The Pain of Loss (Completed) NOTE on P 41 - Page 18

Originally posted by: deepti1906

I'll start calling you Komaliya if you do that once again...😛😆

LOL Kidding..😆 But I do call one of my friend by that name...😉

From the very prologue, one can't help but respect Devyani for being such a strong character… the character sketch was quite an eye-opener, giving us a pretty good insight into the minds of the various characters. Chapter 1 — the differences in lifestyle or in temperament between Akash and Arnav have been beautifully delineated… looks like behind his serious demeanour lies a very witty person. Sensible of his parents to share with him the painful details of what happened to the Maliks… often children can be pretty mature about things and it would be wrong to treat them with kid gloves! [if this had been the approach adopted with the adult Anjali in the show, things wouldn't have come to such a terrible pass!] Kudos to him for having made Arnav blurt out what was in his mind… Arnav did not know what to say. That was one of the reasons he was quiet… I can relate to him very well [I too prefer to keep quiet and speak only when I have something to say… a trait most find it difficult to understand, who irritate me no end by expecting me to speak up]. The silent tussle of wills between Akash and Arnav was a nice touch.

The suicide by Arnav's parents was well-etched, with small details — like 'A spray of red coated Arnav's dad.' 'This time, the pieces of Mr. Malik's brain coated the wall behind him.' — adding to the horror… what a scene for a child to witness… it's no surprise that it remained with him and affected the rest of his life! Agree that his parents were cowards who didn't think about their kids even for a moment! "He is going through my books right now and he says he is hungry. Ma, did I do well?" That question reflects Akash's innocence and his need for his mom's approval. The manner in which Devyani, Manorama and Akash plan out what's to be done with Arnav's education was very touching… what a great family and what a support system! Nice to see Arnav realise that true class comes from one's heart and actions, not from family name, power or wealth [a lesson he seemed to have ignored later on]. She calmly talked to him. About life. About his choices. His words. And their repercussions. And she saw that he listened well. God played such tricks! Making a 14 year old think like a man, while grown men behaved as kids! Arnav came out of the room a changed boy. The least was that his bitterness was now hidden from the world. He made a promise to himself never to talk about his parents' deaths or their reasons to kill themselves. He would never share it with anyone. That was a very mature way on Devyani's part of dealing with the situation… no use hiding things from children because some time or the other they would have to face the harsh realities of life! The only drawback here is that Arnav hid all his pain within his heart, shutting off his feelings from others… the first step on his journey to becoming ASR! Chapter 2 — Liked Shravan's friendliness and easygoing nature… Arnav's thoughts about the smitten girls were funny! It's nice to see Arnav joking and teasing like other kids his age and trying to lead as normal a life as possible in the circumstances. I agree with Shravan's dad's views about what constitutes a proper education… people nowadays go in for brands rather than for substance… speaking from personal experience, there are many Central Schools and government schools where the education, as well as the inculcation of values, is at par with that in public schools! Arnav's acceptance of Akash and his request to the latter to address him as bhai was quite moving… their relationship has been acknowledged! It was sad to see Arnav's hopes being shattered a second time as he put his trust in another weakling whose promises turned out to be false. Shantanu and his parents have no class, nor can they be classified as humans! Can't fault Arnav's fury and retaliation… Shantanu deserved every hue he received! She deserves someone better than you, and I will make sure she never ever marries a person like you! Highly ironical statement, given what we know happened to Anjali in the show — a perfect example of dramatic irony! Kudos to Kailash for throwing those uncouth people out! Chapter 3 — Nice ploy to get Anjali's mind off her troubles… helping Devyani and Manorama might build her own sense of self-respect and give her a sense of satisfaction in having achieved something. That was a much needed talk between Arnav and Kailash... Arnav needed someone to show him the way and to tell him that he was in no way to blame for his parents' actions or weaknesses and also that wallowing in guilt and self-pity would help neither him nor his sister. NK's sunny disposition seems to be reflected in his outfit! Loved Arnav's Hindi: Main bohot hardworking hoon.. Or the other one- Mujhe lagta hai Poet kehna chahte hain..." [I've often got similar things, except that my students end up writing Hindi phrases and expressions in English!] Little did he know that 12 years later, he would meet someone that flipped his world around, and that someone did not know hoe to converse in any language except Hindi… rightly said! The Raizadas and Sharmas are such a giving family… wish there were more people like them in this world! Chapters 4 & 5 — I commend you for showing Anjali pursuing her postgraduate degree, besides helping her family in their business [it was quite galling in the show to see her just praying and limping through the house]. Children can sure be mean, but pleased to see how Arnav emerged stronger and more determined from all the bullying he had had to face… his realisation that he couldn't do anything that would hurt his family was quite timely… the gradual transformation of Arnav into ASR and the reasons behind it have been very realistically portrayed. The image of Arnav building such an impressive physique by toting all those heavy bundles and boxes at the boutique was just awesome. Kailash is a true father-figure to him, being there for him whenever needed or when he needed to be set right! The way the family shares everything is great as is the hardwork being put in by every one of its members to succeed… the manner in which they adapt to the changes in circumstances and do the best therein is also commendable… can't help but respect Arnav's focus and strategic planning to achieve his new dream of studying in the US. In the midst of all that he had the time to enjoy but not be swayed by the company of girls fawning over him. Wonder what Manorama's plan is! Good that her plan to expand and use Arnav's designs yielded such rich dividends. Anjali working in a school and the manner in which Arnav and Akash were to collaborate over the running of their business was impressive… their first customer dillydallying over paying them the amount asked for, just because they weren't well-known designers was to be expected… for some the brand is all that counts, not a person's hardwork! Ramdulari's support and NK's determination to be there for his brothers were touching. Arnav's fainting fit seems to be their first indication of his diabetes. Or is it a result of his overwork or the heat? Was the sweet-voiced girl calling him 'bhaiya' Khushi? If yes, that's the height of irony: bhaiya in the distant future becomes hubby dearest!