Tia's Thread - Hunterwali!!!

As most of you know, I live in Toronto. Here in Canada, we have many parks with running path where people jog, walk, exercise their dogs etc.

Sometimes I see people walking dogs that are at least twice their size. Like a tiny Asian or Indian lady with a giant Labrador or Golden Retriever or even a St. Barnard.

I get intimidated by large dogs, so I observe them to see how they handle dogs that are obviously larger than them.

What they do is train those dogs on how to heel on command when there are no immediate emergency. So that in case of emergency, the dog responds well to the command.

For example, they release the leash so that dog can go farther than usual and then pull the catch on the handle to pull back the leash to see if the dog is responding to the shorter leash and stepping back or stretching against the leash to break free.

If the dog doesn’t heel, they reduce the leash less than normal length so that the dog understands that the more they resist, the less freedom they will get. So they heel.

If the dog heels, they give the dog a treat (like a chew bone, a scratch on its neck or petting) at the end of the day. This teaches the dog that there is a reward in the end if they do as per their master’s command.

You guys must be wondering why I am talking about training dogs. I am coming to that point.

If you apply the same situation to Dev and Ishwari’s relationship, you will see the similarities.

Ishwari lets Dev roam free, but occasionally pulls back his leash to see if he heels.

If he does as she says, she gives him a pat on his back, praises him and tells him that he is a good son.

If he doesn’t do as she says, she sulks, blackmails and generally make everyone miserable until Dev is forced to do as she says.

She did it to break up Dev and Sona.

She did it when Dev called Asha, Maa.

She did it every time Dev tried to get close to Sona.

She is still doing it today.

And she will continue to do it for as long as it works.

Why? Because she knows she can and because it works every damn time without fail. The day Dev stops jumping like a monkey when she wields her motherhood like a hunter to flog him with, he will be released from her leash forever.

However, if he doesn’t stop responding to the crack of her whip, then Dev might as well tattoo in his head “Property of Ishwari Dixit” because that’s what he will be.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying Dev should listen to Sonakshi instead. 

What I am saying is that Dev should only listen to Dev Dixit and no one else. God has given him a brain, a sense of what is right for him and a will. Why not use them?

Until he owns his own life, he will forever be a slave to someone else and never his own person.

And the first step to it, is to make Hunterwali powerless by snatching her hunter like Sridevi is Chaalbaaz and holding the power in his own hands.

Because the control panel of our life should be in our hands, no one else should use it to operate our life.

EPISODE: The episode starts with Sona overhearing Ishwari. 

Sona: Sorry to disturb you. But I didn't have any intention to stay back here. But Soha wanted to spend time with you and now Dev is sick and Soha doesn't want to leave him. That's why I had to stay. Otherwise I had no intention to stay back.

Radha taunts: This is our house and who wants to stay here for what purpose, we know very well. 

Sona: I know that this is not my home. I know my limits too. So I have made a decision. Until Dev better, I will leave my daughter here with you and go to my home myself. 

Radha: Yes, this is Soha's home. She is this house's daughter. She can stay here as long as she wants.

Sona: And I am her mother and as her mother, this is very difficult for me to leave her behind. But I am still doing it because I know that there are other people in this house to love her.

Sonakshi folds her hand and turns to leave from there. 

This entire time, Ishwari has same constipated expression on her face until now. She says: Listen, you just came from Dev's room. How is he?

Sona: He is playing with the kids.

Ishwari probes some more: So he is fine?

Sona: You check yourself. 

She leaves.

Radha: Jiji, did you see? She is leaving your granddaughter in your house as if she is doing you any favour. Whatever. She has went away at last. This is your chance to talk to Dev.

She mentally urges for Ishwari to approach Dev.

Radha reminds her what Ishwari has done for this house. She strokes her ego saying that Dev will never say no to her. He has to agree to what she says. 

Ishwari looks reluctant. But then she is the owner with the big dog. She needs to see if the dog still heels on her command.

Me: I find a few things interesting here.

1. Ishwari remains po-faced every time Radha insults someone so that later she can claim that it was not her who said anything. It was Radha.

2. And Radha uses Ishwari to heel Dev. Because if she says anything, Dev can get angry. This way he can't get angry at her and throw her out of the house. He will at least never throw his mother out.

So both Radha and Ishwari use each other for their own purpose.

