Kirthi, such a beautiful post, and so heartbreaking to think of all the implications for Ansh. I had this picture captured and saved from the episode, and I was going to just post it in DC, but after reading your post it seems so much more appropriate to put it here!
This was Ansh's expression as he watched Yash pin Prashant down and I really do think it says a thousand words.
His expression shows both anger and satisfaction and I think that is because the biggest burden Ansh feels on his shoulders is the need to protect his mother. Before the PV, Aarti and Ansh had an incredibly co-dependent relationship and as much as Aarti felt the need to shield Ansh from anything that could shatter his idyllic worldview, Ansh too felt the need to cheer his mother up whenever she felt lonely or sad. As much as Aarti devoted every moment to Ansh, Ansh demanded every moment from Aarti, which in itself was a responsibility for him, to keep her constantly occupied. Even when they ran away together to Lalitpur he could sense her sadness and did the only thing he knew how, demanded her attention by laying his head on her lap.
And this is one of the many facets of Yash's importance in Ansh's life that Prashant utterly fails to understand. Yash is not only Ansh's father because he does "papa things" like playing with him and buying him chocolate. He is Ansh's father because he is the one who protects Aarti and thereby redeems Ansh of that responsibility, allowing him to be a kid. Ansh can't perceive this right now on a cognitive level because it is too complex. He just feels it, but that doesn't diminish how important a role it plays in the entire equation.
I love this picture for two things: the expression on Ansh's face as he watches the one who tried to hurt his mother come to justice, and the way he is possessively holding on to her. Ansh and Yash have their own bond yes, but a big part of what binds them is Yash's unquestionable respect for what Ansh holds most dear, i.e. Aarti. The confusion will be there for Ansh, no doubt, but in the end, only Yash has the sincere feelings and actions that are going to clear the picture for him and that will come through!
I loved your last paragraph the most. No child is without their share of turmoil, be it sooner or later, and the loss of innocence is always a big change. But having parents who provide a safe space and guidance to deal with that confusion, that is what really makes all the difference and that is precisely what Aarti and Yash are doing for these three little ones.
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