30/12 - Epi 154 ... Dangling a carrot

30th Dec Fri

So the cv's leave us dangling with a carrot for the weekend ... goes without saying Arshi will meet at 12 midnight on New Year's Eve ... question is how? Imaginations going wild here ... will it be because of Payash? Or not?

Cute lighthearted episode with lots of Arshi ... lots of NK, who is fun to watch ... Nani Buaji jugalbandi ... and very little of plotting sulky Shyamu. Arnav and Khushi still very much in denial, but seem to be reluctantly acknowledging Devi Maiyya's efforts of throwing them together, even if only to vow to fight them.
And yes, Arnav smiled ... again :) ... he so needs the madness of Khushi in his life to give it color and shape. And he is seriously annoyed, and even a little upset and nervous ... to see Khushi laughing and smiling with NK so freely. Was that at the back of his mind, and the unconscious reason why he actually challenged Khushi about New Year's Eve?

What did I predict?! Dance master Madhubala and NK are the only two people to see the sparks fly between Arshi ... RM crowd continues to be blind.

*edited*
So episode starts with yesterday's Rabba ve ... edited to just 30 secs today ... whether it was 30 seconds or half an hour, Anjali would stay blind! And for the first time, Khushi doesn't let go of Arnav even when he starts speaking ... they stay locked to each other, his hand still holding her shoulder, her hand still holding his, as though neither wants to let the other go after such a long drought of staying apart ... as he says with only the slightest bite in his tone ... Anybody with my name can't do anything right? So I should have let you fall?
Anjai interrupts as always, is Khushi all right?  And they come to their senses, Khushi abruptly, Arnav more slowly ... again, I wonder, are these directorial touches, or do the actors bring them in after being told the gist of the scene. Even these little nuances of how each lets go of the other are telling.
Of course Anjali and Nani only see the fighting, Madhubala and NK, the outsiders, see the sparks as well. MB wants Arnav to dance, this time Khushi says no quickly, her senses still raging after that closeness and eyelock ... reminded as to why she wanted to be near Arnav, yet also reminded as to how she loses herself when she is ... and the bitter aftermath ... no, she doesn't want! And Arnav seconds her quickly ... he doesn't want to lose control either ... a small tu tu main main, Nani and Anjali give each other resigned looks as though to say, these two will never change ...
But neither can resist stealing that last look again ... Arnav annoyed, as though to say, you turned me down this time, Khushi slightly guilty, as though wondering whether she did the right thing ... and NK catches those looks ...


Then some cute scenes, as MB wants the elders to dance, and Nani calls Buaji as her partner ... both excited about their old dancing days, and ready for action ... sidelining an annoyed MB in the process as they improvise happily on her steps! Boy, Nani can dance!!! And NK meets Buaji was as cute as expected ... NK all pleased and happy like bashful schoolboy - Buaji likes him!
NK's Hindi and Khushi's corrections continue :))) And as the elder ladies dance, the younger ones enjoy the jhagda ... nagda ... Arnav enters just in time to see Khushi and NK getting along like a house on fire, and he fumes ...
 NK tries to soothe the elders ... sab budiya hain ... Khushi corrects ... sab badhiya hain ... and Nanheji, aap budhiya ho ... and Arnav smiles, he actually smiles wholeheartedly at that one. Setting Khushi's heart beating faster again, her own smile fading ... another look between them and the awareness is building back slowly and steadily ...
Barun and Sanaya really have fab chemistry ... and like I used to say for my other favourite couple, SRK-Kajol, these two say it all with their eyes.  


Teatime at RM ... Slimeball Snake decides to skulk in his room, rather than face Buaji and the Gupta sisters, especially Khushi after his recent talking to from her ... he still hasn't formulated another plan yet.
So a light-hearted teatime where Nani and Buaji laugh at MB, Arnav and Khushi are sitting next to each other ... how did that miracle happen without another squabble? NK asks Khushi to show a dance step ... Khushi demonstrates, and both NK and Arnav are lost in her ... Arnav almost chokes on his hot tea. Awww again ...
NK maroes line on Khushi, to Arnav's annoyance, then talks about the person you see at 12 midnight at NY will be the person you spend your life with ... and Arnav and Khushi look simultaneously and immediately at each other, shock and horror!!! What - you?! As though they know that they will see each other first thing! Yet another awww!
And the set up - as Akash wants to take Payal on a date so he can see her face, Buaji and Nani nix it ... Khushi prays that she won't see Arnav, whoever else she sees ... makes the mistake of asking Devi maiyya .. Khushi, haven't you realised that whenever you ask to exit his life, Devi Maiyya promptly sends him hurtling right back into yours? Sign pe sign, sign pe sign ...

Arnav actually challenges Khushi - you will come in front of me at 12 midnight, I know it. And Khushi swears she will not!


My prediction - she will, of course, ... wearing Buaji's red lehnga, and will cover her face with the dupatta to prevent herself from seeing him ... and he will raise it ... *dream* ... another sign from Devi Maiyya ... that poor overworked lady can't even take a break on New Year's Eve!


This weekend is far too long! Can't wait for Monday already!

29/12 - Epi 153 ... Rabba ve

29th Dec Thurs

Rabba ve is back!
*edited*

Am rapidly reaching the conclusion that Arnav Singh Raizada is hopeless! It will take combined efforts of NK, Shyam and Khush herself to get him anywhere close to admitting he feels anything for Khushi, let alone doing anything about it. Left on his own, he will keep running away to kingdom come ... or will push Khushi away even further!

So MadhuBala pushes NK to hold Khushi's waist, gaze into her eyes, the works, and all Arnav can do is stop in his tracks, glare a bit ... and run away. Even though Khushi looks sideways at him, as though to ask, don't you care even a little?
MB as choreographer leaves much to be desired - major blooper by cv's ... waltz and a count of FOUR??? This one slipped past the music director for sure!

Shyam back to his tricks - I was wondering what his game plan was - was it just to ensure that he keeps Khushi quiet with his tales of woe, but no, he actually still wants her! And thinks that she might come back to him willingly if he plays his cards right ... he obviously has NO idea of what Khushi is all about!
Interestingly, Shyam sees NK with Khushi and is annoyed. So the cv's obviously plan to keep Arnav-Khushi very much under wraps as far as Shyam is concerned. Which is a good thing ... 
Another blooper - NK was a good dancer for Desi Girl all right, now he's developed two left feet all of a sudden! Ok, maybe he's never done the waltz before ;-)

Shyam into action - red roses for Anjali, which get him sneezing so Anjali throws the flowers, just as Khushi brings her phone ... and Shyam cuts off Anjali before she can mention his allergy and acts all bechara again to Khushi about how Anjali threw his humble gift ...
And Khushi blasts ... yippeeeee!!!Don't involve outsiders in your problems between husband and wife, I'm not interested, I'm not involved. And don't try to tell me Anjali doesn't care for you, I won't believe it, and maybe you'd better believe that!
But Shyam hasn't given up ... he still wants Khushi! Urrgghhh ... though like I said, he's needed along with all the others to get Arnav into action! Am sure Arnav marrying Khushi will be because of Shyam and nothing else.

In between, Buaji and Garima find Buaji's wedding dress, and Buaji decides Khushi can wear it - for Payash's wedding? Or for her own? Buaji is definitely fond of Khushi in her own way ... if she can think about giving her own shaadi ka joda to Khushi.

Hilarious bit ... NK meets Buaji ... not in person, on the phone, but that's enough for Buaji to go into paroxysms of delight ... Nand Kishore? on the phone? Buaji dhanya ho gayi! Scene was epic! Khushi's added tadka :-)

Boring couple lost in their dance ... Khushi, Anjali and NK tease them ... Nani joins in ... and Arnav the akdoo cuts off his nose to spite his face by telling Khushi he won't dance with her, NK is his replacement. So Khushi, never one to take such things lying down, proceeds to address NK as Arnav ... after all, Arnav said NK was his replacement, didn't he? And for good measure, she also tells "Arnav" exactly how bad he is at dancing, among other things ... many other things! Poor NK!

And finally, while dancing Khushi, busy still in counting Arnav's faults, twirls into Arnav's arms ... rabba ve ...
A heck of a long rabba ve .. will the rest of the audience actually notice? I think MB will ... and will insist that Arnav dances ...
And I liked the Rabba ve ... even though it was in public ... this is a first though. Arnav looked very stern all through ... Khushi was definitely affected. So what will be the aftermath? Now that they are both single and the attraction that they have clamped down on for so long has suddenly erupted again? At least, it has for Khushi ...

28/12 - Epi 152 Sangeet preparations

28th Dec Wed

All about getting ready for the sangeet ... so the Payash wedding is just round the corner?! Seems that Nani has forgotten her stipulations about Arnav getting married before Akash ... or was that just an engagement? Whatever ... lol ...

*edit* pretty much filler episode ... except that one of my wishes came slightly true, though not in the way I wanted.
So starts with Khushi annoyed with Arnav, refuses his offer of a lift, NK runs after her to escort her - thank god at least NK is proactive and doesn't take 'no' for an answer! Arnav is a waste! WHEN is he going to go after her even after her saying 'no'? Idiot!
(But I still love him *rofl*)

Arnav overhears Anjali and Nani discussing Khushi's broken engagement and the fact that she wanted to keep quiet about it till Payash and Arnav-La engagement was safely and happily done ... and Arnav feels bad.
Damn ... I wanted him to hear this from Khushi, added with her own upset about how he always misunderstands her ... but something is better than nothing, I guess! So Arnav feels bad about taunting her about her broken engagement - don't worry, Arnav, that girl can look after herself - she gave you back as good as she got already. But liked the way Nani said she hoped that Khushi was feeling less bad about it now, and Arnav remembered her tears - shit, he did it again, made things worse for her as usual in his drive to win their private war.
Okay, he redeemed himself slightly here ... loved his expression of regret in that fleeting moment. Barun's eyes are really very, very expressive ... am really liking him as an actor.

And he proceeds to redeem himself further by getting all hot and bothered about why NK was taking so long ... it doesn't take so long to drop Khushi ... *rofl* he should know.
NK drops Khushi home - did they walk all the way? And NK is worried about her change of mood, Khushi as usual puts it behind her, and swears yet again not to let Arnav affect her ... again, what I wanted, but I wanted Arnav to overhear that too *sulking*
So she puts on her smiling mask again and NK is happy. He's cute!

