#jalebi types

[badedramay]

You're probably sick of Fairytale asks so feel free to ignore this, but rest assured I don't bear any ill will! I shared a very similar frustration with Umeed (and the sheer unreality of her circumstances) when I started watching the show. But eventually, I did come to enjoy how one of the main focal points of her growing relationship with Farjaad was for her to learn the consequences of her immature, haphazard actions and to be more patient and grateful for what she actually has. Obviously, you don't have to pick it up again if you really don't want to, but if you happen to continue, you may come to enjoy that aspect. I certainly don't believe Fairytale is the most unique story, but it is sweet to see how much Farjaad cares about helping her understand she should pave a path for herself on solid ground and take more time to consider the consequences of her actions. To me that is what really ended up enrapturing people. There are a lot of drawbacks to the story (e.g., few of the side characters are well developed, some of the plot stretching to meet the full thirty days of Ramadan gets exasperating, and whenever the focus moves away from the leads the show is horrifically boring), but I have a feeling you would at least enjoy what Farjaad and Umeed's relationship becomes eventually in the latter half of the show. It reminds me a little of the affectionate scold-teasing from Wali and responsive cluelessness from Faarah (although obviously Diyar-e-Dil has a way, way more well developed story). Hamza and Sehar get really good at dealing in the wholesome friends to lovers banter.

Anyway! I hope this ask doesn't bother you, and I'm sorry other people feel so entitled to judging you for having an opinion. I wanted to maybe be the one person sensible enough to extend an olive branch, lol. The fandom for the show is arguably over-the-top and exaggerative, but I have a feeling you may not hate the show as much if you see it through. And if you still do hate it, no hard feelings. Thanks for always posting great commentary on here, and have a nice day!

lol i am not tired of the FT asks (itne zyada mile bhi nahin tbh)..i am just super convinced that no matter what anyone says it will never push me to watch this show xD the comparisons to DeD will only strengthen my resolve to never give this a try. of all the shows in the world to draw comparison with, doing so with Wali and Faraa of all the people who were both individually so complex as characters is just...c'mon, you can see how ridiculous it is right? anyhoo..I guess the bottom line is just this: i am too old to enjoy a narrative as lacking as what Fairytale is. I don't want to resort to projecting my fantasies and inserting headcanons in a story to make it enjoyable for me (been there..DONNEEEE that!). cool that there are people who enjoy it such but just as they are allowed to hype the show for how they interpreted it to be rather than what it was, I am allowed to not be fond of what it is.

y'know..I legit thought maybe FT was another case of Ishq Jalebi for me. where maybe *I* was the odd one out for not being able to enjoy a drama which has a significantly enduring fanbase. but when I watched IJ, I really found nothing special in it and my initial thoughts about it remained unshaken. FT is gonna be like that for me. even if years later i find myself giving it a try..i am 99% convinced it will do nothing for me. also "hate" is a rather strong word. I just have some passionate disagreement over this show's perceived uniqueness, that's all. hate is what I feel for Ishqiya's finale.

[jayefaem]

some of my relatives came to visit and brought so many sweets from back home :')))

[chand-ki-priyatama]

Ek Khat meri Pyari Sakhi ke naam ...

@btw-its-tamanna

Someone as beautiful as her name... Someone whose name means "Desire" and thus is desired by all.... To my Bestie "Tamanna" aka Jalebi and pishachini

From her Sakhi Rasmalai and Chudail aka me Kaya ek kaviyitri aur lekhika

Someone who's like sunshine in winter

Someone who feels like a warm hug after crying....

My bestie, Jalebi, pishachini, sakhi, sister from another mother, gawar , pagal and in short everything

Dear Sakhi ,

I wish you were here with me , we would have been besties irl too. I remember when I first interacted with you, pretty awkward wasn't it but look us now , behaving like two peas in a pod..... This actually proved that the best people are the most unexpected ones .....

You are the most opposite of me , me being outgoing, talkative, bubbly while you being shy , reserve and childish , yes I am the mature one but as said "opposites belong to each other" so in a sense we pretty much complete each other

We are always together in everything although not physically but whenever you see the stars and moon remember that they bind me together with everyone and whenever you feel alone just look at them somewhere I am doing that too...

They bind me to you

You are the most beautiful and sweet girl Jalebi... and even talented as hell , you won't accept it I know but you are....

These are your vibes according to me :-

You are the shoulder I cry on you are the one I rely on...

छू कर मेरे मन को किया तूने क्या इशारा

बदला ये मौसम लगे प्यारा जग सारा

I associate these lyrics with you cause you make me feel myself....

You are the literal ray of sunshine who can brighten up anyone's day with just an interaction with her....

Now imagine we met and you know my obsession with Polaroids so think these pics as them...

I am like your elder sister (even if it's just by days) so I know the best for you... I'll always make you remember that there's someone who's worshipping the ground you walk upon so never lower your standards for someone cause you deserve the best...

I'll definitely meet you irl once as we always discuss then we'll go on a tour together (hopefully) and Jalebi trust me or not I don't know about you but for me you have become an inevitable part of my life , so if you ever think I'll leave you , Nah never cause I am way too connected with you and the fact that I am clingy as hell...

If you were a colour I'd say you are blue cause Those with Blue color personality strengths tend to be enthusiastic, sympathetic, communicative, compassionate, idealistic, sincere and imaginative....

We both love reading that's the thing which is common in us , but you know what ,there is one more thing which is - we both love by our whole heart and soul..... we both would put ourselves at stake to protect our loved ones....

And that's why I admire you so much , in such a short span of time you have managed to be my favourite quite fascinating isn't it...

Whenever call you names , whenever I tease you , kabhi kabhi thoda daant bhi deti hu but trust me it all shows my everlasting love for you....

You definitely are Naina from yjhd cause you are that silent type girlie who'd let her loved ones go for their best you'd never even once try to come between their dreams....

You are so silent on group VC but whenever we are alone you seem to talk so much I don't know if it's because you don't want me to be upset or cause you genuinely enjoy talking to me, it's a dilemma fr

And whenever we text we both have so much to say , I've been through hard times the past month , so thank you so much for always being there for me..... thank you for making me believe in friendships again cause honestly I lost my faith way too early but guess what - you and few others revived it....

I know deep down you desire someone who can love you unconditionally, who is not going to judge you , someone who will cherish you.... You'll find that guy Tamanna , it's just the matter of time , you'll find someone jis par aap haq se keh sakti hai ki "ye sirf Mera hai" , and upon getting unrequited teenage crushes/love isn't it a part of growing up , let us experiment and experience the beauty of this sweet agonizing love... And as I always say , jab bhi kisi se mohabbat ho Jaye - "Mohabbat karlo par khuda se kaise ladoge kyunki do tarfa Mohabbat nahi kismat hoti hai " and it's true to an extent... So apni do tarfa kismat ka itminaan se intezar Karo kyunki sabr ka fal meetha hota hai....

And now imagine me playing a guitar and singing "long live" by Taylor Swift to you...

All these lyrics I dedicate them to you :-

"Will you take a moment?

Promise me this

That you'll stand by me forever

But if, God forbid,

fate should step in

And force us into a Goodbye

If you have children someday

When they point to the pictures

Please tell them my name

Long live the walls we crashed through

I had the time of my life with you"

So Yeah pretty much a beautiful song isn't it....

You are the brightest star in my sky and are loved and cherished by me always.... You cheer up everyone's life and we all are lucky to have you....

Just so you know I love you to the moon and back and will always desire the best for you... I'll always be by your side

As I always say I'll dedicate these songs to you and it's voice note well I already sent it to you....

Now I think I have spoken enough

So signing off pishachini

~With love always

-Kaya 💗

[hand-picked-star]

The 13 th Anniversary Arshi fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 14

I am not very good at writing ffs. I even read ffs very selectively. But it was an attempt of me to participate in the 13th-anniversary arshi fiesta.

