Sorry about the long post, but I generally don’t write my analysis. But this one was a beautiful and underrated episode.
The finesse of the episode is what stood out for me in today. There were some crucial turning points which were so subtle yet so poignant and evident.
The opening scene between Virat, Ashwini and Patralekha was to establish the reality with a finality and an ultimatum to Pakhi. Virat & Ashwini may have tried to convey their messages to her before, but between the last scene from yesterday and this scene, she was practically shown the door. Virat made it clear that he now knows her intentions, her victim card play and indirectly stating that he will now be on his guard and protect his wife. He also made it clear that it is Sai for him always, and Pakhi means nothing. He has finally in a way broken free of the guilt that she has always tried to shove down on him and shown her the mirror. This marks the end of their past baggage for him in all contexts. Ashwini on the other hand was savage, and Patralekha couldn’t even meet her eye. She made it certain that she will not allow any of her petty games and her desperate actions to be close to Virat. That was the final warning to stay away from Virat and his life. Period! Patralekha bowed out without another word, because she knew that now her moves will be met with strong reactions. And for once she had the sense to look ashamed and not defend her actions. But the highlight of this scene was what Ashwini told Virat and his response. She told him that once Sai returns, no one can challenge or threaten her right in his life and in CN. This was meant more for Virat, because Ashwini cannot count on Pakhi to reform. But she wants her son to take charge and rise above any promise or past that was weighing him down and give his wife her rightful place. Virat only responded with a head nod, but again the subtle action spoke volumes. Yes! He got this, and he will now ensure all that and more without any distractions.
During Pulkit and Sai’s conversation, her inner battle is clearly visible. She has now started to introspect, recall Ashwini’s words and try to decipher the meaning. She has moved from denial to questioning and now is in search for the answers. She has seen his guilt and how he is suffering, and glacier has started to melt rapidly under the scorching heat of his repentance. But she is not there yet, she hasn’t forgiven him, but now that mysterious feeling, not yet known to her has started to rise and overpower. She is hurt, angry but she cannot see him in pain either. I only wish that they had shown more of her deliberation and dilemma than rushing this up.
What I believe they didn’t show was Sai’s decision. She has made up her mind, that she will go back with Virat, but they didn’t show that monologue. But they tried to show that while she recalled Ashwini’s words she eventually decided to go with Pulkit to create that curiosity. While her responses to Virat were a reflection of her anger and disappointment, she was not oblivious to his remorse. But she was trying to hide it, under her stern look and determined words. Virat on the other hand is guilt trodden, and is in complete acceptance of his mistakes and responsibility of its repercussions. He hasn’t passed on the blame to Pakhi, but taken ownership of it and ready take on any punishment. She would have probably left with Virat if she had not asked Pulkit to take her. She had to honour Pulkit’s gestures, and so she was again divided. She was treading on that thin thread of giving up, when she turned around to look at Virat while leaving with Pulkit. And that look had given Virat hope, he was counting on the fact that she likes him, and she had let that façade slip for a split second, but then it was back on. She played along with her decision to leave with Pulkit, to not offend him, and most importantly not to show Virat that she has given in so easily. Remember she is still trying to find answers! The look she had when she caught him staring at his hands holding hers, again a very subtle one. She saw him for what he truly felt and her love emerged, but again the next second she regained her composure and changed to that indifferent look when she called him out of his trance.
I don’t know what to say about Pulkit. He sometimes gets on my nerves. He is irritating because of the partiality towards Sairat. A man who never had the guts to stand up for himself, his wife and daughter, who let the culprits go scot-free only because they are Devi’s family didn’t have any rights to point fingers at Virat. And where did he get all that voice and courage suddenly from? But then have we seen the likes of Bhavani & Ninad being redeemed without much reformation? Then why not him?
Then again the underlying implication of the last scene between Sai, Virat & Pulkit. I’m not sure if Pulkit was trying to do this intentionally to make her see both sides clearly and make her decision, or for her to realise what she truly feels/wants. Because he has seen through both of them at this point. Either ways, this is also symbolic of Sai making her decision with a complete knowledge of what the two pathways entail and the stakes. It’s her choice, but then when you are pushed to a threshold do you realise what you truly want, and the fear of losing pops up and that’s what Pulkit words did. He showed her, all the positives of going along with him, she living her life freely without any toxicity or pressures, but then her heart lies somewhere else. And she is ready to take on everything and let go off this opportunity and take all the risks, to be with the one who has her Heart!
Indian Idol 16
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