HAPPY 14 YEARS OF IPKKND!!! God! Isn't 14 special? So, here's a little something for it... Click on the link and dive in....
Blazing Garnet
Khushi's fingers couldn't get enough of the fabric that belonged to the gorgeous maroon saree that lay beside her and her eyes stayed fixed at the dainty diamond set that accompanied it.
She was expected to attend this fancy charity auction with her husband, and so these had been sent over from AR. She didn't know whether the event had been organised in the last minute or she had been shoved with the information that she'd been joining, in the last minute. Either way, she was in no mood to attend a Gala. But, did she have the option to sit out? Absolutely Not!
She sighed in resignation. The happenings of the previous day had completely shaken her and left her feeling numb. She had told the truth and Arnav had chosen not to believe her. There, Khushi was still stagnant there, still unable to process what he thought about her. How could she? How could anyone? He'd questioned the very morals around which she'd built her whole life, the very base of her belief system.
It felt like life had been drained out of her and her insides felt like they'd been iced to numbness, expect a fresh jolt of pain ripped through her everytime she thought of his accusations.
She couldn't feel anything, not the tears she'd been shedding, not the anger that'd been simmering underneath nor the disappointment that'd been lingering, She couldn't feel anything but the raw glaring emptiness that was eating her from inside out.
She had thought, proving him wrong would make her feel better. The only way she could do that, was to involve her family or have the snake confess and either way was out of question. She'd finally resorted to trying to convince him, speak sense into him.
So, she had spent the whole of the previous day at his office waiting hour after hour to talk to him, she hadn't got the chance to and suddenly she hadn't felt as hopeful anymore. When he'd finally come home, not only had the words failed her, but, she'd let him have the final say! He'd told her to only do what she was told to do by him.
Or, her efforts had been subconsciously half hearted to the least, because, she could no longer see what the point was, what she would do if he decided to still remain unconvinced.
So, Khushi had decided on it. She was going to follow whatever he asks of her until the contract comes to an end. Because, there weren't anymore fights left in her. She convinced herself, lesser the drama, easier the parting.
That morning, when he'd instructed her about the event, she simply nodded, no questions asked and she could see it, the glint of surprise in his eyes, when she hadn't offered any resistance.
With only an hour left before Mohan could pick her up and drop her at the venue, Khushi willed herself, to get up and get ready.
It was time for Khushi to become Arnav Singh Raizada's Wife, a decoy no less, with the over-priced saree and the expensive jewellery and all the glitz and glam. She was pretty sure, she was going to feel horribly foreign in her own skin and she was going to hate every bit of it. But that was what Arnav had wanted and she was going to give him that!
°°°°°°°°
Arnav paced back and forth in front of his car. He was at the venue and Khushi hadn't arrived yet. He was getting frustrated by the minute.
That very familiar tiny rational part of his brain reasoned 'You coming early to the venue, doesn't mean she's late. You had barked at her to be here by 6.30 sharp and it's only 6.15..'
But, he couldn't the shut that voice out as easily as before. He had confronted her, exposed her, that meant the voice should have stopped existing all together! But, instead it had gotten louder, clearer, persistantly ringing, telling him that he was frustrated at himself and not at her!
Along with his conscience, something else was also bothering him, something about Khushi, about her behaviour. It didn't sit right with him. She'd been looking so..so lost, so not herself... So much so it was beginning to scare him. He had deemed it all an act to her face, that she only portrayed herself pitiful. It'd stung him after he'd uttered those words, maybe because he truly didn't believe in them. Even that, hadn't elicited a response from her either.
'Or you finally managed to break her' the voice spoke up and a chill ran down his spine.
Her version of the events, it made sense to him. It fit ... infact a little too perfectly. How could it be so, if it wasn't all concocted?
'But, What if it wasn't?'
No! He couldn't think like that! Because, that would mean he was wrong and how could he be wrong? He had seen her, heard her. Yes, he had. He couldn't be doubting his senses, Could he? That meant what he'd thought about her was right? Why was he even questioning all this? Why was he beginning to distrust his judgement?
Arnav's hand flew up to massage his temple. Eversince, that fateful night on the terrace, his head and his heart had constantly been in battle and after yesterday it had only gotten naggingly pulsatile.
In his peripheral vision, he caught the glimpse of a Raizada car rolling in. He sighed in relief walking towards it.
