Happy Birthday, Sanaya!

Making the post a day late, but couldn't let it go by without wishing Sanaya Irani a very happy birthday and all the best for a wonderful day and a wonderful life! A girl with an ever present smile, an everlasting zest for life, an amazing positive and never say die attitude, and a golden heart. Wish her all the best for her birthday and always!

Hope that includes her return to TV soon in a kickass show!

RKC - Ep 36 -Across the chasm between two worlds, we meet

16th Sept Saturday

Rarely if ever have I watched such beauty unfold on screen.The realisation of Anami as to who her twin was/had been, could have been filmy, over-dramatic, an often seen sequence both in BW and on TV.

Instead it was rare, precious, gossamer-delicate ... a slow unfolding of emotions through poetic words ... a twin reaching across from the other side ... both twins snatched from their homes and now straddling unfamiliar worlds ... she in his ... and he in another, unreachable one. And the pathos, the sadness of what could have been ... the joys of growing up together, the teasing, the laughter, the shared secrets, joys and sorrows that siblings share ... all snatched away by a cruel twist of fate ...

They had both felt that bond ... even in that one chance meeting ... the tangible proof of which lay now wrapped around Anami's wrist ... the rudraksha bracelet, the raksha dhaga, protection band, that Vatsalya had been given, and which he handed over to Anami at their chance meeting ... with the so prophetic words ... 'if I had a sister, she would be like you ...' 

He did ... and she was.

The meeting was set up beautifully ... Anami manages to get the keys from a sleeping Satrupa with a minimum of fuss, and runs to meet Poonam at the gate. Poonam waiting with her luggage and her rudraksha bracelet ... which Anami wears.
Did that bracelet call Anami to Vatsalya's room? Did it establish the connection she had forgotten, or was till now unaware of?
Then as Anami struggles with the keys, she tries one which is ... the key to Vatsalya's room ... as Poonam reminds her.

Vatsalya

She had almost forgotten.

The reason for her being here ... the boy who once lived behind the forbidden door ... her twin.
She had no feeling for him ... how could she? She had never even met him. Yet in dying, he had been the cause of her exile to the hated Lal Mahal. She would not leave without taking a peek behind that forbidden door ... without getting a glimpse of the cause of all her troubles. If she left without seeing his face, she would leave a part of herself behind.

And so she finally opens the forbidden door.
Stumbles to switch on the lights.
Drops her phone in the process.
And straightens ... to look straight into ... the eyes of her unknown twin.

Except that he is not unknown at all.

The boy she met on the ghats of Benaras. The boy she shared a birthday with, a day they both hate. The boy who gave her the rudraksha bracelet she now wears, the bracelet that gave her an inexplicable feeling of sorrow and anguish the day it broke. The boy who felt complete when in Benaras, but when he left, he felt bereft, as though losing something precious.

Was it sheer chance that they met that day? A coincidence?

Vatsalya does not think so. And he has something to say to her ... if she would care to listen ... to open his diary and read his words ... words that feel as though they were written only for her.

Adhoore se aasmaan main rang bharta hai koi... 
samay ke dhaagon se kya kya bunta hai koi... 
boond ki aas main zameen ko tarasta hai koi... 
phir baras ke aankhon se birha mitata hai koi...
Adhoore se aasmaan main rang bharta hai koi... 

Someone fills in the colors in an incomplete sky
what does he weave with the threads of time?
Someone craves the earth while waiting for a drop of water
then that water bursts from the eyes to wipe away the grief of separation
someone fills in the colors in an incomplete sky

sawalon ka jor, jawabon ka shor... 
kyun akhir kyun itna toofan uthata hai koi..
samay ke dhagon se kya kya bunta hai koi..

The force of questions, the noise of answers
why oh why does someone raise such a storm?
what does he weave with the threads of time?

jab dard ke badal chaye the, man pe raat ke kale saye the, 
pane khone ke fer main jab duniya lagi thi, us waqt tum kahaan the ? 

Kudrat ne kaha tha, wada liya tha, jab lahu ke ek dhage se bandha tha, 
jab lahu pani ban raha tha, tab tum kahan the ?

When clouds of pain surrounded me, when the darkness of night shrouded my mind,
when the world was lost in the game of  winning and losing,
at that time, where were you?
The universe told me, took a promise from me, tied us with a string of blood,
when that blood was flowing like water, at that time, where were you? 

An ever smiling Vatsalya, a harmonica playing, guitar playing Vatsalya ... gentle, musical, poetic ... far removed from the hard selfish inhabitants of Lal Mahal she had met ... was this her twin? 

She touches his harmonica, his guitar ... and she can feel her twin, see him sitting there, smiling, happy ... 
She sits at his desk, and writes in his diary ... as though by writing to him she can talk to him again ... the boy with whom she felt such a strange instant connect ... 

Ganga Maiya ne humein apne godh main milaya ... lekin us din humare mann main bhi toofan machha tha aur tumhare mann main bhi hahakar tha..
tumhari baatein bilkul waise hi hain jaise humari mann ke sawaal hote hai ... kash ek baar ... ek baar hum tumhare sawaal sun paate 
vatsalya ... ye kaisa parichay hai, tum is sab kuch chodkar us duniya main chale gaye jahaan se kabhi nahin lautoge aur hum tumhari duniya main base hue hain..
hum dono apni apni duniya se nikal diye gaye hain.. 

jaante ho jab tum aur hum mile tho hume laga tha ki hum tumse zyada hoshiyar hai lekin apne haath main tumhara diya ye raksha sutra dekhke ab samajh aa raha hai ki tum humse zyada hoshiyar the isliye ye gift chupchap dekar nikal gaye taaki hum tum tak pahonche, tumhe dhoondhe, tumse baat karein..yehi chahthe the na tum..

vatsalya... aaj tumse humara parichay hua hai.. tumhare shabdon ke zariye.. hum kismat pe bharosa nahin karte hain kyunki humara shradh pandit kehte hain kudrat ne humara kismat ka panna khali chod diya hai aur humare haath main kalam pakada diya taaki hum roz apni karmon se bani kismat likh sakein

lekin ... lekin aaj hume lagta hai ki hamare baba humara mann rakhne ke liye aisa kehte hai ... nahin tho humne aisa koi karam nahin kiya hai jisse hum dono janam ke sagei, khoon se bandhe, zindagi aur maut ke do kinaron pe khade ho jaye..

As Anami lays her head on the table, Vatsalya is there next to her, his head close to hers, his eyes looking into hers.

