Tia's Thread - Common Sense!!!

In Canada, when a road accident happens, police comes to investigate two things, 

1. If any damage was done to life and property such as vehicle or if the car crashed into someone's home, lawn, tree etc. and,

2. If the accident was preventable as in if precaution and sound judgement was used, if this incident could be avoided.


For example, drinking and driving or DUI (driving under influence) or distracted driving or accident due to some distraction like checking phone or not paying attention on the road, or people talking to each other and not checking all possible oncoming traffic etc.

Now taking out bad weather, bad conditions of the road thanks to snow and/or ice, slippery road due to rain etc, those avoidable or preventive accidents make up nearly 80% of all road accidents. 

So all those accidents could have been prevented, had the driver and/or the other driver did what they were supposed to do, that is use sound judgement.


And if the crash is totally unavoidable and you see it coming, the best idea is to make sure your airbags are not turned off.

Because you may still have an accident, but at least the airbags will soften the blow and at the most you will get away with less rather than major injury or death.


But Dev and Sonakshi are the kind of people who are seeing that the accident is unavoidable, but instead of turning on the airbag and take the possibility of a whiplash or at the most broken ribs, they are instead opening the window of the car and shouting for help while the time is ticking down.

A big lesson in life is that our decision always depends on the time it takes to execute.

If we find out that we have guests visiting in an hour, we won't plan a seven course dinner for them to have. Instead, we will plan for a quick meal which we can make and serve within the limited time. 

Why? Because the time is not sufficient to execute a seven course dinner. It's better to serve a complete quick meal than half done seven course dinner. Quite obvious, isn't it?

It's common sense which surprisingly isn't as common as it should be.


EPISODE: The episode starts with Bhaiya and Sonakshi are in the room.

Bhaiya says: Neither of their phone is connecting.

Sonakshi says: What if they arrive before we have a chance to tell Maa?

Me: Seriously? You still think that there is a possibility that they won't arrive before you have a chance to tell Ishwari the truth? What delusional world do you live in, lady?



Jassi comes there (since the they have an open door policy in their bedroom) and says that Neha and Riya have come. They are asked to come downstairs.

Me: Aaaannnnddd... The time's up.


Sonakshi tells him that they are coming. He can leave.


At downstairs, Ishwari is greeting Neha and her husband. 

Me: I'd like to say something here. I don't judge people without finding out about them. But Neha's husband kind of looks like a douche. Sorry. It's just sleek hairstyle and smirk that doesn't quite appear honest. But may be I am wrong.


Ishwari complaints to Vinit (I think that's his name) that he doesn't bring Neha to see her as often.

Vinit says that he has the same complaint with Ishwari that she doesn't come to visit them as often either.

Ishwari says that from now on she will visit more often.

Me: Wait a minute. Didn't Neha used to live in USA? Or am I supposed to have amnesia regarding previous episodes?


Then Neha is greeted by Vicky and Radha. 

Me: I can't tolerate them, so assume how are you, I am fine are being exchanged.

Riya says that she came last time, but Vicky wasn't there. He must be busy in work.

Me: *SNORT* Sure. If you call wasting Bhaiya's hard earned money and plotting behind his back against him work.

Vicky pretends that he is busy at work.

Radha jumps in and says that they should stop talking about work. He should take his two brothers-in-law in.

The men go in.

Radha is very happy to see Neha and Riya. She says that she is happy that they are there. She has a lot to tell them.

Aru asks for Golu and Soha.

Riya tells her that they are inside having fun. So she will take her inside.

Riya takes Aru inside.

Radha asks Neha to sit.

Neha asks for Sonakshi.

Radha says: She must be there somewhere. Where else she will be? Now she has returned completely. But see?

She jingles the keys: The key to this house is still with me.

Neha smiles.

Ishwari comes there with water.

Neha scolds Ishwari why is she working. She asks for DK.

Ishwari says that DK has left long back. Now they have Jassi.

Neha says that now that Ishwari has started to work, all these chores has to stop. She again asks for Dev.

Just then Radha notices Bhaiya and Sonakshi coming down. She says: There. Your brother and sister-in-law are also here.

Bhaiya comes with "sky is falling" expression. Sonakshi smiles at Neha though.

Neha looks at Bhaiya strangely. But she goes and hugs Sonakshi.

Sonakshi asks how is she.

Neha says that she is fine. 

Then she asks Bhaiya: I came after a long time. But you don't look happy to see me.