Arnav still pacing up and down waiting for NK ... yippee, finally the green-eyed monster awakes!!! And the moment an unsuspecting NK enters, he blasts him - where were you, why didn't you pick up my phone ... sounding like a angry dad *rofl*
NK makes the mistake of calling Khushi his date again, and Arnav is fuming mad!

Next morning, RM - Nani, Anjali, NK waiting for strict choreographer ... NK is definitely falling for Khushi ... hmm, not sure how I feel about this one yet. Cute way how Khushi figures out what NK means to say ...
Arnav enters and tries to apologise to Khushi ... maybe I shouldn't have spoken like that ...
Maybe ...?

Side note - people on forum want Khushi to feel regretful about what she did to Arnav's party. My question - what exactly did she do that spoiled it? She and NK served an additional two drinks, not removing the ones originally on the menu, they served a sweet again in addition to the food already there, the Thai dance took place as planned, it wasn't hijacked, the Desi girl was an addition. Yes, the introduction left something to be desired, as I already said. But what Khushi did was to ADD the desi touch, not replace the one already there. The party was not spoiled, the guests did not even realise that the additions were unplanned by Arnav, so his dignity wasn't compromised - now that I would have had a problem with. The only thing that Khushi actually did was to carry her private war with Arnav into the party, reprehensible - yes,  but she did it in a way that only he and she knew about it, and no one else. Not even her accomplice, NK. And Arnav wasn't mad at all that, all he was angry about was that she seemed to be having a great time dancing with other people ... his taunt about her broken engagement showed that for him too, it was all about them, and no one else.
So if Khushi has to regret something, it's not spoiling his party - she didn't do that. She should regret that she carried their feud into the party and into the open ...

Which is why I wanted her regret to be that why did she let herself get so affected by what he said, by his hurtful words, by his hurtfulness in excluding her from the party in the first pace, by showing her again that she held no importance to him ... and regretting that her anger with him led her into doing what she did at his party ... and then deciding to henceforth ignore him. She did do that, in a way, by saying that she would not let his words hurt him any more, but I would have liked if that resolve was due to both her own actions and his words.

And that is why Arnav regretted his words, but did not really get angry with what she did ... because he also knew it was their own feud, and his contribution to it that made her do what she did. Payal's discomfort was just the trigger.

The rest of the episode was devoted to the strict choreographer - the lady trying very hard to act as strict as possible ... not a great actress, though. Khushi, NK and Arnav were the interesting ones to watch ... an inconsistency in Arnav's character here though - at the door he was so apologetic, then he comes into the room and is back to his angry ways? His regret never lasts too long, does it? Anyway, the equation between NK, Khushi and Arnav is laid out slowly ... how ever many times Khushi swears she will not let Arnav hurt her again, he manages to do that - now by saying he doesn't want to dance with her ... Arnav back to grouch, doesn't want to dance with her, amends it by saying he doesn't want to dance at all ... NK only to happy to jump into the picture ... Madhubalaji accepts NK cartoon as poor substitute for the real hero!
Liked the way NK was horrified at being called Khushi's bhai ... no, never!!! 

Watching the filler episode as the family waits for the choreographer, and then after her entry, the good actors on the show are Barun, Sanaya, Daljeet, Nani ... NK is very decent, Akash is okay and Payal is bad ... could really see the difference in the scene where the dialogues were minimal and all the actors just had to fill in with their expressions ... Payal had literally one expression on her face all through.

And Arnav ne keh toh diya that NK can take his place, but when it comes to physical closeness in the dance, he's not so sure any more ... his what the heck just happened? expression matched by Khushi's expression of discomfort at NK's closeness ... this dance just got rather interesting. And if Arnav does not end up dancing with Khushi in the final sangeet, I will be very, very cross!!!

27/12 - Epi 151 ... Desi girl - the tigress

27th Dec Tues

My most favourite avatar of Sanaya .. low voiced fierce tigress ... no one does it better than her.
And Khushi is so used to Arnav's nastiness that if he were to be nice, she would probably fall through the floor with surprise. So today she didn't give way at all ... no more tears.

Arnav may be used to throwing business cocktail parties for foreign clients (though even they would appreciate Indian music at an Indian do far more than Thai music and dance), but he sure needs plenty of lessons on how to throw an enjoyable casual cocktail party.  Actually, am very confused - was this a personal do to let Payal and Akash spend time with each other, an official do to introduce Payal to their office clients, or a mix of both? A theme party, at least all the ones I've been to, is usually just for the costumes, decor and food ... what took the cake was the classical Thai dance!!! I guess this was put in to show that Arnav definitely has less experience of throwing casual parties, and just doesn't know how to get the enjoyment factor in. Okay, am being kind to Arnav here! Otherwise I really can't understand that part *rofl*
The jal jeera reminded me of how much we used to enjoy it at all our Diwali do'es in various countries ... never got it often enough!

Didn't like Khushi's introductory speech for her dance with all the desi vs videshi - don't rub it in so much, Khushi - not nice. But boy oh boy , she rocked the dance.

And the Arshi scene was so good ... Sanaya rocked it right through with her low firm tones, and her words, as nasty and cutting as Arnav's always are, spoken with a fierce polite intensity ... don't make the mistake of thinking that because I smile and dance and laugh, I don't hurt. I do. But I don't need to show the world my hurt, it's my own private business and it stays that way. As for forgetting my hurt about my broken engagement, excuse me, aren't you in the same boat? And yet you're the one throwing the party here - I'm just attending it.

Khushi was strong, collected, fierce all through ... she held her own ... right or wrong, she was here for her sister, because family, relationships, emotions were paramount for her. As for Arnav - she doesn't expect anything more from him, anything different ...for once giving it back to him in language that he understands, saying what she had to say and not losing her temper.

And Arnav's face ... Barun's expressions were spot on today. All anger gone ... did he finally remember why he broke his own engagement? Was it guilt, her words finding their mark? Or was he finally able to peek behind her mask, to see that she also wears one all the time, a mask which is far more difficult to don than the unsmiling, unforgiving angry one he wears all the time?

So he tells her he will drop her home, completely disregarding NK who's just made Khushi the same offer ... and Khushi refuses pointblank.

And the precap has Arnav finally losing control ... what was NK doing for so long alone with Khushi?!

One important fact disclosed by Khushi to Arnav today ... her family was deceived by her fiance. And their conversation - she stayed silent through his hurtful words, let him have his say completely for once. And when she spoke, he too finally actually listened to her. And then they both waited, backs to each other ... but waited ... in silence.

Is NK actually falling for Khushi? Uh oh ... that's a complication we could avoid, because he's shaping up to be quite a sweet guy!

26/12 - Epi 150 ... Hijacking the party

26th Dec

I was hoping the dance wouldn't come today ... am glad it didn't. Though I did think they would take a day or two to reach the party date ... but it happened over just one episode.

Episode starts with NK trying to persuade Arnav on Khushi's behalf, to make the party a little desi ... Arnav is not interested ... and figures out exactly who's behind NK's ideas. So he calls in Khushi and ticks her off ... he's not interested in desi stuff, only Western stuff is good enough, desipan is so middle class!
Lol ... although I agree Arnav has all the right to decide what party he wants to organise, again his calm assurance to Khushi that it would be the best party of her life smacked of sheer arrogance! And really, Arnav ... desipan is middleclass? You need to wake up and smell the coffee ... desipan right now is the "in" thing! Besides, I rather dislike Indians who look down on their own culture, and think everything Western is superior ... say that it's a theme party, and say it politely ... why call her crazy?! NK looked really taken aback at Arnav's rudeness to Khushi.

Akash sends a letter for Payal through Khushi ... what happened to phone calls? And Khushi is most annoyed about videsi party, it's gonna be boring! Having recently attended one, I can agree! Although I have to say, leave Payal alone, Khushi, she has to get used to attending such things!
Khushi delivers letter to Payal and pretends it's from mamiji, reading it out ... Khushi does a damn good imitation of Mamiji ... cute!!! Buaji as excited as Mamiji, and as disappointed that she's not invited!
Payal is apprehensive that she will look awkward and the odd one out in the party. So Khushi tries to persuade Arnav yet again ... a slight desi touch, please? Just to make Payal a little comfortable? But Arnav is adamant ... nope, he's not going to take any suggestion of Khushi's, and if she doesn't like it, she needn't come. As it is, he never invited her.

Ooohhh, Khushi, can you please just stay away from the party?! Such a douchebag!
And Khushi decides to do exactly that ... she won't go. Good for her ... I really wish though, that she'd stuck to her resolve!

Skip next evening to party already ... Payal looking very pretty and sophisticated with her hair up, Khushi pretends her foot is sprained, so Payal has to go alone, and she is apprehensive. Khushi as usual puts on a cheerful face, hiding her real feelings.
Khushi's oneliner today ... "Shakahari hain! Aapki Payaliya ko kha nahin jayenge!" But she does feel bad at Buaji's words - Payal is uncomfortable still among the Raizadas, and Khushi is not, she should have gone with Payal.

I was very disappointed that Arnav didn't appear to be missing Khushi at all ... and Barun needs to improve his enunciation! Today his accent grated.
Payal is uncomfortable, and also a little bored! She really would have felt more comfortable with Khushi around! It's pretty uncomfortable when you don't know a soul at a party, especially for a person who is shy and quiet.

NK calls Khushi - are you planning a late entry? Khushi has an idea to spice up the boring party ... with a very willing NK!
So was NK also getting equally bored at this hot and happening cocktail party? And again, I wish Khushi had left Arnav's party alone, and decided to organize one of her own, with NK's help, for Akash Payal. Would have been more effective than hijacking Arnav's ... 

NK chats with Payal, tells her she can call him Nanhe like Khushi does ... Arnav gives him a sideways look. Again, disappointed not to see more of a reaction from Arnav. NK mentions he's waiting for his date.

Khushi arrives all hot and flustered, looking ravishing in deep blue ...so she wasn't invited by Arnav but she was invited by NK all right ... she has perfect right to be there, and I hope NK tells Arnav that tomorrow - that she's there as his date, no less! The way Arnav is behaving like a douchebag, I want a full fledged close friendship between NK and Khushi ... burn, baby, burn! Really annoyed at his reactions today! Even more than at Khushi's ... though I wished she hadn't hjacked Arnav's party. She should have let it be the boring high class sophisticated do it was meant to be!

