Spice Girls Hangout: Rabba-ve, Hamesha...

Hello SGs and everyone visiting this thread,

"Arnav aur Khushi hamesha saath rahenge", a perfect ending to the IPK journey that has enthralled and captivated audiences around the globe.

Heart and Soul...

I was an atheist when it came to Hindi TV soaps but in the last year and a half IPK challenged me. Although I can't say it made me a believer, it did however, slightly warmed me up for possibilities. I never thought I would pay even the slightest attention to anything other than American and British television, but here I am, saying farewell to a desi show that I grew to love and adore against my own judgment.

I think I have said this before, I had never even heard of a Mills and Boons before I joined the forum, so had no idea about the foundation of IPK. All I saw was an amazingly good looking couple on the screen, sizzling chemistry, nuanced screenplay and catchy soundtrack - all nicely packed in a 20 min episode neatly sandwiched between the dhoklas and the disease 😆 Hindi soaps are melodramatic, everything is over-the-top but in the case of IPK, strangely everything worked because on average, even in the crappiest week, the show offered something different, if nothing else, at least it offered hope that maybe tomorrow's episode will be better. Something IPK taught me - patience, ok not really but it tried.

String of pearls, mannat ki chaabi, anklet, dori, jalebi, sansein, tilchatta, Laad Governor, Sanka Devi, dabba service, SUV, bluetooth, car maintenance manual, silver coins, pooja ki thali, kheer, cake, pakora, hamesha.

Faraq padta hai kiyon kay? Hie! Tum...theek ho? Aaa..aap? Haa...Haan main! Bhaad main jaye aap, bhaad main jaye aap ki naukri! Sapno ki duniya main hi rehna accha hai! Kha thodi na jaoonga tumhe! Oh really? Lagi sharth? Ha Ha Ha Happy Birthday! I love you dammit! Hum bhi aap say I love you dammit!

The above are no longer words or phrases but are fond memories. When everything around you reminds you of Arnav and Khushi, it is a testament to the show that made such an impact but more so that you need help, a lot of it 😕

If I were to describe the show in words, an unsuccessful attempt would be:

Attraction, breathlessness, challenges, demands, enchantment, flirtatious, gazes, heartbreaking, imperfect, jealousy, kindness, love, mesmerizing, naughty, ostensible, passion, quintessential, raw, sensual, tantalizing, unforgettable, voracious, warm, xeric, yielding, zesty.

But words don't do justice. For me the show will always be about this:

Not the episode or the scene but the essence of the story that this scene depicts. Two people who will always be surrounded with light, fire, heat and obstacles but will always find a way back to each other! They can breathe in and out but can they really live without each other? No, they can't. Their feelings went from unawareness to realization to acknowledgement but the basis of it all was they were meant to be together, always. Two flawed individuals who were ajeeb for the rest of the world but were just perfect for each other in their own choti si duniya. Somewhere in those 20 minutes, they let me become a part of their duniya where I laughed with them, cried for them - har baar. It was not easy to be a part of this for the last 18 months, the journey of this love story was marred with twitchy villain, electric shocks, scorpion, ether, kidnappers, glass shards, mysterious pills, regressive grandparent, ex-flame, 7/8/9 year old kid and what not. It required a certain part of the brain to be turned off to watch the show but in the end, it was all worth it as long as Arnav and Khushi were on the screen in the same frame. To drown the deafening noise of the real world, the sound of Arnav and Khushi's banter was nothing but a sweet melody - an ultimate escapism. It was just like walking on a beach on a warm sunny day when you feel the water under your toes and it brings a smile to your face, but then the days started to turn cloudy and the water, too cold. With uncertainties looming whether the warm days will be back or not, it was perhaps best to leave the beach. The water had turned way too cold and any prolonged exposure would have certainly had undesired consequences.

As I watched the finale, I found myself standing in the departure lounge of an airport separated from the show by a glass window. Whether you are the one who is leaving or staying, the sentiments of both parties on either side of the window are the same. You say your goodbyes and slowly start to move away. You feel a bit of sadness and a tug at your heart which determines the pace of your steps, you keep on glancing at the window until you longer see the other person, the pace becomes steady and the sadness subsides. As you move towards your destination, a sense of calm prevails, you reminisce about your stay and even if you don't get to see the other person ever again, you are just grateful for the good times you had. Today, I started to walk away from the window.

