Originally posted by: mango.falooda
(part 3)
I was not having much expectation for a real romance and was genuinely expecting something half-baked and the usual just physical attraction types. So I am surprised that we are potentially getting something that makes sense and we are starting to see why these characters actually do fit together. 
We can see why he is genuinely attracted to Mehru who does not expect anything out of him, is independent, can take care of herself and is unafraid out of necessity.
It is nice to see this kind of admiration for a character who refuses to act bechari. In Shah's eyes, Mehru is someone who is worthy because she does not fit into the bechari stereotype. Not all men want bechari women. For some, bechari women are frustrating, annoying and just a pain to handle.
He also grew up with a very powerful personality of a mother and so his baseline for what interesting womanhood is far different. He respects brain, quick wit and independence. So respect here is the real base of attraction.
With Mehru, we see the first stirrings of attraction where she has finally noticed him. So far, his attempts to grab her attention were brushed off and she was suspicious. However, him helping her when her mother was sick is what melts her.
She has always been open about how she is independent because she has no choice. Someone stepping in and being dominant in that moment meant she didn't have the burden of taking care of the finances and hospital. By only visiting the employee and not hovering constantly, he also respected her boundaries.
He allowed her to be independent but helped where she needed. That is the type of partner she needs which is why he has made an impression. She needs emotional support but not someone who curtails her or expects her to act a certain way.
With him, she is allowed to be herself unapologetically which means she gets to use her assets of brains, wit and independence. She does not need to be rescued but just needs support. So there is a distinction which other people don't get but Shah has understood about her.