Now here the father in him can be questioned as to why he has distanced himself from Kukki. Note that he doesn’t love her any less and Kukki KNOWS it but he’s not expressive about it and like others have pointed out, there seems to be only one reason for it: Prerna.
He saw a beyond devastated Prerna crying for her child whom she lost in the fire. In trying to stop her from killing herself, he had said she has KUKKI. He couldn’t replace Sneha for her ever but he could give her the chance to experience motherhood with Kukki so he distanced himself in order for Prerna to be closer to Kukki, which they are. Remember that scene where they both said ‘Tumhare bina mera kya hoga’ to each other. So Bajaj has sort of isolated himself even more from receiving love and affection.
Is it a fair reason? From Kukki’s POV it’s harsh. She has a right to criticise him as a father. Though having said that, most fathers aren’t expressive but you can still feel the love.
I don’t think even Prerna knows about this. She understands Bajaj very very well, the way his mind works, his underlying care but his love is hidden.
I’m waiting for Sneha to enter now. Let’s see who gets to her first.