For some the finale was not befitting of the epic journey. Undoubtedly, it was no way near to what it should have been but considering the alternative, it was solid gold. I guess this is another thing that IPK taught me - have low expectations because expectation is the mother of all f**k ups! Wait... or was it assumption? Whatever man! Cut it. Bullshit that is 😆

I am a born cynic and angst is my middle name, but even for me the thought of Arnav and Khushi not being together was unbearable. Their journey on my TV might have ended today but no one has copyrights on my sapno ki duniya where Arnav and Khushi have just begun 😊

Thank you to the entire crew for such a gem. I have a special place in my heart for the writers. One of the best nuanced writing on desi television, from zingers to tearjerkers, some lines will stay with me, always. Thank you to the entire supporting cast which acted as a catalyst to Arnav and Khushi's love story. Without a catalyst, the reaction doesn't reach the intensity. You guys were superb!

For me, the story was always about Arnav and Khushi and no one, I repeat no one can play those characters other than Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani. I hope someday you both are able to look back at this, realize and marvel at what you have created here. The magic of Arnav and Khushi can never be recreated but Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani will always sizzle and sparkle on the screen together. I think it is time for SRK and Kajol to pass the baton to these two but before they do, I would like Mr. Sobti and Ms. Irani to work on their PR skills. I am tired of defending these two in my head and honestly, my admiration can only go so far.

As for the "ring masters" and the "puppet masters" of the show - As a viewer I have always done what you have asked. For the first 6 months you gave me a stellar product that forced me to thank you from the bottom of my heart, so I did. The next 6 months, you started resisting. I wanted to thank you and I did for the most part but for the rest you didn't let me. As for the last 6 months, you were successful in your agenda especially in the last 3 months, where you made sure I wasn't left with any option but to not thank you and I obliged. So there! You got what you asked for as I have always respected your wishes. You should be eternally grateful to your cast and crew that they put something on the screen that made us stick to the show even when it was on life support. I am not going to analyze this lost opportunity for you anymore, have already done that way too many times and honestly, you don't seem to care.

Silver lining of it all and boy! Is it sparkly! 😃

Last but certainly not the least!

If IPK was an addiction, forum was IPK "Unanimous" with the sole purpose of fueling the addiction. As I exit this anti-therapeutic place after a 10 month stint, I walk away with not one, not two but many "Chips" - all the friendships that I have formed, all the people I have met who are worth more than this show could ever mean. All of you have taught me something about life and I am grateful to each one of you especially Ippy, Japonica, Maxine, Menty, Paru, Sari and SJ - my life is better with you guys in it 🤗 My love affair with this forum will always be complicated but I am thankful for the platform as it nudged me to write again.

Sari - tum aur main...hamesha! always! I know everyone wants a piece of Sari and my number in the list keeps going down 😆 but you will always have a special place in my heart, always!

Before I bid adieu, a sincere apology - If I have ever offended or hurt anyone with my words, I am sorry, I am really very sorry for every single time. I can't apologize for who I am but for anything I might have done, sorry sorry, lakhon sorry.

Until we meet again.. in some other universe, in some other time. Maybe. Maybe not. Au revoir! 🤗

I couldn't write anything of my own today, but had to give a shout out to the person who wrote the most incredible verses in the show. This is to be cherished forever! the very reason IPK will always be different.

"Kuch Rishte Ajeeb Hi Dhor mein Bandhe hote hain
Taqraar se Shuru hotey hain, Nafraat ke Saye Mein Panapte hain
Girte hain, parte hai, lekin Kayam rehte hain
Nafraat bhadti jaati hai Aur Rishte ki Gath aur gehri hoti jaati hai
itni kay ek Din Nafraat bhi aur bhadne se Sharma jaati hai
Aur Woh Rishta Sirf ek Bandaan ban ke reh jaata hai
Lekin Sirf Nafraat wala
Kabhi kabhi Aisa Lagta hai jaise ke iss Nafraat ke Mahol mein kuch toh hai jo humse kehta hai
ki... Iss Ann Sunay ... Anjanay say ... ankahe say Ehsaas ko ek mauqa toh doh
par jis rishte ki neev hi nafraat pe rakhi ho ...Usse Kuch Bhi umeed lagana Nadani nahin toh aur kya hai?
Aur Shayad yeh Nadani Hum kar bhaitay
warna Kyun itne nafraat ke bawajood humein apki yaad arahi hai ?
Kyun Hum apse Ladte hai, Jagarthe hain
lekin Apke Jaane ke Baad
Ap hi ke Raah dekte hain ...hawao se apki baatein karte hain"

As for Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? I say don't give it a name because when you do, it becomes ordinary! and this love story was anything but ordinary! ❤️

And that's a wrap!

