Posted:
Today reminded me of Celine Dion's track, which also inspires the tite...
Through the darkness and good times
I knew I'd make it through
And the world thought I had it all -
But I was... waiting for you!
Before I start of the post (which is late courtesy school work, sigh) I want to tell you all that we have two new names to add to Kesarji 's phangurl club. Namely - Bulbul and Dhani. Of course Gulaal is going to have objections to raise on this matter (situational pun intended) par uski baat aap log bilkul na suniye. wo to har baat ko naa hi kehti hai 😆
Today was promising, fun, beautiful, and very very endearing - even though all these adjectives and more fall short.
Starting with Kesar's opening scene (oh this guy is such a show stealer - can anyone get enough of him?! ☺️ ) whistling, getting ready - lol! Totally reminded of guys getting ready for first day of college after term break 😆 Interestingly, he's not taking his lady love out on a date. He's not proposing, he's not looking forward to falling in love... he's just setting off to make someone happy. That's the beauty of his scenario - at this point, Kesar has given up everything that he wants for everything that Gulaal wants. And amazingly (as Srush said on Reemz thread) in setting himself free, he has given himself an unbidden license to hold on, and love - a license authenticated by Gulaal, with therefore no scope to be revoked. He's so happy in this scene, you want to get right into the screen and do the nazar utaro act. I have to confess this was favorite scene, second only to one other. If only Monday mornings opened like that for me 😆
The quick exchange that ensues between GK after this is - like Len described - very hubby wifey. They can scream to the world claims of being 'just friends'. That scene is so typical. And although Gulaal has always done all his chores - it just hits you how comfortable she is being back to this role despite the gore between them.
When Gulaal smiles at the sight of Champa - it is a dual sign. The doll symbolizes return of her two friends - Champa, and Kesar - in her life. And the way she smiles at the sight of it, I think of how she told Kesar that this doll would light up her days, good and bad. Already working! 😳
The picture scene - to me - was again symbolic. I like how the CVs play dialog in the BG of her friends looking for Gulaal who can't be found. A lost Gulaal. Almost a figurative representation of Gulaal now - the way she has lost herself in her own life. It's almost this divine indication (of course we already know its very much mortally planned) that things, events, people from her past have begun seeking the Gulaal who has been lost in the sands of a decade's time. When the BG dialog locates her beneath a mango tree, enjoying mangoes - the difference hits you even more. Because where would one find Gulaal now? Wasting away in a dark recess of her own life - somewhere so far and deep that she has rendered accessibility of that lost Gulaal rather futile even for her own self. [I specifically remembered Reva-Kesar-Gullu scene over food neglect at this point, Gulaal's total indifference and gradual withdrawal from any signs of 'living' life. What a standing contrast to be found under a tree being a hog. Forget catering to her likes, she no longer caters even to her basic needs.]
Anyway - along comes Talli (as trifolia said, to begin her day with the KG room gatecrash ritual 😆 although admittedly, I was too happy with Kesar's opening scene to hate on Talli *still in lala land with BG whistling*) As much as I want to forward Talli scenes, they have of recent gathered sense, and reason. Today was no different.
A) She reminded Gulaal being married was not like being imprisoned. And she had a point. Unfortunately, being widowed can be very much like being jailed. As Kesar told her - being a widow was not a happy place, much less that of pride. And in Gulaal's case, her toughest jailer has been she herself. When it all begun, doubtlessly there were all the quarters to pose opposition to her freedom and curb it. But over time, everyone who cares an iota for Gulaal has wished to see her set herself free from a self imposed sentence.
B) I like the calm in Talli. When she first declared her get married plans - she was fidgety and nervous. As expected, Kesar's closing dialog with her on Friday has put her frayed nerves to rest. The Talli we saw today has truly risen a notch, and is daring to dream - what a beautiful revelation - especially when you see Gulaal in comparison and her history of repeated failure to do so. When Talli asks for Gulaal's help to be readied, she is of course seeking her best friend's acceptance to her brand new resolve - and Gulaal gives it, but how! It is ironic, that to Gulaal's perception, Talli is pitiable. When she hugs Talli it's almost in resigned reassurance, to wish her friend bravado to deal with the ordeal of moving on. She sympathizes with Talli, because the latter in her eyes is being compelled to get over her grief so quickly. If only she would sit and think what a state of reverse their scenarios truly are. That she, who can't find the courage to move on, is far more pitiable than Talli, who resolves to take a chance. But that's Gulaal for everyone. That Gulaal who has been gnawing away at the old fearless one, who we saw make intermittent appearances at random points of the episode today.
Sorry for excess space to this scene - but I thought it held meaning.
Gonna pass PooBaa and Yogesh scene because even if it holds meaning for future - I just don't want to care about it now. Plus, watched old episodes of Gulaal over the weekend, and realized what a duck-face this new actor playing Yogesh is. Why did the old one leave? Sad.
