Thanks Pooja for the tag!
Blue, the analysis is nicely done. It helped me in getting a glimpse into the psyche of the character. And now I interested in her future actions. I am not sold on the actor's skill to reel me in. But the character arc is quite interesting. Malini's dialogues at the registrar's office yesterday made sense to me. (As per her character ) (Bold..cuz..ehm..reading comprehension 😏) She has stooped low (her words) and yet, her "prize" isn't still hers. Adi may be over Imlie, but he still isn't Malini's..his second time wife.
She enjoyed attention and affection in the T household much before Imlie's entry. After Imlie's entry, she has had to put up with Adi's drifting attention as well as the truth of her dad. So, betrayal in all senses. Add to it, her mum's manipulations. For Anu, it was a battleground of sorts..first it was Meethi who threatened to uproot her world, and now it was if history is repeating but with her daughter.
If a fictional character (any show) has the grace and maturity to pull herself out of a loveless marriage, I don't see why this fictional character HAS to follow the same path. This is Malini's arc.
What must have been insulting for her was being strung along for a good amount of time..I mean she wasn't "just" a friend /fiance, she was married to the guy. And then he fell out of love with her. (Did her ever love Malini?) . The T family was clearly om Malini's side initially, right? She must have been hopeful of a bright future ahead..When did the T household do a 360 on Malini? They speak of her as she is a stranger.
Betraying Aditya ..that is on her. Noone is sympathizing with her on that. But after Adi "declared" marriage, she is still at the doorstep. Noone is willing to even listen to her. How convenient that they can shut her up ..but can't say anything to Adi right? So i find no fault in her wanting to score brownie points with the Ts by purchasing their house. And what she is saying is true. There is a proper legal rishta with her and yet she is being overlooked by both husband and inlaws. Even her dad isn't with her ..even if to knock senss into her.