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minpdnim · 1 year ago

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Khushi & Shyam

Upon rewatching the kidnapping track - barring the James Bond ghosts in Manorama & Khushi, Anjali and Manorama doubting Khushi’s character (cause I’ve had enough of her character assassination), and Khushi honeytrapping Shyam (ew to the kheer feeding scenes cause wtf) - I realized I deeply enjoyed the Shyam and Khushi scenes.

Yeah, that’s my hot take. Upon deeper pondering I realized that Khushi & Shyam might just be an underrated dynamic in the show. Almost ALL their scenes are stellar simply because of their chemistry and interesting history.

You see, Shyam as a character is very flat against Arnav. Each hate the other. Shyam wants Arnav’s money and Arnav warns him to stay off Khushi and attempt being the husband he pretended to be so long to Anjali. It’s just that. Literally all of their scenes post the terrace misunderstanding is a loop of this and Shyam going “yay I’ll win your trust and then you see Saale Sahab” and bro just has an Arnav protection charm cause Arnav doesn’t confront Shyam even ONCE when he sees him flirt with Khushi.

Rather Arnav abuses Khushi instead. Like… why would you not threaten Shyam as well? Arnav can literally financially choke Shyam further (I love that scene where he closes the joint account - more of that Arnav!)

On the other hand Shyam and Khushi are absolutely electric with Arnav out of the picture. During elopement I rolled my eyes, again, that all the loop was Shyam harasses Khushi, Khushi is like “lemme just do nothing about this” (cause Arnav’s misunderstanding needs to be constant!) and that’s it. Because Khushi is eternal helpless damsel who legit just needs to be mad or abused.

But with Arnav out of the picture Khushi and Shyam rise as characters more than “Arnav’s misunderstanding��.

They have to acknowledge the layers they wrote into both of them. The whole fact that Shyam and Khushi were best friends at one point of time! To think every relationship Khushi has, has betrayed or hurt her irreconcilably at one point of time and it makes my heart hurt for her. Her aunt, adoptive mother, sister, friend and husband.

Barring the villain Shyam is, during the Gupta House stay he was the only vocal advocate of Khushi in the house. Yes, Shashi and Payal always supported Khushi, but neither prevented Khushi from constantly being belittled.

Rather the max was they’d tsk over Buaji’s comments or laughing agree that she is mad.

But Shyam was the first to point out that there is a certain stillness and maturity behind the chatter. He is, perhaps, the only character who understood Khushi. He was the one who shifted Khushi’s narrative in her house. No she’s not crazy, she’s responsible. No she’s not childish, she’s an empath who would do everything to make everyone smile.

She’s having a bad day? Don’t badger her with questions, rather cheer her up with her favourite food.

(Khushi had a bad day when she joined AR, and she had a bad day when she left AR - but you see the marked difference in the way the house responds to her bad days with/without Shyam’s influence. With him, the house, for the first time, cheers Khushi up and lets her have her bad day).

When Khushi comes back from Janmashtami, humiliated, she has to spend time comforting her family and pacifying them. She has to push her insults away and bring a smile on everyone’s face. But Shyam actually asks her how she is and gives her the space to talk about her own feelings and humiliation.

She actually finds someone with whom she can share her pain without having to care for the other’s concern.

It’s liberating and the foundation of a truest friendship. I feel so bad for her that she lost this friendship!

And to see this strong friendship be a mask for Shyam’s dark deeds and desires is heartbreaking but writing wise - oof, that hurt! Imagine a false friendship being the healthiest relationship Khushi has had with anyone (thank God NK & Lavanya existed!)

The only time Shyam is wrong about Khushi is when he’s twisted in his romantic delusions. Which makes him such a compelling villain because you cannot figure him out. What are his motivations?

And with only Shyam in the house and Khushi manipulating him instead - we see the justified pain in Khushi! Like hell yes, Arnav did destroy your life. Hell yes, grieve for the fact that man gave you nothing but pain. They’re spitting facts to each other while trying to outwit each other.

Every scene is a definition of how twisted Shyam is or how intelligent Khushi is and how each takes turns manipulating the other and it’s literally super thrilling to watch. Shyam asserts that his only goal is Khushi - suddenly making him a freeloader who only wants to destroy “ArShi” makes no sense and rips away a lot of his character and motivations.