The car parked on a clearing and out, Khushi got down and Arnav stopped dead on his tracks.
He could feel the world around him blurring, fading and she ensnaring the entirety of his focus. He was being held captive, by even her subtlest movement, the mere flicker of her eyes as she assessed the surrounding.
Swallowing hard, he cursed under his breath. How had he not thought this through? He'd asked one of his designers to send something over to his wife for the event. Of course, she had chosen one from the latest collection - The Forbidden Rose, that was inspired by Khushi and extensively developed with Khushi in mind. His staff didn't know that, but, it was their newest collection, so, it only made sense to choose from it.
The deep red fabric was dotted with an ombre of crystals along the edges to mimic dew on roses - just like the ones he grew in his carefully tended garden. The diamonds she wore were delicate vines entangling each other around tiny red garnets , ending in a teardrop, with matching drop earrings.
Ofcourse, he'd envisioned her in this attire when he'd overlooked the design. But, nothing, nothing could have prepared him for this. She was just simply breathtaking... simply ethereal...
The colour on her, perfectly illuminated her skin, drawing out the warm honey of her eyes, softening her features. The fluid drape, clung to her in a way that it left little to his imagination. Her hair rested in gentle curls over her shoulder and he couldn't take his eyes off her even for a fleeting moment.
And, like she'd felt his gaze bearing her down, her eyes flew to meet his. The earth stilled beneath him, a silent, short gasp trapped in his throat and something heavy settled on his chest.
Her eyes carried a frailty, an unsurety, breaking a little something inside of him. She quickly averted her gaze and headed in his direction. All the turbulence in his mind, suddenly withdrew and only the aching reminder, he'd done this to her, remained.
°°°°°°°°
Honestly, seeing Arnav at the venue before her, she'd expected some berating her way, but, that hadn't happened. After she'd met him at the parking, he'd simply led her to the entrance. Then, all they had to do was their well rehearsed dance of an ideal couple.
Khushi's heart felt much lighter, now that the event had got over. She usually quite enjoyed social gatherings, but, this one had wrecked her nerves. This had been nothing unlike the ones the Raizadas usually organized. But, she could socialize in those events. Today, had been suffocating for her. Because, she could feel it, people walking around with the air of sophistication. Usually, she wouldn't be bothered by it, but, today it'd felt like she was way out of place in this crowd. Maybe, it was an uncomfortable reminder of how different his world was from hers and how delusional she'd been to think she would fit in.
But, she'd managed to handle it. She'd tried to channel Anjali Di and her sister and it had somewhat helped her.
All that was left to do was get to Shantivan, get out of the saree and jewellery and get it ready to be returned to AR. So, Khushi spent the car ride back, keeping count of every turn that led to the mansion.
Arnav felt more perturbed than before. She definitely wasn't herself. She'd been nervous and so unsure of herself throughout the evening, very unlike her. She'd spoken only when spoken to, kept her replies curt and smiles polite. That was all.
He should be okay with that, but he was not.. He couldn't convince himself that it was all an a act as well. Because, he could see it, her trying to hold herself together for the sake of the party.
Khushi usually would've made everyone fall in love with her, charmed them into conversation, blended in effortlessly in her own way.
At the least, would've gotten people to sign up as customers for her catering service.
Yeah right! she had decided to no longer run the catering service. A pang of hurt clenched in him, his thoughts ran haywire.
"I'm the daughter of a confectioner and the wife of a businessman"
The memory flashed before him. How adorably had she claimed the rights of being his wife, when she'd begun her catering venture. She was now letting it go.
"Half of the room is yours, half of it is mine"
How confindently had she gone about decorating his room with all her knick knacks, making it equally hers in the process. Now, it was all gone, the chimes, the stars, even the damned poster... She had decided to make their room, his again.
And it was killing him in the inside as she'd gone and done that.
It wasn't just about her business or the room. It was as if she was undoing everything they'd built upto this point - however flawed, however wrong, it had been rightfully theirs and she was detaching herself from it, from him.
So much so, she had decided to make his Khushi into this ghost of a person.
And, whose fault is that?
Arnav clutched the steering wheel hard. His inner voice was right... He was responsible for this, and this was his punishment... What hurt him more was, she was punishing herself as well...
He glanced at her, she was gazing out the window but watching nothing in particular.
The pain was getting unbearable.
