Very well analysed Tia - Whilst I agree with what you have said in essence - it made me think about Arnav & why he has that bond with his sister. One would need to explore that firstly & understand that possibly that is the reason he has re-acted as he has now. Both of them went through major trauma as youngsters & it was her guidance & role as a mother that pulled him through. Understanding that relationship - is the crux of the problem now. He has the fear that he will loose his sister. I agree that he has shown neither respect/gratitude or acknowledged the part that his wife has played. Part of the reason that he still has not made a full explantion to Nani - i think is because he did not want to ridicule or humiliate Khushi???
I think what you have said in your post is that IF members are "fed" with the small gestures & that we walk away happy. This however does NOT go anywhere in sustantiating his relationship with Khushi. For that reason she is right to walk away from him - not to sacrifice happiness but to regain her dignity!!
I also think that the story did not explain why he held his silence as long as he had- we all expected to know what plan they had hatched prior to their entry in RM but it never really happened!! It brings me back to square one that its always benn to him about putting his DI as number one. Does she therefore manipulate him & use that power unconsciously?? If Khushi turned around & said that he hjad to chose between her & his sister - how would she be perceived?
I agree with your post script that KKGSR is unique as a bahu - Before her foreced marriage her character was so fun loving & then along came ASR to change that. THe reason I think that she brings up the marriage contract is because she believes that is the only plausible explanation that will be acceped for walking away. She blames herself for the current unrest today at RM - notice her speech to Di when she asked her to take out her wrath on her!!!
Sorry these are my views - sorry that they miander from one point to the other!!!