And he gets up, with that ever present smile still on his face ... and backs away ... into nothingness.
He's gone.
Her twin brother is gone.
She lost him even before finding him, knowing him.

And she turns to write again with new determination ... she has lost him, but she will not lose anyone else dear to her.

Logon ke pane khone ki tamanna ne humse hamara sab cheen liya hai.. jo bach gaya hai, use bachaye rakhna bahut zaroori hai nahin tho woh bhi iss lalchi duniya ka bhent chad jayega... vatsalya hum ja rahe hain, wahi jahan tum humse mile the, Ganga maiya ki godh main.. Hum Banaras jana hi padhega ... nahin tho woh ghar bhi ujhad diya jayega. Humse tumhare mann ka rishta koi tod nahin payega..

But Vatsalya has other ideas ... as Anami exits the room, her bracelet is caught in the door.
As she struggles to free it, Vatsalya sits at the desk, reading the words she just wrote ...

Logon ke pane khone ki tamanna ne humse hamara sab cheen liya hai.. jo bach gaya hai, use bachaye rakhna bahut zaroori hai nahin tho woh bhi iss lalchi duniya ka bhent chad jayega... vatsalya hum ja rahe hain, wahi jahan tum humse mile the.  

And he turns to look at her, with a small quizzical smile on his face, as though asking ... 'Really? You will really go?'

Anami stares at him unbelievingly ... and then at her raksha bracelet ... she struggles again to free it ... yes, she has to go. 

And leave she does ... the waiting Poonam hands her her tin bag, the waiting auto takes off ... but her tears will not stop. Shraadh Pandit will have the answers for her ..

What should I do? I don't understand any more ... what is right, what is wrong ... 
Vatsalya was my twin brother ... I met him on the ghats of the Ganga ... but he's dead now. Why did Ganga maiyya make us meet? 
When I was in his room ... I met him ... got to know him. Usse parichay hua. 

Shraad Pandit tries to reassure her ... people say twins are joined by their souls. Maybe destiny wanted you to meet him once before leaving his world.

But Anami isn't convinced. If it was just that, why that unknown pull to Vatsalya's room? Why did he give her his raksha sutra, why did he make her get to know him? She cannot understand ... what is the right path for her? Was Vatsalya ... and destiny ... trying to tell her something? 
And she tells the Pandit about that feeling when she was leaving his room ... she felt he was calling out to her ... 
Is that raksha sutra on her wrist tying her feet down as well? 

Shraad Pandit tries to explain to her ... on one hand, she has her righteous duties ... on the other hand, her worldly duties ... and it is her mind, which is ruled by love, which will guide her choices. She will have to choose ... one side her Pandit family, who will support her no matter what her decision ... the other side, her real parents, and her dead brother. 

Karna had the same choices ... he was indebted to Duryodhana, so chose to fight on his side, leaving behind his charioteer father and his foster mother. However Karna fought on the wrong side ... Anami will now fight for her dead brother, Vatsalya ... the right side. Along the way, she will have more choices to make ... for unlike in the Mahabharata, where Karna knew he was on the wrong side, here Anami will take time to understand which side is the right side, and which is the wrong one. For as Adhiraj famously says, nothing is as it seems in the Laal Mahal. 

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh week 6, Ep 31-35, 11th-15th Sept

Monday 11th Sept

The DNA saga begins in earnest.
Dadi tries to persuade Baldev to agree.
Satrupa tries to tell an unconscious Vikram that she needs to prove Anami is his granddaughter.
Adhiraj tries to push Baldev into agreeing for the test ... and on the way out, tells Anami she needs to do something if she wants her ticket to  freedom.
Anami tries her wiles ... telling Baldev it's his best chance of getting rid of her ... Baldev is suspicious ... what if she has been coached by Satrupa, and the test shows what Satrupa wants it to show? Not that he thinks for a moment that Anami is his daughter ... but Satrupa, that wily lady is quite capable of doctoring the test.
Ironic ... since Satrupa is most invested in making sure the test is done accurately and honestly!
However Anami reassures him that she will ensure the test shows what she and Baldev want it to show ... since they have a common goal - her to leave Lal mahal as soon as possible.

Baldev finally caves in ... and summons Satrupa to tell her so ...  after insulting her and questioning her motives ... he really seems to hate Satrupa. Satrupa listens quietly .. she is just so relieved that Baldev has agreed for the test.
Pujan in the meanwhile fumes that Baldev has agreed for the test ... he is worried the girl is really the true heir.

Adhiraj is summoned to take the signed permission for the DNA test ... and on his way out, informs a jubilant Anami of the latest development.

Anami starts her plotting immediately ... Poonam will give the DNA sample instead of her ...  so Poonam has to come with her to the hospital.
However, Satrupa is up to Anami's wiles ... from the precap, Poonam is busted!

12th Sept Tuesday

The whole episode was cat and mouse of Anami trying to get Poonam to the hospital, and Satrupa trying to prevent her ... a fairly light episode, stretching credibility at places.
Pujan bribed the lab head  ... lab head said he would test the sample he was given ... so Pujan has to make sure he gives a sample. Credible, as most tests are run through machines and the lab reports are printed by the machines as well, so not much opportunity to tamper there.
Pujan also told Avdhoot to keep Adhiraj out of the way for some time while he did the switch ... so Avdhoot will target Tanya.

Poonam's car dicky foray was amusing ... smart thinking, as she tied up her own hands to show Satrupa she was taken by Anami forcibly :)
Poonam eating a banana in the dicky was cute too.



13th Sept Wednesday 

Swap ... and double swap ... Anami manages to take Poonam's blood sample and substitute it for her own ... she then walks around with her blood sample, collides with Pujan, and her blood sample gets exchanged with the one he was planning to substitute ... so he ends up substituting Poonam's blood sample with Anami's. Phew!!!

The only stretch was how Poonam managed to label her blood sample with Anami's name ... given that her slip had the random pregnant lady's name on it ... and then managed to walk out with her own sample ... instead of leaving it in the tray to be analysed.

Avdhoot manages to distract Adhiraj from the hospital ... and seems to be falling for his sister in the process.

I was very annoyed with Vikram Singh ... why is he so adamant that Anami is not his granddaughter, and he doesn't even want to allow for the possibility?

Kamini has another one of her daydreams, as Pujan returns home flushed with the success of his plan.

Satrupa is suspicious of Poonam ... but Poonam manages to cover up ... down to the wound of the supposed rose bush. Was that Poonam or Anami ... either way, Satrupa is happy that Anami has found her own Damo ... someone who will be with her no matter what.