No... He decided, bringing his attention back to the road. He shouldn't care this much. He couldn't...This was a liability, this was temporary.
Maybe, he was reading too much into this or maybe, this was how it was supposed to be for the remainder of the contract period. He'd have to get used to this.
°°°°°°°°
The agonizing silence from the car had followed them into the confines of his room as well.
Khushi, watched as he carried out his routine- the one she had memorized. The shoes near the TV unit, socks in the Laundry basket, then the tie would come off, followed by the waistcoat, then he'd reach for his closet. It was the same everyday, except today he seemed more over the edge than usual.
Khushi contemplated whether to ask the question lingering in her mind. Judging by his demeanor, it didn't seem ideal. But her mind reminded her, that it was always going to be this way. So, she braced herself and let the words frame a coherent question.
"Will your staff come to pick the saree and the set, tomorrow?"
Her voice cut through the room, claiming his attention. A tinge of annoyance bubbled inside Arnav, at the words. What the hell was she getting at? He'd just managed to put thoughts about her, past him and she comes up with something like that?
He couldn't care less about such triviality, Could he?
"Just keep it! I don't care what you do with it, Okay?!" He snapped, grabbing a towel and heading to the bathroom, slamming the door shut!
The day's vexation finally got to Khushi. She settled before the mirror, hurriedly but gently getting off the choker and earrings, placing it in the box that it came with, and kept it on the coffee table, where his office bag sat.
She perched on the edge of the dresser bench, trying to calm her restless heart. Her hand pulled out the bobby pins that held her hair and tied it into a bun.
She stared at her reflection. How could he ask her to keep it? Like she was after his stuff or something?!
A whimper broke out of her lips and hot, angry tears clouded her vision. He closed her eyes letting them spill, taking in deep breaths trying to will away her agitation.
She didn't realise how long she sat like that, before she heard the click of the bathroom door. She needed to get up and get going about the day. But, moving her legs had become a task in itself.
Through the corner of his eye, Arnav noticed Khushi standing up from the dressing table, wearily moving across the the room and the familiar twinge of hurt consumed him.
He sighed. He needed a distraction, he concluded. He couldn't let this keep affecting him. He needed to work himself to exhaustion, he thought, settling himself on the recliner. That was when the jewel box caught his eye. The one with his company's label.
Something ticked off in him. "Khushi, wait!" he said in a low voice.
Clutching the box, he walked to her "What are you trying to do?" He asked, holding it out to her. His voice had a steady calmness to it.
Khushi tried to be as unfazed as possible, before she spoke "I'm not doing anything... Arnav Ji " she uttered, trying to side step him. She wasn't ready to do this now.
"I asked you to keep this." he stated, blocking her.
"I don't want it."she answered numbly, her eyes fixed to the floor.
How he hated when she spoke without meeting his eyes.
"Khushi..." He took in a deep breath. Something about her was keeping his temper in line. "Look at me, listen to me...please..."
She took a moment, as if deciding something, but then her eyes found his and she didn't miss the hint of softness in them.
"It's no big deal, it's just a necklace." He emphasized.
Khushi shook her head, denying. It wasn't just a necklace, and her defiance definitely wasn't about just a necklace.
"It's because of what I said the other day, isn't it? That you get to reap the perks of being a Raizada! " He questioned, his tone still steady
"No..." She replied, her gaze shifting back to the floor
"Then, what is it? What are you trying to prove?" He could feel his patience beginning to slip away.
That question stirred something inside Khushi. Her eyes shot to meet his... "Haven't I already told you, I have nothing to prove?" she asked, her voice heavy.
She could see his face tense up, his jaw clench.
But, he held his stead. "Oh really? Is that why you waited the whole day in my office yesterday?" He scoffed.
"Yes, I waited! I was stupid enough to think you'll actually listen to me..." She retorted, sounding shaky.
"I don't need to listen to you... I know what I saw, what I heard...."
Khushi cut him off, all the bottled up inside her, seeking an escape. "No! You don't know!" she cried.
"Stop it, Khushi!" Arnav was seething inside, but held on to very last bit of his restraint.
"Whatever you plan on doing to convince me otherwise, it's not going to work. So, I'm telling this one last time, wrap up all this drama." he concluded, gesturing between her and the jewel box.
He turned away, placing the box on the night stand, all prepared to leave the place, when he heard Khushi calling after...
"Yes! Walk away, like you always do! That's what you do best!"
