Yeah...I wonder the same that if aalekh was a puppet? Sometimes I even wonder..who is more important to Sadi...Ragini or Aalekh?
I feel that this question does come to many minds, however, according to Sadhna's charactarization - this thought perhaps does not occur to her.
Sadhna is capable of broadening her love. Her love grows, therefore ... she does not have to share with the love for someone else when relationships developed in her life. HER LOVE IS A LIVING LOVE ... IT GROWS ...
She loves Alekh ... She loves Mamaji ... and she loves Ragini too. Each in their own respective position. She loves them accordingly ... with respect to circumstances, her love is expressed.
Mamaji is someone who brought her up, and without Kaushi this man in his old age would loose everything. She is not only doing this for Mamaji, but also for her father and mother ... their respect ... she is paying off the blessings Mamaji bestowned on her helpless self by accepting her in the house ... she is making her dead parents proud ... So that they can keep their heads higher always ... even when all (including mamaji and sadhna) return to the Kingdom of Spirits.
Ragini is the only person who actually atleast showed some care (although Ragini's true intentions have become increasingly debatable ... however, atleast externally and relatively she accepted Sadhna more than anyone else - except Mamaji). Now, we might not realise the value of a drop of water to a thirsty traveller - months into a desert under the scorching sun. It is difficult to realise the value of that drop of water if we ourselves are not there ... THEREFORE, PERHAPS, if we try to comprehend, we will realise how much obliged Sadhna feels towards Ragini, and thus how much she always wanted (from her childhood) to fill Ragini's life with flowers and joy!!! IT BECAME SADHNA'S MISSION, HABBIT, CRAVE.... to do everything for Ragini (its nothing uncommon ... in Rajasthan - India and parts of UP ... sometimes the adopted sibling is supposed to sacrifice all to the real child ... all and everything).
I remember the movie "Dil Hai Tumhara" .... and they showed similar stuff. Its NATURAL.. but hard to comprehend for those who dont go through this thing. NATURAL ONLY FOR GOOD SOULS.
Alekh was her responsibility, and then her husband. She took care of Alekh and she systematically fell in love for him too. This love came out of CARE, LIVING-TOGETHER, OUR CULTURE TO VIEW MARRIAGE .... and the things that she actually did for Alekh's betterment. All this added up to a love. IT WAS NOT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. NEITHER FRIENDS AT FIRST SIGHT ... NOR CURIOSITY ... NEITHER HOPES ... NOT EVEN RESPECT AT FIRST SIGHT.
She did much for Alekh ... and wanted to spend her whole life with him. She loves him, but unlike Mamaji and Ragini - her history with Alekh is not at all fulfilling.
When I was a child in India (I left at 3 yrs age) ... I had an Aayah (special attendant, even though my whole family also attended me) ... I used to be crazy to this Aayah I am told. I used to shout and cry if anyone even raised their voice on her. I used to be always with her ... I wouldnt drink milk if she would not be given milk. IT WAS SO INTENSE PROBABLY!...But was that LOVE? ... I wonder.... its debatable ... because it didnt GROW...
Anything which doesnt grow...or dont receive proper sunlight ... eventually dies. This is the way life and anything related to life operates. I feel that love cannot be static either ...
Alekh never showed any love, instead, the first real expression in his HOSH HAWAS was that of ignorance, avoidance and often disgust. He even went ahead and blamed her for his pain, sorrows and problems. He trusted her the least ... and declared that she was his mistake, and a decision he would never have even thought to take if his circumstances were normal. IN SUCH A CASE, ALEKH REJECTED SADHNA's FIRST PROPOSAL OF LOVE ...
Marriage of Sadhna and Alekh have been very much a paper-work till now. Papers are subjective to damage, by the external and internal environments. Even a little worm with a few millimeters of length can be its greatest challenge. Without Alekh's expression ... which should be known to Sadhna ... Sadhna's motivation towards Alekh cannot be full. ITS NOT REAL.
Sadhna loves Alekh ... but her options were very clear ... There cannot be a doubt.
She has taken a bold and curageous step. If Alekh really had any true feelings for Sadhna, he should've listened to her. IN NO WAY, even a mad man ...would leave his LOVE without trying to proove her correct. And even if she is incorrect .. how often have we seen the Majnus die on Laila's doorstep? ... WHEREAS HERE, SADHNA CAN DIE ANYTIME FOR HIM. SHE DID ALMOST...WHEN SHE GOT SHOT.
A husband-wif relationship is one of great trust and understanding. If it can be said that this relationship has not yet develped between them ... then the question arises "Have love flourished?" ... if the answer is "From Sadhna's side, there have been honest tries" .. then the remaining story should solve remaining curiosities.