How many times has Adi tried to tell Malini the truth and I am not even talking about some token gestures. He tried a lot of times in the beginning, once she fainted, then Imlie stopped, other times situations were such he could not say it. This was when he considered his marriage with Imlie to be jhooth. Then when he finally realized his feelings for Imlie he wanted to tell Malini but she had already fainted 😆 Last episode Malini did ask him to say it clearly what is wrong. This time Adi was wrong in not telling her the truth but no matter however you try this is the most difficult truth to just blurt it out like that. Again Adis honesty comes out in the way he defends Imlie at every point now and also how he doesn’t lie to Malini just so that she stops doubting her. Even after she said it so many times, he did not call her Moon , just for the sake of it. This is as you said twisted honesty. Even someone as dense as Malini ( agar ise kuchh chhupana ho then its very easy as she doesn’t want to know the truth) can figure out Adi has completely detached from her.
dekho baat choti si hai put yoursleves in adi's shoes and try to form this conversation with anyone.. log toh choti choti baatein nahi keh paata real life main itni badi baat kaise jhappat se keh de.. it is HARD.. just caz it is TV doesn't mean na ke Humans react different ot the situation.. just see it from everyday Human POV and you will udnerstand Why he is unable too itna rocket science hai nahu.. but the norm is kisi ek ko monster pant karna hi hai toh chalu hai woh
anyway.. DO Hell with that junta
961