There is honesty and there is a brutal honesty. Anandi was very candid about her stance, her expectations and the fact that given a choice she would not marry – technically she did not have the free will to do as she wanted. She is getting married under duress and to assuage her own guilt at the belief that she is partially or wholly culpable for her mother's death. Shiv was expressing his concerns about her agreement and making it clear that only marry if her heart agrees. She was brutally honest that if it were up to her, she might never have agreed to the marriage, and she was very clear about her intentions. In a way, she gave Shiv a cop-out, if he wanted – making sure that he had no illusions about her consent.
Despite this, Shiv agreed. He is aware of her qualities and her strengths and her commitments. I also agree that Anandi's delivery could have more tactful and sensitive, especially since she has always portrayed as being matured. I've seen plenty of times where she exercised kiaros. So I am equally baffled at her insensitivity. I find Anandi's demeanor troubling – on one hand she appears to be numb with Shiv and on the other, she is cognizant of the rituals and celebrations.
I'm surprised at Shiv's agreement! I anticipated a BUT! Maybe he was persuaded by Dadiji's logic (flawed or otherwise depending on who's reading) that Anandi need happiness and get away from the dull pain that is engulfing her to the core… and once the healing begins, life opens new possibilities. As for her commitment, that is a given for him – he knows that Anandi will abide by her commitments once made.
Personally, given the predicament and tenuous mental state that she is in, I feel for her. I also feel for Shiv - he seemed to be in a double bind, on one hand he wants to give her space and time, on the other hand, he wants to be there for her, being responsible for her in every sense and marriage will give him that licence to stand by her side.
Shiv has been a pillar of strength for Anandi and hopefully she will come to realize it before too late. The scene between them was very disturbing – something just did not sit right! I don't feel that this is the wedding that I've been looking forward to.