She had had enough. She no longer cared that she hit a nerve. He'd been the one insistent on pushing her to speak and the minute she gave into it, he turned the other way.
That was it for Arnav. That was his final straw.
He crossed the length of the room in two long strides.
"What was that supposed to mean?" hissed Arnav, backing her in a corner, holding her by her arms. The impact, unknotting her hair from its twist.
Khushi's gaze matched the fierceness in his own. "You know exactly what I mean.... You run from reality, because it scares you!... Why else would you be okay with choosing to believe a twisted opinion of me over... " Khushi's breathing was harsh and sharp but she continued, " over the truth?" A sudden wave of fatigue washed over her, her body shivered and tears didn't seem to stop.
Arnav stood rooted to the spot, his face blanching, his fingers sliding down the length of her arms and back to his side. She'd read and recited him like a book and he couldn't deny she was right.
He took one look at her and realised how fragile she was, barely holding herself together. The truth that she spoke of, was not about the wretched brother-in-law, or the terrace and it struck him, it never was, never had been about that.
Khushi's silent sobs slowed and her breathing gradually deepened. Catching a glimpse of him still weighing what she'd blurted, her heart betrayed her once more, a tiny hope blooming in her.
When he finally shook off his daze, his eyes meeting hers, "No...." breathed Arnav, his vain attempt at holding his stand, at his disbelief on her. But, it came out a lot like a plea.
Accepting her truth meant, his actions towards her were unforgivable.
He searched into the depths of her eyes, to find some form of pretense, something at all.
And, like she could perceive his doubts, Khushi spoke again, with whatever little that was left of her "Why couldn't you see it... The truth was right here...I...." She whimpered "I..I have always been here...."
"Always?" he mouthed.
"Hamesha...."
The instant that word slipped out her mouth, he knew to his bone what she was conveying, what her words implied. That for her, It had always been him and only him. Nothing else mattered to him, every doubt, every uncertainty, every baseless accusation, vanished into thin air.
He took a step towards her. And for once, she didn't take a step back. Instead, she was looking up at him, beholding him in her gaze, her breath hitching, her lips quivering ever so slightly.
And, before he knew it, his hands found the side of her face, his lips were on hers
°°°°°°°°
Khushi gasped at the contact. It was supple, tentative, merely a tug sending jolts of sparks through her. But, soon her lips melted into his.
Arnav took the cue to deepen the kiss, eliciting a soft sound from her, sending his senses over drive. She felt her knees give away, her body mould into his, either for support or craving more proximity. Her muddled brain couldn't tell.
His hands slid to her waist, steadying her. The flimsy drape of her saree, giving way for his fingers to slip beneath, his fingertips lingering on her skin in a delicate pressure. While, Khushi's fingers skimmed over his neck and tangled in his hair.
Reminding himself to not get carried away. He gently pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. Her breathing was still uneven, her chest rising and falling , colour blossoming in her cheeks, her clothing barely holding up.
His hand flew up, brushing away the wisps of hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear, before pressing a soft kiss to her temple. The faint scent of her hair, a mix of citrus and something subtly floral - jasmine, enveloped him, a familiar comfort after the storm that'd weathered.
She looked at him through fluttering lashes, her warm hazel orbs, glinting in anticipation and Arnav's world shifted on it's axis. A surge of affection flooded through him. This was the woman who'd seen through his icy walls, who'd seen his darkest, yet, held on to him, anchored him back to her, even when he'd given her no reason to. She was his Khushi. Irrevocably his.
Khushi reached out him, her hand trembling a little, as it settled against his chest, his heart thundering under her fingers. This was beyond surreal for her, like her mind was playing a trick, like if she moved or blinked, the moment would dissolve, he would disappear - again....
"Khushi..." he exhaled, the sound a low rumble against her ear as he pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her waist, as if he'd sensed her thoughts, tethering her.
This was real... He wasn't going anywhere.
He tilted her head back, a soft moan escaping her throat, and she arched into him as his lips found the curve of her neck, lazily tracing every inch of it, sending shivers down her spine, dizzying her.
He could feel the desperate cling of her fingers, beckoning him to face her. Standing on her tip toes, she pulled him into a peck - slow, hesitant, her movements precise, testing, learning.
Arnav leaned into her, indulging in her taste, drinking in her sighs, her intoxicating scent, pushing her threshold, merely parting owing to their lungs.
