I'm actually kind of glad you brought up the topic of Aggression today, Eveline. For it was only in the last episode (a few minutes ago in the timeline of our story) that Cabir commented - Look kya de raha hai? Ab tere gusse mein woh baat nahi rahi!
And lo behold! The super aggressive, protective Manik is brought to the fore - with a vengeance!
Of course, here he is coming across as Aggressive without reason, without cause. Totally misunderstood, even by the very individual he's trying so hard to protect. The intended victim has not his conditioning to be able recognize the wrong intentions in the Villain's eyes, his demeanour.
But then again, thinking back, I have a feeling that all that aggression which he would project earlier served a purpose - every single time it was put on display. At times it was a facade which came in handy to repel intrusion on thought and private time, at others it was a method of protecting his loved ones. And it became so much a part of him, that he began to believe in it himself. Until the entry of a tiny little dynamo ⭐️into his life, the one who cut through all facades and pretenses and reached the soft heart all that aggression was required to protect.
For it was only after Nandini came close to him, that the rest of us began to see the other facets that made up Manik Malhotra.
Coming back to the point I was trying to make, his aggression, as we all agree, is totally justified. And, all of us also agree that the rest of the people trying to control him are in the wrong today. However, the wily Pundit has set things up in such a way that Manik is the one who is coming across as the one in the wrong. Case in point - Dhruv's room too had dhoop in it. Point omitted in the mention - the degree of dhoop and smoke!😡
So, Manik, pull up your thinking socks, dude! We need to beat this coyote at his own game! Brain vs brawn, and all that!!!
Lot more to say, but I don't know quite have our way with words! Love the way you put them together!
P.S: Hope it wasn't too long or twisty a rant!