Precap scene is interesting ... will happen after the dance, of course, but how do they reach this point? Is he annoyed because NK said Khushi was his date? And I hope Khushi tells him that yes, she is happy her engagement has broken, and he can make of that what he wants to.

23/12 - Epi 149 ... Something's burning!

23rd Dec Fri

Something's burning ... and it ain't the food! What fun!

Some more slimy mind games by Slimeball - now he's trying to show Khushi that his everyday expenditure is controlled by his wife ... yuck!!! Khushi, why are you even bothering about the Slimeball ... let him sort out his marital woes himself!

Much more interesting and fun ... NK and Khushi, the two madcaps get together and hit it off straight away! And something is burning in Arnav-land!!! This jealousy track should be fun! The new entry is good - his kathak-tap dance was hilarious ... so was Khushi's comment - Anjali mentioned his ears are weak, she didn't say anything about his mind! And so nice to see Khushi find a friend in RM now that La has gone ... maybe, just maybe Arnav will realise that being rude once in a while is all right, but consistently being rude and nasty to Khushi is not exactly conducive to making her think that he is her Prince Charming in disguise! Best part, NK can hold his own with Arnav, so we now have two crazy comrades-in-arms facing a fuming Arnav!

22/12 - Epi 148 ... Slimy moves and K3G parody

22nd Dec Thurs

Two parallel tracks, will they intersect at some point? And a little, very little bit of Arhi to remind us that Arhi ARE the main love story, just hold your horses.

So as expected, Arnav reverses the car, tells Khushi to get out and go get her dupatta.
In RM, as he leaves for work, Khushi already busy with Anjali's pooja planning, gets distracted by Arnav's sudden appearance, and he addresses Di, but tells her, he's off for a meeting.

Then the first track - Anjali-Shyam-Khushi ... Khushi wants nothing to do with Shyam, Shyam is on a mission to convince Khushi that what he said about his marriage was the absolute truth. So Anjali goes ballistic about the wrong color of shirt that he wore, and Shyam keeps very hangdog look all through Anjali's scolding. Then he tries to convince Khushi what a domineering wife Anjali is and how difficult it is to live with her.
And at night, Khushi wonders ... could Shyam be speaking the truth? But Anjali loves Shyam so much, and she's been so sweet to Khushi, ... no, she cannot be the way Shyam described.

So this track is to expose Shyam's complete truth to Khushi, not just the half-truth that she knows already, but the whole ugly picture.

Next track - Arnav-Khushi-NK - since Shyam was useless to provoke any feelings of jealousy in Arnav ... an invisible, undesired fiance and an unhappy engagement are really not any major causes of jealousy, ... the new entry, NK is to do the needful. A namoona as crazy as Khushi, so not a serious contender for her heart, but able to laugh and clown around with her in front of Arnav enough to get the greenery blooming.
A total K3G parody, with NK getting an SRK type entry and Mami doing the Jaya Bachchan act ... Arnav and Akash want to get the hell out of there. I echo Anjali's query - why are they so scared of NK?!

Am guessing the tracks will intersect by the time Shyam's entire truth is revealed. Currently, Shyam is neutralised, but his entire truth is not out. From Shyam's POV, it's dangerous because Khushi and Payal are unable to behave normally with him in RM, and with their closeness to the Raizadas, there is always a danger of the truth coming out unexpectedly.
From Khushi's POV, she can't behave normally with Shyam. But she and Payal now have a strong rishta with RM, they can't avoid Shyam in future. And time and again, she will be confronted with the result of her own decision not to tell Anjali the truth ... and will have to think again and again whether she made the right one. Shyam will try to keep her quiet by convincing her he spoke nothing but the truth, so he has to reinforce his picture of an unhappy marriage and a dominating wife in front of Khushi, otherwise if he lets things remain at status quo, sooner or later Khushi will realise that all he said was a pack of lies. And then maybe she will rethink her decision not to tell Anjali. Also how long can Payal live with a lie ... Payal is going to be living in RM after all.

Arnav doesn't figure in the Shyam-Anjali-Khushi triangle yet. Because Khushi is not looking at Shyam from a romantic angle at all ... her entire conundrum is whether Shyam was telling the truth or not, and if he wasn't, whether she needs to tell Anjali about it or not. Arnav doesn't enter the picture right now. But when Shyam's truth comes out, Arnav's reactions will matter. Hence before that happens, Arnav has to realise his feelings for Khushi, or at least get close to her again, enough to take some drastic action when the truth emerges. Like an engagement or marriage ... or a separation.
Will  expand on this later.

21/12 - Epi 147 ... Limping back to normal

21st Dec Wed

The La chapter ends ... and Arnav Khushi have to start anew. How will they do it?

*edited*
La farewell ... more of it ... last few words of wisdom to Arnav ... if love comes into your life, hold on to it, don't let it go, because love is much bigger than hate ... and a shot of Khushi walking out ahead ... a sign of things to come?
Why did Khushi have to carry the luggage? Still the hired help? Worse still, where is Arnav's chivalry?

A sensible conversation between Khushi and Payal, where for once, Payal is the caring and sensible older sister ... first worried about Shyam, did he say anything to Khushi, she was alone without the Guptas in RM. But Khushi doesn't want to talk about Shyam at all , for her, he is a closed chapter, he is Anjali's husband, and nothing else for them. As usual, she wants to forget the unpleasant things, and only look forward  to a better tomorrow. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear Shyam is going to let things stay that way, he is far more obsessed with Khushi than that.

Payal then asks about La, Khushi says La didn't accept her help this time, and Payal advises her sensibly, that one can only interfere so much between two people, no one can know exactly what happens between a couple, and it's better to accept that. Khushi agrees, and both girls hope for the best for La. As for Arnav, Paya starts, and Khushi takes off ... that Rakshas! He should get a girl who can tell him off, keep him under control and tell him everything he doesn't want to hear.
*rofl* does she realise that she's describing herself? Her feelings for Arnav still masked by her very real affection and concern for La ... no, she's not going to tumble into love with him so soon, in fact, the reverse ... denial is still very strong.
Payal remonstrates, and Khushi teases her that she's defending her jeth ... and adds almost affectionately, with a smile ... he is a Rakshas all right. 

Next morning, Arnav checking on La ... says final farewell on the phone, then sees Khushi's present.
Laad crossed out on the letter ... a gift to help him change tires in life! And a car maintainence manual ... in Hindi, which he can't even read ... What the ...
Good pair - she can't speak English and he can't read Hindi, they both need some education!
Anjali's tubelight finally lights, she accepts his decision, for it's a lifelong decision. Arnav is relieved, but doesn't want to hear any 'saansein ruk jayehngi' stuff!
So he still doesn't want to accept his feelings for Khushi ... still in denial. Doesn't even want to think that Khushi had anything to do with his decision of breaking with La.
Both are back to square one ... at this rate, their love story will take a lifetime!

Anjali has the first lot of Payash wedding cards ... Arnav needs to deliver the second one to the Guptas. Arnav agrees without any fuss ... after all, Khushi will not be coming to RM now, he needs an excuse to see her, doesn't he?
Anjali sees Khushi's book, and wonders ... Arnav doesn't tell her who it's from ... wilful lying ... he actually says, 'someone' gave it, when he knows very well who did ...  very deliberately hiding this from Anjali. Anjali translates for him - car maintainence manual ...and the bell rings for Arnav *rofl* don't tell me he actually didn't understand that much from the book cover?
And he gets up immediately and heads off to the GH ... methinks the reminder of Khushi was too much, now he just wants to see her!

Khushi and Payal fooling around with towel, Khushi playacting as usual .. let me teach Jiji how to act all loving ... now where did you learn all that, Khushi? And why do you never put it into practice for yourself?
Khushi was cute, but why is Payal so solemn? Hasn't she lived with the playacting Khushi all her life? Would have liked it if she had been a little more responsive, or at least smiled and ticked off Khushi that she was not going to play - would have lifted the scene and made it cuter.
Okay, Payal heard me, she told Khushi, how can I give you the towel, you have it already ... and Khushi quickly exchanged props, though Payal did try to outwit her.

And Arnav bitwa lands up, shades et al. Cat got his tongue? Sits quietly while Payal explains about being alone at home ... why doesn't he say anything or hand over the card? Or is he waiting for Khushi?
Convenient phone call ... just as Khushi starts yelling for towel and Arnav bitwa of course can never leave his lady love's calls unattended ... so he wanders into her bedroom ... like, seriously, Arnav?! Scene starts degenrating here into typical GH silliness ... Khushi goes on with her bakbak, Arnav looking like a startled sheep here, wondering what to do ... then he actually believes Khushi and her nautanki about freezing and knocks on the bathroom door, Khushi yanks him in ... and then, very sensibly screams her head off ... I would too if I found I had yanked a guy into my bathroom instead of my sister ...

I said yesterday that Shyam was up to something ... sure enough he is. He is not going to let Khushi go so easily. So first step, playing on Anjali's phobias ... fear for his life, and she promptly organises a puja ... while Shyam faithfully promises to do exactly what she wants ... as she is doing exactly what he wants her to do. Master manipulator is back in action.

Gupta house - Khushi's nautanki degenrates into stupidity ... *head desk* agree she should scream, but what was that ridiculous running on the spot?! Made the otherwise ok scene degenerate into totaly idiocy.
Arnav points out she's wearing her clothes, she's still indignant why he came into her room in the first place ... now that was understandable!
Payal remonstrates her idiot younger sister to behave herself and not get so hyper, Arnav listens to his older sister, and is taken aback again - what? He has to bring Khushi back with him? Oh well, ok ... he'll do it.

So he says his polite farewells to Payal, then back to sadiyal normal self with Khushi ... if you're done playing with that towel, you're coming home with me.
And they really have come a long way, because neither now even try to hide their familiarity and ease with each other ... not in front of Payal, anyway. He doesn't need to be polite with her, and she can be equally rude back and say exactly what she likes to him.

And Shyam confirms that Anjali has done what he wanted - called Khushi over to RM. What is he planning?

