9/2 - Epi 184 ... Insecurity, heartbreak ... and overconfidence

9th Feb Thurs

Late post ... crazy day  ... but was dying to get online and discuss today's episode all day! So the main story starts ... Arnav and Khushi in love, but haven't expressed it, and Snakewa starts his serious antics.

First half of the episode was filler ... why is Payal still agonizing over her first broken rishta? And Manodrama is seriously annoying.
Akash is not good at comedy ... the most difficult genre to do. He and NK can't carry it together ... they need the leavening smirks of Arnav.
Finally Nani worried ... Mami Mama ditto.
Snakewa getting ready for Anjali's kriya-karam ... another sign of over-confidence, or another filler? And what was the bit about 'making Khushi his even before the kriya karam?'

First watchable scene - Khushi dreaming about bindis, Arnav and what he wants to say to her ... sees the message on the mirror ... meet me on the terrace ...

Next - Nani tells Arnav about the crash ... sensible as always, he tries to call the driver ... the police call ... his car in an accident ... Shyam goes "swahaa" gleefully ...height of delusion - does he really think Khushi will come running into his arms if Anjali dies? Arnav loses it with the Inspector, and says he'll go check himself ... as he walks out, he remembers Anjali's words "if I'm not here ...", panics and runs ...

Somehow, not very convincing ... the way Anjali appeared so quickly, before Arnav even reached the front door, crying already ... hardly enough time for the news to sink in, to even imagine that she was gone ... and she was already back ... in an attempt to make it emotional, the cv's forgot to add the more natural emotions ... why didn't he rush to her, ask if she was all right, what happened ... something was missing in the scene ...

It got better when Anjali started talking, and her shock came through ... about the accident, the driver trying to control the car, his being seriously hurt and her taking him to hospital ... the family seemed to be in shock even before any confirmed news came through, or any major search attempt had been launched ... altogether too rushed to register the emotions properly. Although I liked the touch of the family taking Anjali away to look after her, leaving Arnav, as usual to deal with the details ... and his call to ensure the driver's wellbeing ... well done, Arnav. And also showcased again how the family leaves him to do all the actual work, all the burden is always only on him ... to handle everything ...

Anjali remembers she has a husband ... Mami says he's busy ... Anjali says don't tell him ... or Akash ... ok, Akash I understand, but husband?!
Arnav waiting at the door like a schoolboy ... didn't care for this part of the scene very much, to be honest ... but as it went on, and he lay down and almost cried in her lap, it brought out the difference between his feelings for Anjali and Khushi ... while both are his life, one is his weakness, the other is his strength ... with Anjali he becomes a little boy, in need of protection, of support, with Khushi he is her protector, her support ... Anjali weakens him, reminds him of his loss ... every time he loses Anjali even for a short while, he breaks ... while Khushi? What will he do if he really loses Khushi? Even for a while?
And will Anjali use this opportunity to ask him to promise to marry Khushi? Will he agree ... and then go to ask Khushi?
Need more - the scene was short - hopefully it will be continued tomorrow ...

And how will the precap play out?

Many months back, when Khushi went to tell Anjali about Shyam, and ended up not doing so, Sanaya and Daljeet had said that this was going to be a huge turning point of the story. At that time, it didn't seem so ... but now that statement is coming true.

Sorry for the late post, guys ... have been out the whole day, came home finally and re-watched the episode, but was left again with the same feeling as last night ... it could and should have been done much better. Rather than the silly filler scenes of Mami-Payal and NK-Akash, they could have spent time showing Arnav searching for Anjali and going crazy ... then the emotions when she returned would have been more believable.

8/2 - Epi 183 ... Diwali revisited and Snakewa

8th Feb Wed

Had to post this today - rest will be later.

Far too much Snakewa for my liking, but I guess he needed his screen space today. His acting practice reminded me of the time he tried to set up Khushi to be framed in the necklace disappearing, and his mask was wiped off his face by Khushi's smile. What will happen tomorrow? Am guessing - and hoping - something similar ... :-w
My guess - Anjali walks/takes a cab home because shes worried about being late for the wedding and arrives just as Arnav and the rest are getting ready to rush off to find her. And Shyam's acting is in full swing - and it is wiped off his face yet again ... and this time Khushi suspects ... leading to the showdown.

Two things confirmed - Shyam is trying to get the Payash wedding called off as well ... he doesn't want the Guptas floating around in RM at will - any of them. Especially Khushi, now that she's getting so close to Arnav.

And he will try to set up an Arnav-Khushi conflict ... if not now, later ...

Arnav-Khushi marriage seems on the cards to me ... Shyam swearing about filling Khushi's maang with his sindoor ... Arnav will never allow that to happen.

The confession almost happened today - without Arnav actually saying the dialogue of the promo ... so wondering how that promo will actually play out in real.

*edited*
Guptas leave GH for RM where the wedding will take place ... one more hint that Khushi will get married as well ... Buaji says, one day you both ... and Khushi says, nope, I'm going to be stuck here for some time ... meaning she might get married, but will be back at GH after that. 