Another thing to note is Sona. She said that Soha wanted to spend time with her grandmother and that's why she didn't go. But Soha was willing to leave in the evening and after 7 days they would have returned anyway. Sona can convince herself anything using Soha. But the fact is that she made the decision to stay back without asking anyone thinking Ishwari will be happy with her because she let Soha stay back.

But this is where Sona's inability to learn her lesson from her past comes in. She should know by now that more than Ishwari's desire to have her granddaughter is to NOT have Sonakshi close to her son. 

She is willing to let go of her waris, if that means she gets to keep her son. After all, you can't lose principle investment for interest. Can you?


In the living room of Dixit house, Dev is playing ludo with Golu and Soha.

Me: Apparently stress related fever only prevents one from going to Bose house. But the moment the program gets cancelled, they can climb down stairs to living room and doesn't even need a back support to hold their weak, fever-ravished body.

This reminds me of all those tummy aches that used to disappear the moment school bus left. Then rest of the day, I used to have energy to climb Mount Everest. 

No wonder I thought Bhaiya was faking it.


Anyhoo, Soha wishes for a six. But Golu says that she won't get it. He will win because he just needs three to win.

Bhaiya encourages Soha that she can win. Suddenly he asks Golu to look away. As soon as he looks away, Bhaiya turns the dice to six.

He says: Wow, six. Soha won.

Soha says: No, Papa. I didn't win. You changed dice. I got two. 

She tells Golu: Golu, I don't want to win by cheating. You take your chance.

Bhaiya looks at Golu ashamed. Golu looks at Bhaiya mad: BigCha, you cheated for Suhana. You wanted her to win?

Bhaiya says: Golu, I was just kidding. 

Golu: I wanted to win too. But you just care about Suhana. I don't want to play with you.

He storms away.

Bhaiya looks at Suhana exasperated: See? He got upset.

Me: Is there anything left for me to say? Any parent in the world can say it better than me. 

But here's what I can say which I had repeatedly said many times before. 

Bhaiya gets into obsession phase. He then wants to make that person happy at any cost, at anyone else's cost. At that time, he doesn't think or look at anyone else.

So could he have made his and Sona's relationship work if there was no one around? Yes. 

But even if they had one child and the child asked for something that is not their right or they haven't earned it, then if at that moment, Bhaiya's obsession is on the child, he won't have listened to Sonakshi and get his child whatever their little heart desires by hook or crook. 

That's the problem. 

The solution to Bhaiya isn't to isolate him from everyone else. It's to teach him the difference between love vs. obsession, indulgence vs. exploitation, generosity vs. over-compensation.

And he will never learn how to balance relationships until he has that sense and the sensibility to understand the consequences of his actions.

Today Soha refused to cheat and Golu got upset with his action and ran away. Did he understand the consequence?

From his expression, I will have to conclude that he didn't get it. 

He should know by now that Suhana got Sonakshi's upbringing. She will never demand or accept more than her fair share, specially if she hasn't earned it. 

And Golu is also a child. So if he uses cheating to make him lose, he is bound to be hurt.

Just like when he lied to keep peace between his mother and Sonakshi, he didn't understand either woman. He is doing the exact same thing now. He still doesn't get it. 

That's what happens, when forgiveness comes for free and people doesn't have to do penance for their past mistakes. What isn't earned, isn't valued.


At Bose house, Bijoy is rushing around making arrangement for someone. He asks Guni to cook fish too.

Asha says: Bijoy, this is Sona and Soha's house. They are not coming for the first time.

Bijoy says: I know that very well. Because my daughter respects me and listens to me. She is not like others.

Just then Jatin comes.

Bijoy greets him.

Jatin says that he got what Bijoy asked him to get.

Bijoy says that he ask Jatin to get something and he doesn't bring it, can't happen.

Asha asks: You asked Jatin for lunch or asked him to do chores?

Jatin: It's okay, Kaki. It was on the way.

Asha: Who asks guests to do chores?

Bijoy laughs: Jatin, did you hear? What is your Kaki calling you? He is not a guest. He is like my son.

Just then Saurabh comes there: When did you come, Jatin?

Bijoy taunts: Jatin is better than my son.

Saurabh shakes Jatin's hand: Jatin, congratulations and all the best.

