Aadi’s Guilt Spirals Out of Control
Aadi Alahan has been carrying an immense weight of guilt ever since. While he didn’t intentionally spike Lauren, the fact that the drugs were at his party is something he can’t escape. When toxicology tests confirmed Lauren was indeed spiked, Aadi’s guilt intensified, especially with Amy Barlow’s own spiking ordeal still fresh in everyone’s minds.
Aadi confessed everything to Billy, admitting that the drugs at his party led to Nina, Summer, and Lauren all unknowingly taking them. But when it came to confessing to Lauren herself, he simply couldn’t bring himself to do it. She was already so broken, and so quick to tell him not to blame himself – he couldn’t add to her burden.
Lauren Puts Up Her Walls — Again
Desperate to make amends and ease his conscience, Aadi offered Lauren money to help her get back on her feet. She initially resisted, but Aadi, determined to help, wouldn’t take no for an answer. However, Lauren has learned the hard way that kindness doesn’t always come without strings attached.
After Bobby Crawford’s well-meaning attempts to help her spiraled into suspicion and ultimately destroyed their friendship, and with the terrifying shadow of Joel Deering still looming over her, Lauren is simply not ready to trust anyone. Her defenses are up, higher than ever before.
So, when Aadi turns up offering to help her move into her new flat, complete with a thoughtful air fryer gift, Lauren’s internal alarm bells immediately start ringing. She sees his overtures as potentially suspicious, another potential betrayal lurking beneath the surface. Without hesitation, she shuts him down, making it crystal clear that she doesn’t want, or need, his help. Her reaction is raw and immediate, a testament to her deep-seated trauma.
Aadi’s Motives: Genuine… But Complicated
The painful truth is, Aadi’s offer is genuine. His heart is in the right place, driven by guilt and regret for his indirect role in her ordeal. But his motives are also deeply complicated by these feelings, and that’s precisely why Lauren, in her current fragile state, doesn’t know whether to believe him. She’s been manipulated and hurt so profoundly that even genuine kindness can feel like a trap.
It’s difficult to blame Lauren. After everything Joel put her through, how could she possibly trust another guy, especially when “gifts” and “help” are involved? The writers are masterfully portraying Lauren’s slow-burn trust issues, allowing viewers to feel the raw emotional pain and the agonizing struggle she faces every day.
While Aadi’s approach might be misguided, his intent is pure. Whether Lauren can ever truly lower her guard, unpack her trauma, and allow herself to accept help – or even love – from someone like Aadi remains to be seen. This storyline promises to be a deeply moving exploration of trust, recovery, and the long road back from profound betrayal on Coronation Street. Will Aadi ever break through Lauren’s walls, or is she destined to face her battles alone?
