What I LOVED: Weekend Extra Special 2nd June 2012

Welcome to the weekend special of the WIL review. This is in continuation of an old series - Reflections from the Past.

Order, please!

The Kidnapping Sequence: Dissection & Analysis

There are mighty changes in Arnav. For the past few months, Arnav had been in a captured position. Now, he's freeing himself.

1. Arnav left Khushi at the Airport not listening to her pleas, but listened to the four strangers.
Correlation: Arnav didn't talk to Khushi, but with Shyam instead. At that time, Shyam was as good as a stranger to Arnav - though Arnav thought he knew Shyam, he really did not. Arnav thought he was in control with Shyam, but he was not.

2. Because of his choice to follow the strangers, he was made captive against his wishes. Had he listened to Khushi and waited or returned, he'd have been saved.
Correlation: Because he chose to listen to Shyam, Arnav let himself become a captive. Had he chosen to get things clarified from Khushi, he'd have been saved.

3. Arnav was captured in a closed room in an unknown place. He was bound to a chair and his movement was limited. He had to eat or drink what was given to him. He had very little choice; he was held at gunpoint. Though, he hasn't taken it lying down completely. He attempted to get the phone to call home again.
Correlation: Arnav limited himself and his choices and had to take whatever Shyam gave him. He had to lay low and take what was given to him. Shyam had laid his control on him, and Arnav had to submit, even though he didn't take it lying down and attempted indirect attacks on Shyam - such as, marrying Khushi, stopping his money flow, and changing his Will.

4. Arnav could not talk to anyone in his family for a few days, and when he did he could not tell them of his condition. No one shared in his plight. All they got to know was that he was in a beautiful place where was not meant to go but had to come, and that he was fine. The only person who got any indication of his possible trouble was Anjali, but she was calmed after Arnav's call.
Correlation: Arnav has not been able to share his pain with his family. All his family knows is that his wedding to Khushi was not planned, but it happened; however, he was happy in his marriage. Anjali was the only person who has been worried about Arnav and Khushi's married life, however, when she sees Arnav and Khushi's love for one another, she calms down.

5. During his phone call, Arnav told everyone he was fine, but with Khushi attempted to calm her, and even scolded her, and then later he added that he loved her.
Correlation: Arnav remained the same Arnav for the family. Only Khushi saw his anger, his care, and he showed her in his own ways, that he loved her.

6. Only Khushi became tuned in to his trouble. Almost as soon as he left, she knew something was not right.
Correlation: Khushi knew that something was wrong with Arnav, very early in their marriage. She knew he was behaving in a manner that was not his customary way and she longed to learn his reason. She knew that he'd have a reason for doing what he did. She also knew that he was hurt.

7. Khushi was very worried for Arnav and was consoled by Arnav's family. During this, she came to learn more about Arnav as a person.
Correlation: Khushi became much penalized for Arnav's actions and even his refusal to deal with the changes that marriage brought on the family. Arnav's family and especially Anjali came to Khushi's help. Khushi learned about Arnav from Anjali.

8. Khushi made repeated attempts to find Arnav, and each time she tried something new: message, phone call, Police, detectives, getting flight details from airport, etc.
Correlation: Khushi has made several and diverse attempts to get information on Arnav on why he married her and how was he hurt.

9. Khushi found Arnav by chance, while using one of her ways. She spotted the kidnapper and followed him, getting caught in the process when she was careless about her safety, though she noticed something wrong. She should have run and called for help, but she did not.
Correlation: Khushi learned of Arnav's reasons by chance, when she was using one of her ways to get out of his way because she believed she knew the truth. She attempted suicide, however, she learned that she'd been caught when she'd been careless and said things she shouldn't have, though she'd seen Shyam being vile. She should have got away from that place the moment she learned Shyam was behind the message, instead of staying on to chat, but she did not.

10. Arnav stayed bound till he realized that Khushi meant more to him than he thought and she was his one true need.
Correlation: Arnav had started changing his attitude when he realized that Khushi was still very dear to him and he cared for her.