I might be wrong about certain aspects of that age and era, but it's a fantasy, so why not? I don't own Arnav and Khushi and the story is purely fictional and has no relation to any living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

WARNING : 18+, Mature Content

Chapter 14

There were times when life stood still at a crossroads, forcing one to reflect on all the mistakes that had led to where life currently stood. Life itself felt so painful, and the weight of past choices seemed almost unbearable. As Khushi sat on the bench outside the house she shared with her husband, she couldn't help but be consumed by her thoughts. The past six months she had spent in London with him played over and over in her mind like a broken record.

She thought about the moments of joy that had slowly faded away. She remembered the laughter that once filled their home, now replaced by silence and emotionless stares. The warmth of his touch felt like a distant memory, replaced by the chill of distrust and unspoken hurt. She longed for the days when love was effortless and pure, untainted by the shadows of pain and regret. Khushi wondered how things had gone so wrong, how the love they once shared had turned into a source of pain. Sitting there, she felt a deep sense of loss, not just for what had been, but for what could have been. She analyzed all the moments, all the mistakes, all the misunderstandings that had brought her to this point.

(6 month ago)

The seasickness was real. Khushi had been so ill during the journey, but Arnav was incredibly caring, always by her side, making sure she was comfortable. For the first week, they stayed at an inn while Arnav arranged suitable accommodation for them. It was nothing fancy, but the house they found won her heart. It was a charming cottage-type house, the kind she had only read about in her novels. Khushi loved it. She felt like a character in a romance story.

The house they moved into was just outskirts of London city. Houses in these areas were more affordable compared to those in the city, although residents often had to travel a bit farther to reach the central London. The exterior was made of red brick, with tall, narrow windows framed by white shutters. A small, wrought-iron fence surrounded the front garden, which was adorned with neatly trimmed hedges and blooming roses. The front door was painted a deep green, leading them into a warm and inviting space.

Inside, the house had a cozy and slightly rustic feel. The floors were made of polished wood, creaking slightly underfoot, and the walls were adorned with floral wallpaper in soft, muted tones. The living room featured a large stone fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. Khushi couldn't help but feel enchanted by the house. It was a place where she could see herself writing letters by the window, making jalebies in the kitchen, and sharing quiet moments with Arnav by the fireplace.

Every day for Khushi would start and end in Arnav's arms. They would start their day making breakfast together in their cozy kitchen. Arnav would then head off to work, leaving Khushi to leisurely explore nearby libraries to indulge in her love for books, relishing her newfound independence in the city.

In the evenings, when Arnav returned home, they would often take walks by the lake after dinner, talking about everything and nothing under the open sky. However, not every day was without its mishaps. There was one evening when Khushi accidentally burnt their dinner and her disappointment turned into tears. Arnav simply just wiped away her tears, kissed her face, and whisked her away to a nearby inn for dinner that night. So, if you were to ask Khushi, despite occasional setbacks, these were the happiest days of their marriage.

She also had a marvelous neighbor in Devyani Williams. She was also the grandmother of one of Arnav's friends, which was another reason they moved into this house so that Khushi had someone with whom Arnav could leave her. Khushi found it quite endearing that Devyani Ji loved Arnav like her own grandson.

Devyani Ji was a fascinating lady. She was an Indian and had the most exciting love story to tell. She and Mr. Williams fell in love with each other when Mr. Williams went to India for business. When they realized her Brahman parents would never accept their relationship, they eloped. Here in London, they got married and had been together for over 40 years.

Devyani Ji asked Khushi to address her as Nani Ji. She said Khushi looked so much like her granddaughter, whom she missed very dearly. Her granddaughter and her husband had been living in Spain for the last two years.

Nani Ji and Khushi bonded pretty quickly. Nani Ji taught her how to bake cakes and cookies, and in return, Khushi made jalebies for her whenever she requested. Khushi cherished this unexpected friendship with Devyani Ji very much.

Arnav asked Khushi to enroll in University of London to complete the rest of her BA courses since St. Stephen's College was affiliated with University of London and her credits would transfer seamlessly. However, she expressed her desire to explore London for the next six months, immersing herself in its culture and devouring more books. Understanding her passion, Arnav gave her his Oxford library card, which thrilled Khushi immensely as she looked forward to exploring the treasures of the Oxford library.

In her excitement, she swiftly prepared toast and omelets for breakfast before getting ready. After a refreshing bath, she anticipated Arnav dropping her off at Oxford before heading to work.

As she stood under the spray, contemplating her plans for the day, Khushi felt another hand on her body besides hers.

"Well, that's not the protocol of marriage, Mrs. Raizada," Arnav huskily whispered in her ear as he pressed his front against her back and began kissing her neck. He took her earlobe into his mouth and sucked softly, "You leaving me to wake up alone in our bed, especially in the morning."

Giggling, Khushi turned around to face him. Placing both hands on his shoulders, she retorted, "Objections, Your honour, I don't recall such protocols."

"Objection overruled. You need to be careful about these Protocols, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

"Otherwise you'll be punished".

He quietened her surprise squeal with his lips as he placed his hands under her thigh and hoisted her up, pressing her on the washroom tiles as he proceeded to punish her. The stream enveloped them like a cocoon, wrapping around their intertwined bodies as his lips captured hers in a tender yet insistent kiss, making Khushi drunk on his very presence. Their lovemaking unfolded like a symphony of whispered words and gasps of pleasure, punctuated by the rhythmic pulse of the shower and their shared breaths that echoed in the stream-filled air.

When Khushi entered the Oxford Library, she was as eager as a child in a candy store. Quickly grabbing the book she had been searching for, she settled at a nearby table. It wasn't long before a whispered conversation between two women caught her ear. Her interest was piqued immediately upon hearing them mention Arnav.

"Did you hear Arnav Singh Raizada got married? He went home to attend his sister's wedding and came back with a wife. Lavanya is going out of her mind."

"But Mr. Raizada had refused her marriage proposal, right? Why would she care?"

"You didn't understand. Lavanya was hopeful he would marry her eventually."

The other voice responded with a non-committal sound.

Nevertheless, the female continued, 'Anyway, Lavanya was saying she got to know from Kamlesh that he married his best friend's sister, with whom his sister got married. She is sure that he had been blackmailed into marrying her, otherwise, he would never marry some village girl.'

"Are you sure she is a village girl?"

"I don't know. Lavanya told me all of this. She might know something."

The other woman responded with another non-committal sound, much like before.

But all her zeal to read books that day vanished after hearing their conversation. She didn’t stay much longer and decided to go home. Her thoughts were tormenting her, and all her past insecurities came back to attack her at once. Unable to bear being alone any longer, she went to meet Nani Ji.

Her worries had somehow dimmed in Nani Ji's presence, and things almost returned to normal for the next few days. Then, one night at dinner, Arnav mentioned that Mr. Kashyap was going to arrange a dinner party at Inner Temple, Arnav's Inn of Court, the upcoming Sunday, and Khushi was invited. They all wanted to meet Arnav's wife.

Khushi wasn’t afraid to meet his friends; she just didn't want to meet that one specific person. That person was better as faceless. Khushi wasn't eager to give her a face. Maybe she wouldn’t even be there, she hoped foolishly.

Lavanya didn't want to be at these legal parties, but she had endured them for the last 2 years just to be close to Arnav. Now, all her hopes had turned to ashes. However, Lavanya was not one to be defeated easily. She would see this through to the end. Sooner or later, he would regret rejecting a girl like her. She arrived donning the best gown she had, styled to the latest fashion in town.

As she chatted idly with Pamela Brown and Simona Clarke, Lavanya noticed a girl in a red saree. The material looked seamless, possibly muslin. The girl had a small face with expressive big eyes. She had long hair, that was slightly curled at the ends and cascaded loosely down her back. She possessed a fair complexion unlike that typically seen in Indians, reminiscent instead of British heritage. Her skin, akin to porcelain, carried a flawless, ethereal glow that set her apart and captured everyone's attention. She didn't wear much jewellery, but as the light caught her gold waist chain, Lavanya's attention was drawn to it. Lavanya wasn't paying much heed to the gold chain though, her focus was zoned on the hand that held the girl by her waist instead.