RM - NK catches Shyam smirking ... are you happy because Anjali is not around? Nail on head ... ;)
The Arhi scenes - the first ... as the Raizadas welcome the Guptas, Arnav-Khushi locked in their own world ... he looks possessive, calm, confident ... she nervous, shy, still unsure ... both blissfully unaware of the rest ...
Snakewa catches their looks ... grr x( ... he will be a big obstacle for sure ...

Khushi tearful as the rest move in ... Arnav as usual ever- ready to take care ... :"> and not lose any opportunity to be with his girl ... and hold her hand ... and get in a little teasing ... confusing her again ... before he makes up his mind to take the plunge ...
'I want to talk to you ...'
'About ... what ...?' very soft, shy, hesitant ... as though knowing, yet fearing ... what if it's not what she thinks, hopes ...
'I just want to ...' confident, sure again ...

And Snakewa interrupts an imminent declaration abruptly ... but neither are in a hurry to leave the other ... Snakewa has to urge Arnav before he agrees to go ... Snakewa tries a quick move, but Khushi walks away again without even looking at him ... fury building here ...

Arnav-Akash - Arnav trying to get away from Akash as quickly as possible, Khushi ditto from Payal ... and both siblings remark as to how Arnav and Khushi seem far more nervous than the bride and groom!

Snakewa's grief-stricken villain act was straight out of the 70's ... :-&
And finally Nani starts getting worried about Anjali - isn't it way overdue? She left in the morning, it must be afternoon already, if not evening ... on the day of the wedding? Isn't anyone concerned? And shouldn't Shyam have done a worried husband act earlier?  And the driver is bad - a first for a side cast here - calmly announcing the brakes are not working ... =)) as though it's all in the day's work ... And the accident finally happens!!!

Diwali re-visited ... why in an open corridor? :( and how did they both reach the same place at a run?
But it was beautiful, nonetheless ... Khushi's dhak-shak in full swing, and she becomes conscious of Arnav ... the exchange of looks ... hers shy, nervous, anticipating yet half-fearful ... his also unsure now, the confidence less, but still sure of what he wants to do ...

'Aap ... humse ...' Khushi taking the plunge as usual ... hesitantly ...
"Baat karna chahta hun ..." he confirms and steps closer ... she steps back ... and again ... in a reprise of Diwali ... till her back is against the wall again, and he is close to her ...
But what a difference ...
Then both were lost in passion, in physical attraction, oblivious of what, where, how ... of what they were actually doing ...
Now they're conscious, very conscious, fully aware of where they're going ... what this is leading to ... and both are willing ... waiting ... oblivious to the world, no one exists at that moment but the two of them ...
And he's closer still ... as she tries to breathe, heart racing faster and faster ... he reaches out to her and she's even more nervous ... but not scared ...
'Arnavji ... aap ... kya ...'
He reaches to put the bindi (?from her arm) onto the mirror ...
'Arnavji ...'
'Hmmm?'
(Okay, this was seriously sexy :">) 

And in another reprise, his phone rings again ... but this time, it doesn't bring him back to his senses, because he's very much in his senses ... he just clicks it off ... this time, no interruptions are welcome ... because this is what he wants ... what they both want ...

But again ... not the right time ... another interruption (I said they should have gone to the poolside!) ... and he has to go ... leaving her wondering again ...
And another change ... he doesn't leave her wondering, her questions unanswered ... he stops, looks back to give her an answer ... the bindi stuck on the mirror ... for her ... with a smile ...
And she looks at it ... and her own soft smile appears ... she got her answer ... she turns back to him to confirm ... and gets another smile in return ... he gets another call, pauses, half turns towards her then pauses again, torn between family and love ... and then has to leave ...
Leaving her to accept his message, and his claim over her ... as she gently takes the bindi off the mirror with a trembling smile and fixes it on her forehead almost reverently ... his claim on her, his ownership ... she accepts that she is his ...
And the last bit of the bg music had the strains of a shehnai ... does that mean this was the sindoor? So wedding done?

Ignore Snakewa and his blustering fury ... no way his sindoor on Khushi, buster ... Arnav already claimed her and she accepted ...

Precap - accident happened and Anjali is missing.

7/2 - Epi 182 ... Tere Chehre Se Nazar Nahin Hatthi ...

7th Feb Tues

... or, tere pyaar mein kya kya na bana ... waiter hi sahi ... =))
Putting all thoughts of new promo aside, let's enjoy the Arhi moments we're getting this week.

