Hammie's Impression's ep 62 ~26.9.17. cat and mouse game..
Today's episode reminds me of the above title. Two parties Chandni and Sasha contend in a game . Both are part of a throwing back and forth routine, where tactical gain and advantage alternates between the pair of them. It 's all about drawing out the other from hiding and at the same time dodging and eluding the other. The trophy in this cat mouse game , of course is to win life time partnership with the seemingly to Sasha , the eligible bachelor Advay Singh Raizada. Both contenders fight for personal convictions and beliefs. Sasha currently in this episode plays the game to defeat Chandni. Chandni plays the game to reiterate her rights as Advay's legal wife. She also plays the game to reinforce the sacred vows of marriage taken with Advay. Apart from the competitive spirit that charges both Chandni and Sasha to win by hook or crook. We also see some references to faith mindsets and attitudes of various characters..
The coconut plays a key role in the episode. It won't be out of place here to be reminded that this fruit of the palm tree is symbolic of human head.. the shape itself is hard and dome shaped like the human skull ,the fruit is covered with rough husk symbolic of human hair. The markings of two eyes and a mouth, bear similarity to a human face. Inside the hard shell, the coconut is soft and fleshy.. its internal vacuum is compared to the human brain. While its waters is figuratively referred to as blood.. so all in all the coconut can be compared to a human head. Within the episode, one fruit in particular is filled with gunpowder. It actually symbolizes the criminal minds of Jimmy and his daughter Sasha.. they mock the gods, as this fatal coconut will be the fruit Chandni will be offering in the veneration.. the Mirchandani's want her death!
Whether its preparation for offertory or for veneration ? Chandni s devotion adds the sweetness of sincerity into it . Jimmy has no fear of the deities whatsoever in him when he fits the explosive coconut in the mouth of the small metal vessel. Chandni is given another coconut to complete her laddos for the offertory. Such precision Chandni shows, befitting a worship. In contrast Sasha uses guile to set up her offertory platter with bought sweet from a local confectionary. Her attitude is who'll know the difference? as long as she beats Chandni at the task.She is unfamiliar with the essence of heartfelt devotion, which considers all devotee's effort put in making the offertory , as part of worship too! But Sasha's trickery Adi spots and is brisk to exposing her foul play as well . through the child, a cheat like Sasha is named and shamed! Adi expects Sasha to be reprimanded like children are chastised for employing unfair means to fulfil task! Sasha in fact turns the attention from her misdeed and tries to fuss that Chandni has primed Adi to lie in her favour. Advay believes Adi.. but tends to bypass Chandni's complaint about Sasha's cheating.. one begins to sense that Advay will perhaps ignore Chandni and pay attention to Sasha instead.. but Nani encourages Chandni s faith and trust in the deities.
The episode touches upon the two strong pillars required in a devotee's worship. That of faith and perseverance .The requirement from both Chandni and Sasha is to balance the offertory platters on their heads and undertake seven circumambulations around the temple. It's a test of their stamina and sincerity in veneration. The task further is geared to overcome hunger and thirst and thus is meant to be completed in a fasting state. Here too, as her father ,Jimmy encourages his daughter to achieve the task by foul means.
Sasha's task instead of worship is more into defeating Chandni. She actually tries to grease Chandni's path by spilling oil, prompting her to fall. Chandni though is aware of what her opponent is capable off. She slips, but is saved from falling flat on her face by Adi! It pays to know the tricks one's adversary is likely to undertake. Chandni is fairly astute and recognises that a liar is a liar and a cheat a cheat! So it appears that Chandni too covers her back into seeking assistance from Adi in this cat and mouse game.
Adi tempts the resting Sasha with snacking beetroots! He eats before her, asks her just to hang on to his snack,till he returns.. again here too Sasha cheats and helps herself to the mouth staining beetroot.. with her attitude who'll find out any one? The act was planned by Adi and Chandni..in the belief that Sasha's devotion was not from the heart and soul in the first place!and the first opportunity she gets. She'll break her fast!
When it comes to who'll sit beside Advay as his better half? No surprise!he chooses Sasha much to the disappointment of Nani and Pooja.. but Pooja suggests, Sasha drink holy water before initiating the veneration! Sasha agrees ! her mouth reveals she broke her fast ,this failing in devotional belief and stamina! The pandit shuns her participation. Jimmy as usual tries to buy this devotion too by bribing the pandit, who instead tells off the ineffective father for his faulty upbringing of his daughter!
The better half who rightfully should be part of the worship beside Advay ,finds her place at last! With Nani's mother's old chunari.. a mantle of protection for the rightful, deserving daughter in law of the house! Advay's lawful wife as opposed to the contrived to be wife Sasha who is spurned away by destiny! Chandni although, still rejected by a cold Advay.. her life partner.. is still accepted , blessed and valued by Nani's old fashioned traditional mantle of love and security!
The wicked console each other that the drop scene of this outdoor temple worship is still to go down with a bang! When the incendiary coconut will blast in Chandni's face as soon as she starts the worship!
But angels too tread, where evil lurks, to wipe out their wicked ways. Chandni's childhood friend over hears Jimmy telling Sasha of the bomb exploding in Chandni' face! The girl looks for the time bomb ? probably. Advay notices this girl prying about and apprehends her.. she in turn tells him about overhearing the conversation of some bomb planted in this puja ceremony!
Advay senses danger as his eyes look for the possibility of where the bomb might be? his eyes fall upon the coconut cupped in Chandni's palms ready to be put into the sacred fire.. his whole body leaps and he fly's to Chandni's side ,grabs it out of her hand, with full force throws the coconut out of the temple! All are in shock! By his abrupt uncalled for deed! The pandits pronouncesthe action to be an ill omen and threaten to call off the worship! Nani . Pooja.. probably think its one of Advay's bad turns!!
But Chandni follows her heart! stands up, and walks towards the coconut..if Advay threw it out.. Chandni will retrieve it and not let this holy worship be defiled!
Nearby the Mirchandani's do Chandni's final countdown as she drawers closer to death! Advay gets the idea of what? and where Chandni heads for ! He leaps , and runs as fast as his legs can carry him.. and yes a loud blast happens! Advay yanks her arm! pulls her whole body away towards him! Against a dark explosive cloud of smoke.. with shrapnel flying around! Chandni stands safe against his strong taut frame.. her hands clutch at his chest, she feels the loud banging of his heart! He looks down at her, to see if she is fine.. he almost lost his Chandni... hamlet53 27.9.17
I quite liked the devotional train of the episode. How some people worship from the heart while others.. only worship to get by or to show others.. the last scene was a blast! Advay will now be upping security within the house..an insider job? Sasha is planning some foul proof attack against Chandni which Advay too cannot crack..
Music Corner
Seher Hone Ko Hai