Pic credit: Ippy - the sunshine 🤗

Hello Sari and Everyone!

Sari: What a brilliant farewell to a fantastic journey. Noone could have said it better than you. Thanks for making the hangout today🤗

Just copying my previous post!

The end of an ERA!!😭😭

Entertainment and chemistry for me will never be the same again. IPK has given dhak dhak, what the, DM, "hamesha" and jalebis a whole new meaning for me.

Take a bow Team IPK for the sheer brilliance and magic with which you have set the screen ablaze with this show, even on your worst days you were better than most out there. Thank you for giving us Arnav and Khushi, the Raizada family and the Gupta family. Each actor nicely sketched, perfectly cast and fantastically enacted. A huge round of applause for Barun and Sanaya for bringing the most loved characters in the history of Indian Tellywood to life👏👏. The moments that took their breath away, the moments that took our breath away forever etched in our memory.

My favorite IPK moment:

There have been some wonderful tribute posts on the forum today (thank God a little sanity has returned) but one of the best said "It's not good-bye, it's Thank You". I wholeheartedly agree. When the screen froze today I had tears in my eyes; not sure if they were tears of joy or sadness; but I'm sure I will cherish the memories of ARHI forever and SARUN will always hold a special place in my heart❤️. The curtains dropped with Arnav and Khushi walking towards their happily ever after on their wedding day, so I guess the makers did prove their point that the story had run its course with the remarriage.

All good things come to an end, yes this end was less than perfect and way to abrupt leaving a bitter taste for all, but I hope we can find it in ourselves to stop the blame games, to make peace with what has happened and appreciate the talent and hard work of the team that gave new meaning to entertainment and wish them well for their future ventures👍🏼.

I'd also like to thank all my IF buddies; for Sushpective, for the SG's hangout, the What The edition, to Jamba, Jujube, Ash, Vistaa and Diya for all their great anchor posts. Thanks for sharing the IPK experience with me and making it so special. Will miss you all and wishing you happiness and success always!

Will sign off saying may SARUN continue to bring smiles to millions always😃

(Pic credit: Shy)

Sari, you opened a thread. reserving my space.

Edit

I don't know what to write. I started watching IPK at the Guesthouse episode and the scene where Khushi blasts Arnav for sending her to die in the guest house was truly classic. Never have I ever seen a heroine blast the hero and stand her ground. Usually in Indian serials you have girls/leads only shedding tears and not doing anything but this serial was different. I was hooked. Needless to say the next 8 months till hate marriage was a typical M&B serial and both Barun and Sanaya rose above the characters and have become a part of the family.

I used to read Crooner thread, SGs thread and IP REDUX after watching the episode and was really amazed by the wonderful writings that I used to read here. Sari was so good at reading/deciphering the episode and Lady J was awesome with the Take 5's. I learnt so many words here on this forum that they have become an habit now with me. Recently when I was meeting my friend after a long time in office and she asked me how I was doing, pat came my reply "Satyanash, AD is killing me yaar". Bechari she didn't know and understand it and then I had to tell her that AD means Asli Duniya. That shows how much the SG's vocabulary has effected me. I will forever remember the masti/jokes that we had shared on this SG thread.

To all the wonderful people I met on this thread and on this show/forum, I do wish we will keep meeting again somewhere on IF. And hopefully we will get a good show to enjoy the bak bak. But I agree with Lady J - This time I don't want to be this addicted to any show. Devi Maiyya suna apne. Give me a good show but give me a good sense to be in AD firmly while I enjoy the show and discussions with my friends.

