Okay. Review in RuNak relationship progress post declaration of my long review after the question of What is family?
Since I am covering a week worth of episodes, it's gonna be long like Mr. Khamba Kumar. So, Buckle up your seats for the ride people!
And sorry for the late upload. It took me some hours to rewatch episodes and write.
Posting it separately since It's a long upload.
Part 1: The Rise
Prevalent themes: Sharp wits and Teamwork, Vulnerabilities and Boundaries, and the power of truth.
PS: I am only going to comment on RuNak evolution from the perspective of accepting the marriage openly.
Ani's verbal declaration of Jhanak being his wife, albeit forced has changed the dynamics of the relationship the Basus have with Jhanak and she with them. Truth liberates people. And liberation gives power, strength, and rights. This is what we see here. Jhanak and Ani's support for each other is evident in many of the dialogues that mirror their husband-wife bond the morning after the Shaadi fiasco...
"Agar Tejas itni aacha admi hai phir aapki beti ke shaadi usse karwyiye na?"
"Kyun? Harwakth Sirji ki glatyan nikalti rehti hain app. Itni kamiyan hai Sirji mein, aur itna badiya aadmi tejas ha? tho Sirji se shaadi todkar Tejas se karwadijiye na??"
"Himmat tho bahot hai aunty, abhi tak dekhi nahi aapne"
"Ye Apki beti ke shadi kara nahi sakth to meri shaadi karane kaise chali aayi?"
"Aur Arshi didi, Sirji se to aapko bhi problem hai. Tho usse behetar ladka chuniye na??? TEJAS!"
The clarity and power Jhanak has been given, is not only because she already lost everything but also because Ani declaring her as his wife and standing behind her as a force of support gave her the strength and rights to speak openly which she couldn't do before. Not only for herself but also for her "Husband" Aniruddh Bose who was character assassinated in the process. Before she had remained silent as she had no Haq. But now no more...
And as she was about to earn a slap from her Maasi, Ani stepped in like a knight in shining armor. The rightful husband lends his shoulders as support to his wife.
"Usse galat karne se rokh rahi hoon"
"Maine suna Jhanak ne kya kaha. Isliye mein neeche aayi hoon. Aur meri hisab se Jhanak ne kuch galat nahi kaha"
"Infact ye sachi hai, Shrishti aunty aur Arshi ne mujhe bahot criticize kiya hai. Meri insult ki hai, aur indono ne mere vishwas nahi kiya"
"Teekhai maa, agar mein bharosa karne ke liye layak nahi hoon... phir Arshi ko wahan jaana chahiye tha jahan wo bharosa kar sake"
"Agar abhi mujhe trust nahi kar paa rahi hai, future mein mujhe kaise trust karegi?"
"Galat, Aap isse maid manti hai. Isliye Jhanak par aapka haq nahi hai"
And just like Jhanak, he will not step back when his wife is being criticized unfairly. LIke a true husband would. And that is the power he got from his acceptance out loud about who Jhanak is to him.
And the two sentences, that end it all....
"Meri aur Jhanak ki shaadi, wo toh puri tarah hui thi, aadi nahi"
"Meri wife hone ke naathe, iss ghar ke bahu hone ke naathe bahoth kuch demand kar sakthi thi, par wo aisa kiya nahi"
Baat khatam. Yeh hai meri biwi..... were the words that resounded in my mine and am sure the ears of the Basus.
With this, Jhanak openly tells Ani to leave her out and that she doesn't want interference. But we know Ani and we know ourselves, so uske tho koi chances nahi. And I also believe Ani was lowkey shaken but proud that Jhanak has the guts Appu's parents never had till now to leave in a heartbeat.
"Jhanak... Kahan Jaungi tum??"
"Tumhe kyun janna hai?"
"Ek baar nahi mujhe sau bhaar janna hai"
Husband ko apni biwi ki har phal ke kabar chahiye, aur ye baat baat mein bhari padjayegi..
"Jhanak tumhari responsibility nahi hai..."
Oh that train has left the station JK...
"Mujhe hi responsibility leni hogi, koi aur nahi lega"
Right... Excuses. or not?