The whisper of desire, lulled between them. How could they ever get enough of each other, the pull growing undeniably intense. The air around them, crackling with their unspoken yearning.
"There's no going back..." His voice hoarse, words heavy, a statement of both warning and unwavering resolve.
"I know..." she said, her voice a soft murmur against his shoulder, her arm wrapping around him, pulling him further into her embrace.
"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice raw with vulnerability, completely overwhelmed by her blatant trust in him.
"Yes," she nodded, her breath warm against his skin, her palm resting against his jaw, feathering kisses on his cheek. Each light touch, sent an aching heat rushing through his veins..
The last of his self-control snapped, and this time their lips met with an urgency, a new fervor.
Khushi barely registered being lifted off her feet, her back hitting the mattress.
Every thought remained suspended in her head and all she remembered, was the subtle burn of his stubble against her skin, the tenderness of his kisses trailing down her body, the ripple of his muscles under her fingertips, the hum of electricity, coursing through her very being.
And, Arnav cherished her, etching her to memory, completely baring himself to her. Every touch, every caress, every kiss a silent promise of no longer running, no longer hiding, but staying, holding on and making it up to her for the rest of his life.
He'd found his way back to her and he was never letting her go.
______________________
Was randomly looking up gemstones one day, and learned that Garnets are apparently symbol of passion, loyalty and longevity. It's safe to say, that inspired this one shot.
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The snow-peaked mountains were cloaked in mist and chilly winds. Nestled at the edge of a pine-covered ridge was the Serenity Cove Retreat, where AR Designs had offsite training. Arnav stood by the window, watching the drizzle and regretting that he had agreed to this madness. He was about to make his way inside when he noticed her. She was sitting with her sketchpad in the corner of the outdoor gazebo, staring at the mountains. Her face seemed serene—until he noticed the furrow of her brows and pout as she sketched. She sat alone, away from the group, unnoticed by everyone. Except one— Arnav Singh Raizada.
The Night Before — 9:00 PM
She had wandered off unintentionally, curiosity leading her to the restricted wing where construction expansion was underway. Khushi found herself trapped inside the barely stable wing, alone in the dark with creaking wood and shuddering silence. She screamed for help. Hours passed before the incessant rain slowed and everything was quiet, when someone came calling for her. It was him. He called out, “Khushii, Khushiiiii.” Before she could respond, Arnav grabbed her arm—angry, cold with fear. “Do you have any idea what could have happened? What were you doing here alone?!” he shouted. Khushi, shivering and dust-covered, stared at him with wide, furious eyes. “You think I did this on purpose? If I knew this was restricted, would I wander here out of curiosity? Why do you always assume the worst?” Her voice cracked. “You’re so reckless! If something happened to you, I’d be held responsible—and you small people always wait for such opportunities to play victim and make money out of it!” he snapped. “No, you're judgmental,” she spat back. “Paisa hi sab kuch nahi hota! Haisiyat se jyada bhi insaan ki koi pehchan hoti hai. Par aap ko kya, apko apne ilawa koi dikhta hi nahi! Aapka sirf gussa hi nahi, aapki poori zindagi galat buniyaad pe bani hai!” The words hit harder than she expected. Arnav’s gaze dropped. She realized he was still her boss. Alarmed, she covered her mouth and avoided his eyes like a startled kitten. He found it amusing. Suppressing a smirk, he told her to get back to the resort and not wander off again—like a child being scolded.
1:00 PM
The sun bathed the mountains in golden light. Arnav stood at the trail’s edge behind the retreat, facing the rising sun. He heard footsteps. It was her, holding a package. “I was just passing by,” she said awkwardly. “I heard it’s your mother's birthday today.” He sighed. She continued, “Your eyes… they’re like your mother’s, aren’t they?” He scoffed—bitter, broken. “Please stop. You have no idea what it feels like losing your parents.” Khushi froze, then gave a sad, distant smile. “I wish no child had to lose their parents. I was eight,” she said softly. “I didn’t know what death meant then.” She placed the package on the table and ran. In her rush, her shawl slipped, revealing bruises—echoes of last night’s grip, filling him with regret. He opened the package. It was a sketch of his mother—not the stiff formal photo at AR, but mid-laughter, as if caught in a moment only he remembered. Her eyes sparkled with joy, reserved for him, when he’d cling to her or crack some silly joke. For the first time in years, he smiled. This brought back beautiful memories lost under the storm. Realization dawned. How did Khushi know? Maybe… maybe she gave him what she had always wished someone had given her—a glimpse of a parent smiling, alive in memory. And that broke something in him. Because while he had shut out the world in his pain, she had somehow understood it… and responded with kindness. She had lost her parents at eight, with barely any memories to hold on to—yet she still found ways to spread light. Now at eighteen, she was working to provide for her foster family. She had no privilege. No safety net. Only grit, innocence, and a kind heart. She was surviving in this cruel world like a flickering diya in a storm—fragile, yet determined to glow. While he was always scoffing at her because he was terrified of the emotions she evoked in him, she trusted him with a piece of her soul, with her deepest pain without any expectations. He felt ashamed of himself and whispered, “Khushi,” like a prayer.
