Okay, I wanted to share my 2 cents about this chemistry thing that everybody is harping on, comparing today's hug to the mockshoot tweet, which showed how their initial chemistry and angst has apparently dimmed over time.
Adi & Imlie have always had this undercurrent of emotions running through them from day one. Be it the first episode, when the raindrop hits both of them at the same time, their camaraderie during the 1st PD trip, the tension between them in Delhi, the unease between them in 2nd PD trip culminating in the gunshot scene, where Adi finally understood that he has been connected to Imlie by destiny. This entire time, the angst was very visceral, because it was raw and unexplored, which was why we could feel that connect. Adi felt that he was losing her because of his neglect and realized that his wish was coming true in the worst way possible. That guilt and care was what came out as chemistry then.
From the gunshot, till Imlie leaves for PD again, their relationship was like the the feelings you get with your first crush. You feel giddy with excitement and feel that connect when you see that person, or interact with them. This was all felt by both, they just named it differently. While Imlie called it Emotion sickness, Adi called it his concern for her well being and zimmedari. Neither were able to recognize the building closeness and how comfortable they were getting in each other's company. Neither was able to understand that they had started to build a tenous friendship, which was slowly evolving into immense care for the other. All this was shown only through actions, be it little ones like when Adi gave the trophy first to Imlie, gave her a dress on valentine's day because he noticed the dress she was wearing was torn, brought her to his room on her birthday when she was sad, learnt singing from her, when he hated it or gave her a part of his kadha and his moti roti out of concern. It escalated to larger actions when they both saved each other's lives. There the chemistry buildup for Adile was slow and steady, like a small chingaari lighting up the wood. Most of their feelings were shown only through their eyes and both were denying their true feelings as much as possible, which added to the confusion, angst and chemistry and lit up our screens.
When Imlie saved BS's life and left, from then it was the realization of their true feelings for each other. While Adi was jatpataoing without her, she was also in some way feeling that pull, but ignoring it saying nothing is going to come out of it. The entire PD trip was them coming to terms with their feelings and understanding that they matter. That is why the hug at the hut was so poignant - Because it was both of them coming to terms with each others feelings that they intensely care for each other. Uske baad ka separation and angst was shown so beautifully, that many of us yearn to see it again, because both of them did it wonderfully. But that was the first flush of love and the first pangs of separation, it is supposed to be the high point of the story, so comparing to that will always pale, as it is futile to expect those emotions again.
That is why, today's hug did not give the same feels as their earlier hut hug, or even the grave site one. Today it was not about finding each other or saving each other. Today it was about being there for each other in these tough times. It was about leaning on each other, knowing you have a very difficult & treacherous road ahead. Imlie wanted to cling on to the one support she knew will always be there for her, no matter what haapens after the truth comes out.
Going forward their dynamic is going to change. It will not be as hot, or sizzling than what was shown in the mock shoot as well, because the mock was raw emotions and a lot of angst. Now there is comfort and dependence. The best example I can give as a comparison is the one of "Bade Achche Lagte Hai", where Ram and Priya's chemistry was beautifully shown till the end. Their essence and chemistry as a couple never dimmed, even after multiple leaps and outrageous storylines.
I also believe, that despite everything, Adi & Imlie's 'chemistry' is still very much present and gives me the feels, because I know that as relationships evolve, even chemistry evolves. Does that mean we will not enjoy their scenes, of course not. We just have to adjust our expectations.
Fan Fictions