11. Following his dream of Khushi caring for him, Arnav found new strength and cut his own bonds freeing himself, though not completely.
Correlation: Love has definitely set Arnav free. The knowledge that he cared for Khushi and loved her broke the bonds of hatred and disgust. (He had been on the verge of turning back to her on the Airport when he was captured.) Though, he's freeing himself of hatred for Khushi, yet, his main problem is still unsolved.

12. Khushi found Arnav incidentally, given that the kidnapper did not know of their relationship and their love. He kept them together and helped them meet unknowingly.
Correlation: Though Shyam has made every attempt to keep Khushi from Arnav, he has inadvertently led Khushi straight to Arnav. It was his act that led Arnav to marry Khushi and his ongoing antics that have kept Khushi and Arnav together. Shyam has no clue of their relationship and their love. He has ignored even the hint that Khushi gave him during the Bhang scene.

13. Arnav and Khushi sensed each other, even though they could not see each other, and found that they both - unknown of each other - had been locked in the same place. They felt each other's presence through the wall and they longed to reach each other, because they felt the love and care.
Correlation: Arnav and Khushi sensed each other's love and care even though they did not see eye to eye. Their hearts called to one another and they had come to the realization that their hearts were one. They listened to and answered the call of each other's heart increasingly. The calls became louder and they realized that they were together. They discovered that unknown to each other they're both suffering in the same hell - just separated by a wall of misunderstanding. Though they could not reach each other, they felt the love and care.

14. Arnav noticed the ventilating window first and pointed Khushi to it.
Correlation: Aha! I haven't seen one yet that I'd be sure of, but looks like it cometh! Perhaps, this is Arnav's current attempt to reconcile with Khushi.

15. They had to make attempts to see each other, having to climb on top of something to reach the small wired window that enabled them to see one another. Through this window, they could see how the other one was caged.
Correlation: They had to come above their own selves to see each other and found the other one caged and locked. Though, it seems it is partially coming through.

16. Khushi refused to let go of Arnav and Arnav assured her continuously of his support.
Correlation: yet to see!

17. Arnav asks Khushi if she wants him with her and attempts to break the grill. Arnav is willing to cross over to Khushi's side - in words and action.
Correlation: Partially through.

18. Arnav sees the kidnapper messing with the missus and the missus running from him, all the while protecting her hubby dear. Arnav flies into a rage and beats the pulp outta the cheapster.
Arnav protects Khushi's honor.
Correlation: yet to see... more like ... longing to see!

19. Khushi keeps Arnav from killin' that excuse for a man.
Correlation: It seems the dame would keep Arnav from destroying the Creep, obviously because she's promised Anjali that no harm would come to her husband.
(Arnav, easy way out: get Anjali divorced, then Shyam is husband no more. Go on, kill him - with blessings from the Fandom!)

20. Khushi rushes into Arnav's arms and Arnav accepts her with love.
Correlation: hmm... tricky! Though, I think this is yet to happen properly.

21. Arnav and Khushi escape together.
Correlation: Yep, darlin'. There is no Arnav winning and Khushi losing or vice versa - either they win together or they lose together. The redemption for them comes as a mutual fund benefit.

22. Arnav and Khushi work together, protecting each other from the kidnappers.
Correlation: Yet to happen. Please happen!

23. Arnav and Khushi about to step up their relationship and are in a compromised state, when kidnappers (apparently) arrive.
Correlation: Hope does not happen in the story, even if it happens in this sequence.

24. Possibility: If Arnav or Khushi get hurt/caught/etc., considering how the near the kidnappers are - another set of problems come through.
Correlation: Oh yeah! Knowing our story-tellers - oh yeah!

A considerable change has come into Arnav Singh Raizada ever since he's realized his love for Khushi. From being a captive who was held bound, Arnav has suddenly become a different man.

Following the terrace scene, the thing that kept Arnav disillusioned was Khushi loving another man. Now, that he feels that she cares for him and he realizes his love for her, he has newfound strength.

He'd been sitting tied and though he tried few attempts they were weak attempts as Arnav was weak. Now, seeing Khushi in his heart and seeing her love has given him strength to break free. He wants to be with her and would not let anything hold him in bondage. He is not letting his belief, his anger, his hatred or his disgust hold him back from loving Khushi. It is as if he's saying - 'I don't care what's past. She is mine now, and she loves me. And I love her. We can make this work!'