Bhaiya stammers: No, it's not that. I am happy to see you.

Neha fires back: Then why didn't you come to see me for so many years?

Bhaiya says: It won't happen again.

He caresses Neha's hair and hugs her.

Neha says: But I will believe it when you show it to me by action, not by words.

Me: Neha is smart. She knows that Bhaiya's promises are kind of cheap variety. They tend to break down too easily. But good to see that her sass is intact.


Radha asks her not to speak all this in a happy day like today. She takes her away to gossip.

Ishwari says: Only Nikki is left to come. 

She asks Sonakshi if she talked to Nikki. Sonakshi stammers no.

She asks Bhaiya to keep calling Nikki and try until he reaches her. She asks him to tell her that everyone is waiting here.

She drags Sonakshi with her to help her in the kitchen.

Bhaiya starts calling...

Me: At least Bhaiya doesn't need motivation for this. He had been trying to call ever since he found out about this sudden get together.


Nikki and Lakshya are standing outside of Dixit house.

Lakshya asks if Nikki is okay.

Nikki is feeling awkward.

Just then Bhaiya's call connect.

She says it's Bhaiya.

Lakshya asks her to pick up the phone and talk. His call wasn't connecting for so long.

Nikki picks up the phone.

Nikki says: Dev bhaiya, you are really a miracle worker. I love you so much.

Bhaiya says: Nikki, where are you? I had been calling you for so long.

Nikki says: I know you can't wait. But I am coming.

Bhaiya says: Listen to me carefully. Where are you?

Nikki says: Why are you so tensed? 

Bhaiya says: Everything is not alright. You can't come in now. Please.

Nikki says: Can't come in, means? Maa called me herself and invited me. You have told Maa everything naa.

Bhaiya: We didn't say everything to Maa. Sonakshi just told Maa that you love Lakshya. But she didn't tell her about your live-in relationship and Maa is not prepared for this either. We will tell Maa slowly everything. But if you come here now, everything will be ruined. So don't come here now.

Nikki slowly takes the phone off her ear.

Bhaiya is still talking.

Lakshya asks: Nikki, what did Bhaiya say? Is everything alright?

Nikki is upset. But she has a stubborn look on her face.

Me: I will blame Nikki for one thing here. She has the right to talk to her mother/meet her family anytime she feels like. But knowing that Lakshya might have to face awkward questions and possibly accusations and blames, she had no right to take Lakshya in a situation where he might be insulted. That's not her decision to make. If she tells Lakshya the situation inside and he agrees to go in anyway to support his girlfriend, then that's different. But in this show, it seems everyone wants to take decisions on someone else's behalf and no one bothers to ask what they want.


Ishwari comes to Bhaiya and asks: What happened? What is she saying?

Bhaiya stammers: Nikki maybe today...

Just then Radha says: Look who is here. Our darling Nikki.

Radha calls everyone.

Bhaiya and Sonakshi are shocked.

Ishwari eagerly runs to Nikki with a huge smile and open arms: You came home after such a long time...

Then she sees Lakshya standing behind Nikki.

She is surprised to see him there and Lakshya is shocked to find out that his Intern Aunty is Nikki, Maa the world's best cook.

She says: Lakshyaji, you?

Lakshya comes and stands by Nikki: Intern Aunty.

Nikki is shocked: What? 

Lakshya asks: This is your mom?

Nikki says: Yes.

Ishwari connects two plus two and comes up with four.

Radha asks: Nikki, who is this boy?

Bhaiya says: Mamiji, this is Nikki's boyfriend. They live together.

Me: And the sky falls.


Everyone is shocked. Specially Ishwari is devastated.

Radha is shocked: What? Nikki, you got married without telling me?

Sonakshi says: Mamiji, they didn't get married. Actually they love each other and they had been living together for the past two years.

Radha scolds: Sonakshi, what are you saying? Our Nikki living with someone without marriage... 

She turns to Nikki: Don't stand there. You tell me what's the matter.

Nikki doesn't say anything.

Neha pulls Riya: Riya, you had said that Bhai told Maa everything?

Riya says: Yes, di. I also thought so. In fact, Nikki also thought so. I didn't know that this will come out like this.

Mamaji whispers: You two knew this and didn't tell me anything?

Neha and Riya get silent.

Radha says: This can't be true. Nikki tell me what Dev was saying. Nikki, look at me and answer.

Mamaji says: Radha, try to understand.

