I loved this chapter for its beauty in tying things together, for the shifts in the relationships between the characters. Arnav and Anjali, Anjali and Khushi, Arnav and Bella, Khushi and Arnav- all three relationships went through changes in this phase, and they all came out so much stronger. I can't help but feel a little pride for them, as they take down their obstacles one by one.
Arnav and Anjali had their relationship sorely tested here- and in this, you showed a beautiful dichotomy. Anjali is both a younger sibling, and in some ways, becomes the older one. Anjali takes responsibility for hurting Arnav, but at the same time, she gently draws him towards understanding the thought behind her choices. The way she subtly highlighted the troubles Arnav and Khushi are going through marked her shift to a role that Arnav usually fills, the older sibling, gently letting them know she understands and offering her support. She has so much faith in her siblings, and the bond between her and Khushi proves that the addage "blood is thicker than water" is not always true.
Arnav confronting his fear for Bella was so powerful- but what I really loved seeing was watching the whole process through Khushi's eyes. Her pride is so palpable as she watches him, and it's as if she's holding her breath as he works through it and then lets it out with an irrepressible smile when he finally does. I was absolutely amazed by their conversation about children- it was so candid, with nothing barred from each other. Her reiteration of her commitment to fixing their marriage for them, his quiet comfort... they were completely honest and comfortable in that honesty, and that is a big step for them.
The connection between them was just so strong this chapter, with the private glances that they share, the little whispered comments and the laughter. I had a smile on my face throughout, and I laughed aloud when Arnav noticed that "beautiful Italian". I love seeing how their relationship has grown, how much commitment they have to working through this together. And at the end- you showed that so well. While she was his strength when he needed it... he will now be hers. Bring it on, Guptas.
Love always,
Your Choti.
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