Suddenly, Arnav has become the Doer.

- broke his bonds
- reached out to Khushi
- reassured her of his presence with her
- broke open the grill to crossover to be with her
- saved her honor
- beat up the villain (good bwoy!)
- escaped with the girl

The man is on the go...!

In the current scenario, Arnav's thought process in unclear. There can be two possibilities:
- Arnav trusts Khushi's truth
- Arnav feels that Khushi did have an affair with Shyam, but after they got married, Khushi now loves Arnav. This follows that Arnav believes that Khushi never loved him, and always thought of him as a monster. However, now after the wedding, Khushi has changed and is now faithful to her husband.

Personally, I do not feel that Arnav trusts Khushi's truth. The reason is simple: Arnav is very much in love with Khushi and detests that she should be harmed in any way because of him. He'd rather give himself pain and veil his agony, than hurt her. This was true even when he had more than sufficient reason (in his mind) to hurt her and enjoy it. However, Arnav could never be happy if Khushi was hurt, more so because of him.

His regret at seeing Khushi shiver in cold, alienated by her family, unwell (just a common cold), apparently lost, quiet because she was too hurt was enough to move him into action. He had to work hard to remind himself that Khushi was vile. If he saw that she was going to be in trouble, he would run to make sure she would not land in trouble. He would not let harm come to her if he could help it (Khushi about to fall from the ladder, Khushi shivering in the AC, Khushi attempting suicide).

Now if Arnav believes what Khushi is saying and understands its full implication, his regret would be earth shattering. His situation would be the closest to his breathing coming to a halt.

Remember his reaction when he saw Khushi with Shyam, and Anjali's life being destroyed. Now he has become the reason Khushi's life is destroyed. It would be beyond what Arnav could handle. If one were to speak of it in a figurative sense - or even literal - if Arnav could scream then, his screams of agony would rend the heavens!

Khushi's Trust Situation

Arnav has confessed his love, however, Khushi's thought process in unclear. There can be two possibilities:

- Khushi believes that Arnav loves her, and trusts her completely in the Shyam matter
- Khushi feels that Arnav only confessed because he was in danger and he was trying to give her that message.
- The issue here is that if Arnav was looking for help from Khushi, he couldn't have done it if he didn't trust her for his safety. If he felt she was in league with his enemy, then asking her for help in a situation where his life was endangered (and his family's in turn) seems unlikely, especially from someone like Arnav.

It seems Khushi feels Arnav loves her, but he only said it because he was in danger. However, it seems that from Arnav's reaction to her (which is completely love and acceptance) she feels that he trusts her, and not Shyam.

The Matter of the Will

Arnav:
Now that he has accepted that he loves her and sees her love and concern, if the matter of the Will comes to him in suspicious circumstances, Arnav may find himself - emotionally and circumstantially - in a very confused and tight situation.

However, Khushi has tricked him into signing a Will that gives everything to Shyam, there is another thing that Arnav must understand and forgive. Last time, Khushi did not do something that she should've done and now she's done something that she should not have.

This puts Arnav in a very difficult situation not only with respect to trust, but also his newly confessed love. Arnav has forgiven Khushi for something very huge and accepted her in his love. He couldn't help but love her despite his knowledge of what she'd done. He couldn't help but express and give her his love and care in some measure, even when he had not confessed his love.

Another forgiveness, and this time another seeming direct attack on Anjali's life and future, might come with a lot of hurt and pain. However, forgiveness would only come into the picture if Arnav knows that Khushi was desperate, and Shyam tricked her (which right now, even Khushi does not know).

If Arnav connects the dots to mean that Khushi tricked him so that Shyam could get all the money and then, if Arnav dies, she can get together with Shyam and Anjali loses everything. He may hold her responsible for the kidnapping as well.

Now, however, it would put him in terrible dilemma seeing how much Khushi was bothered for him, concerned for him, and he's felt her love.