Radha: You shut up. Our Nikki living with a boy without marriage? This is the culture you got? This is what we taught you, Nikki?

Then she turns to Lakshya: And you. Didn't you feel shame to live with a girl like this?

She again turns to Nikki: Nikki you have harmed our honour. Jiji and our house have such reputation in the society. And you didn't think even once before doing this? I am feeling dizzy just thinking about it.


Me: Good lord, what a mess. This is why I had been saying constantly that it would have been better if this had been revealed in private, rather than in a family gathering. People think that there are right and wrong time to speak the truth. But no one thinks that there's any wrong time to tell a lie. Actually, there is no right time to tell a lie and no wrong time to tell the truth. Specially if the truth is unavoidable. Hiding the truth doesn't make it go away.

Bhaiya did the same during Sonakshi's infertility. As if hiding the truth would have made the truth disappear. And now Sonakshi also did the same thing with Bhaiya. 

Then why did she feel betrayed in season one? And why won't Ishwari feel similarly betrayed now?


Ishwari slowly turns to Bhaiya: You knew all this, Dev?

Bhaiya says: Yes, yes Maa. Sonakshi and I knew everything.

Sonakshi says: Maa, we had been trying to tell you this for a while, but...

Ishwari turns back to Nikki.

Lakshya says: I am sorry. I didn't know that you are Nikki's mom. Otherwise, I won't have...

Ishwari asks: Where did I go wrong, Nikki? What mistakes did I make in raising you? When a girl is young, a mother hides her in her lap. When she grows older, then she has to protect her honour and also her mothers. Even a single spot on your honour is a stain on my respect, Nikki. This is what I taught you, naa? Then where did I go wrong that you committed such a big mistake?

Nikki says: Maa, you aren't wrong. Because I have made no mistake. I love Lakshya. Maa, Lakshya was by my side when I had no one with me. He supported me when I was alone. 

Ishwari: You were alone? 

She turns to Bhaiya: You tell me, whom will you blame for what Nikki did? Because she is saying that she was alone to hide her mistakes. We made her alone so she started living with a boy.

She turns to Nikki: That's what you are saying, aren't you? That means we are responsible for all this, isn't it? Tell me, Nikki. Whose fault was this? Your brother's? Your brother who got separated from his love, his marriage broke. 

She drags Sonakshi forward: Was it Sonakshi's fault who left this house because of my mistakes? Because of me she got separated from Dev. She lived a lonely life for seven years, suffered alone. Who was truly lonely...

Sonakshi tries to intervene: Maa...

Ishwari shrugs her hand and tells Nikki: No, Sonakshi. You have grown up so much and can take your decision yourself. So you tell me. Who is responsible for this? Your brother, Sonakshi or I, who herself was broken down seeing this house crumble? I am a very bad mother. Very bad that I forced you to take this decision. You left your family at that time when your family needed your courage the most. You saw us losing and left us. And today you are saying that when we left you alone, when you became lonely... Kiddo, growing up doesn't mean just taking decisions on your own. You also have to bear your responsibilities. 


Me: A few thing to consider here.

1. Nikki made no mistakes. She loves a man. She decided to live with him. Yes, she lost her virginity. But it was hers to lose and unlike some people, I don't believe that a woman's honour is in her virginity. 

Her honour is based on her behaviour, what she does, how she treats others, if she is honest. 

In that sense Radha has less honour than Nikki any time. 

2. Ishwari is also not wrong. Nikki could have supported her brother and her mother. What I don't know is at what time she left home. If she left home seven years ago, she was a child then. So she'd have been confused at the situation at home. If she left home later on, after she became adult, then yes, all her accusations apply to her.

However, one thing here we have to keep in mind that even in immense grief, if people stop living life, then you can't expect others to standing beside you and enjoy your pity party.

At some point of time, people give up and get going with their lives. 

That's why people say that when you laugh, the world laughs with you. When you cry, you cry alone. 


Bhaiya says: Maa, let it be for now. Nikki has come home after such a long time. Let her come home.

Ishwari says: She has chosen her home, Dev. Now she doesn't need this home. May be my dream to have a portrait of my whole family will remain incomplete.

Bhaiya says: What are you saying Maa? 

But Ishwari walks away.

Me: So what was worse, Bhaiya and Sonakshi? Ishwari finding out this truth in a happy day when she had her whole family around her? Or she finding out the truth in private and dealing with it without a public scene where you could explain it without other people's special commentary? I kept saying for you two to speak up. But I knew that you two are not capable of it.


