IKRS Thursday 31st December 2015 ep 124 My Take. In my mind's eye..
Often traditions that societies hang on to, on the pretext that they have been cascaded down from previous generations to present times, can be questionable . There may be significance attached to them initially, but along the centuries as they pass through societies the meaning may become adulterated and changed significantly to suit personal gains and needs..therein somewhere along the line, the whole meaning of a tradition becomes contrary to what it was set out to do. For under the name of tradition many injustices are carried out by the strong against the weak.. The rams head incident at the ashram is a direct imposition against the weak widows by the powerful kanak. Kanak continues to test the waters by insisting the rams head be cooked by dulari and fed to dhani. When dulari resists, she is served an ultimateto cook the meat and feed it to dhani or else no marriage! Dhani is more or less warned that family traditions of her new family have to be followed. But good for dhani as she gives a practical example of her truth during lie detector session, that she doesn't compromise upon her family traditions. Dasharant is summoned by dadi and he comes as the good cop and puts out the fire in the situation created between the two familys.. Kanak bears the brunt of his hypocritical wrath before the widows. As for him he as per usual, asks for pardons on Kanak's behalf and assures them or rather hoodwinks the nave widows that such incidents won't repeat..
Dulari is not amused quite rightly too ,but Dhani decides best to bury the story as nothing should be mentioned to Viplav about the incident .. as she was sure his family will not tell him anything either lest he does something untoward..
Kanak is one embittered mother whose son has ashamed her before the world more so before these puny paupers of the Ashram. Her arrogance that fills her head and washes away all elements of sensitivity and mercy in her. It's under the strong hold of traditions she attempted to stop dhani from marrying viplav but it back fired! Now in a fit of rage she sets alight the shagun from dhani's house and yet again vows , if dhani enters her house she would set alight the ashram! along with her! Dashrant turns up and begins to see with his own eyes how his closest player too begins to crack up! she can ruin his game by her mad turns!
Part of Kanak was too disturb Dhani by the severed Ram's head.. now when Dhani is served food she start's seeing things like the Ram's head! Inderani thinks of a way out that will calm the traumatized Dhani...
Dhani was right Viplav would not be told about the Ashram incident.But what does happen is Viplav gets a phone call from Indrani suggesting he take Dhani out! Kanak is relieved to see that Viplav has been kept in the dark about the gruesome incident she carried out. This actually is to Kanak's disadvantage as Viplav will take Dhani out..for news years eve..
"In his mind's eye"[Hamlet prince of Denmark].. Viplav the prince of Benaras , much blessed by the gods. At the end of the year suddenly his life has found direction! he has heard his calling! He has found a soul mate that he looked out for, all these years.. he had been here, there ,around.. but his life had a vacuum. In the most unlikely, improbable manner ,he fell for a most unlikely person, one whom the world considers a pariah.. But not Viplav , for god filled him with such grace, that he took it upon himself that all the joy, smiles, wisdom , understanding , he has, he will cascade it and share with her. In the process Viplav learnt that he too found out things about himself which he never knew. He finds that a fraction of her now lives in him, and a fraction of him too lives in her! Yes he is in love! and the colour of his love is white..As a lover he pampers, goes out of the way, and comes out with innovative ideas.. for Dhani's loves gives wings to his imagination!..So at the end of the year, he covers her eyes and brings her to a clandestine venue set up just for his beloved Dhani.. It all feels right, since it's not really a secret meeting but more of one that is allowed and approved! ..dhani's excitement rises ,that was Viplav's idea, to do something that is exclusive, for to him she is special... suddenly they stop! and he removes his palm from her eyes, and her amazed eyes behold on the ground a tea light outline of?. it's their dream house which he wished to share with her.. for a sweet and common feature of two people spoken for and to be wedded.. is their spontaneous desire to dream about what their home would be like?.. lovingly he takes her through a tour of their desired house.. whispering sweet nothings shows her the lounge , the kitchen where he'd help her ,and she is more concerned about his law practice.. he shows her the bedroom that was deliberately kept small so as to promote a cosy warm feelings ,just the two of them.. next to their bedroom is another large room which is large enough to house eleven kids! just like a footballers dressing room! for Viplav dreams of asking Dhani to bequeath him with a football team!.. she smiles and relishes the idea.. dream house.. what a novel idea.. she laughs he is mad.. and he admits yes.. they both admit they cannot survive each other..
More imaginative magical ideas, from Viplav.. a hoisted up settee.. which frightens Dhani due to her fear of heights! the guys who control the hoist settee foul up the gimmicks! the flowers meant for Dhani shower on him! and the chunni too meant for Dhani lands on his head! Dhani laughs and laughs.. and Viplav's heart swells with joy, as to make her laugh.. see her laughing full of mirth, was a mission for him.. at last at the end of the year he got his gift!
Next the meal.. table for two set up in a highly romantic setting.. Dhani confesses , it seems she is dreaming.. all this joy.. and he holds her hand places it against his heart and tells her the beating of his heart should tell her that it's not a dream it's for real.. but she still fears and asks what if? He rebukes her for her doubts reminds her with great clout who he is? and now not even his own father can stop them from marrying ! gallantly her presents her with a single red rose, asks her for a dance and they dance... their love ,their joy an offering to the gods pure white as the colour white..Suddenly a candle falls by his foot and his shoe catches fire, she throws water on it to puts out the fire.. Viplav is moved by her complete panic at his slight accident! He gathers her in his arms.. the end of this year brought into his life the pure fire and passion of love.. The entire scene stands out simply for seeing them celebrate their love, completely.. especially Dhani who now sings from the same song sheet as Viplav did, on his own before!
and now for the dreaded twist..dhani prays before lord Krishna.. as luck would have it she cannot but overhear the pandit arguing with Dashrant.. knowing everything how can he say yes to this marriage?why is he making such a big mistake? Dhani stands and looks anxious.. then Dashrant asks him what is he trying to say?.. dashrant clearly wants Dhani to hear.. why are you pushing your grandson towards his death! in his feigned style ,he replies ,please don't say this as the two children love each other.. how can he go wrong?. and the pandit replies, loud enough for Dhani to hear.. the girls stars show she is a widow! and if Viplav marries her he will not remain alive! that was it! Dhani is trapped by this paid pandits words.. Dhani's simplicity will let dasharant win the game neatly.. as Dhani herself will refuse to marry Viplav if it means .. he will have to wash his hands off his life!by marrying a widow..
It's was lovely to see them as couple where both love each other.. sorry I was out, most of the time ,hence this was rushed.. many pardons.. I look forward to reading radnes , choco, jen's posts about this episode.. hamlet 53 1.1.16
Happy new year , love, peace and good will..
Kumkum Bhagya
Debate Mansion