Jatin wonders: Why is that, Dada?

Saurabh says: You have freed me from my position. But do me a favour, naa. Please find me a dad of my choice.

Bijoy says: Jatin, why are you standing? Sit down. Today is very good day. No need to talk to people who have no sense. Sit here and I will be right back.

Bijoy leaves.

Me: There they go again. Back to taunting session. But that's their relationship. Saurabh taunts Bijoy and Bijoy taunt Saurabh. Funny, the only person Bijoy treats exactly like Saurabh is Dev. 


Anyhoo, Ishwari comes to the living room and asks Dev to come with her.

Once they are in Dev's room, Ishwari asks how is Dev feeling?

Dev says that he is absolutely fine.

Ishwari thinks about what she has overheard and makes lemon sucking face.

Me: Yep. I have never seen such fast recovery from fever to go from 0 to 100 in less than an hour minus any sleep or rest. For that matter, I have never heard of fever from stress either.


Dev asks if she wants to say something. 

Ishwari closes the door.

Me: And I was hearing the sound of prison door closing. But then I have an overactive imagination.


Ishwari says: I had been living with a burden in my heart for a while.

Dev thinks that Ishwari is talking about the theft.

He thinks that he knows what she is talking about (*SNORT*). He won't let any burden remain on her heart. He just needs some time to take care of everything.

Me: Now let me analysis what happens next with fishing example. 

Ishwari starts baits her hook: You have taken the responsibility of this family since childhood with me strength to strength. You took responsibility at an early age when kids play. I couldn't do anything for you. 

Me: Praise + Mention of the past + Fake humility = Stoking guilt + Reminder of her sacrifice. Good start.


Dev (fishy) sniffs at the bait: What are you saying, Mummy? 

Ishwari dangles the bait closer: I am speaking truth. Let me say. My life changed when you were born. I was so happy. But parents also have responsibilities to give their children a good life. But you even lost your childhood. This happened because I couldn't do anything right.

Me: Fake guilt + Fake Tears = Guilt dangling under the surface along with motherhood glistening the bait making it more attractive.

Dev takes a bite of the bait: What are you saying? You gave me everything. 

Ishwari jingles the bait closer: The truth is that whatever this family got, it got for you. So I have no right to ask you for anything. But still...

Me: Excellent. Make the bait look so tempting until the fish is willing to shut down its natural instinct for survival and just goes for it. 

Dev swallows the bait whole: What are you saying? You have no right to my life? Then what's the use of my living? This life is yours. You just say it. I will do whatever you say. Just say it. Say it what you want? If I can't fulfil any wish of yours, then I am the most unfortunate son in this world. Whatever you say, I will do it.

Ishwari starts reeling the fish: You and Sonakshi get married. 

Dev is shocked.

Me: Start with something that they want to do, but can't do. They proceed with something that you want them to do. Classic.

For example, if you can go back in time and fix the mess you made of your life, then do it. If you can't, then do as I say.

Dev is chewing the bait while the hook is getting embedded: What are you saying, Maa? You know how we got separated. How can you think this? It's not possible, Maa.

Ishwari lets him chew: Why can't it happen, Dev? Everything changed in these years. I think in these years, you two have changed and you have matured. Then why can't you connect the relationship that got broken? Don't worry about what will people say. I will support you.

Last time, you had to face a lot of problems because of me. I was wrong. But now you have got a chance to fix everything. You should think about it.

Dev, I can't live with this burden that may be you got separated because of me. I always want to see you happy. If I have realised my mistake, then why two of you can't forgive...

Me: Fake humility + Fake Tears = See below...

Dev chews the bait some more: Maa, what are you saying? It was not your fault.

Me: All blame absolved. 

Ishwari (Time to make this choice an impossible solution so that the other become more lucrative. Start reeling the fish): I know it was not my fault alone. In the end, you should have managed your relationship. I also know that you two aren't right for each other. I had also said it 7 years ago. But you two were crazy to marry each other. There must have been some reason behind that stubbornness. You used to love each other. So for that love, bring Sonakshi back in your life.

Me: And there comes the real crux of the matter. Sonakshi is bad choice. But I am doing it for you. Do her a favour and let her come in. If she agrees, I will be the Goddess again who again allowed her son to play with an used toy he still wants. If she denies, well, then I have my other weapon to strike. In the process, all my past crime got absolved thanks to my moronic son.