Khushi refuses to go ... you're just going to get angry with me again and tell me to get out, Arnav says, it's Di who's calling you, not me, ... she still refuses and he stalks out. Payal tells her she can't refuse, now it's a rishta between the two families ... again Khushi did try to stay away, but now the next reason for going to RM is in place ... and one she can't deny. So she scurries out to stop Arnav with bad grace ... okay, I'm coming ... scurries back to get her bag ... comes out, scurries back to get her dupatta ...

Awkward silence in car, Khushi tries to explain her playacting about the towel, then gives up ... and Arnav breaks his silence to tell her La reached safely and said to tell her. Khushi is silent ... the ghost of La is still very much between them ... Arnav barks at her again irritated by her silence ... he can take her bakbak but he really can't stand to see her quiet, can he? And then he notices her 'dupatta', backs the car, and tells her to get out!

At first watch, I was irritated by the episode, the much anticipated bathroom scene turned into a total farce, added to which the unnecessary Khushi nautanki of running on the spot.
But on re-watch, apart from that one very stupid scene, the rest was actually okay and pretty much in synch.

And again two parallel tracks starting ... Mami's new nephew and his nautanki, and Shyam's new antics. All that is very well, but when will they progress Arshi? The Arshi relationship is the core of the story and it seems to be stuck in a time warp.

links
Part 1 HD
Part 2 HD

20/12 - Epi 146 ... Broken trust, broken promises, broken heart ... and tubelights ;)

20th Dec Tues

And we thought La was dumb!
Shwetha, the title today is for your  comment ... *rofl*

Broken trust - Arnav is wondering why Khushi is behaving the way she is? Has he not realised how close Khushi has gotten to La? Why she is so angry for La's broken heart, her broken trust? Yes, Khushi is angry, how can this man smile with his guests, carry on as though everything is normal, when he just shattered the world of a young girl who trusted him. He is back to being ASR with La, uncaring of everyone's feelings but his own. And maybe a carryover of her anger at her own betrayal,  by Shyam, who has gone back happily enough into his world, as though nothing has happened, as though he hasn't just shattered the trust of two families.
So she lets out her anger on Arnav - as usual! And wisely, using some good sense, he drags her to their private place, otherwise she will let loose in public, without caring where she is and who overhears her. And he is not ready yet, nowhere near ready to acknowledge that what she says does make a difference to him, that he does want her to understand ... without telling her the whole truth, of course, a truth that he still hasn't fully faced himself.So his defences are very much up.
Don't talk about something when you don't even understand it fully.
I need to talk ... you have to tell me why you broke her heart.
He can't.
Or did you think that no one will ask you?
They all have, but he didn't want to tell them. He doesn't want to tell her either yet ... but he tries ... and she cuts him off ... Khushi, stop being contradictory! First you ask him to explain, then when he tries, you don't want to hear him!
But she doesn't want to hear him for another reason ... La's rejection has brought back to her, her own betrayal, do all men find it so easy to play with a girl's feelings? With her trust, with her emotions? A girl has to leave her home and family to go into a strange new world, she has only one person to place all her trust in to face that new world, and when that very person shatters the trust, how does that girl feel? How can she put her trust in anyone again?
And he knows she is talking about herself ... because of when she broke down about her fiance. And he listens quietly, because he wants to know, he needs to know ... when she's hurt, he wants to be there for her ...
She looks back at him fiercely. You won't understand ... how a girl feels when her rishta breaks, when her trust is shattered ... 
And you do?
Yes, I do! Because my rishta has broken, and I have felt that hurt!

And he is shocked ... her rishta broke? Why didn't she tell him? How ... why ...? La and his broken relationship forgotten, it's all about her.

But she recalls herself ... she can't tell him ... she never meant to tell him ... Shyam, his sister ... how can she tell him the truth about how her rishta broke? And she can't take the emotion in his eyes ... she's not ready for it ... she runs ... from herself as much as from him.
I wonder if the break of trust part really registered with Arnav - the break of her engagement definitely did! And he does want to know what happened. How hard will he try to find out?

GH - Buaji for the first time, expresses her regret as to how she forced Khushi to marry Shyam. Ah, and in the party, Payal asked Akash what happened ... so their communication has started. Mami might have a tougher time on her hands than she anticipated.

RM - Khushi-La ... broken heart -  Khushi not ready to let La leave, the girls squabble like kids, before breaking into smiles and tears. And La is still unable to tell Khushi what happened, and Khushi is still trying her best to understand.

Broken promises - Arnav is having an even tougher time with his family. Again, unable to tell anyone what happened, that he didn't fall out of love, he never was in love with La at all ... ever. He never recognised the emotion earlier. Now he is beginning to. And he can't tell anyone. Even his annoying pest of a sister, who claims to read his heart, but actually doesn't have a clue. So he keeps his temper with great difficulty - he has wronged La, wronged his family, but for their sake, he refuses to make a wrong decision. Or rather, refuses to carry through with the wrong decision he made earlier. Better late than never, he's turned back from the wrong route he took, now under no circumstances will he take that route again.

Khushi still trying to convince La to stay back, blaming Arnav, that he did wrong with La. Yes, he did, but La has no regrets ... no going back for her either. Again, very sweet scene, as La teases Khushi that she will come back for her wedding, and Khushi tells her about her broken engagement too.

Nani also talks about how La changed so much for the family, but realises that there has to be some bigger reason for the break.

Khushi tells La ... and both girls pause over their shared fates .. before Khushi, as usual puts on her cheerful face ... okay, our engagements broke, it's not the end of the world, is it? And sooner or later, they will both find their 'rajkumars' ... and then La will have to come for Khushi's wedding ...

And La remembers how worried Arnav was for Khushi when she went missing, how he regretted hurting Khushi ... how he was gazing at her as she danced ... Khushi has found her 'rajkumar', she just doesn't know it yet.
So La thanks Khushi ... for teaching her to love, how to win people over with love, the value of family ... and asks her for a favour. ASR.

Everyone tries to persuade Arnav, breaking a relationship is not so easy. And the surprise package - Shyam ... he refuses to persuade Arnav ... it's Arnav's life, he has the right to decide, and if he feels he is not happy with La, why should he stay with her? 
Are these Shyam's real thoughts? About his own life?
And Arnav says, its better not to keep La in any dhokha, and again Shyam looks away. Arnav says, if I'm not sure about this relationship, how can I make such a big commitment? Better to break.
Am very worried about Shyam's expressions ... does he feel the same way? Will he want to sabotage his cash cow for his lady love? That would be a very good reason for an Arhi marriage for sure.


Khushi-La ... La asks Khushi to look after ASR for her. Because Khushi is the only person he listens to, even when he doesn't want to. Arnav himself doesn't understand what he wants ... but Khushi, you're smarter, aren't you?
Khushi doesn't understand. Or doesn't want to understand. But La goes on.
You will understand. Whether he does or not.
And then they hug. A really, really sweet heartfelt hug ... as La hands her love over to the girl he loves. And gathers together the pieces of her broken heart gracefully, with a smile.

Arnav's family still hasn't given up ... till La gives the final verdict. No, this relationship is over. Some relationships are just not meant to be. It's no one's fault - don't blame Arnav. And she bids everyone goodbye.
A last word to a still sobbing Anjali ... Don't blame ASR. He will marry when he feels the time is right.

And Arnav stares at La. How does she know.
La leaves, handing the mantle of tubelight over to Arnav and Khushi jointly. Nice farewell, cv's gave her a lovely send off, and Sana acted very well in the last few episodes. Loved her scene with Khushi today ... both girls went through so many emotions, and Sana did really well.

And the precap is *rofl* ... cannot wait for the episode! That bathroom is tiny!!!!

19/12 - Epi 145 ... The Consequences of Anger

19th Dec Mon

Time and again, Arnav made decisions guided solely by his anger. And those decisions always came back to bite him, to hurt him. The unfortunate part was, it wasn't only Arnav who got hurt. There was always collateral damage, in the form of the feelings, the upset of his family, the damage he did to Khushi, and through her to Payal, and now, the latest, to La. All his decisions regarding La were made in anger, be it the decision of getting her into RM in a live-in relationship because of his anger with Nani and her pressure, the decision to marry her because of anger at himself and his own weakness with Khushi, the decision for the engagement again due to anger at Khushi's engagement ...

And now he faces the consequences of those decisions. The decisions which caused major collateral damage - to La. He feels bad, yes he really does. He has begun to realize that the consequences of decisions made in haste and in anger are far-reaching - today he has hurt an innocent girl, hurt his family, their feelings and their family pride, their name and honour. As for Khushi, let's not even go there.

Epsiode starts with La again (okay, he's hurt her, and she's been brave and incredibly decent about the whole thing, can we now move on?). Can sympathise with La not wanting any more of his sympathy - she wanted his love, he couldn't give it, now all she wants is for the evening to get over and to get out of here.

Khushi brings Payal down to Akash ... Akash holding her hand, brave boy! Arnav and La come down arm in arm, La leaves Arnav as soon as possible and stands alone. Nani asks her to dance ... poor La doesn't really want to, Arnav looking at her in more sympathy ... La drags Khushi onto the floor with her. Dance was a bit weird, random guy popping out of nowhere, the SBS segments were better! Ends with Arnav staring at Khushi again, La notices and is in tears, and Khushi is sure something is wrong.

Khushi drags La away in private, Arnav takes his family away to speak in private ... well done! No public tamasha!
La finally tells Khushi ... there is nothing between her and Arnav any more.
Arnav tells his family he and La are not getting engaged - after warning them not to get emotional - useless warning with Anjali around! Nani is angry and justifiably so ... first he demanded the engagement, that too in a hurry ... and now at the last minute, he is backtracking.
Arnav says he is not answerable to anyone for his actions, it's his life. And Nani also says what Khushi told him ages ago - your life is joined to that of your family, you are not alone, your decisions affect not only you, but each and every one of us too.
Yes, they do, yes he is answerable to them all, whether he likes it or not, whether he accepts it or not ... his earlier decisions have all been made in anger, in the heat of the moment, and now the consequences are coming back to bite him. And they bite his family as well, as well as the girl he used for so long as a pawn in his anger with Khushi.
But now, no more. The knot has become so entangled, before he goes any further, before he makes any more calls on his life, the knot has to be cut ... it is too tangled to unentangle now. Anjali is upset that it's too late ... he tells her that if he doesn't take this decision now, then it will be too late. An engagement that hasn't happened yet is still easy to break, a marriage is far more messy.

