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Inspirational Happy Fiction

Dear Diary, 

January 1, 2021

My New Year Resolution since 2016: Keep a diary

I can’t believe I’m doing this again, hiding inside my room, the curtains drawn, and the door locked close.

I’m writing and I don’t want anyone to know it.

Yes, I, Alison Winters, am writing a diary right on New Year’s Day. (Happy New Year, by the way)

Oh, Gods. This feels so weird. I’m scribbling down utter nonsense into something non-living, talking (well, writing) to it as if it were a person!

What was I supposed to say to a diary? My thoughts? My feelings? I’m afraid I never understood what the huge deal was, with keeping diaries.

Yeah, yeah. I know. Diaries were your best companions. You could entrust them with anything, and they made you smile whenever you revisited old diary entries.

But I wasn’t a writer. I haven’t written any more than I could help. Essays? Poems? Stories? Well, they all made me break into cold sweat. Whenever I sat down to write, my hand would start cramping (like it is now, ugh) and I would turn into stone, staring at that daunting blank piece of paper. This probably is the longest I have written in one go. Ever. My hands are screaming at me, but I have to go on.

It wasn’t my fault I had wanted to keep a diary five years ago when I was naïve. It had been one of my New Year's Resolutions. A New Year Resolution that never happened.

That is why, this year, I decided to keep a diary again, no matter how much I dislike writing.

Yours,

Alison Winters.

* * *

Dear Diary,                                

January 9, 2021

On January first five years ago, I remember seeing a wrapped present for my birthday (yes, my birthday fell on New Year’s Day. Lucky, maybe, but I thought otherwise). I literally fell over it, tearing the packaging to pieces, holding my new diary in my hands. I couldn’t wait to get writing that very instant, and record in it, my deepest thoughts, feelings, and wishes.

I owed to myself I would write every day.

Well, so for all my optimistic vows. I barely wrote into that diary. Whenever I did, it would not exceed two lines.

I remember a diary entry that went this way:


Dear Diary,                                                                    

28 January 2016

Nothing much at school today. I studied, talked to my friends, studied, and came back home. I’m so bored.


And another:


Dear Diary,                                                      

6 March 2016

I wonder why people have to write in a diary when they can remember? Isn’t it a waste of paper and ink?


My Resolution was turning into something I dreaded. I did not see the diary if I could help it. It was probably in the storeroom or the dusty old attic.

I kept that diary, promising on January first every year, that this would be a fresh new start, and that I would stick to my ‘diary writing’ this time. Alas, if only I had been a little more dedicated to it! That old diary of mine had not seen over twenty pages of writing.

You must wonder why I’m obsessed with this resolution. After all, not everyone needs to keep a diary. They can live just fine without one.

But I really want to experience how it is, to maintain a proper diary. Beneath all my aversion to putting words to paper, I know I will find this hard at first, probably even undoable, but I will not regret this later. 

I don’t have any far-fledged dreams. I might leave a week or more between visits, but this time, I’m not gonna forget I have a diary I’m keen on filling.

I’m going to do this.

I WILL.

Yours,

Alison Winters

* * *

Dear Diary,

January 14, 2021  

I’m thinking this is not so hopeless after all. The words flow from my hand with a little more ease, and I don’t dread these visits so much, either.

In fact, I started reading the diaries of one of the most famous people from the Holocaust. I think you know about her. She’s Anne Frank, and I can’t keep her book down. I’m surprised I didn’t read it before. I’d heard of her, of course, but I didn’t really know much about her till now.

I can’t believe it really happened, World War 2 and all those massacres. Anne was just another girl my age, and she didn’t deserve it. When I read her diary, I feel like I’ve met her in actual life. I’m astounded all this happened almost eighty years ago. It feels so… mindboggling.

It was millions of other people who suffered the same way. Yet, it was her diary that made this known to the world, and now I can’t help thinking about it all the time I’m awake. I’ve never felt this way before.