Rabba Ve Ladies
-Sarada

Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon------A journey of love of Arnav and Khushi...many ups,many downs but a magical journey of maturity,growth,relationships and love...a journey of everlasting love born out of hatred...a tale of two individuals who loved hating each other and hated loving each other, who challenged each other on everything, where "lagi sharth" was a dance of love,a saga that made us believe in happily ever after,of HAMESHA...of Fadak padta hai...of Fadak padta hai kyunki baat aapki hai...A tale that converted the most coveted three words into most coveted four little words...I lOVE YOU DAMMIT...😳... where "Tum Thik Ho?" is as good as I love you,a journey that taught us that pyaar sabse bada hota hai...of atoot vishwas...

Iss Pyar Ko kya Naam Doon ...a story of a small town, middle class girl who believed in Devi Maiyyah,love,relationships and her journey to become Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada without losing her inherent sunshine,selfless nature and finally creating an identity of her own...a story of an angsty,rich young man, with a dark past,who did not believe in love,relationships or God and his journey of finding love,faith and belief in ever after...

Today we reached the new beginning...no,I will not call it an end,...a beginning of Khushi as an equal of Arnav Singh Raizada in her own eyes...a beginning of Arnav as the husband of a woman of substance who has carved a niche for herself in the world on her own terms...a beginning where Aarav,an orphan has found has both a father and a mother...a beginning where the world comes to know Arnav Singh Raizada is Arnav,an ocean full of love for his wife and Khushi is his life's Khushi...

HAPPILY EVER AFTER...

Hey Sari and all the SGs🤗

So arnav and Khushi are in one eternal Rabba vey'.and what an epic journey it has been'..and what has made it even more special is this place and all you folks here. This is what I am going to the miss the most😭'.more than Arnav and Khushi who are happy in their choti si duniya'.

Coz hum bhi aapse I love u dammit! And baat aapki hai is liye farak padta hai'..

Sari want to a say very special thank you to you for all the hangouts'..the show would not have been the same without them'.and never quite was after we disbanded''loved those days of discussing the show and all other things including the bakri and hair

Wish I could be here longer'..the time zone is really a bummer'..but it's a working morning'.despite that had to at least mark attendance'.there was no way I was going to miss that'will try to keep popping in to catch up'...but have to get to work now...SKD may end but AD goes on relentlessly...

Edit: Yet to read anything...have to rush...but will catch up soonest...looking forward to it...

EDited on page 15 (copying here):

Just read all the posts...finally...so missed being here in the morning when everyone was here...but AD doesn't stop...

I am not going to talk about the show because Sari has has said it so beautifully much better than I ever could. Sari your posts have always been very special and more often than not much better than the episodes ever were. I am not sure whether I would have stuck with the show the way I did had it not been for the hangout and your anchor post. This hangout and the people I met here will always have a special place for me.

J I am going miss your takes, 5 or 1 or anything in between...there is nothing like a dose of snark to make one feel good when the heart feels heavy...and today is no exception...will miss the KBF...

Joey absolutely loved your post today...and loved them almost always...especially the rants...coz I felt the same most of the times but could never say it as well...

Sheila haven't caught up with u in ages...but will never forget all the sharths, all the medical DKDs on the show that i could share with u and all your very articulate writing. Loved what u wrote today.

Manisha I agree that they only said all good things must come to an end but never what kind of an end...but I am still happy with what we got given the circumstances although it was not what I would have wished for...because it was better than all the other NSTS options...in another time I would thought the epi was NW1W...but not now...at least Arnav and Khushi are in a never ending rabba Vey with no FNRVIS...

This list of things and people who made this place special in their own way is too long so I'll take J's advise stop here (since I have learnt from ippy's attempt😉 and am sure to leave someone out)...but a very very big hug to all of you. Hum bhi aap sabse I love u dammit!

I feel a bit foolish at feeling like this about the end of a TV show...but seeing such wonderful and accomplished ladies, like all of you at the hangout are, being in the same state makes feel better about my foolishness...and to think I used be snooty about watching hindi soaps at one time...

But more than the show this place was fun and special and all the people here who made it so...can never forget all the jurmanas...sheila's OMG drooling post, Manisha's ode to Daiyya ho or Joey's love letter to "dekhna hai to dekho". You gals were a riot and brilliant! and how could I forget the discussion about bald men, body hair, ear piercing, bakri, fuzzy love, Jim Carey...etc. whattay fun it was!!

hum rahe na rahe kal, yaad aayenge ye pal...