"Mein nahi chahti Jhanak iss ghar se jaaye....."
His innermost wishes laid bare. Jhanak unki adad ban gayi ab.
And as the conversation devolves into her getting a separate flat, a fight ensues with the family reluctantly agreeing in hopes this doesn't give time for their son to spend with his wife in isolation.
"Jhanak listen, tumhe aur kaam milega"
Protective, guide mode on.
"Mein jhanti hoon Jhanak tum jaan nahi le sakthi. Tum aise ladki ho hi nahi"
Jab ye tum jaanti ho Jhanak ke baare mein, to usse iss situation mein phassi kyun??
"Jhanak dekho meri baat suno. Saar utake jiyo..."
What does that mean?? On your standards??? or hers???
"Itni bholi nahi hai Jhanak, kaafi samajdhar hai..."
I wonder what extent to this sentence is valid when it comes to Jhanak?
"Aur Madam shrishti, agar Jhanak chahti na, police ke paas jaa salthi thi, FIR complaint kar sakthi thi. Aapki image ki darjiyan udd jayengi, news channels mein aapki news aayegi, sochoye?"
"Damage aapne ki, barpaayi aap kijiye"
A testament to how he will protect his wife. He is the type to rather teach someone to fish and feed themselves than give the fish as food to them. Just like how he is teaching his naive wife to counter the evils in her life the legal way, the right way in the spot which hits them the most.
"Aapke paas do options hai, Jhanak yahan rahegi ya mein wo alag flat lelungi aur vahan rahegi"
The ultimatum, not only to his family and fiancé but also Jhanak herself.
"Mein naa nahi sunungi"
"Meine kaha, iski zaroorat nahi hai"
"Wo mein decide karoonga"
"Mujhe manzoor nahi hai, mein ek adult hoon. Meri decision ki respect kijiye"
"Main aisa hone nahi doonga. Jabtak mein zinda hoon na aisa nahi hoga...."
The tone of this conversation implies that between them, Ani will let Jhanak wear the pants in the relationship as long as it is not detrimental. But once he decides it is, he won't hesitate to pull the hard stop and be the decision maker. And his word is the final word. He will be a dominant husband. And the ensuing rifts that will occur between them will be collateral damage and an important factor in their relationship weakening.
"Meri aur Arshi ki shaadi honewali hai, shaadi ki tayarian shuru kar dijiye"
A clear indicator that this is his brain/logical mind talking. Not his heart. A lot of people speculated that Ani is probably using this as a distraction to move the talk away from Jhanak. He really isn't.
"Aap log badi insecure ho"
Ani smiling at the absurd insecurity of his family members in trying to rush his marriage with Arshi. In my POV, Ani is clear at this point who his loves and who is responsibility. Hence it looks funny to him. Too bad that the Joke is on him that he really can't see himself what others see in him, who his love is, who his responsibility is.
"Aur tumhe kaam hai na... subah yahan kyun Aayi?? Aur Jhanak tum, bag utao aur andar jao..."
Rakhe Hari more kai.... The person meant to be in your house stays in it while the person meant to be out is made to go out by your admission. God's play indeed.
At the end of this scene, we have a Jhanak who stares daggers at Ani as she is dragged by Appu di to go upstairs.... after hearing the news of her HUSBAND'S impending marriage to her cousin.
To me, at this point, Ani seems quite sure (or rather truly ignorant) of what his heart wants. As he has stated before, Arshi is his fiancé whom he will marry, his love. But Jhanak is his wife whom he got married to under circumstance, unwillingly admitted but unable to leave. His responsibility. And he is not above petty tricks in his arsenal and his golden tongue to get his way to take care of his Zimmedari. knowing the power and hold he has over his family and fiancé, who willingly believe him in everything because of the image he has built for himself. A kind and honest, helping young man unaware or rather ignorant of his darker side, no wonder a byproduct of family. Birds of a feather flock together after all.
As for Jhanak, she became more open in standing up for herself. Perhaps the start of something new... in her, in her life. That we see in the following episodes... yet like the wife she is who respects her marriage despite denying it verbally... she chooses to obey her husband in staying back despite knowing it's not the best choice.