Yours,

Alison Winters

* * *

Six months later

Dear Diary,

July 19, 2021

I can’t believe I’m not tired of writing here yet. Usually, I would have stowed it away somewhere in the deepest recedes of my house by now. You could say I’m continuing this because I have a lot of spare time in my hands, but I think it’s because I’m –um- liking this. Strange, yes.

I’m not exaggerating! If you come to think of it, I’m writing frequently. It’s only been a few months, but I feel like I’ve known you for several years.

Writing in this diary has given me a clearer sense of who I am in actual life. I can understand myself in a better way than ever before. I look back at my first few entries and chuckle to myself. I really was abhorrent to writing, giving a million excuses for not keeping a diary. I’m glad I bore with it this time. If I hadn’t, goodness knows if I would ever have picked this resolution again.

I never thought I was going to admit it, but yes, I enjoy this very much. Though I still tend to look upon writing with the same essence of distaste as in the past, I try to change my way of thinking. I’m getting on better than I could have prospected.

I’m certain this year, I will not have any trouble in keeping up with my long-standing resolution.

My New Year Resolution since 2016: Keep a diary: Finally completed in 2021

Yours,

Alison Winters






January 02, 2021 16:20

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162 comments

Such an amazing story to start the year with Akshaya!! I loved it so much! :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
06:01 Jan 09, 2021

Thank you, Laila!! :D

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Of course, Akshaya!

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Akshaya Sutrave
14:55 Jan 09, 2021

:)

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10:43 Jan 09, 2021

Hi Akshaya! Sorry to fake-comment, I'd PM you this on Wattpad, but I um... can't use Wattpad right now (it's complicated, but I haven't been banned, or anything XD) I remember seeing in your Bio that you love the Harry Potter books, so I just wanted to see what you thought about this: Have you ever heard Draco Malfoy be called 'The Boy Who Had No Choice'? I was thinking something similar, but The GIRL Who Had No Choice instead as a side character...

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:46 Jan 09, 2021

Hi Sythe! No prob! I have heard of Draco Malfoy being called that, though I don't remember where (somewhere online?) Oh, that sounds nice! Like a new perspective on Draco's own name/role. Is this going to be for fanfic?

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10:48 Jan 09, 2021

Yep, there's only 50000000000000000000000000000000000 memes and fanfics about it XD Not really, more like an additional character? Yep, though I haven't started it.

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:52 Jan 09, 2021

Yeah, I've never seen a book or book series that has more fanfics and memes than Harry Potter!! That sounds cool! Do you plan to post it somewhere when you're done(Reedsy or Wattpad or anywhere else)?

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10:53 Jan 09, 2021

Yep, duh! Wattpad, its too long for Reedsy and I don't want to make a bajillion parts ...

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:59 Jan 09, 2021

Okay! With the word limit here, you have no other choice but to start off a series.

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10:50 Jan 09, 2021

Also, have you heard of x readers? I'm not a fan of reading them or writing them, but I thought of doing one because the best ones are written in SECOND PERSON, which is literally one of my now-fav POVs and so underrated... Goodness, there's so much I have to say but I wouldn't want to bore you :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:58 Jan 09, 2021

I've heard of x readers, yes! Second-person sounds great to try out (I haven't done any like that, though, but I would love to, in the future) Yeah, it is underrated when you compare it to 3rd and 1st person POVs You won't bore me no matter how much you say! :)

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11:02 Jan 09, 2021

You should! I like the idea of the second person and the reader being able to choose, you know, their name, etc more than the central plot itself. Besides, I won't pass up an opportunity to pretend I'm ACTUALLy at Hogwarts :") Ah, I will. I've skimmed quite a few of those Draco x readers recently, mostly because I was interested in what people had to say about his hair colour (i have the weirdest interests). Some person said that, I quote: Draco: "I always thought that I had ash-blonde hair, but I think bleached blonde is cool too." Ash blo...