To the bystanders, the hold seemed casual, nothing unusual for any couple. But for Lavanya, it was enough to set her heart on fire. Lavanya scrutinized the way he held her, with his thumb occasionally making circles. The hold contained so much possessiveness and sensuality that it felt like she was witnessing a private moment. She watched as he introduced the girl to others at the party. The girl in the red saree slightly leaned into him as his hand moved from her waist to her back, caressing her as if trying to soothe her. Then he guided her forward with the hand on her back.

"Oh, wow, that's Mrs. Raizada. No doubt Mr. Raizada is so smitten," Pamela said unknowingly when she saw them, earning a glare from Lavanya.

"Shut up, Pam".

When Arnav and Khushi reached Lavanya, Arnav introduced his wife to her.

"Khushi, meet Ms. Lavanya Kashyap. You remember Mr. Kashyap. Lavanya is Mr. Kashtap's daughter," Arnav said warmly. Turning to Lavanya, he continued, "And Lavanya, this is my wife, Khushi."

Lavanya gasped dramatically, " Is that all I am to you, Arnav? I thought we were friends. Right? "

Arnav's eyes tightened, daring her to make a scene. It didn't escape Khushi's eyes though.

Ignoring him, she turned to Khushi with a sugary sweet smile and greeted her in her polished English accent, "Anyways, nice to meet you, Khushi."

Lavanya didn't expect Khushi to say anything. She had almost dismissed Khushi as uneducated. But to her surprise, Khushi responded in flawless English, "Nice to meet you too."

Lavanya and Khushi exchanged fake smiles, each sizing the other up. Khushi wasn't one to do such things, but she found herself observing Lavanya from head to toe. Then, Mr. Kashyap arrived. After exchanging pleasantries with Khushi, he pulled Arnav away, leaving Khushi alone with Lavanya.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of Khuhsi." Lavanya said with a fake enthusiasm.

Lavanya watched intently as the couple engaged in a silent conversation with only their eyes, noticing Khushi nodding slightly.

It was an incredibly awkward situation, to say the least. Khushi struggled to grasp what she would talk about with Lavanya.

It had been easier when Lavanya was just a faceless entity, but now that Khushi was face-to-face with her and knew Lavanya harboured feelings for Arnav, she didn't know what to feel about that.

Lavanya started talking first.

"You're wearing such a beautiful saree! And it's red. Arnav's favourite colour. Did he buy it for you?" If Lavanya's casual use of Arnav's name bothered Khushi, she didn't let it show.

"Yes, It's Arnav's favorite color," Khushi replied politely, not quite getting the game Lavanya was playing.

"I wish I could wear sarees, but my maid doesn't know how to drape them properly, you know, and they're sort of out of fashion nowadays,"

Khushi only nodded her head.

Meanwhile, a server served them two bowls of kheer. Khushi was actually surprised to see such a dessert at a party like that.

"Oh, look, the kheer has arrived. It's Arnav's favorite, you know. We always have kheer at parties when Arnav is attending," Lavanya remarked.

"Hmm," was all Khushi could think to say in response.

"You know, these legal parties can be quite boring. But they do arrange some fun things too, like theatre and dances. You should attend parties at the gymkhana club. Arnav is a member too. My god, they even arrange cricket matches sometimes. They're so much fun. Have you ever watched a cricket match, Khushi?"

"Not really."

"You should join us in one of them then. Arnav is an excellent cricket player. He played in the Oxford cricket team, of course, that's you already know. You are his wife." Lavanya said causually. She was checking how much Khushi knew about Arnav London life before Lavanya could manupulate the facts.

Lavanya was a very perspective girl. The look on Khushi's face revealed that this information came as a surprise to her, and Lavanya finally succeeded in finding the weak point she was looking for. She didn't expect she would find one that soon. Luck seemed to on Lavanya's side this evening. Khushi couldn't hide her unease. She didn't know much about Arnav's life in London. Lavanya kept talking.

"The Oxford cricket team is a big deal, you know. Their news even makes it to newspapers like the Daily Telegraph. You know, the same paper Arnav writes his legal column for. I didn't know Arnav writes so well. He's an excellent writer, don't you think?" She said smugly. The confidence in Lavanya's voice increasing. She would prove to khushi that how well she knew Arnav. She would prove that she knew Arnav better than his wife.

Khushi only nodded her head, lost in thoughts about all the things Lavanya knew about Arnav that Khushi didn't.

She heard Lavanya ask, "So you are Aman's sister, huh?"

"You knew Aman bhai?"

"No, but Arnav talked about him a lot. But Arnav never mentioned you," Lavanya replied casually, feigning a aura of indifference.

Khushi finally understood what Lavanya was trying to do. She wouldn't let Lavanya do that to her. She won't succumbed to her fear and insecurities, at least, not in the public. She had enough.

"I don't see any circumstances where he would need to talk about me, especially to you." Khushi tried to maintain her polite tone.

Lavanya gave her a hard look, then asked in a harsh tone, "So, he never talked about me either, I guess." She wanted to include khushi and herself in the same category of people, about whom Arnav didn't talk about.

"No, he never did. But honestly, I don't see why he would need to talk about every person he knows. It's rather exhausting, you know. We have other things to do to exhaust ourselves.... than discuss acquaintances," Khushi replied calmly, maintaining her composure.

If looks could kill, khushi would have been dead by now. Khushi thanked Devi Maiya that Arnav decided to returned at the sane moment and took her to meet some other people. Despite this distraction, the thoughts kept swirling in Khushi's head. She felt like she was in a battle with herself.

'What was the nature of Arnav and Lavanya's so-called friendship? Lavanya knew so much about Arnav.'

'But these are common things. Anyone might know,' Khushi reasoned to herself. 'favourite colour, favourite food, anyone might know.'

'But why don't I know?' Khushi wondered, feeling unsettled. 'There is just something about Lavanya. Why is she so upset if there wasn't anything significant between them?'

A little dash of insecurity and Khushi started feeling like the person she had known for ten years, her best friend whom she married, was someone she didn't know at all. He had a whole new life here that she knew nothing about. This aspect of his life was completely unknown to her. What if she couldn't cope with him and he decided he wanted something different?

All along the way, Khushi had been very quiet. When Arnav asked, she said she was tired, so he didn't bother her any further. But her insecurities got the better of her as they entered their house. The first question she asked was, "Why didn't I know that you write a column in the newspaper?"

Arnav looked at her, surprised. "Oh, that? It's nothing special. I started writing them last summer. The newspaper pays well, so I decided to give it a try. How did you find out?"

"I want to read them."

"Umm.. Okay.. But don't expect anything special. They're in the study. You can read them if you want," Arnav replied casually.

Khushi nodded, suddenly feeling foolish for asking Arnav about it. As they prepared for bed, thoughts of her conversation with Lavanya swirled in her mind. She couldn't help but wonder if there had ever been a time when Arnav might have had feelings for Lavanya. The way Lavanya spoke, with such familiarity and confidence, made her question everything she thought she knew about her husband.

As Khushi lay in bed, settling into their favourite position with Arnav spooning her, her mind wouldn't quiet down. The insecurities gnawed at her, and she couldn't shake the fear that one day Arnav might realize he wanted someone different.

Someone like Lavanya—sophisticated, confident, and well-acquainted with his world in London, which was more like his present. All Khushi knew about Arnav was of his past. That though filled her with dread.

"Arnav, can I ask you a question?"

"Hmm, since when do you need permission to ask me anything?"

"Why don't you play cricket at home but do here? Every summer, Aman bhai, Akash bhai, and sometimes even Babuji join them to play, but you've never participated."

She felt Arnav hold his breath for a moment, then exhaled slowly. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and began speaking, "Umm, it's nothing serious." Arnav didn't talk for a long time and khushi almost thought he had fallen asleep. But then he said softly, "Do you know that when my mother died, I found her body in her room?"

"Hmm, Amma told me once." She had never heard Arnav talk about his mother.

"I was playing cricket with Aman and Akash bhai in your courtyard," he took another pause, then continued, "I couldn't play cricket after that. But here in London, one day when the team was in dire need of a player, I stepped up, and surprisingly, playing cricket here wasn't that difficult. So I kept playing... and I liked it." After a few moments, he buried his face in her hair and kissed the back of her head softly. He drew her even closer with the arm around her and murmured, "See, it's nothing deep."