So he manages to hold firm ... isolated in the middle of his family ... no one really understands him, except for the girl he has set free from the knot.Will Khushi? Or will her guilt get in the way?

Mami tries to use the opportunity to postpone Payash, but Arnav and Nani hold firm. Payash engagement will happen.

Nani will not go so easily, though, Arnav will have to explain. But that will be later.
Anjali asks how La is, her tender heart worried again for another rejected girl. Arnav feels guilty, he really does. But guilt is not a good enough reason to change his mind.

Khushi and La come back to the gathering, Khushi wants to fire Arnav right away, La stops her. Khushi is sure Arnav is responsible - what will she do when she realises that in a way, she is responsible? She and the strange bond Arnav has developed with her?  La manages to restrain her till Payash are safely engaged! But Khushi sends dagger looks at Arnav, La apologetic ones ... and Arnav actually looks far more apprehensive at the thought of tackling Khushi than he did at the thought of tackling his family. Interestingly, he knows without even thinking about it that he will have to face Khushi. What will he tell her? That he broke his relationship with La because of what he feels for Khushi? Obviously not, but how does he get out of this one? He needs to plan a counter-attack to protect himself.
Khushi takes La's hand as though La is a child she has to protect and drags her away - don't play with the mean boy any more, sweetheart, he will hurt you!
Khushi is as fiercely protective about the ones she loves as Arnav is. Another similarity!

Payash engagement happens smoothly, and Arnav announces that the second engagement is not happening. Loved the way the whole show was handled by the Raizadas - no washing dirty linen in public, no major public tamasha, the family maintained their unity and dignity in public - this is the way an educated, cultured family actually would conduct their affairs.

Felt bad for La again ... maybe somewhere in some corner of her heart she was hoping that ASR would change his mind at the last minute and re-claim her ... but no, he was sure, very sure that this decision, NOT for once taken in anger or the heat of the moment, was the right one for him. And for La, too ... no woman wants to play second fiddle in her husband's life, or to feel that another woman has more control of influence over her husband than she does.
Interestingly again, Shashi babu seemed to nod slightly at the news. As though he had sensed something between Arnav and Khushi already.

After the announcement, Arnav looks at La again, and makes to speak to her, Khushi stops him angrily, ready to protect her cub, La drags her away ... not this time, Khushi, it's no use. Anjali joins them, worried for La, and Arnav and Khushi are left facing each other. And again, Arnav looks actually apprehensive at the thought of facing her.

Precap - very interesting ... please Khushi, tell Arnav that your fiance broke your trust, but NOT your heart! That had already been broken by Arnav!

Interesting play of contrasts - Khushi who believes in love, in 'happily ever after's' and  'made for each other' couples, was ready to accept a marriage based only on what her family deemed suitable ... while Arnav who professes not to believe in love or fairy tales, broke a relationship which was found suitable by his family, for a yet unnamed, unacknowledged feeling of love.

16/12 - Epi 144 ... Saying Goodbye

16th Dec Fri

Khushi saying goodbye to Arnav, from tonight he will be officially Lavanya's ... she says farewell with a smile ... or tries her best to. And tries to ignore the stabbing pain in her heart, a pain she doesn't even fully understand. Or maybe she does understand it, but doesn't want to face it. Because he is not hers, he never was, and now he never will be. And another reason to stay away from him and RM now ... Slimeball.

Arnav saying goodbye to Lavanya, from tonight she will be out of his life ... she entered it and his house for all the wrong reasons ... a regret he feels sincerely now. He was unfair to her, but realisation came in time, fortunately for both of them.

Lavanya saying goodbye to Khushi, for tonight she hands her love over to Khushi, to the girl who needs and deserves him more, the girl he needs as much as he loves ... and the girl who taught her so much.Taught them both so much.

 An episode with much pathos and a pervading sadness, in spite of the happy occasion.

Moment of the day for the sheer sweetness - Khushi tells La that her gift is not real gold. La tells her she knows, and it's even more precious than gold.

Duh moment - Arnav asking La is she is leaving. In his own way, Arnav is somewhat like Anjali - he doesn't like the unpleasantness of partings, because he has seen the worst of them.

Was it by accident that Anjali included Khushi in her welcome for Payal, the new to-be bride of the house? Accident or not, another sign!

Guptas see Shyam for the first time in his real avatar. Dirty looks from one and all. Anjali excuses Khushi's fiance's absence - she has a lot of practice!
Anjali says Khushi's fiance is the unlucky one, for what he has lost. Hullo, he didn't break it, Khushi did! However dumb Anjali may be about her own husband, she is very sweet and empathetic to Khushi's pain.

Most satisfying moment of the day - Khushi blasts Shyam, and threatens him to behave himself in future, or else he's in trouble. And stay away from her!
I LOVE Sanaya in her angry confrontation scenes, she gets her voice modulation just perfect ... the anger and the intense dislike all the more pronounced for the low, even tones in which her words are uttered - Khushi means business and Slimeball better know it! And Slimeball sees Khushi restrain Buaji, and he knows he's in trouble for sure, there is a very thin line restraining the Guptas from spilling the beans.

Mami-Bua tu tu main main!

Arshi ... Khushi gives Arnav an engagement gift, he is surprised, but she clarifies that she has one for La as well, trying desperately to show that he is not special to her, not any more than La, and he goes silent. She thanks him for Payash and congratulates him again ... she's happy for him and La. Or rather, she's trying desperately to be. Bright smile pinned determinedly on face, all the right words ... graceful, dignified, concealing so much heartbreak under that soft smile and calm exterior ... he's gone, lost to her finally, this is the last goodbye.
How does he tell her she's wrong? That it's not the last goodbye? He owes it to La ... and to her ... to wait till Payash engagement is safely and irreversibly final ... the last request La made him and he has to honour. And the one he knows means so much to Khushi.

Khushi gets Payal ready, surprised to see La not in her engagement outfit. La fumbles, let's go.
Sweetest moment - Khushi gives La an engagement gift. And clarifies immediately, slightly apologetically, with her usual honesty - it's not gold. And La is almost in tears - I know, they're far more valuable than that.
That little moment said SO MUCH as to how far La has come. I think she is almost as much in love with Khushi as Arnav is - for how can anyone NOT love this girl? Both the girls, actually ... their unlikely friendship has been one of the sweetest things on this show.
Khushi still wondering why La isn't wearing her engagement outfit ... and shows La again why she is right in leaving Arnav to Khushi. Because Khushi cares ... about everyone she loves ... selflessly, deeply, from her heart. She will not hurt anyone if she can possibly help it, however much it hurts her. Whatever her feelings for Arnav - and La is not sure about those, because Khushi has kept them well-hidden - but whatever her feelings, she will never step in La's way. Which is why La has to leave.
I actually liked La better today with Khushi than in her scene with Arnav ... her scene with Khushi was beautiful.

Now I know

Now I know that some lawyers do call their clients to discuss cases at 11pm or later! Or just to have coffee?
Watching Maryada tonight, that was the first thought in my mind ... *rofl* Shyam babua, you have company!

The Devyani-BJ-lawyer track continues to be interesting and funny, with BJ's frustrations building up! And Devyani acually enjoying herself - her confidence returning after so many years.

Karan's outburst was unconvincing ... he is a weak actor compared to the other stalwarts on the show. But what will Roshnee Devi do now? Or will Karan actually do something?

15/12 - Epi 143 ... Setting Up

15th Dec Thurs

Mainly filler episode setting up for the engagement on Friday.

*edit*
So as expected Anjali weeps copious tears, feeling bad for Khushi ... all said and done, Anjali is sweet. And she was so upset about her own mangalsutra, she can sympathise with how bad Khudhi must be feeling.
If only she knew!
Anyway, Khushi just can't bring herself to tell her anything. Anjali feeling so bad for Khushi, makes Khushi feel even worse. Anjali is so sweet, how can she break her heart and her world?

GH - the ladies waiting anxiously.

Shyam Anjali - Anjali still feeling terrible for Khushi, starts crying the moment she sees Shyam, gives long spiel about trust and love in relationships, and Shyam is in blue funk. I found it funny! Bachu, aaj bach gaya, kab tak bachega? He even starts to apologise, just as Anjali clarifies! Saved by a whisker!
But Anjali doesn't tell him about Khushi's broken engagement.

GH again - Khushi confesses she couldn't tell Anjali anything. Payal and Bua unhappy, Garima relieved. Buaji actually worried if Shyam had threatened Khushi and wants to chop him up ... thank God someone is worried for Khushi! Khushi tries to tell them how much Anjali worships her husband, Buaji says that's why it's important to tell her ... but Khushi can't. Not having seen Anjali's hysterics. She doesn't want to break her world. Give Shyam one chance to make amends.And Payal's rishta is also at stake.
Payal still unhappy, and rightly so ... she has to live in that family with the lies. Garima persuades her. Garima only worried about Payal ... grrr.
Buaji feels for Khushi, very sweet small Buaji-Khushi interaction.

She managed to persuade everyone else, but Khushi is still worried if she took the right decision. Then she sees Payal upset, and sets about cheering her up. With her usual teasing and masti ... damn cute ... what did you think I was saying, hawww!!!! All she wants is Payal's smile. Which she finally gets.

Akash calls Payal ... again Khushi takes over, batting eyelids, sharamaoing, the works ... and then takes over the phone ... this was hilarious!!! Akash runs for his life, handing the phone to a nonplussed Arnav, who listens incredulously (but quite willingly) as Khushi flirts away happily ... and then she moves to comparing Akash with his khadoos brother ... WT*, she didn't recognise him from the two words he spoke? How dare she?!
Ego deflated yet again! It's me!
He still doesn't say his name, though. Main bol raha hun is enough.
And Khushi shocked into silence and hiccups *rofl*
The smallest Arshi scene is enough to steal the entire episode! Utterly butterly cute! Khushi's expressions to die for as she flits, bats eyes, sharmaos and asks Arnav to come tomorrow to put her engagement ring ... baby, your engagement is done already! Twice over - first Arnav put the bandage, then Anjali, his sister put the ring. All signed and sealed!