Ishwari: It's all for you. I don't want my son, who lost his childhood, has to live his life with any other shortage.

Dev: I know you only want my happiness (*SNORT*). But Sonakshi and I have moved on with our life. It's not possible now.

Ishwari (Jumping with joy inside. She got the confirmation she was looking for. But just to be sure): But why? 

Dev: For Suhana.

Ishwari (Just to make sure, there is no way Suhana can change your mind either): Do it for Suhana.

Dev: We are doing it for Suhana. We don't want that our problem impact Suhana's future. She is the biggest happiness of our life. If we can't keep her happy, that will be the biggest loss of our life.

Ishwari (all confirmations signed, sealed and delivered. Now time to reel the fish completely): Ok. If you can't marry Sonakshi, I won't force you. But you will have to start your life with someone else. You will have to choose another life partner. If not Sonakshi, then let it be. But you will have to marry again.

Dev is shocked: I can't marry again. This is not possible.

Ishwari: Why can't you do it? You promised me that you will do as I say. Then why can't you do it? Do you want me to die under this burden?

Dev: Maa...

Ishwari: Dev, years ago I got you Sonakshi, the toy. Then can't you now give me my toy?

Me: She didn't say that. But that's what it sounded like to me.

Dev: Maa, I can do anything for you. But listen to me. I can't do this. If I do this, it will be unfair to Suhana.

Ishwari (let's eliminate Suhana now): There will be no unfairness with Suhana. When she will grow up, she will understand (I mean I refuse to understand anything. But that kid must understand). And if you refuse to marry again, then you will be unfair to yourself and your mother.

Dev: Maa...

Ishwari: If you choose Sonakshi, that's fine. Otherwise you will have to marry someone else.

Me: And this is how you catch a fish. Hook, line and sinker.

Bait, trap, play, entice, reel and now gutting starts. Considering Ishwari is vegetarian, she does fishing very well, no? Grilled fish dinner, anyone?


In the meanwhile, Sona gives Bijoy a call.

Bijoy asks where are they. Sona says that she has to go to a meeting in Gurgaon. 

Bijoy asks if they are coming late. Sona says that only she is coming back. Soha is staying here.

Bijoy asks why.

Sona says that she is going out. She will explain later.

Bijoy keeps saying hello and Sona hangs the phone.

Me: I am trying to understand here. Does Sona think Dev and her live in a hotel? She decides where they will stay, how long they will stay, cancels at whim, extends their stay at whim, changes no. of people at whim. Is this a joke? 

Why does she even bother coming back to Bijoy's house? She can go get her own house and come and go at will. But no, she needs baby sitters. 

I totally understand Bijoy's annoyance. Now compare this to Dev who ate his mother's cooking despite having a full meal because she made arrangements and he didn't want to hurt her feelings. 

Now you tell me, who will want a daughter like this? I know between a son like Dev and a daughter like Sonakshi whom I will prefer. Dev may be spineless. But he is loyal. Sonakshi has no loyalty to her own family. She only remembers them when Dev kicks her out.


Bijoy is hurt. 

Jatin asks what happened?

Bijoy asks: What is the point of making so much preparation? Why do we even bother? If she wants to take all her decision on her own, then why involve us at all? We made so much arrangement for her and she called and said that Soha won't come and if she comes then she will go to Gurgaon. 

Jatin understand why Sona is going to Gurgaon. He says that he knows that Sona has work in Gurgaon.

Bijoy asks how did he know? Did she call him?

Saurabh taunts: Jatin, she is my sister. She is smart. She must have called you first.

Bijoy gets mad.

Jatin says that he got call from office. They thought that he must have got the same meeting.

Bijoy says whatever they want they can do it. 

He storms away. 

Bijoy comes down with his luggage: I have decided what I want to do.

Asha says: What are you doing, Bijoy?

Saurabh says from the dining table: Maa, don't stop Baba. Let him go if he wants. He always stays back after doing emotional blackmail.

Bijoy says: You don't know how to respect your father. So you don't care.

Ronita says: Baba, please stop. May be Sona di has a reason to stay back. 

Jatin also tries to stop him.

Saurabh says: Jatin, don't stop him or he will stay back. Let him go if he wants.

