ARHI FF: The Secrets We Keep [***NEW*** Chapter 19 UP - Page 88] - Page 49

Originally posted by: ssttuuttii

Umm..I would like to suggest that you re-read Chp-8 as well. It will really help clear up many things...especially regarding the timeline. This is only a suggestion from my side as there are many fine details in there and even after multiple readings I find something new everytime.(Salutes to Kitti 👏 she really chooses her words very wisely and particularly)

But in case you don't have the time for that right now...I'll post an excerpt from it-

I remembered this year's New Year. Aman had returned from his trip with a black eye and bruised ribs. Arnav had bruised and torn knuckles. For a brief moment, when I spotted them both at the airport, I feared that Aman had found out about Arnav and me. But then, it hadn't explained role reversal in injuries.

Aman and Arnav had not been on speaking terms since. Their interactions had always been short and stifled ever since then; as though there was a huge secret, a rift, a crack hanging between them. When I had questioned Aman about it, he had brushed me off---and given my own relationship with Arnav, I had dropped it; believing it to be for the best.

It is only since this New Year that Arnav and Aman stopped talking and the problem arose. Also, though it doesn't matter much but I would like to remind it was Boston and not New York where this happened. (I think you got it mixed up..New Year..New York 😆)

But it's nice to have someone to discuss all these finer points with. Looking forward to more such discussions with you. 😃

Originally posted by: ArshiS.Raizada

Kitti is one of the most talented writers on I-F, she may agree or not to this but we as readers know it.

I did re-read chapter 8 upon your suggestion.

I remembered this year's New Year. Aman had returned from his trip with a black eye and bruised ribs. Arnav had bruised and torn knuckles. For a brief moment, when I spotted them both at the airport, I feared that Aman had found out about Arnav and me. But then, it hadn't explained role reversal in injuries.

Aman and Arnav had not been on speaking terms since. Their interactions had always been short and stifled ever since then; as though there was a huge secret, a rift, a crack hanging between them. When I had questioned Aman about it, he had brushed me off---and given my own relationship with Arnav, I had dropped it; believing it to be for the best.

This since in @bold clearly implies that after the fight in Boston when Arnav found him in bed, their interaction lessened. BUT currently Khushi knows about their fight as Arnav revealed everything in chapter 8. He told her he followed him to Boston and found them in bed there. Then he punched him in face repeatedly to which Khushi goes back to thinking about the New Year she saw them in that condition at the airport.

Now in chapter 17 Khushi is speaking of a fight which she still doesn't know the reason to. What I wanna say is, she wouldn't be talking about the same New Year and asking him why they fought despite knowing that they fought over him cheating her with Sheetal. Now suppose Arnav and Aman had another fight the same day, same New Year, why would she think that there was some other reason for that fight? Anyone else would have thought that two fights on the same day could have the same reason or not?

And as it is clearly not a blooper, and Khushi knows about the fight in Boston, that afterwards Aman and Arnav hardly spoke to each other, it could had been comprehensible that to her that after that incident of course Aman wouldn't be talking about Arnav (or his friends in general - so she doesn't grow suspicious) anymore, if we see it from the future, as in now.

But Khushi asking him now - even with the knowledge about Boston, fight, both not on speaking terms - about what happened between them that he and all his friends became a taboo at home makes no sense to me IF it would have been after the Boston incident. According to me, it makes sense that Aman and Arnav had some kind of tiff already before at maybe the first New Year due to which Aman totally stopped even mentitioning his friends anymore at home. And all friends became even though his problem was with Arnav, I think that was only so she doesn't notice it and doesn't grow suspicious on that fact, because that's how women are!

And then at this New Year this fight happened due to which Arnav and Aman's interactions with each other also lessened.

So what we have to consider about Aman is:

1. his friends' became taboo at his home - he was still on somewhat good terms with them, better say with Arnav outside his home, at least was acting still

2. his friendship with Arnav totally broke off after the Boston incident as they hardly spoke to each other

If it was 2 and 1 in order, now afterwards with Khushi knowing about Boston incident, she wouldn't have thought about another possible fight and asked him about it

But if the order is 1 and then 2 with a gap, then Khushi would be like - ok, I understand now why he stopped talking to Arnav after he came back from Boston on New Year but why happened before that he didn't even like to mention his friends anymore? There has to be something that happened way before.