Arnav Singh Raizada, business tycoon, no-nonsense, khadoos, cynical, 'doesn't believe in love' type of person, takes off coat, rolls up sleeves and gets down to helping his lady love with her next problem ... serving her guests. And Khushi is shell-shocked ... can't take her eyes off him ... is he feeling all right? What has changed him so much? He doesn't even lose his temper at being called a waiter ... Khushi is more shocked than he is, and far more apprehensive at what his reaction might be ... then even more dumbfounded as he doesn't bother at all, and just continues serving the food ... and she quickly clarifies with her aunt who he is ...
She does try to ask? to stop him ... but all he replies, very matter-of-factly, is ... "you needed help, right?" as though that's all the explanation required ...as though it's understood, only natural, that when she needs help, he'll be there ...
Methinks she should have introduced him earlier to the relatives, but she seems to be struck dumb! :) And struck even dumber as he tucks her hair behind her ears ... picks up the leftover plates, and finally leaves ... stopping to tell her with the smallest of smirks ... "You can thank me in the evening," ... her mouth drops even further open ... Khushi is in shock!And he leaves with a final smirk ... how he loves getting the last word with her and leaving her shocked and speechless! :"> :)

It would have been cute if she'd recovered enough to run after him to say thanks .. only to find he'd already left :) ... and whispered it to herself while watching his car, with another of those soft smiles.

Also loved that little bit of teasing when she asks him to rescue the corner plate before it falls, he deliberately misunderstands till she starts shooting off again "don't you understand what corner means?" ... he promptly rescues the right one ... and smirks ... as though he was just waiting for that motormouth to start again, waiting for Khushi to start firing again (although her firing was much milder than normal!) ... because that's the girl he loves to see ... always fighting, challenging him, never backing away ... her spirit is what he loves best about her ...
Arnav definitely doesn't want a Gopi vhau!!! =))

And I'm happy ... I always feel that teasing, laughing together are a HUGE part of any relationship ... I love seeing this teasing Arnav with the flabbergasted Khushi!

Next Arhi meeting - cv's being very meherban ... and killing time till Anjali's accident ;) ... Khushi instructed by Buaji to escort her relatives to RM ... for the wedding? And the flicker of confusion in her face, before she leaves ...
So Guptas have relatives after all? Where were they all for Khushi's engagement? Or was it not required that they be informed, as it wasn't the real daughter's engagement?

RM - Mami starts wondering about the missing Anjali ... Guptas' family arrives, and lo and behold, they all are respectable business/trader type people with shops/small businesses ... much to Mami's chagrin ... as Mausiji informs her that even the big malls are supplied by these very small traders ... :)

And Khushi starts looking for Arnav ... sweet, the ways cv's show the two-way traffic ... in the morning, Arnav looking around for a sight of Khushi, and now, Khushi's eyes searching for him ... ;)

Nani - Cupid-n-chief - notices, and asks ... :) ... Khushi starts to leave ... and Arnav emerges ... and she stops :) :">
Honestly, if Nani didn't already know, she'd figure it out now ... the way these two just can't keep their eyes off each other :">  ... the question in her eyes as he walks down ... 'are you leaving?' ... the searching look Nani throws Arnav - is he going? When I set this up so good ;) ... then he stops and pulls out his phone as Khushi keeps darting him looks ... she picks up a sari she likes, then looks at him for his reaction, but he's busy with his phone, and she's disappointed as she looks down - he's not going to say anything about the saris for her, he's too busy with work ...
Nk pipes up ... he likes the other one ...
And the aankhon aankhon mein conversation starts ... as Arnav says brusquely "ghatiya hai," as soon as NK proffers his choice, Khushi looks at him and he looks back, and she realizes slowly he's talking to her, telling her what he wants ... looking at him, back at the sari, as it sinks in ... slowly understanding him and his oblique words ...

NK pushes for his choice, and Khushi finds it difficult to ignore him, but Arnav chimes in again "if you feel both are nice, choose the one you liked first," ...

Nani prompts again, "Have you decided?" ... Khushi starts to accept NK's choice, Arnav does not look happy, and she changes her mind quickly with a radiant smile ... his choice ... and the smallest of exchanged smiles, his smile satisfied, happy, hers shy, blushing ...
Nani commends her choice ... NK gives in cheerfully ... and Nani lets loose a small salvo, just to let them know she's on to them and their secret conversations ... both Arnav and Khushi look guiltily embarrassed at being caught ... and Khushi leaves quickly ... not before another questioning backward look at Arnav, and a hesitant smile ... 'this is what you liked, isn't it ?'

Slowly Khushi is learning to read him, to understand that he will not say what he means straight out, she has to read the signs, read his eyes, his actions ... open her heart and read his ...

And just in time ... because when the Shyam truth hits, she will need all that understanding to deal with him ... manage him and her own feelings, and make sure they don't go back to where they were ...

Akash - Arnav - glad the cv's have recognised the appeal of this bromance ... the brothers scenes are always nice ... and this one served two purposes ... reinforced to Arnav how deeply Akash loves Payal, so he won't let that wedding break in a hurry ... and Akash also showed Arnav 'how many ways do I love thee?' ... what he feels for Khushi is love ... that he can't bear to see her hurt, he wants to do anything that could bring a smile to her face ...

A very sweet Khushi-Payal scene ... Khushi has packed momentos for Payal, including her beloved Devi Maiyya ... And Payal won't leave a single one. She will be with Khushi always ... her silent support ... don't depend on her doing much :p, but she will always back her and defend her as best she can.

