#kkgsr

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Behind the Sheesh Mahal

This is a series of behind the lives of ASR & KKGSR - some extra snippets - presented you by the ever wonderful Kamlesh Khabri

[hand-picked-star]

(continuation of previous post)

NARRATIVE 01

If I consider no time gap happened and take into account of characters description of events and only remember 12 days are left of their contact marriage.then I reach this conclusion, that the last day was this day.

And the thing that happened that day was the main reason of their contact marriage ceased to exist. The child died.when Arnav revealed the reason of their marriage he said that after the child was safe he would throw her out of his life.

so to my understanding that was the last day of their contact marriage (aka 13 August). They had a long night. And further into the very night or in the early hours of the next day (aka 14 August) when Khushi told Arnav that she was going home, Arnav said, ' Don't leave'.I like this narrative very much.

So did he or did he not make her KKGSR within 12 days? He did. That was achieved by 10 days at their roka. Mission Accomplished.

Note: suddenly all the characters stopped mentioning 'next day' or 'kal e hoga,woh hoga' in their conversation after mehendi.

NARRATIVE 02

it's very difficult to co-ordinate with real time.that's why when Khushi took Arnav on date her mentioning 24th August is kind of jarring,coz more than 10 days are missing.Then it is vey sad that the crucial days are missing on the screen.but if the real time dates are to be considerd, then rakhi was celebrated on 2nd August of 2012, the day Arnav started 24-hours track,but that day they didn't celebrated rakhi. If consider rakhi was celebrated late by the raizadas as akash was in mumbai then janmastami was on 9 August,2012 and after janmastami all the days are one by one.So when they went to date, was on 13th August.It can't be 24th.The episodes were telecasted around that time, that's why they included that date.If they didn't mention the date then there wouldn't be that much confusion.

If a time jump to be considered,then when the time jump happened. only scope is this day.

In between these scenes. If you think there was a time gap between them,then there was a time gap between them, if you don't, then there was none.

So, either khushi woke up on 10days later or they went to bed on some other day.But the gap between rakhi and janmastami more than 10 days? wouldn't be much of a problem if the audiences don't have the knowledge about these occasions. then the deadline of the contact passed in this gap, which is sad coz we didn't got to see it and Arnav had tried even less, like 4 days.So, I don't like this narrative very much. I just ignore the date of THE date as the date of telecast,nothing more,nothing less.

Note: If there was a time jump,then raizadas were very dirty fellow or also 'kumvokorn ke aulad' slept for a long time.aj sota hain toh,10 din bad uthta hain or Arnav is a typical husband not doing anything on time.kal bolke 10 din bad karta hain 😁.

NARRATIVE 03

On the other hand,If I count the standard gap between rakhi and janmastami of 8 days,then in rakhi 9 days were left and then there were only one day left at the end of janmastami.(with a time jump of 4 days that are missing on screen)

That's will do also.Arnav going to remarry her with proper ritual this time and he sought her forgiveness for every hurt he ever caused at about 11 pm of 13 August,2012,at the very end of their contact.

NARRATIVE 04

And this is the actual episode that aired on 13 August,2012.

So,it's understandable why Arnav was desperate to consumate their marriage on that specific day. Discussed in details here.

Note: And at the end, I didn't know why I wasted so much of my brain cells in figuring out the end date. 😁 But it was fun.As the makers didn't tell specifically when was the last day,we can assume any day that floats our boats.

My scattered thoughts (5c/?)

<previous >

[arshisrabbaves]

3 Am Rant: Biggest WTF moment in IPK (for me)

When Khushi said something like “Maybe Shyam has had a change of heart after loosing his child” I seriously lost my cool-

Little context: After losing her baby Anjali is very vulnerable and no one or nothing can make her feel better. Well except for her Shyam ji (the most loving person in the world lol!) So when Khushi sees that how Anjali felt better only when Shyam is around her she brings him back. Arnav on the other hand gets upset at Khushi and asks her why she did that (as he should tbh!) to which she replies saying “If I didn’t bring Shyam back then who knows what might happen to Anjali and I think Shyam has changed now for better”

WTF! Like- are you serious? You got to be kidding right? This is the worst line said by KKGSR in entire Ipk. I have looked past most of Khushi’s mistakes and naive behaviour because I’m like- okay! I understand that Khushi doesn’t really have real insights of the world, she viewed everyone from the same lens and it’s probably because she had to live in the shadows of Guptas for years where she nodded her head and agreed with everything that they said. Not that I blame her for it, poor girl was probably reminded of the fact that she was adopted every now and then.

