I beg to differ - they are neither playing with Om's character nor are they butchering him (well, dumbing him down when it comes to Ishana which is annoying). Coming to Riddhima, let me copy-paste from another thread:
As for Om, I think his reactions were justified - probably even rather mild given that his girlfriend just accused him of that one thing he hates so much. He kept his composure and instead of falling into an argument, ended the topic (I don't think he meant the relationship). Riddhima just chose the wrong moment and wrong time to bring up all these topics. It's Rakshabandhan, a family function is going on in the house- doesn't she know how important family is to Om? Obviously, he wouldn't want to do any serious talks or have his mood be down on such a day. I was confused why she told herself, "This is the right moment to confront him." - From which angle?
He didn't believe Ishana over Riddhima, where did you get that from? Bela told him something and he wanted to clarify the matter with his girlfriend, obviously, but before he could have brought it up, Riddhima snapped. This wasn't about Ishana or who believed whom more but about the trust level within their relationship. Personally, I believe Om reacted rather well in that situation, instead of snapping at her (which, given Ridhhima's accusation, you'd expect him to do) he closed the matter for now. And Riddhima just went about it the wrong way- you'd think she might know better how the guy ticked, given their three years' long relationship. He hates the smallest of lies and she goes all out and accuses him of cheating in such a way... hm. And demands a decision on the spot from a guy who doesn't take decisions on a whim. Not saying she was wrong there but her approach and timing couldn't have been worse.
As for him distrusting Shivaay - we don't know what exactly is going on, let the episode air, first. But from what has been shown: Om's argument with Riddhima, Shivaay leaving so abruptly and without giving anyone a proper explanation, Prinku's distress and then the whole Bua issue - Om is a human being, people. These things stress you out and in your anger, you say things you don't mean to say. We have seen Shivaay snap in anger so many times, hurt his loved ones while doing so- why can't the same happen with Om when he's under emotional stress?
Furthermore, I believe Shivaay should have told Om, if no one else, where he was going. The issue concerned Om and his gallery, after all, he had every right to know about it. Trusting your brother is good and I am pretty sure Om does that, but to understand his actions you need to know about them, no? And this is one major flaw Shivaay has: he thinks he has to do everything on his own, probably because he has been doing so for years, and has problems opening up to anyone. This can lead to problems in the future. He will have to learn to share these things with his brothers- Om, at the very least, and Om even indicated once that he wanted to be included in these things.
Him trusting Bua is incorrect. After his conversation with Ishana he simply thought about her words, about why people would do wrong and he just voiced his thoughts on the matter. He didn't say Bua was correct but said that she might have had reasons which none of them knew about. That's not defending her but trying to bring up another angle from which they can look at the issue.
Coming to Om doubting (err, not really) Anika - nothing wrong there. It would have looked rather bad on him hadn't he at least entertained the thought that she might be wrong considering the fact that Shivaay was insisting that she was. On one hand, he had seen her sincerity on the other hand, his mind told him that there must be a reason for Shivaay to doubt her. And he went and solved the confusion, simple and a smart move.
Om isn't a perfect character, obviously, and we are seeing some of his flaws now, as well - and I am loving it. It adds even more depth to his character, makes it even more beautiful. Perfect human beings do not exist, everyone has their flaws they need to work on and they are showing Om and his flaws and strength very nicely. I do believe that out of all the brothers, Om is the one whom they are exploring pretty well and thoughtfully, till now, and whom they have put most effort in to unravel individually.
Peace.
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