And Anjali's car continues on its way ... precap - so there will actually be an accident? Can't be a very major one, otherwise Arnav wouldn't be planning his confession ...

Found a nice HD link for the full episode
Full episode

6/2 - Epi 181 ... A Walk to Remember

6th Feb Mon

I wanted a scene at night where Khushi looks at her bangles and remembers her Arnavji ...
I got that and more ... she remembers him, he remembers her ... and the dhak dhak is contagious. What's more, they're not even fighting it any more ... :"> :"> :">
Arnav remembers his Di saying 'Saansein ruk jayengi" ... he remembers chasing after the ambulance, thinking he lost her ... Khushi ... dhak dhak ...
She looks at her bangles, remembers his anger, and sees belatedly the worry behind it ... the worry when she cut her hand ... and he got her the bangles ... he did?! She could never have imagined that just a few short months ago ... a smile breaking over her face as she looks at them ...

Another of my wishes came true ... wanted Arnav in casuals, rather than the ridiculous three piece suits he wears all the time ... I liked the purple sweater and pants ... very smart! Hate to mention this ... but Barun badly needs a haircut! :))
Loving Khushi's new hair styles these days ... the half bun with hair over one shoulder was really sweet and made her look so pretty, yet casual, as though she'd just tucked it up to keep it out of the way while working. Nice touch!

The first happy Rabba Ve ... with the mutual eyelock, the soft smiles, the simultaneous realization and acceptance ... :"> :"> :">

Will Snakewa's plan actually succeed this time?! x(

*edited*
Loved the first scene ... I was a bit surprised actually at Arnav's realization happening so soon ... I would have thought he would fight it more, and not accept it straight away ... the acceptance seemed too quick and peaceful. Now with the new promo, that part is explained, but I wish they had taken that scene much slower, with far more flashbacks ... the one with Anjali saying 'saansein ruk jayengi' was definitely appropriate! Liked the way the Dhak Dhak came in for Arnav, and then transferred to Khushi as he said her name ...

Khushi's realization, her soft wondering, then the dawning of happiness ... this one was better done ... she hasn't actually realized it's love yet, it's more about "He likes me! ... enough to worry about me, to buy bangles for me ..." so the entire realization of love is not quite there yet ... but her heartbreak from Diwali is slowly healing and she's starting to trust that yes, he won't be so mean to her again, he does care for her ...
And Sanaya looked like a dream in that soft turquoise blue suit with her hair open ... her eyes soft, dreamy at first, then lighting up with that smile ...

Next morning, RM - I liked Mami's sari ... gorgeous, although frightfully heavy, but hey, she is the groom's mother! ;)
And again enjoyed NK as he loses no chance to visit Khushi, but this time Arnav is into action faster ... finally!!! :) "I'm taking the shaadi ka joda, I'm going that way too" ... not even bothering to hide the fact that it's an excuse, which NK picks up immediately ... :) and complains, "At least find your own excuses, copycat!"

GH Arhi scenes were beautiful, dreamy ... :"> ... Arnav lands up, Buaji and Garima are pretty hopeless as hosts, don't even introduce him around, can't manage to find two bits of polite conversation ... no wonder Arnav feels uncomfortable! Loved the way his eyes start searching for Khushi ... he gets up to leave and his ears latch on to Khushi's name ... :) and he promptly moves to find her ...

And loved the next scene where our Jalebi Bai is scurrying around, busy as a bee ... does no one else in the Gupta parivar do any work at all?! And Arnav watches her so fondly ... as she rushes around, tasting here, checking there ... this was another scene on my wish-list - check :) Loved the look in his eyes as he stares at her ... that smile in his eyes to die for ... :"> his girl ...
She feels her dhak dhak, the gust of wind reappears ... and they look at each other ... and keep looking ... and those smiles :"> ... Rabba Ve ... as they walk parallel to each other, together for once, looking at each other for once ...

The first parallel walk in the dargah - parallel, but neither aware of the other's presence ...

The second walk in the temple - parallel, with the barrier of the platform between them, both looking away from the other, paths parallel but distanced by miles emotionally if not physically ...

The third walk on the cliff - parallel, bridged by Payal-Akash, stealing glances at each other, not together, yet not apart ... their siblings' bond their tenuous link ...

The fourth walk - parallel, eyes locked, hearts reaching out through their eyes, soft smiles ... apart, yet together ... dreamy, utterly dreamy ... Arnav and Khushi in love, and not even trying to hide it ...

And Khushi as usual, so lost that she gets herself into another problem, she feeds the pattals to the cow ... none left for the guests ... and she promptly blames Arnav for her absent-mindedness ... a blame he is remarkably eager to accept, and explore ... "why my fault?!"
"Because my attention ..." oops, not a good idea to admit that ... what did she just say?
And he's tickled pink, delighted, so her attention was all on him, was it? Time to explore that a little further, and fluster her in the bargain ... he so loves the flustered, embarrassed blushing Khushi ...
"Khushi, why exactly is it my fault?" 