That man! Stalked her, followed her from Lucknow to Delhi

But her assuming that Shyam has changed for better was the worst thing ever imo. In that moment she was no longer a pure hearted innocent girl or someone who’s naive. She was straight up Dumb and stupid, I’m sorry if I sound harsh! I love Khushi I really do- but I can’t understand how can she be ready to forgive Shyam and think he has changed after everything he put her through.

That man! He stalked her, followed her from Lucknow to Delhi. Deceived her and her family and stayed with them, manipulated buaji for his and Khushi’s marriage, even though he was already married. Tried to kill her father, indirectly blackmailed her family and restrained them from telling Raizadas the truth. Physically and verbally abused Khushi during Payash wedding track, created misunderstandings between Arnav and her, kidnapped Arnav and tried to kill him, left her in the middle of the road to die. Assassinated her character in front of everyone.

You see it’s a huge list-

Khushi was the first person (after Shashi) to find out the truth about Shyam. She’s the one who has seen the disgusting side of him more than any other characters, even she knows what he put her through. And then her saying something like this- totally baffling.

Like! Were what was script writer thinking!!

And the fact that Arnav said that he’ll never trust Shyam again! That’s how you do it!

This is that one thing I wish I could change in Ipk!

[laad-governess]

Mr. Meow Singh Raizada-

@jalebi-weds-bluetooth here's your Meow Singh Raizada💝

[rabba-ve]

Tu Safar Mera — COMPLETE!

Our fic is finally complete! Read the final chapter here on Wattpad!

To read form the start go here <3 <3 <3

[thatcollateraldamage]

thinking of posting my ipkknd rewatch recaps here or should I do a separate blog? like I probs won’t put up any fanfics here or should I? 

[niyatis-ipkknd-world]

Namak ishq ka..hayee tere ishq ka💗💗

[lovingbirds25]

@s_adhiti : Today (11th July, 2019) Marks The 8th Anniversary Of "For The First Time Arnav Screaming Khushi's Name!" ❤ E27: https://www.hotstar.com/1000007630 💝 On This Date, 8 Years Ago, Arnav Who Rushed To The Guesthouse, Got Horrified To Find Khushi's Bag & Mobile But Not Her And At That Moment For The FIRST Time Ever He Screamed Her Name, "KHUSHI!" (ONLY Khushi) ❤ Another Journey Had Begun Since Then❤ #Sarun #BarunSobti #SanayaIrani #IssPyaarKoKyaNaamDoon #IPKKND #IPKKNDrewind #IPKKNDEkJashn #arshi #ASR #KKG #KKGSR #SarunHamesha #RabbaVe #STARPLUS #HOTSTAR #STARUTSAV #RABBAVEONSTARUTSAV #barunsanaya #GodBlessSarun #newsarunshow #NoSarunNoIPKKND #NoSarunNoRabbaVe #IPKKNDMeansSarun #RabbaVeMeansSarun #boycottgul🚫 @sanayairani @barunsobtisays https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzw7V-RJrBs/?igshid=d3ixecar8ubp

[puranijeans]

source : The Indian

Idiot

[myloveforstuff]

Fragmented Colors (on Wattpad) https://my.w.tt/HVHfbbKRBU Where do you find a love so potent, it crosses the boundaries of distance and time itself?

Publishing my first ever completed story on wattpad yayyy! 

[manmarziiyan]

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Behind The Dargah

This is a series of behind the lives of ASR & KKGSR - some extra snippets - presented you by the ever wonderful Kamlesh Khabri

[elifbidunya-blog]

:)

[phati-sari]

Hey PS, I have a question which is somewhat personal to you. Of all the names given to Kushi in IPK like chamkeli, sankadevi, KKGSR, why did u choose "Phati Sari" as your tumbler name. Please ignore it if u felt personal. If u r gonna answer, then Thanks you for answering.

