A lot of the times, writers use archetypes for female and male protagonists, and some are used so much that they become stock characters themselves. Strictly speaking of just ITV, all female leads tend to be mahaan and sacrificial while most male leads tend to be arrogant and angry. In some rare cases, they do the opposites. In rarer cases, they pair a couple who are similar to one another and both are sorted and sweet. But mostly, opposites attract couples are the ones who rule the roost because they have the most sizzling chemistry and angst. With Abhira and Armaan or Maahira, they have two individuals who actually want the same things in life- career and family but were raised very differently and have distinct personalities. I was wondering why did they show Armaan fall for Ruhi when he met Abhira first at the same location? This was a complete deviation from the Lost show and it changes the dynamics between the three completely. Virat and Pakhi had met prior to Virat meeting Sai and both had instant attraction. They connected in those 2 days. But when Virat met Sai, he was also struck in admiration for her. Similarly while Sai was rude to Virat initially, she also admired him and they both low-keyed flirted. Virat and Sai's similarities were highlighted- both toppers, both driven, brave and valiant.
In the case of Armaan and Abhira, things are way more subtle. Here, Abhira is the expressive one who had a pretty good life with her mom. She had her parent's unconditional love. She was raised to be strong and bubbly. Abhira was scolded and reprimanded when she was rude or made mistakes but she was able to be herself. This is in sheer contrast to Armaan who is unable to express himself or be himself with family. And this is another similarity that is common in both Armaan and Ruhi. Both had somewhat traumatic childhoods, both hold fanciful romantic convictions and both are unable to fight for what they want. I can see why Armaan still holds a soft corner for Ruhi even while she is still holding out for love for him because I think if there was no Abhira, Armaan would have been in the same boat as Ruhi. See, there is a general misconception about people who commit adultery. They are not inherently evil or want to hurt their spouses. They are just unable to be honest and hence hide their feelings and ultimately commit sins like adultery and cheating. It's not easy to be honest, in fact it's very difficult. Armaan and Rohit were close, then why was Armaan unable to stop Rohit's marriage? Why not confide in him? When you are really secure, when you have self belief and strength then one can say the truth. Armaan didn't want to face daadisaa's and Vidya's disappointment so he chose to 'sacrifice' his love and let Rohit marry Ruhi. Ruhi could have also told the truth but she didn't. Because like Armaan, she didn't have the strength and self belief to say the truth.
Coming to Abhira, I am immensely glad that they didn't show Armaan even like her in beginning. Armaan noticed and is still noticing Abhira's qualities slowly and now he appreciates her so much that he called her a 'perfect' life partner. Both Armaan and Abhira disliked each other when they first met, Armaan because of Abhira's rudeness and badbad-gadbad and Abhira because of Poddar family. Then Abhira realizes that Armaan is a very nice man when he gets Yuvraj arrested and goes against his own client. Of course the marriage and journey has shown her that Armaan is a good man who is caring and considerate and loves his family. Yet she still doesn't know his wounds, his secrets and why he is the way he is. A lot of the times, ITV shows couples who share the same or similar trauma in childhood and hence are able to connect. The only thing I can see is that Abhira will learn about Goenkas being her family and Akshara being the disowned daughter and that will connect her with Armaan as his mom was also disliked in the Poddar family. However Abhira will stand up for her mom and will be proud of her and that will inspire Armaan to realize that his mom faced injustice.
On a side note- I love that they are making Abhira and Armaan more subtle instead of caricatures. Armaan is khadoos but warm, soft and sweet. He is tidy and neat but not a neurotic. He is a big shot lawyer but not arrogant and best of all, he has trauma/parental issues but he not an angry young man. Abhira is sweet not saccharine, sunshiney not smiley, studious not know it all, brave not fearless, multi-tasker not goddess.
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