Then he takes pity on her with her latest problem, and gets down to sorting it out for her as usual ... a truckload of pattals to replace the few she lost ... never let it be said Arnav doesn't do things in style ...
She has another problem, her waiters have disappeared too ...

Half the episode was on Shyam sabotaging the brakes of Anjali's car ... so little fanfare on this latest murder scheme - so is this one actually going to work? To some extent, that is ... because obviously, Anjali is not going to die ...

3/2 - Epi 180 ... That feeling I get ...

3rd Feb Fri

Satisfaction - that warm fuzzy feeling I get ... when I see you wearing them.
Satisfaction - that warm fuzzy feeling I get ... when I know you did buy them for me.
 
She's learning fast ... when to push his buttons, and more importantly ... when to back off. Is she learning to read him better too?

He's turning slowly ... from ASR to Arnav ... but there's still plenty of ASR left in him ...


The star of the episode today was Anjali ... the sweetly mischievous, ever-alert, ever-smiling Cupid Anjali ... she took almost 8 months to get her tube-light fixed, but now that she has, she's not wasting any time or opportunity :) You rock, Anjali! =D>
But *ahem* ... how did you know that the poolside was their place for trysts? :)


*edited*
That warm, fuzzy feeling started from the first minute of the episode, as an impatient Arnav waited for Khushi to come down ... pacing up and down, looking up at the stairs every few seconds ... and Anjali got into the act right away ;) ... what's the matter, brother mine, you don't want to attend the havan, don't ... I'm not forcing you ... just go rest, whichever way you want ... it's your decision completely, Chotey ... you really don't have to, just for my sake  =)) And a thoroughly annoyed, embarrassed Arnav ... she forces me to attend these damn things all the time, and she picks now to get concerned about my allergy to havans! So a patently false and lame excuse ... "I'll stay here, in case you need anything ..."
Anjali's expression was a delight ... a completely gleeful "oh yeah!" ... am guessing her thoughts were on the lines of "yeah right! In case I need anything!"

And then she comes down, escorted by her sister ... anyone else felt the scene was somewhat like a bride being brought to the marriage pandal where an impatient groom waits for her? And our KKG is one tenacious tigress, she's hiding her hands under her dupatta, and as she passes the waiting Arnav, she makes sure her hands are even more securely out of his view. And love the way they look, look away immediately, look again ... nazarein milana, nazarein churana in full swing ... their expressions are to die for ... hers determined - no, am not going to show you what you want to see ... his exasperated - why won't you let me see?!

He tries to peek again as she sits ... as though she can feel his gaze, her hands go under her dupatta again, and she steals a look ... he immediately looks away ... no, I wasn't looking for that ...:p

And the grandfather of all havans finally comes to an end ... with Khushi's hands still under her dupatta, Arnav still peeking desperately, ... and Shyam notices the inordinate interest that Arnav has in Khushi and he glowers ...x(

Anjali offers Arnav prasad ... he looks at Khushi, who manages to challenge him with that one sideling look ... Arnav accepts challenge with a smirk ... takes the prasad plate from Anjali and offers Khushi prasad ... with Buaji's help, he wins this one :"> ... and he can't hide his complete satisfaction at seeing her wearing his bangles ... a satisfaction that has nothing to do with challenges ... a deep joy inside that she's wearing his gift ... his first public mark on her, to declare she is his ...
And Khushi looks at his smile, sees his delight ... no, it's not about their unspoken challenge this time ... he is really happy she wore them ... really, really happy ... her wearing his bangles made him so happy? And her confusion starts again ... this was not about winning or losing the challenge, was it? Then why is he so happy?

You wore them ...
Does it really mean so much to you? And if so, why?

Loved the exchange of looks there ... could feel Khushi's heart beat speed up again, could see the possessive satisfaction in Arnav's eyes ... as he looked at her wrists with his bangles ... and they looked remarkably like bridal bangles there ... so lost is Arnav that Akash has to repeat his name before he registers it ...

Khushi is not his match for nothing, though ... again her question ... "bangles? you?" Again he brushes aside ... "don't know what you're talking about ..."
But she's determined ... she knows he bought them, she will get him to say so ...

NK definitely seems to have realized something is fishy in Arhi-land, so his bit at acting Cupid ... :) Seems it will take the entire family, including Shyam's nasty tricks, to get these two stubborn lovers together!SO NK the official photographer, gets Khushi into her rightful place right next to Arnav ... and Khushi seizes the opportunity to torment him again with the question that's tormenting her ... "chudiyan ..."
"Haan ... toh?" ... Am not giving an inch here, I don't know anything about them, and I'm sticking to my stand. :P
And all the photographs show Khushi teasing Arnav very deliberately about her bangles =))

Photos over, NK asks Khushi about her new bangles ... yet another opportunity for Khushi to irk a passing Arnav ... and this time, he smirks at her banter with NK ... say what you like, Khushi, you're wearing my bangles and not his ...
Loved that teasing, flirting look over her shoulder that Khushi threw Arnav ... bright, sparkling, mischief in her eyes ... and his warm smirk as he walked off ... even though she's chatting to NK, he is the one in her thoughts ...