And to support my theory about this, I remember something Arnav told in Chapter 15

Arnav looked directly at me for the longest moment---as though he just couldn't figure me out---and just when I started to feel a little uncomfortable under his scrutiny, he turned away and shook his head.

"No, Khushi, my friendship with Aman was shot the moment he met Sheetal, and if I'm being honest, a long while before that."

I felt a sharp stab in the gut and he winced. But he didn't apologise for it---and I appreciated that.

So I think before Boston happened, there was already something else. I hope I am not sounding rude, glued to my own vision but you know that's just what makes more sense to me.

But how much truth there is in my theory and how wrong I am, that we can only see when more chapters come out and especially, when the truth and the secrets come out.

And btw, thanks for correcting me. It's just, I'm always watching Friends and always having New York in my mind :D but of course Harvard is in Boston, so of course it's Boston.

And I love discussing with you too. It's so much fun.

it seems we are missing some points in our own individual theories, so maybe if we Kitti's words and try to put we things together, we may crack the mystery 😆

Love,

Pari

Originally posted by: ssttuuttii

I think I understand what you're saying about Aman having stopped talking to Khushi about his friends before he actually stopped talking to them. Btw, Kitti has replied to your comment on chp-15 with this -

But there is one thing that I can confirm---only because I feel it's rather obvious---Arnav's relationship with Aman did start to disintegrate from the day they met Khushi. But why, how, what and where will remain to be seen.

So it's 2+ years since their relationship started deteriorating. I think Khushi did have some role to play in this but few other factors should have added up along with that. And later ofcourse Sheetal was the proverbial "last nail to the coffin".

Yes I agree, there was something before Boston, and that other thing was not Khushi. It is something else I think which is why Arnav is not ready to share it with her yet.

And here is where I think I might have hit the gold (being arrogant now am I 😆) The other thing involves Payal which is why she knew about the affair (but didn't tell anyone) and when Arnav came to know..even he couldn't inform anyone else as he didn't want to complicate things (with Payal being Khushi's sister and Akash's girlfriend)

I remember maybe your or someone commented that why did Arnav not tell about the affair to Lavanya atleast if not Khushi. It might have been due to this external factor (Payal) that he kept mum.

So what I mean is that Payal is somehow involved in this Aman - Sheetal fiasco and Arnav came to know but decided to not tell anyone (to protect Payal???) but was angry on Aman and the fight ensued.

And about the New Year Before, After, This year, That year...I've decided to give my mind a break and find out about it along with Khushi 😉 She is determined to find out at any cost so hopefully we won't have to wait long.😛

As Sherlock Holmes would say we should not make theories when we don't have enough facts as it makes us fit the facts to our theory rather than it being vice versa 😆

Even I am like you, once I've a theory in mind, I tend to stick to it. So it is not all rude. Infact I like such debates/discussions where both try to put across their points and stick to it while trying to understand the other POV as well. After reading your hypothesis, I understood that currently either of us could be true while there could even be a 3rd theory that might also fit in with the facts. The reason being we know very little (even after 17 chps...what do I say..Kitti is good at maintaining the mystery) So I'll wait for some more things to be unraveled in that area (regarding New year) before coming up with anything.

Till then, tell me what you think about the above (regarding Payal).

And Kitti...I hope you're writing out the next chp even as I write this comment. We really are in desperate need of new material to discuss 😆 Looking forward to more Arshi too 😳

Love,

Stuti

Originally posted by: ssttuuttii

I think I understand what you're saying about Aman having stopped talking to Khushi about his friends before he actually stopped talking to them. Btw, Kitti has replied to your comment on chp-15 with this -

But there is one thing that I can confirm---only because I feel it's rather obvious---Arnav's relationship with Aman did start to disintegrate from the day they met Khushi. But why, how, what and where will remain to be seen.

