Tia, I am
so glad you shared your analysis with us!! You went back to the starting point, the essence of the characters, in order to explain their current actions. Ever since Arnav brought up the contract, things started to become very disjointed for me in the show. Initially I could understand their respective actions and reactions. Arnav used the contract as a false threat because he knew that was the only thing which would stop Khushi from leaving (apparently, it wasn't yet a good enough time for a heartfelt apology- nope, that would show vulnerability and we can't have that). Khushi took his words to heart and believed she was the root of all unrest, and as is her nature she reverts to her lighthearted behavior to put up a front while she resolves to "fix everything" by leaving (it's her job to bring khushi to others, she is not included in that number). Okay, I followed both of their thinking so far. Then it became muddled, especially when the whole "role reversal" started happening with Arnav pulling Khushi-like tactics out of his hat. What??
Back to the contract threat night: ASR sees he has deeply hurt Khushi. He promises to win her back. Hmm...except I don't think he understands the meaning of the phrase quite the way we do. His interpretation seems to be more along the lines of: I'm going to force her to submit to my love; I will win her over. And here's where I failed to understand his thinking- he doesn't need to conquer her when she has already surrendered herself. Where did the man go who understood what Khushi needed and gave it to her without being asked? What was with all those silly attempts on her birthday (and beyond) to make her smile when he had easily accomplished the task in the past? He quietly gifted her the 2 silver coins on Diwali and she went ecstatic; he gifted her a set of bangles and easily elicited that same smile. Then why couldn't he meet her needs on/after her birthday? What changed? You gave me the answer: Khushi. Her happiness at those times was linked to something material which held sentimental value for her; to him, those objects were weighed in monetary value and he provided them for the sake of her happiness. Ah, but now Khushi's happiness is not linked to anything material. Arnav tried buying things for her in order to please her but she shot down all his attempts with a very simple statement: It's a pity you were able to pay for all these pretty things, and yet you couldn't purchase my smile for all your money. She clearly tells him I don't want anything material from you, a sincere wish would have been more than enough. Once again, I couldn't understand why it was so hard for him to wish her a simple Happy Birthday, or why he chose to share his personal thoughts with her while she was clearly asleep. But you clued me in to that as well: Vulnerability. Arnav tried to please her the way he has always pleased his family members, the way he has pleased Khushi in the past: go out and buy them whatever they want. That's his way of showing his love. But Khushi has changed the rules of the game entirely- she doesn't need from him, she needs of him. It is not she who needs to submit to Arnav's love, but the other way around! And he's not ready to give her that yet.
So what does he do? He carries on challenging her ASR style in order for him to accept him as her husband and exercise her rights on him as his wife. Ah and now the whole thing starts to click into place with what you've pointed out. He needs to be needed- that is the way he perceives he is loved. And what does Khushi do? She carries on being stubborn in order to bring happiness to others- Arnav is number one on that list. So despite his crazy antics, she won't give in because she perceives his happiness to lie with his sister. Away from her. That is the way Khushi loves.
Missing pieces start to fall into place- thanks again for a wonderful post!!!
~D
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