Moving on to the reunion. It's pretty curious how Gulaal is spooked by the sounding echo of her name in voices she can't mistake 😆 She's really forgotten miracles and surprises, hasn't she?! So much for whoever was going to get that cup of tea btw - because in a second of sighting her friends Gulaal actually *rubs eyes* forgets to be her vintage self!!! (for everyone who likes this term, it's Nur's baby 😳 ) I agree with everyone who's been saying how the casting of the friends is good and effective. They truly fit the characters, and that is the beauty of this show. Unlike most other Indian TV soaps, where side roles (especially such cameos) are either too redundant, or simply promotional i terms of bringing in big popular faces - what a relief Gulaal offers, even in this respect. But not digressing, the three friends were a delight to watch, no less. The jabs at being fat and thin, the taunts at having forgotten and not keeping in touch, and the ethereal feeling of being united after such a long time - it's all so been there done that!
I think the most interesting part of these girlfriends getting together is how every unintentional suggestion hits bulls eye - and how natural it seems in such a situation. What does one do when one meets a long time ago best girlfriend who is now married? Well, take digs at the love story of course! 😆 When Dhani tells Kesar to stop the eye games - it's so credible and cute - especially how Gulaal just smiles and Kesar for a nano second looks like he'll blush but just bows out of the scene. Sigh - what a guy *dream mode prevails*
Of course the little eye lock that GK do have, speaks volumes. I like the variation that the CVs and actors bring out in Gulaal's reaction here as opposed to when she saw Champa. There is the difference of this becoming a second instance; there is a difference of the effort input involved in bringing home a doll, and bringing home two live friends; and there is the mutually shared existence of Kesar relating to both incidents. She's warmed, and at a lack of better reaction at his continued pursuit - not of her, but of her happiness ... and it's been so awfully long since she was last pampered, of course she's rusty on how one fits the character of being spoiled 😳 She's thankful, she's overwhlemed, and she just doesn't know where to fit in this gesture of his into the vague way they have worked the scheme of things between themselves. She's certainly not awkward, much less resistant - but it's evident she doesn't just write off this gesture from him as unassumingly as the comeback of Champa. So mostly she probably does a memo to self : look into this later - thing 😆
Kesar mixing up with the girls is a one of a kind scene. I can't remember the last time I saw a show, or read a book, or even witnessed a real life incident like this. Guys are always wary of being around too many girls. And girls catching up on a decade of gossip - yeh right 😆 It's like the absolute no-no zone for the alpha-est of alpha males. But that's where Kesar scores a win. He's not the typical alpha male, never was. He can fit nearly every bill there is to fit into Gulaal's life - and that is where he is unique to her, independent and beyond Vasant. He can be an obsessive teen, or a begging lover, or this endearing 'friend'. As I wrote in Ganga's post, he's changed position from forcing Gulaal to become a part of his life, to walking the mile and becoming a part of hers instead. The only time and way guys do this - becoming best friends with ladylove's best friends, is to woo their girl. And cutting himself a separate nich here too, Kesar is not doing this to get Gulaal back (even if it's obviously going to work like that, it's far from his conscious intention.) Perhaps that's what is most amazing about this situation. And of course that is what keeps Gulaal from shunning his gestures - she can sense it. He's not the lover, he's not the husband - he's just that Kesar who would stop at nothing to see Gulaal happy.
As is evident from the opening of my post - I love Kesar's plotting with Bulbul and Dhani - they are so team! 😆 I love how easily he chats with them - like a younger brother, and an elder in spot as their 'jija' all at once. The best part has to be every chance that he pits them up against the unyielding Gulaal - to bring out the real hidden one! Reminds me of the time he looked after Gulaal and how she told him next morning that he did seva ek dam dil se... of how she can hereafter shaanti se bimaar pad sakti hu! In this respect he's quite like Vasant, or Gulaal herself - puts himself to something and sees it through!
Moving on to meal time. More of Kesar and his silent (and not so silent, lol!) ways of siding up with the 'friends'. He's given them the trick to manipulate Gulaal; he encourages them to get through with the round of permission (doesn't he know MB's verdict much before it comes?! 😆 ); and then he even offers to play chaperon to three crazy talking as-girl-as-it-gets women! 😆 Some daring there, btw! Pat on the back to Sudha and JK to create even more favorable circumstances for Kesar's Finding-Gulaal mission! Btw, I like how resolution in Talli's life has begun to ease Sudha. She's stiff iffy with Gulaal - one on one, but it was evident with at least the first of her smiles at Gulaal's besties, that she's not walking around with her wounded ego. MB's words have probably made sense, but mostly, I think, it's on account of seeing a future for Talli. For the first time in days, I wasn't all going for her neck - especially so, when she kept Talli back, bless her! Of course the way she paid heed to presence of outsiders - Gulaal's besties in this case - and made it all look cordial and credible was again, almost a white flag from her end. JK was awe-ful-some 😆 She can't help being that. I loved everyone's reaction to Kesar volunteering to 'keep-an-eye' on the ladies 🤣 Especially Giga! My favorite part of Kesar's argument building in his favor was - Raman bha to jayenge nahin 😆 and Raman bha's reaction in confirmation, lol! This particular bit of Kesar jumping at JK's suggestion of someone tagging along, plus justifying his 'intention' was the third best in the episode! He was like a boy caught stealing cookies - then explaining how he was only doing so to distribute them in class for his birthday - like it's his farz to do that 😆 And MB's answer back was a cracker! I like ow the men in the house (Raman doesn't count) are all silently rooting for Kesar at this point, even as females being females (including Reva and Talli) look just a bit skeptical - shaq karna band karo yaar!
