Fire and water... two of the four elements. Both are powerful and have the characteristics to be beneficial or destructive to everything around them, including each other. In this case however, water has the upper hand as it's the most effective means of putting out a fire.
"It burns... it burns inside don't you know that?!"
Of course it burns... because Manik Malhotra is all fire. Hatred, betrayal, hurt, jealousy and disappointment all affect him in the same way; a raging fire inside him that needs to be controlled or doused completely. Despite knowing this about him, it's surprising that the people whom he has treasured in his life for so long are unable to help him with it.
Everyone except one that is... Nandini Murthy. How well she understands her man and what to do when such a situation occurs. Her words, touch or smile are all that it takes to tame the beast and put out that all-consuming fire that threatens to burn him to the core of his soul. None of those will be as effective right now though, because this time she is the root cause of it.
But how can she ignore the clenched jaw and fingers digging into his arms that are very telling of the internal struggle with his old nemesis? She doesn't want him to suffer... and so she simply distracts him by eating ice-cream. And he watches... revels in her child-like innocence, drinking her in with his eyes... because for Manik, Nandini is like water... cooling, refreshing, thirst-quenching and the only one that can douse the formidable flames inside of him. To him, she is the first drop of rain on a hot summer's day, an oasis in a parched desert, the ice-cream to his vinegar.
This is not the first time that Nandini has been successful in calming Manik down; be it when Manik first found out about Cabir, or the Raghav revelation during Diwali, his numerous run-ins with Harshad or Soha's psychotic attempts on her life, it was Nandini who was able to give him some much needed respite. But it is the first time where she is both the cause and the remedy of this particular fire, which is resulting in such conflicting emotions from him.
Aah raha paas yah door mein jaa raha jaanu naa mein hoon kaha pe.
Nothing describes his mental state better than this line from the song he chose to sing on Friday. He needs her like never before to extinguish the fire and help him heal, only to be reminded the very next minute that these wounds were caused by her and her faltering (even if for a moment) belief in him. The guy is indeed in a predicament and needs an outlet.
So do what you have to Manik... let it all out. As Nandini said, it will be more beneficial for you to get it out of your system. But don't think for a second that you have a choice when it comes to living with or without Nandini. You need that girl just like you need the blood that flows through your veins... because water is essential for survival too.
This past week has had some beautiful MaNan moments which compelled me to write something on them. Love them! ❤️
Bindi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