Me: Now I will say a few things here. It's Bijoy Bose's house. Yet, he didn't throw out everyone in the street. He, himself decided to leave. 

Secondly, Saurabh, the man who could not earn his own way without his sister's help, who couldn't convince his own fiance's mother to let her daughter marry him and fight the allegations Radha made on him on his own, the man who pretends to be a man of courage by taking potshot at Bijoy standing under Bijoy's roof instead of walking out if he has so much problem with him, thinks that he has any right to open his mouth here. 

Strange how little men find courage to challenge people by someone's backing.

And that backing is Asha. 

Had Saurabh talked to Asha the way he talked to Bijoy, we all know how Bijoy would have reacted. But just like Ishwari uses Radha as her mouthpiece, Asha lets Saurabh do her talking with such disrespect to her husband, father of her children under his roof while maintaining her image as the good wife.

But lectures Sona on how to treat her ex-husband under her father's roof. 

Had my children talked with such disrespect to my husband, they would have been shown the door. If I think my husband is wrong, I would say it to him. But I'd never use my children to disrespect him. But then, I love and respect my husband. 



Bijoy is about to leave when Sona comes.

Asha says: It's good that you came. Look what your father is doing. 

Sona asks where is he going?

Bijoy says that why do they need him? They take their own decisions now and live their own life. Then fine. But he doesn't want to watch them making mistakes. No one needs him here anyway.

Sona tries to pacify him.

Bijoy: I don't want to hear anything. When they asked you to stay back, you did. The promise you made to me has no value. Ishwari ji kept talking big promises, then I left and everything changed? 

Sona says: But listen to me naa...

Bijoy: I don't want to hear anything. I know what's going on. You like them more than us. What do you think? I don't understand anything? Your life is again stuck in their house. You don't need us now that you have them.

I thought a lot. But I didn't think that after bringing you here, listening to everything you said, you will treat us like that.

Sona tries to speak.

Bijoy gets a call and shouts at someone to book the next day's flight. He is feeling suffocated in this city.

Me: This was bound to happen one day. Sonakshi, you are hoping to talk to your father today and he doesn't want to hear. But all these days he was waiting to hear from you, but you said nothing. 

You kept taking your father for granted along with your family with your mother's encouragement. Now why are any of you stopping him? Let him go. 

He was the only one standing to protect you. He can't watch you making the same mistakes again and again and frankly, no one deserves to watch a train wreck on repeat.

Since he is the only problem of you all, let him live in peace and you guys do what you want. But he should not have to feel helpless to watch his family deceive, betray and treat him like trash.

And Asha, just imagine how easily you will be able to live now. All your problem gone in an instant. You won't have to worry about your husband's anger, impulsiveness, you won't have to hide from him anything. He is out of your life once and for all while you still get to keep your precious marital status, the house and the family whom now you can move as per your wish without hindrance. Isn't that like Christmas and Diwali coming together for you all?


Vicky and Radha looking for a bride for Dev. Radha wants a docile, preferable mentally challenged, not too rich girl. Vicky says that Dev won't like those kind of girls. But Radha wants a girl she can control. 

Me: Who cares? Just find whoever. Bhaiya will do anything for Mummy. The only promise he doesn't break are the ones he makes to his Mummy. He breaks every other promises including what he said to Suhana that he will do whatever she wants.


In Dev's room, Ishwari gets to the filleting part. 

Ishwari: Why can't you do this? 

Me: I mean, all she wants him to marry. It's like asking to eat an extra spoon of Halwa. No big deal. Just ruining another woman's life to make his mother happy. He can do it. He has done it before.

Ishwari: 7 years ago, you turned away from this home. This home was yours, but you were not slave to this home. I was your mother, but you were not my devoted slave son I raised. If you can't do this, I will assume that my son never returned back. If you want to do what you want. Then fine. I will live here, but I won't be off this home. You will be my son, but I won't be your mother.

Bhaiya is shocked again.

Me: Yaar, I don't get it. Why do these people keep getting shocked at the most obvious things? I mean if today Ishwari says that she loves Sonakshi now and whatever they decide, she will be happy with. She is just happy that her son is happy. Then I can understand him getting shocked.

But her blackmailing him to get him to do what she wants? Well, isn't that the regular pattern? 

