#Friends to #Partners KuKu AT 2 - Page 103

Originally posted by: journalgirl321

Bruhhh. And the saree!! Even I forgot about the saree. When is Kuhu gonna wear it??? Oooohh you might have just given me an idea for an HC/OS *wink wink*

YES PLEASE!!

Kuhu and Kunal initially seemed like such different people to me, but the more and more their story has progressed, the more similarities I have begun to see. I think one of the first things I noticed is their shared obsession with luxury. I thought it was so funny when Kunal said he wasn't ashamed of saying that he was high-maintenance. Hayeee my Nankoooo

Totally! They are very different on the surface but their core values are very similar -- save the family from needless drama, and bring some semblance of normalcy and stability to their unconventional family structures. Since those basic principles are common, the rest actually becomes quite complementary. Kunal could definitely use some of Kuhu's tact and Kuhu could use some of Kunal's decisiveness when it comes to ripping off the band-aid, whether the wound has healed or not. 😕😆

I prefer high-maintenance people who are up-front about it and more importantly, responsible for maintaining themselves. Kunal works to earn his lifestyle, and Kuhu did him one better by actually figuring out how to turn a profit from her expensive habits! I am all for this high-maintenance power couple. 😎

Even though our analyses are not always about just KuKu, I've noticed that we've always subconsciously analyzed the episodes in a way that boils down to their relationship, even if it isn't always 100% obvious. Which I LOVE by the way.

Ditto! 🤗

Originally posted by: aquaHP

First things first, Sam, your posts automatically bring a smile to my face but this time, the happiness was because of the part addressed to me. More specifically, the HC part because I am literally looking for a way to include Parul's past in my story but since I want the characters to be true to the show, I don't want to make up Parul's past life. I'll see what I can put in though. And I wasn't sure if I wanted to Kunal to label their relationship or not but I am leaning towards 'no labels' after reading your post. I love the idea of them not being sure of what this relationship is and discovering it in their own time.

Now, coming to the episode part, I had written the divorce thing in my post but the first one got deleted because IF was under maintenance for some 10mins. I am glad now that it did because you wrote it so much better and can I just say, I have never seen the word 'propensity' being used in an actual real life conversation before.

The "low low low expectations" hit me right in my feels. Thanks for the reminder!

Aw, thanks! I enjoy the discussion on this thread so much 😃

But I can't take full credit for that idea either; it's again inspired by the Memphis episode from TIU where William and Randall take a road trip together to the place where William spent his young life. I think this would also go wonderfully with Nikki's idea of Kunal and Parul having a conversation about what it meant for Parul to give up all rights on Kunal. It could not have been an easy thing to do even with all the practical concerns making seem like a no-brainer. And it took incredible courage for her to set out from the village to look for Mehul in the first place. I would love to think about the kind of person Parul was before she became Maasi, and how she went about tracking Mehul down in the first place, that too without even basic literacy. Kunal would be a great proxy for the audience on this journey.

We know that Parul was very poor (as her sister said) so Mehul probably married her because she was young and pretty... for lust, to put it bluntly. DQ always points out that it must not be easy for Meenu to live with the beautiful sautan who actually rijhao-ed the husband whom she loved but who was only with her for her money. It's not lost on Meenu that Parul is so much easier to love because she's naturally sweet and gentle while Meenu struggles to come out from behind her defensive walls and express her love (I have always felt like Kuhu and Kunal's relationship echoes theirs in that sense). Despite all this, Meenu chose to trust Parul and Parul proved equal to that trust by never overstepping their agreement... until now. Now, with Kunal knowing the truth and acknowledging her publicly, desires, hopes, and emotions that she thought she had mashed down forever are starting to rear their head again and it's causing some very interesting conflict with the person I consider her life-partner.

I loved your observation about Meenu drawing the line very clearly once Parul didn't pick up on the hints. The drama-mongering side of me is damn curious to see what happens if Parul chooses not to bow her head and owns her desires instead. 😲

Originally posted by: aquaHP

Meera, you changed your image?? I like it!