14th Sept Thursday

Anami is flushed and exultant with the success of her plan - her goodbye game with the kids.
Poonam is very disturbed ... Anami is worried, has she leaked her plan to Satrupa? But then she sees Poonam's wound, and is unbearably touched ... Poonam deliberately hurt herself for Anami? Anami is indebted for life ... can't Poonam come with her to Benaras?
Narottam is angry and disappointed ... why is Anami leaving? She promised to stay and protect him.
Anami suggests he comes with her as well ...

Unknowingly Anami has already started building some bonds in Lal Mahal ... some true, some false.
Narottam gloats as he walks away ... Anami will leave, Satrupa has lost ...

Adhiraj's house ... his father is back. And we have already seen the connection between his father and Vikram Singh and Lal Mahal ... there is a connection ... but what is it?
Adhiraj is a little suspicious ... why is his father here? And he's wrapped up his work, and come here for good?  Why? For love of his children?
Adhiraj doesn't seem completely convinced.

Anami calls ... and Adhiraj forgets about his father ... Benarsi girl and Benarsi kachoris beckon.
Anami's kachoris are a farewell party ... she's getting ready to leave, after all the DNA test will be negative. She thinks she has ensured that. Adhiraj also thinks he has ensured that ... after all, Anami is Satrupa's pawn, not her real daughter.
(Would like Mahima to tone down her acting just slightly ... she tends to be a little OTT at times. Well, it suits her character of a hyper teenager, so for now it's okay ... I do just hope her character matures a little over time.)
Anami comments how easily Adhiraj trusted her, believed in her ... and helped her.
He believed she was being kept here against her will ... that much was true :)
But how is she so sure the test will be negative?

Because every truth has a source ... and the source of the truth of the DNA test is her blood.

Anami should have pondered on the truth of that statement ... well, she will get plenty of time to ponder it. The source of the truth of the DNA test was indeed her blood ...

Kachoris eaten, time to say farewell. he offers to help in Benaras ... she retorts Benaras is her home ground, she won't need his help.
Adhiraj is a little miffed ... he's not planning a pleasure trip to Benaras any time soon.

And then ensues a sleepless night ... for Anami, Satrupa, Dadi and Baldev ... and Pujan.
Loved the song they used :)

In the morning Anami is chirpy and happy ... sure of the success of her plan. Satrupa is suspicious ... Baldev still angry ... Pujan and family confident and ready to gloat ... Satrupa's suspicions and tension deepen as she sees Anami's confidence and pleasurable anticipation.

And the result is announced ... Anami is Baldev Singh's daughter.

Anami is shocked ..
Pujan and family likewise ... he can't believe his ears.
Satrupa is immeasurably relieved ... Dadi is frankly delighted ...
Baldev astounded ...
Adhiraj inscrutable at first ... then directs an accusing glare at Anami ... did she fool him all along?
(Must say his fool proof arrangements were no where near foolproof ... not one but two, sample substitutions happened ... and no one any the wiser!)
Satrupa and gayatri almost smile at each other ... they are the only two happy with the result ... Satrupa for more reason than one ... as her 'I told you so' look to Baldev indicates.

Anami is in complete shock. What happened? How?! Adhiraj glares at her, but she cannot respond ... she is too shocked. As tears run down her face ... did her plan fail somehow? Did someone ... Adhiraj .. get wind of it and correct the sample switch? Is that why he's angry with her ... because he knows she did something? But none of that matters any more ... her escape route from Lal Mahal is closed now ... for good. She is trapped.

Small media scene ... why was Anami kept away from the family for so long? At the question, Baldev directs an angry look at Satrupa ... yes, he also wants to know the answer to that.

Pujan roughs up the lab head ... lab head insists he tested the sample Pujan gave him ... And Pujan remembers the collision with Anami in the corridor. He messed up his own plan.

Precap - Anami planning to escape.

15th Sept Friday 

The best scenes - Satrupa confronting a silent Vikram Singh ... why is he so angry and unwilling to accept Anami as his grand daughter? Would he have been as unhappy if Anami had been a son?
Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. And Vikram Singh's silence gave her her answer.
But she will fight for the rights of her daughter.
Is that why Satrupa sent away the daughter and not the son 17 years ago? Because she knew this would happen?
(Side note - love Satrupa's jewelry)

Anami entering Laal Mahal and feeling claustrophobic ... the scene was very well shot, and Mahima emoted very well.

Before that, Dadi's obvious pleasure and happiness in welcoming her grand daughter home ... contrasts with Vikram's and Baldev's displeasure. A mere girl can never make up for the loss of their grandson. Especially not this jatadhaari jungli girl.

Narottam is angry? upset? annoyed? Not happy for sure.

Pandit and panditayin recognise the angst and despair in Anami's voice, and are ready to do anything for her ... including leaving their home of so many years ... just as long as they can be together. Anami draws her strength from her pandit family ... if they are with her, she can be strong again.

And Anami is back to her temper tantrums with Satrupa ... she is angry as hell ... it's all due to her matlabi maataji ... and she will not stay here ... she will not even talk to her mother. Satrupa tells her sternly that she needs to accept the truth ... but that's just what Anami is not prepared to do. She wants her Pandit and panditayin ... failing that, she wants to listen to music.

A small encounter with dadi later that night, as Anami sneaks into Lal Mahal to get the keys from Satrupa ...
While the Pandits pack their belongings. Another lovely scene as they pack their belongings and look around at their home ... including Laddoo's look at his only familiar home ... as they get ready to leave for the unknown. But it's all worth it for their child.

Dadi is probably the only person who has shown Anami some genuine affection since she arrived at the Lal Mahal ... because Anami reminds her of her beloved Vatsalya .. and Dadi is old and wise enough to recognise and accept the truth ... and accept Anami. Anami hears again how much she is like Vatsalya ... but she doesn't want to listen ... she just wants to leave.

So the final attempt ... she needs to get the keys from Satrupa's bedside ...

16th Sept Saturday
This episode deserves a separate post

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh Week 5, Ep 25-30, 4th-9th Sept

Monday 4th Sept
Pujan get dirt all over him ... literally :) Some smart one liners from Anami ... especially when Pujan dares to insult her beloved parents ... 'you see everyone as a beggar' ... unspoken, since you're a beggar yourself. 
Narottam becoming fan of Anami? Another one after Vatsalya to defend him ... but in a different way.
Satrupa missing Vatsalya ... and Anami's curiosity is aroused at the sight of the locked door.

Adhiraj questions the residents of LM about the jewels.

