My Favorite Fictional Couples

Do you know what it’s like to love someone so much, that you can’t see yourself without picturing her? Or what it’s like to touch someone, and feel like you’ve come home? What we had wasn’t about sex, or about being with someone just to show off what you’ve got. We were, well, meant to be together.
                     -Jodi Picoult

Books, television, movies, and other popular media/entertainment sources like commercials and songs, have long since been giving us unrealistic expectations about love. I, myself, was a victim of these; and maybe I still am. But with age, and with having a life-partner alongside myself, I can see what’s real and what’s made-up, at least to a certain extent.

Having said that, I do believe that there are some fictional couples who didn’t show me just the bed of roses we’re made to believe we’ll be blissfully sleeping in, once we find THE-ONE or MEANT-TO-BE. Not to mention, the elusive happily-ever-after we keep chasing.

So, who are these couples and why do I still find them my OTP(one true pairing)? Let’s find out.

Books

1. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley (Harry Potter Series)

Agreed that Ron really had the emotional range of a teaspoon and was thick enough that it took him seven years to realize his feelings. But H&R’s friendship through their teenage years, how they stand by each other, and the best bit for me was Ron’s turnaround. Not just about his feelings for Hermione, but even how he grows into a better person, with her and because of her. If that’s not #relationshipgoals, what is?

2. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games Trilogy)

One of my favorite moments from this series is when Peeta says to Katniss, “You’re a piece of work, aren’t you?” I felt bad for both Katniss and Peeta at this point because deep down both of them are hurting when he says this. It was here when I realized Katniss might just choose him over Gayle (no spoilers here for those who haven’t read the books/watched the movies)

3. Beatrice Prior and Tobias Eaton (The Divergent Series)

At first, Tobias aka Four comes off as arrogant and bossy. But then he lets Beatrice in on his vulnerabilities. That was the moment both Beatrice and I (and probably all the readers) fell for him. It’s not always about being tough or the stronger one; it’s about being comfortable enough with someone, such that, you’re able to bare your weaknesses too. Such that, you know, it won’t affect the way they feel about you or perceive you. That’s what Tobias taught me in that moment. And just like that, I found another fictional couple I’ll forever ship.

P.S: I realized while compiling this list that all my book couples are from fantasy/dystopian series. I wonder why’s that? Comment your thoughts on it. I’d love to know what you think about this weird coincidence.

TV

1. Lily Aldrin and Marshall Eriksen (How I Met Your Mother)

Lily and Marshall had this play/pause thing when they were fighting, which I found not only adorable but a very practical way to deal with disagreements in a relationship. The fact that the lead pair doesn’t get even 10% of screen presence in comparison to Lily and Marshall also helped. A LOT!

2. Monica Geller and Chandler Bing (F.R.I.E.N.D.S)

Against popular belief, I do not really find Rachel and Ross to be the IT couple on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. As someone who truly believes that friendship is the foundation of any relationship, I found Monica and Chandler’s curve from friendship to love one of the most authentic and swoon-worthy. They’re the real #couplegoals for me and when Chandler did what he did when they met Erica (the biological mother to their adoptive twins), I literally went, “Oh my God. That’s the kind of guy I want!”

3. David Rose and Patrick Brewer (Schitt’s Creek)

I was averse to same-sex romance, especially MM romance. That was till I came across these two. I totally adore David Rose for his wit. Yes, he is snarky. Yes, he is eccentric. But one can’t deny that he is still totally lovable. And the growth curve that he shows after Patrick’s entry into his life is totally what we should all aim for when trying to become a better person for our partner, and more importantly, for strengthening our relationships.

Movies

1. Ellie and Carl (Up)

Love makes life worth living – this message is taught by many books and movies. But Up! is one of those movies which tells us how life can be beautiful even after our soulmate has passed. Carl and Ellie’s love story is a tear-jerker for sure. But what really makes the movie worth our time is how Carl lives his life after Ellie and what follows.

2. Geet and Aditya (Jab We Met)

I know every quirky Indian girl relates to Geet and is every movie buff’s favorite fictional character. For me though, it was Aditya who deserved more credit than he ever got. Geet is fun and a breath of fresh air. But what Aditya brings is balance or what we call ‘ठहराव’ in Hindi. Theirs is a pair that taught me how we can lift each other up during our individual down times. If I fall, you pick me up and vice-versa. That’s what a perfect relationship should be, isn’t it? Alongside also helping each other grow and become better people of course. Geet and Aditya brought out these aspects so well and for that they’ll always be one of my favorite movie couples.

3. Jhilmil and Barfi (Barfi)

Jhilmil and Barfi are what the world would call ‘misfits’. But together they are the perfect fit. Their love story teaches us that someone who is ‘unique’ like them can also find love and how much they deserve it just as much as ‘normal’ people do. The characters of Barfi and Jhilmil teach us so much about love right from how it doesn’t need communication to how it has no boundaries.

4. Aisha and Sid (Wake up Sid)

I can’t not have them in MY list, right? This was the first instance where an Indian mainstream movie showed age-gap romance (it wasn’t even outright romance, more of a friendship) in which the female lead is a bit older. While that may have been done before or in other movies, in this one, this fact isn’t an in-your-face thing. Actually, it is only mentioned ONCE, that too in passing and as a joke. As a young adult this made me look at such pairings in a positive light. Not to mention, as someone who’d moved to Mumbai recently back then, my hunt for someone like Sid, was always on after this. I mean, who wouldn’t want such a friend, who makes you feel at home in a new place, and does everything he can to help you find footing in a city which can easily overwhelm you as a newbie? Yep, Aisha and Sid are definitely my IT couple.

That’s it from me; a girl who lives and breathes, books, TV and movies. Did I miss out on any popular couple? Did you find your favorite pairs on my list? Drop in your answers in the comment.

Since, we’re talking about fictional romance, and because it’s the official Season of Love and all that, here’s a watchlist curated by yours truly:

M’s Romance Recommendations (Books, Movies & Shows)

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This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile and was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.

I’m participating in Blogchatter’s #TBRChallenge.

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