And it's the engagement day already! Everyone getting ready ... Garima and Payal both looking very pretty, Payal lovely with open hair.
Khushi looking like a doll in pink and white ... this girl is so stunning in anything she wears! Love her curls and the pink and cream Anarkali outfit - classy and very, very elegant! She asks Devi maiyya to bless Jiji and Akash ... and also La and Arnav ... her eyes clouding just slightly ... but no, she decided not to think about him again after his engagement.

Arnav has a major tubelight moment ... La, are you leaving? Well duh!!! She is, and his cover, his shield is blown.
La is looking gorgeous too, completes the trio of lovely ladies!

14/12 - Epi 142 ... Single Again

14th Dec Wed

At the end of the episode, what matters is that Arnav and Khushi are single again, and don't know yet about the other. So the engagement party on Friday should bring some revelations.

Epsiode starts with Arnav-La of yesterday, where he says Khushi's name, she says she's Lavanya ... and he stares at her in shock ... she leaves.
And finally the penny drops ... though not completely ... "what am I doing?"
Arnav's flashbacks are only about Lavanya, and his not wanting to marry her ... his original stand. he doesn't care enough about her. But he still doesn't want to go deeply into why he then landed up saying 'yes' ... why he was running away from Khushi. And in a way, it's good, his break up with La is because of La and her alone ... he never ever felt that way about her. What happened was all reaction to someone else ...
Well, at least half a realization is better than none ... and a mistake that he can rectify, before it's too late. Tubelight starter lit ... when will the tubelight light up completely is another question.

Khushi enters, all ready for the unpleasant task at hand ... not really ready, for how do you tell a woman you really like and respect that her husband has been two-timing her and planning to marry you? Tough job at the best of times.
Arnav on his way to La's room, sees Khushi enter and pauses to check ... is she okay?
She seems okay for the time being, composed, though still worried ... he can talk to her later. Once he has finished the job at hand.

Anjali fiddling with her mangalsutra ... starts prattling gaily about the engagements at hand, then stops ... why is Khushi looking so worried?
Anjali is a sweet person at heart, she always picks up when Khushi is worried ... and shows her genuine concern and affection ... she's just bad at the follow through, that's all!
Before Khushi can say anything, Anjali's mangalsutra falls off, Khushi manages to catch it before it drops ... and Anjali loses it completely ... to Khushi's horror. Apshagun, is he all right, devi maiyya, keep him safe ...
Honestly Anjali, go to the jeweler and get the catch fixed ... Devi maiyya helps those who helps themselves! But what else would stop Khushi from telling her the truth?
So Khushi has to make a quick decision based on Anjali's hysteria and her propensity to fall apart .. no, Anjali is not the right person to talk to about her husband's treachery. She will break into pieces. Just a falling mangalsutra is enough to start off her vrats and poojas for his safety ...
Daljeet must be complaining daily to the writers for portraying her as SO dumb!!!

I do sympathise with Khushi deciding not to tell Anjali ... I never felt it was the sensible option in the first place. Neither for Khushi to say it, nor for Anjali to hear it. It should be disclosed by Buaji, preferably, since she was mainly responsible, and should be disclosed to Nani, as a sensible, strong-minded elder, who can then decide what and how to tell Anjali. Or to Arnav, who is equally strong-minded ... though not when his sister is concerned. But it is always very difficult to tell a spouse, especially a devoted, loving one, that her husband is cheating on her. No, don't blame Khushi for that one.

But why did she say that Anjali's marriage and husband are not in danger? Did she decide to stay quiet for ever? And if so, why?
Yes, she did. Decided to give Shyam another chance. And looking at Khushi's character sketch, it does make some sense. Khushi still believes that people are intrinsically good, Shyam slipped once, if she says something and breaks Anjali's marriage, that is a permanent effect. If she keeps quiet and gives Shyam a chance to reform, maybe it will save Anjali's marriage.

From Khushi's pov, Shyam is not beyond redemption - as she doesn't know about his antics with Babuji yet. As far as she knows, he slipped, he has repented, he has still not lost his mask of goodness and politeness, he has shown nothing but remorse, tears (of the crocodile variety), he was not rude to anyone in her house after being discovered, instead he apologised profusely, expressed his sorrow and added that he would still try to keep the Akash-Payal rishta intact ... no blackmail there yet. Taken at face value, which is what Khushi tends to do, he is a man who has slipped once, has expressed regret and deserves a second chance. Maybe she plans that after the engagement she will disappear from the scene, thus removing temptation from Shyam's path, and things will be all right between Anjali and Shyam again. After all, how can Shyam not love Anjali? She loves him and worships him so much!

But Khsuhi does need to share this with someone in Anjali's family, and hopefully at some point, it will be Arnav. Because Arnav has the right to know about his sister and her husband, Khushi doesn't have the right to take such a call. And at the very least, she needs to warn someone about Shyam, warn someone who has Anjali's best interests at heart.

Khushi, stop fixing other people's relationships and concentrate on your own! She fixed Arnav-La and that was a mistake. She fixed Akash-Payal, that seems to be okay, but both parties were willing. Anjali-Shyam - Anjali is willing, Shyam is not - so doomed to failure.

Arnav comes to La's room ... La does know where he's going, so she hasn't been so blind after all. She saw the writing on the wall, she just refused to read it, that's all.
He says he wants to talk to her. But she doesn't want to listen. She knows what's coming. Poor La!
And it says much for how much Arnav has changed, that he is so gentle with her.

Anjali fixes vrat and pooja to safeguard Shyam. Because she doesn't want to take the breaking of the mangalsutra "lightly" ... God save me here!!! *head desk* It's not Shyam that's in danger, it's your cosy little dream world! Well, her vrat will work for the time being, because Shyam will be spared yet again!
And Anjali notices that Khushi's engagement ring is missing.
So Khushi tells her ... her engagement broke. What to say? How much to say? Khushi is in major quandary.

And La is in equal quandary ... she doesn't want to hear it. But Arnav does tell her. And La accepts it gracefully, although with tears. She did see it coming. But she kept lying to herself that things would be okay, so much so that she started believing it herself.
And she asks for a last hug.
Sweet scene ... Sana was very sweet. Arnav got off very lightly and easily, IMO! Now if only Anjali had been as strong as La, then Khushi would have been home and dry! And the show would have ended ;-)
Interesting that La never brought up Khushi at all, even in her thoughts.

Anjali is horrified at Khushi's engagement breaking. Why doesn't Khushi tell her that the guy was a cheat? Itna toh keh do!

La says some questions have no answers. Like how did they get engaged so suddenly, how did she realise that things were not all right, how did he realise that he doesn't love her as much as she loves him?
Oh, but there are answers, La ... and all the answers are the same. One word. Khushi.

Arnav wants to tell the family, La says wait.

Anjali wants to know how did Khushi take the decision, what happened? Khushi still doesn't know what to say. And again Anjali shows her concern ... the first person to think about Khushi and how bad she must be feeling. Khushi says, don't tell anyone, let the engagement happen in a happy atmosphere. Because she knows Nani and La will feel bad for her, and how can she accept their sympathies, knowing what she's hiding from them? And Arnav ... she knows he was already so angry and upset, what will his reaction be?

La says wait for Payash engagement to be done. She's also right in her thinking, Nani wanted Arnav to get engaged first, she might just insist on postponing the whole thing, and Mami will be only to happy to oblige. But what does La plan to do? Carry on with a fake engagement? Or let Payash get engaged first, and then declare that she and Arnav have called it off? And what about her own family? Hope she tells them at least!

So like I said, final conclusion ... Arnav and Khushi are single again, but both don't know about the other. And of course, not to mention the hordes of other silent people and their guilty secrets floating around! If these didn't exist, how would serials run for years?
The interesting thing is that for the first time since Khushi has known him, Arnav is minus his girlfriend. So that invisible Lakshman Rekha that kept her from acknowledging her feelings for him, is gone ... or will be soon. So cv's, bring on some close Arshi scenes ... I'm feeling starved here! This is an intense love story, remember?!

13/12 - Epi 141 ... Rectifying Mistakes

13 Dec Tues

Arnav still worried about Khushi.
Buaji grumbling that Khushi left before they returned - she has a point if Khushi left Shashi babu unattended. Khushi still untraceable.
Khushi talking to her Devi maiyya ... expectedly. Does she trust Shyam's lies any more, or not? No, she will tell Anjali for sure, even though it will hurt her deeply. And Payal's marriage? So many ramifications of this one lie. Show me the way, she asks ... and Arnav calls.

Don't you ever, EVER do this to me again, samjhi tum? Kabse phone mila raha tha ... tumne phone kyun nahin uthaya? Kitna pareshan ho gaya tha main ...
She's wondering ... at his anger? his concern? as to what to tell him? He knows she was upset, she can't even hide that, but what should she say?
She's silent too long for him ...
Khushi, talk to me ... tum theek ho? Kahan ho tum?
That she can answer truthfully.
Hum bilkul theek hain, mandir mein hain.
He closes his eyes with relief. He should have known.
You don't need to worry ...
It's not the worry ... not really, it's just that he knew she was upset, she wouldn't talk to him, she left, he needed to make sure she was all right and when he couldn't, he was going frantic. Not just worry ... too small a word.
But of course, he can't tell her that.
There's so much work here, how could you just leave like that?
She wonders again. Did she imagine that worry in his voice? But why would he worry about her?
I had to go ... I'll talk to you later ... strained, tense ... what can she tell him ...? And is he angry again?
He isn't ... or if he is, it's with himself. He still doesn't know why she was upset ... he just knows she still is. And why won't she tell him?

And La overhears the entire conversation ... and sees his worry. Never seen before ... not for her, at least.

Khushi reaches home, still wondering what to say and do. Only to find that Shyam, the master manipulator has been there before her. Nobly, he has confessed his truth. Because he knew it would be out the moment Khushi got back home. Might as well gather as many Brownie points as possible.
Hoping for forgiveness? He's not getting it.
You told the truth? Thanks for nothing. 