Khushi:
Khushi has done something she knows she should not have; however, she still makes it a point that when Arnav is back, she'd first tell him about the papers that Shyam got her to get signed, though she knows she would have to confess her trick to him - she does not mind that.

Now, if she learns that Arnav said he loves her but doesn't trust her in Shyam's matter, it would say, that he's forgiving and accepting her despite what she has done. This would be a big blow to Khushi's trust on Arnav and his love. In addition, if Arnav mistrusts her in the matter of the Will as well, she would be broken.

This gives Khushi a greater cause for agony and a bigger issue pending for forgiveness. Khushi may not accept love that comes without trust. Another forgiveness now for Arnav's lack of trust, and this time another seeming attack on her character and integrity, might come with a lot of pain and hurt.

However, Khushi is at a loss on several points. She does not know that Shyam changed the papers before she got them signed. She has no proof that:
' The papers she had read were different from the ones she got signed. The photograph she's kept of the signed papers are the ones which name Shyam as Arnav's sole heir. She did not photograph the unsigned papers she had read.
' She got the papers signed only as a deal to hold Shyam in place till he confessed everything to Arnav, because she believed that Arnav would not trust her, but would trust Shyam.
' She did not give the papers back to Shyam following Arnav's kidnap - Shyam stole the papers. She had actually attempted to hide the papers from Shyam and still does not know where they are. She stopped looking for them, because she got focused on Arnav's safety.

It is a given that Shyam would not help Khushi in a way which would be effective help for Khushi.
Khushi has no hope except Arnav trusting her despite suspicious circumstances (or someone else helps prove Khushi's innocence if Arnav does not trust her).

Shyam:
Shyam has got a Will signed in his name and this makes him the most likely kidnapper, among the known characters. For a Will to be implemented, Arnav needs to be dead. However, till Shyam is sure of everything in place, he cannot let anyone know of the Will.

It is unlikely that Shyam will tell Arnav that he got the Will signed in his own name, unless Shyam was about to kill Arnav. Actually, till the time Arnav and the Will were completely in the place where Shyam wants them, Shyam would not even reveal himself to Arnav as a conspirator for the Will or as a kidnapper (that is, if he has kidnapped Arnav).

In short, in the form of this Will, a big Trust Test is coming for both Arnav and Khushi.

I'm not sure where the word 'redemption' came into being with regard to a 'track'. It's a word with a very wide meaning and application, and can be meant at several levels - the characters in this story might get to all levels at different times in the story.

I say this because 'redemption' cannot be limited to a 'track'. It is not a time bound thing, but a process that goes on at different levels, at different times, and in different environment (circumstances) and their responses to it. This is true for both Arnav and Khushi too. There is a greater deliverance awaiting them - and how long they take to get there depends on how they respond to current scenarios.

Anyhow for this segment, let us limit the word to the current misunderstanding scenario - more because it is now an accepted word for 'redemption' of Arnav.

The problem with redemption for Arnav, however, is that the poor chap is not the only one who needs to redeem himself - his wife needs is equally. Arnav's act was visible to the world, but Khushi's act was (and is) hidden - contrarily, has Arnav's pain has been hidden from the world and Khushi's pain was visible to all.

The problem also is that though these two have obtained different levels of realization about themselves, each other, and of them as being 'together' (their emotions, bond) at different times - probably a part of their deliverance must or at least should come in together.

The reason is that there is no Arnav vs. Khushi - ever! That whole thing is a facade. Arnav and Khushi can be in a fight mode forever, but there can never be one winner from among them. It can never be that Arnav wins and Khushi loses or the other way round. Either they win together, or they lose together.

The redemption of Arnav and Khushi may be/should be/could be at three levels:

• Individual (within oneself)
• Personal (between themselves)
• Complete (known to all relevant people - besides, they owe a lot of people a lot of explanation!)

Disclaimer: This segment is not about 'How' redemption will take place, or 'when' it would happen, or any such questions widely asked and answered. If this is what you want, you might want to stop here.

This segment is about some events, pointers, links and hints to look for in the coming episodes that would reflect some level of redeeming taking place. If you're interested still, enter in!