The scene ends in an unresolved spat between the husband and wife, and also a much required one on-one talk which we see the following morning.
“Nahi diya jalane ki zaroorat nahi hai”
“Sahi Kaha aapne, mein to Andera hi laa Sakthi hoon. Ujaal karne ki takat kahan hainmujhme?”
“Kahan ke baat kahan le aati ho?”
“Aap pagal ho gayi kya?”
“Haan, tum batao kya mein seedh raste mein chalne wali insaan hun?”
Despite having an unbreakable bond, their relationship is not perfect for here you can clearly see they don't understand the mental state of each other.
"Jo bhi karein aap apne liye kijiye, mujhe mat jodiye beech mein... sab kuch suljathe suljathe kahi ab meri Zindagi naa uljade..."
Essentially a plea from Jhanak to Ani not to confuse her life further or her mind further since he is planning on marrying Arshi anyways.
"Jhanak agar tum nahi rehna chahti thi to jaa sakthi thi, jaise meine force kiya tum bhi force karthi thi."
"Jaa Sakthi naa?"
A direct interrogation of Ani for Jhanak's contradictory actions. Why does she stay back despite wanting to leave?
"Mein aapko disrespect nahi karna chahti thi"
Indirect admission. As a husband, as a lover, as a mentor as her everything she did not want to disappoint the man she loved.
"Bas Yahi wajah hai kya?"
A disappointed Ani unable to decipher his wife's true words. Yearning for more.
"Haan, aur kuch nahi hai. Mein bathaya tha na bas yahi wajah hai. Disrespet nahi karna chahthi thi"
A cowardly Jhanak, protecting her already fallen heart.
"Aur aapne kyun roka?"
Like husband, like wife.
"Kyunki mein tumhe katre mein nahi dekh saktha. Tumne bahot kuch saha hai, mein nahi chahtha ki tum Tejas ke haat aajao aur wapas kashmir chali jao"
When you cannot give an honest answer, do not expect one.
"Bas Yahi wajah hai kya?"
Expectations expectations...
"Haan yahi wajah thi"
So close yet so far.
A conversation from which you can glean so much yet at the same time so little depending on the perspective. The two have so many similarities here in how they approach a sensitive topic, cautious in demeanor but direct at the same time because they may never have the chance to be this open again. Alas, their openness only extends to the point of being courageous enough to ask the question but not to hear the answer. A part of Jhanak in Ani for being direct in asking and part of Ani in Jhanak for giving an indirect answer. A true mark of companionship where they have picked up habits from the other unknowingly.
And we have an eager Ani willing to help Jhanak with the Diya, a part of him wanting to prolong their moment together a bit longer knowing he probably shouldn't be doing it as the song Tum se from "Teri baaton ne aisa ulja dia" plays in the bg, a fitting song no?
Sach mein ek doosre ko unki baaton ne aur uljha hi dia....
Alag tujh mein asar kuch hai, ke dikhta nahi magar kuch hai
Fida hun mein to ek nazar bas, ek nazar bas ek nazar takk khe
Laghe bhi toh ye aur kidhar ab, aur kidhar dil sang tere lag ke
Sahi wo bhi lage mujhko...
Galat tujh mein agar kuch hain, alag tujhmein asar kuchh hai
From Ani's POV, he doesn't know where he fell for Jhanak, but he did ultimately because for him she is unique from everyone he has seen at this point in his life. People wear masks to please others, something on the inside completely contradictory to the outside. Some lie for benefits, some to save their skins; but never her. Her inherent kindness towards everyone, her courage to stand on her decisions albeit how stupid and damaging they may be, her love for life, and the genuineness in her actions unless forced externally were all factors that made him fall for her in every moment, and just that single moment alone. There was no chance for him not to fall in love or get attracted to Jhanak because she is that spot of light in a world, he considers dark and dull, something untouched and pure. And for him, though he may not acknowledge it, he doesn't feel wrong to do so.... his support for Jhanak against everyone is an evident indicator. In his eyes, she deserves the whole world more than anyone else.
But this is immediately rebuked by Jhanak who brings him a dose of reality.