Hiyya :)

I just like it lol, no deeper meaning. I did tear my sari once tho, at someone else’s wedding. That was hilarious. There’s also this.

[laad-governess]

Khushi: Arnav never made it to London. What have you done with him?

Shyam: Me? I was right here🤷🏻‍♂️

[rabba-ve]

Ch 10: Iss Deewani Ladki Ko Koi Samjhaye

Hope you enjoy our longest chapter yet. Just a small note:

For the "wound lacked seasoning" line we need to credit @tellywoodtrash​ on Tumblr. We got it from one of those wonderfully entertaining ebss liveblogs. Thank you <3

Read below the cut or on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/755870334-tu-safar-mera-ch-10-iss-deewani-ladki-ko-koi

Khushi was out of breath by the time she got to the kitchen. She leaned on the counter, not knowing whether she was crying or laughing. She could never have imagined that the Arnav Singh Raizada that took all day to say sorry just once could ever apologise so beautifully. He had acknowledged all the times she had been hurt. Knowing that he understood what she had been through, that he regretted having ever caused or been the catalyst for any of those things was like a soothing balm. This was the Arnav she could trust and respect. She could count on him to communicate with her, to face all obstacles together. They finally had a strong foundation to build their life on.

"Par jo bhi ho," [But whatever it is,] Khushi said, wondering to herself, "Arnavji ka yeh romantic andaaz dekh kar bahut maza aa raha tha. Hum kabhi soch bhi nahi sakte the ki Arnavji hamare liye itna sab karenge. Aur Nanheji aur Jijaji ke saath! Unhone hume itna pareshan kiya hai, unki taang kheechna toh banta hai." [I had so much fun seeing Arnavji in a romantic mode. I'd never thought Arnavji could do all this for me. That too with Nanheji and Jijaji! He's troubled me so much, I've got to pull his leg at least a little.] She snapped her fingers and grinned at the genius ideas forming in her brain.

Just then Payal came into the kitchen for a late night glass of water.

"Jiji!" Khushi lit up. Payal jumped back.

"Khushi! Tum kya kar rahi ho?"

[Khushi! What are you doing here?]

"Jiji kya sahi waqt pe aayi ho!" [You came here at just the right time!] Khushi said, hugging her sister.

"Tumhe dekh ke hume aisa kyun lag raha hai ki tumhare khurafati dimaag mein kuch chal raha hai?" [Why do I feel like something's cooking in that brain of yours?] Payal asked suspiciously. Khushi became serious. Now that everything was turning out well, it was time to tell Payal the truth. She deserved to know.

"Jiji, hame tumhe kuch batana hai. Pehle vaada karo ki gussa nahi karogi."

[Jiji, I need to tell you something. First promise me that you won't get angry.]

"Accha. Theek hai. Nahi karenge. Ab bolo."

[Okay. I won't. Now say it.]

"Tum jaanana chahti thi na ki hamne bina bataye Arnavji se shaadi kyun ki." [You wanted to know why I married Arnavji without informing anyone.] She narrated the entire story. Payal couldn't believe it. She had listened to Khushi as patiently as possible, holding back her anger. But, when Khushi stopped speaking, Payal let her have it.

"Hame Arnavji se yeh umeed nahi thi! Unn se toh hum baad mein nipat lenge. Tum samajhti kya ho apne aapko? Puri duniya ka bojh apne sar pe lene ka thheka le rakha hai kya tumne? Kya zaroorat thi ye sab karne ki, itna sab kuch sehene ki? Tumhe kya laga agar Arnavji Akash se kehte ki hame chod de toh woh sach mein hame chod dete? Hamara pyaar itna kamzor nahi hai. Aur vaise bhi agar Akash aisa karne ki sochte na to hum hi yeh risthta tod dete. Tumne—"