I think you and Riya are the only ones with a KuKu display pic. I have been thinking of changing mine too but I am not sure which scene I want it to be. Aiya! I have suddenly become so excited 🙆🏻‍♀️. I'm going to do it right now🙈

Yeah, I usally tend to have an updated pic of the couples I am currently fangirling over. They are the reason I come to IF to be part of discussions.

Originally posted by: aquaHP

Found this post searching for a usable image online. And look at Ritvik!! I mean, they both look great here but Ritvik thoda zyada hi cute lag raha hai🙈☺️

Stylists, stop giving him t-shirts and jacket. Put him in a sweatshirt!

KUNAL! #HORROR! 😆

I love, love, love this scene! When Kunal claimed not to love or need her but waited up for her (despite the fact that she purposely came to bed late so he'd be asleep) and then followed her advice about Abir like a #obedientchokro.

There is a reason Kuhu has this saath-khoon-maaf status with Abir now -- she's seen these brothers and the entire family through their worst moments and managed Kunal when nobody else could. She held the family together despite being a major victim of its drama and I'm grateful that Abir isn't quick to forget that.

Finally found a picture I really like!! I had loved all the scenes from the MishBir GD but this is literally the only one where they are both actually looking at one another so this one it is.

My first choice was the recent super dreamy back-hug sequence in Abir's room but there's no clear shot of them which I could use. But koi nahi! All of their sequences are so so 😍😍😍

Originally posted by: Samanalyse

KUNAL! #HORROR! 😆

I love, love, love this scene! When Kunal claimed not to love or need her but waited up for her (despite the fact that she purposely came to bed late so he'd be asleep) and then followed her advice about Abir like a #obedientchokro.

There is a reason Kuhu has this saath-khoon-maaf status with Abir now -- she's seen these brothers and the entire family through their worst moments and managed Kunal when nobody else could. She held the family together despite being a major victim of its drama and I'm grateful that Abir isn't quick to forget that.

I love that scene too because he was waiting for her!! He needed her then also when he wasn't ready to accept it. Haaye! Bade hi cute hai yaar ye dono🙆🏻‍♀️

I found some more posts (KuKu and KaVik). I'll link them neeche.

That's a nice observation about Abir but does Abir know the role that Kuhu played??🤔

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6pXKoGpUML/?igshid=viynt7tohf9b

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5wjoEOBs2-/?igshid=lklqk17k7rb

https://www.instagram.com/p/B49nH5ch3l9/?igshid=1ar7xqfvj8uqf

https://www.instagram.com/p/B48GsYnhQke/?igshid=1wtjbipcy2oio

Originally posted by: aquaHP

I found some more posts (KuKu and KaVik). I'll link them neeche.

That's a nice observation about Abir but does Abir know the role that Kuhu played??🤔

He may not know the exact ins and outs of what happened "fake" pati-patni ke beech, but he definitely has good idea of Kuhu's contribution. When he was setting out to find baba, he entrusted her with taking care of the family in his place, and he saw how much effort she put into his birthday party so that the family could have one happy day. They had a few really beautiful conversations during that phase of the story. You can also tell he sees Kuhu's influence on Kunal the day of his GD when Kunal decorates his room and asks for a time out.

But most of all, for these brothers with their deep abandonment issues, the very fact that she stayed, through all the deception and drama, means more than anything else. She could have packed up and left at any time and been totally justified but every time she had that choice, she chose to stay and empathise instead. Keep in mind, this is something Abir himself couldn't manage to do, so I think he has immense respect for her for that.

Mishti and Abir see two very different people when they look at Kuhu, and both of them are right and wrong.

Originally posted by: Samanalyse

Aw, thanks! I enjoy the discussion on this thread so much 😃

But I can't take full credit for that idea either; it's again inspired by the Memphis episode from TIU where William and Randall take a road trip together to the place where William spent his young life. I think this would also go wonderfully with Nikki's idea of Kunal and Parul having a conversation about what it meant for Parul to give up all rights on Kunal. It could not have been an easy thing to do even with all the practical concerns making seem like a no-brainer. And it took incredible courage for her to set out from the village to look for Mehul in the first place. I would love to think about the kind of person Parul was before she became Maasi, and how she went about tracking Mehul down in the first place, that too without even basic literacy. Kunal would be a great proxy for the audience on this journey.