Khushi's Perspective:

Khushi knows that though she intended good, she's hidden from Arnav something she ought to have told him. Her deed is now staring her in the face. When she learnt from Arnav the reason of their marriage, initially, her reaction was an angry outburst. However, not much time had passed when the anger disappeared and she was overtaken by the thought that she needs to clarify herself before him. She saw hurt on his face, and she understood immediately the reason of his action and his constant distancing himself from her. She understood his repulsion. And she realized that she was not ok with the idea of Arnav hating her, thinking her to be so cheap and being disgusted with her that he wouldn't ever see her again, if he could help it.

She understood that one of the main reasons why Arnav does not believe her now is that she didn't tell him when she should have.

The point to see here is that she's realized what her action has done to him and she'll do whatever it takes to clear it.

Arnav's Perspective:

Arnav's individual redemption requirement starts much further in the past - probably starting from when he first misunderstood her when they first met, and he has kept the trend up. Each time even though he learned that Khushi was not as he had first thought, yet some things about his perception of the world and of Khushi kept him close to his own mindset that refuses to believe that someone could be so real in their expression as in their heart.

Although with time, Arnav's perception of Khushi began to change, his growing closeness towards her worried him about his own (so-called) weakness. He rejected her on Diwali, and blamed her for trying to capture a rich man.

Since then, they have been off tangent and confused with respect to their own and each other's feelings. Currently, however, Arnav's realization of the hurt he's brought to Khushi is hurting him and he is doing what he can to make up to her by showing her care and love.

The Arnav-Khushi Perspective:

Although he reacts in anger and getting offensive is his way of putting up defenses, Khushi has no way of knowing this, and she has interpreted it as rejection. However, from Arnav's heart, she was hardly rejected.

Arnav realized long back that he's hurt Khushi, though he says that he hasn't meant it; this is just the way he is. Khushi too has now realized that when she hid the truth about Shyam from Arnav, she hurt Arnav very badly. Arnav's realization of how much he's hurt Khushi especially following their wedding.

More importantly, in addition to realizing that they have hurt each other, they have found that this does not bring them any joy or satisfaction. Contrary to what they might have thought or felt before, hurting the other hurt them more.

The current change in their attitude towards each other follows from their realization of their own heart hurting because of the other's pain. The beginning of the journey back or as we like to say 'redemption' within has begun.

However, when the journey within is not accompanied by the journey alongside the other one involved, it brings pain and loneliness, and if the lone journey tarries without much reaction or response from the other, it brings bitterness and hardness.

For this reason, their personal redemption (to each other) must start while their realizations came to the fore. That is, the response from the other was a must. This response has started to come in. Khushi responded to Arnav's pain and Arnav has responded to Khushi's response with his love.

However, for Arnav and Khushi the 'love' response for the each other has started only now. They are not aware that the love has been in both their hearts for a very long time.

Khushi is redeemed when Arnav knows and trusts the truth, and forgives her.
Arnav is redeemed when Khushi forgives him.

This is easier said than done. It would've been easier had the two been surrounded by less circumstantial and relationship issues. Arnav and Khushi have never been able to have a decent conversation given their perception of each other and pre-conceived notions (and of course the very regular interruptions).

Pretty long back (perhaps January) I'd expressed a wish: 'I, for one, would love to see Arnav and Khushi fight it out till the end. A face off between them - dialog to dialog combat ' that may start with them not letting one another speak, progresses to them listening to each other, and ends with them completing each other's sentences.'

The progress is made from the point where they were not letting each other speak to them asking questions and being willing to listen to answers. Of course it'll take time before they generate trust and willingness to understand the responses they hear from each other. That kind of face off still needs time.

Anyhow, back to current situation.

Khushi has forgiven Arnav for what he has done when she learnt the reason he married her.
Arnav has forgiven her for what he thinks she did with Shyam and Anjali's life.

But here is the problem!

Khushi's Perspective:

Arnav has confessed his love, and Khushi, though it seems she accepts his love, also accepts is as his trust on her - or so it seems.

