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Dharamraj Mahiyavanshi; CEO, Mahiyavanshi diamond works; Monarch and Sarpanch of Dharampur!
As all those who are regular watchers of Bandini are aware, Dharamraj's policy is based on two words, "bhool" aur "dhand" or "crime" and "punishment". Whilst DM had always drawn a strict and irrevocable line when he meted out justice, in came his child bride Santu who altered his vision of "dhand" and got him to appreciate the grey zone often existent in such issues that are brought to the panchayat for justice.
As time went by, the fear that the word "dhand" evoked in the common man and the Mahiyavanshi members became diluted when the members found DM to be reasonable enough to atleast listen to the counter arguments. But then, between DM and Santu, the word "Dhand" began to be used playfully as we saw at the end of the Anamika track and a few days back at Hiral's wedding (Randel maa episode). Often the so called "dhand" ended in a hug and a sweet Sanraj moment.
All this dilution of the "dhand" although very instrumental in converting the roaring lion into a mewling kitten, has managed to confuse Santu to such an extent that now she is drifting around aimlessly without the clarity of mind that the present situation in the mansion demands of her. Let me explain why!
Last week when Moti plotted and sent Santu to Randel maa's temple for "mud" and she missed doing the grihapravesh, DM found out from Bapuji. Yet in a mock "dhand" stance he gave her a happy hug and told her the "dhand" was for hiding the truth (i am proud of you for respecting and looking after my family). So, for Santu who hangs on to every word of DM's seeking his approval, and having convinced herself that DM has done her the ultimate favour by making her his wife biblically and biologically, every action is directed towards "family well-being" equated with "DM's approval" and "love and respect".
So, now Santu has begun to feel that her marriage is secure only if DM's family is united and secure. And in the process, regardless of the impact on her own relationship with DM which is incidentally very fragile, she is always in the process of "family saving". This is going to be extemely detrimental to the dynamics between her and DM, her and Hiral and subsequently others as well. Already Armi, Moti and Maujan have found her achilles heel and it is only some time before Maulik strikes deeply and fatally. Being naive, unlettered and vulnerable, Santu is in trouble with the capital "T".
Dharamraj may regress into the real "dhand" giving stance and rightly so. The decision of whether to bring a child into the world is the joint decision of man and wife,
not any one alone. This is an unwritten law in any marriage between consenting adults. And if Santu has taken matters into her own hands this time, it is time for "deserving dhand"!
All the gopikas are probably going to throw the gauntlet at me, but i do feel the time of reckoning has come! Some amputations are in order! Its past the time for conservative management!
Tum Se Tum Tak
Ganesh Kartikeya
