Annika - The Destroyer

I am new to IB, started watching it only three weeks back. Thanks to Hotstar I have finally managed to caught up with all the episodes.

This is my take on Annika. I am sure many of you would have already discussed this to death. 😊

I really have to compliment the makers for the selection of names for all the three pairs; Shivay-Annika, Omkara-Gouri, Rudra-Soumya. All complimenting their personalities and each other.

Annika is another name for Goddess Durga. The one who destroys her enemies and protects the innocent. If Shivay is the WALL, Annika is the reinforcement, the steel which holds everything together. Shivay and Annika are very similar. They would do anything for the family, they take on the responsibility of everyone. It is difficult to contain my ramblings only to Annika and not include Shivay.

Annika is in constant war with the world, and within herself too. There is a constant struggle for survival, to keep her brother safe. But nothing compares to what she faces within the walls of heart. There is a need in her to overcome her loneliness. Why else would she name her meager belongings? Her ramblings, her talks are just her outer layer. Just a mask. Few times when her true nature shines, is when we can feel how alone she is. Like the time where she spoke of Love, of family. She refuses to be vulnerable in front of anyone. The only person in front of whom she has been vulnerable is Shivay. This is because she has never seen Shivay pity her. Every time some one says she is a 'bechari', he refutes that claim. Directly or indirectly he has always treated as a strong, independent person, one who can overcome anything life throws at her. He has seen this first hand. And that is the reason she feels safe enough in front of him to be emotional, to be vulnerable. She knows he is not going to judge her or pity her.

Since she has seen the worst of the life, she was able to empathize with Shivay. She was able to forgive him for his mistakes and betrayals because she knows the world is not black and white. For someone who can do anything to save her brother, it is not difficult to understand where Shivay is coming from. She understands grey shades in life.

Now her protection has extended to Shivay too. She is might not even be aware of how and when this happened. May be because they are too similar. She recognizes a kindred spirit in him. From the day she helped him during the murder accusation till now, she has done everything to save him. Her soul recognized him as her soul mate.

Once she bought him under her protection, we can see how the thought of losing him scares her. Be it from outer elements, or because of Shivay's prejudices, she dreads the day that would happen. But when it happen, it will break her, but not destroy her. She is a survivor.

One of the best thing about Shivay and Annika's relationship is how they protect each other, so that each can protect their family, to do what they always have done.

Let me know what you guys think.. 😃

Love

Kshithi

Thank you for writing such beautiful words for Anika

She is like Goddess Durga who destroyed her enemies and protects the innocents

Loveky words . I have always felt protecting her loved ones is her basic nature and what you said about her naming her belongings is so true

Welcome to the FORUM 🤗

Great analysis!

I love what you've written!

Annika and Shivaay are fascinating characters, they have complementing qualities. They are beautifully written and are played to perfection by Nakuul and Surbhi.

Shivaay has his weaknesses, which he doesn't show anyone, but he has allowed Annika to see some of it. Whatever she has seen, she does not judge him, but offers her perspective when he would have brashly rode in guns blazing.

Annika is an empath, she seeks to understand and rationalize a certain behaviour. Honest and guileless. What you see is what you get with her. Open book.

In contrast, Shivaay is a strong facade , with which he faces the world, being the pillar of his household. A brother, a son and provider. He let's no one in on his troubles, seeks to fix everything his way, the easiest way.

It's beautiful to see him let Annika in, especially now when his family izzat was at stake in this plot by the Kapoors. The shield has been reinforced by the protection, in your analogy.

What a wonderful post.

Loved every single word of it.

All that you wrote about Shivika is so very apt.

Waiting to read more such lovely posts from you dear.

Keep writing and rocking.

Anika ❤️

Shivika rock ❤️