Originally posted by: Eyes-Wide-Shut
Lovely post DD! Finally got back to your topic! I didn't want to rush through this because it needed proper time. I agree with all 8/9 scenarios you pointed out in which Mani is portrayed as a good friend. If he really was a storm in Ishra's life then their 'marriage' would have been over a long time ago for several reasons:
1) Their marriage to begin with isn't strong, there is no communication between them as as couple
2) They stand with each other in distress but often find themselves with their back towards each other (scenario # 3 like you said)
3) They aren't honest about their feelings to themselves so how will they be honest with each other
When a marriage is rocky it's credulous to blame a 3rd party because a strong marriage has no room for a third person. To answer your question, the storm is Ishita-Raman's relationship.
Mani even though poorly characterized and sprung on the audience as a surprise is still a blessing in disguise for our beloved couple. He has been a catapult for this relationship forcing Ishita and Raman to come out of complacency in their relationship.
I just wish Mani and Ishita's friendship was characterized better.
Brilliant analysis 😊