8:00PM
He found her at the gazebo. “Khushi,” he called very softly. She turned to leave. “Sorry. I am really very sorry,” he said remorsefully. He saw her eyes well up with tears. She blinked and asked, “Why? I don’t want sympathy.” He said gently, “You deserve an apology… and thank you for the sketch. It’s beautiful. And Khushi, if and when you ever feel like sharing more… you can talk to me.” Khushi gave a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for asking. Someday, I’ll share.” He nodded in understanding. She lightened the moment, saying, “Sorry and thank you together? Aap bohot ajeeb ho!” and then burst out laughing. He admired her laughing freely, a rare smile gracing his lips. Her laughter was a fragile spark in the darkness—a light so pure and fierce, it made him ache. He wanted to shield her from every storm life could throw her way. In that moment, all he felt was the burning need to be her guardian, the one who would never let her flicker fade into shadow. He whispered to himself, “Protect her.” Devi Maiyya smiled, for the storm was over—and the diya, once flickering in the wind, now burned unwavering, a tender flame of love strong enough to mend what life had broken. A true love that would be built on respect, understanding, and trust.
Will I ever stop talking about the dargah sequence?
The answer is NO. It was so beautifully shot and it spoke so much about their equation without giving away anything. I loved how Arnav and Khushi were so unaware of each other, because, of course, shuruwat thi. And Arziyan as the background score made so much sense and added this very important poignant touch to the entire sequence. Their story was completely fated, and this was the gateway.
The purity of this frame speaks volumes!
There was also one particular scene that really portrayed the inner psyche of Arnav Singh Raizaada, otherwise an unapologetic atheist and disbeliever of any higher power other than himself. His disbelief was perfectly portrayed in the sequence where he was heading towards to dargah, with a stoic expression and his oblivious disregard for the poor. We see him dodging the peacock feathers, and even the crowd around him. But then, he enters the dargah with flowers in his hands and most importantly,
He bows down before the tomb.
This one frame gave away the deeper insight of Arnav, for the first time. Arnav, who is sensitive, respectful and surprisingly, considerate. Not the stern, arrogant, and no nonsense Arnav Singh Raizaada that we were familiar with.
I have created this ID because watty is acting weird and here you can find me.. Insta is on the way but for now we can chat here so we have some connection - i wont be posting chapters here but atleast we can discuss na.. so here it is
Lots of Love
Bemighty!
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Unpopular opinion, I would’ve love for Khushi to end up with NK in IPKKND.
Dont get me wrong I am a HUGE Arnav and Khushi fan, but I also see how absolutely FUCKED their relationship is. Yes the progression of them finally healing and falling in love and shit after 8 seasons is great and all. But, I sometimes think of how different the show would be if Khushi had fallen in love with NK. Just imagine.
I mean I know it’s practically and impossible idea considering the year when this show came out. But, the storyline shifting to Khushi finding happiness in someone who respects her, treats her kindly, loves her. And NK being possibly the best husband ever sounds so amazing. The regret that Arnav would feel and the healing that would take on from there on. And Arnavs happily ever after would be realising that he deserves love and happiness too- without being abusive and toxic. Look, Idk how it would go. i cant imagine IPKKND without them being a couple or a better ending, as that ending was EPIC. But, NK being a main lead or the guys the main lead falls for just seems so right. It would be a breath of fresh air. Or her dating NK and then him having to go away and her and Arnav finding their way back to each other AFTER healing. Idk idk would’ve spared us the extra 4 seasons of torture.
ah the first look! the first impressions and the first introductions. it's interesting how the first snapshot after introducing us to Lucknow is of the Guptas. While both the families belong from the same city, it's now after 14 years that Arnav is at the point to take what is rightfully his, that Khushi breaks past the gates of his shell.