Buaji spares a few tears of recrimination as to how she could have been such a fool. We agree!
Buaji curses Shyam for getting engaged to Khushi while being married ... Khushi doesn't even want to talk about it. That relationship is dead. But tomorrow she will tell Anjali.

They should have kicked Shyam out of the house, boriya bistar samet, with full drama! As much drama as he created to ensure that disgusting engagement! Would have liked all the mohalla valas to witness his downfall, and it would have added more witnesses. 

Shyam's last gamble ... but how will it affect the Akash Payal rishta? Think about it. Said with crocodile tears and patently fake concern for Payal. But his poison finds one target - Garima. 

Fortunately the others are made of sterner stuff. Although Garima is scared that Payal's rishta will break yet again, Payal is firm. Let it break. So are Buaji and Khushi. They cannot deceive the Raizadas. They cannot and will not hide the truth. No relationship can work if it based on a foundation of lies.

But why Khushi? Why does the youngest in the house, the 18 year old girl have to take this responsibility? Shouldn't the entire family, especially Buaji, who was responsible, go to make that confession?

Payal Khushi - poor Khushi feeling bad again that because of her, Payal's marriage is again in jeopardy. But it wasn't her fault the first time, and it isn't this time either. Payal reassures her ... a relationship can't be based on a lie. And it's not Khushi's fault.
Khushi tries to reassure herself that Akash will not break the rishta. Payal tells her, whether he does or doesn't, it won't change the truth. Good for Payal, but why can't she go with Khushi and tell Akash herself also? He's her fiance, isn't he?

Next day, Arnav still lost in thoughts of Khushi ... she was upset, why was she upset, is she still upset, she was crying ... He doesn't even concentrate on his call, he has to ask Aman to repeat ... and fix his meeting for 16th. La wandering in, is shocked.
Why is she shocked?
16th is their engagement.

He had forgotten. The date of his own engagement.
La asks, had you really forgotten or does it just not matter to you?
He tries to apologise ... and as he remembers all he did to Khushi, the words suddenly start tumbling out. He never meant to hurt her, and always regretted it when he did ... always ... I never did it intentionally, Khushi ...
I just ...

And La, who was beginning to smile with relief at his heartfelt words, feels her world comes to a stop suddenly. Or maybe not so suddenly after all. The crystallisation of a realisation that has been growing inside her for days.
ASR ... it's Lavanya. 
Quietly spoken, dignified, hurt, yet contained. You've got the wrong girl. In more ways than one.

12/12 - Epi 140 ... More Mind Games - Junior Slimeball

12th Dec Mon

Brahmanand Jhakhar is stringing along Uttara by telling her a sob story of his unhappy married life. Uttara lives in his house, has seen her sister manage her home and family for 30 years, and still she can fall for the Slimeball's tales. Dumb? Sure - but then, dumbness is an essential prerequisite for most dramas!
Shyam is doing exactly the same - trying to tell Khushi tales about an unhappy married life, suffocation in his in-laws' house, to explain his lies about living in her house, about agreeing to marriage. Will Khushi be as dumb as Uttara? Don't think so.
Again, I feel the fb's were well chosen to show Khushi's thought process.

Episode started with Friday's Arshi scene - Khushi says "unhone hamare saath ..." and stops. doesn't complete her sentence ... ok, good, she didn't say that fiance did nothing, so Arnav is still sure that her upset is due to fiance. She rushes off, Arnav follows her ... but of course.
And Anjali finally introduces a petrified Shyam to a still shell-shocked Khushi ... her perfect husband. Shyam says 'namaste', an incredulous Khushi manages a 'namaste' back, as Arnav stares at her worriedly. All the Raizadas go googaa over their so-wonderful and perfect son-in-law. Mama adds how much Anjali loves her husband, Khushi stares more and more accusingly, disbelievingly ... seeing for herself how much Shyam is loved and respected in RM ...
Hum chalte hain ... abruptly ... she needs to get out of there as the magnitude of the deception starts hitting her.
Anjali asks Shyam to drop her, Khushi refuses point blank and leaves abruptly, leaving Arnav staring, and Shyam very worried indeed.

Khushi fb's ... first look, first meeting, telling Payal how much he had to work to get Khushi to Delhi, telling Bua he doesn't know anyone in Delhi, akeli jaan ... damning, those two fb's, if she remembers them ... inveigling himself into their good books, sari he bought for some unknown person, Teej when Anjali was waiting for him, he asked Khushi to leave the temple quickly ... and then the rishta ... right from the start he was lying.

Shyam catches up with her, she refuses to listen to him, doesn't want to see his face ... stay away from me and my family ...
Drama with truck ... damn, she should have let him be, the slimeball would have slithered out at the last minute ... but Khushi is too decent ...

Slimeball's speech made me puke ... poor misunderstood soul aka BJ in Maryada ... just hope Khushi is smarter than Uttara! Khushi doesn't want to hear anything against Anjali ... get your hands off her, loser!!!
But Shyam persists, he's unhappy in his marriage ... and then on to next tack ... mausaji ki haalat ... *puke again* ... trying his best to find something that will strike a chord and save his slimy skin for now, till he can figure out a plan of action ... does or will Khushi realise that Shashi is equally unhappy with the rishta so this is all BS? He tries to say that he did want to tell her ... please, Khushi don't fall for that ...
Why did Khushi hear him out? To give him a chance? To try to find whether there was ANY redeeming factor in his lies at all? Or to gauge for herself the extent of his deceit? Hope she gets the right fb's now ... or manages to understand Shashi's reactions better ... 

Interestingly, he never once says it was for her, that he fell in love with her, it is always about her family, her father, and his feelings for her family ... he knows that's his only hope, if he even has one ... I don't think he does.
She's gone!!! Yayyy!!!
Mask of heartbreak is peeled off ... he looks at his watch ... now what?

Arnav worried about Khushi, should he call her, remembers her crying ...
La asks how her sari is looking ... where's Khushi? Nothing else matters. La's sari least of all.

Just then Anjali calling Shyam because he's gone too ... please, man, put two and two together ...
Arnav asks her too ... where's Khushi ... covers with talk about work for engagement and his usual anger ... Anjali calls her ... La still waiting, hurt, but Arnav doesn't have time for her right now ... Khushi's not picking up Anjali's phone.
Payal calls ... Arnav wants to know if Khushi has reached or not ... she hasn't ... now he's seriously worried ... he calls her too ... why isn't she picking up her phone? Not even his call?

No precap ... Arnav had better go after her now!!!

Mind games

Between BJ and SSJ ... interesting! Enjoying this track between Devyani, Brahmanand and SSJ the lawyer.
Does BJ really think that SSJ is his fan?
BJ saying shameless woman for Devyani was rich indeed!

Soul Stirring

Although I was always rooting for Mansi Parekh in Star Ya Rockstar, I was so very impressed with Kapil Sharma ... the guy sang from the depths of his heart. Shows why music is best when it comes from the heart, and how it can stir the soul ... had never heard the song Charkhe di mitthi mithhi hook ... but this was a superlative performance. Soul stirring, goosebump inducing ... today he deserved the performer of the day more than Mansi. Was impressed with him last week when Sumeet was eliminated - the first time I really heard him and saw how well he sang.

9/12 - Epi 139 ... Break Up, Break Down

9th Dec Fri

A cracker of an episode! Worth the wait!
Starts innocuously enough with the puja, Khushi trying to sneak a peek at Jeejaji, so occupied that La has to prod her to come back to the puja rituals - a sight to see! Shyam's phone rings repeatedly and he gets up and goes off to attend it. Anjali annoyed - both at oil instead of ghee, and at her husband disappearing for the nth time. La whispers to Khushi that Jeejaji will manao Anjali by sweet-talking her - Rani Sahiba is what he calls her. And Khushi remembers Shyam telling her that Rani Sahiba is his client ... good touch as even when she overheard him on the phone, it wasn't clear Anjali was his wife. But this is now definite.
Akash, Anjali want to call Shyam ... Khushi offers ... saying that Anjali might be needed here.

She needs to see Jeejaji ... as soon as possible. Typical Khushi - always ready to face the situation head on, never one to run away. And when she wants answers, she wants them right now.

As she ascends the stairs slowly, six months worth of flashbacks, every single time Shyam behaved erratically, landing up at RM unexpectedly to "call her", when she tried to see Anjali's husband at their anniversary, Diwali and jeejaji's sickness, Shyam's anger at her going to RM, Buaji's and Akash's special herbal balm, the name Shyam, common to her and Anjali, the first Rani Sahiba phone call, and the last one last evening, and La said Jeejaji calls Anjali Rani Sahiba,  Shashi's agitation at seeing Anjali, his taking off her ring ...

Shyam on terrace, Kamla is blackmailing Shyam ... did he tell her to be fake Rani Sahiba again after last evening's phone call? More fb's - La said, Rani Sahiba, Khushi teased Shyam about Rani Sahiba ... Khushi walks onto the terrace where Shyam is angrily talking to his pawn,
More fb's ... Shyam disappeared when the Raizadas came, he knew about Payash - how? the overheard Rani Sahiba on the phone ... she walks further, confusion mixed with determination in her eyes ... she could still be mistaken, there are more than one Rani Sahiba's in the world, it has to be a big mistake ... but she has to find out for sure ...

Sanaya's eyes mirror her changing emotions ... she doesn't need a word of dialogue ...

Shyam finishes his troublesome call and senses someone behind him ... it has to be his devoted wife ... he truns around, ready with a sweet smile and sweet words to swee-talk her as usual ... the fateful sweet words ... "Rani Sahiba ..." 
And his smile is wiped off his face .... replaced by utter consternation ... HAAA!! Take that, Sucker!!!!

And Khushi stares at him with incredulity on her face, her worst fears confirmed finally ... and the incredulity is replaced by sheer rage ... GO, my tigress!!!
She advances steadily, determinedly, a new set of fb's now ... her engagement, the one she was stampeded into, with not a word of protest from Shyam despite her utter unhappiness and unwillingness, down to the instantly and conveniently ready rings ... and he was married all along???!!!

She approaches him, the setting sun between them, setting on the last day of this farcical engagement, because today, here and now, it ends.
He attempts to explain ...

THWACK!!!
Never did a slap ... and its echoes ... sound so satisfying!

