Posted:
Dwelling on the Details: A Glimmer of Hope
{Episode 176}
October 22nd, 2012: "Yeh honsla kaise jhuke? Yeh aarzoo kaise ruke?"
"Even if there's a one percent chance, we are both ready to do what it takes...But doctor...My wife's health should not be affected negatively. Please, doctor..."
The concern and outspoken protectiveness that Yash displayed in Dr. Kurian's office is something that Aarti probably never, ever dreamed of witnessing. She watches her husband intently as he lets his concerns out into the open; he is concerned for his child, yes, but he is also concerned about her, his wife...
His face betrays his worry about the pain of the surgery that Aarti would have to go through because of the complications of her condition, but when Dr. Kurian tells him how Aarti had said she would be ready to bear any pain if her child would be saved, and he looks at Aarti then, the troubled expression intensifies. His first impulse had been to want to pull her safely away from death's clutches, but she had already decided earlier that she wouldn't let go of their child without a fight...What is this woman made of? She is stubborn, she is strong-headed, she is a fighter, she has faith and hope and never stops trying to find a tiny bit of silver lining on every dark cloud...
Both husband and wife listen carefully to Dr. Kurian's advice regarding Aarti's health, taking in every word she says. Yash visibly relaxes - there is hope, and he will make sure that his wife and unborn child are given all the care they need - and he can't help but look at Aarti again...There is hope. Hope that what she wants will happen...And as long as there is even a tiny ray of hope, he'll do everything possible to reach out and take hold of it.
- Yash and Aarti's concern: The way Gurmeet's eyes convey Yash's desperation at wanting to do everything in his power to save both his wife and child is wonderful. When Yash and Aarti are listening to Dr. Kurian, both Gurmeet and Kratika are extremely focused, and the smallest of changes in their facial expressions makes it look like they're truly following along and internalizing the information being told to them.
As soon as Dr. Kurian excuses herself, Yash leans toward Aarti casually, not looking directly at her, and very deliberately places his hand on top of hers in a gesture of support and comfort. She meets his eyes with a slightly curious, steady gaze, but doesn't respond otherwise. With a pointed look at her and a gently insistent tone, he tells her, "Aartiji...smile." Reminding her of Ansh's prayer in the guise of a magic trick from that morning, he reassures her that this glimpse of happiness will bring even more happiness into their lives. Just like Ansh motivated Aarti to smile earlier, Yash does the same now; when she finally rewards him with a small smile, his face brightens in response. I'm pretty sure Yash would've been perfectly content to sit there gazing at Aarti for a while, given the happy expression on his face when she gave him that little smile.
Yash is startled from his moment of peace when he has to attend to a phone call, but after he notices Aarti watching him, he can't quite go back to being as attentive to his phone as he had been before. (Priceless moment that I am hoping was not coincidental: When Aarti placed her hand on her abdomen, it looked like Yash was watching her...When she looks up at his face again, he immediately shifts his gaze elsewhere.)
- The silent exchanges that Yash and Aarti share have always been endearing, and this one is no different. I love how beautifully the silent gestures flow back and forth: I think Gurmeet's "What happened?" expression is probably a Yash trademark by now in the context of this show, just like Kratika's soft expression that reflects a tiny shadow of a smile in Aarti's eyes is an Aarti trademark. Aarti's changing expressions during the Yeh Dil Hai moment were nicely done by Kratika, hinting at the many emotions within Aarti as she thinks about the events that have just transpired and regards Yash with gentle affection...What I love most about this particular exchange is Yash's fond smile when Aarti shakes her head lightly to tell him, "Nothing..."
No Rest for the Weary
Just when Aarti is getting settled into her seat to relax and perhaps take a short nap, Yash, taking his duties and Aarti's schedule very seriously, disturbs her with a necessary alarm - time for food! Before, Yash had been the one to complain about Aarti's habit of talking too much, but he's the one talking nonstop nowadays...
- "Aur waise bhi, maine doctor se promise kiya tha ke main aapka khayal rakhoonga." - Aarti's expression is one that says, "Yes, Yashji...I know...Thank you very much. I'll be okay..."
- A lighthearted conversation with plenty of banter between Yash and Aarti...That automatically means that the flow of conversation is further enhanced by an entertaining array of expressions from Gurmeet and Kratika, showing a more relaxed side to Yash and Aarti. The smallest of nuances is worth watching out for - Gurmeet-Kratika play off of each other so fabulously!
A few favorite moments from the car scene:
- A bit all-encompassing and not really a "moment," but still...the music!
- "Light cheezein bhi hoti hai, Aartiji (!) Indian..uh..khaane mein." - Yash's emphatic yet exasperated tone and Aarti's equally annoyed expression at Yash's insistence about eating Indian food...If Aarti actually craves something later on, is he going to try these persuasion tactics on her again? LOL!
- "Lunch mein kaun khaata hai yeh sab?" And the expressions of mutual irritation as they both turn away from each other. Fabulous timing! There's the mirroring of actions again!
- "Aap kya jaane, meri pasand..." - Aah, such a short sentence full of meaning. Yash really doesn't know much about Aarti. Maybe he will start to take the initiative to find out now...Or maybe he will learn more about her naturally as time progresses...
- "Aapse nahi hoga..." - Aarti's magic words! That phrase and "Please, Yashji...?" seem to be able to get Yash to do a lot of things...He takes on these little challenges every time...And the expression on his face when he knows he's achieved a victory by mentioning bhel is absolutely hilarious! Such an adorable, "I knew it! Hah!" face! That's one expression that always makes me laugh out loud a little. I think only Gurmeet can make a smug expression look so endearing, haha! Aww, and Kratika's changing expressions and body language to reflect Aarti's desire to eat some bhel are just as adorable as Gurmeet's faces here! The way her entire face brightens up with an innocent, childlike happiness is extremely, extremely sweet!
- "Woh actually...Muskurahat aapke chehre pe...bohat achchi lagti hai..." - Yash's little nod at Aarti, the way he looks at her and smiles slightly, and the way she leans her head towards him with a sweet smile in response, maintaining eye contact with him for a brief moment before he turns to look back at the road: that last shared smile in this scene is such a beautiful moment!
Anupamaa