I love that bua ji's, the fiercely protective guardian of the two girls later onwards entrusted with their responsibility when they are sent to Delhi with her is the one introducing us to whose day it'll be.
"arre khushi ka mawqa hai!"
one of my favourite things about ipkknd were the possibly double meaning of dialogues. of course, it's a blissful and happy day for the daughter of the house is about to get married but today also marks the day where Arnav think he's won from his past. He is unaware that Khushi or happiness will come knocking at his door in span of few hours. Khushi is unaware that the turmoil her recklessness will pull through will lead to her, and her sister's best decisions of life.
Khushi's introductory dialogues reveal that despite being nervous she doesn't shy away from doing whatever she thinks is 'right'. I've always maintained that Khushi's moral compass is driven from the understanding of morality but whether whatever decision she makes will make the person she's doing that particular action for or from happy or sad. Right now, the shop being mortgage is going to take all of Guptas' assets and savings away. It'll also endanger her sister's happiness if the demand for dowry doesn't stop. While Khushi is right, as we know Shashi assures her afterwards, her going behind everyone to fix the situation herself isn't. These actions establish a running theme with Khushi's character. She is the definition of chaos and regardless of her intentions, things do tend to explode a lot in her face.
Also Payal's character's demure and ever-pleasing nature is established from the get go. While Bua ji is singing for her outside, she is worried about Khushi and her father instead of enjoying. The stoic tendency to please others and care for others before observing her own happiness stands out however her ability to go along until someone else takes the first step also shows her status as the elder daughter, whose often lauded as the perfect daughter of the house taking play.
The first look of Khushi, we see her eyes.
The eyes have a big role to play with both Arnav and Khushi, and to see the clarity and courage in Khushi's eyes from the first instance is just a beautiful directorial decision.
I also love Khushi's face reveal just as she is justifying her actions and revealing the same to Devi Ma. This is Devi Mayyian's child. Her absolute favourite and the closet confidant before Payal for Khushi! Sanaya looked absolutely ethereal in the first episode. The lengha is beautiful, the subdued green with pink with gota all over suits Khushi. Her switching out her khussas for tennis shoes few seconds earlier showing the unconventionality she doesn't shy away from. My only qualm is the amount of bronzer they put on Sanaya's face. (cough cough *colorism*)
Again with Khushi's moral compass, she wouldn't have stolen the milk man bike along with milk crates on the side if she actually took decisions which she thought through. Milk symbolises fertility and abundance blessed from gods. Khushi running away with stolen milk is a good use of metaphors in direction with Khushi being the force of change for everyone around her. Today in particular with Payal and Arnav's life. Also, 20,000 rs is symbolise the how the universe is shifting for the Guptas at least in the beginning. 20 being the universal number of harmony, balance and blessings and adding 0s to it which symbolise a divine journey. Three zeros simplify the divine journey Khushi has set out on and taken others along with her. The journey starting with loss will one day end with the gains Guptas didn't ever dream about. These little details were what pulled me into the script the first time around and seeing it repeat reinforces for me at least that I am glad to have been on this journey of Khushi and Arnav's from day one. (I started watching around the teej episodes).
Shashi's red kurta, I think at one point Shyam and NK both wore this during A & K's marriage. The recycling of wardrobes.
Shashi and Garima's conversation reveal the compliance that comes with being a woman in society and is understood by perhaps Garima and Bua ji. Shashi on the other hand might give into the norms, is also someone who stands against the injustices practiced in name of tradition and I love him for it! I really wish we had seen him recover before the show ended. A conversation between him and Arnav would've been heartwarming to witness since they both seem to align on their moral perspective of the world to an extent.
I know they try to tell us Khushi is around early adult years like 18, I really thought she passed as someone who was 21 and 22 through mannerism and with the bday tracks, I'm using that age as cannon.
We finally have the entry of our rakhshas urf rajkummar
I love the shot of Khushi's motorcycle leaving the gates and stopping at the signal for the chopper to fly over and her being the only one to look up in the shot.