She has forgiven what he did with her when he married her, because she sees his pain and knows of his love for his sister. Her love makes her desperate that she clears her name and ensures that Arnav trusts her in the matter. She would be broken when she learns of his lack of trust, and she may not be able to accept his love till Arnav believes her.

For Khushi, the matter of personal redemption is more to do with clearing her name and helping Arnav against Shyam.

1. Arnav has seen what Khushi is made of. She would stand up for her family and sacrifice whatever she has to for them, including herself. She has shown herself strong and loyal. In fact apart from the terrace scene, Arnav has never found inconsistency in Khushi's attitude and behavior - so much so that he knows how her mind works and is a step ahead of her, even if he does not understand why she is so.

But how does this help in Khushi's redemption? Khushi gave up the first feelings that she had for a man for her friend Lavanya. Khushi gave up her right to have justice for Anjali's marriage and life. Khushi gave up her own life and dreams for her sister Payal's wedding.

Khushi being Khushi will bring about a sharp contrast in what Arnav thinks Khushi has done and what Khushi has been doing for the one year.

2. When Khushi accepted the marriage with Arnav, she did it because Arnav threatened her. However what Arnav does not know is that if he needn't have threatened her. It's a matter of coming clean in front of Arnav.

Khushi needs to show Arnav that she would have married him even if he did not threaten her. She has never been able to hide her feelings or the impact he has on her from Arnav.

A bit of Arnav's thought process needed here: Arnav felt he knew that Khushi feels what he feels. This is one of the reasons why he made the move he did on Diwali. He felt the bond and he knew that she felt it too. This is also why he was angry when she decided to bottle up her emotions and pretend joy after he announced engagement with Lavanya. He could not understand her actions when he learnt of her engagement (he specifically asked: what are you doing?). It is also the reason why he resumed his moves during the Payash wedding. However, after the terrace scene, he probably felt he was mistaken about her feelings for him. He felt she loved Shyam.

Back to Khushi! She needs to show Arnav that she has always loved him and only him. She has been only about him always. There has never been any other man, any other name for Khushi. As she does this, it may help Arnav join the dots right from the beginning when she wept out of jealousy when Arnav patched up with Lavanya even to the point when she called him the prince and the beast and the Heer speech when she said that Heer became Ranjha.

It would help Arnav to remember that in the hospital (when Shashi was admitted), on Diwali, during Sangeet and Payash wedding, and even in the upcoming hut sequence, Khushi had willingly submitted herself.

Arnav has no way of knowing that Khushi always loved him. Khushi needs to show this. When Khushi told Arnav that she did not tell him about Shyam because Anjali's life would be shattered if she did, she told him the truth, but only half the truth. Arnav does not know that she remembered that Anjali was Arnav's world and she could not bear to see him broken because his sister's life was shattered. Khushi needs to show him this.

3. Khushi has had a fantastic opportunity, owing to her nature, that she has always been open about who she is. She has always spoken her mind and always dropped very useful hints about her thoughts, her feelings, and her beliefs. Arnav only needs to connect the dots, once Khushi shows him how. Khushi is perfectly placed for doing this. The first year has gone by since they met and the next year is a year of anniversaries.

4. The more Khushi remains focused on Arnav and his priority of bringing Anjali and her baby to safety, the more she would get ways to show Arnav how wrong he'd been about her. Khushi knows how Shyam had manipulated her and her family. Soon, she will again see how he is lying again (during the Will matters whenever it happens). Khushi has begun using her brains - if she now uses her knowledge and experience with Shyam to focus on helping Arnav against Shyam, slowly Arnav's trust that Khushi is in league with Shyam will disintegrate.

5. Khushi has won the heart of Arnav's family and they love her dearly. They also know that Khushi loves Arnav very much - now including Mami Ji.

Arnav's Perspective:

Arnav still does not trust Khushi's truth but his own version of the reality - or so it seems.

The interesting facet is that now Arnav is seeing Khushi accept his love. He's seeing Khushi return his love. He's opened his heart to an extent that he willingly decided to give their relationship a chance and give himself to it.

The day learns the truth well enough to trust - in a way that answers all his questions and kills every doubt - will be a huge turn around day for Arnav.