Tuesday 5th Sept
Pujan has an explanation ... but of course ... emotional atyachaar.
Adhiraj is not moved. Kamini is a weak link ... he presses her ... Kamini has a sudden headache.
Pujan fabricates the story of a robbery ... with some round and round story of company files and Kamini's jewels ... he even has an FIR copy. But Adhiraj is smarter ... unfortunately he finds no cooperation from Vikram.
Satrupa's suspicions seem to be very much aroused ... and she is definitely smarter than any of the men in the house.
Amend that ... most of the women seem to be smarter than most of the men in the house. be it Dadi, Satrupa, or the latest chip off the block, Anami :)

Speaking of Anami ... she's up tp no good as usual. Now trying to get a peep into  Vatsalya's room ... and falls ... straight on to Adhiraj.
Adhiraj thinks Anami is an unwilling captive ... so he tries to help her by telling her about the upcoming DNA test. Anami of course is going to try to use it for her own ends ...to get out. He thinks the test will be negative, and assures her it will be done without Satrupa's interference, so she will be able to get out. But Anami knows if that happens, the test will show the truth and she will never be able to get out!

Vikram is really an idiot. Kamini uses the opportunity to play martyr ... Satrupa is not impressed at all. Neither is Baldev, surprisingly ... finally showing an iota of brain. Satrupa's suspicions are slowly and surely crystalising around Pujan.
And Narottam sees an opportunity.

Sudha makes an appearance. Mental rehabilitation centre.

Adhiraj and boss ... Adhiraj gets a warning ... and of course, Pujan has already doctored the file.

Anami and Poonam ... Anami is excited at the possibility of getting away from LM. Poonam teases her about love :) But then Anami explains ... she will sort out the DNA test.

Satrupa is hopping mad ...
Narottam has to tell her something about Vatsalya. The night V left, Pujan spoke to him ... maybe he knew V was running away from home.
Satrupa is a dangerous woman. Precap is exciting ... wow!

Wednesday 6th Sept
Saturpa disappointed me today ... thought she was smarter than Pujan ... but he is two steps ahead. Was he really willing to sacrifice his son? Or was he sure enough of Satrupa, the mother, to know she would not let harm come to another child? I feel the latter.

While Satrupa pulling back at the last minute did not surprise me too much, her apology to Avdhoot and Pujan did ... I hope she is as smart as I have been giving her credit for, and the apology was merely to throw them off and make Pujan feel he is no longer under suspicion.
A nice touch of symbolism there as Pujan falls into muddy water again as he rushes to his son. First he was drenched by Anami ... now he is dunked by Satrupa ... he's not having a very good week!

Adhiraj is falling for Anami ... and from the precap, it seems she's developing a crush on him too.

It does seem that Satrupa has been thrown off the scent ... as she warns Narottam from using her shoulder to fire his gun from ... again, was she warning him? His words set her off to catch Pujan without complete preparation ... the mother triumphed over the cold calculating power seeking head of Royal Steel, and lost the first battle.

Anami tries again to find out the secret behind the closed door ... did she get the keys?

Thursday 7th Sept

A sweet mellow episode ... whenever Vatsalya's flashbacks are interjected in the episode, his sweetness of character lights up the screen.  Such a well written character ... and it seems the writers are aware of his popularity, so we keep getting flashbacks. Or maybe they were intended to be there all along ... this show is so well written, it feels like everything is planned well in advance.

As Anami hides behind the curtain, she sees for the first time, a grieving Satrupa ... a mother who has lost her child ... and how broken she is inside.
The scene brought me to tears ... the lovely interlude of Vatsalya and Satrupa playing the piano together, their playful oneupmanship, their friendship ... in Vatsalya's death, Satrupa lost not only her child, but also a friend, a playmate ... the only person in the house with whom she could unleash her playful, happy self. For the rest of the family she was dutiful bahu, unforgiving wife, strict CEO of Royal Steel ... with Vatsalya, she could be free and childlike ... she could be a child with him. She could be happy.
As the flashback fades, reality kicks in ... and with it, Satrupa's realisation of what she has lost. And she hlds Vatsalya's memories close ... wears his watch and holds it close ...
Anami is affected ... she tries to steal out quietly, but stumbles ... Satrupa opens her eyes from her quiet grief.

Was so glad that Anami was sensitive enough to not be her usual brattish self ... she tries to brazen out her presence, probably thinking she will encounter the usual curt, distant Satrupa. But Satrupa is uncharacteristically mild ... soft ... as she tells Anami, 'you can come here any time you want, the door is always open.' For you.
Anami nods and leaves quietly.
Satrupa sees her broken bracelet left behind, and picks it up ... looks at it, then at Vatsalya's watch ... as the realisation sinks in ... she had two children, not one ... and she still has one left.
Narayani was brilliant in that scene ... her eyes say it all. As she holds the watch and bracelet and looks from one to the other ... 'he was my child ... she is my child too.'

And Anami for the time saw her mother as a mother.

A fairly standard, slightly melodramatic scene between Pujan and Avdhoot and Pujan reassures him ... and the viewers ... that no, he is not a bad father, he just knew Satrupa would never kill a child. Nor would she create such drama. She would fire directly.
And now Satrupa's attention is fully diverted away from them. They can do what they like.
Or so he thinks.
I hope he is wrong.

Adhiraj and sister ... he has started falling for Anami :) And his sister, like all sisters, has a blast teasing him.
So right now Adhiraj is falling for Anami... and she is developing a crush on him. I can't call  it more than a crush for her, because she's just 17. But she knows the truth, that she is Satrupa's daughter ... he thinks she is not. When he finds out that she is ... that she is part of the family he detests so much ... then how will that change the dynamics? when she finds out that he has his own agenda, that he wishes ill for her family, will that change the way she feels about him?
Another twist in the chakravyuh of relationships in this show.

Adhiraj-Anami ... another encounter. Ila is not happy that Adhiraj trusts Anami so much, Adhiraj assures her he trusts Anami as much as he needs to.
He's not quite accurate there.
Anami happily playing with kids ... she really is a baccha herself. Adhiraj tells her (trusting her much more than he should!) that the DNA test is going to be soon ... Anami is delighted and runs off with the kids into the garden, where mosquito spray is being sprayed.

And there comes another similarity between Anami and Vatsalya ... both are allergic to mosquito spray. As Dadi sees ... and remembers. Another flashback with Vatsalya ...