[I didn't expect this from Arnavji. But I will deal with him later. What do you think of yourself? Do you think it's your job to shoulder all the burdens of the world? What was the need to do all this, to suffer silently through it? Did you think that if Arnavji asked Akash to leave me he would? Our love is not that weak. And anyway, if Akash even thought of doing this, I would have left him myself. You—]

"Hum jaante hai ki hame aisa nahi karna chahiye tha. Par baat tumhari zindagi ki thi. Humne yeh sab tumhari bhalaai ke liye hi kiya. Pehle bhi ek baar hamari wajah se tumhari shaadi toot gayi thi. Hum tumhe aur Amma Babuji ko phir uss gham mein nahi dekhna chahte the."

[I know I shouldn't have done this. But it was a matter of your life. I did it for your own good. Your first wedding stopped because of me. I didn't want to see you, Amma and Babuji go through that again.]

"Par Khushi, tumhe mujhe pehle bata dena chahiye tha, na. Hum saath mein iss mushkil ka saamna karte!" [But Khushi, you should have told me earlier. We would have faced the problem together.] Payal was distressed at not having been able to be there when her sister needed her most.

"Hume maaf kar do Jiji. Hum bas tumhe aur pareshan nahi karna chahte the. Par ab tum hamare saath ho!" [Forgive me, Jiji. I just didn't want to trouble you more. But now you're with me!] Khushi reassured her. "Mushkilon ko bhool jao! Yeh waqt kuch naya sochne ka hai." [Forget the problems! This is the time to think of something new.] They shared conspiratorial smiles. Now it was the Gupta sisters against the world. Raizadas, beware!

--

The whole family was eating breakfast.

"Nannav, kal raat ko kuch baat bani?" [Nannav, did it go well last night?] NK whispered to Arnav who was sitting next to him. Arnav looked at him and then at Khushi across from him.

"Shaayad? I haven't really been able to talk to her. She left the room before I woke up this morning."

[Maybe? I haven't really been able to talk to her. She left the room before I woke up this morning.]

"Aaj ka nashta hum khud banaye hai aap sab ke liye. Chote ko poori aloo bahute hi pasand hai. Ee khatir hum banaye hai. Lijiye, Khushi bitiya. Hame pata hai aapko bhi bahut pasand hai."

[I have made breakfast this morning for all of you. Chote loves poori aloo. That's why I made them. Have some, Khushi. I know you like them a lot, too.]

Nani said as she passed the pooris to Khushi. Arnav offered the bowl of aloo. When Khushi held it, he placed his own hand over hers. She glanced at their hands and then up at his face. The self-satisfied smirk she saw there reminded her of her goal. It wouldn't do to give in to him just yet. She pulled the bowl towards herself.

"Wow, Nannav! Khushiji tumse naraaz hai aur tum yahan pe apna favourite khaaana bana rahe ho." [Wow, Nannav! Khushiji is angry with you and here you are eating your favourite food.] NK hissed at Arnav.

"Yeh khaana maine specially Nani se kehke Khushi ke liye banvaya hai." [I specially requested Nani to make this for Khushi.] Arnav whispered back. Payal, who was passing by them while serving, overheard him. She tried to get Khushi's attention but the latter was too captivated by the food in her plate. She was about to pick up a bite when Payal pulled the plate away from her.

"Khushi! Tum yeh nahi kha sakti! Tumhara vrat hai!" [Khushi! You can't eat it this! You are fasting!] she shouted. Khushi was shocked.

"Vrat? Aur hum?"

[Fast? And me?]

"Khushi, tumne mujhe kal raat kitchen mein kaha tha ki tumhara vrat hai. Tum aaj kuch bhi nahi khaogi..." [Khushi, you told me last night in the kitchen that you're fasting today. You won't eat anything at all.] Payal looked at her, trying to telepathically convey her thoughts. But Khushi still looked confused and sad. Payal leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Yeh Arnavji ne tumhare liye banvaya hai. Agar tum khaogi toh hamara plan chaupat ho jayega." [Arnavji had this made for you. If you eat it, our plan will be ruined.]

