So I'm just going to be stating my opinion on the last two-three episodes.
First of all, hats off to Tej (aka Ravi) for the expressions and body language he exhibits whenever he is talking with the photo collage. It really is touching to see his emotional dialogue with his Toasty. I love that he is sharing every moment of his life with her without being obsessed. Personally, I think if Toasty hadn't put things in position to distract Tej,he would have gone mad with grief. I say this based on my observations of the day he found out that his pyaari Toasty was "dead". Smiley aka Rubi didi has been making me pay attention to her, her facial expressions are usually so on point that it is a credit to Tej that I can keep my eyes on himš³. That is why I really watch this show I think, seeing great actors bring everything to lifeš.
Now since I joined this show to watch Rubi didi and I really love seeing her portrayals of her characters, I won't complain about her current position in the C- parivaar life, however I will say a few things.
We all knew that Smiley falling for Tej was inevitable, particularly because that is what the CVs wanted. As a keen observer, most would have noticed that the CVs moved Smiley and Tej toward each other bit by bit. It seems, there is always something swirling beneath the surface in a love/hate relationship. I'm still not sure about my feelings regarding the roses and shalwar suit though, after all, we already expected the transition, but was it necessary to make it that obvious? Anyway, Rubi didi portrayed Smiley's confusion during the salsa practice wonderfully, I'm still laughing at the amount of excuses she found to escapeš. The bike scene, still cracks me up, she looked so uncomfortable, and I'm certain she didn't know where her ehsaas would be taking her next. Which brings me to the dance competition.
I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but for those last two episodes, I haven't heard Tej correct a single person when they referred to Smiley as Mrs. Tej Prakash Chataurvedi. Of course, logically, since this is a competition, it would be intelligent to keep their unmarried status a secret, yet his expressions regarding that issue have scene by scene become less objective when hearing it. Splendid job by Ravi in showing this transition!
As for those who weren't convinced that Smiley had fallen for Tej, then her reactions to his injuries have made it a certainty now. While dancing, Smiley appears to be distracted, probably because she is contemplating why she's been feeling so "weird" lately- her words not mine. While practicing on the stage, by some strange, miraculous occurrence š²š, a stage light/sandbag (whatever), "somehow" gets loose. Smiley of course can't see it heading toward her, and our Sarru Tej who couldn't stand her a few weeks ago, runs to save her without even a thought in his headš. Thankfully, he wasn't hit on his head, or his back, however his injuries to the neck and shoulders appear to be more serious than he thought. He faints, and poor Smiley (Rubina didi was great here) shouts for help frantically. The doctor finally treats Tej, and Smiley who is overly concerned for himš, tries to convince Tej to take his health into consideration and drop out of the contest. This after the doctor already told them that Tej is fine and that the injuries received were not severe ( anyone else thinking that in a normal world this doctor might have caused Tej's death?š). Please note friends, these injuries also led to a fever; that must have been some pain Tej was in. Any injury which leads to a fever suggests that one should consider a hospital visit.
Smiley runs into the C- parivaar on her way to acquire the medication. Upon meeting them, she attempts to persuade them to get Tej to agree to drop out of the contest. They all appear startled at her voice of concern, and Dada ji has his, "Oooh, I'm seeing what's going on here look". At this point, I should also mention, that before heading for the competition, Dada ji blessed Tej and Smiley together, and that Shoba ji fed them a sweet dish, using the "same" spoon. Now, I'm no expert of Indian/ Hindu culture, but I've noticed that in soaps, these things usually have significance, especially since they constantly point out that a husband and wife should share meals from the same utensils to increase the loveš². Hmm...Anyway, back to the contest.
Tej comes out of nowhere, and he tells everyone to ignore what Smiley is saying. He states that there is no way that they aren't going to participate. Smiley looks down, contrition written all over her face; surprising for the character Smiley since we're used to seeing her so full of effervescence. Frankly, any astute observer would have noticed that she actually didn't offer a funny comeback. Note, the same thing happened 1) the day that Dada ji teased her and Tej, and also 2) when Tej insulted Cheenu for not being able to dance the way Tej desiredš (Smiley's dummy is indeed a dummy,Tej vented in frustration. - or something to that effectš³). Not meaning to appear obsessed, but seeing Smiley's obvious transition in the scenes I've mentioned, have given me more respect for Rubi didi. In addition, Tej constantly reminding us that he was in pain during the episodes, also made us regard him with empathy and pride at his determination.
