That's exactly what they have done. One group knows it's just a ploy. The other group now firmly believes the PH had no fault and it was just a figment of phangirl imagination. I am not the one to change anyone's mind, believe what you want. I don't have any inside news, I am just using my common sense here.
They conveniently shift all the blame on Barun, his movie ambitions, his movie etc. Show he is all 'buddy buddy' with Gul so now people who already had doubts about Barun, are believing that he is quitting by choice.
What happens next? Fandom gets divided which was united in their mission till yesterday. Now a section of fans who believe Barun is being made a scapegoat are fighting for him. Others who were skeptics have accepted that it was Barun's choice and he wants to quit. So why should IPKKND fans and IPKKND fans suffer for him. If he can be selfish, we can selfish too.
Until now IPKKND fans who could not bear to see Khushi with anyone else or Arnav with anyone else, wants a new man for Khushi. People don't care that it was story of star crossed lovers Arnav and Khushi.
So ultimately who's the loser here?
Barun Sobti, the scapegoat who's small budget movie hasn't released yet. But if his movie flops, his BW career tanks, and doesn't get a second chance in Television, it is his fault after all.
Fans, who can't bear to see the star crossed lovers with anyone else, may just quit the show disheartened.
Fans, who no longer care for Sobti and Arhi because Sobti doesn't care, continue to watch a show, which is IPKKND only by its name.
If the show works with a new male lead, the PH wins.
If the show doesn't work with a new male lead, the PH still wins because it was Barun who left the show and it's his entirely fault.
PH, who until now gave us half baked tracks, butchered characters beyond recognition and even announced that IPKKND has run its course and call their own show a 'money making machine', prove that they cared for fans, cared for the story and they don't ditch old babies for new babies.
Who are the losers here?
Barun Sobti who takes / gets all the blame.
Fans who supported Barun Sobti.
Fans who loved Arnav, Khushi and their epic love
Fans who are gullible enough to believe only one man is responsible for all this mess.
Just think about who is having the last laugh.
PS: sorry for typos.
A very Happy Diwali to all !!