As Khushi mused over what he was saying, she thought to herself, 'No, it was deeper.'

"khushi?"

"hmm".

"How did you know about Lavanya?"

"Last summer Kamlesh bhaiya came to meet Aman bhai. He told Aman bhai about her, about how you got a marriage proposal from her."

"Hmm," came his sleepy reply.

Khushi was dying to ask Arnav about the nature of his relationship with Lavanya, but she hesitated. It wasn’t that she lacked the courage to ask him; rather, she was afraid of what his answer might be. Her mind raced with doubts and insecurities. What if Arnav had once had feelings for Lavanya? The thought of hearing confirmation from him was too painful to bear.

She lay beside him, feeling the warmth of his body, but her heart felt cold and distant. The silence in the room was heavy with unspoken words. She could hear Arnav’s breathing slow down, a sign that he had fallen asleep. His steady, rhythmic breaths should have been comforting, but instead, they only amplified her anxiety. She wanted to shake him awake, demand answers, and seek reassurance, but she couldn’t bring herself to disturb his peace.

As she lay there in the darkness, Khushi’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She tried to convince herself that her fears were baseless, that Arnav loved her and only her. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it was growing, slowly but surely, consuming her thoughts.

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@arshifiesta @phuljari @featheredclover

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Saheb, Bibi Aur Ghulaam

#1

For IPKKND’s 13th anniversary, hosted by the lovelies @arshifiesta

1903, Kolkata

Nandkisore sat by the ghats, watching the sun set on the Ganges. Devotees offered prayers while lovers sat in the ferries, gently bobbing from one end of the river bank to the other.

Not too many summers ago he had arrived, with barely a paisa in his pocket, and only a few local words that he had picked from fellow travellers.

“What were you thinking about sahab?” Mohan, his rickshaw puller, asked. Nandkisore chuckled at being referred as a sahab. It would take him some time to get used to that honorific. Granted, his patent for a new type of printer at the printing press gave him a financial security that his ancestors had never seen, but that couldn’t really make him a sahab.

Nandkisore pointed to the sprawling mansion across the river.

Sheesh Mahal

Owned by the richest zamindar in the city. By a true sahab - Arnav Mullick.

“Oh Maa! Did you know him? Were you both friends? Is that how you learned how to make money?” Mohan asked.

“No, Arnav sahab was my employer,” Nandkisore said. The formidable Arnav Mullick was nobody’s friend but his kindest, sweetest wife was the closest friend Nandkisore ever had.

And the only thing he learned in the godforsaken house was tragedy.

— — —

1897, Kolkata

The white marbles and mirrors of Sheesh Mahal made it stand like a diamond amidst the city. A step into the haveli and one would think another city lived inside it. Water fountains to an army of servant, Nandkisore hoped to find some employment within that army.

As a Punjabi lad he struggled to find meaning between all the Bengali words thrown left and right at him, but he was able to piece together what all the househelp agreed on.

Since he hadn’t seen the haveli in entirety yet, he must see the central courtyard! Chhote sahab, although strict, disposed the idea of servants not being allowed in certain areas or using separate cutlery.

Huh, it was surprising that in a house of two brothers it was the younger one that wielded more power.

But why would anyone be surprised? Given his progressive ideals that made him a favorite amongst the workers and a sore in the eye among other zamindars, London return Chhote sahab brought the financially wrought Mullick household into prosperity.

The househelp clearly favoured him, reciting some of his speeches as well. For those who blamed modernization and London as an influence for his liberalism, he laughed that studying the English and seeing the effects of their Industrial Revolution opened his eyes in ways one could never imagine.

So Nandkisore was eager to meet Chhote Sahab. But before that - a trip to the main courtyard. There were whispers of tapestry belonging from the Mughal eras, intricate woodwork that took countless hours and men to produce, ingenious architecture that illuminated the courtyard at all times of the day.

Except nothing caught Nandkisore’s eyes apart from the lady in red, sitting on a swing.

“That’s Choto boumaa,” one whispered.

Nandkisore reddened, for having admired the wife of Chhote Sahab. But there was a genuine goodness in her that radiated an aura of kindness, of childishness.

Little bells chimed in the air as the youngest bride of the house swung high, her alta stained feet adorned with heavy payals, a Jalebi in her hand.

None could ever look at her with an evil eye. She was a good person. He knew it. He believed in it.

The bahu nearly jumped off the swing when a babu appeared. Given the way he strode to her with two helpers who had a pile of gifts - sarees and jewleries - that must be Chhote Sahab!

Then why did a chill run up Nandkisore’s spine?

“Dada, you have no business gifting things to my vwife.” A man strode into the courtyard, his gait enough to frighten the babu’s two helpers.

Tall, sharp nosed and not a hair out of place. His eyes held an icy wrath that could shake the soul out of any ordinary man. Nandkisore knew that that man had to Chhote Sahab.

Then who was the other man? And why was he gifting Chhoto Boumaa?

A bile rose up in NK’s through as understanding dawned.

“A wife who spends all her time alone? Perhaps you and I aren’t that different Chhote,” The babu scoffed.

“If I find you, again, near my wife, then you can find yourself another home.” The young bride cowered behind her husband - clenching her saree in anxiety.

“ARNAV! HOW DARE YOU!”

“Keep your voice down Shyam Mullick, if it wasn’t for boudi’s plea then…”

Of course, the other babu was Barrister Shyam Mullick. The older son, the heir eclipsed by his younger brother.

Shyam threw the gifts aside and stormed off. Nandkisore breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God Chhote Sahab had arrived in time, if not then Chhoto Boumaa would have had to deal with the sleaze of a brother in law-

“Your greed has no end, does it?” She yelped, her arms in Arnav’s brutal grip.

“Na, na ami-” her soft pleas for mercy had no audience in him.

Nandkisore dropped a metal bowl and ducked, Arnav sprang apart from his wife and walked away, while the fragile woman picked up the fallen Jalebi from the floor to put it away.

Her eyes were full of tears, and Nandkisore rued on the fate she had. Her home had two men who abused her and she had nowhere to run.

He was thankful Chhote sahab didn’t see him drop the bowl.

He was careful to tiptoe away.

“Darao,” he halted at Chhoto Boumaa’s order. She studied his face for a moment.

“Shukriya,” she whispered.

“Oh no no, please Chhoti Malkin-”

“Call me Khushi please,”

— — —

A/N; finally!!! Here’s my little contribution to the festival! Enjoy enjoy and let me know your thoughts 😊

[candywife333]

Light A Candle for Me (Part 2)

Second part of the Diwali special fic

(may have a smutty additional part, but I am not sure about that yet)

ugly duckling/late bloomer chubby reader x rich idol Jungkook

Triggers: non-con picture taking (Y/N is still clothed) , eventual smut (rough)

Disclaimer: The Jungkook written in this fic is not an accurate representation of the real life Jungkook's thoughts or actions. Keep in mind that this is fiction. has minimal to no proofreading.

I showed up at the party a little late. People flooded the premises. My mom came up to it, draped in a gorgeous orange sari shimmering with gold threads, popping a jalebi (syrupy orange sweet) into my mouth. I chewed on it lackadaisically, rather fatigued due to the busy day at work. Bang- PD had messed up his keyboard by eating and working on it at the same time and he would have to get it replaced unless I found a way to fix it. Thank god I could do that in time for the party.

I had gotten looks all day at HYBE from so many people, especially men that would have never looked my way otherwise. I was uncomfortable with all the attention, and frankly that was the exact reason that I did not dress up at work. On my off days I wore the most flamboyant vintage outfits with pearls and ornate jewelry. Yet, I just couldn't shake the anxiety with being noticed for looks in professional settings.

I had invited my co-workers--mainly people in my department and kind people I had met in other departments of HYBE-- to this Diwali party that my family was hosting. What I didn't expect was not only the people I invited, but gatecrashers that should not be here. Either I was hallucinating, or I could see Jungkook-ssi right in front of my glittering gold house gate entering the premises.

I frowned, why the hell was he here? When I didn't invite him? I barely spoke to the dude.