We know that Parul was very poor (as her sister said) so Mehul probably married her because she was young and pretty... for lust, to put it bluntly. DQ always points out that it must not be easy for Meenu to live with the beautiful sautan who actually rijhao-ed the husband whom she loved but who was only with her for her money. It's not lost on Meenu that Parul is so much easier to love because she's naturally sweet and gentle while Meenu struggles to come out from behind her defensive walls and express her love (I have always felt like Kuhu and Kunal's relationship echoes theirs in that sense). Despite all this, Meenu chose to trust Parul and Parul proved equal to that trust by never overstepping their agreement... until now. Now, with Kunal knowing the truth and acknowledging her publicly, desires, hopes, and emotions that she thought she had mashed down forever are starting to rear their head again and it's causing some very interesting conflict with the person I consider her life-partner.

I loved your observation about Meenu drawing the line very clearly once Parul didn't pick up on the hints. The drama-mongering side of me is damn curious to see what happens if Parul chooses not to bow her head and owns her desires instead. 😲

Oh yes! Both your ideas would gel together to make a great story! I really want to for the writers to reveal more of Parul's story but I am not really sure that we're gonna get any more than we already have. I am super apprehensive about creating someone's past but if I actually succeed at thinking of a version that fits perfectly in the actual story, then I will 100% put it in!

Uff!! TIU is the best show ever! It's so properly and amazingly written. It blows my mind. Did you see the last episode? It made me tear up so bad that it opened the flood gates. I must have cried for almost an hour after that. I really need to find a therapist 🙇🏻‍♀️.

Coming back our show, I think we've had this conversation before where either you or DQ mentioned this beautiful sautan point (It was probably on the "Too mera Nanko.." thread), and it's so true. Meenu must have had such a hard time dealing with these insecurities. I think DQ also once mentioned a point in the 1st AT about Meenu's make-up being a deliberate choice by the makers. I can't recall the whole post but I do remember being stumped at that thought because that was one more thing I had never thought of.

Oh! Oh! Oh! I just remembered the scene from the logo launch event where the media people run towards Parul praising her for how beautiful she looked in a similar saree as Meenu and then Meenu's look. Oh shucks! The scene suddenly has so much more meaning now😲

I see what you mean by Kuhu-Kunal somewhat resembling Parul-Meenu.

Thanks for appreciating that observation! I would be really excited to see that too but I think she will try and suppress her feelings because she, of all people, knows what BB is capable of. And I think Parul realises that Kunal feels responsible for any repercussions in this situation, especially after Kunal apologized for BB's behaviour towards Parul in the kitchen. (Couldn't frame this last paragraph properly but emotions convey ho gaye jitna bhi likha maine)

Originally posted by: Samanalyse

He may not know the exact ins and outs of what happened "fake" pati-patni ke beech, but he definitely has good idea of Kuhu's contribution. When he was setting out to find baba, he entrusted her with taking care of the family in his place, and he saw how much effort she put into his birthday party so that the family could have one happy day. They had a few really beautiful conversations during that phase of the story. You can also tell he sees Kuhu's influence on Kunal the day of his GD when Kunal decorates his room and asks for a time out.

But most of all, for these brothers with their deep abandonment issues, the very fact that she stayed, through all the deception and drama, means more than anything else. She could have packed up and left at any time and been totally justified but every time she had that choice, she chose to stay and empathise instead. Keep in mind, this is something Abir himself couldn't manage to do, so I think he has immense respect for her for that.

Mishti and Abir see two very different people when they look at Kuhu, and both of them are right and wrong.

I think I am able to get a really small sense of your thought process because I was thinking of the KuBir scene, when he was setting out to look for his Baba, when I was reading your previous post.

I must have said this a million times already but kya analyse kiya hai, Sam!! You reminded me of why Abir respects Kuhu so much and now, the recent scenes have meaning for me. They had started to seem a bit hollow because of the discussions about KuBir on the forum but I totally remember now why I loved this bond so much.

Originally posted by: aquaHP

Finally found a picture I really like!! I had loved all the scenes from the MishBir GD but this is literally the only one where they are both actually looking at one another so this one it is.