"Oh haan!" [Oh yeah!] Khushi said loudly, "Hamara vrat hai, Naniji. App sab khaiye hame kamre mein waise bhi kuch kaam hai." [Naniji, I am fasting today. You all should continue, I have some work to do in the room.] A dejected Arnav watched her leave.

--

"Yeh lo, Khushi. Tumhari aloo poori." [Here Khushi, your aloo poori.] Payal said as she walked into the room. Akash and Arnav had left for work.

"Bahut bahut shukriya, Jiji. Hume bahut bhook lag rahi hai!" [Thank you very much, Jiji. I am so hungry!] Khushi pounced on the food.

"Ab kya karna hai?" [What's next?] Payal asked.

"Khana khana hai," [Eating,] Khushi said as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. Payal smacked her on the head.

"Woh toh tumhe hamesha hi karna hota hai. Hum plan ka pooch rahe the."

[That's what you always want to do. I was asking about the plan.]

"Oh, hame pata lagana hoga ki unka aage ka plan kya hai."

[We need to find out what their next plan is.]

"Hum Akash ko phone karke poochte hai." [I will call Akash and ask.] Payal said.

"Tumhe kya lagta hai, woh tumhe aise hi bata denge? Hume jasoos banna hoga. Tum Jijaji pe nazar rakhna, aur hum Laad Governor pe nazar rakhenge."

[You really think he will tell you just like that? We have to become detectives. You keep an eye on Jijaji and I will on Laad Governor.]

--

That evening, when Arnav returned from work, Khushi brought his coffee to their room. She noticed a rectangular package on the bed, covered in green gift wrap. She immediately turned away, acting as if she hadn't seen it, and switched on the TV. Unfortunately for Arnav, a Salman Khan movie was on—Bodyguard. Khushi was riveted.

Arnav got up from the recliner and put the gift there so it was in Khushi's direct line of sight. But she still didn't acknowledge it. That meant she was doing this on purpose. Arnav turned off the TV and threw the remote on the bed. He grabbed the box and waved it in front of Khushi's face.

"Kya kar rahi ho tum? Yeh dikh nahi raha hai? Yeh tumhare liye hai. Kholo isse!"

[What are you doing? Can't you see this? This is for you. Open it!]

"Yeh koi tareeka hota hai taufa dene ka? Laad Governor se aur umeed bhi kya ki jaa sakti hai?" [Is this the way to give someone a gift? What else can be expected from Laad Governor?] Arnav rolled his eyes and sighed. Not wanting to make him wait any longer (and eager to see the gift herself), Khushi opened it.

Inside was a beautiful red saree.

"Yeh woh sari hai jo tumne calendar photoshoot ke liye pehni thi. You looked so beautiful that day. You took my breath away. Maine yeh kissi aur ko pehenne nahi di. It belongs to you." [This is the sari that you wore on the day of the calendar shoot. You looked so beautiful that day. You took my breath away. I haven't let anyone else wear it. It belongs to you.]

"Kaunsa photoshoot? Aur yeh hamne pehni thi? Kab?" [What photoshoot? I wore this? When?] Khushi asked. Arnav was astounded.

"Jab tumne mera office join kiya tha."

[When you joined my office.]

"Achha? Theek se yaad nahi. Par koi baat nahi. Shukriya." [Really? I don't remember clearly. But that is alright. Thank you.] She stood up to leave but Arnav caught her wrist. She looked back at him.

"Tumhe pasand to aayi na?" [You liked it right?] His eyes were so unsure, Khushi wanted to drop the act and tell him how touched she was by this gesture but she pulled herself together.

"Waise toh yeh rang hume utna pasand nahi hai par gota lagane ke baad yeh khoobsurat ho jayegi." [I don't like this colour much but if I add some gota the sari will look beautiful.] She smiled and sauntered out.

--

The next morning, Payal pulled Khushi into the kitchen when the others were busy with breakfast.

"Hame badi khabar pata chali hai, Khushi. Aaj Aakash aur NKji Arnavji ke saath chudiyan khareedne jaa rahe hai. Tumhare liye."

[I've found out some big news, Khushi. Today, Akash, NKji are going out with Arnavji to buy bangles.]