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Akshaya Sutrave
11:06 Jan 09, 2021

Yeah. And there are a few books that let you choose the journey, like 'If you choose to do so and so, then turn to page so and so or else turn to page so and so'. You can never properly finish reading them! I always try them out with different choices, to test what happens! Draco's hair color I haven't noticed till now. I always thought it was a shade of blonde, but not precisely which shade. I haven't yet! I'm going to take that test now (is it funny I've never thought of taking it before? XD)

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07:40 Jan 17, 2021

Comment this is on: Hi Sythe! No prob! I have heard of Draco Malfoy being called that, though I don't remember where (somewhere online?) Oh, that sounds nice! Like a new perspective on Draco's own name/role. Is this going to be for fanfic? Mind if we talk on one of my stories? I wouldn't want to keep spamming your own stories XD

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Akshaya Sutrave
11:19 Jan 17, 2021

Sure! XD I'll start a thread on one of your stories and we can talk there whenever we want!

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. .
14:05 Jan 08, 2021

YOU'RE ON THE LEADERBOARD

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Akshaya Sutrave
05:26 Jan 09, 2021

YEAH!! :D I was on it a few hours but someone downvoted me and got me lower than that, so I'm a hundred points behind and not there on the leaderboard anymore. Could you help me with those points? I'll upvote you, too.

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. .
14:32 Jan 09, 2021

Ofc!!!

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Akshaya Sutrave
14:35 Jan 09, 2021

Thanks!! :D

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Akshaya Sutrave
14:52 Jan 09, 2021

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! :DDDD I UPVOTED YOU TOO!!!!!! :DDDD

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Akshaya Sutrave
16:29 Jan 02, 2021

Hi everyone! 1. This is my first submission of 2021! 2. I tried writing it from the perspective of someone who doesn't like writing much. Do tell me if I need to alter or improve anything! Have a great day/night!!

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SAMANTHA LANGLEY
18:09 Mar 08, 2021

Such an amazing story, as ALWAYS!!! (Yes, I've already read about 4...) Keep going, can't wait to read more!

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Akshaya Sutrave
11:01 Mar 09, 2021

Thanks a ton for reading my stories and being so supportive, Samantha! :D

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02:49 Jan 16, 2021

Great story I love writing. It was kinda funny. But definitely kinda realistic. People most likely won't stick to their New year's resolution!

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Akshaya Sutrave
15:30 Jan 16, 2021

Hi Leila! Thank you so much! 😀 Yeah, I do agree! Sticking to new year resolutions can be an ordeal sometimes :) Are you going to post any stories? I would love to read them if you do! :D

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20:17 Apr 30, 2021

Thanks, I just posted my first story, hope you like it. Once again.. First story, it might be bad... :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
14:17 May 16, 2021

Awesome!! I'll definitely read it soon! I think it'll be great! :)

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15:59 May 17, 2021

Thanks!

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Ainhoa Palacios
23:05 Jan 11, 2021

Hi Akshaya! I really enjoyed reading this! It is such a simple idea, but I think you executed it really beautifully. The voice of a young girl really came through. I would love to see an entry from later on in the year if you ever decide to add a bit more!

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Akshaya Sutrave
08:19 Jan 15, 2021

Thank you so much, Ainhoa! Sure, I will do that, if I get the right prompt! :)

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11:53 Jan 10, 2021

Hey Akshaya! I was just wondering, how do I join the Marshmellows? Thanks so much in advance! Sythe

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Akshaya Sutrave
16:10 Jan 10, 2021

Hi Sythe! If you want to join the Marshmallows, you should just drop a comment to Litlover that you're interested in joining (https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/author/litlover/) When you join the marshmallows, you have to add 'IMMA MARSHMALLOW' to your bio, too.

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00:49 Jan 11, 2021

Oh, okay! I'll do that!

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00:49 Jan 11, 2021

Oh, okay! I'll do that!

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18:47 Jan 09, 2021

Want to be in my fantasy, Akshaya? Just tell me your character's: Hair color Eye color Skin color (it's fantasy so it could even be, like, silver or blue if you want to) Age Height Magic power/element Talent Spirit animal Thanks! :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
16:23 Jan 10, 2021

Hi Emmie!! Sure, and thank you so much!! :DD Hair color: brownish-gold Eye color: Multicolored? I mean, it depends on the type of light, and it isn't one proper shade (if that isn't possible, I'll give another color) Skin color: Ivory (from google) Age: 11 Height: Average height (or exactly 5 feet tall, to be accurate) Magic power/element: Intuition or the power of sensing the future/Water Talent: Writing, controlling things by using words Spirit animal: Hummingbird (according to the test) If you want to ask me anything else about the chara...