Also, begrudgingly, Shyam and Khushi exactly know each other too well. She knows where all his mind can go - and utilizes his obsession with her against him for he thinks he’s an ethical man regardless (I love the whole getting him to sign papers moment, she just pulled a Shyam on Shyam!) and Shyam knows Khushi’s weakness is family and utilizes that to buy time.

Khushi’s attachment to Arnav is as unhealthy as Shyam’s attachment to Khushi. Like seriously Arnav insults her five times before heading to the airport and Khushi isn’t afforded even a second of anger or grief. Like she literally admitted farak and he still walks off (yes he was going to go back to Khushi but he did break her heart at that moment).

And all the show keeps shoving to us is how Khushi wants to prove her innocence to a man who really does not deserve it (I’m not faulting Arnav’s anger, although tbh his anger makes sense a lot of times! But the abuse? No way).

Khushi’s deep love for Arnav right when he has been nothing but insulting (he literally told her he’s glad her parents are dead) and her rushing to prove her innocence and have constant Rabba Ve’s after he leaves instead of any rightful anger or hurt make like… no sense to me. Was that Stockholm syndrome talking?

I just find such richer writing in some of their scenes and dynamic that we get a full intelligent heroine and intelligent villain vibes where the audience is treated as smart.

Khushi’s hatred for Shyam is also so good and justified than her love and need for Arnav at this point.

I can imagine Arnav whispering an “I love you” breaking Khushi down to her going through an obsessive phase of finding Arnav and wanting him and his love and worrying for his safety. But until that point Shyam and Khushi make so much sense as villain and hero because Khushi rises beyond a star plus “bahu” who only wants her husband’s love regardless of his anger.

This is a woman wronged and she’s going to fix it by outwitting the villain.

Hell yes.

Also, Shyam is totally Khushi’s villain - a fact that the show forgets.

And no, this doesn’t mean I hate Arnav. His character consistency is brilliant. Nor does this mean I’m shipping Khushi with a man who harassed her multiple times, nope.

It’s just that this show also did something great apart from romance and romantic chemistry between the leads and that needs to be noted.

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minpdnim · 1 year ago

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lol,

tagging: @shaonsim @zaphbeeblebrox @shiyaravi @chutkiandchotte @featheredclover @goals1024 @honeybellexox @darkchocolatestuff @charucoal @thedupattaknowswhatsup @bigfatreader @lostafpanda @exosexosekai @hi-this-is-permabanned @scorpio-smiles @noor1025 @minpdnim @laad-governess @barshifan @whateverworks21 @maansiloves @samuraisamsworld @dropsofserenity (updating this list - lemme know who wants to be added/deleted)

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minpdnim · 1 year ago

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When, I truly felt sorry for Arnav Singh Raizada.

Arnav Singh Raizada. A mere character from an indian T.V series which only ran for about 1 year and 9 months. I know, it's been 12 years, but I don't understand this love that I have felt for this series at all. Maybe, because, there's a connection that this series' characters create with their audience? Dunno.

Here's a moment, that lasts with me to this day. When I could see a naked Battle between Arnav Singh Raizada and ASR. Beautifully depicted, when he was suddenly made a host to Preeto's wedding.

HE WAS GUILTY

He was reminded of the day he married his wife. A day where all of her relationships were put on a test, when he became a Rakshas who ordered her to be his captive. The day about which her girl friends asked, and Khushi lied. She lied that she looked beautiful that day, she lied that her ornaments were pretty, she lied about her favourite coloured lehenga, she lied that her wedding was her most beautiful day.

Arnav didn't want to be reminded of his mercilessness. He didn't want to be the prosecutor that Khushi believes he is.

HE WAS REMINDED OF

Rummaging through his stuff, looking for his file in a scattered room. Wondering, if his crazy wife has kept it hidden somewhere. He looked at a drawer, a glittery sheet peeking out. "Pagal hai..." A slight smirk on his face, disappears when he sees a reality that he keeps at the back of his mind but, tends to forget. A slip on it says, to Khushi ji, with love from, Shyam.

Reminding him, that she doesn't feel for him, reminding him that she is a betrayal. A vile woman that he fell for. And still is a moth to her flame.

Khushi came inside the room. She asked him if he was going to come outside to meet everyone. But, like always, she became the fodder to his rage. "isse pehle mai kuch kru, dafa ho jao yaha se"

HE WAS ENRAGED

What was he gonna do? Belittle her? Insult her again? Or this time, he wanted to grab her tight to shout at her not caring if her family listens. Whatever it was, he was in no mood. He threw her out of her room.