Anjali into action again ... she's figured out something fishy about Arnav, Khushi and bangles ... and her tube-light, after flickering dimly for months, is suddenly on full wattage =)) A hilarious nanad-bhabhi duo teasing a fulminating Arnav out of his wits ... with those side looks Anjali kept throwing to check Arnav's reaction and egging Khushi on whole-heartedly ... you don't like them?
No, I don't ...
Then why did you wear them? Just throw them, right?
Yes, that's what I'll do as soon as I get home ...
Yes, sure ... do that ... another sidelong look at by now fuming Arnav ... and Anjali does her master Cupid move ... Khushi, could you please get my thaal from the poolside?
How did Anjali know the poolside if the Arhi meeting point?

And Anjali counts gleefully ... how long will it take you, brother mine ... see, I've set it all up for you ... now go!
And he does ... before she even reaches the count of three ... and Anjali is thrilled to bits ... she can't believe this! =)) =)) =))

Adorable Arhi poolside scene ... teasing and intense by turns ...
Khushi searches for the imaginary thaal ... and sulking Arnav enters ...
"You don't like them, take them off ..." How could you say you didn't like my gift? I got it specially for you ...
For La, and presumably his other girlfriends, he never bothered ... his secretary probably chose the gifts, wraped them, sent them, he didn't even know what they were ... for her, he went himself, chose them, in the right size ... how dare she not like them?
Khushi pushes his buttons again ... why are you so bothered about someone else's gift anyway? And anyway ... sulking in her turn ... fine, don't tell me ... they don't even fit ...
Of course they do ... I bought them, I know they fit! They're a perfect fit ...
Just like you and me ...
How do you know? You haven't ever worn bangles, have you? ... she begins, then stops suddenly ... He doesn't say anything, just stares at her steadily, for once no anger on his face at her impetuous words ... and she reins in her hot temper too ...
Sulkily ... you have to tell me ...
Excuse me? Sarcasm back in full swing ... I'm Arnav Singh Raizada, I don't have to do anything ... and if you think that, you're crazier than usual ...
Sulking still ... why won't he just tell her?
I won the bet ... this is my prize ... you have to tell me ...
Really, Khushi? You had a golden opportunity ... and all you asked for was this? No wonder he's smirking even more ... he got off so lightly and she didn't even realize her wasted opportunity. Khushi darling, you must think before you speak! Especially with Arnav!
Okay, ask ... arms crossed ... mirroring hers ... and she's uncomfortably aware again ...

Did you buy those bangles for me?
Yes, I did buy them for you ...

And she's really taken aback ... he did? He really did? She thought he did, but he just confirmed it ... he really did buy them ... but why?
Without thinking, she asks that.
 But he's not ready to answer that one ... you said one question, I answered it ... deal done.
And his turn to complain and sulk ... and if you don't like them, take them off ... 
And if I do like them ...
Then why the hell did you ...
Because I wanted you to say so!
I just did!
Good thing too!
Then keep wearing them!
In case you haven't noticed, I am wearing them!

And they stop ... what are they even fighting about this time!
Yes, you are wearing them, aren't you ...
I didn't mean that I didn't like them ... I do ...

And they both turn away from each other, both trying to hide what their eyes and their hearts want to say ... to scream out ... and the mood changes suddenly, completely ... a fierce, pulsating awareness creeping in ...
'Why did you buy me those bangles?' ... her tone hushed, almost scared, as though scared of what she might hear, scared of what the answer might be ... the last time she pursued him with questions, she got her heart broken and crushed into a million pieces ... why did you keep my payal? Why did you buy me those bangles ...

He wants to say it ... he really does ... but he can't. Yet neither can he tell her again that she means nothing to him ...
'I don't need to give you an answer to every question ...'
So much of a change ... acknowledging that she has a right to ask him questions, acknowledging that she can even demand answers ... but he's not ready to take that last step ...

And this time, she backs down ... sulking slightly at his refusal, but the fact that he bought her the bangles, that he bought her the bangles is enough for now ...a soft smile on her face as she looks at them again ... his bangles ...
And no loud declarations of how she means nothing to him ... her broken heart is healing slowly, warming again ...
I really want a night scene with Khushi refusing to take those bangles off, or sleeping with them under her pillow ... :">

Arnav bumps into a fulminating shamelessly eavesdropping Snakewa ... will he remember these encounters later? As much as I hate seeing Snakewa, I want Arnav to start witnessing some erratic moments of Shyam, so that later he can put two and two together ...

2/2 - Epi 179 ... You say it all ... yet you don't want to say it ...