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18:25 Jan 10, 2021

Can you have a different name, because I think I already have an Akshaya I think

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Akshaya Sutrave
08:25 Jan 15, 2021

What at Aster? (Idk. It's the first name that came to mind)

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12:23 Jan 15, 2021

Ok!

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10:55 Jan 04, 2021

Hi Akshaya! Pretty story, very relatable! I'm in very much the same predicament right now. Thank you for reminding me to write today ;) Also, I'm sorry I haven't commented on your previous story. It was a beautiful story, very inspiring (like all of your works), but for some reason, I can't seem to find anything to comment :(. I think I might have also torn my feedback-secreting gland yesterday ( :( ). Congratulations on 1400+ points, you deserve it! I'm still stuck at 300+, any tips :) ? Yours, Sythe

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Akshaya Sutrave
05:53 Jan 09, 2021

Hi Sythe! Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked my story! And no problem, it isn't always necessary to comment! You've already helped me a lot with your suggestions and feedback! :) Thank you! I'm surprised myself, that I have those points. I was getting downvoted, and some of my friends helped upvoted me. I think that's where a part of those points came. I don't know if this helps, but I look up entirely new authors sometimes, who I don't know, and I comment on their stories. Perhaps that makes them read my stories and helps to increase ...

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06:27 Jan 09, 2021

Hey, Akshaya! Haha, I was getting a little worried about you when it had been so long since I'd heard from you XD Ah, good lord, the thing I really can't bring myself to do now XDXD I'm going through a writing phase, where I'm only interested in reading novels and writing them (mainly on Wattpad) , and took a small break from the world of short story writing :] I figured that, just too lazy to do it myself... Uh, yeah I guess. I don't think one of my stories got approved. Ima go check and be back... Thanks for your advice though! I can't bel...

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Akshaya Sutrave
06:35 Jan 09, 2021

Hi Sythe! I had tests at school the past week so I wasn't able to reply to anything on Reedsy and now I'm glad I'm back even though it's only for the weekend! I read your latest work on Wattpad and it was really good! I'm not that active there, though I love reading everyone's stories! Yeah, I agree! Ever since New Year, I've resolved to read more, though I'm not writing as much as I'd like to! Sure, and thank you!! :D

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07:42 Jan 09, 2021

Oof! I understand your predicament. I'm there now, though :") I'm only coming back with more writing after February, it's too damn hard to juggle school, my life, reading and writing novels all at once. Besides, I'm kidn of obsessed with writing some fanfics now XD. DO you read those? Haha, thanks! I like that one, and I'm excited to see how Wattpad will react to it. I honestly should go try and get my engagement up XD I mostly read on Wattpad, too. I can't help procrastinating when there's SO MANY great things out there! It's not New Year-i...

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:31 Jan 09, 2021

Juggling can get hard when there are too many things to do! I'm waiting for summer break when I can delve into writing day and night! I read fan fiction, too, but not that much. I like the idea of them, though! I've seen a few here in Reedsy. I hope many people read your story on Wattpad! It's cool and unlike anything I've read before! I don't think it's unhealthy, although it depends on how you're getting along with them. Many authors write several pieces of work simultaneously and they accomplish it very well.

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07:42 Jan 09, 2021

Oof! I understand your predicament. I'm there now, though :") I'm only coming back with more writing after February, it's too damn hard to juggle school, my life, reading and writing novels all at once. Besides, I'm kidn of obsessed with writing some fanfics now XD. DO you read those? Haha, thanks! I like that one, and I'm excited to see how Wattpad will react to it. I honestly should go try and get my engagement up XD I mostly read on Wattpad, too. I can't help procrastinating when there's SO MANY great things out there! It's not New Year-i...

