Posted:
Thank you for your amazing response to yesterday's post. It's great to know that so many of you enjoyed it. Do keep the feedback coming, as it lets me know what works and what doesn't. On to today's RReview...
There were quite a few shocks and surprises in store for quite a few people in today's episode.
Rude Awakening #1: Awaited Rudra as he pinned down a quiescent Paro in her hospital cot. Looking down at Paro sleeping peacefully in his protective embrace, Rudra's eyes lit up with curiosity as he re-evaluated the puzzle that's Paro in the wake of her recent nightmare. But it was quite another, not-altogether-welcome emotion awakening in him that made them gleam so bright.
No wonder that Paro didn't react at first when she opened her eyes after her momentary respite - she didn't recognise Rudra's eyes, newly devoid of anger and hate, but alight with quite another odd mix of questions and emotions that she didn't need to fear.
Rude Awakening #2: But as Paro came fully awake, recognition dawned that the face of her nightmares was barely breaths away from her own. Hardly surprising that she screamed the ward down and fought like a wildcat to get away from Rudra.
Rude Awakening #3: Poor Rudra had to face up to his faults in a most unpleasant manner. And never more so than when Paro pleaded with the doctor to keep him, her tormentor, away from her! After saving her life, and now protecting her from harm, to be labelled Jalladh was quite the unkindest cut; breathtakingly unfair! No wonder, Rudra couldn't keep bitter reproach from darkening his eyes as he left the room.
Rude Awakening #4: Was for Rudra when, standing outside her room just after refusing the doctor's request to move into another room, he heard Paro sing to her Lord. Stumped by this weird behaviour, he demanded an explanation, and was deeply discomfited to learn Paro's reasons for singing. No wonder he did a complete volte-face and agreed to move into another room.
Rude Awakening #5: Therefore was Paro's, when she discovered that singing wasn't going to get her out of the hospital.
Rude Awakening #6: Lay in wait for the unsuspecting Mohini Chachi, who thought she'd seen the back of her trouble-with-a-capital-T nephew 15 years previously. Nope, that nasty shock just came and bit her in the bum today with eye-watering strength. The discomfort would keep her awake long into the night.
Rude Awakening #7: Broke the neck of the guard on duty outside Paro's door. The poor man never saw the attack coming, and before he knew it, had drifted into eternal slumber.
Rude Awakening #8: Caught Dr. Killer by the neck that very night, as he stood gloating at a job well done. Except that the sudden vise-like grip around his throat promised that that job would soon be undone. And although he managed to evade the uncomfortably strong arm of the law, he realised that he'd underestimated the Major bigtime.
Rude Awakening #9: Struck Rudra by surprise while he was sleeping. Perhaps it was the sound of the bolt sliding into place, or his ever-alert sixth sense, but something awakened him to sense that Paro was in danger. Imagine his shock when he caught Paro's would-be assassin red-syringed!
Rude Awakening #10: Literally stabbed Rudra in the back as he discovered to his cost that Dr. Killer was both more powerful than him and slippery as an eel. Poor Rudra! Yet another wound of honour! But even doubled up in pain from his new injury, Rudra still managed to stagger up to Paro's bedside and pull the IV line out of her arm before he collapsed.
However, despite saving her life yet again, Rudra didn't get any thanks, for, when Paro emerged from her sleep, she cowered away from him in fear. And as if that wasn't insult enough, she requested his CO that Rudra be kept away from her! Not that it mattered a whit! Rudra couldn't care less for her gratitude. But neither could he keep the reproach from seeping into his gaze.
Another good episode today - well-crafted and superbly acted. Sanaya's hysterical struggle when she wakes up was more than convincing. As was her naivete with her singing and later her disappointment when she realises that she is not going home.
Aaahshish was a very pleasant surprise, not just for the action shots, but for the myriad emotions reflected in his eyes today. And those eyes!!! No wonder the CVs/directors have had him concealing his eyes behind shades all through the first couple of weeks. It's only today that they've unveiled this new secret weapon. Truly mesmerising!! đłđ
Today we also got to peep into the life of Rudra's Chacha and his surprisingly rich family. And learnt that Rudra's Chachi isn't too fond of him! Potential there for some spice. Especially now that we know that Rudra and Paro are headed there pretty soon.
Can't wait for it! đ
Jodha Akbar