2nd Feb Thurs

First the rest, then the best ;)
Rest - Gupta duo goes all weepy about Manodrama, Wimp assures them that as long as he has his brother's shoulder to fire from, he will take care of Payal. For some strange reason, they're reassured by that. Okay, so if Arnav changes his mind, Payal bitiya is screwed? Because Wimp is not gonna do anything?
On the other hand, as a corollary, I think the main point was - when Shyam's truth emerges, what Arnav says will hold sway over everyone. Even if it comes out that Gupta ladies were hiding the Shyam truth, as long as Arnav supports Khushi, no one will do anything. Arnav will be the deciding factor. No one else. But Arnav's guiding light is Anjali ... will he have to choose between the two?
Makes me feel even more sure that Shyam's truth will come out to Arnav first, without the rest of the family knowing anything.
Buaji for once acknowledges that Khushi bears all the burdens of the house, including the one of Payal's earlier broken marriage, that one unfairly, so don't tell her about this fiasco that almost was. And they talk about Khushi's marriage again for the first time ...

Loved Nani-Anjali describing Arnav-Khushi's married life to the T ...

Now the best ... Arhi :">
Repeat of last night, Arnav smirking that NK doesn't know Khushi like he does :P ... and then loses it again when she hurts herself ... why the hell do you have to wear these when they don't fit?! Stop car, open door, grab her hand ... all in the day's work ... :)

The scene was beautifully done ... these two actors act with their eyes, they just don't need words. Just a few words spoken by Arnav ... Khushi ... Khushi! let me see it! as she's still in her sulks ...
We can fight later ... you're hurt, let me take care of that first ...
And she backs down ... softening immediately ...

Sab kuch karte ho, phir keh kyun nahin sakte?
You do it all, but why can you never say the words?
Sab kuch karta hun, phir kehne ki zaroorat kyun hai? Samajhogi nahin? 
I'm showing you what I feel, why do you need me to say the words?Can't you feel it?

As he removes the glass piece with his teeth (still didn't understand why teeth, at least show him trying with his hand first ... but oh well ...) ... as she still sits, eyes closed ... waiting patiently, trustingly ... he actually swallows seeing those closed eyes, the blind trust ... giving him permission to do what he wants, because she trusts ...

Loved the way he watched her face for a few seconds as she sat, eyes still closed, before he told her ... "ho gaya ..."
Loved the stolen glances as they drive back ... :"> :"> :">
Loved the way he tells her "you go in ...", she looks at him questioningly, and he adds reassuringly "I'm just coming." And she nods and leaves quietly.
Loved the way his eyes follow her ... :">



Urgghhh at Snakewa's barely contained worry about Khushi's lateness, asking Anjali again and again ... woman, grow a brain ... why is your husband so concerned about Khushiji?

Khushi walks into the house in a daze ... her usual state after every heavy-duty make out session with Arnav =)):"> And everyone fusses around her ...

Arnav walks in ... aww at the sudden awkwardness between them ... NK interrupts as usual x( and Arnav doesn't bother to hide his irritation now ... get lost, go sit in the havan, stop fussing around my woman, I'll take care of her ...
And Khushi doesn't object at all ... :"> :)
Lol at Raavan ... :P

More awww as Khushi finds the bangles, delighted smile ... then sees Arnav watching her with that slightest of smiles on his face before he disappears ... She puts two and two together and her tubelight flickers into life too ... this has been a week for tubelights in IPKKND ... :D ... and she promptly faints ... he got her the bangles? He got her the bangles?!

And the intensity gives way to cuteness as Khushi regains her hosh ... not josh ;) ... first (and only) thing she sees is Arnav looking at her worriedly ... first thing she says is to ask him if he got the bangles ...
Arnav's face goes "not now, Khushi ... people are here!!!!" =))
Buaji explains it away as one of Sanka Devi's usual sanaks and Khushi regains enough hosh to shut up for the moment ... but not to forget ... oh no ...

Arnav all concerned and caring and fussing ... give her water, give her a pillow, I'll call the doctor ... Anjali and Nani enjoying the show, Khushi still all embarrassed ... the rest, clueless as usual ... Garima wants to take her home, Nani firmly refuses, and Arnav adds in completely proprietary tones ... stay put, you're not going anywhere ...
Wonder what he'll be like when she's pregnant ... mmm :) :">

How many havans are happening today, btw? Isn't this the third or fourth time they've sat down for it?

And Khushi hadn't forgotten what she wanted to know ... as everyone leaves the room, she manages to ask a completely embarrassed Arnav again ... 'did you get the bangles?' ... and he evades again, and runs for his life ... :) coward kahin ka! Till when will you run, Arnav bitwa ... this gal is as tenacious as they come ... now she's going to make you admit it, come hell or high water ... =))

And she's got insider help ... his own sister, no less ... Arnav bitwa, tu toh gaya! This is going to be fun! Just hope they keep the intensity intact and don't make it all comic ... they should have gotten the message from the TRP's ...

1/2 - Epi 178 ... Listen With Your Heart

1st Feb Wed

Listen with your heart, Khushi, he said it all today ...

But she's begging him for the words ... say it just once, say that I matter ...

But he's not a man of words, his actions speak for him ... open up your heart, and don't be scared to trust ...

But she's been hurt too badly before ... many times ...

On the other side, Nani spikes Manorama's guns effectively ... thank God, finally!
And Payal finally remembers that she and her family are hiding an even bigger truth from the Raizadas.