Ah ASR, Arnav Singh Raizada. He oozes arrogance, attitude, entitlement, purpose, and luxury. This is not an ordinary man and makes sure everyone around him remembers that. Of courses betiya didn't care about any. of it and that wasn't okay, at all!
With the first pap question we already know the this man has an established reputation of being hard to reach, of being mysterious, and making calculated decisions which leave others stumped in light of his age and experience. The second and third follow up are questions are just as enthralling. This is one of the most eligible bachelors and not many know much about his personal life. His mysteriously magnetic persona also begs answers to know why they're exceptions in him making a presence at events he is hosting in smaller cities of the country. All these questions and he answers nothing. Just calmly walks past. But we get hints. There's a past. A haunting one with a broken marriage, death, and a mother.
"Hum usoolon ke bare pakke hain!"
"Usooloon se somjhota nahi karte!"
ah chacha ji! where else do we go on to hear these lines from? Dadi ji. How ironic that a woman and her son taking pride in their ability to stick to rules, morals, traditions, are the ones at mercy of this man whose morals are deemed questionable throughout, who doesn't advertise morality, nor preach verse of tradition. These are also the people who wronged him and his sister as a kid. The Maliks left Arnav and Anjali at a place where they couldn't use their name without feeling disgraced. And now here, fourteen years later Arnav stands on the same grounds he was was told to leave from. I love the 630 above Arnav. The number signifying success. Apt! The white dove signifying the turmoil ending to some degree with the Arnav Malik rightfully taking what was his, a reign of peace.
In contrast Payal and Khushi once again having the conversation about what they're doing is right or not brings us to a contrast in decision making abilities. Arnav's move was calculated. He went over Chachaji's head to buy from the man the havali was mortgaged to. Khushi's move is driven through impulse of protecting her sister's happiness.
Khushi's words abut dil, zameer, paisa are hilarious because the man she loathes for the same reason is the one she is unable to hate. Oh how the tables turn!
I love Anjali's introduction. The first words are Arnav. The first interaction in the flashback of her's is with Arnav. The siblings are each others' first friends, first confidants, first people. Anjali wearing very thick visible sindoor after we just saw an ambiguous flash back of hers at her wedding is such a perfect example of Raizada's not being much different than the Maliks in their quest to bury the past and refuse to answer questions. Anjali wearing yellow in a see of red is such a perfect repression of what she means to Arnav. Yellow symbolises happiness, sunshine, brightness. Khushi later showing up in Green is also such a beautiful thing as green symbolises rebirth, revitalisation, and reincarnation of life. The two women are everything for this man.
We find out Arnav wanting to knock down Sheesh Mahal. Whether he does so or not, we don't find out.
(The ipk Redux was amazing at plot analyses and predicting tracks through easter eggs in the show. The complete truth of Garima, Arnav's dad, Khushi's parents, Chachaji, Dadi ji, and Shyam being tied to their past was changed according to those theories and ofc they are theories not canon. but these narrative shifts annoyed me a lot which is why I think IPK would've been good as a finite series. It wouldn't have to adjust its tracks in accordance to trps. Regardless of this theories being right or wrong, we can already observe with the omission of Chacha ji that there were changes made. Ah well.)
I loved that poet dude. The insinuation of taking to rights and two lefts, and Khushi being lost in the labyrinth that was Sheesh mahal is apt in terms of how Khushi found her life tangled with Arnav's past later onwards. I love how Khushi always ended up unintentionally walking towards Arnav since this day onwards. We see that when she ends up at Shantivan with saris. We see that when she ends up in front of him after Shyam the first time around.
and now for that fateful moment. The moment planned by the Gods. the moment where Khushi finds herself scared, her phone battery gone, she has no one and in a sea of people her eyes land at that one person. Interesting how she pulls up her dupatta just as that man stares her. Arnav's eyes when looking at Khushi find a way to admire her or in this case, he was straight up being disrespectful towards this strange girl. When she turns around to leave, she slips on the dupatta his staff had pinned on her and god, this man was taken aback by her. The first meeting derived anger from Arnav but also it pushed something he didn't hope to have to that extent. There is a pull between the two. He looks at her eyes, observes her trembling lips, and her hand, her hand clutches onto his collar which becomes a theme. The dupatta and Arnav's collar are two things that become so important in their ability to communicate their comfort to each other.
And so it begins. The love story. The kahani of nafrat, of refusing to be indifferent but trying so so hard to be.
