I know some viewers have questioned Rana ji's change of heart and how quickly he has forgotten Sulakshana and those strong feelings he once had. But the way I see it is that love can happen more than once and at different stages in life. First love is always special but it isn't always THE one true love, nor does it have to be ever lasting.
Gayatri has won over Rana ji's love and earned his respect. He couldn't deny the place she had made in his heart and mind. He has seen her self belief, compassion, loyalty and kindness - everything that makes her royalty AND the perfect companion for him.
Sulakshana had gone a long time ago but Rana ji chose to keep her alive in his memories. On one level that is understandable, but not when you refuse to progress in life, and keep yourself stuck in a time warp. That becomes unhealthy and this precisely what Rana ji was doing.
Ok, so we the audience know that this Sulakshana is fake. Rana ji is still unaware of this truth. But would he have accepted his past and sacrificed the present if she was the real Sulakshana? I doubt it. Whether we like it or not, we eventually move on with time. Yeh toh kudrat ka asool hai. And all the things that Rana ji said about Gayatri to Sulakshana, well it simply screamed RESPECT! Gayatri has earned Rana ji's respect and that - I believe is FAR more difficult to attain. Pyar ko paana toh asaan hai. Izzat haasil karna har kisi ki bas mein nahin.
And Rana ji said I love you to Gayatri my heart exploded there and then...just before the car š That line simply made my day. Gosh, I'm so sad...need a life š But I really do feel that Rana ji's love for Gayatri is pure, genuine and ever lasting ;)