My first choice was the recent super dreamy back-hug sequence in Abir's room but there's no clear shot of them which I could use. But koi nahi! All of their sequences are so so 😍😍😍

Aww I love the picture you chose!! I think this is one of the first scenes (after the scene in which Kunal is at Maheshwari house for his rishta and is admiring Kuhu as she's coming down the stairs) in which his breath was taken away by her, and her alone. Kisi ki nazar na lage in dono cuties ko!!! ☺️

Originally posted by: Samanalyse

@Meera: That's such a great observation, re their focus on Mishti after Charmi asked Kuhu to stay! I went back to look for it and it really drove home the thread running through the episode.

I missed it in the first viewing too. And only went back to look at it after it was mentioned here.

@Meera great observation there buddy! 😃

It also reminded me of the parallels between Parul/Meenu and Mishti/Kuhu that someone pointed out yesterday. Yesterday, it was more of Meenu overreacting to Parul but today, Parul sort of confirmed her fears with that dialogue where she said she would talk to Kunal when he came home. She was asserting her haq in a very ma-like way which is obviously going to send Meenu mixed signals about her stand on the issue.

Please direct me to that post, I would love to read!

I feel for Parul it is not easy to stick to the stand she previously had. Here's the situation where in a way you feel for both mothers.

It really begs the question -- does the fact that Kunal knows the truth mean he has to like, switch moms? That's the stance the show seems to be taking and it's a terrible disservice to the concept of adoption. I also hate that they keep using the word "real mom" as though an adoptive mom can't be "real" -- writers, the word you are looking for is BIOLOGICAL.

Weirdly so I feel the show is depicting how the characters around Kunal and Parul are perceiving and reacting to their relationship but the central idea remains that just coz Kunal has started acknowledging Parul as a mother that does not mean he will stop looking at Meenu as a Mom. This is something we are conveyed through Kunal himself. He continues to address Meenu as Maa and loves her and respects her just as he did before. And will continue to do so going forward as well.

@Aqua: I think you are dead on about this insecurity being the reason Mishti has the propensity to interfere -- she wants people to light up around her the way they do around Kuhu. Unfortunately, she tries to help a. without being asked and b. without getting her own hands dirty, so it often backfires because it comes off as patronising rather than genuine. Kuhu took a risk when she told Charmi her dupatta didn't match -- it could have totally blown up in her face, but Charmi happened to appreciate her honesty when everyone else was lying or trying to dismiss what felt like a very real problem to her. Because Kuhu put her true feelings out there, she made a real connection.

In the case of the court summons, for example, instead of ransacking Kuhu's cupboard and stealing her papers, if Mishti had sat Kuhu down and told her that she knows something is up and she's there to help if Kuhu needs it, Kuhu may have responded very differently. And she may not have -- but that is exactly the risk Mishti needs to take if she wants to have the same kinds of connections.

I am totally craving a trademark Kuku conversation, but again, low low low expectations.

About Kunal and Parul, in my ideal HC, it's not about labels. Kunal doesn't call her 'ma' because to him, that is Meenu. However, they do start to build a relationship where Kunal learns about where he comes from. I would love for them to visit Rajgarh together, just the two of them, and meet Parul's family. Speaking of which, is Mishti ever going to tell Parul that she met her sister? 😕

@Nikkie: I LOVED Kunal owning his high-maintenance life too! 😃 So many threads are simply dropped with this couple (the bracelet, the walnut allergy, the saree), but I love that this one has sustained from the very beginning. It took me right back to their Champaner road trip when Kunal had packed snacks and drinks from home in the boot of his car and scoffed at the idea of eating something from the roadside.

Hi five, yep that honesty is certainly worth appreciating.

That said, these two may be high-maintenance materially with their fancy diets, sports cars and designer clothes (and honestly, good on them for being so unapologetic and self-aware!) but I wish they would transfer some of that into their emotional needs, especially Kunal. In fact, I would even go so far as to say both of them are so particular about physical appearance and environment because it's something they can actually control, sort of like an antidote their volatile, drama-filled family lives. Reminds me of when Kuhu said she dresses up because it helps her feel confident.

The AT is the only place where I find I can post analysis and not have to start from abc everytime I present my reading of the show. I like to think of it like we're not discussing Kuku exclusively, but we are doing analysis that is more Kuku-centric? 😛