A verb with '-ing' would fit in both sentences - in sentence I to be in uniformity with another '-ing' form of the verb 'trying' and in sentence II to be in uniformity with 'hustling' (to follow the rule of parallelism). So, the base verb 'pursue' and the past form of the verb 'rushed' are eliminated. 'Dabbing (to touch something lightly, usually several times)' and 'petting (stroke or pat (an animal) affectionately)' are inapt for both sentences contextually. So, the apt choice is 'chasing' which in sentence I, would convey that it is better to accept the truth than convincing ourselves to see the wrong as right while in sentence II, it would convey that being ordinary gives you the relief of being oneself and not be pressurised to be better or like someone who is better than you.
Hence, option (e) is correct.
Note: Parallelism or parallel construction in English grammar is the maintenance of similar forms of two or more than two words, phrases, or clauses.
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