"Chudiyan?" [Bangles?] Khushi was confused until her mind flashed to the time Arnav had bought her bangles after she injured herself from the ones given by NK because they were too small. She told Payal about it.

"Idea!" Payal jumped up, eyes bright, "Ab meri baat dhyaan se suno." [now, listen to me carefully.]

--

"Where to? NK asked.

"Bhai we should go to Tanishq." Akash gave his expert advice

"Khushi ka fashion sense thoda alag hai to hum uske type ki jagah jaa rahe hai." [Khushi's fashion sense is different so we'll go to her kind of place.] Arnav said with a long-suffering sigh.

"Matlab?" [As in?] Clueless NK asked.

"Chandni Chowk."

--

"Mohanji, Arnavji ki gaadi ka peecha kijiye."[Mohanji, follow Arnavji's car.] Khushi said as she and Payal got into the car.

"Kya? Par bhabhi... [What? But bhabhi—]

"Abhi sawaal karne ka waqt nahi hai. Jaldi kijiye." [There's no time for questions. Hurry up!] Payal said. Mohan started driving.

"Zyaada paas nahi." [Not too close.] Khushi cautioned "Unhe pata nahi chalna chahiye." [They shouldn't see us.]

--

When she realized they were at Chandni Chowk, Khushi became overjoyed. Arnav really did know her well.

"Mohanji aap yahi rukiye hum dono abhi aate hai." [Mohanji, you wait here. We'll be right back.] Payal said.

Fifteen minutes later, Khushi and Payal entered the same store the three musketeers had just vacated.

"Bhaisaab, abhi jo teen log yahan se gaye na, unhone jo chudiya kharidi hume wohi chahiye lekin ek size choti." [Bhaisaab, we want the same bangles bought by the three men that just left from here. But in a smaller size.] Khushi said. The shopkeeper complied taking out a stunning set of green and gold bangles. On each end were broader bangles with gold flowers all around, centered with pearls. In the middle were alternating green and gold pieces of a simpler design. The colour came from the deep green thread wrapped around the metal which gave it a subtle but sophisticated look.

"Bahut khoobsurat hai," [They're very beautiful,] Payal said as Khushi tried on the bangles to make sure they didn't fit.

--

"Khushi tum kahan thi?" [Khushi, where were you?] Arnav asked as she and Payal walked through the door.

"Woh...Jiji aur hum..." [We...Jiji and I...]

"Doesn't matter. Mere paas tumhare liye kuch hai." [Doesn't matter. I have something for you.] he said, lifting his hand to show her the cardboard box he was holding. Khushi looked at Payal, panicked.

"Arnavji! Pehle hume aap se zaroori baat karni hai. Akele mein." [Arnavji! First I need to talk to you. Alone.] Payal took the box from Arnav and set it on the table. She led him to the poolside.

"Sab theek toh hai?" [Is everything alright?] Arnav asked when they got there.

"Aranvji, Khushi ne hame aapki shaadi ka sach bata diya hai. Hume aapse yeh umeed nahi thi. Aap Khushi ki zindagi ke saath aisa khilvaad kaise kar sakte the? Hum sapne mein bhi nahi soch sakte the ki aap aisa kuch karenge. Ya uss pe shaq kar sakte hai! Aur hamari shaadi ko dav pe lagana—yeh kaise kar diya aapne?"

[Aranvji, Khushi has told me the truth about your marriage. I did not expect this from you. How could you play with her life like that? I could never even imagine in my wildest dreams that you were capable of doing something like that. Or that you could doubt her! You threatened my marriage with Akash—how could you?]

Her voice shook from rage.

"I'm sorry, Payal. Main Khushi ka gunhegar hoon. Aur tumhara bhi. Tumhe aur Akash ko hurt karne ka mera kabhi bhi intention nahi tha. Main jaanta hoon maine Khushi ko bahut dard diya hai. And she didn't deserve any of it. Ab main apni galtiyan sudharne ki koshish kar raha hoon."