It's always him that is entitled to a place to stay, it's Khushi who needs to get lost whether it's his room or even if it's her own room. That's how it works with ASR. He wasn't going to stay here. He was calling a car to go back.

Avoiding a scene in front of her mother, Khushi leaves, Arnav was packing up when he listens to the worries of the bride's mother. He was interested, interested in the pettiness of the family that Preeto was going to get married into.

Khushi was trying to appease the Classist Mama and Mami of the groom. Until Arnav agressively says "Khushi chup ho jao". Maybe, he didn't want Khushi to appease them? But, it gets countered when Arnav next says "Jao dusri ice cream leke ao" when groom's mama ji says "aap apni biwi ko samjhaye ki bado se kaise baat krte hai" Arnav replies "Koshish karunga" I don't know what to say about this. I think he didn't even try to protect his wife here, he had bigger plans after this. What do you guys think he was trying to do by telling Khushi to shutup?

Khushi was arguing with Arnav for his uncalled rude behaviour and compares him to their ungrateful guests.

HE WAS A HERO

Arnav tells the groom to man up. Fires him, tells him to stand up for his wife to be, in his ASR way of talking. The groom realised this and stands up for Preeto and her family. Arnav saved the day.

Everyone danced, including his wife. His now, ex employee invites him to dace, Arnav complies.

HE FOUND HIS WAY TO HIS WIFE

What will a man do if he found himself in a sea of strangers dancing? He would find his way to his wife. He watched Khushi dancing and found his refuge. Obviously, a husband will follow his wife if he was to avoid any awkwardness. Dancing by his wife could save him from bearing his awkwardness alone. His wife was his obvious partner. Someone gave him a slight push and he collided with his wife. A Rabba ve happens, eye lock happens but, this time. Khushi and Arnav both were complaining to each other. Conflict obvious in their eyes.

Khushi saw the groom talking to Arnav about how he made him realise that he should man up. Arnav talked sense to him, and Khushi was left wondering, Arnav doesn't practice what he preaches. Within a moment he fills her with love, and the next, hates her.

HE WAS GUILTY AGAIN

A mother is always worrying about her kids. Garima, wanted assurance from Khushi, that she is happy with her husband. Khushi makes up a lie. Lie about her happily ever after. Arnav, is wise, he takes care of her loved ones, he gets hurt when she is in pain, he never lets her do anything by herself, she gets whatever she wants without even asking, he was the best husband.

HE WAS SORRY

The events have been a roller coaster ride for Arnav. He was feeling sorry for Khushi because, he couldn't give her the best wedding, he was mad at his wife for betraying him, then he tried to save her family's face, then he felt sorry for her again because, he couldn't be the best husband.

Now, in the pale moonlight he was left with his turmoil. He was left with conflicting emotions. He was not being nice to her. Didn't he always feel that way? Being rude to her and regretting it after? Wasn't his wife his worst enemy? Then why was he feeling so much for today?

IN THIS LOVE, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

When he was Ranjha, he admitted, he admitted that, regardless of everything that she did, he couldn't help but love her.

He didn't want to love her, but, watching her cocoon inside her blanket because of cold, he turned off the AC. He layed besides her, looked at her innocent face lit by the moonlight. She was sleeping peacefully now. He put his hand in her. Held it lovingly as if saying "I am sorry Khushi". And slept watching her.

. . . . . . .

What's amazing about this episode is that, even after watching her worst possible avatar. He was capable of holding her on to himself. He was capable of loving someone, even if they have hurt him. He could not forgive her but, he could sure still want her. He was not someone, who could let go of his strong emotions so easily. His love was bigger than anything, any mistakes, any sins and any relationship. Just like he said during second marriage.

Mere pyar ko kisi suboot ki zaroorat nhi hai.

Or wakai mai nhi hai, haina?

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minpdnim · 1 year ago

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IPKKND Enneagram: Arnav Singh Raizada

Enneagram Type: 8 (The Challenger)

The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

Arnav is strongly influenced by his basic type, with minimal wing influences from 7 and 9. Hence, I classify him as a pure Type 8, also called The Challenger or The Protector.

All gifs in this post are NOT by me, they're made by the these amazing people - @loveubarunsobti @phati-sari @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @arziaisfrench (also individually credited below each gif)

(if any of the folks above wish to have their gifs taken off this post, pls let me know, I'll do that!)

Here are some fun facts about type 8s. Tell me if it sounds familiar.

Basic Fear: Being controlled or harmed by others

Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own destiny)

At their best: Self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others' lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring. Caring, generous, and highly competent.

