Part 1
Families that are committed, nurturing and encouraging can weather any storm. Unfortunately this is not the case for Aarti Raizada's family... A devastating incident tore this family apart, never to be the same again. A mother so wrapped up in her own loss and heartache, she neglected her two children who were in dire need of her love, affection and reassurance; a weakling of a husband/father who abandoned his family when his care and support was required the most; a young boy shocked by the abduction of his twin sister, hurting and confused; and an adolescent son/brother unable to openly mourn the tragic disappearance of his little sister as he is forced to don the mantle of a nurturer, making up for absentee parents who were too immersed in their own grief to think about the anguish of their other two children.
Today I felt sorry for Aarti Raizada. Not only was she shattered by the traumatic disappearance of her little girl Anjali, she was also deserted by a cowardly husband in her time of need, left alone to lament the irreparable loss of her child. As such it is not at all surprising that she has assumed this cold, distant facade for her self-protection and survival. She does love her sons very much as is evident from her near hysterical reaction to Akash's tumble down the stairs; but she is loath to openly show her emotions for fear of hurt and rejection.
Akash vulnerable, troubled youngest son drinks himself into a stupor in order to annihilate his inner demons, consequently becoming an alcoholic. He idolizes his older brother Arnav; hopefully he will pay heed to his brother's sound advice of getting his act together, enrolling in a detox program and coming clean with his girlfriend Lavanya regarding his alcoholism. I am confident with the soothing balm of Lavanya's love and encouragement Akash will soon emerge from this quagmire of despondency and hopelessness.
Arnav nurturer, provider, protector of this dysfunctional family is a man hiding aching wounds of his own. His yearly trips in the last quarter of the year are his way of escaping from the troubling memories associated with this time of the year - the fun-filled birthday celebrations of his twin siblings Anjali/Akash; joyous Navratri and Diwali festivities and the exuberant ringing in of the new year... all blissfully happy family times which vaporized in a flash with the heartbreaking abduction of Anjali.
Now that Arnav's monochromatic and lackluster life has been infused with the vivid, lively colors of Khushi's love, vivacity and gaiety, he is prepared to face the nightmares from his past and allow his painful weeping wounds to close up and heal.
Sandhya, you have skillfully articulated the insecurities, self-doubts, sorrow and pain that trouble this family; and the masks worn by them to conceal these afflictions.
This family has suffered enough, it is now time for them to heal and become whole again. Arnav/Akash are indeed very fortunate to have Khushi/Lavanya, two strong, spirited women in their lives; women who will go the extra mile for the happiness and well-being of their men. It is Aarti I am concerned about, who will help her with her healing process? She needs help and soon!!
CID
Music Corner
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