"Aapko farak nahi padta ho ya shayad aap ignore kar dete hain. Par mere state of mind aapka jaisa nahi hai"
"Ho jayega"
He serves her the truth too. That one day she will also become painted in the dull colors of this world... to learn to ignore things for your benefit. But the truth is will she at her core??
"Khyali pulao banane tho, ghee dalne mein kya dikath?"
A summary of how Jhanak views Ani's thoughts and actions.
"Wow. tumhari dimag abhi bhi sharp hai!"
"Ji nahi.... tajurba hai. ZIndagi ne itna kuch jo sikhaya mujhe"
True, she remains naive though despite all these experiences from life. She is smart, but also dumb in things that matter.
Sensing an incoming heavy topic, they were both not willing to face, Ani distracts Jhanak regarding the Ad shoot offer he previously denied citing her marriage. But bad luck even then he cannot escape the heavy talk as Jhanak still denies the offer.
"Jhanak tum mujhe batao ki tum kya chahti ho? Tum mujhe batao mein exactly kyaa karun? Tum khudko establish kyun nahi karti?"
"Mein iss ghar ko chodke jaana chahti hun. Bas"
"Toh iskilye liye tum kuch kar to lo. Waise bhi tumhe ghar mein tane milenge, to kuch karke tane sunao na?Uske bad tum yahan se jald se jald aa paungi"
"Kyaaa?"
"Mere matlab tum pairo pe khadi ho jao, phir jo man kare wo karo"
Ani is really unable to comprehend Jhanak's wants and needs here. To him it's a given what he would do in her place, but he doesn't have the EQ to empathize with her enough to put himself in her shoes to understand that maybe what he wants is not what she wants because their thought patterns and attitude towards things are so different.
"Apki itni fikar kyun hai?"
"Kyunki mein tumhe successful dekhna chahti hoon"
"Mere liye nahi. Apki honewali patni ke liye ye sab sochiye"
"Jhanak usse supprt karne ke liye sab hai, par tumhe support karne ke liye koi nahi. Sirf mein hi hoon"
Again, half-truths and half lie. This is why you keep confusing her Bengali Babu. It's fine to a certain extent, not upto the point where the person involved themselves ask you to stop. Don't lead on poor Jhanak. Powerless that she is, she can only keep reminding you of your boundaries in her life.
"Tum mein talent hai, ek spark hai. Bus usse jalane ki koshish kar raha hoon"
"Aur Ek din jab tum kuch ban jaogi na, mein tumhe door kade rahe tum dektha rahoonga... khush hoonga"
"Isme tumhari exams dena mat bhulo Jhanak. Mein college walon se baat karunga"
"Isliye mein tumhe books ke list maang raha tha. Ab tum kudh aridlo tumahre paas paisa hain na?"
Heartfelt declaration of what he wants to do for his wife. He will burn himself and the world to make sure she has the best. Guide mode activated. However, why do they realize Jhanak has money or not as per their convenience?
" I know ki tum ye kar sakthi ho"
"Bas ek request hai Jhanak, gharwale ke saamne choti mat ban jaana... isse mujhe zyada takleef hoti hai"
Perhaps one of the most vulnerable I have seen Ani, akin to how Jhanak was during the shaadi track. He knows somewhere deep down that his inactions have led to Jhanak being Monikered as a maid by his family. It hurts him knowing that he only ever brought her here to provide a safe haven for a lost young girl.
"Itni fikar kyun?"
"Mere paas jawab nahi hai iska"
"Mein bhi khudse ye sawaal pucha... mere paas bhi jawab nahi hai. Isliye mein keh rahi hoon... meri bhare mein sochne ki zarrorat nahi hai. Chod dijiye"
"Jhanak....tum fikar karthi ho meri?"
"Hain na bahot log aapke bare mein sochne ke liye? Toh mein-"
"Mujhe laga tum bhi sochthi ho..."
"Pata nahi kyun sochti hoon! Iska jawaab nahi hai mere paas...."
Perhaps the most honest conversation they have ever had with each other... a result of growing expectations and rights they have on each other, truly coming to terms with the fact that they have accepted that whatever happened in KASHMIR did happen that night and there is no going back from that point.
