Hey there , as you said you do not live in India. I have to tell you that what ever is being shown in the show is actually quite common in Pakistan/India/Bangladesh. I have seen this with my eyes. I am a pakistani and i had never been to Pakistan untill 2 days back. I am actually quite surprised by the Kitchen politics and Saas Bahu stories over here , which obviously i pointed out saying that ' Ye to sirf dramo me hota haina?'. Trust me , if you havent seen it , doesnt mean its not there. A lot of people on the forum itself has shared their stories of how KRPKAB reminded them of their own family. My Phupoo(Bua) , actually did not let his son consummate with his wife for almost like 4 to 5 days and the couple ended up having divorce. So My phupoo was the firsy ever thought that entered my mind while seeing the current track. This js just to let you know that it is REALISTIC for many of us.
Now , coming to the Sona being a doormat. Even the biggest lion has to bow down one day to save the relation he is in. Sonakshi is a strong headed girl STILL and she will remain one but why is it necessary that she always behaves like one? Sonakshi is an intelligent modern girl who knows thatt if she is going to retiliate back it going to effect whom? Ishwari? NO! IT MAY BACKFIRE ON HER . But as you say there are certain limits and when Sonakshi will see that Ishwari has already crossed them then you will see how strong and composed she is. Right now , she is a new bride who is facing some problem in her sasural and she is being the calm best she can but she will not be that always my dear. You will see a strong minded Sonakshi again but only when she wll come to know about the evil games Ishwari is playing.
I will end my rant with a saying " Agar dusre jahil hai iska matlab ye nahi keh ham bhi unko sabak sikhane keh liye jahil banjaye , phir ham me or unme fark hi kia rehjaega?"