I didn't watch the epi, but i think you are right about the changes in Kabir since last week. It started when Rishi threw Neha into Kabir's arms. In terms of direction, i think this was the point of change because before this Kabir needed to look like the villian in order to maintain the shock and surprise of the Rishi being in on the chall aspect. So it was natural that the audience didn't get an insight into Kabir's thoughts until that moment, and when they did, it shows a soft hearted Kabir that sympathizes with Neha but must do what he must do to make her believe that he is evil.
So, he could have been falling for her all along but that is the moment we first get to hear Kabir's inner thoughts. But that scn was significant in another way because symbolically or not, intentionally or not, Kabir was not responsible for Neha, Rishi willingly gave her over to Kabir. And since then, if you notice, Neha hasn't been half as hassled by the issues around her as she was before, when it was all about saving Rishi.
Since that symbolic handing over of Neha's responsibility to Kabir, Neha has been relatively calmer than she was before and Kabir went to the extent of making her feel safe (somewhat) by telling her that he doesn't intend to kill her because he does understand her enough to trust that she will not tell anyone anything. That scn was significant because you can see Neha's confusion about Kabir but also a sense of relief in her. Since then, Neha has changed from being the victim to a much stronger person who on occasion stands up to Kabir and threatens him back with conviction, unlike before when she tried to use the info she came across as leverage but failed miserably. She just seems less vulnerable now, stronger emotionally and a fighting spirit is more evident in her than the general helplessness that used to be her expression whenever Kabir was around.
Current Affairs
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
