KESAR AT THE PANCHAYAT
Kesar stood there nervously waiting for the proceedings to start. He was more anxious when Gulaal was explaining her stand and almost reconciled to her claims. He was feeling lost when she said that he should be ready now to lead a happy life with a girl of her age. When he looked at her then we could clearly see what was running in his mind that his happiness begins and ends with Gulaal and none else. He was hurt when she requested to free them from this "bondage".
With a slow pace yet confidently Kesar comes forward. Kesar said with a lump in his throat that he too was human. "Mei bhi insaan hoon" could make you feel his hurt and pain. Pleading his case he said he is not clay material that could be mold to any shape as required but a living breathing person full of life and feelings. How sad, he had to argue his point to be treated as a human being in the first place. The direct hit at Gulaal left her guilty.
Kesar was calm and composed even when he argued about the validity of Deeyarvatu, the significance of the ritual in society and that he lived with the thought that he was married. Kesar criticized the public in a way that when this relationship was forced on to him when he was a minor unable to understand the impact of this marriage, the society had given its approval. He defended his stand that being an adult even law would permit him to decide his future and that his happiness lies in Gulaal remaining his wife. ALL VALID POINTS, No one could deny anything that he said. And Kesar was firm in his decision so obviously separation on mutual consent was ruled out.
Yet after stating his opinion, Kesar with a shrug, was reconciled to abide by the Panchayat decision.
Dushyant's words first shocked Kesar that their Deeyarvatu's acceptance by the society was a wrong decision. Kesar was moved when Dushyant said it was an abuse to his childhood by forcing him into this relationship that denied him a normal childhood and adolescence that would have let him choose a bride for himself in the ordinary circumstances. His belief in the ritual and his loyalty to it has made him grow up with the notion that he is married and has a wife back home. Both Kesar and Gulaal were anxious to know the Panchayat verdict. Hearing the verdict, there was a momentary respite followed by total relief on Kesar's face that quickly changed to worry and concern when Gulaal decided not to accept this final decision.
When for another time Dushyant cut it short as Gulaal spoke, Kesar was in a way wondering about what Dushyant did.
Kesar was totally ridden with guilt when Sudha requested justice for Talli especially he was extremely sorry and shameful for what he did when Talli steps in to say she does not want Kesar to be punished. He was willing to accept any punishment; his tears said it all because for once he did realize how much Talli loves him. When the Panchayat was dismissed there was a brief eyelock moment between Kesar and Gulaal, both realizing and acknowledging the impact of the verdict.
KESAR AT THE "GOSHALA"
The cowshed has been Kesar's favorite spot whenever he has been happy, angry or hurt. I remember the older incidents where Gulaal would hunt him down at the cowshed be it while making Vasant milk the cows saying he heard that playing music(his mouth organ)would yield more milk, for revolting against Gulaal visiting her parents leaving him back, when he was hit by Gulaal for gambling. And each time they would make up at the cowshed.
Gulaal realized she could find him here. She still believed that he was punishing himself and Talli instead of punishing her for deciding his life against his wishes. In spite of the tension between them, she has no qualms in holding his hand and asking him the real reason for it. Very calmly and confidently Kesar told her in a low voice 'Reason is simple, I am in love with you. For him that was the most simple and real reason that he loves her. That realization was his truth. Gulaal was shocked beyond words, she had to step back to recollect herself but Kesar came forward to her and repeated the same. For each step Gulaal would move backwards, Kesar has always come forward to her. Very softly he said he realized quite late what makes him seek her or pulls him towards her, it's nothing but love. He had a sense of contentment when he said "yeh pyaar hai" as though he was cherishing the word "pyaar" just because it was meant for HIS GULAAL. His tears were out of love and he was exhilarated in shedding those tears for her.
I actually loved Manasi's expression here totally befuddled and bewildered by that confession from him. The reaction was expected, more so from Gulaal because it was as though asking him "How can you fall in love with me?" as though it was a biggest blunder. But have to be fair to her though she was hysterically violent with him. But Kesar kind of expected it from her and let her vent out her frustration. It was required so that they move forward at one point in time. He did not stop her, he was submissive. The way the scene was done was really beautiful. Though the slaps were exaggerated it showed her final frustration being vented out, he had to remain calm to let her be, the pull towards her and the pushing away along with flute playing in the background gave a special touch to their relationship. Her slaps was her denial at play. His quietness was his acceptance of punishment for what he had done to her so far or probably for his late realization.
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