So it's 2+ years since their relationship started deteriorating. I think Khushi did have some role to play in this but few other factors should have added up along with that. And later ofcourse Sheetal was the proverbial "last nail to the coffin".

Yes I agree, there was something before Boston, and that other thing was not Khushi. It is something else I think which is why Arnav is not ready to share it with her yet.

And here is where I think I might have hit the gold (being arrogant now am I 😆) The other thing involves Payal which is why she knew about the affair (but didn't tell anyone) and when Arnav came to know..even he couldn't inform anyone else as he didn't want to complicate things (with Payal being Khushi's sister and Akash's girlfriend)

I remember maybe your or someone commented that why did Arnav not tell about the affair to Lavanya atleast if not Khushi. It might have been due to this external factor (Payal) that he kept mum.

So what I mean is that Payal is somehow involved in this Aman - Sheetal fiasco and Arnav came to know but decided to not tell anyone (to protect Payal???) but was angry on Aman and the fight ensued.

And about the New Year Before, After, This year, That year...I've decided to give my mind a break and find out about it along with Khushi 😉 She is determined to find out at any cost so hopefully we won't have to wait long.😛

As Sherlock Holmes would say we should not make theories when we don't have enough facts as it makes us fit the facts to our theory rather than it being vice versa 😆

Even I am like you, once I've a theory in mind, I tend to stick to it. So it is not all rude. Infact I like such debates/discussions where both try to put across their points and stick to it while trying to understand the other POV as well. After reading your hypothesis, I understood that currently either of us could be true while there could even be a 3rd theory that might also fit in with the facts. The reason being we know very little (even after 17 chps...what do I say..Kitti is good at maintaining the mystery) So I'll wait for some more things to be unraveled in that area (regarding New year) before coming up with anything.

Till then, tell me what you think about the above (regarding Payal).

And Kitti...I hope you're writing out the next chp even as I write this comment. We really are in desperate need of new material to discuss 😆 Looking forward to more Arshi too 😳

Love,

Stuti

Originally posted by: un.complicated

Awww you guys are so sweet 😳😳😳

I'm going to write Chapter 18 today and tomorrow, I was trying to focus on HOW Chapter XI which needs a bit of editing, but I plan to get both chapters out by Sunday :) x

Originally posted by: ssttuuttii

Hey! 😃

Life has been quite busy and though I managed a little reading at night, I was too exhausted to read something that demanded a working mind 😆. But I am back and read the last 2-3 chps together. I must say the last chp must be one of fav chps till now...1. Due to the obvious reason..Arshi ❤️ 😳 and 2. I feel some definite theory coming up in my mind after reading it. But I'll wait for maybe another chp to confirm it before I post.

About Arshi..I will steal Khushi's dialog..Not only does Arnav blush like a teenager...he even acts like one especially in this chp. The grinning face, impish smirk, widening of eyes at a supposed innuendo, fumbling explanations, shiver at her touch and of course THE BLUSH. And while I am at it, I must also mention his habit of hand on neck and evading eyes while lying. It almost seemed like I was reading a completely different story. When did the Arnav and Khushi here go to being so CUTEEE. Weren't they all "Dark and Gothic" (I know Khushi says it's the anti thesis of what she embodies but we have only seen the hateful vengeful sides of their personality so can't blame us for being thrown off by the suddenness of all this) But I absolutely loved this and am eager to see their "Good and Happy" sides now, since we are over mourning Aman ( I guess?!)

So yes, Arnav appears like a teenager experiencing 1st love (may be true, relationships need not always have love involved). An imp point (acc to me) is Khushi's response on seeing him..it was evident she saw him like this for the 1st time and quite supports what I believe - that they never had anything serious (like One Night Stand as most have suggested) If Khushi was expecting Aman to have found out about her and Arnav when they returned after New Year's..she couldn't be thinking about something very far back. It had to be something that had occured only some time before that.

In Chp-8, when Arnav says about how he had found out that Aman was cheating, Akash exclaims "You had known since 6 months!" So this New year we are talking about is some 6-7 months back. Aman and Khushi were in a relationship since 2 years. So whatever happened between Arnav and Khushi was well after she was in a serious relationship with Aman. Infact in the same chp, Arnav mentions that Aman proposed her after a week (after that fight) Since both Arnav and Khushi reaction at knowing about Aman's cheating is one of disgust..I don't think they could have shared something like that and in turn been cheating on Aman.

