I don't see it as a difference in values! I see it more as a different perspective on the same act, which is largely a result of their individual experiences. Without getting into it again, from Akshu's POV, it was all fun and games. This is what happens in family festivals. People cheat, they mess around. It's nothing deeper. From Abhi's POV, his insecurities were triggered, so he created a deeper meaning that did not exist. To me, what was more significant was his conversation with Harsh afterwards. Harsh planted the seed of doubt in regards to trust in his mind, and he had those flashbacks while he was running after talking to the PI. Harsh, the man who Abhi knows to hate Akshu and be a constant instigator against her, got into Abhi's head, taking advantage of a vulnerable moment. All of this goes to Abhi's rash and impulsive nature, which exacerbated his pre-existing insecurities, which arise from his own childhood. So, Abhi and Akshu's upbringing also played a large role here.Anyway - the writer who used the cheating in a dance competition to cause unrest in Abhi’s mind is a genius.
A little silly cheating exposed a conflict of values between Abhi and Ak . The entire fandom was divided on this.
I first read about it in Freddie’s post but wondered how cheating in a board game or a dance could connect so deeply to values and ethics but seeing my own strong stance and reaction, I agree with her - that if there is a conflict of values it can cause uncomfortable tension.
They used this tension to propel Abhi’s strong reaction to Ak - “Akshara jhoot mat bolo”.
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