Later that night, a thoughtful Dadi reminisces about wanting pota-poti ... she apparently had a good relationship with Satrupa at the time ... very sweet scene, with both ladies looking pretty and so happy.
(Wonder what happened with Adhiraj's visit ... that was glossed over completely. Maybe he just interviewed some servants ;) )

Vikram warns her not to talk again about Anami being their grand daughter.
Dadi's expressions at that are classic ... 'we'll see about that' is written clearly on her face! The women in this family are kickass ... not one is anything less than a lioness! So of course when she's told by her husband not to talk about similarities between Anami and Vatsalya, Dadi goes about promptly trying to find more similarities ... modus operandi - peanuts in the poha.
And she finds them.

Only problem is ... will Pujan get the wind up about Anami actually being the real granddaughter?
As it is, he was not happy when Dadi said she stopped the mosquito spraying because Anami was allergic ... much to Vikram and Baldev's displeasure. So he shot a few barbs about the upcoming DNA test ... just in time for the peanut reaction. Now Pujan babu might be a little worried.
Another one who wants to interfere with the DNA test? or at least get a peek at the results before they are made public?
The DNA test saga promises to be an interesting one.

Brief updates for Friday and Saturday, as I was travelling 
Friday 8th Sept 
Peanuts in the poha bring the desired result  Anami, like Vatsalya, is allergic to peanuts, and has exactly the same reactions. Not very wise of Dadi to try this - severity of allergic reactions can differ in siblings, and Anami's reaction could have been less severe, or more ...
Anami refuses Vatsalya's medicine, and has her own home remedies, which work like magic! Sarson ka tel? Like seriously? I must remember to try that some time!
Dadi is pleasedwith the result of her experiment, and turns to Dada watching from the balcony (with Baldev and Pujan) with a "See? I told you so" expression. Vikran might not be fully convinced yet, but Pujan is definitely getting suspicious.
And Satrupa is dumbfounded at Dadi's quiet triumphant smile ...
Anami doesn't know why Dadi likes looking at her ... Dadi tells her 'tum nahin samjhogi'. She could have added 'kuch kuch hota hai' :D

Back at the dining table, Baldev quite unfairly accuses Satrupa of using their son's allergy as a means of manipulating the family. Vikram agrees.

Damo tries to tell Baldev he's being unfair ... he's having none of it.

I thought Baldev was supposed to be alcoholic ... Pujan is the one always having a tipple.
Pujan is up to his tricks ... attack Lal Mahal through Royal Steel. And tells Avdhoot to track and find Adhiraj's weakness. While he ensures Vikram will attend the RS meeting.
Did Pujan do something to precipitate Vikram's heart attack.
Avdhoot in the meantime locates Adhiraj's weakness ... his sister, Tanya.
Royal Steel investors meeting - ends in Vikram having a heart attack.
Noticed that Baldev was not at the investors' meeting. Vikram, Gayatri, Satrupa and Pujan were there. So has Baldev been thrown out even from the board? No wonder he is so bitter.

As usual, medical scenes in Indian shows are the pits ... sadly, this show is no different.
Operation theatre for a heart attack? Have they never heard of ICU? And ECG monitors? At least try to make things a little authentic ... some basic research please!

And the shocker at the end ... which was not really such a shocker, as we had guessed as much ... Narottam is Sudha's son.

Saturday 9th Sept
Narottam - the Pawn or the Player?
The Chess Game
Either could be the title of this episode ... which brings out Narottam's true colors ... or rather, his many shades.

Some brilliant double edged dialogues
You play from both sides ... black and white.
I like the color black, so you take white.
I will defeat you in your own game ... tabhi to mazaa aayega. What's the fun otherwise?
Play whatever side you will ... I will defeat you in six moves ... you won't get a chance to play the seventh. 

I still feel sorry for Narottam. Does he have anyone at all in his life who  cares for him as a person, an individual? His mother seems to think of him only as a pawn, an instrument, in her thirst for revenge. Her words ... tumhari maa ko maaf karna nahin aata ... is she the one who gave Narottam the choice of flogging himself as punishment for his mistakes, or she would do it? His father and father's family detests him, barely tolerates him ... his stepmother was not his stepmother by choice, she was not told about his existence before marrying his father, so she hates him too. Pujan chacha and family are frankly abusive, with the promise of more abuse should they get more power in their hands. Vatsalya seems to have been the only person who gave Narottam any shred of affection ... yet, for all that, Narottam did not show much grief when he died. Was that because his mother engineered the accident? And also  Narottam's reactions?

Now he has Anami ... who promises to stand up for him, to defend him, to punish anyone who dares to punish him. But his mother has told him ... she is your pawn, your means to an end ... befriending her is just a means to his mother's revenge.

Shkhandi in the Mahabharat was born eunuch by her own wish, so that she could avenge her insult from Bheeshma. But she was avenging her own insult. Narottam, the man-woman ... or rather, the man forced to be woman ... is being used, almost from birth, it seems, to avenge the insult of his mother. Will he turn against her? Will Anami's genuine affection and strong support change his path?

The actor playing Narottam is brilliant. The scene when Anami enters the Lal Mahal and his body language changes from normal man to effeminate ... subtle yet obvious. the shift is all in his body language and his eyes ... which go from menacing, calculating, to soft, meek, defenseless, entreating ...

The episode ...
Sudha-Narottam ... she decides who lives, who dies. It is not yet Vikram's time to die.
Did she decide it was Vatsalya's time to die?
For Sudha, her life, even her son, is all about her revenge. Even when she caresses her son as he is about to leave, her caress is accompanied by a threat ... don't make any mistakes ... you know I can't forgive mistakes. Motherly love, there is not an iota.

Hospital scene ... was fairly cringeworthy ... operation for a heart attack :(
Gayatri blames Satrupa ...  Baldev draws her away ... Satrupa has been uncharacteristically silent through the accusations, first at the dining table scene yesterday, and again today ... as though on the verge of giving up ... why is she putting herself and her daughter through all this? For what? She could give up, let Anami go back to the Pandits, and leave herself ...  But she has to follow the right path. Anami is the heir ... this is her birthright ... Satrupa has to fight, till Anami sees the right path and starts fighting herself.

Noticed that Avdhoot makes a move to comfort his grandmother ... and Pujan stops him. Will there be some redemption for Avdhoot? He seems to be not such a villain as his father, only dumb.

