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Is it not surprising that Ashish never made time to be involved with Avni's schooling? Here he is berating Daya that she is separating him from his 'little daughter' and his 'parivaar'. On the other hand we are learning from Avni's school principal that Ashish has never given her or Avni's teachers that he is interested in her education.
Agree, some men think this is a mother's job. But for the Schoool Prinicpal and Avni this is an indication of his interest in her and his sensitivity towards her - it makes Avni feel 'different' from other 'normal' families. The principal too has realized there is something going on with Avni and her relationship with her dad (thanks to Avni writing that she will not be angry with her dad). To rule out child abuse - the principal needs to probe further. And so she has called in Asha. Will Ashish ever show up? Your guess is as good as mine.
Is it not surprising that Ashok, Tai's husband is spot on in his advice to Asha? He asks her to tell the truth to Avni. Intuitively he had known that this is what Avni is seeking. He had seen and heard what transpired between Ashish and Dayaben - he has realized that Dayaben was not aware of Asha and Avni's existence until recently. Ashish had hidden the truth from his mom. Now he hears of Avni's disappointment with her dad and he realizes that Ashish and Asha have hidden the truth from her too. He thinks it is imperative they tell her the truth. Will Asha reveal the truth of her relationship with Ashish to Avni? Your guess is as good as mine.
Is it not surprising, that Avni when hurt instead of curling up and lying on bed alone or on her mother's lap - chooses to hide in the closet? Is the closet her way of finding a soothing space akin to a womb? Is it because her mother treats her like a baby and does not give realistic answers? Is she trying to figure things out? Is it her way of coping with anxiety and depression? Or is it a combination of all the above? It is a pity that she has no adult that she can talk to - no one to offer her solace. This child is sorely in need of a caring adult!
Today Avni bared her soul to Ali when she said "I am very angry with my dad. But I also love my dad very, very much. How is it possible to have two extreme emotions towards a person?" She also mentioned that she wants the truth - this child will not calm down until she knows what was more important than her sports day event for her papa? Ashok was right - Asha and Ashish need to tell her the truth before she hears it from another person!
Jodha Akbar