As tears stream down their faces....and with no answers on the horizon, Ani quietly hands over the Diya in defeat to Jhanak as she proceeds to do the Aarthi alone. He passes a longing gaze on Jhanak, probably a symbolism of what is to happen in the future. He will be left to witness her from afar as he continues to travel in two boats. They both have come to expect things from each other, the right to ask questions and the right to get answers implicitly. The right to think about the best for the other and the right to advice on the same... if this is not marriage. Then what is??
From this, we shift to Basu breakfast where we see more of the evolution in RuNak's relationship as both husband and wife assemble to form a team defending Chotton and Bodomaa- the weaker members of the family. The ease with which Jhanak chides Chotton to finish his meal... is like a proper bahu of the family despite not officially being one. The same way Ani chides him too, as he questions his parents without hesitation while narrating Chotton's non-monetary contributions to the family. And the way Jhanak looks at him with admiration and pride... as he defends her against his parents.
"Aur iski wajah se aap log aaram se ghar mein baite hain... varna jail mein hote"
"Shrishti aunty akele nahi thi, iss ghar se kisi ke help se bina wo yeh nahi kar pathi"
"Leave it be. Mujhe iss bhare mein baat nahi karni"
Ani doesn't take it lightly when someone touches his wife, even be his parents. How beautifully he let them know what his wife could do, what he could do for her. A subtle warning not to probe further. How beautiful... a true unit indeed.
"Haan mein jaanti hoon ki mein bahar wali hoon. Mein iss ghar ki hisa nahi bana. Aur mein banna bhi nahi chahti"
The way her face turns towards her husband as she announces her decision. She doesn't want to be a part of this family. Not now when everyone dismisses her as a maid. Part complaint and part plea.
We then see the Ad company guys approaching Ani as a means to sign Jhanak for the tourism ad. Through Ani's interaction with them, we can see the concern, the pride, and the determination to help his wife in her career. The way he asked about the details of the ad with a slight hesitation, the way he beamed when he heard praises of Jhanak and the eventual acceptance in getting Jhanak to sign the deal are all demonstrations of it. And as this conversation extends into his talk with his parents informing of Jhanak's ad, further evidence of their evolving relationship is brought to light as Ani reiterates how Jhanak, his wife is his responsibility.
"Meine isse yahan nahi laya hoon ki wo uski maadi ki ghar rahe"
"Yeh meri zimmedarri hai. Iski dekh vekh meri duty hai"
On the contrary, Jhanak is insistent on maintaing boundaries and her maid status, partially out of defense mechanism and partially out of anger at Ani, her husband the cause for the repeating toxicity in her eyes.
"Mein ye ad karna hi nahi chahti. Sirf Sir ji ki wajah se kar rahi hoon..."
"Wo kya hain na? Shubai se shyam tak mein beizzat hoti rahe... isme Sir ji ki entertainment hai"
"Ghar ke bahar garden ki grass hai, unke tinke barabar ki haisyat nahi hai mujhe. Jaanti hoon mein, tho inse ya kisi se bhi kaise barabari karloon mein?"
Once again, a wife rightfully complains about her husband who is only selectively active in standing up for her. Confused and exhausted by her changing identity and worth within the Basu household, a plea to her husband to put a stop to it. She can do it herself, but out of respect for her husband, she is pleading with him to take the first step, like how he expects vice versa.
This conversation at first glance seems like a toxic venting out of Jhanak on Ani. But there is a hidden layer of truth to it. As she has said numerous times before, Ani ever only stands up for her on important things as he thinks about the main big picture. But for Jhanak who has to hear the words day in and day out.... Ani cannot possibly comprehend/ empathize with her, and it creates resentments and grievances in her heart that she can only verbally recounter. And Ani remains silent, knowing it's true but also that it's his wife's way of venting out. And this is where we see the gaps in their communication that leads to problems.
But no matter what grievances they may have between each other, Ani still doesn't fail to chide his sister as she berates Jhanak. And makes sure Jhanak is in safe hands by instructing the ad guys...
"Baat karne ki tameez nahi hai??"
"Waise Jhanak pehli baar kahi akele bahar jaa rahi hai... iska kayal rakhiyega!"
what a model husband. Makes you swoon, doesn't he??
