umm hmm now you're making me ponder about the episode LOL.
I think he's implying that R couldn't subconsciously go there - there was something stopping him from making that final step. It's not because of Esha or any residual feelings (he has none). It's because R thinks R doesn't deserve P - so why "taint" her in that way. Does that make sense?
He considers her as so pure - he can't ruin her with his impurity. (his insecurities and destructive behavior).
oh I just loved your analysis
It's just like a devil and angel love story. The devil surely doesn't want to taint the angel because of his own desires but he is also too selfish to let her go. He might not give her heaven but he will make sure that destructive flames of hell too doesn't touch her