Jungkook POV

I entered the Bowser's house, due to a few of her co workers who I was close with, inviting me to tag along. They promised that she always had great food at her annual parties, and since they knew I wouldn't miss good food for anything, I showed up. As I entered, I noticed a glowing lady wrapped in fabric that showed of her curvaceous hips and bountiful behind. She was reaching over, back facing me, trying to string up a set of lights onto a miniature palm tree that was still taller than her.

Why was she so familiar? I walked over to her and saw the front of her outfit, realizing who she was. She was the girl from the picture in the morning. As I caught sight of her face, I froze in my tracks. It was Bowser, it was y/N. The sexy girl in the photo from the morning was Y/N and I didn't know how to feel.

That sari was doing things to me that I could not explain in polite company. I came here to eat, but now I had set my sights on devouring something entirely different. My eyes slid up her body wrapped in gold embroidered patterns. As I watched her in a daze, I noticed the ladder she was on slipping. I moved quickly, grabbing her by her waist. But, I didn't realize the propulsion of gravity and her body weight forced me onto the ground with her on top of me.

I could feel the lush softness of her lips massaging mine. We were kissing. And I didn't want to stop.

Her eyebrows furrowed, staring me down as she willed me remove my arms from around her waist, holding her to me. I didn't stop. I pushed my tongue into her mouth and she resisted, initially stiffening up. But something must've happened to change her mind, because she gave in and kissed me back, letting her tongue entangle mine. I could feel the rush. It was as though there were some type of magic in her. The sweet and tart taste of her mouth was addicting.

Just as quickly as she fell into the spell, she seemed to snap out of it as she struggled to get off of me. I reluctantly let her get up, off of me. I missed her body on top of mine already.

Y/N POV

I felt ashamed, letting him kiss me. A literal stranger. I knew his reputation and I was nowhere near him. A person like him did not belong with a person like me. I ran away upstairs, trying to catch my breath in my room. I would stay up here in the guise of working on the flower and candle arrangements.

Before I could shut my door behind me, a strong large hand blocked me from closing the door. I barked out seeing who it was, "Get the hell out of my room. Otherwise I am going to scream".

He smirked, his dark eyes flashing in the dim light only brightened by a few candles, "I will make you scream for a different reason sweetheart. Now why don't you tell me how you hid your beauty from me for so long?"

I scoffed, sitting away from him on my bed, "You never looked. People can't find things that they don't look for".

Before I could even notice, he was right next to me on the bed, warm large hand gripping mine, a slight smile on his face, eyes twinkling, "What if I'm looking now? I may be late to the party, but I can see you now. And you are driving me crazy. I can't stop thinking about you and your body".

I muttered back sharply, "I'm not interested in a casual relationship in a fling. You will have to find someone else for that". He squeezed my waist, making me startled, as he stared at my breasts, the shape of them apparent through the translucent fabric, "Who said it would be casual"?

"I am very serious about you", he jibed back, a disconcerting sparkle in his eyes as he stared at me. I laughed, "You may be serious, but no way will you be able to take this sari off of me to find out". His eyes glittered dangerously, as he drawled out in a gravelly tone, "Is that a bet darling"?

[chutkiandchotte]

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.

[arshifiesta]

So now that you all have gotten a grasp on the theme, let me give you a gist of this fiesta! We'll be conducting this for the rest of the month i.e. June 2024. There will two main types of prompts:

1. Moodboards

These will be released every 4-5 days or so for you guys to ponder and come up with anything based on or inspired from the prompt (even if sometimes it ends up looking nothing like the prompt itself 🤭) and we'll be happy to reblog your creations, even if it's a three paragraph story or any kind of edit or if you want to try your hand at fan-art but have never been able to sit down and create something— take this opportunity to start creating!

2. Word Prompts

These will be filler prompts for days in between moodboard prompts so that people can keep creating! You can also combine word prompts with any of the moodboards according to your liking, there's absolutely no restrictions. Also, even if there are new prompts, you can still create based on the old ones (again, no hard and fast rules here!)

There's no particular guidelines to this Fiesta so create whatever feels right to YOU! There's no wrong or right! And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in the comments, through asks, or you could even dm them if you're feeling particularly shy!

If you're too worried about putting out your content then you can of course send it to us privately and we will post it for you while maintaining all privacy that we can!

In regards to how you want to post, there are several options like:

1. You want to post an edit on YouTube/Instagram/Tik tok or you want to post some writing on Wattpad/Ao3/WordPress or something that doesn't directly get posted to Tumblr— that's completely alright! Just make sure to tag this blog @arshifiesta, make sure you use the hashtag #IPK 13th Anniversary Fiesta and a link to whatever moodboard/word prompt you're using!

2. You want to post something on other websites as mentioned above but also want to post them here or add introduction and links that direct you to other websites— Sure you can! Again, make sure to tag us and use the proper hashtag so that we can reblog all submissions/creations!

3. You want to post on Tumblr itself but aren't sure how to go about it? Okay, so if this is the case then we suggest that you refer to this post by jalebi which will give you a flexible format to use. Mention the prompt (hyperlink it if possible!), share your work and then tag our blog and use the proper hashtag!

Note: Although, there aren't any age restrictions for submissions, we request you to add community label (mature) wherever necessary!

If anyone wants to collaborate with someone, then they're welcome to tag them in the comments to see if they're interested.

And most importantly, let's be kind to one another! 🤗 Hate of any kind will not be tolerated here. And please remember to lift up new members of the fandom by supporting their work even if you've never seen them before on this website. That's all folks!

Moodboard no.1 coming right up! Keep your eyes out for us! 👀 And don't forget to tag @arshifiesta and #IPK 13th Anniversary Fiesta. Remember that we cannot reblog posts that people haven't tagged us in! Also, people who post without giving credits will be warned and reported.

In case you missed the Theme Introduction Post!

Prompt Index:

Moodboard 1

Moodboard 2

Moodboard 3

Moodboard 4

Moodboard 5

[desiblr-tales]

daal pitha is a traditional bihari dish. they are like rice flour dumplings and they have mixed lentils as fillings.

fafda jalebi is a traditional gujarati pairing. fafda are spicy and crunchy which is made of chickpea consists of long strips of dough which have been deep fried and jalebi are sweet, tangy and soft fried.

nimki is the bengali version of namak para. it's a tea time snack made of all purpose flour. it's usually crunchy.

kachori is a delicious deep fried pastry like snack. it's fillings depend mainly on the region.

dahi bade is a type of chaat. it is prepared by soaking vadas (fried lentil balls) in thick dahi (yogurt)

chanachur is a type of savory snack mix that usually contains fried lentils, peanuts, spices, and other crunchy ingredients

bhujia is a popular crispy snack and is prepared by using besan (gram flour) and spices

samosa is a deep fried pastry which has the filling of mashed potatoes and peas.

litti chokha is a very famous meal of bihar and jharkhand. litti has a hearty filling of sattu along with spices like ajwain and kalonji. served with chokha made with mashed potatoes, this is a complete meal.

[msbhagirathi]

IPKKND LIVE BLOG SEASON - 1 [EPI - 3]

Cooommmeee onnnnn. Let'zzz beegggiiiinnnn.

Satvik Mishthaann Bhandaar. Khushi opens the cylinder's regulator's knob. Picks up the oil cannister, with tears glistening in her eyes.

Khushi's flashbacks of the lines that broke her heart :

i) "Mat kaho hume Amma." (Don't call me your mom.)

ii) "Payal iski sagi behen hoti tabahu aisi harkat karat?" (Had Payal been her real (blood-related) sister then would she do something like that ?")

iii) "Aaj tum saabit kar dee ho ki tum humra khoon naahi ho." (Today you have proved that you don't consider us as your own.)

iv) "Tum jaisi ladkiyon ka kya hai, ek jayega dusra phasaa lena." (This should not be a problem for girls like you, if one slips away then trap another.)

3. ANDDDDD- she lights the gas and makes jalebis. As we all get to know that stress eating and stress cooking are her outlets.

