Is Asad in Love?

First lets see a few of his self talks in the past few days (before April 12th). Asad wants stop Zoya, but thinks that it is not the right thing to do. He acknowledges the *unkaha* khichaav, but says that it is better that he lets her go. I should let her go, is what he keeps knocking to himself, knowing they are poles apart, and that given his sad, dark background and complex nature, he can perhaps only hurt a free spirit like Zoya. Yet, at the emotional highs, where his heart takes over his mind, he decides or does little things that can stop her from going - hiding the ticket, extending the employment letter, tossing the coin - all these are sane, conscious actions he has taken to stop her. The video, he was not aware that was being recorded, so that is *fate*.

On the other hand, Dilshaad has entrusted him the responsibility to keep Zoya here. So, after fighting the battle between his heart and head, there is a singular goal he has in mind - stop Zoya!

Coupled, these two are prompting him to do whatever it takes to keep Zoya in this country - and for that he gives her all the cautious advice - stay indoors, use contacts he has., etc. etc.

So, why does Asad, take the extreme step of saying to the visa officer, that he is getting engaged to her. He obbiously believes in the sanctity of marriage. He obviously would not do a fake engagement. But, he obviosuly is not acknowledging his own feelings. Then, why does he say what he does.

Well, even if he is in denial of the love (or rather, not aware of it yet), it is an extreme level of care and commitment he feels - for Zoya and his Ammi. So, when nothing works he uses the card of engagement. For a man who believes its not a sham or joke, he is ready to even engage/marry to Zoya if he has to and if that is the price he has to pay to keep her here. From the Asad who has been counting days on when she will leave his life forever, to someone who is now, ready to commit his life to kep her stay here, tehre is a huge progression in his character.

But, if someone (dilshaad, zoya her self, anyone) asks him, if he loves Zoya? His answer to others and himself, will still be no! He is doing this to keep her here, and perhaps loves her too, but he has decided to lock that part of himself. Yet, for the sake of what his Ammi sad, and for the sake of Zoya's happiness, he is willing to give such a big part of himself, himself, rather... just to keep her here.

The realization of love, the trust, the companionship on both his and Zoya's part is still a long journey uphill. I just wish, we can get rid of Tanu first and see these two getting close to each other as in some self thoughts, some analysis, and finally realizing that despite being opposite, they are perfect for each other... just like Dilshaad and Najma had realized in the beginning episodes...

Zoya on the other hand, has been pushed again and again by him, and his bilpolar behavior has only led her to be more confused. She knows , or rather acknowledges something about him too, but yet, she is not there fully in terms of love either. She thinks, all these are ploys to keep her here. For someone like her, this suits her character and basic nature too. She would have done something like that to save someone =- her life is full of such white lies - mariam, her own wedding, ayaan , the engagement fiasco etc. etc. So, she thinks Asad is still doing this to keep her...

But, for her to think that he actually did that because he loves her - or that realization... umm, she has no inkling of it...

Wo toofan to abhi aana baaki hai!

Your take?

emotionally and with his heart: YES

Mentally - NOPE. haha