Not to miss Gulaal. She showed her range of reactions from anticipation at MB's decision (like she had to even think!), wary at JK's objection, saddened at Sudha's obvious hint, and finally, truly happy at the plan coming through. I would have liked more elaboration of her reaction to Kesar playing lawyer at lunch, but anyway 😆 [oh did I say I love the playback tune at this point? 😆 ]
In reference to JK and Raman's quiet spite - 3 months, eh Raman? Don't you wish! 😡 I don't hate JK. I can always justify her line of evil reasons a lot more and better than Raman - who is just purely a git! Durgesh and he can take a long holiday and never come back, for all I care. 😳
Moving onto the final scene. The random lady from village coming to 'Doctor' Gulaal - honestly, would Talsagra stop running if she left the place? She had better stay! Although, with reference to the recipe she has prescribed for that poor ill kid - if I were that random help seeking lady, I would be-ware! garam masala indeed 😆
Gullu goes to play the matron, and Kesar plays the boy with ideas again - he sure worked out every inch of his plan - hopscotch was a brilliant touch to the episode! (What did Gulaal call it by the way? Never heard the word.) Reemz said it best, when she described the scene as a battle between the two versions of Gulaal - and what a welcome respite it was to see the stashed away neglected Gulaal version emerge victorious! The 'out, out' was peak scene - and yes my favorite, like most of you - especially the way it turned Kesar's head! One thing to hear PooBaa tell him what Gulaal was like - and another to watch the transformation. The play of expressions on his face as Gulaal gets into all I'm the best, I'm not scared, I shall beat everyone and everything modes while bickering with Bulbul over her cheating. After being subjected to the perpetually defeated Gulaal - Kesar sure has surprises met out. He can't stop grinning at this side of her, it's probably going to give him happiness ulcers of some kind - the height of his emotion at seeing Gulaal surface through the tough concealing facade! Not to ignore Mansi in this scene - who was so subtle and real, did not miss one single second of expression variation - especially the bit when Bulbul challenges and says apne ko bahut hoshiyar samjhti hai? Loved Mansi toss of head and vain acknowledgment - haha - and especially the play back tune at this point! Kesar wore an expression that spoke my mind - is this her, really?!... and at the same time... woot, the plan is so working! When she says it doesn't matter what the stakes are, or conditions, because she knows she's going to win this way or that - you can see pride and fondness shining in his eyes - oh he's so awesome *dream mode has obviously not snapped yet* - and then the friends hit the touchy nerve! It reminded me of all those teen times at middle school when girls like to play silly tricks - Flames, percentages, last bites, fist formations, and what not to prove their fates are best in love! So utterly, entirely feminine! The CVs do a wonderful job in balancing out these friend scenes without making them look OTT, or simply repetitive, much less boring. Although I eagerly await a GK conversation after these friends leave - I was at no point wishing for the friends to be gone!
As for Gulaal being kill joy on hearing the stakes of her win - I find her situation Catch-22 again. If she wins (as she expects herself to) she's proving her 'husband's love; if she loses, oh right, Gulaal to lose?! 😆 Easiest option, back out. When Kesar reasons with her - its a marvel he's not hurting telling her to not be bothered by the hubby-wife comments. He's not hurting at all, and Gulaal can sense that. It almost puts her in the spot of being guilty conscience herself. Also, to me, it was interesting that Gulaal didn't just think of Vasant in place as her husband and play the round. Didn't she live all those weeks prior to Kesar's confession as if wife in word and ritual? Didn't she tell Kesar he would never be her husband in her heart of hearts, much less her mind? Interestingly, by even refusing this bet, she proves that Kesar has taken that place - of her husband - even in her own default thoughts. Of course Kesar himself makes no ridiculous suggestion like you could just imagine this was about Vasant and play the round. Uh, no! He tells her to give them an answer to the tease in kind, and tells her he's with her. The main tere saath hu is so of course you will win, given the condition of stakes! And Gulaal has no argument to fight his
Well. That's me for today. This episode was so fun - the kind you don't want ending so soon! Kesar was at his adorable best (still fawning over his opening scene) and Gulaal's new found old self was such an awaited respite! I also noticed how at the meal time when Dushyant approved of the day out plan of the girls, Kesar was happy at his opinion. Maybe I watched too many old episodes over the weekend - but what a change this is in Kesar's attitude towards Dushyant. Considering, he still knows and believes the truth. It's like he's put everything else in his life in hold, and the content of his recent plans and actions is so settling for him, that nothing ruffles him like old times. He's made peace - with everything and everyone - for the time being. Not that he wont be seeking justice some day. But for now, he gives up everything at the altar of Gulaal's happiness.
xx
JZee
Health and Fitness
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
