The Bhauji often finds herself competing with the Vahini—not for the husband, but for the respect of the elder male of the house (her husband’s brother). In progressive retellings, this is coded as romance. A lingering glance between Bhauji and Dada during a Polyaacha Sohala (a ritual) or a soft-spoken " Kashay ahes tu? " (How are you?) from Dada to Bhauji is enough to send electric tension through the audience. The Vahini, watching from the kitchen doorway, becomes the tragic heroine.