Still he fumbles ... she shuts him up ... Bas!!!
More lies? Rani sahiba ... your client? She's no client ... she's your wife!!!
Tears of rage, of anger, of disgust ... you are married ... so many lies ...?!

And before he can say any more, she fumbles frantically with her ring, wanting that object off her hand at all costs, an object which is supposed to be the seal of something pure and beautiful, but has become the symbol of all that is disgusting and ugly ... she tears it off her hand and throws it at his face. She doesn't want anything of his to touch her, to even be near her ... she feels polluted, besmirched, filthy ...

Did he really think she would behave any differently?
Trust ... that's what you broke ... not just mine, but all of ours ... of two families ... of the love my family gave you ... Anjali ji ...  you broke her trust too? 
And she shudders thinking of what his intentions were ... he steps forward, and she halts him ... don't even try it. You think I would even listen to you again? That I will quietly tolerate everything you did? That I will keep quiet? 

And he's in serious trouble and he knows it. Didn't he realise what a tigress she really is? Probably not, because he was too busy plotting to possess her, without understanding or recognising the real Khushi ... the tigress, the fighter, the girl who never bows to anyone when her convictions are strong.

And so he has to run after pleading to keep quiet ... at least for now ... but she leaves without a backward glance, and he is left frustrated and distraught ... he is in the soup now for sure.
Why did he pick up the ring again? He is going to plot something very soon.

La tries to get Arnav to come down ... he refuses ... she says everyone is waiting, including Khushi ... he stops and stares at her, and she falters ...
The thought of meeting Khushi and her fiance - was that what was holding him back from coming down for the puja? Or the fact that Khushi never called him this time?
And did his mood change because she mentioned Khushi? And he remembered Khushi's words - don't hurt the people who love you ...
Probably - because he's actually nice to La as he explains, it's not you, I'm just not in the mood.
And La is flabbergasted that he's actually being nice to her ... doesn't say much for her expectations of marriage to him!
And he's left wondering ... why was he so nice to her? Has Khushi changed him so much?

Khushi hurrying down the corridor, almost blinded by her rage and her tears .. she stops as she remembers Payal ... will Payal's rishta be affected by this truth? Again destroyed because of her?
But can she keep this truth from coming out? She shakes her head and starts hurrying again ... and her divine mentor leads her to the one person she needs ... she bumps into Arnav at the poolside, knocking his mug out of his hands.
Arnav turns on her with his usual annoyance ... can't you look where you're walking?!

Completely LOVED this bit ... she brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes ...

Without a word, she bends to pick up the shattered pieces, hardly aware of what she is doing, her hands trembling visibly, as she fights to control her tears in front of the one man she is aching to lean on, the one whose strength and support she needs desperately ... the only one who gives her that support, has given it every time she has needed it.
Arnav's annoyance shows in his words ... why isn't she replying back as she usually does? Khushi, I'm talking to you ...why aren't you fighting back?
She continues picking up the pieces ... not a word, not even an angry look up at him ... I'm here, dammit, don't ignore me ...

What is wrong with her?

Khushi? His tone changing ... worry entering it ...
Silence. She continues picking up the pieces of the cup ... as if that damn thing matters the most in the world ... why isn't she looking at him, why isn't she fighting him ... 

Something is wrong ... very wrong ...

Down on his knees ... Khushi?
He sees her tears, and the struggle to control them ...
Khushi? What happened to you?
So gently, so worried, he cares ... he cares so much ... he puts his hands on her shoulders and lifts her gently ... forget the damned cup, it doesn't matter, nothing matters ... just tell me what's wrong with you ...
She doesn't meet his eyes ... if she does, and she sees his worry, his concern for her, she will break down, she knows she will ...
But he needs to know ... whatever it is, he will put it right for her ... is it something at home? Do you need anything ...? Just tell me, and I'll do it ... I can't stand to see you cry, I can't stand to see you break ...
Khushi? This one was the softest of all.
Yet she's silent ...
He releases her and steps away slightly, giving her space ... yet still there ... and she breaks ... as though his touch was holding her together, and when he left her, she shattered ... don't leave me, because I need you ... I need you so much ... And she holds his arm and lets herself break down ... once again ...

Grrr ... why couldn't he just hold her?
He's awkward but he tries ... shh, it's okay ... I'm here, cry all you like but tell me, I'll fix it for you ... then something unpleasant strikes him ... she was so hesitant about calling her fiance yesterday, so obviously unwilling, unhappy ... did that scumbag ...
Khushi? Is it something your fiance did?
She looks up at him finally ... and he can see her answer in her eyes ... and his blood starts boiling ... rage entering his eyes and his heart ...
What did he do? His voice threatening ... let me at that guy and he's dead, what did he do?!
She doesn't know where to look, what to say, where can she even start ... and his face becomes murderous ...
Khushi what did he do? Did he try to hurt you? Because if he did, he's not going to even be left alive to regret it ... 

Unhone hamare saath ... and she stops.
Her fiance - her ex-fiance - is his beloved Di's husband ... his Di, whom he loves more than anyone in the world, whose tears he can't stand to see even for a moment ...
Batao, Khushi ... tell me, tell me what he did, and I'll personally kill him for you, I'll tear him from limb to limb and laugh when I do it ... no one hurts you and gets away with it ... not when I'm around ...

But if she tells him, what will it do to his sister? And if his sister shatters, what will it do to him?

8/12 - Epi 138 ... The Pit Beckons the Slimeball

8th Dec Thurs

Seems like every time Shashi babu has a fit, the family gives him water to shut him up. At this rate the guy will die of overhydration! And instead of calling the doctor to check him once (arey, just put a line in the dialogues that doc said he's fine, how tough is that?), the talk shifts to engagement preparations. Garima says Devi ma ki kripa - arey, acknowledge Khushi maiyya ki kripa also for once!

Khushi wondering why babuji is still worried - because they are rich?
Wonder whether this has any relation to Khushi's past, supposedly shared with Arnav, or it's just a reflection of the social difference?
Khushi tries to reassure him, mentions Anjali and babuji goes into frenzy again ... lord, more water?! He wrenches off Khushi's ring, going 'shya, shya ...' Khushi still asking if he wants to say something!!! *head desk* Lord, Khushi, it's patently obvious he's trying to say something, if you would listen!
Slimeball's ears more tuned to danger, he appears magically to return the ring to Khushi ... tg he doesn't attempt to put it on, just hands it to her.
Babuji tells Shyam 'jaao' ... now HOW much clearer can he get? And Shyam is worried, babuji is recovering faster than he bargained for.
But Khushi still doesn't get it ... or does she? Did you go somewhere in the morning? I came to call you ...
Slimeball deflects smoothly, or tries to ... forget all that, congratulations on Akash Payal ...
Not so easily ... how did you know about Payal Akash?
Oops, no, Khushi is not such a pushover as Anjali ... I met Buaji outside, she told me ... dig the pit a little deeper with every lie ...

Buaji as stupid as ever, calls Khushi and Payal, leaving us to another torture scene .. yuck ... hopefully the last one.
One interesting statement by Shyam ... situation is getting more complex, but he likes it, and both the girls will be in his hands ... shouldn't he be getting worried how he's going to survive? And he won't hurt Khushi as long as Shashi is quiet. So is there more to Shyam than just getting Khushi into his bed? But so far, he has no clue about Arnav and Khushi for sure.

Khushi says she'll lay a plate for Shyam, Bua asks, is he back? But Shyam just said Buaji gave him the PA news ... Khushi is fortunately smarter than the rest of the tubelights put together. Plus Slimeball is making lots of mistakes now.
And he makes another one ... Rani Sahiba on the phone ... he sees Khushi staring at him and leaves the room quickly.

RM - Getting ready for SN Puja ... Anjali continues her call, Slimeball has to come for the puja.
Next morning - Anjali going through her lists, Slimeball offers to help and takes her phone. La asks Arnav to come for puja, Arnav refuses. La wants Arnav to sit with her, but Anjali says only married couples can sit together. And she tells La that they'll use Khushi's trick to get Arnav down for puja ... Arnav should not have heard that but he has very acute antenna for Khushi's name. Annoyed - so Khushi thinks she can trick me into attending the puja again ... no way!
La tries to get Arnav to choose her sari, but Arnav is far more interested in listening to Anjali invite Khushi ... and her fiance ... for the puja. So will he finally meet that wretched man?  And glowering again, he refuses to have anything to do with saris, pujas, the works.

Slimeball checks and re-checks with Akash, no, Khushi and family are not coming for puja. Great, he doesn't need to be Skulking Rat today.

Anjali still persuading Khushi on phone, without mentioning her name ... Shyam addresses her as Rani Sahiba in Khushi's hearing ... and Khushi wondering, antennae well and truly up now.

Khushi reaches RM, still wondering ... Slimeball sweet-talking Anjali ... La asks Khushi to call Arnav, Akash to call Di ... Khushi switches around and goes to call Anjali instead ... tries to look inside the room, then feels stupid ... she is overthinking ... how can they be the same person? She turns and leaves ...
Good thing too ... didn't want the first confrontation to be in private.

Khushi still totally lost, lands up in Arnav's room ... jerked back to reality only when he asks brusquely ... what are you doing here?
Then he notices her lost expression, and asks more gently ... did you want something? Do you need to talk about something?
She looks around as though realising where she is for the first time. Why did she come here, how did she come here? Just to check that her support system was still intact?
Something is very wrong, she knows it ... eyes full, she can't speak, just shakes her head mutely and leaves. Leaving him muttering "Unbelievable!" under his breath ...
Did Arnav think she had come to trick him into coming for the puja? Is her uncharacteristic quiet going to ring alarm bells for him too?

Family seated downstairs for the puja, La as usual preening about her clothes, her jewelry ... forgotten all about Arnav's not joining in ... Khushi starts looking around for La's lost earring, doesn't glimpse Slimeball as he enters and sits ... and the episode ends with Khushi peering at Shyam's back as she remembers the two overheard "Rani Sahiba's".

No precap ... thank god for SBS/SBB.

The episode belonged to Sanaya ... Khushi travelling slowly from confusion to suspicion ... wavering between 'can it be?' to 'no, how can it be' ... her unconscious seeking reassurance from Arnav that he was still there, and then back to 'it can't be but I need to check' ...

And the cv's milking every last TRP they can get from the exposure! *rofl*