"How do you become a woman?" she asked simply quite with the air of a woman asking for a recipe... a poignant question but the recipe' part was amusing. Despite her desperation to be considered a woman, Khushi is still a child as is clearly reflected by her ingenuous recapitulation to Thammi of what transpired between herself and Arnab. Even when she matures into a woman, something tells me that that childlike innocence would remain an intrinsic part of her nature! Khushi eagerly anticipating Arnab being scolded by Thammi is truly endearing. Girls being forced to forego their childhood games and to become adults before their time is so sad... what happens if, despite all their compromises and changes, their husbands still ignore them or just use them as an outlet for their passions or a receptacle for their children? Couching facts about physical intimacy in vague terms would only add to the young girl's fear and confusion... that Khushi has no idea about such matters is borne out by her later recollection of what she had been told by her sister: she had to sleep with her husband to get a baby... I am sure all she is thinking of is actually just falling asleep next to Arnab. The glimpse into the world of a courtesan is interesting. The description of the opulent interiors reminded me of scenes from Chaudhvin ka Chaandh', Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam', 'Pakeezah', Umrao Jaan', etc. Arnab seeks oblivion in drink and dance so he can forget his unseemly' desire for his child-wife as well as to drown the voice of his conscience... yet, the fragrance of the jasmine momentarily brings her image to mind. "What she doesn't know can neither harm her nor hurt her feelings..." The problem is that such matters don't stay hidden for long! ...a dark room was filled with sounds of ragged breaths and winces as a man unleashed his most basic passion, unadulterated lust on a dance girl who was veiled by the darkness. And the man was indeed thankful that it was so...thankful that the moon had hidden behind the clouds and he didn't have to look at her face... a vivid description of Arnab's unbridled desire... he can't slake it on his wife so searches for another outlet, yet he can't bring himself to look upon his bed companion. Despite his earlier words, he knows he is being unfaithful to his wife which doesn't sit right with him, though it was pretty common in those times. For all he knows, that girl's childhood is already stolen, yet he can't bring himself to use her... her age reminds him of Khushi... he had promised to save her childhood, so taking another child's childhood is unthinkable... if he went ahead and slept with that young courtesan, he wouldn't be able to face himself. Khushi's earlier anger and pain gradually changing to concern for Arnab is touching. If she had asked her mom-in-law for help, I am sure she would have been told exactly where Arnab was and that it was customary for men of their class to indulge in such activities. A shaky smile that carried with it the hint of impending tears lit up her features... a moving image, especially given how concerned she had been! She impulsively hugs him, revealing her relief but unhappily his stiffening body and anger-filled eyes make her misunderstand his reasons for such a reaction. His rejection' only strengthens her resolve to turn herself into a woman'. Khushi greeting the day with renewed hope and resolve is pleasing. Nice to see that Arnab has noted the change in Khushi's behaviour and feels bounden to discover the reason for it.
Moving out, to avoid the constant confrontations with his father is the right move... what will happen to Khushi is what's intriguing. Thank god for his long-overdue apology to her. Khushi's fighting spirit rising to the surface, loosening her tongue and letting her real feelings spill out is a nice moment: kudos to her for throwing his very words in his teeth. Khushi furious at Arnab's blindness in still considering her a child is damn cute. Sadly for her, he finds her expressions lovable and amusing, thus, adding to her irritation. Khushi must be wondering if Arnab is suffering from a memory lapse, given that she has to remind him of his earlier words. Like Khushi, I too didn't expect Arnab to burst out laughing at her declaration that she wanted to stay with him as she wanted a baby... can't wait to see how he extricates himself from this delicate situation without hurting her.
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