Also another thought provoking fact is that Khushi might have said yes to Aman's proposal because of what happened between her and Arnav..and the mixed feelings of Anger/ Guilt among others (like Heartbreak perhaps)

I am still a little confused over the exact time period we are talking about -

CHP-8

"Then? Then nothing. I didn't hear him say a word about her for nearly a month but suddenly he was asking me to put him on all US business trips. At first, I didn't think much of it, but then I grew suspicious. So on one trip, in January, I sent him to Boston and I followed him---------------I found him in bed with her.

CHP-17

"Well," I swallowed, "I don't know, maybe you can answer that for me." I took a deep breath, gripping the fork in my hands tightly. "After you and Aman got in...in that fight after New Year's, things just...shifted. You were never mentioned, you guys were never mentioned. It hadn't just become a taboo, it was forbidden unless we were in direct company."

CHP-17

They say that curiosity killed the cat and maybe I was digging my own grave as my mind gnawed with agitated uncertainty. I was willing to drop the subject this time, but I was determined to find out exactly what happened between Arnav and Aman on New Year's Eve...no matter the cost.

He sent him to Boston in January(it can even be 1st Jan I am not denying) but clearly after New Year's Eve (which is 31st Dec). Then he follwed and found out and the fight occured. In Jan and After New Year's sets in with each other (or it might not..we don't know yet) but why bring in New Year's Eve now.

Here I take into consideration the fact that Arnav never mentioned it was anywhere near New Year's...he only says January and Khushi remembers their fight and associates the 2 things. So, it is possible that we are talking about 2 different fights which happened in the same month..but quite likely due to different reasons.

About some other theories I have read on the thread..I would like to add a few things from my observations.

1. Someone mentioned about Arnav finding out some discrepancies in the official accounts by Aman..this could be the the reason for 1 on the fights..the other being finding out about Sheetal of course (just a guess)

2. There have theories that Aman was cheating on BOTH - Khushi and Sheetal. Again I bring in Chp-8 where Arnav says that he told her about Khushi before bringing Aman back along with him. And later in the same chp..he mentions that they never stopped seeing each other even after Aman proposed Khushi.

So, though Sheetal may or may not known in the beginning...she clearly decided to go ahead even after she came to know. I don't really think she was being cheated.

3.Also another theory that Aman and Sheetal cheated on Arnav and this caused their breakup. Again back to Chp-8. Arnav and Aman went to Massachusetts 1 and half year ago (during this time Khushi and Aman were already in a relationship as they have together since 2 years) . Here Arnav mentions Sheetal as his ex (already) and about this being a business trip- all work, no pleasure. Aman and Sheetal met and hit off instantly and Arnav mentions doubting that they had been spending time together while Aman lied to him and took time off. So the only person being cheated here is Khushi and since a long time if I may add. Arnav and Sheetal's relationship was most probably in their Harvard times.

Though yes, Aman going after his crush (when 12), Khushi (who Arnav likes) and Sheetal (his ex) is something worth thinking upon.

4.About the dream interpretation...I agree with ArshiS.Raizada. Though the cap..I will admit it's getting to me now Confused. I did the eyeroll along with Khushi at finding the cap on her head Again. And I was thinking the same that please let's not have Gray sweaters in the dreams now. 😆 This story needs to be renamed as the "The Secrets the Cap Keeps" I won't be surprised if she opens up the seams of the Cap and finds out something from within - like documents stating Arnav transferring his everything to her, or a Love-letter, or a key to a Treasure box 🤣

Yes, this is the limits of madness I have reached thinking about the cap and it's utmost importance. I will give up for now and wait till I get something more in that direction.

I have typed out A LOT 😲

Time for me to say Bye.

Love,

Stuti

Originally posted by: ArshiS.Raizada

Aaand it is Sunday 😃

Originally posted by: poojasidd123

edited with comment on page 74.