wish as Shona all those years ago?
    A – It is the sweetest thing ever and I love it!! The perfect make-up scene

    Q – As the story wraps up, what do you think of the progress everyone made in the three months leading up to the end of Chapter Fourteen?
    A – I love that everything is working out in the end

    Q – Would you love to visit The First Look Bridal Shop?
    A – Definitely

    Q – What do you think Aruna and Zayn’s story is like? Would you want to read it? Or is there another character’s story you would like to read?
    A- I would love to read their story and how they dealt with their perceived differences

    Q – What do you think of Sen’s proposal?
    A – Its so cute!

    Q – Did you know that the first chapter of the next instalment of the Rally series is after the acknowledgments?
    A – I need It’s Complicated NOW

  9. Jaina Avatar

    I dont like that he asked them to give Shona space. I feel like that was so unnecessary as he could have just told her directly that he wanted her to go off and do something for herself that doesnt involve the shop.

    It will obviously mean a lot as he never had the luxury to do anything for himself.

    Kaavi is right because how can he not see that Shona likes him.

    That if he doesnt go and make things right with Shona he will lose her forever.

    The lack of communication! They both just need to tell each other what theyre thinking and feeling, instead of bottling it up and assuming the other one knows whats going through their mind.

    Its like they were always meant to be together.

    FINALLY!! We finally got to see everyone thriving and communicating well and having a better understanding of each other. Its so nice to see the growth everyone had.

    Oh absolutely! I just know it would be such a beautiful shop.

    Im definitely intrigued by Aruna and Zayns story.

    Such a fun and cute way to propose to Shona.

  10. DOMINIQUE HADDINGTON ( LOSTINSTORIESBLOG) Avatar
    DOMINIQUE HADDINGTON ( LOSTINSTORIESBLOG)

    1. I think his intentions were good he truly thought he was protecting her , but it ended up hurting her more than helping. Sometimes giving someone space feels like love, but in this case, it only made her feel more alone.
    2. It’s such a beautiful moment it means peace, forgiveness, and a chance to live the life he once gave up.
    3. It made me laugh! Kaavi’s blunt honesty is exactly what Sen needed. It was a funny moment, but also her way of snapping him out of his stubbornness.
    4. I think she’s reminding him that sometimes when you walk away from something good, or from love , you might lose it forever.
    5. Definitely the lack of communication. They both cared so deeply but never fully said what they mean.
    6.It was such a beautiful moment
    7. I loved seeing everyone grow. Shona became more confident and independent, Sen learned to open up emotionally, and even the side characters found a bit of closure.
    8. Absolutely, I’d love to see how Shona has made it her own.
    9.I’d definitely read Aruna and Zayn’s story. But I’d also love a short story about Felicity, she really surprised me as a character.
    10. Yes And I honestly cannot wait to read Kaavis story

  11. Jade Sophia (jadeys.bingereads) Avatar

    I think his intentions were good, even if the lack of communication from her family sucked. And the distance from her family did do Shona some good (so he was weirdly right to do that because she wouldn’t have figured out what she wants and who she is without the space from her family to figure that out).

    I think that now that Shona and her dad have communicated their thoughts and feelings about the past, they can move forward together in a healthier way with a better understanding of each other.

    I thought it was so funny. I love banter between family members, but in this case she’s right. Sometimes people are really smart, but also super oblivious at the same time (just like Sen).

    I think she’s alluding to her own relationship, or one she had in the past that she still has some regrets over how it ended. (I’m excited for her book. I smell a second-chance romance on the horizon!)

    I think it was a combination of both. The lack of communication led to actions that caused each of them to hurt the other. (So as long as they communicate in future, they should theoretically be fine.)

    I think it was a really cute way to show that they’ve always been on the same page and just needed to see it/ vocalise it. The entire scene by the wishing tree was such a romantic declaration of love, and one that was meaningful to them. I love how he incorporated their past, mentioned their present, and made promises for the future at this spot that holds so much importance for both of them.

    It was great to read about how Shona and her family have a much healthier relationship built on love and support, and how her business is booming. Her relationship with Sen seems to be thriving (love that for them) and both of their families seem to be integrating just as nicely as their friend group is expanding. I love how everyone seems to be progressing on a positive note in their respective lives and relationships.

    I would. The descriptions make it sound like such a luxurious and welcoming space!

    I do! I feel like it’s only fair that we get to read the other Shah sister’s book too, and I’m hoping Aruna and Zayn get a book!
    Ever since Kaavi showed up, I felt like she was too supportive and mysterious to not warrant a book of her own. So when we paged to the end and saw the exerpt from the next book? I was excited at the possibility of getting insight in the relationship (and regrets) she alluded to earlier and getting to read her book in future!

    I thought it was actually really smooth, and the perfect way to bring their story from their childhood full-circle!

    I had the pleasure of attending Nivashni’s book launch in Joburg and she mentioned this, so I was aware of it but held off until the last page of the epilogue to read the sneak peak into Kaavi’s story 🥰


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