It is easy to blame the other woman in any failed marriage.

By Anil Merani: Rupali Ganguly of Anupamaa is again in the eye of the storm. This time it is personal. Her stepdaughter, Esha Verma, has levelled severe charges against her and her husband, Ashwin Verma.

Since Rupali became a top TV actress, she has always been at the receiving end. Her co-stars have accused her of high-handedness.

So far, Rupali has preferred to keep her counsel in all the matters, for she knows if she responds, it will only give more publicity to the other parties.

In this current situation, while Rupali has again maintained silence, her husband has reacted to his daughter’s accusations. And This is how it should be; why should Rupali reply?

I want to refrain from commenting on who is right or wrong as I only have some of the facts. But based on general knowledge of relationships, it’s crucial to understand the full context before passing judgment.

Branding the other woman as wrong is easy, but life is not always black or white!   How do we know at what stage the second woman entered? It may be too late by then. Also, it is archaic always to blame the man for divorce. Both parties can be guilty.

Sadly, in any divorce, kids become collateral damage, and they do hold grudges against one of the parents, who they perceive as the guilty party.

Many times, the parent who is with the child poisons their mind against the other spouse.

Marriage is a complex equation; sometimes, either party or both r guilty of its end.   It all boils down to expectations and what you do if you are not getting what you want.

 Ideally, marriage should be for keeps, but it is better to call time when things reach a point of no return. No sense in continuing an equation which has crossed its expiry

People are blaming  Ashwin for having two divorces. But that is, again, a superficial reading. Sometimes, you are beset by fate. Just because you had a failed marriage once, you should continue to suffer if, unfortunately, your second marriage also fails.

So far, Ashwin has a thriving third marriage, which means he can sustain a relationship if it is worth his time.

It would be much better for the parties concerned to sit across the table and thrash out the difference. Once you are involved with the media, all bets are off.   I am sad to see a father-daughter relationship become a media circus. Open communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships..