It seems like the creatives got scared with the lower TRP (although like Bee said the TRP were lowered not because of Shantanu track) and made an abrupt switch. The easiest way for them to end a character is either have them run away (like with Vikram) or kill the character.
This stupidity is what hurts the TRP's. The story needs a continuity and a track needs a logical finish. If the story line was handled well the Shantanu track would have raised the TRP. It was the inability of the creatives to handle the revelation of the first marriage in a much better, cohesive way is what hurt the TRP. It was the inability of the creatives to decide what to do with Vishaka's character (they should have at least stayed true to her character sketch as wanting money) is what hurt the TRP.
Death of Shantanu is also not in keeping with Radhika's character , who has been shown to always look for the good side and is ever forgiving. And as someone has said previously, Amma is still walking free without any remorse or anyone else finding out what she has done.
And now the publicity with Avinash talking about his return and Hiten talking about his role ending. Oh why did the creatives create Shantanu --if it was to end abruptly.
It would have been better to end the role of some of the people in the creative team than that of Shantanu.
I wonder, if the damage done to CB over the last few months can ever be recttified?
What a shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A serial that was different and beautiful is going down the same traded path.