Smitar's: Finding Khushi #9 Link to #10 on Pg 1 - Page 17

Congrats on the new thread!

Part 29: "After all, you are not getting engaged again, ever in your life." One can take it as Arnav's promise to Khushi to be with her till eternity and beyond! It's heart-warming to see the manner in which Khushi gathers all the persons she loves together to share in her happiness! Arnav's concern with Bauji's comfort and Khushi's bubbling joy as she shares with him the news of the slight progress in her Bauji's condition clearly shows that this relationship is one of give and take, where both pain and joy are shared in equal measure. Khushi's self-deprecating humor, Arnav's admission that he can't do without her, Buaji's loud summons that interrupts the romantic moment [as usual!], and Arnav's impatience to call Khushi his without having to go through the time-consuming rituals, his promise to see to it that the fruits of his enforced wait would be pleasurable and his insinuation that she wouldn't have the time to laugh in glee on their wedding night are some of the meaningful, touching and most romantic moments!

"So touch me whenever you want, wherever you want," Ganesh offered her free use of his body… now that gives rise to myriad naughty images in one's mind! On a serious note, his is a sensible way of putting Anamika's mind at rest and easing her fears of intimacy and of disappointing Ganesh with her 'frigidity'. Her comfort is the thought uppermost in his mind… He clasped her fingers gently, not stopping her if she wanted to free herself… the freedom of choice he gives her is what makes him such a gentleman, a true role model for other Indian males! Ganesh's love is unconditional as evidenced by him having waited for twenty years before proposing marriage to her, while having extended his support and friendship all through those intervening years! Their decision to share their news with Khushi and Co. is not only because they were responsible in Ganesh-Anamika taking the plunge finally, but also as a means of self-preservation against further importuning by the Guptas and the Raizadas! The scene of Ganesh and Anamika laughing whole-heartedly at the antics and catchphrases of the Guptas and the Raizadas really warms one's heart… they deserve every bit of happiness after years of sacrifice and having had to face the bitter realities of life! The images this conjures up: "And ASR will be looking as though he has strayed into a pagalkhana by mistake and can't find the way out." The unadulterated joy on Gaurav's face on learning that his 'Papa' and Mama are finally to be married is pure bliss! It was like granting a child's wish, something he had been yearning for, for ages. It's really moving to see the alacrity with which the Guptas and the Raizadas open up their hearts to those hurting, and welcome them into their own fold! Like typical elders of a family they start with the wedding preparations. Buaji's hollering is such a part of her personality that everyone accepts it, even if they are in constant danger of becoming deaf, thanks to her! The love and understanding that Khushi and Anamika share brings a lump to my throat! In the midst of her excitement, Khushi doesn't forget to thank her Devi Maiyya or to fulfil her vow! Agree with Khushi that the look on Arnav's face would be priceless… after all he wasn't quite happy with her interference in this private matter, besides not believing that Khushi's madcap plans will have the desired effect!

Part 30: Good move on Khushi's part to tell Arnav, in person, of the newest development rather than conveying it over the phone as planned before. Seeing Khushi in his cabin comes as a pleasant surprise to Arnav. Khushi is incorrigible — one can't help but love her childlike qualities and the sheer exuberance with which she lives life! Life is never dull with her around, as Arnav knows… that he can never foretell what she might come up with next just adds to the adventure his life has become! Arnav changed the topic. Answering her question honestly would jeopardise his chances of marrying her on the 15th, and he was in no mood to have that happen… an Arnav walking on eggshells in 'mortal fear' of Khushi is sight for sore eyes! "Arnavji, you won't believe this! What did I tell you?" she asked. "What did you tell me?" Arnav asked, a perplexed frown on his face… poor fellow is generally left clueless as to what is going on! Reminds me of that scene in the show when Khushi comes to tell Arnav that they aren't truly married: "Kya hua?" "Poochiye ki kya nahin hua hae!" "OK, kya nahin hua?" "Sach mei poochiye ki kya hua hae!" Being or conversing with Khushi is like trying to hold on to the wind! No one can grasp it just as no one can grasp the mysterious workings of Sanka Devi's mind… of course, Arnav does make valiant efforts to decipher her cryptic sayings but is left bewildered more often than not! Khushi can read him like a book… she was spot on about his expression on hearing of the Ganesh-Anamika marriage! This comment had me in splits: "I wouldn't put it past you and the army of ladies following you," he muttered… he sounds so put upon! However, trust Arnav to turn the situation to his advantage… he trying to reward her with a kiss is another awww moment! Rather than being flustered, Khushi escaping the confines of his arms and grinning back at him shows just how self-confident and assured of Arnav's love she has grown... public displays of affection no longer faze her!

Ganesh always puts others' concerns before his own… he doesn't want to take the spotlight away from Arnav and Khushi on their wedding day… Arnav and Khushi are equally selfless in that they don't mind sharing their day of happiness with another deserving couple… looking forward to this double wedding… in the real world, it would have been the wedding of the year with a lot of media interest and speculation as two such powerful personalities in the world of fashion are getting married… having the wedding at Shantivan should keep the hordes at bay! "Khushi could not contain her happiness. She phoned ASR and got his consent." Getting ASR to agree wouldn't have taken long as everyone knows that whatever Khushi wants ASR is only too willing to do for her! "It…it feels good to be with so many people who are happy for you." All these years, Anamika has had to fend for herself and Gaurav and must have sorely missed having her loved ones with her… that she is now part of an extended family can only add to her perfect wedding day!

Despite their disparate ages, Khushi and Anamika are alike in the goodness of their hearts and in their innocence… nice to see Anamika gradually letting go of her fears and inhibitions… the way Anamika explores Ganesh reminds me very much of some of the Khushi-Arnav interactions: just like Ganesh in Anamika's hands, Arnav has also been left gritting his teeth in sheer helplessness and frustration, with his self-control in tatters, thanks to Khushi's innocent moves! Arnav, at least, can embrace Khushi and clutch her wandering fingers whereas poor Ganesh can't do so for fear of spooking Anamika: He put his hands on the table, clutching it in desperation… He tried to smile at her, and tightened his hold on the table. He hoped it wouldn't crumble under his stranglehold! Generally, men like to take charge during romantic interludes and only a self-assured man like Ganesh would hand over the reins in this sphere to a woman… "You can do anything you want." "I told you, Anamika. I am yours. My body is yours." The respect he has for women and the way he treats them as equals are what make us love him all the more! Ganesh nodded, "That is what I do to you and you do to me." A beautiful conclusion that takes us on other trip down memory lane, evoking Arnav's words to Khushi: Humaare dil ki dhadkanen ek ho jaati hain!