At their worst: Vengeful, ruthless, dictatorial, destructive, emotionally shut off. Use any means, including blackmail or violence, to get obedience from those around them, and recklessly over extend themselves in pursuit of their goals.

(Sidenote: I didn't paraphrase any of this...its taken verbatim from various sites...did the IPK makers refer to Enneagram type 8 when writing Arnav??? lol)

Understanding Arnav's Core Personality as an 8

As their name suggests, 8s love challenges. This is where they shine, this is what they enjoy. Arnav completely embodies this - he thrives when he is fighting to prove himself, loves setting challenges for others, and admires those who manage to compete at his level. I mean, this is basically the entirety of Arshi's courtship lmao.

Another one of Arnav's most 8-esque qualities is that he is a tremendously charismatic leader with a natural tendency towards taking charge and the innate ability to inspire people to follow him. 8s act quickly and decisively in stressful situations, seeking out logical, practical solutions, and taking charge of dealing with troubles. Hence, they often become the rock to cling on to in tough times. They are willing to take the heat for unpopular decisions that they judge to be right. Full of natural confidence, resourceful thinking and common sense, they strive to use their abilities to take care of everyone dependent on them. If they are the head of a family, fairly looking after everyone's needs is important to them. All of this is why he is the Raizada HBIC when he has like 5 elders in line before him. It's not just about the fact that he is AR Designs CEO/billionaire. The Raizadas implicitly trust him to take the right decisions for them because he has proved to be a worthy leader in crisis periods.

At the same time, a source of great annoyance for his family is another of his classic type 8 qualities - 8s do not fear public opinions and can easily defy disapproval if necessary. They will refuse to give in to social conventions that do not suit them, with zero shame or fear of consequences, which can seem inspiring, intimidating, or even infuriating, depending on where you stand lol.

Also like a typical 8, he is extremely ambitious and has impressive willpower which drives him to set, and usually achieve, big goals for himself. Be it his professional ambitions (successful) or his idiotic commitment to fighting his feelings for Khushi (vv unsuccesful; try again next time).

Arnav's shares both of the core fears of an 8. First, he fears being harmed by others. This doesn't imply Arnav is a coward who runs from a physical fight...the opposite. In fact, 8s have tremendous physical endurance, to the point where they are often harmfully negligent of their own health. Arnav has shown this trait repeatedly - the hot tea incident, the multiple times he fainted due to neglect etc etc. So Arnav's fear of harm is not about physical blows but more to do with emotional harm, specifically betrayal or abandonment. 8s absolutely hate the idea of being emotionally dependent on any one and often construct strong emotional armours to push people away and hide their paradoxical inner emotional vulnerability. Ummm...yeah. The turning his head away to hide his face any time a conversation with Anjali (or later Khushi) enters remotely emotional territory. How he makes it a point of pride that Arnav Singh Raizada NEVER says "sorry" or "happy birthday". And of course, the MANY times the extent of his passion towards Khushi freaks him out and he responds by pushing her away by any means possible.

Their second fear is that 8s are terrified of giving any one any power over them - be it social, psychological, sexual or physical. No matter what their sphere of life, retaining and increasing their power is extremely important to them. And Arnav is absolutely obsessed with power and control especially in the romantic/sexual/emotional realm. The most obvious example of this, of course, is how he seeks out romantic relationships that allow him to be minimally emotionally engaged, and where he has much of the control. After the first break up with Lavanya, his indifferent reaction may seem cold and almost cruel to us (and Khushi lol) but from his perspective, that's exactly his ideal relationship - where he remains totally unaffected by being dumped and his heart isn't involved at all. And then OF COURSE his entire relationship with Khushi is defined by this fear. So many of his actions in the show are motivated by a deep fear of the sheer intensity of what Khushi, the girl he is supposed to look down on/ignore/hate, makes him feel.

