Hey!
I started watching a few weeks ago and caught up on the episodes too. It doesn't surprise me that the show isn't as popular as one would think it could be. Partly because of what else is going on in the television world and partly because (I think), the show is very cleverly and subtly making some feminist remarks that don't always sit well with everyone.
It certainly seems like SatyaDevi is out to get every couple divorced. Its often felt like she is pushing it. I have repeatedly been irked when her phone calls interrupted the romance or bonding at Suranas too. However, you then look at Sarika and every one of SD's fears is validated. In her career as a lawyer, she has seen more Sarikas than Suraans. She has seen the continued abuse for the sake of patriarchal beliefs. Everything that Rama says reminds SatyaDevi of her own marriage. Rama & the Suranas, while very open and ready to be educated, still live in a culture that allows for continued suppression. That it does not happen is only a matter of time. Jyoti is putting up with a fair amount of "adjustment". Isn't she?
Suranas and Samar are very sweet. Ofcourse every girl wants a sarusal and pati like them. Except, that some don't. Some women will find having to live in another house difficult. Why should a woman have to "make" the sasural her home... No one else is inconvenienced. Samar doesn't have to change into new set of clothes when extended family visit.. I really really wanted her to say, I will cook the kheer and then I will change into a saree. He is in his own house. Its Jaya who has to walk on eggshells.
I think the point is, Jaya is a lousy bride. But she is still trying. And her mother wants her to know, she can try, but she doesn't have to kill herself for it. It was wonderful to see the two families come together to support Jaya when the kheer fiasco happened
The pink suitcase is another one of the show's funny props. My first reaction was, why give it to her even. Just have a wardrobe for Jaya with her essentials. However, as time has passed, I can see the point of it. The point is, SatyaDevi is asking tables be turned. Men have the luxury of walking out and going to bhad aka office. When a woman lives in someone else's house, she does not always have that luxury. That suitcase, literally and figuratively, is a reminder to Samar and Suranas that Jaya will walk out if needed. Its not for us and the Suranas to decide when she does it. Its for her to decide. Often times she hasn't wanted to. Satyadevi is over doing it, but I am prepared to wait and watch. This marriage is ofcourse doomed. But when the man's mother is as interfering as SD (and I actually feel like last few days she has been way better.. her fears have started to calm and she is giving Jaya the space that an adult deserves), the woman is expected to get on with it. Let the man and his family do it for once.
Let me give you an example, The teej fast. Why don't we, the society, tell the bride... women will be fasting, if you wish, let us know... Why is she "told" what has to be done?
I am enjoying the show. Waiting to see how Satyadevi and Rama change their views as time goes