4. Sun comes up and we are in the next day. Hii Bitwa. Good morning.

5. We see Arnav, again, drowned in the horrors of his past. The head of his PR team comes and informs about the damage control but also tells his boss about his suspicions that some media people might still have managed to get hold on a few photos and videos.

6. But Bitwa is in no mood to listen. He gives him a threat, straight, of getting black-listed from the corporate market and having to spend the rest of his life in a 'kiraane ki dukan' (General store). Calm down angry young man, it's not good for your health.

7. He asks about his schedule to Rajesh (his secretary? then who was Aman? Lol. Whatever.)

8. Oh. So Bitwa eats oats(or toasts? Whatever.) for breakfast everyday. He is surprised to see channe ki roti, (orange-?) juice and fruits. He asks about the change and-

9. There comes his Di. "Hum jaante the, ki tum hume miss kar rahe hoge, chhotte." Look at his face. It's like 'not again'. Lol. Just sibling things.

10. So, Di wants her chhotte to complete her mannat and Our Bitwa has a very valid question, "Di mannat aapne maangi hai toh mujhe kyun puri karni padegi?" (Di, if you had asked for the wish then why do I have to complete it?) Lol. Just some Bitwa things.

11. I agree with Bitwa, here, Di. Why does he have to- OH OH OH I FORGOT- HE HAS TO MEET HIS WIFE THERE. HOW STUPID OF ME TO FORGET. Lol.

12. On a serious note, I hope you know the symbolization, here, Anjali, herself, called Khushi into Arnav's life, as his mannat.

13. Arnav, begrudgingly, accepts to go to the dargah for completing the wish. But. Of course. Without having the channe ki rotis, his Di made.

14. Excuse? Me? Khushi? Is? Still? Making? Jalebis? Like? What the-?

15. HAhahahahahisddifvoaidawdw. Jalebiyan ka mount everest. I am wheezing. (Jalebis' mount everest)

16. Lol. In an interview, Sanaya had mentioned that she likes all type of sweets except jalebis. I cannot help myself but focus on that thing. Babuji offers her a jalebi and Khushi is shown taking a bite, only that Sanaya did not take a bite, she just pretended to. I just cannot overlook it. Ok back to the serious-ness. Stop distracting me, okay?

17. I want to say something. I- it's so beautiful and heart touching, a father consoling his daughter but making her understand her mistake but also making her feel that whatever she did, that is to stand up against dowry system, is also A VERY RIGHT DECISION, but her way of taking matters into her hand, was also very wrong, she should have talked about this to her father. I felt so at peace. The father-daughter duo give off such a beautiful, soft and touching vibe.

18. He also consoles her for the things that Buaji said to her last night. In fact, he started the conversation with those words. Coz he knows and understands how gut wrenching it might have been to listen those harsh words.

19. The society people gather up and show their support and understanding towards Shashi babu and his family.

20. Stop making those annoying faces, Buaji.

21. Bitwa is on his way to the dargah. He asks his manager not to cancel his meeting but says will get delayed by 10-15 minutes.

22. They have reached the dargah. Khushi's first ever 'Laad Governor' makes an appearance. She talks of giving him a mouthful if she sees him ever again.

23. Did you notice this too? Arnav has changed his suit. Earlier, this morning he was wearing a grey? suit, i think and now there's a shiny black suit, with black aviators.

24. He starts walking and guess what, the cravat is back. *heart eyes*

25. Bitwa is well, Bitwa. Someone comes and tries to ward off evil eye with those peacock feathers and the way he dodges it off with making that face. Lol.

26. Payal tells Khushi to cover her head and Arnav, being an obedient jethji/jijaji, covers his head as well.

27. Is it coincidental that the first syllable of Arziyaan song starts just as Arnav enters the frame? And also the fact that the song is addressed in first person pronoun so it seems like it's been sung on Arnav's behalf.

28. "Tere derr pe jhuka hun, mitta hun, bana hun." (I have been destroyed and re-made myself (by hardships of life?) and I am bowing down at your doorstep.) This line, in fact, this whole song is made for our dear broken Arnav baby only, and only for him. I got emotional. Wow. Back to the epi.

29. Payal goes to take the niyaaz and Khushi crosses Arnav's way and her dupatta wraps up around his head. I think, he is kind of intrigued by it, coz he keeps looking at the back of that girl, in all white. Also, maybe tries to -identify?- her-what's with that unreadable expression Bitwa?

30. "Pyaas le ke aaya tha, dariya woh bhar laaya,

noor ki barish mein, beeghta-sa tar aaya."

How beautifully these lines along with Arnav entering the main entrance of the dargah, have been synced together. I mean. Wow. (Click the lines to read the translation.)

31. Inside the mazhaar. Khushi, what is this behaviour? Wait for your husband.

32. I really got a few second goosebumps here. The fact that they are just a mere inches away, separated by that-wall?- tying the sacred threads, praying for their loved ones.

(Arnav, I hope so you are praying and not thinking that you are the mighty ASR and you don't need all that blessings and shit, just pray. For yourself. For your mental health, my boy. You need it. Believe me. You really do.)

33. "O ek khushboo aati thi,

mein bhatakta jata tha,reshm-si maya thi,

aur main takta jata tha."

Are they hinting at the telepathy that Arnav will start experiencing after a few days? Uhhuhh, foreshadowing, I see. Writers are very clever.

34. Khushi is complaining, to Khwajaji, about her meeting with 'woh'. Lol. Tell me Khushi. Who is this 'woh' here? I did not understand.

Also, Khushi says that, for the first time, she had to hide something from her babuji which means no one knows about their first meeting yet.

Khushi and her 'woh' sitting opposite to each other. One complaining while the other listening looking around with a frown in his face.

35. Do you know this fact that girls in India, after getting married, address their husband as 'woh' to every one else and even if they have to take their name, they add an extra 'ji' after it.

Did you see what I did there? Heh. I iz veri kelever.

Bitwa is looking at his wife leaving, after ranting about him.

36. Are you following her Bitwa? Do you love her already? So. Both are there, to tie their 'mannat ka tala'. Khushi prays to Khwajaji, to get her sister married to a good man, as she cannot bear to see her sad. On the contrary, look at Bitwa's face. He is doing 'all this' just for 'his Di's happiness.' And careless bitwa, instead of keeping the key in his pocket, lets it slip away from his hands. I realized that I loved the BG score here.

But, his wife Khushi will make sure he rightfully gets back his mannat ki chabi. Look at Arnav's face, when she calls out, to hand him the key. He already knows it's the same girl (the girl from that previous night).

37. He does not turn immediately. Look closely, he turns as if to gauge her reaction. Her polite-slight- smile drops as she realizes that it's her 'woh'. Khushi, still very much affected by last night's harassment, clutches her neck-line, in fear. Arnav looks at her face, already smitten tells her to 'phek do' it. (Throw away)

Turns back and leaves. Khushi realizes that he 'phir suna diya' to her. (He, again, had the last word.)

38. The BG score, that is playing, here, is basically played for Khushi every time whenever she has an idea for some thing in general or is talking to devi maiyya (i think?) or is talking to herself or is ranting about her LG or has a 'brilliant' idea to exasperate her LG and here, is giving a pep talk to herself.

39. Arnav is doing his ASR walk without disturbing anyone and Khushi is doing her 'Hum Khushi Kumari Gupta' style running, skidding, jumping and scaring everyone around her, with her chaotic run.

40. Khushi comes to a stop. Arnav notices her and stops as well. My God. How is it possible that I can literally feel her, being out of breath and not being able to get out a single word from her mouth, without breathing loudly, just after running a -what-few meters-? Lol. I love Sanaya.

41. Bitwa is like 'calm down babe, have some water and sit down first.' So, Arnav is staring at her and walking towards her, with slow and careful steps. Khushi, obviously afraid, steps away from him, trying to maintain a safe distance.