So what does Arnav have to do to get redeemed in Khushi's eyes? And what has he done that may help his redeeming later on?

For Arnav, the matter of personal redemption with Khushi is more to do with expression of trust, rather than love. Perhaps, trust might have to make a way for love. It is a matter of sharing the equal poison as Ranjha did and then giving up his life because Heer was no more - perhaps, not literally, but things figurative are deeper than things literal, in any case.

1. Arnav has already showed Khushi what he is made of. Arnav would stand up for his family and sacrifice whatever he has to, including himself, if anyone or anything were to wrong them. But how does help Arnav be redeemed?

Arnav needs to come clean in front of Khushi. Arnav has told Khushi that the reason he married her was because he knew of her affair with Shyam. That is only half the story. Khushi next question should have been about what he has done with Shyam because Shyam was an equal partner if there was an affair. I'm pretty certain that Arnav would not answer that question, at least not as yet.

The true reason for Arnav's actions was on a dual level: one, his knowledge of Khushi's so-called affair; two, he loves Khushi and considers her his very own.

This has to do with Arnav showing his deepest feelings about Khushi to Khushi. Unless Khushi sees that Arnav hurt himself when he hurt her, that Arnav sacrificed himself when sacrificed her, that Arnav did it to her because he loved her and considered her his very own - he did it because this is who he is - he would sacrifice himself rather than his sister (or family) and Khushi is a part of him.

2. Arnav has told Khushi that he loves her. He's shown her his love too.

A bit of Khushi's thought process needed here: When Khushi heard it, she mapped it to all the times in the past when Arnav either did something for her that was unexplainable before or left something unsaid. However, after she realizes that he does not trust her and if the matter of the Will plays unfavorably for her, it may be hard for her trust Arnav's love. She may feel he said it simply to give her the message that he was not ok. About his move to her in the hut, Arnav has done this before on Diwali and during Payash wedding, later all seriousness went out of the window - as far as Khushi's view is concerned. There is no reason why Khushi may accept his move as genuine - not to say that she wouldn't, but her reasons may be her heart than logic.

Back to Arnav! Arnav again needs to show Khushi that he has always loved her. His love for her is way in the past (even more than Khushi realizes). Interestingly, Arnav is very well placed right now to show her this. A year has gone by since they met, and the coming year is a year of many anniversaries. All the times that Arnav did something hurtful/insulting to Khushi in the past, he has a chance to undo those.

It would help Khushi reconnect with those moments - however, this time she may see the Arnav who hidden behind the scenes in the moments gone by, and latch onto the truth. Arnav has already completed the missing portion of 'Faraq padta hai' which has helped Khushi reconnect with many past moments, where he'd left it unsaid.

3. While Arnav has remained hidden most of the first year of their acquaintance, Khushi has finally found Arnav (YAY!). Of course, she may have to re-find him. Anyhow, back to the point. Arnav has had some fantastic chances to reveal his side of the story at his will. The parts of his story that he has hidden have been as per his own will (of not wanting to answer certain questions - something which irks Khushi no end).

One of the fantastic things that Arnav did reveal was to tell Khushi of his knowledge of her and Shyam's so-called affair and then tell her that he loved her. Doing this, he has already taken one of the most important steps to redemption.

Once Khushi realizes (and understands) his love, she would appreciate that knowing what he thought he did, doing what he had, he still chose to love her, to the extent that he was willing to give himself into the relationship. This itself proves that he really does love her.

4. Arnav has won the heart of Khushi's family and they love him dearly. They also know that Arnav loves Khushi very much.

For Arnav, the matter of personal redemption with Khushi is more to do with expression of trust, rather than love, and for Khushi, to understand Arnav's love and believing in it. For Khushi, the matter of personal redemption with Arnav is more to do with clearing her name by helping Arnav against Shyam despite whatever happens on the Will matter.

The personal redemption comes from the fact that Arnav loved Khushi despite what he thought about her, and when he found the truth he was broken and he repented; and that Khushi supported Arnav against Shyam despite what she knew of Arnav's thoughts on her, and when she found the truth, she was broken and she repented.

