The Bride With A Doll Thread#4/ NOTE ON PAGE 145 - Page 50

The meeting is quite poignant, with each more concerned with the other's wellbeing than with anything else. Khushi rushing into Arnab's arms and bursting into tears, angrily asking him why he didn't come to meet her in these intervening two years and his holding her tightly to his body as he buried his face in her neck, followed by his reply straight from his heart about how much he missed her and thought of her is an image that brings a lump to one's throat. Khushi telling him that she believes in his innocence, and that too without any proof, must have been such a balm to his hurting heart. As he ran his hands across his wife's soft skin, it must have been such a relief to be able to enjoy that feeling without an ounce of guilt. As Arnab held her close and murmured reassuringly, his helpless heart felt heavier than the rainclouds above... a beautiful analogy that reflects the depth of his sorrow at the having given her pain and at the opportunities lost. Hari's loyalty is to be commended because, if things were to go south and Arnab's presence to become known, both he and his family would suffer. How Arnab and Khushi ended up in the hut and what transpired thereafter makes sense in this story, unlike the contrived scene we got in the show. The clouds had parted, revealing an almost full moon high in the sky. Awash in the silver light, the old house looked surreal and otherworldly. Standing quietly, Khushi stared at her husband as he talked intently to Hari, barely hearing the conversation as her thirsty eyes feasted on the sight of her husband's profile... as the night breeze rustled through the large leaves of the banana trees and crickets chirped loudly in the background... Jenny, you've always been brilliant at your descriptions and this is no exception. It's almost one is there physically, experiencing the same. You've also managed to succinctly portray Khushi's yearning for her husband and how much she had missed him. Boiled rice and Hilsa fish, fresh-caught from the river and cooked in a mustard flavored gravy... wow, makes one's mouth water! Khushi's blush and averted eyes on seeing a bare-chested Arnab is adorable. With her cheeks on fire and her heart fluttering inside her breast, she sat demurely on the stool, eyes downcast, hands resting on knees and her long hair cascading down her back to pool on the floor... she herself makes quite a cute picture! And Arnab being Arnab, must have been thoroughly enjoying the effect he was having on his susceptible wife! Arnab watching his lovely wife's silhouette as she changed into dry clothes, the desire that gradually builds in him as he enjoys the vision and the way he quenches his thirst on her skin were a delicious throwback to the hut scene in the show, bringing with it a pang of nostalgia. Smiling shyly she nodded and then on an impulse, stood on her tip toes to wrap her bare arms around his neck while pressing her body close to his. As if to silently say that she was all his... that must have made him feel that he was finally home! Their becoming one is sensuously written and sheer poetry. Later, he held Khushi close in his arms and stroking her hair tenderly, he asked, "Did that hurt, Khushu? His concern for her is quite touching as is her reassurance! While it was inevitable that they would come together so explosively, especially after having been separated for two years, I am worried about the repercussions to Khushi if she ends up becoming pregnant. As their reunion was secret, people are sure to accuse her of having had an affair and of carrying someone else's child... hope that eventuality won't come about... Khushi has had enough pain in her young life. Eagerly waiting for Monday, thanks to the teaser... not even thinking of Monday morning blues!