The core of Aryan Rathore is still there - the young boy who was so traumatized that he forgot how to live. Death seemed so easy to him, something he’d face head first not because he was brave, but because he thought it would be an escape.
Aryans smile can be sadistic at times. Like on holi when Imlie applied haldi on his back - he won the bet and he felt her touch (that eased his soul) but was so torn up inside that he couldn’t believe his situation. How could he feel an ounce of happiness in that moment with everything going on. We see that again today. In his last moments when he should be devastated because he finally had everything right in his life but he’s about to die, he was smiling, because he had Imlie. In death he laughed and said ily Imlie because she was still his light.
Then there was Imlie, the girl who just wanted to live. To she wanted to live and smile freely, not with the burden and responsibilities that she grew so accustomed to. She’s crying because she wanted to finally live and that chance got stolen from her again. She said Aryan and my heart wept because the last time she said it was when she realized how much he meant to her (his accident before Aditya reveals Aryans vengeful motives). There’s so much more I can say but I can’t take my eyes off their their expressions in this screenshot.
Hats off to Sumbul and Fahmaan once more! No one could play Imlie&Aryan better than you. Sumbul, it is a feat to have a newcomer, a teenager nonetheless, and run a successful show entirely on her shoulders. Some of televisions biggest actors cannot achieve successful shows despite their loyal fan base and you did it on your tv debut! Fahmaan, to come into a show in the middle of its run and still everyone’s hearts is a rare thing. The second Aditya left in less than two weeks because his reception was such but you won us over so fast it’s unbelievable. As much as I hated Adityas writing, Gashmeer I’d an artist I loved to watch and you rivalled him so well! Your comic timing, brilliance in portraying angst and romance - you’re such a versatile actor.