*edited*
Episode starts with Manodrama, with Mami of course not letting anyone talk, Akash and Anjali looking pretty and useless ... liked Payal's accusing glance at him, saying 'you didn't tell her?' ... and telling Mami that the shaadi will not take place, shielding Akash's fault ... Anjali tries also, bringing up her own painful memory, but Mami is unmoved, until Akash clarifies that Payal had told him and then Nani steps in. And reminds Mami of her own past. Good going, Nani!!! About time! 

Arhi ... Good scenes ... starting with Arnav racing after the ambulance, going all 'saansein ruk jayengi' and then racing back to his car, ready to follow that ambulance to kingdom come ... till he hears a familiar voice ... sees Khushi in his rear-view mirror, and literally collapses in relief onto his steering wheel ... and then, raises his head with the anger growing ... how dare she put him through so much agony and be haggling over chanas?! =))

Khushi's reactions as she sees him ... she senses him before she sees him, turns, baffled 'why is he here?' ... a little nervous as he strides towards her and she senses his anger, without understanding why ... and then he grabs her (ah, I was right!) and starts blasting off ... what do you think of yourself, I've been searching for you for so long ... you left your phone at home, NK isn't picking up his phone, you weren't at home, and on the way I found this!' ... holding up her broken bangle, which she looks at, still shell-shocked at his angry outburst ... what happened to him? But slowly, hazily getting the picture ... he was worried? About her? He thought she was hurt?
Mujhe laga ...
and she looks up at his face with a glimmer of hope ... what is he going to say?
But he loses it again ... Do you even know what I'm going through?! angrily, and she flinches again ...
Do you know how worried I was? I thought ... I thought I lost you ... but you ... here ... chan ...
She tries to speak, to say something, ... hum ... but he doesn't let her ... he cups her face ... if you'd been in that ambulance ... what ... what if I'd lost you?! Furious now ...

Did that cupping of her face bring back the memories of Diwali? the worst night of her life? Because something happened right there ... her face lost its softness and became hard ... she shakes off his hands ..
'So what? If it had been me in that accident, so what? What does it matter to you?!'
'Of course it matters, damn it!'
"Why? Why does it matter?" Tell me ... say it ... looking at him with a mixture of anger and anticipation ...
Because ... and he stops ... his face changes ... he actually retreats ... and she continues looking at him, no anger now, just hope ... say it ... please, for once, say it ...

But of course he doesn't ... Barun's expressions were not quite there ... was it realization or not?
Khushi is waiting ... NK arrives and Arnav is deprived of the first outlet for his anger, as Khushi just spiked his guns, he rounds on NK ... 'where were you?'
NK taken aback ... relax ... what happened? Why the anger? And he gives an explanation of what happened, nothing earth-shattering, Arnav just realized he overreacted big time ... on top of which, adding insult to injury, NK brought replacement bangles for Khushi ... Arnav has had enough of NK making moves on his girl!
So NK summarily dispatched, and Khushi had better accompany him. Khushi tries to protest, but he's had enough ... Khushi, being Khushi, shows him what she thinks of his autocratic behaviour by marching off to the car huffily, getting in without waiting for him to open the door, and all but slamming it on his face. First he gets annoyed when she's going with NK, but doesn't do a darn thing about it, then he shows up and starts yelling at her because he thought she'd been in an accident ... well, she hadn't so he should have been happy, right? Why yell? And then he orders her around as though she's his wife ... well, she isn't ... not yet ... and he'd better behave better with her if and when she is ... Khushi Kumari Gupta doesn't take kindly to Arnav's orders. Ask me nicely!

Loved the silent treatment in the car ... so wifely ... and a reversal of the Nainital track ... there he was quiet, and she couldn't stand it ... now she's quiet, she's mad at him for yelling at her for no reason, and she makes it clear ... Arnav, feeling the slightest bit guilty about yelling at her ... after all, it's not her fault she wasn't in an accident :P and didn't know what he went through thinking she was ... so he tries to be calm and civilized about the whole thing ... wear your seatbelt, darling and forget I yelled at you ...
Silence and no reaction ...
Arnav's annoyance rises again ... damn it, talk to me, I'm trying to say sorry here ... 'Khushi, don't ignore me ... listen to me when I talk to you ...'
Still silent, she moves her dupatta and shows him her fastened seat belt ... lol ...

Still silence in the car ... Khushi picks up the bangles NK bought her and starts trying one on ... Arnav smirks with satisfaction, finally something going his way tonight ... NK bought the wrong size, he doesn't even know her correct size ... Khushi retorts, at least he thought of buying them ... and then gasps with pain as the bangle breaks and stabs her ... Arnav sees the wound and brings the car to a screeching halt ... angry again ... are you mad? When it doesn't fit, why are you trying it? What if you cut your vein?
And finally at the end of her tether, she cries back, almost in tears ... so what?!
Tell me so what ... tell me why it matters, tell me that it matters to you ... say it!!! Just once ... say it!!!

He can't say the words, she wants nothing but the words, a commitment in words, because so many times he's hurt her with his words ...