Palash is much more interesting than Rasika. Mainly because they established his character and the reason behind his behaviour very well and so the story is convincing.
They also have taken pains to show that Shiv and Palash have similar ideas when it comes to what they want in their women.For both the qualities they look for in their dream women go way beyond to external appearance. Shiv had Ashima falling for him but the way he ignored all that and chose only friendship from her is different from the way Palash rejected that woman so cruelly.
Rasika's character they did not detail it properly.They never showed why she was after Shiv properly.
Looks like the CVs learnt a lot from that mistake and gave a proper character sketch for this man Palash.
Most importantly the choice of actor to play Palash.The fact that they have chosen someone like Harsha to play Palash tells how much thye have invested in this character and the track.
I am sure it will be Shiv who will be helping this man in the end.
That woman in the painting looks so beautiful.Same Anandi viewed so differently or may be Shiv also views Anandi the same way as Palash.This woman in the painting is very much similar to that happy extrovert Anandi who was teasing Shiv under the influence of that drug.She is the kind of Anandi who wanted to go on a holiday with Shiv demanded that she take him to late night show and felt that Shiv is her hero.