Here is my analysis for the day: basically not much happened except fewer tears were shed on screen thanks to Riddhima's absence.
ARMAAN & SHASHANK's SCENE:
As we had all expected, Shashank's reappearance would spell doom for all AR fans and this time our prediction and expectations were right on. How come when we expect AR to be together or Ridz to stand up for herself or Ridz to show compassion towards Armaan, our expectations are never met?
Shashank is one suave guy, no wonder he is the chief at Sanjeevani. I am sure he is a great administrator and manages business very well. Alas, people and relationships are not business transactions Mr. Shashank Gupta! After welcoming Armaan back to Sanjeevani like a chief and well wisher should, he threw a 'business deal' in front of Armaan- Hey buddy, stay back at Sanjeevani, ( I will make sure you get a great position and salary here- my interpretation) but remember you are Riddhima's past, so don't try to interfere in her married life (implied meaning by Shashank when he kept repeating tum uske ateet ho!)
Armaan, the honest and earnest guy that he is, refused to stay back as he would never be able to bear to see Riddhima with someone else. Shashank threw another bait at him- you have to stay Armaan, for Riddhima's sake! I want Riddhima to become strong, so she can face her past and move on in life! What kind of selfish logic is this Dr Shashank Gupta?
If you really wanted to make Riddhima stronger, you should have insisted that Armaan stay back the last time. He should have said, "Armaan, you cannot leave just because you are sick. What if you were already married to Riddhima? Then you wouldn't leave her, would you? I want my daughter to become strong and be able to handle any crisis in life. Armaan you can't leave, for the sake of Riddhima and to make her strong!" Why did he not use this logic at that time? If Shashank had said those words at that time, do you think Armaan would have left? Armaan would have taken it in a positive manner and stuck it out for the sake of Riddhima, had Shashank used such logic before? Why now?
Shashank has become so selfish that for the sake of his daughter, he is willing to let Armaan die a thousand deaths everyday? When Armaan is clear that he cannot bear to see Ridz with anyone else, wouldn't any concerned dad and a well wisher say, "I understand your sentiments Armaan. You know I know a very good hospital in xyz, why don't I talk to them and recommend that they hire you as a senior doctor. I understand you would not want to work at Sanjeevani anymore."
Poor Armaan, he doesn't deserve this treatment from anyone. Poor guy is so thirsty for love, that a few sweet words from Shashank had him in tears and he was ready to lay his life for the Guptas once again!
ARMAAN & SID:
I think this whole sequence was ridiculous. If Armaan really wants to help SR, he should have insisted that S and R come face to face, talk it out instead of him being a messenger, provoking Sid and getting into a physical fight with him.
There is no reason for Armaan to become such a big saint. He is human and should stay human. Let SR sort out their issues themselves.
PRECAP:
Shashank with Riddhima was the final bolt of the day. I have lost all respect for Dr Shashank Gupta as a father. Yes, I agree, he should discourage his daughter into any rushed decision; divorce is a big deal no doubt, but why burden her with guilt- galti hamesha ladki ki maani jaati hai
What about his desire to make Riddhima strong? By using such outdated logic, is he empowering her or making her weak? Is he really his daughter's well wisher here?
Is this the same Shashank who helped Rahul and Juhi unite in Sanjeevani when Rahul was already married. Didn't he say that true love matters more than traditions? With age, instead of becoming progressive in his thinking, he has sadly regressed into the 19th century. If Sid dies, will he ask Ridz to commit sati?
So,basically, looks like this divorce drama is going to be on the center stage for next few parts....yawn...yawn.
Are we going to see Riddhima put her foot down this time and put her words into action : I will take all my decisions myself from now on ?
Doesn't seem so, daddy dear and his emotional blackmail is going to again crush any resolve in his confused little, indecisive girl. Wonder who is responsible for this wonderful personality of his younger daughter? I bow to Anjali, thank God she had a mind of her own.