However, this does not solve the problem. Their relationship would never be fruitful as long as Shyam continues to live in RM. Arnav can have limited joy with Khushi till Shyam continues to play with Arnav's sister's life, while keeping his eyes on Arnav's wife.

Arnav would have many things on his mind. Not only he would want to make his sister's life safe, once he trusts Khushi's innocence, he'd want to fulfill all her dreams, and give back all he took away.
I don't know if he'll be able to do that or not - because that requires a higher level of redemption.

The ousting of Shyam is something that may trigger a proper coming together of the two. But that is only the beginning.

However, it is easier said than done. Shyam cannot be ousted effectively without his true face being uncovered to RM-waasis. The moment anyone tries to uncover Shyam, it would be the undoing of the threads that are being twisted knot-upon-knot.

There is only one way to get Khushi's name cleared completely - and surprisingly, that is through Anjali becoming free of Shyam, in every way (relationship, emotionally, mentally, whatever else).

Just as at the moment, Khushi is endangered by both Arnav and Shyam (one misuses her and the other mistreats her); Shyam is protected by both Khushi and Anjali (Khushi keeps quiet for Anjali's sake and Anjali does not know - and when she does, she might keep quiet for Arnav's or Arnav-Khushi's sake.)

If Anjali discovers the truth before the six months are up, my question is usual - which version and what level?

The moment Shyam is unmasked, Khushi will automatically be tainted in public eye (so will Payal) - not only with respect to Anjali, but also Arnav. She would once again stand on the threshold where she loses everything. If all Anjali knows at the time is that Arnav married Khushi to keep her away from Shyam, then Khushi would be as good as dead. And if Khushi is as good as dead, Arnav will find it mighty hard to breathe.

Here is the interesting thing: To clear Khushi's name, not only Shyam needs to be unmasked, Arnav also needs to be unmasked. And Arnav is the only person who can unmask Arnav.

Arnav and Khushi cannot be redeemed separately - they must be redeemed either together, or not at all. As I always say, there is no winner between Arnav and Khushi - either they win together, or they lose together.

Khushi will be completely redeemed when Arnav owns up his misunderstanding with Khushi and all the pain and torture he's unleashed at her. He may have to own up all he did to her and what their relationship has been when married. Arnav has a HUGE price to pay. This is Arnav's redemption as well.

This will open the way for Arnav to openly declare Shyam's deceit, Khushi's innocence, his own error and their love for one another. This will open the way for Arnav and Khushi to have a proper married life and for Arnav to fulfill all her dreams.

The curious thing about unmasking Shyam is that not only will it reveal what he did with Khushi and her family, it must be revealed what he did with Anjali.

It would need Arnav and Khushi to understand how Anjali got involved with Shyam and how they got married. Understanding how Shyam got into Anjali's life and won everyone's confidence, so much so, married Anjali, got a place in RM and even Arnav's Will - might, just might help Arnav see how Shyam got into Khushi's life and won everyone's confidence, so much so, got a place in GH and got engaged with Khushi. The past of Anjali and Shyam will come up.

Another piece of information that Khushi needs to add up and help Arnav with is Shashi's constant pointing towards Shyam, and his reaction to Anjali when Raizadas came to GH for Payash wedding. Arnav is aware of how Shashi reacted.

Probably this is how, Arnav might come to trust Khushi. (Of course, words from Payal, Bua Ji, and Bau Ji might help, but I don't see Arnav reaching out to them for clarification. He respects them and considers them as his family; he may not want to bother them, if he doesn't bother his own family.) However, before Shashi gets to share his knowledge of Shyam, it is probably required that he may become aware of Shyam's impact on Arnav-Khushi relationship. However, as of now, Shashi trusts Arnav, and this may help Shashi to see that the possible reason of Arnav-Khushi clash is Shyam.

Finally ...
I always question - What makes Shyam SO confident of standing against Arnav Singh Raizada and messing with Arnav's dearest one (now two)?
Shyam has already fooled Arnav once, he is confident that he can do it again, and he has.

Shyam's unmasking would be repairing the breach that was caused when Arnav married Khushi - between Arnav and Khushi, between Gupta and Raizada siblings, between the families.