The problem starts now tho... Aditya Kapoor, a flirt from the industry is taken by Jhanak's beauty at first glance, praises her publicly, and holds her handshake for far longer than intended raising Ani's Spidey senses and a bit of jealousy.
"I think aap logon ko chalna chahiye.."
How beautifully he stopped the handshake knowing Jhanak was becoming uncomfortable.
"Waise, aap kaun hai??"
Haha.... Adi set the tone for their Takkar.
As Adi gets to know who Ani is... he extends a hand forward in friendship, but Ani rebukes it by saying Namaskar in addition to teaching his wife too on how to prevent unwanted advances. Adi is then embarrassed recedes his hand but is soon distracted by his fans from the Bose family as Jhanak waits for Adi to return so they can depart for the location. Irked, Ani argues with Jhanak, jealousy and irritation coloring his thoughts as she is confused by his behavior.
"Kyun nahi baitogi? Usse do minute pehle tak nahi janthi thi... ab kyun wait karna hai?"
"Wo senior hai mera"
"Acha?? Awkward lag rahi hai??"
Ani's anger, frustration and jealousy is plainly visible to us, but not to Jhanak. In dono buddu ko kya bolun??
Stunned into silence, Jhanak only says Chalti hoon before she leaves expecting Ani to nod in acquiescence. But to her dismay, he pouts like a little kid and turns away as his wife gave respect to the guy who plainly insulted him. The only thing left is to leave as Jhanak departs for the shoot.
The only thing I could understand from this set of exchanges is Ani's male instincts coming out... his territorial and jealous nature is openly showing plus his comfort level with Jhanak that has increased. Jhanak also looks for acceptance and response from her husband like a farma bardar biwi. After Jhanak leaves, Ani unable to contain his anger and the source for his anger and his insecurity has vanished shouts on the rest of the Basu girls who were latoo on Aditya Kapoor. All the words he spews in anger at them were meant to target Jhanak but falls on others, which Bipasha was able to understand immediately.
On the other end, we see the ad shoot proceedings. Jhanak who is very comfortable in solo shoots becomes immediately uncomfortable with her male costar's close physical contact. His open praises and flirty attitude don't help her either, making her squirm. As he questions her about the family she stays in and confesses that they told him she was a maid upon her answer, Jhanak is rightly upset.
"Shayad wo log mujhe apni ghar maid manthe hai, par mein un logon ko rishtedar manti hoon"
"Mera koi nahi hai"
A summary of how Jhanak actually feels about the Bose family and the actual reality. Because in her heart, they are an extension of Ani, the person she has married and loves. An implicit admission of her marriage.
The ad shoot proceeds, and we get to witness Jhanak's thoughts on Ani through her dream as she replaces Aditya with Ani and feels instant comfort as "Haseen Wadiyon" from Roja film plays in the bg.
Yeh haseen waadiyaan, yeh khula aasmaan,
Aa gaye hum kahaan, aye mere saajana
In bahaaron mein dil ki kali khil gayi,
Mujhko tum jo mile har khushi mil gayi
Tere honthon pe hain husn ki bijliyaan,
Tere gaalon pe hain zulf ki badliyaan
Tere daaman ki khushbu se mehke chaman,
Sangmarmar ke jaisa yeh tera badan
Mere jaane-jaan, main teri chandni,
Chhed do tum aaj koi pyaar ki ragini
Yeh bandhan hai pyaar ka, dekho, toote na sajni
Yeh janmon ka saath hai, dekho chhoote na sajna
Tere aanchal ki chhaon ke tale, meri manzil mujhe mil gayi
Teri palkon ki chaaon ke tale, mohobbat mujhe mil gayi
The song is a reflection of what Jhanak feels for Ani and wants from him. The leads of the movie get married under circumstances and face hurdles in their relationship, this song comes at a point where there is a significant shift in the way the heroine views her husband, very much similar to how Jhanak has started viewing Ani after accepting the marriage that had happened under coercion. The way she blushed and embraced Adi the minute she imagined him as Ani is a glance for us viewers as to how she really wants Ani to be with her: romantic, lovable, and singular.