[I'm sorry, Payal. I have wronged Khushi, and you. It was never my intention to hurt you or Akash. I know I have hurt Khushi a lot. And she didn't deserve any of it. Now I'm trying to make up for my mistakes.]

"Hum jaante hai ki aap apni galtiyan sudharne ke kaabil hai, Arnavji. Aur koshish bhi kar rahe hai." [I know you are capable of making up for your mistakes, and that you've already started.] Payal gave him a small smile.

"Trust me, Payal main tumhe shikayat mauka nahi doonga." [Trust me, Payal, I won't give you the chance for a single complaint.] They headed inside when Khushi called.

Arnav took Khushi's hand and led her to the table. He picked up the box and opened it to show her.

"Yeh tumhare liye."

[This is for you.]

"Arnavji!" she shrieked, "Yeh kitni khoobsurat hai! Aur hamare manpasand rang mein bhi. Hum sabko dikhayenge." [These are beautiful! And this is my favorite color too. I want to show everyone.] Khushi ran to Payal. "Dekho Jiji, kitni sundar hai, na?" [Jiji look, Aren't they beautiful?]

"Haan Khushi!" [Yes Khushi!] Payal laughed. Akash, NK, and Anjali came into the living room.

"Kya hua Khushiji? Aap ki awaaz pure ghar mein goonj rahi hai." [What happened, Khushiji? Your voice is echoing through the house.] Anjali asked.

"Dekhiye na, Di. Arnavji ne hamare liye kitni sundar chudiyan layi hai." [Look Di. Arnavji has bought such beautiful bangles for me.]

"Arey wah! Yeh sach mein bahut acchi hai. Pehen ke toh dikhaiye." [Wow! They're really lovely. Try them on." Anjali said.

"Nannav pehna dega!" [Nannav will help you.] NK added, ever the romantic. Arnav walked over to Khushi and took the bangles, setting down the box. He took her hand.

But the bangles wouldn't fit.

"Yeh toh jaa hi nahi rahe hai." [They won't go through,] Khushi said looking at Arnav with big sad eyes. "Aapko hamari kalai ka size bhi nahi pata?" [You don't even know my wrist size?]

"What the...maine toh sahi size—" Arnav was completely confused. [What the...I'd got the right size—]

"Rehne dijiye, Arnavji. Agar aap ko sach mein hamari parvah hoti toh aap choti chudiyan nahi late." [Let it be, Arnavji. If you really cared about me, you wouldn't get the wrong size.] Khushi said, turning away from him.

"Galat baat, Nannav. Tum apni wife ke liye theek se gift bhi nahi le sakte?" [That's not right, Nannav. You can't even buy a gift for your wife properly?] NK jumped in. Arnav glared at him. Whose side was he on?

"Akash toh hamesha sahi size laate hai hamare liye." [Akash always brings the right size for me.] Payal added, as if his wound lacked seasoning.

"Pichli baar toh bilkul theek size laaye the, Chote," [Last time you'd got the right size, Chote.] Anjali came to his defense.

"Exactly!" Arnav said. "I don't understand what—"

"Chodiye. Ab baat karke kya fayda?" [Forget it. What's the point of talking about it now?] Khushi dropped the bangles on the table and left the room, downcast.

--

"Nanheji! Phir aap hume bina bataye kahin le kar jaa rahe hai!" [Nanheji! You're forcing me to go somewhere without any explanation again!] Khushi complained as NK once more pulled her from the kitchen where she was helping Payal clear up after dinner.

"Hopefully aaj ke baad karna na pade." [Hopefully, I won't have to do it ever again.] he mumbled.

"Kya?"

[What?]

"Kuch nahi." [Nothing.] They had got to the terrace. NK sent her in.

Arnav was there, lit by fairy lights and chinese lanterns. The whole terrace was filled with their warm glow as if he had borrowed the shine of the stars for a few hours. He held out his hand to her as the first notes of the music wafted over to them.

Na maaregi deewangi meri

Na maaregi awaargi meri

Ki maaregi zyada mujhe maut se

Naraazgi teri

my craziness won't kill me,

my vagrancy won't kill me.

more than death,

your anger will kill me.