Bhaiya turns to Nikki and Lakshya. But Nikki grabs Lakshya's hand and leaves.

Bhaiya and Sonakshi run after her. 

Me: If you note my Monday's update, that's exactly what I said would happen. 


Bhaiya runs after her: Nikki, didn't you hear what I said? Didn't I tell you not to come today? See what is Maa's condition now.

Sonakshi stops Bhaiya: Dev, don't get angry. 

Bhaiya: What will I do then? How many people will I manage?

He walks a little farther and steams.

Sonakshi: Nikki, we needed time. When Maa came to know that Lakshya is living with his girlfriend, we had seen her reaction. We got scared. This is a big thing for her. Even if we had told her about this then...

Nikki: Nothing would have changed even then, Bhabhi. I wanted to tell the truth. So in spite of Bhaiya telling me no, I came. It's my life. I have Lakshya in it. Why should I hide this truth? Why should I hide it from Maa?

Sonakshi says: This is not anything to hide. Actually Dev and I wanted to tell Maa the truth. 

Nikki: I know. I know you wanted to tell the truth. But you couldn't. It must be very difficult.

She walks to Bhaiya: Bhaiya, as much as you are worried for Maa, I am worried too. I don't want to hurt Maa either. I am feeling bad, but what should I do? Lakshya is a part of my life as much as Maa is. And if you couldn't let go of your love for Maa, then why would you expect this of me? After all this, I don't know why I feel that my brother won't let me lose. Because you are my superman. Promise me Bhaiya, you will convince Maa. I miss my family. I miss you all. 

Nikki hugs Bhaiya.

Bhaiya says: Stop crying.

Nikki says: You know, Maa said the truth. When you needed me, I wasn't there for you. I am so sorry.

Bhaiya says: Shut up. Stop crying. You know you are my favourite.

Nikki says: But Bhaiya, I was angry on you like an idiot. But you always took care of us. Whenever we needed anything, you got for us. You know, I don't even remember Papa that well. I remember you. You never let Riya and me down. When you got detached, we got confused. It felt as if you snatched something from us. But I didn't think that you also lost everything.

Bhaiya says: Stop it. I need all three of you. I promise you that I will tell Maa everything. But you promise me that you won't leave us again. Okay?

Nikki agrees.

Lakshya hugs Nikki and says: I didn't want to hurt you. You already have too much going on, but you still...

Bhaiya says: May be you didn't hear. Nikki is my favourite. I can do anything for her.

Lakshya smiles.

Sonakshi comes there and says: Your brother told you naa? He will sort out everything? Now you don't worry. Go home, take rest and don't think to much.

Nikki and Lakshya leave.

Me: If it was me, I'd have told Ishwari everything in private, take her to meet Nikki and Lakshya in a neutral place like my office after work. Let her vent/scold/talk in an empty office and neutral place. Then send them home to think about it.

No one else would need to witness the meltdown, no one needs to feel embarrassed or humiliated in a family gathering. 

But of course, it's Bhaiya and Sonakshi who first create a mess and then gets into fixing it. Easy clean ups obviously beneath their qualification.


Sonakshi then asks Bhaiya: So Mr. Superman? What will you do? What will you tell Maa?

Bhaiya says: I don't know. I only know that neither I can see Maa like this, nor Nikki.

Inside Radha is busy complaining: This is the limit, Jiji. I didn't expect this from our Nikki that she will do this. If she loved that boy so much, then she could have married him and lived with him. Who was stopping her?

Me: Have you guys noticed that Radha never controls the damage. In fact if there's damage, she brings out a shovel to dig a bigger hole. Only when it comes to her son she does damage control. 

Mamaji says: Please shut up for a while.

Radha says: What do you think? Whatever I am saying, am I wrong?

Mamaji says: I am not saying that?

Radha says: I know that I speak bitter, but whatever I say is true. Who ever listens to me anyway? Specially you.

She leaves in a huff. 

Me: Good riddance.

Mamaji sits down and says to Ishwari: Look, I know you got hurt a lot. But remember Nikki is our child.

Ishwari: If she was our child she should have understood Bhaiya. When she left home in anger, I thought with time her anger will get reduced. I thought she is our child, she has our upbringing, she won't do anything wrong. This is the new generation? They make new relationship breaking their parents' hearts? No Bhaiya, there's no point of our upbringing, our culture anymore.

Mamaji says: I will get something for you to eat. You didn't eat anything. 

He runs.

