Your analogy makes SO MUCH sense Nethraa....it is actually quite perfect ⭐️And you have said what I was trying to find the words to say.... Virat has made many mistakes, but his intentions have always been pure...which is why I am hesitant to call this an emotional relationship because to me that sort of implies intentionality on his part....
When we talk of intentions, there are layers to it.
For example, some people may not have any qualms about having an emotional or sexual affair ....they will justify themselves .....have scant regard for how other's feelings may be hurt by their actions. If we take this as intention, then no - Virat did not intend to have an affair with Pakhi or to cheat his brother.
But let us take a look at his actions. He promised to remain single throughout his life to Pakhi. It is understandable if he still harbours feelings for Pakhi even after her marriage. But harbouring feelings for someone and giving them a commitment are two hugely different things. It implies an emotional relationship...a commitment. Pakhi called him up during her SR and he talked to her. He called Pakhi all the way to GC to explain why he was marrying Sai...he was giving explanations on why there was lipstick mark on his kurta. Imagine the same thing this way...you smell of men's cologne and your male friend acts jealous...you'd shut him up. On the other hand if it was your boyfriend/husband, you'd give an explanation. You see what Virat did there? All I'm saying is that Virat did act on his emotions for Pakhi. He did not actively seek her out for comfort....because even he knew that would be like seeking out a girlfriend/lover. But in other ways, he did cross the boundary in their relationship. And this is the leeway he gave to Pakhi too....the belief that he was emotionally committed her...
So Virat's mistake was not just that he failed to clear the vaada to Pakhi....he is not blameless in his actions either....he did cross the line a number of times.
A sensible person would have found the vaada ethically wrong. He certainly would not have acted on his emotions by giving explanations. He would have completely distanced himself from Pakhi.
I cannot excuse Virat for these. Again I'm not saying that he had any mal-intentions. But he has acted so immature....i don't know what else to say. Samrat and Sai have every right to be hopping mad at him.