She gave him her hand. He led her across a carpet of rose petals, to the center. He put her hands around his neck and looped his own around her waist.

Kyun itna huaa hai tu khafa

Hai zidd kis baat ki teri

Ki maaregi zyada mujhe maut se

Naraazgi teri

why are you so upset with me?

what are you so stubborn about?

more than death,

your anger will kill me.

They swayed in time to the music. Arnav ran his fingers over Khushi's arms, stepped back with both her hands in his. He spun her so her back was to him.

Jaan 'nisaar hai Jaan nisaar

Tere pyaar pe mere yaar

Jaan nisaar hai...

I am ready to give my life,

for your love, O my beloved.

He dipped her slightly to one side. His hand caressed her bare stomach. Khushi's mind flashed to the last time this had happened—Payal and Akash's sangeet.

"Yeh hum kya kar rahe hai?" [What am I doing?] she thought. Arnav took her hand in his and used the other to support her neck. He slid her down into a low dip, eyes never leaving hers.

Khushi shifted her foot and fell to the floor.

"Khushi! Kahan lagi tumhe?" [Khushi! Where are you hurt?]

"Lagta hai hamare pair pe moch aa gayi. Hume kamre me jaana chahiye." [Looks like my ankle is sprained. I should go to the room.] Khushi said, groaning in pain. Before she could try to stand up, she was being carried in Arnav's arms.

--

Arnav gently placed Khushi on the recliner.

"Hamara balm..." [My balm...] Khushi whispered. Arnav brought it for her and sat down in front of her. He lifted her foot onto his knee and slowly rubbed some balm on it. He noticed the anklet she was wearing.

"Yeh tum hamesha pehenti ho?" [You always wear these?] he asked, running his fingers over the cool metal.

"Hamesha. Hamari Amma ki hai."

[Always. They are my mother's.]

"Yaad hai. Tumne Diwali par bataya tha." [I remember. You had told me on Diwali.] He smiled up at her.

"Hum karna kya chahte the aur ho kya raha hai. Hey Devi Maiyya, inke plan bigadne ke chakkar mein humne inhe ek aur bana banaya 'recreation' hi de diya!" [I wanted to do one thing and something entirely different happened. Hey Devi Maiyya, in the process of ruining his plans, I've given him another ready-made recreation!] She walked to her cupboard to get her nightclothes.

"Khushi tumhara pair!" [Khushi your foot!] Arnav exclaimed, surprised to see her walk so easily. She looked down.

"Hey Devi Maiyya, aap kyun hamari baar baar pariksha le rahi hai?" [Hey Devi Maiyya, why do you keep testing me?] she mumbled. She looked at him. "Woh...woh...balm lagaya na abhi, toh ho gaya theek!" [You...you put on the balm so it's fine now!]

"Itni jaldi?" [So fast?] Arnav asked, eyebrow raised. She wasn't as good an actress as she thought she was.

"Aapne itne pyaar se lagaya..." [You did it with so much love...]

"Oh really?" He smirked as he walked closer. Khushi stepped back into the cupboard. He caressed her cheek, brushing away the lock of hair there. They were both breathing faster, hearts racing together. Arnav leaned in closer, his lips inches from her own. He stopped and looked into her eyes. The question was clear. Their distance was unbearable. Khushi closed the gap between their lips.

Arnav broke the kiss, stepping back, eyes searching to see if Khushi was okay. She seemed unable to look away from his mouth.

"Aap yeh kya kar rahe the?" [What were you doing?]

"Diwali ka kuch adhoora kaam pura kar raha tha." [Just completing something leftover from Diwali.] He whispered, smiling. Feeling the start of an answering smile on her own face, Khushi rushed out of the room.

In the hallway, she leaned against the closest wall she could find, breathless. She raised her hands to her cheeks trying to quiet the hot blush there.

---

"Aisa hi chalta raha na toh hum gaye kaam se," [If it goes on like this, I'm dead.] Khushi thought as she lay in bed later that night.

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Here's a close approximation of what we imagine the bangles would look:

Thank you for your amazing comments. Keep them coming!

-A&V