Anami-Narottam-chess ... the chess game was the major part of the episode ... forecasting the battle ahead?
Anami wishes for the first time that she could have met Vatsalya. In this house where everyone is at each other's throats all the time, he is the only person about whom no one has a single bad word.
The chess game starts ..
Anami - Tumhare game mein tumko nahin haraya to kya haraya ... 
Narottam - Humein kaala rang pasand hai ...
Anami - Tum safed bhi chunte, to chhe chaal mein tumko hara dete ... saatvein chaal ki naubat nahin aayegi ... 

She asks why does he stay here ... he says he has no choice ... then asks in turn, neither does she, isn't it?
She agrees ... but her stay is going to be short ... she will leave soon.
Then she broaches a forbidden topic ... his mother.
He is not allowed to talk about her ... he gets up and leaves ...
Was the tearing of the kurta accidental? if so, it was a lucky accident for Narottam's plans ... he definitely thinks so.
Anami is furious ... who hurt you? Narottam did it to himself ... but of course, he's not going to tell her that.
Narottam plays martyr ... my only fault is that I'm an illegitimate child of Baldev Sigh. 

Anami vows to change history ... she will be his friend ... and if anyone touches him, she will hurt them ten times more.
She actually sheds a tear for him. Wonder what will happen when Anami realises Narottam has been playing her all along!
Narottam is touched ... let's finish the game. Anami finished it already ... defeated him in six moves like she promised.
What was that last evil look? Narottam just being evil? or unhappy that she actually managed to beat him?

Hospital again ... Dheeru makes a very dramatic ... and rather filmy ... entry. The actor is very good, though ... look forward to seeing what his role is like. He is also the co-producer of the show ... kudos to him for making such a good show!
So Dheeru warns the doctor that Vikram has to live or his family will die ...
Side note - doctor washing blood off gloves??!!! Seriously??!!! *head desk*
Has the doctor been paid by Pujan to kill off Vikram? Now he's being paid to keep him alive ...
And Dheeru visits Vikram ... (when the family was not allowed in ... seriously?!) ... and tells the unconscious man (finally on oxygen) that he can't die ... not till scores are settled.
The last scene was rather filmy ... for the first time in an otherwise impeccably crafted show.

precap - Anami finally approaches Baldev about tampering with the DNA test.

The new promo - Anami all set to leave ... and sees the picture of Vatsalya.

So it seems next week will be all about the DNA test ... and when the result is about to come/has come ... Anami will make plans to run away from Lal mahal ... only to see the picture of vatsalya ... game changer.
Superb promo ... very well shot!

Sanaya's Indonesia trip

Need to post lots of pics, as Sanaya had so many outfits and appearances. Will do next week, when I'm a bit free ... till then, just a couple of pics ...

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh week 4, Ep 19-24, 28th Aug - 2nd Sept

Monday 28th August 
Adhiraj's meeting with Anami ... she hits him ...

His interrogation ... skeletons tumbling out ... or maybe not ... as Baldev says, everyone knows everything anyway.
I liked the way he said it ... he is Narottam's najaayaz baap.
His bitterness shows clearly.
Narottam is sly.

Avdhoot tries pull ... not going to work with Adhiraj.
Pujan tries to run to meet his police contact ... but comes back quietly ... did he meet the corrupt guy or not?
Adhiraj asked Satrupa ... why give away the daughter? Why not the son?
Before she can answer, Anami interjects. Pity ... would have been interesting to hear that answer.

Anami refused to eat for two days ... Satrupa is shocked to hear that from Punam, the bodyguard. She and Damo bring Anami food as she sleeps on her rock out in the garden. Anami, of  course, refuses it ... eat something brought by her enemy? Satrupa anticipated much the same.

Tuesday 29th August 
Beautiful episode
Anami has refused to eat ... Satrupa leaves the plate beside her ... but stands watchfully with Damo by her side on the balcony, watching her wilful cub ... will she give in to hunger?
Momentary worry shows on Satrupa's usually impassive face ... maternal worry that is usually well masked.

Satrupa is a very interesting character. Anami's open rebellion is easy to explain ... she is clear, transparent. Satrupa doesn't allow normal  maternal emotions to show ... how does she feel about this daughter? She knows the child is hers ... she knows she gave her away, for reasons she felt justifiable ... but she shows no softness on bringing her back, no maternal warmth to try to  win Anami over. Is that because she is just built that way? But no ... she was warm and openly loving with Vatsalya. Or is it that she knows that will be taken as a sign of weakness by this young girl, who is more her reflection than her son ever was?

Damo says the same ... Anami is your childhood. Satrupa thinks she is even stronger. But her worry shows on her face ... slight hope as Anami gets up with hunger pangs and stares at the food ... a small victory smile as Anami reaches out ... to be replaced with disappointment ... and a feeling of inevitability, as Anami ties her dupatta firmly around her waits ... no, she's not going to give in so soon.
And Anami remembers her pagli panditayan ... her mother ... her love ... her scoldings .. and how she coaxed her to eat when Anami went on hunger strike ...

Anami steals inside the Mahal  for water ... narrow escape for Narottam as he steals outside ... with his dupatta, he sheds his effeminate demeanor too. On with leather jacket and helmet,and off he goes.

Anami-Dadi ...and Anami finds her first sympathiser in the Mahal ... as Dadi is unwillingly reminded of Vatsalya in Anami. Beautiful scene.

Adhiraj-sister ... the first glimmers of Adhiraj's history with  Laal Mahal ... he lost his mother to the Mahal ... is his mother Damo? Or Sudha? or someone else entirely?

Satrupa watched Anami with a small fond smile ... let anyone do anything, I don't care.

Pujan instigating Dadaji again ... Satrupa challenges him ... but Baldev steps in, he's had enough. Satrupa and her daughter have to leave the Mahal ... otherwise he will leave.
Dadi is not happy at the turn of events.

30th August Wednesday

The lioness fights for her cub ...and then fights with her cub :)
Satrupa finds a surprising ally in Dadi ... who sees Vatsalya's touch in Anami ... otherwise Pujan almost succeeded today in throwing her and Anami out.
Where is Anami when all these major battles are going on?
So Satrupa was married to Baldev by deceit .. she did notknow he was already father to an illegitimate son, Narottam. neither did he, nor did his father, let Satrupa know. No wonder she feels cheated. And she has given her hard work, her blood, sweat and  tears to the family, the company ... but she is not related by blood ... so she can be thrown out.  The unfairness reeks.

Satrupa cries for Vatsalya ... he felt jailed, caged inside Laal Mahal ... was Satrupa his jailor? Is Baldev right when he accuses her of being power hungry?

Dadi worries for the fasting Anami ... as does Satrupa ... its the third  day today. How long will Anami last?

