Wow! What an amazing episode on so many levels. The best episodes are those that are laden with symbolisms and motifs thus giving them a re-watch value. This show is kind of like playing a Hidden Objects game, where you are on a constant look out for even a tiny hint that would imply that its eventually gonna be Manveer.
I found the episode particularly fascinating because of so many interesting character dynamics.
First off, as PC already pointed out, unlike the entire royal clan, Udayveer seemed to be only one who seemed completely at ease with Moniya being on the edge. She was in her zone and he was the only one who I think could relate to the thrill of danger and the sense of freedom that she felt standing at such a height, flying a kite.
It was also surprising to see everyone, especially Brijraj so concerned about her well being. Aside from the amazing father-daughter interactions, another sweet instance was the one between Brijraj and Komal. It was the first time they both appear to be a normal married couple and looked happy together.
The entire kite fight was a great motif for the Manveer relationship as Jyoti pointed out. Both equals, both competing against each other side by side and both of them so focused on it that no one and nothing else mattered but their nok-jhok and their kites.
It was particularly interesting to note that it's not all challenges and competitions with him where Manyata is concerned. He was willing to go fly kites with her even before she turned it into a dare. Even when there was nothing at stake, he was willing to be there by her side, sharing another adventure with her.
His desire to win was because of his need to 'reign' her in. And when he does lose out because of J, he doesn't say a word, nor does he dampen her spirit. He lets her bask in the glory of her tiny victory, as misled as it was. It could have been his ego, his Rajwada blood or his ego – but I like to think it was his desire to not mess with her happiness, not when she finally seemed to fit in a little.
Quite the opposite of J, actually. Jaynandini and Udayveer may keep reminding each other of their similar natures and train of thoughts but there is a world of difference between their attitudes. While Udayveer molds himself to fit in and then turn the events to his advantage, J stands in opposition and often gets overrun.
I did find it kind of sad that no one paid any particular attention to her. She looked exceptionally pretty today and no one even commented on it and pretty much ignore her for the rest of the day. No wonder then that she gets it by being snarky and a complete spoilsport. The way Udayveer treats her… well there is no excuse for it really. She isn't the nicest person around but he quite literary mocks her for having feelings for him. He uses her vulnerability as his weapon.
And then there was Akash. Notice how he is on his way to work and there is this casual conversation with Chikki? It seemed to be so natural and effortless, as it always is between them. I find their conversations so much more real as compared to the forced niceness that he shares with Moniya. It's like he has to make an effort to sound cheerful and fun, to match her energy levels.
So anyways, Akash was on his way to work when Moniya's past conversation makes him stop and stay. He asks Chikki her favorite color and proceeds to fly a kite of his own. Notice how he has Chikki's support here, and it is Moniya's memories that almost makes him lose out? Chikki yells at him to pay attention. Could this mean that Akash's life, like his kite is losing focus? That his ambitions and dreams to succeed are now taking a backseat? That his life is on a downward spiral and he really needs to focus on just it and not Moniya to get it back on track?
Even when Moniya does end up coming to see him, she doesn't help him fly a kite, there are no hugs, no lover's intimacy. There is only ever friendly banter, moon eyes and cheesy dialogues that made me cringe. I actually dread their scenes together but today it was interesting to watch Akash's kite yet again off balance when she was around and then completely forgotten, just as Chikki was.
Best part though? The entire Uday in chawl sequence that Moniya imagines. Finally, finally we see just how Uday is silently heading towards his goal, how while it may not appear so in a very obvious way, but none of his words or actions are in vain. He has finally instilled his brand in her head. Moniya can leave the palace behind, her family behind but she can't rid herself of Udayveer's possessiveness. She may scoff at his words, avoid his confrontations and ignore his threats but he's finally drilled into her that try as she may, she won't ever be rid of him. Where once she imagined Akash, now she dreads Uday.
And then when he is finally there? Notice the way Moniya looks towards Akash and then in Udayveer's direction. She is concerned for Akash and wants to go to him but her hate and dislike for Udayveer wins over her love for Akash and off she runs in a huff to yell at Uday.
It's like all her words to Uday the day before just backfired on her. There she was telling Uday about how his hate could never cause rifts in her love for Akash and then there was Moniya leaving the love of her life behind to go confront Uday. The minute he steps down, there is she – just where he wants her. Leaving her friends and love behind to come to him even when she claims he means nothing to her. Notice the smile on his face after she leaves in a huff. He's winning and he knows it.
Amazingly symbolic that scene.
However, what I didn't get was why Uday was asked to give charity. I mean if it's from Devgadh or DS, should it be given by Brijraj, J or even Vijay? How can Uday, the prince of another state and would be son-in-law asked to do the same? If he was just filling in for Manyata all these years, shouldn't Moniya be expected to do it now?
In the end, we have Moniya come back only to realize it's time for the Rajkumari to leave. Could this mean that when the time comes, she'll have to choose her responsibility over what she wants? That her love for Akash shall remain unrequited like that cup of chai that she didn't have. The same tea she first left behind for Uday and now would have to leave behind for the promise she made.
Over all a really good, enjoyable episode with just the right balance of everything.
Until next time,
k.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
CID