It's like getting shocked at Bahubali's hotness. He is hot. We know that. What is there to be shocked about? Bug eyed, yes. Shocked, no. I mean the shocking thing would be if he looked like scrawny chicken. Well, then it's shocking ki aisa kaise ho gaya re baba? (How did that happen?)


At Bose house, Bijoy is in his room fuming. Sonakshi comes there.

Bijoy: When you can take your decision, I also took my decision and I won't change it.

Sonakshi: I didn't come to change your decision. I came to talk. Can we talk?

They sit down.

Sona: Not a day came when I didn't think of you and Mom. Then why do you think that I have anyone more dear than you two? 

Bijoy: I didn't take this decision out of my own will. You forced me to take this decision.

Sonakshi: I know things has changed. And it's good for things to change with time. I don't want to lie to you. I don't hate that house or that family. That affects you. no?

But Baba, I have no reason to hate them. Because I have no relationship with them. But Soha does. You think yourself that if I hate that family, then how will Soha feel? That her mother hates her father's family? Do you want me to raise Soha in this condition?

Me: Well, Sona. You got your mother's capability to twist explanation for your purpose. Bijoy never said you had to hate Dev's family. That's why he agreed to this 7 days arrangement. But he expected fair treatment. He expected for you to remain neutral. You didn't. As long as you had been behaving like a neutral person maintaining a fair arrangement, he didn't call you or bother you. But when you changed the arrangement to get into Ishwari's good graces short changing his time, that's when he got upset. He knows very well that Dev won't let his family's time shortchanged at any cost. But you have let it happen and can let it happen. That's the difference. 

Sona: I remember when I was young and you and mother used to fight, then you used to stop fighting seeing me.You used to smile. Why? Because Dada's and my happiness is important to you. That's exactly what Dev and I are doing.

Bijoy: Don't compare me with Dev.

Sona: I am not comparing you with Dev. I am comparing you with me. Can I raise Soha any differently than you and Maa raised us?

Bijoy: But why did you let Soha stay there longer?

Sona: Soha wanted to stay back because Dev got sick.

Bijoy: But he could still come here. Did I stop him from coming?

Sona: If I was sick, would you have let me go?

Me: Sonakshi, here's a tip to deal with fair-minded people. First of all, be forthcoming at all times.

When you decided to stay back, you should have called your father and let him know about it. I know you called your mother. But both you and I know that she doesn't share information. But your father does.

Second, give them another fair deal. As in, Baba, we are staying back another week. But in exchange, we will stay at your place next two weeks. 

Third, if there is any change of plans for any reason, inform before you cancel. He is not operating hostel here. It's his home and he might have already made plans.

It's called courtesy when someone is expecting us to inform them of change of plans and the reason for it. Bijoy is not an unreasonable man until you treat him like an after thought.


Bijoy: You should have told me this before.

Sona: Did you listen to me? 

Bijoy: I am just worried for one thing. Put your hand on my head and swear that what you are saying is the truth. You are not thinking anything for Dev. You have no feelings for him.

Me: Now is your chance Sona. Don't say later that he didn't give you a chance to speak. Speak the truth today or hold your silence forever. Bijoy won't take kindly being lied to over and over again. 


Sonakshi: I swear that there is nothing between Dev and I. I am sure that nothing can happen either. All relationship ended between us.

Me: Okay. Then we will hold you onto it. But we all know that you don't take long to flip.

PRECAP: Dev and Sona's car is stalled. Sona is trying to change tier (I think).

Bhaiya: Today Mummy asked something from me. She wants you come back in my life. We get married again.

Sona: What did you say?

Dev: I also think that may be I need a life partner.


Me: Wait, let me pick myself from the floor first. Let's see if I have got it right.

Maata said that Bhaiya to get married to Sonakshi.

Bhaiya goes to Sonakshi and tells her that Mummy said we can play together again.

Behena asks what was his response to that. Probably hoping he must have said to his mother to back off from her manipulation.

Bhaiya says: Now that Mummy said it, now I also think that I need a playmate. So what say? Aati kya khandala?

So remind me where I have seen this scene before? Oh yes, right after first break up. When Behena handed him his flowers and his shitty proposal and sent him on his way.

No wonder as per spoiler, Sona tells him to find a new toy to play with. 

Well, what can I say? Doggy Tail, doggy tail... 

No rules!!! Yay!!!