Dadi tells Dada ... or tries to ... of the connect she feels between Anami and Vatsalya ...  but Vikram doesn't want to hear it. Satrupa is the villain in this ... and he wants to keep it that way.

Anami tries  another tamasha ... this time Satrupa is more than a match for her. No bathing in the servants quarters. And Anami's words sting ... but Satrupa is used to being branded cunning, manipulative, power hungry ... not by a flicker does she show if it hurts.

Satrupa carries a tea tray up to Baldev ... I was wondering why Satrupa was carrying tea, and for whom ... the next scene explained it. Another showdown between Baldev and Satrupa ... she tries to convince him that Anami is his daughter ... but Baldev is not ready to believe her. He is hurting too much for his beloved son, he is not ready to see anyone in his place ... least of a ready made convenient 'fake'  daughter. It's all power play by Satrupa ...how could she be so power hungry that she forgot her recently deceased son in her quest for power?!
So Baldev and Satrupa were estranged for a long time ... not only because of  Narottam, but other reasons as well?

Precap is exciting ... Dadi combing Anami's hair ... Adhiraj in Benaras ... Satrupa wants a DNA test through CBI ...

Thursday 31st August

Anami has to have a bath in her own bathroom ... which she finds most confusing! Faucets and showers score the first victory over Anami in Lal Mahal ... much to Poonam's ... and her own amusement.

Adhirajin Benaras ... trying to track the Pandits ... and keeping an eye on Satrupa and Anami. He is convinced that Satrupa is lying about Anami.

Satrupa sees that all family members have decided not to have joint family breakfast ... after Anami's tamasha yesterday, not really surprising.
Pujan takes the opportunity to take a few jibes ... accusing her of buying an heir ... Satrupa can give as good as she gets ... but he gives her the idea of proving Anami's parentage.
Lol ... Pujan claims he was prepared to 'sacrifice' his son ... really?!


Satrupa ... 'hum sochte nahin, karte hain ... aur jo karte hain, danke ki chor par karte hain.'
Loved the play of expressions on Satrupa's face when Pujan gives the jibes about proving parentage ... Narayani Shastri is a really good actress ... you could see the exact moment the idea about DNA testing clicked into her brain.
Fortunately, Satrupa is a woman of great good sense ... definitely sensible enough not to declare aloud to Pujan that she will prove Anami's parentage. As she says ... she doesn't talk ... she acts.
Lol ... Pujan is hoping to sell his son this time around ... after all, when Anami is pronounced false, the family will need an heir again ... his son, of course.

Dadi's worry about Anami fasting continues ... so she  tries some trickery ... maintaining her indifferent facade. Prasad for the devout Shiv bhakt Anami ...
Anami allows her to comb her hair as repayment for the first aid for the twisted ankle ... but sees through the prasad trick ... lipstick and teeka are very different! And for a pandit's daughter, even more so! Dadi is the next one (after Satrupa) to see how sharp Anami is ... it's not easy to fool her.
Always sweet to see Pandit family flashbacks ... and Dadi again feels Vatsalya's touch in Anami.

Satrupa discusses with her lawyer about doing a DNA test to prove Anami's parentage ... but the CBI needs to give approval for the test.
Anami trying her troublesome teenager ... make that two year old ... tantrums again ... to disturb Satrupa ... her antics are getting more and more childish as she tries to push Satrupa to breaking point. Maybe she also sees her own reflection in Satrupa, and realises nothing is really going to work ... so her shenanigans are getting more immature!
Loved the way one look from Satrupa and the kids ran for their lives ... of course not Anami ... she continued her song (I use the word loosely!) ... and unknowingly showed her unconscious acceptance of Satrupa as her mother. Only children who are completely confident about their position with their parents, can take such liberties. Though of course Anami is still doing it for a different reason ... but the growing immaturity of her actions shows her weakening stance.

Did not understand why CBI needs to give approval for the DNA test ... surely it should be a family matter? One explanation - the CBI is now investigating Vatsalya's death not just as an isolated murder, but also with the implications on Royal Steel, which is a big business with its attendant shareholders and board members. All of them have to be appraised and satisfied with the appointment of the new heir. Adhiraj suspects Satrupa of getting in a 'fake heir ... that actually doesn't make sense if he includes her as suspect in Vatsalya's death ... Vatsalya was firmly under Satrupa's thumb, so she had absolutely no motive to get him killed. But if seen in the context that Vatsalya's death may have been an accident, or a murder by persons unknown ... but Satrupa, while devastated by his death, took the opportunity to get in a 'fake heir' to prevent RS going to Avdhoot, and to ensure that the control of RS remained in her hands. So while she is not ... or should not be ... a suspect in Vatsalya's urder investigation, she could be committing fraud by bringing in Anami. And Anami and her parents, the Pandits, would of course be complicit in the fraud ... either by knowing about Royal Steel ... or just being guilty of selling their daughter to Satrupa.

Which is what Adhiraj is trying to get them to confess ... he was most obnoxious with the Pandits, and I will be very happy to see his face when he realises he was completely wrong about them!

So Satrupa tries to get in touch with Adhiraj to authorise the DNA test ... and overhears something interesting ... Adhiraj is in Benaras. What is he doing there?

Investigating the Pandits ... that's what. And if the Pandits give in to familial love for the their daughter, and use the CBI to give a wrong statement to get their daughter back, Satrupa is in trouble.

However, Murari Pandit only tells the truth ... however difficult it might be for him and his family. And Adhiraj is out to make it very difficult for him!

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh - week 3, Ep 13-18, 21st -26th August

Monday, 21st August

Narottam-Avdhoot. Vatsalya was compassionate and affectionate towards his half-brother. Avdhoot is disdainful and already ready to change equations to master and servant, even before becoming master.

Getting ready for the pagri rasam ... Avdhoot's mother is in a hurry, Guruji is not. Whispers already circulating about Baldev's adoption of Avdhoot ... good  idea but whose idea was it?

Vikram and his wife Gayatri - remembering Vatsalya. Are they doing the right thing? Their family is finished, but at least Royal Steel can be saved by this step.

Guruji waiting for Satrupa. Wet wood and bones for the havan kund ... apshagun! Narottam did his bit ... now Guruji is happy to stall the havan. But Pujan is ready to bribe the pandit ... the havan will proceed.
Vikram doesn't want to stall ... he doesn't want to delay any further. Vatsalya is gone,  he will not return. At least the company can be saved.

Narottam is annoyed ... has his plan failed?