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06:29 Jan 09, 2021

So apparently my latest story didn't get approved!!! Aww, I loved that one so much :(

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Akshaya Sutrave
06:37 Jan 09, 2021

Aww, I loved reading it, too! I hope they approve your stories from now because that's how more people can find you and discover your work. (The descriptions and vocabulary you use in you stories is really fantastic!)

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07:43 Jan 09, 2021

Thank you so much! Yeah, they've approved all of mine except that one so far. Dunno what was wrong with it. Just bad luck, I guess, haha. Thanks so much again!

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Akshaya Sutrave
10:27 Jan 09, 2021

I guess it depends, maybe? Some of the judges may want to stick to rules and some don't mind the age eligibility so much?

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23:28 Jan 02, 2021

This is a beautiful story Akshaya and very relatable. It got me thinking about the time when I kept a journal (many years back when I was in high school) :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
05:58 Jan 09, 2021

Thank you so much, Subani! I'm glad it reminded you of your own journal in high school :)

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09:44 Jan 14, 2021

Hey Akshaya! You asked me to let you know when I posted a new story, so, here I am! It's a Star Wars fanfic, hope ya like it!

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Akshaya Sutrave
07:57 Jan 15, 2021

Sure Sythe, I'll check it out now! :)

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10:54 Jan 15, 2021

Oh, hey! You're back, is it for the weekend or are your finals over ;) ? And thanks!

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Akshaya Sutrave
15:43 Jan 15, 2021

Just for the weekend! My finals get over next week (idk but they feel so looong XD) Of course! :)

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02:36 Jan 16, 2021

Well :) I'm having tests now, and my schools version of finals next month, but I'll probably still be on, since I'm the rebellious kind XD (I sometimes study for exams the morning of it and once studied the wrong chapter entirely XD But I still get full, so :/)

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Akshaya Sutrave
15:33 Jan 16, 2021

Haha yeah, I'm rebellious, too ;) These aren't finals, actually. I used the word in a flurry at that moment. We have our actual annual exams only in Feb. I prefer completing studies as quick as possible, yeah, so I can spend the rest of my time writing, reading or drawing. XD

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Maya -
02:13 Jan 05, 2021

I might do a story with friends on Reedsy, and I would like to put you in it, so what would you want your character's personality/ physical description/ special skills/ spirit animal (if I do animals) to be? :)

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Akshaya Sutrave
05:41 Jan 09, 2021

Hi Maya! I'm sorry I couldn't respond to your comment. I was busy last week, and I didn't log in to Reedsy so I didn't see your message. Thank you so much for wanting to include me in your story! Personality: Dreamy, Introvert around new people, but assertive whenever she needs to be Physical Description: Shoulder-length caramel brown hair, black eyes, normal height (should I add anything else?) Special skills: Intuition, the ability to sense if something is going to happen Spirit animal: Hummingbird (that's what the test said) If there's an...

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Maya -
15:28 Jan 09, 2021

I actually already submitted the story, but I'll include you in the next one. Sorry!

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Akshaya Sutrave
16:22 Jan 09, 2021

No problem! It's not your fault, I should have seen the comment earlier! Thank you! 😊

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Maya -
16:23 Jan 09, 2021

Ofc!

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Akshaya Sutrave
16:24 Jan 09, 2021

:)

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Akshaya Sutrave
09:57 Jan 20, 2021

:DDDD

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Akshaya Sutrave
07:35 Jan 21, 2021

:))))

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Akshaya Sutrave
08:09 Jan 15, 2021

Okay!

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14:50 Jan 09, 2021

I apologize once more for spamming you, but you might wanna check your Wattpad :) -Sy

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Akshaya Sutrave
14:54 Jan 09, 2021

Sure!! And no problem, I don't consider this spamming! :) I'll check it out!!

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14:57 Jan 09, 2021

:")

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Wonderful story Akshaya! I really enjoyed this very much and how you made Alison not like writing but in the end she found it very interesting!

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Akshaya Sutrave
05:29 Jan 09, 2021

Thank you so much, Varsha!! :D

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Akshaya Sutrave
13:58 Jan 09, 2021

:)

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