42. Screen freezes at Khushi's face and starts to fade out. *quickly pauses it* Precap. Don't like spoilers.

P.S. : I thought their argument over god and their beliefs would be in this one only. Btw, I loved Khushi's look and hair as well. Arnav's was fine. I loved loved loved babuji's scene with Khushi in the morning. I loved it. It was so soothing for Khushi, as well as, for all of us viewers too. Also, all the 'wife' and 'woh' jokes that I made for Khushi and Arnav are still not relevant, here, because of the harassment that was shown in the last one, so please don't take it seriously, I just did it to add some humor to it. Please don't take it the wrong way. Ok, bye. Have a great day/night ahead. God bless you.

Previous Next Episode!

[arziaisfrench]

▪︎ IPKKND Ep 30 recap : Love

"Sister, I'm not stuck with old memories. If that would've been true, then probably you would've seen me crying over my fate. But now, I'm making my own fate."

I think Arnav's obsession with fate and control are the after-effects of his trauma. He's very sacred of having to deal with another tragic event, to have to deal again with that heartbreaking and painful feeling of losing someone so close to him.

He's very scared of breaking again. He has not only lifted himself up but also his sister and his family with much more hardship that he lets us know.

We rarely see him complain, he's a really lonely person. When sometimes, he brags about being Arnav Singh Raizada, he never really tells people he had to go through a lot of hardships, and he never let the world sees him as someone who can be vulnerable, someone who can actually break.

Because when he showed vulnerability in the past, to someone else that his sister, those people betrayed him. His own uncle betrayed him but this wasn't the most heartbreaking betrayal he had to go through.

His own parents betrayed him in the worst way. They chose to d*e instead of choosing to stay alive for their children. They betrayed him by choosing to d*e and they abandonned him by actually dy*ng ! (I'll explain this theory of mine later in details.)

To be betrayed and abandonned are the deepest fear of Arnav, to be betrayed and abandonned by someone he trust and love, but also to be betrayed by himself because of love. And not any type of love, there is a specificity, that I'll elaborate later at the right moment.

That's why he always tries to control everything and creates for himself opportunities rather than letting incertainty enters back his life.

That's why only Khushi makes him feel really alive. She's someone he never intended to meet. She is a risk, she is an incertainty he can not control !!!

"You're getting lost somewhere. What's in your heart … why isn't in your face? What Anjali says will echo Khushi's observation of Arnav "Why does people aren't what we see them to be?"

"Why are you bothering her so much?" Arnav can't answer this question. He doesn't know why. From the first time he met her, he treated her fiercely as his equal. You might mistakenly think he views her as an enemy, and that's partly true. Asr think of Khushi as an ennemy, a danger to Arnav's well being.

She was able to make him feel too much and to trigger him too easily. Asr needed to make her pay for that. She was able to make Arnav forget everything else, Arnav wanted to keep playing with her, together, without thinking about protecting himself. That's why Asr had to intervene.

" -What have she done? -I don't know what she has done …" "I don't how she could enter my heart, I barely know her. How? What is she doing to me? What have you done Khushi?"

"Why don't you want to believe that you're getting worried for her?" Anjali has no idea that he's more than just worried about her being sick/hurt. He knows he's worried about her. That's not what irritates him, it's about how worried he's getting, the intensity of it !

He is way too concerned about her, he cares way too much. He knows she is becoming very special to him. That's why he gets angry and tries to avoid her and fight every thought of her. He refuses to admit he's falling in love with her. Love isn't part of his life plan.

"He's a devil !"

I think Khushi is not just angry of what happened, she's also disappointed with Arnav. She knows how he can be mean, but she wasn't expecting him to be this cruel. She still thinks he tried to scared her purposely (not to actually hurt her) for her to quit her job and therefore to win their challenge.

I think Khushi was hoping he would have tried to fix what he did, to apologize to her family at least.

Her rushed, almost compulsive way to prepare jalebi is also very telling of how Khushi tries to cope with her emotions. It must be a way for her to fight against the intense feeling someone or something caused.

I think the origin of that behavior is directly linked to her suic*dal thoughts. Just like Arnav, Khushi lost her parents. Khushi deepest fear is to be seen as "unworthy" to the people she loves.

And here, it's probably caused by the intense pain and disappointment in Arnav's behavior. She thinks the man "who made her feel like a woman", not only hates her so much but also might be actually a cruel man !

Khushi denies her feelings for him but indeed she started to catch feelings. And the man she likes seems to despise her so much to the point of risking her life. Her denial can't control the way her heart feels, she is very hurt.

[sush2018]

Samosa and Jalebi combo

Jalebi What are your favorite types of foods? Samosa – the crisp savory flour pyramids filled with masala potatoes taken together with Jalebi – hot and crisp, juicy golden lattices in floral circles, of sweet syrup! When this prompt came my way- I went over all of them, my favorites, you see ☺ Chinese, Tibetan, Italian, the burgers n fries, the  Finger licking good chickens and then my…

[chikushiva]

Top Places to Visit in Delhi: A Comprehensive Guide

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, is a city that seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse culture, Delhi offers an array of attractions for every type of traveler. If you're planning a trip to this dynamic city, here's a guide to the top places to visit in Delhi.

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Delhi. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, this imposing red sandstone fort is a testament to Mughal architecture. The fort houses several exquisite palaces, mosques, and gardens, including the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). The grandeur of the Red Fort makes it a must-visit place in Delhi for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

2. India Gate

India Gate, an impressive war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, is a symbol of national pride. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this 42-meter-tall arch commemorates the soldiers who died in World War I. The monument is surrounded by lush lawns and is a popular spot for evening strolls and picnics. The India Gate area also offers beautiful views of the Rajpath and nearby government buildings, making it one of the top places to visit in Delhi for a leisurely outing.

3. Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture. This 73-meter-tall minaret, constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century, is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The Qutub Minar complex also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi, renowned for its rust-resistant properties. As one of the historical highlights of Delhi, the Qutub Minar is a must-see for those interested in ancient history and architecture.

4. Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun, is a beautiful example of Mughal garden tomb architecture. Built in the 16th century, this tomb is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and features an elegant octagonal design. The tomb’s architectural style inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. Visiting Humayun’s Tomb provides insight into Mughal architectural advancements and is one of the top places to visit in Delhi for history buffs.

5. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, renowned for its lotus-shaped architecture, is a Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi. Completed in 1986, this stunning temple is known for its serene ambiance and beautiful gardens. It is open to people of all faiths and promotes the message of unity and peace. The Lotus Temple is a tranquil retreat in the bustling city and offers a unique spiritual experience, making it one of the top places to visit in Delhi.

6. Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a modern architectural marvel that showcases Indian culture and spirituality. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple complex includes intricately carved mandapams, a grand central dome, and a beautiful water show. The temple’s exhibitions and cultural performances offer visitors a glimpse into India’s rich heritage. Akshardham Temple is a must-visit place in Delhi for anyone interested in exploring Indian culture and spirituality.

7. Chandni Chowk

For a taste of Old Delhi, head to Chandni Chowk. This bustling market area is famous for its vibrant street food, traditional shops, and historical sites. From sampling delectable street food like parathas and jalebis to exploring the narrow lanes and ancient havelis, Chandni Chowk offers an authentic experience of Delhi’s historical and culinary heritage.

Conclusion

Delhi is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Whether you’re exploring grand historical monuments, enjoying spiritual tranquility, or indulging in local cuisine, Delhi has something for everyone. These top places to visit in Delhi offer a glimpse into the city's diverse attractions and are sure to make your visit memorable.

[bigboyzlounge]

The Best Restaurants in Ghaziabad

The National Capital Region (NCR)'s thriving metropolis of Ghaziabad has a lively and varied food scene. Finding the best restaurants ghaziabad may enhance your dining experiences with a variety of culinary delights, whether you're a local or just visiting. This list, which offers suggestions to fit different tastes and occasions, showcases some of the greatest restaurants in Ghaziabad, offering everything from decadent Indian cuisine to exotic flavors.

Best Dining Options in Ghaziabad

Nation of Barbeques

Overview: Barbeque Nation is well-known for its interactive dining experience, where guests may cook their own kebabs at the table. It's a well-liked option for festive and informal meals alike.

Specialties: There are many different appetizers, entrées, and desserts at the large buffet, with grilled meats and vegetarian selections being the primary attractions.