Baldev ... is a very interesting character. He has agreed for the adoption, but under duress ... and he has no qualms about showing his displeasure. He will not be part of the drama ... he may have had to adopt an idiot, but he won't even pretend to be happy ... regardless of what the investors and  shareholders say.
His character is very layered ... fascinating.
Satrupa is many layered too ... the entire Mahal knows she keeps her cards very close to her chest always. Has she run away? No, she is coming back from Benaras.

The pagri arrives ... to the glee of Pujan and family ... and to the distress of the rest.

Narottam still has his eyes on the pagri.

Damo in constant touch with the Mahal ... wait, we are coming.

Another face off between Satrupa and Anami ... Satrupa extends a curt olive branch ... Anami rejects it.

Adhiraj filler scene ... he finds himself an informer to keep him informed about the goings on at the Mahal.

Narottam's breakdown as the puja goes under way, was the most powerful scene of the day. His memories... always insults, always abuse ... for something not his fault, but that of his father ... his grandfather ridiculed his desire to take over his brother's place ... his cousin, now to be his master, abused and ridiculed him, forced him to dance like a eunuch ...
Who was the mysterious lady in green who forced Narottam to dance? Was it his own mother who turned him into a eunuch to ensure he could stay at the Laal Mahal, as he posed no threat to the rightful heir? Or was it someone else?

And Satrupa arrives just in time to stop the pagri being placed on the wrong head.

Precap is interesting - Satrupa proclaims in front of the entire assembly that Anami is her daughter and Vikram's grand-daughter.

22nd August, Tuesday
Announcement from Satrupa ... Anami is the heir of the family.
Vikram disbelieving ...
Gayatri angry
Baldev equally angry ... for a different reason ... he has a daughter and he was never told? Anami reacts to that one ... her father wasn't complicit in the decision to throw her away? Hate for mother intensified further.
Pujan tries to stir up trouble ... he doesn't have to work too hard.  Vikram declares only Avdhoot will be heir.
Satrupa declares equally firmly she will not adopt Avdhoot, she is fighting for the rights of her daughter.
Vikram says again ... only Avdhoot gets to wear the turban.
Satrupa again says ... Anami.

Anami puts an end ... temporarily ... to the fight ...  by dumping the turban into the fire ... na rahega baans, na bajegi bansuri.  Fight is over the turban ... let's put an end to the turban.
Family shocked ...
Anami warns an impassive Satrupa in the presence of the shocked family ... get used to this ... this drama is going to happen every day now. You did tamasha in my house ... now I will do tamasha every day in yours.

Sudha is told by loyal servant Naina of Anami's arrival. Psycho Sudha is not pleased.
What is hers, will be hers one day.

23rd August, Wednesday
Baldev-Satrupa ... powerful confrontation! Both such good actors ... the tension in the air was palpable! Baldev doesn't believe Anami is his daughter ... Satrupa thought he would fight over her concealing the girl ... not about her identity ...

Vikram Gayatri ...Gayatri does not trust Satrupa ... and Satrupa has the power.
Again Mahabharat reference ... what should Vikram do? Fight Satrupa? Gayatri wants him to do so ... but he is afraid this will become a battleground and the destruction will spread far and wide.

Anami is not impressed with her gilded cage.
Small encounter with her father ... Anami has a very small! soft spot for him ... after all, he only seemed upset he hadn't been told about her existence ... she hasn't heard the fight between him and Satrupa, of course ...

Vikram does not like Anami at all ... she will not be his heir!

Adhiraj chases a transformed Narottam on a bike ...

Precap - Vikram ready ... on Pujan's goading ... to kill Anami?!

24th August Thursday
Pujan is getting more and more frustrated and angry ...  wonder whether he will start making mistakes, or will Dadaji start to see through him?

Anami-Satrupa ...Anami cannot see beyond her blind hatred of her birth mother ... Satrupa is older and wiser ... and she does understand ... but she has to stay strong, and not let herself be provoked into fighting, as Anami is trying to do. Somewhere I feel she already sees a reflection of herself in her daughter ... and is beginning to respect and like that ... the heir will need to be very strong ... Satrupa was much stronger than Baldev, and it seems Anami will be equally strong ... after anumber of false starts, of course.

So Adhiraj had to abandon his pursuit of Narottam in the last episode ... wonder if Narottam went to meet his mother?
So next he tries to get into Lal Mahal ... apart from the first meeting of hero and heroine, the foray didn't really accomplish much ... unless something more happens tonight. Adhiraj manages to avoid Anami... I guess he doesn't figure out who she really is ... the heir to LM is not likely to be sleeping outside for one thing.

Liked the conversation of Satrupa with Anami's bodyguard (forget the girl's name) ... give her time, she will rebel, that's natural ... but keep an eye on her, and an eye open for any danger.
And liked the way Satrupa settled into a chair for the night to keep a watchful eye over her rebellious daughter ... and the slight smile on her face as she watched her ... yes, Satrupa is beginning to know and like her daughter.

Pujan tries to provoke Dadaji into killing Anami ... of course that's not going to happen ... but Satrupa does see him go towards Anami with a gun ...
Why didn't she call out, rather than run down? Did she think she could outrun a bullet if Dadaji really did shoot Anami?!

Friday & Saturday 25th and 26th August
Quick recap of the essential points only ... of course Dadaji didn't shoot Anami ... but he did make for Guruji, as the perpetrator of this mess ... and Satrupa, after her initial relief at finding Anami safe and sleeping, followed him ... she tells Vikram to shoot her instead ... he can't do that either, but he does threaten Anami ... whereupon the tigress mother protecting her cub emerges from behind the dutiful bahu ... nobody dare do anything to hurt my child.
Second time  I noticed ... Dadaji doesn't say he treated Satrupa like his daughter ... he treated her like a son.

Breakfast drama ... Anami is acting like a spoiled brat ... obviously hoping that if she shocks this family enough, they will send her back home.
But Satrupa is prepared for her. 'Breakfast?'
More shocks by Anami ... she gives away the new clothes Satrupa has brought for her, to the maid ... she refuses to cut her hair ...
Satrupa is giving her a long  rope ... she seems to accept that Anami  will be rebellious at first ... even expects it ... Anami is her daughter after all.
There are these small smiles on Satrupa's face when Anami is being particularly troublesome ... as though remembering her own self, a glimmer of pride ... she wouldn't have expected her daughter to be a pushover, meek or mild ... Anami is living up to what Satrupa expects of her.

In the meantime Pujan continues to instigate Dadaji ... Adhiraj continues to investigate ... and lands up in the Laal mahal to ask questions ...