He is triggered as all hell whenever Khushi proves her totally unconscious power over him (physical or emotional). Such as Diwali when the feelings he has for her almost made him cheat, an action that is abhorrent to him and he is staggered, HORRIFIED by this fact. How does he react? By doing his DAMNDEST to re-exert a measure of control over the situation. The tremendous anger he feels there comes from a place of absolute fear at his loss of control because of the Khushi feelings. Her questions about the poolside moment and the payal highlight to him just how much power she has over him and how close she is to discovering it. And he launches his campaign of trying to "win" over those feelings, trying to erase them and revert to a position of absolute indifference to her and control over himself and his surroundings. Trying to double down on his commitment to the "safe" relationship with Lavanya, one that doesn't threaten his emotional safety one bit, that keeps his heart safe and sound locked away in a dungeon somewhere. Its an absolutely classic type 8 move to pursue a course of action that is not only harmful to others, but also to your own self and in opposition to your other priorities, just so you can prove a point to yourself about control control control. He does NOT believe in marriage or want to be married, certainly not to Lavanya; he doesn't want to be rude to and hurt Khushi and doing so hurts him also; he feels pain when she thinks badly of him or cries due to him - YET - he commits to this very course. He chooses to prioritize his ego, his need for control, over all other considerations, including his own happiness and peace of mind. While on this trip, the utmost need in his mind is to prove that those feelings for Khushi DO NOT control him, even if that means he keeps making choices that are deeply emotionally painful for him and everyone around him.

And if he can't erase or control the feelings, well, at the very least, NO ONE, least of all Khushi, the dangerous wielder of that scary power, should know any thing about them. That's why he does everything to push her away, down to hurling at her that IT DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING. The gentleman doth protest too much.

This reading can be applied to so many of Arnav's actions, especially some of the cruellest ways he lashes out at Khushi when she has done nothing (at that moment) to really earn it. Like during the contract marriage, he is tortured by the fact that no matter how hard he tries, how much he intellectually loathes her, emotionally, he still feels concern for her. She betrayed him! The worst happened - his worst fear came true - he gave someone power over him and they used it to hurt him emotionally - and he can't even escape the cycle of pain, he has to live in it, every day he has to content with the fact that he harbours intense feelings that keep growing against his will for this traitorous person. It is a nightmare situation for an 8.

The more she starts affecting his mental, emotional and physical reactions in ways that shock him, the more triggered he gets and the more he either pushes her away or pulls her into toxic power games. This is his classic pattern from early on in their whatever-ship, from the increasingly unhinged office challenges post the red sari scene, to the farak padta hai games, to forcing her to marry him, to the entirety of the contract marriage.

It's also because of these core fears that 8s dislike any type of manipulative or lying behaviour. They do not appreciate being made a fool of or being emotionally blackmailed and will immediately be extremely suspicious of any outsider who attempts such things with them. The reason is that they ARE very vulnerable to emotional manipulation from loved ones - so they want to ensure they don't let people in who would take advantage of this weakness.

Arnav as a Stressed/Unhealthy 8

After the first Lavanya break up, Khushi hits a little too close to the truth when she asks Arnav "did you ever even love her at all? are you that heartless?" and Arnav's responds (in essence) "yes, I am heartless, and everything that has happened proved me right. love is a stupid illision and causes nothing but pain, we're better off without it". This is a CLASSIC unhealthy 8 that is totally blocked in his ability to love. Because love requires vulnerability and giving the other person power over you, which contradicts their basic drive for emotional autonomy. An unhealthy 8 is dominated by their core fears and that stops them from experiencing or expressing love in a healthy way.

An 8's hard working and ambitious nature, combined with their emotionally distant tendencies makes them prone to being workaholics and emotionally negligent. This can lead to dissatisfaction and complaints of neglect amongst loved ones. We saw Anjali complain about this multiple times, but it really hits home with Khushi post the kidnapping. After calling her the biggest mistake of his life, all he had to do was say sorry, I love you, I want to stay married to you forever, and Khushi would have forgiven and forgotten everything in an instant. His silence on the matter combined with his emotionally distant/volatile actions fans her insecurities to the point that she first attempts to, and then leaves. This breach is eventually healed only when they are able to have an honest, emotionally vulnerable communication about the nature of his feelings for her and their marriage (this is what the pearl necklace scene is supposed to be - there wasn't much verbal conversation but you know what I mean lol).

The funny thing is, underneath all that emotional coldness, 8s have a potent fear of rejection and abandonment. Subsequently, they are sensitive to any such indicators of dissatisfaction in loved ones. They hate to feel that a loved one is dissatisfied with them or misunderstanding them. This kicks in their fear that they have lost control of the situation - they may be about to be rejected and can do nothing about it. When in an unhealthy space, where they are still ruled by their core fears, they often react by resorting to bullying behaviours to assert their dominance and control over the situation. Even once Arnav, to a degree, accepts his feelings for Khushi, he still choses to woo her through "challenges" (the 24 hour track), blackmail (Buaji's house rent) and threats (I'll pick you up and take you with me if needed Khushi!). It's still extremely difficult for him to be emotionally vulnerable and communicative and leave himself open to being rejected. He prefers power games and challenges. He wants all the cards to always be in his hands.

