*Awarded* ArHi SS: If Only | NEW Note P43 - Page 24

Originally posted by: hmtxyz

Hey Pocahontas!

Its absolutely fine, I can understand that life moves beyond I-F. 😆

And you've always let me know your vishesh tippani before, so I had no doubt that you would, even now! 😉

I know its strange that a person who was a devout atheist suddenly goes to the temple and prays, but you caught on to the hidden meaning behind those lines. Its easy to just assume he started believing in God, but the truth is that's not how it happens. He did it to make her happy, and in the process, started having faith..

Thank you for being with me through the fumbles and pitfalls of this story.. To be very honest, it had been your comment on my one-shot that had prompted me to write this story.

Getting encouragement from good people is equally important, as being praised for something anyone can probably do, as I think anyone could have written this story; but you were one of the few people who did encourage me and I shall forever be grateful!

I will try and write something new, but I cannot promise.. You shall get a PM whenever I do!

Cheers!

Helee

Originally posted by: Titaliya_AP

Whew! I'm finally here!

Originally posted by: arshi_sunshine

Read the whole SS in one go...
Loved It...
It was Fabulous...

I stumbled across you one shots "If Only1 & 2" while browsing through IF and loved those... now I am reading this on Anjani's recommendation, and I am damn glad for it!

This concept of writing a series of stories or even complete short story based on the thoughts running through the minds of our protagonists is a novel one! Making us privy to their private thoughts somehow makes it more personal and relatable! Loved the gradual change in Arnav's inner voice. Can only imagine Khushi's desperate yearning for Arnav's love that makes her feel that her death might be the catalyst for him to say it out loud to her! Noticing the pain in his eyes on seeing her tears must have made her realise that he isn't as indifferent as he pretends to be... loved the scene where Arnav tends to Khushi's burnt hand, especially Arnav's questions and the parallel thoughts running through Khushi's mind: "Why were you so careless? Couldn't you see where you were standing? "Absolutely true. Why had I been so careless with my heart? Why hadn't I seen where I stand in his life!! "Let me ask your Amma for the first aid box. You keep your hand iced for some time. It'll help soothe the pain." If only' If only there would be a first aid kit that Amma could provide for a broken heart? Ice to soothe pangs that my heart felt when he hurt me!! The pain and confusion inherent in these thought just slays me! Poor girl feels that she's lost her soul! Instances of Arnav's growing closeness to the Guptas and his reluctance to admit as much out loud was pretty moving... just loved your take on what makes Arnav want to keep the Guptas at arms' length... his emotional vulnerabilities and fears stop him from moving on, but nice to see him finally accept the immense soul-destroying hurt he has inflicted on her... Arnav yearning for a happy life of domestic bliss is poignant! During the kitchen incident with Shyam, thank God Arnav read Khushi's eyes to get an inkling of the truth. Thank you for making Arnav sensible enough to hire investigators to check into Shyam's doings [a move that the show completely missed, making everyone doubt Arnav's shrewdness not to speak of his intelligence!] Arnav yearning to take things further in his relationship with Khushi, especially when circumstance won't allow it, is another moving moment... the line about the calm before the storm is quite ominous!

The manner in which you brought about the denouement not only held us in its emotional thrall but also made more sense than what we were shown in the show! Khushi calling out to 'Arnav' rather than to her Arnavji somehow makes it a more fearful cry of desperation. Kudos to Aman for his loyalty and fellow feeling... his silent support is laudable as is his move to reveal the truth to Akash, knowing that Arnav needs his family around him. Thank you for making Khushi save herself all on her own, besides imprisoning Shyam in Nani's room, without having to wait for Arnav to ride in to the rescue, and also for giving Akash a sensible role to play! Nani's common sense is to be commended... somehow didn't expect Anjali to do anything other than to fall apart... her dream was an eye-opener in that it revealed Anjali's innate trust in Khushi... she doesn't blame her for Shyam's actions but recognises the lust in him... the fact that she fears for Khushi when Arnav approaches her seems to indicate that she noticed the cracks in their marriage or it could be a result of Arnav's confession before his family... so she's not as blind as she's made out! Can understand Anjali's trauma, too... Anjali and Khushi being each other's support is a moving moment as is Akash stepping up to the plate and the family rallying around them. My heartfelt thanks to you for making Arnav confess to the Raizadas and the Guptas how he wronged Khushi... that this was never done in the show rankles even now! The absence of melodrama and the core of reality in your story is what keeps us hooked to it! Khushi's introspection is very thought-provoking making us realise that life isn't all black and white. Arnav is so right when he earlier commented that she is the stronger of the two... no wonder then that he needs her to show him the way to redemption... "Beta, in life and in relationships, there is always going to be give and take. One person gives more than the other. Sometimes it will be the husband who loves more, while the other times it will be the wife. Unless both realise this fact and can alternate between the two, life doesn't go on in peace." Very profound words! Nice to note that Khushi's love has given free rein to Arnav's playfulness... her repartees and seductive moves are awesome! Lovely that Anjali got her happily ever after and Aman became an integral part of the family... the kids as usual are adorable! The news that Anjali lost her first child came as a shock... on learning of the kids' ages, wondered what happened to her firstborn... that Shyam died was no great loss, though! Khushi's reasons for changing her manner of addressing her hubby dearest are naughty yet hot! More than Arnav's confession, it's his plea for help that makes one want to give him a second chance, for his questions clearly show a man still yearning for a love he doesn't think he deserves! Khushi ticking off her Arnav's traits is a nice touch, as is the final miracle of Arnav entering a temple to give his thanks to God. You ably tied up all the loose ends while giving each character a happy ending.

A truly emotionally-fulfilling story!