Me: Mamaji tries to jump into all bandwagons, but he never has the courage to follow it through. I wish he had the courage and conviction to stick to his stance. He might have been actually helpful sometime.


Ishwari then turns to Neha and Riya: You two knew this, naa? You two are her elder sister. Didn't you try to make her understand anything?

Riya says: Maa, Nikki was very angry. We tried to talk to her, but...

Ishwari: But when someone doesn't respect relationship then what's the use talking to them about it? I don't know where my upbringing failed.

Neha says: Maa, there is no fault in your upbringing. And what you said, that's not wrong either. You know naa how much she loves you. Please don't turn away from her.

Riya says: Maa, Nikki loves Lakshya a lot and Lakshya also loves Nikki a lot. I know that their way is a little different. But that doesn't mean that they don't know how to respect their elders. Just that their thinking is a little different.

Ishwari gets angry: What are you two trying to tell me?

Neha says: We are trying to say that they live together without marriage. So what, Maa?

Ishwari is shocked to hear Neha saying that. 

Neha says: I also got married to Ranveer, Maa. But it got broken. What's the guaranty that marriage will fix everything? Just marriage is not answer to everything, Maa. Lakshya loves Nikki. What else do we want?

Riya says: Yes Maa.


Me: I have a strong feeling that Neha is not happy with her marriage. There is two reasons. 

People in happy marriages, generally advocates marriage. 

And also, Neha's strong tone when she asked what's wrong with a live in relationship. It didn't sound as someone who was neutral. Everyone had a gentle and moderate tone, only Neha had a strong tone when defending Nikki's decision. It sounded someone who truly believes that live in relationships are better or at least as good as marriage. 

I am not saying which one is better. It's entirely an individual preference like other lifestyle choices. 

Some people prefer marriage and some prefer live in.

But what I am saying that considering Neha comes from a conservative family, her strong advocacy for live in is a little bit strange. Specially when she got almost an angry tone in her voice. Riya is also supporting Nikki. But she is not as strong in her defence.


Ishwari says: Shut up. Not one more word. What's wrong, don't try to make it right.

Me: The reason Ishwari is unwilling to hear anything is be

Bhaiya and Sonakshi comes there. 

Sonakshi says: Neha, Riya I want to talk to you two.

They get her hint and leave with her leaving Bhaiya with Ishwari.

Bhaiya says: Maa, I know this is very difficult for you. It was also difficult for Sonakshi and I. But later when we realised that Nikki put so much effort, time in this relationship, it got easier for us to accept.

Ishwari: Dev, what is wrong is wrong.

Bhaiya asks: How much wrong? Is it so wrong that we can't accept our daughter back in our life? And you liked Lakshya so much. You were praising him that he is such a good boy, hard working boy. You took lunch for him. Now what happened? They have a tag in their relationship, so please don't judge them naa, Maa. Society's stamp is not everything Maa. You see if that boy is right for Nikki or not. Does he care for Nikki or not.

You remember naa, when Sonakshi came in this house as your nutritionist, she was your friend naa? But when you came to know about our relationship, something changed. And the change was so big that even after our marriage, you couldn't accept her. We can't repeat the same mistakes, naa?

We have to think about our Nikki more than the society. Nikki loves you very much. She wants you to accept Lakshya and her relationship. Right now she needs us. If we don't support her now, everything will get ruined.


Me: Bhaiya, you hit the bull's eye there. Society is made up by us. So we will dictate how society will work. We can leave society for family, but can't leave family for society. Family always comes first in everything.

But so many people discard family in the name of fake honour and position in society.

I don't think we should let society dictate how our family should live their lives.



PRECAP: In the dining table next morning, Sonakshi asks Ishwari: You didn't wear your watch today. Isn't it working well?

Bhaiya says: Yes, Sonakshi. Finish your breakfast fast. Then we will have to drop Maa to office. We will see Maa's office too.

Ishwari says: I am not going anywhere. I have resigned from my job.

Everyone is shocked.

Later Lakshya comes to Dixit house and calls Ishwari: Intern Aunty.

Ishwari is shocked to see him.


Me: I am very happy that Lakshya came. It shows just how important Nikki's happiness is for him. Since Nikki said that she misses her family and she wants her and Lakshya's relationship to be accepted, Lakshya is making the effort for her.

That's a sign of a good relationship where both people are willing to go extra mile for the other. I am excited to see what Lakshya says or does tomorrow.



NO RULES!!! YAY!!!