However, the dream is broken the minute she realizes who is with her in reality and she moves away immediately. Whereas in the other end, Ani receives a call from his supposed fiancé, bitter with complaints that he promoted someone else to an opportunity which should have been hers otherwise. He tries to pacify her by saying her he only gave her a launching pad, but she only cuts the call irritated after extracting a promise for a date and some marriage talks. Ani unperturbed, immerses himself in the work but is soon interrupted by a message from the ad agency guys who sent him photos of the shoot. He becomes pensive seeing Aditya and Jhanak in intimate poses, clearly disturbed by the amount of physical intimacy, shocked at a number of factors he was unaware of.
"Mujhe nahi pata tha, ki ye log aisa itna romantic shoot karne wale hai"
"Jhanak photos mein bilkul awkward nahi lag rahe hai"
"Irony ye hai ki yeh photos mere paas aya.... kyunki meine Jhanak ko in logon se connect ki thi"
Oh Ani, poor Ani. Confused to even show displeasure. I think "Romantic couple" and "Tourism ad" are terms that should have given enough idea about the nature of the shoot. Ismein irony ki baat kya hai? Photos tumhe nahi bejna chahiye tha?? Are you regretting making Jhanak sign the deal?? Be careful, something else is peeking out from you.
As the flashback of their handshake fills Ani's mind, his emotions morph into something negative... spelling the incoming tempest and a test in their budding relationship. He zooms and looks into the photos repeatedly; anger clouding his face and resolve strengthening to visit her on the location spot to make sure she is also safe.
"Ek badiye star ke saath kaam karke kush hai Jhanak. Fanatastic!"
"Bekar mein drama kar rahi thi... ki mein nahi jaungi. Ab dekho! Mein jaana chahtha hun uska expression jab wo mujhe vahan dehkhegi"
"Ek direct visit tho banta hai. Meine suna ye Aditya kapoor thoda characterless type ka admi hai. Ek time pe 4 girlfriends rakhta hai... kai wo Jhanak ko bhi jaal mein na phasale?"
"Jhanak meri zimmedari hai... mein uske saat kuch galat hone nahi de sakthi"
"Agar usne kuch kiya mein chodungi nahi..."
"Par Jhanak bhi to bachi nahi hai. Agar wo nahi chahti to uss Aditya kuch nahi kar saktha"
"Mujhe usse wahan akela nahi bejhne chahiye tha...galti kardi meine. Vaise sirf do gante ki ride hai... bhale late ho jaye, mujhe vahan jaane chahiye"
"Ghar mein kyaa jhoot bolun? client meeting?? Haan pehle mein bhi aise meetings mein jaa chuka hoon"
How lies smoothly roll out of Ani's mouth. Jhanak ke liye kuch bhi? Aur tum keh reh ho ki ye sirf zimmedari hai jab tumhari muu pe saaf dikhta ki tum uskeliye kyaa feel karthi ho.
Haan, Ani cares immensely for Jhanak and to a certain extent trusts her. But this new territory of evolving bonds that are left undefined but acutely aware have played a part in Ani's out-of-character reaction to the photoshoot. His concern is also colored by an unknown emotion that is pushing him to visit her in person to see her reaction to his presence. Why? because he feels she is hers, and it grates him to see her close to someone who is known to be loose, one who insulted him but is capable of enticing the women. On top of this, her comfort level with him also contradicts her words about not wanting to do the ad plunging Ani into disdain. It also doesn't help that he fought with her before she left which leaves him insecure of sorts. His mind is so singularly occupied by thoughts of his wife and wife alone that he is willing to lie smoothly to his family, not even have the so-called love of his life cross his mind that he doesn't realize he is going to standup on her. And this is the person who thinks of marrying the same person shortly. But little does he know; his own surprise for Jhanak is going to backfire on him and it will come crashing down like a domino.
And that is an essay for the next part. The downfall.....
Whew! Okay, I actually wanted to combine the two parts. Unfortunately, the forum website was starting to crash. So, I am splitting them into two for now. This is solid 5K essay. So will definitely take 15-20 minutes to read. So please read at your leisure and at your own interest.
Thank you for the time!
comment:
p_commentcount