The Chilli Yellow

Overview: The Yellow Chilli, founded by famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor, combines modern and traditional Indian cuisine. For those looking for a classy eating experience, it's perfect.

Areas of expertise: Sample some creative delicacies like "Kebabs" and "Butter Chicken," as well as some traditional favorites like "Dal Makhani."

The Magnificent Kabab Factory

Overview: This restaurant provides a traditional North Indian dining experience and is well-known for its wide selection of kebabs and tandoori meals.

Specialties: Savor a variety of curries, kebabs, and traditional breads presented in a classy setting.

Punjab's Shaan-e

Synopsis: Offering a substantial assortment of Punjabi food that is renowned for its full flavors and substantial servings is Shaan-e-Punjab. It's a great spot for families and large groups.

Specialties: Popular dishes include "Chole Bhature," "Butter Chicken," and "Paneer Tikka."

Bikanervala

Overview: Bikanervala, a well-known brand in Indian confections and snacks, is a popular for informal dining and quick eats because it serves a variety of traditional dishes.

Specialties: Indulge in an assortment of "Chaat," "Samosas," and cookies such as "Rasgulla" and "Jalebi."

Day of Café Coffee (CCD)

Overview: A great place for coffee aficionados to enjoy a range of coffee blends and light snacks, Café Coffee Day offers a comfortable setting.

Specialties: CCD serves pastries, sandwiches, and other refreshments in addition to coffee.

The City Dhaba

Overview: The Urban Dhaba combines rustic ingredients with a modern presentation to offer a new twist on classic dhaba meals.

Areas of expertise:Enjoy dishes like "Amritsari Kulcha," "Butter Chicken," and an array of North Indian curries.

summary

From the rich flavors of Punjabi cuisine at Shaan-e-Punjab to the interactive dining at Barbeque Nation, Ghaziabad's diversified restaurant scene has something to offer everyone. The best restaurants in Ghaziabad provide a variety of culinary delights to discover, whether you're looking for a classy dining experience, a casual coffee shop, or traditional Indian munchies. You can have an unforgettable dining experience that fits your preferences and occasion by taking into account elements like food type, ambiance, location, and price. Finding Ghaziabad's top eateries can make your eating experiences in this energetic city even more enjoyable.

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Hello my Sweetest Jalebi, isn't it wonderful we are doing the ask after a long time!!! Thank you so much for doing this. My asks are 🍐🍊🍇. Sending you lots of happiness and positivity with lots of love ❣️❣️❣️ to my brilliant amazing friend.🤗🤗🤗🤗

Hello love thank you so much for asking!

🍐 Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, what kind? If no, why not?

Yes, only if it inspired me to write a fic (so I heard Chaap Tilak on loop when I wrote that one shot) or in general if I'm writing something which has a playlist accompanying it. Otherwise I prefer not to listen as I prefer silence for focus.

🍊 Do you have a trusted beta reader or are you more of the ‘Not Beta Read We Die Like Men’ type?

Haha, actually I just share it with a couple of my friends. They often know the idea as opposed to the actual written work. I don't have an actual beta reader, I have a beta idea-checker more like. I share an idea with them, they approve or yell (mostly) at me to write it down and then I do.

🍇 What’s something that you struggle with as a writer?

Moving beyond the idea and getting the inspiration to actually write it all out. So my brain is like super super fast, with a thousand ideas spilling. I am never able to do it all at once. So I really struggle with completing it. And writing it. I have a lot of struggles *cry*

Thank you so much for asking! It made my day. Others can ask me as well here

Love,

Your sweetest Jalebi

[shwetanadda]

TRADITIONAL INDIAN SWEETS AND THEIR VIBRANT EMERGING JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION

Sweets or ‘mithai’ in Hindi, Traditional Indian sweets are not just sweet treats, but they also hold a special place in Indian hearts and traditions for centuries that have been passed down through generations. These goodies are made with authentic Indian constituents and are frequently associated with carnivals and fests.

WHO INVENTED SWEETS?

Prehistorically, honey is the first and oldest type of sweet used and consumed by people. Around 2,000 BC the ancient Egyptians, who created sweets by blending fruits, nuts, and honey, are credited with developing confectionery. After that, in ancient India, sugar was farmed and used as a primary component in all sweets.

HISTORY OF INDIAN SWEETS

In ancient India, sweet dishes were made using honey, jaggery, and fruits. Sugar-based foods are also used as offerings as bhoga in temples for the deities which after the prayers, became prasada and distributed to devotees like halwa, kheer, malpua, etc.

CULTURAL AND RITUALISTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIAN SWEETS

Traditional sweets have a rich cultural significance. Sweets are a thick part of Indian fests in India we say, before going to some good deeds, let there be commodity sweet means “shubh kaam karane se pahale kuch meetha ho jaaye”.

Sweets play a central part in every festival and festivity whether it’s colorful Holi, the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, and Diwali, the festivity of marriage, achievements, or any success.

INDIAN’S LOVE FOR SWEETS

In the different languages of India, sweets are called by multiple names, a common name being “mithai” also known as the delicacies of Indians. In many Indian houses, sweets are an integral part of meals and no meal is considered complete without them. With the revolution, each region in India developed its unique sweets, which used original ingredients and different cooking skills.

During festive seasons sweet shops expand to more than twice their size to keep up with the increase in demand. Without flavors of sweets, fests are not considered complete. Currently, with the revolution in time and technology, people are gradationally shifting to packaged sweets that carry a guarantee of quality, long-lasting as well as hygiene.

COMMON INGREDIENTS AND STYLES OF PREPARATION OF INDIAN SWEETS:

Indians are known for their unique taste and experimental behavior when it comes to food. In India, there are different kinds of traditional sweets comprising different ingredients and preferred types of sweets vary from region to region.

COMMON INGREDIENTS OF INDIAN SWEETS

Some of the common constituents used in sweets are different flours, milk, condensed milk, milk solids, fermented foods, root vegetables, raw and roasted seeds, seasonal fruits, fruit pastes, and dry fruit.

Utmost are grounded on milk products. Many are seasoned with almonds and pistachios, flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper, and decorated with nuts, or with gold and tableware splint paper.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF INDIAN SWEETS PREPARATIONS

The preparation methods of Indian sweets are relatively different using different ways like freezing, frying, roasting, baking, and simple cooking, etc.

FRYING

Frying is a method of cooking food in oil or another fat. This is done by using tongs and spatulas. A variety of sweets are prepared by this method. There are different types of frying: Deep, Stir, shallow, air, etc.

Deep Frying

It is a method in which food is submerged in hot fat like oil or ghee. Jalebi and Imarati are prepared by deep frying and then dipped in sugar syrup.

Roasting

Roasting is a cooking method that uses dry heat where hot air covers the food, cooking it evenly on all sides with temperatures of at least 150 °C (300 °F) from an open flame or other heat source. Barfi is prepared by roasting besan flour.

Freezing

Food freezing is a food preservation process. It is a method of preserving food by lowering the temperature to inhibit microorganism growth. Kulfi, ice creams are prepared by this method.

Baking

Baking is a method of preparing food that uses dry heat, Previously it was done in hot ashes or on hot stones but now baking is done in an oven. The most common baked item is bread but many other foods can be baked like cookies, cakes puddings, etc.

Steaming

Steaming is a method of cooking using steam. It works by boiling water continuously, causing it to vaporize into steam; the steam then carries heat to the nearby food, thus cooking the food. This is often done with a food steamer, a kitchen appliance made specifically to cook food with steam. Dhokla is prepared with this method.

WHY INDIAN SWEETS ARE FAMOUS

Traditional Indian sweets have a rich history; they are an important part of Indian Cuisine and are associated with fests and celebrations. The use of traditional rich flavors and ingredients makes it unique.

Different Cuisine styles such as frying, roasting, and baking make it flavorful. Nowadays customized sweet options such as sugar-free sweets, gluten-free, etc are also available as per the requirements and health preferences of customers. So, that’s why many traditional Indian sweets are popular and loved by people all over the world.

These sweets can even be ordered from websites shimlasweetshouse.co.in, which cater to the demand for high-quality sweets enriched with traditional flavors. We can also customize products according to your needs and preferences.