MUMBAI: Once might be perceived as the luck of the draw. But two weeks running certainly raises questions?

Balaji offspring Kasautii Zindagi Kay, for long the lesser sibling of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, has shot past both to lead the stakes for the second week in a row in the ratings just released by TAM for the week ended 24 May 2003.

Kasautii ...has usurped the first three slots dominated by the other two 'K' serials in the last two years. More importantly, Kasautii... has helped pull the ratings scorecard into double digits once again. In a slot occupied once by the mighty Kyunki... with TVRs that went over 12, Kasautii...today is at a respectable 10.9. 

However, another slow and steady winner, Aruna Irani's Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, which topped the heap for the week ended 10 May, continues to hold its own against the mighty Balaji rivals, save Kasautii..., of course. Des Mein... this week appears at the fourth spot with a TVR of 9.5 (erstwhile Balaji star Amarr Upadhyay who split with the production house to try his luck in films, is back on the small screen with Des... for the last one week, incidentally). 

Kyunki... makes its appearance only at the sixth place and Kahaani.... finds pride of place only further down at the eighth place, with a TVR of 8.1. 

Are the two mighty pillars of Star Plus' programming finally entering their autumn period? Another week of similar ratings and it could be said with more certainty whether there is a trend developing here.

Will the next few months see a battle royale between Ekta's Kasautii.... and Irani's Des Mein....? The ratings will tell.