Moving on to the actual dance competition. Phenomenal! Ravi and Rubina nailed it! Their body language, their expressions, their movements were a pleasure to regardšš. Was anyone else surprised that Tej didn't display his usual Sarru mode and expression when he and Smiley had to lovingly caress each other's face? How about his mild discomfort when the announcer referred to them Mr. and Mrs. Tej Prakash Chataurvedi; not only this but also informed them that had there been a best looking couple award they would have taken the prize with ease? Tej simply smiled in amusement, albeit sad amusement. The only time discomfort really appeared was due to the host and hostess querying their love connection. As a result the viewers were able to hear Tej compliment Smiley without choking; ain't that a new one?šš Smiley for her part gave quite the speech. I don't speak Hindi well, but even my ears recognise a tone of love in another languageš³. (Awesome job Rubi didi!) Hearing her speak of his determination, and diligence even in the face of pain, made me want to fall in love with him too!š³
Hmm...now for home time. Everyone is sitting around, passing compliments and nok jhok with Tej and Smiley. During this, Tej leaves for his room, citing pain as his reason. Smiley responds so quickly that everyone (except Tej) takes note of it. As he heads off to his room, Smiley says something about Tej which I barely understood, (but I know it was complimentary). This in turn makes Dada ji and a few others look at her speculatively. Perhaps realising that their dreams are about to come through. Note, when Smiley is talking about Tej, toward the end she looks down, and starts blushing as she finishes, as if she's lost in her own world...
The next morning, Smiley pops into Tej's room, bringing chai and breakfast. Even I was left stunned at this turn of events, but Dada ji enters not long after and I heave a sigh of relief. Smiley notices Tej rubbing his neck while drinking his chai, and she asks him if he's in pain ( I think. Horrible Hindi translator I tend to beš³). He says he's fine, but she starts prattling that he needs to take care of his health. Dada ji watches on in amusement, and after they end up dicussing whether Tej will leave the house to go handle some business or not, Smiley blasts Tej and tells him he isn't going anywhere and that's final- her words not mineš³. During her dialogue, her face shows this really funny, stern expression , and Tej responding like a chastised child, laughingly says "ok, ok, ok, I'm not going!" Dada ji looks fit to burst with laughter, but his expression turns to surprise as Smiley says that Tej was in pain the whole night, and even Tej looks š² that she noticed that. Dada ji questioning her, asks how does she know this? Smiley's expressions switches from stern, to blushing and shy without her realising, and she says that she checked on Tej throughout the nightš². She then becomes normal again after saying something about the doctor- and tells Tej now eat your breakfast!- raising the spoon to his mouth. Dada ji cracks up and tells her that Tej hasn't hurt his hands and her face changes to a cute, awkward expression (you need to watch that part guys, really funny). She hurriedly replaces the spoon and rushes out of the room.To the next I go, skipping along to the duo making up the bedsheets.
Uuum, since when does Tej think it fine that Smiley is in his room, much less allow her to help him make up his bed?š² Interesting change of heart... Once they're finished, Smiley starts telling him that Cheenu is in love with Dimple. She then explains how she came to her conclusion. Tej disagrees, mentioning Sonakshi I believe. To settle the argument, Tej and Smiley bet over the matter. Cheenu then comes, bringing the correct ledger this time ( I didn't mention that scene) and Tej teases him. He laughs as poor Cheenu retreats, blushing because they think that he is in love with Dimple. Smiley sits on the bed, across from Tej, smiling with puppy love written all over her face. She is so engrossed in this new movie, "Tej The Sweetš" , that she doesn't hear Shoba ji call her. Tej glances at her, and a confused expression crosses his face, but before he could register its meaning, Shoba ji saves her and addresses her again. Smiley, finally wakes up, and rushes off to do what Shoba ji asks.
My conclusion at lastš„±
I didn't mention Dada ji aur Suddha ji and their conversation. This is because I'm upset that everyone is conspiring to bring Smiley and Tej together, and those two are the most active. I don't understand why the CVs didn't show some form of time lapse so that we could stomach Smiley and Tej being together this soon. Also, I'm upset that in this entire situation, no one is considering Smiley's feelings in the matter. Neither have they pondered over the fact that Tej has the right to mourn his "dead" wife for awhile. I would have preferred a marriage based on friendship and compromise, and later love, rather than something that happened so blatantly. As far as I can see, this is going to lead some unhappy people, unless Tej is ready to let Toasty go partiallyš. However, since only a few days are left for this serial, I'm gong to watch and see how Tej handles this after his change of heart. Watching patiently to see how the CVs direct this as well. No matter what, I will still be disturbed that Tej has been stuck in this "catch-22" situation and that Smiley has been set up for unnecessary pain before the soothing balm will be applied- I assume.
Kittya