Posted:
As a viewer of the show from day one, I was curious to see how the writers would handle the story of an extra-marital affair as the underlying premise of an entire narrative.
Unfortunately, like most viewers, I have been sorely disappointed. Particularly, with the current approach taken to almost validating Kunal and Nandini's illicit dalliance by Zoya's line of questioning Mauli's apparent failure within her marriage.
Truly, this is disturbing and something that audiences, (largely women) should not have to endure, as it encourages an exceedingly negative and regressive mindset. If your partner cheats on you, that has nothing to do with you and everything to do with your partner. Cheating is never okay. Cheating is never the solution to any problem. It is immoral and downright, disrespectful to say the least.
Over the last week or so, as Kunal and Nandini's illicit relationship has significantly developed, the argument of who is more to blame has escalated drastically amongst viewers. Around me, I have heard my mum, my to-be mother-in-law and their friends arguing vehemently, passionately about who is more at fault:
- "Men can never be trusted, but the friend should have known better!"
- "Mauli is an idiot for letting her husband be in such a close proximity with her friend!"
- "Men always want what they cannot have. It's in their nature."
- "Of course, Nandini seduced him. That's what characterless women, like her, do."
Though it's not my place to argue with them, some of their opinions have nonetheless disturbed me.
If I could tell them, I would say that both Kunal and Nandini are equally to blame for their breach of Mauli's trust.
If Kunal committed to her legally and spiritually as her husband, Nandini has been her best friend for even longer. Mauli loves and trusts both of them unconditionally, and both should be held equally accountable for betraying her.
Kunal clearly has a white knight complex which fosters his infatuation with Nandini, who he perceives as innocent, helpless and pure. This is what is lacking in his relationship with his wife, who is fiercely independent and emotionally and economically stable to boot. Thus, despite what he says, he feels inferior to his wife. In other words, Kunal needs to be needed, and he feels that Mauli does not need him, so he turns to a woman, who he can save - whom he believes to need him.
Nandini, on the other hand, is desperate for love. After years of being emotionally manipulated, physically and psychologically battered, she longs to be loved in the ways that she deserves - the way that she can see her best friend is loved. She yearns for the romantic relationship that Mauli enjoys. While there is no envy or malice in her longing, Nandini's desire to be loved has manifested in a way that is destructive for all three people entangled in this drama. It is statistically proven that individuals who have suffered protracted physical or emotional violence, are more susceptible to being infatuated with people in positions of authority or people who simply behave kindly with them. For this reason, many abuse victims fall in love with their 'rescuer,' or with their therapists, if they are seeing one. A sympathetic smile, a little reassurance or consolation, is sometimes all it takes for people who desperately long for love. This is definitely a tragic and unfortunate situation, that needs to be dealt with carefully, patiently and clinically.
Clearly, there are deep-seated insecurities that have driven Kunal and Nandini to each other. While neither is to blame for how they feel, they are certainly to blame for acting on it, which has effectively led them to betray Mauli's trust. They are guilty of not exercising their better judgment. They are guilty of being carried away on a whim, on the irrationality of sensation without considering how their actions will affect the people, they love.
Furthermore, what is their future? What lies ahead of them? To what extent can two people to gain their heart's desire? At what cost?
As a big believer in the power of karma, I foresee very short-lived happiness for Kunal and Nandini because one cannot build a home on the ruins of another.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
