Author's Note
I don’t usually begin my stories with a disclaimer, but this one feels warranted. Consider this an author’s note, disclaimer, advisory, or all in one.
As mentioned in the description, this work is a reimagining of the Korean drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (SH).
For those who’ve experienced the OG angst firsthand, I’d like to share a few pointers now that about sixty percent of the plot has taken shape in my head. This version may or may not be as devastating (for lack of a better word) but I can promise it’ll explore its own brand of thingamajig.
Now for the disclaimer bit; this Arnav will likely be the most angsty version I’ve ever written. He isn’t one to hesitate when it comes to, er, taking a life. Man or beast—it’s all fair game when he has a statement to make. Are his actions redeemable? Hard to say. Is he pure evil? Certainly not. I seem utterly incapable of writing an Arnav devoid of compassion, however deeply it may be buried. It’s Arnav, after all.
That said, I find relief from the intensity of his arc when writing through Khushi’s perspective. This version of her is older than her IPK counterpart and possesses what one might call lokagyan. Her insight makes her a distinct contrast to canon Khushi, which brings me to my next topic;
Age Gap: The gap isn’t really gaping, but it deserves mention. The 21st-century Khushi is 26, who travels back in time and finds herself in the body of a 16-year-old. The pauranic Arnav, on the other hand, is 23. The dynamic is undeniably complicated, but I cannot, in good conscience, write a romance involving underage characters—even if Khushi’s consciousness/soul belongs to an older woman. Considering the sixteenth-century Kachhwaha backdrop, it would also be unrealistic to portray an unwed female protagonist.
Needless to say, this will be a slow-burn romance. Arnav’s courtship will be more subtle, unlike Wang So’s (Ne Sarrami!).
Time leaps will appear as the story progresses. I don’t want to reveal too much, but those familiar with the KDrama will have a fair idea of what lies ahead. However, I may not adhere strictly to the original. And let’s be honest, tendrils of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s aesthetic and Ashutosh Gowariker’s vision inevitably creep in whenever a period piece set in Rajasthan is involved. While I’ll retain the key emotional beats, or rather, plot points ofSH, cultural nuances demand that I adapt the narrative to suit this very Indian, sand-choked retelling.
Moving on to a a personal note: Life happens, and so I cannot promise a schedule.
There are times, like when you’re mid-shampoo in the shower, certain scenes present themselves with maddening clarity. But by the time you’ve toweled off, slipped into your jammies, and entirely too comfy in front of a screen, the epic sequence has fled, or worse, turned out just plain lame. Hence, sigh, the delays.
Now, I know how frustrating it can be to wait around for new chapters. You’re more than welcome to hold off until I wrap up the story.
In conclusion, I’d like to end this note with a quiet salute to IPKKND and SH—for sparking this journey and continuing to be pure, unrelenting magic ✨
Onward, ladies (and dear gents)! ~
