I know I have been talking about this topic a lot on the DDs and ATs, but bear with me.
I won't lie and say I'm not frustrated with Bapji. I think I dislike him even more than Kethki and I didn't think that was possible. I think I can speak for all of us when I say he's one of the most hated characters in THR. And I think it's because he's making THR into some SBS drama, which most of the loyal fan base does not want. THR was supposed to me a unique show with no SBS drama. That's why I was hooked on it. In ITV, it's hard to find a romancatic show that's well-balanced with little to no SBS drama. Though THR takes place in a conservative Marathi family in a village, I have always found this show to be quite progressive. But all this SBS drama is made this show into the typical cookie cutter ITV show and it's really making THR lose it's appeal for me. KalMa cannot make up for everything, especially if this show is going to lose its essence.
Now, I always assumed that Bapji would be part of this murder/Raza track. But it seems like it's the work of Asha-Ahir only, with no involvement from Bapji. This development has really been worrying me for the past few days because I am not seeing a good reason why this character should exit the show. If Malhar will forgive Kaka in hiding the murder, then he'll forgive Bapji as well. And Malhar is the closest to Bapji more than Asha-Ahir. I was hoping against hope that there might be some tie in from the terrorist track and Bapji did commit a crime by joining hands with the terrorists to save himself and his family. In my opinion, that would be a perfect conclusion to this track because it would revisit the topic of Atul's death, which was completely brushed over up till now. Also, to the people in AN who have been accusing Malhar of not respecting Kalyani, it would prove that he does respect her. Because Malhar would 100% side with getting justice for Atul's death by arresting everyone who had a hand in it.
But, right now, it doesn't seem like the CVS are going down that path. I am very doubtful of a terrorist connection and worried that Bapji might stay on. But in light of all the upcoming tracks, I'm not sure what value he would add as a character. And if he stays on, then he'll have to be a gray character like AS, and I don't feel like there is a need for another AS on the Rane side.
I'm curious to hear your thoughts and opinions as to how you think Bapji will make an exit and when he'll make an exit.