Stressed 8s often become secretive, fearful, and guarded in their behaviours. The most terrifying thing an 8 can imagine is not merely to be cheated in love - it's to be cheated in love and then have that loved one mockingly laugh at their "victory" over them. I think Arnav does fear confronting Khushi about Shyam because, among other reasons, he can't face it if she also does a turn face like Shyam and starts a villain monologue laughing at him. He definitely knows they had some kind of flirtationship during the Payash wedding and he now believes that was her manipulating him in order to distract him - and it would be torturous to hear this confirmed from her mouth.

It's not just in the love/romance arena that Arnav's unhealthy 8 traits manifest. The Arnav we see in the beginning might be tremendously successful but he isn't exactly a mature, evolved professional. His extreme egoistic behaviour is proof of this. 8s often build up their ego as a defence against the world, becoming extremely sensitive to "slights" to their authority or self-respect. Combative and intimidating to anyone they perceive as a threat, they can become increasingly hard-hearted and cruel in a quest to retain power and "win" against threats. This is ASR at his worst.

Arnav's Journey to a Healthy 8

Khushi's love for him AND his love for her, plays a huge role in Arnav's journey to healing. 8s feel most content and secure when a loved one knows them, and accepts them unconditionally, as they are, no qualification or complaints; they are happiest with a partner, and a family, that has an instinctive understanding of their actions, their feelings, their motivations, without them having to say any of it out loud.

This is why Khushi's words "I know (that you love me) (you don't have to say it)" - both after he apologizes and before they consummate their relationship - hold so much meaning, and affect him so deeply. This is the assurance that he craves, someone who innately just gets him.

Arnav's decision making process on his second wedding day truly embody the moves of a healing 8. Healthy 8s who have overcome their deepest fears, can recognize their paranoia for what it is. They move towards devaluing the importance of "power" and "control" especially in their personal life and make a conscious choice to prioritize real needs (their own and others) over their ego or their fears. Arnav choses love over hatred, hope over fear, and that's an 8 stepping into their best self.

Evolved 8s are open-hearted and caring; they channel the best of their abilities to become passionate yet generous, resourceful yet empathetic, and authoritative yet honourable; a true leader worth following.

Wings - 7 or 9?

Like I said earlier, I classify Arnav as a purer type 8 with minimal influence of his wings. However, between the two, I would say he has a greater influence of his "9" wing than "7" wing.

The 7 wing adds a taste for experiencing life to the fullest and a gregarious, extroverted, risk-taking side to an 8s personality. I considered 8w7 for Arnav because I do think he has a taste for the finer things in life, he has a powerful charismatic aura, and is comfortable with taking risks; but ultimately I discounted it because I don't think any one in their right mind could call him "extroverted" or "gregarious" in the slightest. I also don't think he is experience-oriented like a 8w7 would be, his ambitions are more concerned with his own business, his family, and his power, not with "living life to the fullest".

The 9 wing too does not appear to be a great fit at first glance - 9s are pretty much the opposite of 8s, being peaceful, conflict-avoidant and complacent. These aren't words I associate with ASR lol. Yet, this is what I chose ultimately. The 9 wing supposedly adds a soothing, family-oriented effect to the dominating and wilful 8 personality. Arnav is definitely very family-oriented. Additionally unhealthy 8w9s often exhibit an almost scary duality - a calm, gentle nature with loved ones and then an aggressive mode when faced with threats, at work, etc. ASR/Chotte/Arnavji. Rakshas/Rajkumar. And remember Khushi's comically shocked face when she saw ASR-at-home avatar for the first time?

Early days office Arnav reminds me a lot of 8w9s. 8w9s often combine indifference with aggression, often employing cold, depersonalized violence to exert control over others. Behind their calm and seemingly emotionless demeanour hides an explosive and unpredictable temper. Check and check.

Consider the name of the 8w9: The Bear. Aggressive and scary to outsiders, cuddly with their loved ones. Firm and decisive, but also measured and cooperative. Isn't that Arnav? Especially the Arnav we are left with at the end of the show? I believe Arnav started out a strong 8 with a slight 9 wing influence, but as he matured over time, his natural tendency for the 9 wing also developed in a healthy manner, and he became calmer, more accommodating, more openly loving.

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