Is Saving a Broken Marriage Worth It? Over i32 episodes, Jafaa tackled pressing issues such as domestic violence, mental health, and profound emotions that can either strengthen or shatter a marriage. Penned by Samira Fazal and helmed by Danish Nawaz, this Hum TV series aired for 7 months with its final episode on December 27th.
The plot revolves around two cousins, Zara (Mawra Hocane), a determined and outspoken obstetrician, and her cousin Andaleeb (Sehar Khan) who is a bubbly student. Zara, an only child, is deeply loved by her parents (Shamil Khan and Farah Sadia), who choose Hassan (Mohib Mirza) as her life partner. Meanwhile, Zara’s professional life intersects with Numair (Usman Mukhtar), an oncologist at the same hospital, with whom she shares a strong friendship.
The series kicks off with Zara’s wedding celebrations, where Hassan, the groom, is shrouded in mystery. Living with his grandmother (Azra Mansoor), Hassan appears to be a doting grandson and loving partner to Zara. However, it’s evident from the get-go that Hassan and his grandmother are hiding secrets behind their smiles.
Meanwhile, Numair’s mother (Laila Zuberi) is on a mission to find her son the perfect match. Her strategy is stopping random girls at weddings to inquire about their marital status and insisting on meeting their mothers. Because you know, nothing says “potential life partner” like a chance encounter at someone else’s wedding!
On the flip side, we have Andaleeb, the vivacious cousin, who’s head over heels in love with her college sweetheart Moiz (Zarrar Khan). But, because no sub-continental love story is complete without a zaalim samaaj, Andaleeb’s parents (Nauman Masood and Nadia Afgan), mainly her father vehemently oppose this match. He jumps at the first marriage proposal that comes Andaleeb’s way, which happens to be from none other than Zara’s friend Numair, a serious brooding type who’s pretty much Andaleeb’s opposite and significantly older than her.
Numair, oblivious to Andaleeb’s secret love for Moiz, reluctantly agrees to the marriage because let’s face it, resisting mom’s guilt trips is a losing battle!
As the drama unfolds, the complexities of relationships take center stage. We witness the heartbreaking journeys of Andaleeb and Numair, bound together by circumstance rather than love. Moiz’s storyline, however, feels somewhat rushed, as Andaleeb mistakenly believes she’s been betrayed by him.
Despite this, Andaleeb’s transformation is expertly presented. We see a carefree young girl evolve into practical, mature woman, determined to make her marriage work. Sehar Khan shines as Andaleeb, bringing depth and nuance to her character. The subtle shift in her demeanor and expressions in response to life’s challenges is truly impressive.
Usman Mukhtar’s is also is mostly convincing as Numair, a kind and mature individual who progresses from reluctant groom to loving husband. However, Mukhtar’s facial expressions remain stubbornly monotone throughout the series, leaving a slight disconnect. Is Numair feeling joy, sorrow, anger or concern? His stoic demeanor remains largely unchanged. It’s as if he’s permanently set to “serious mode”, making it challenge to fully gauge his emotional depth.
Zara and Hassan: Anatomy of Abuse
As episodes progress, Hassan’s storyline grows stronger. From the outset, Hassan’s toxic traits are evident and through flashbacks, we see a disturbed childhood, marred by his parents’ incessant fighting. This poignant portrayal illustrates how children often inherit the cycle of abuse and toxicity, perpetuating the pattern.
Mohib Mirza delivers a phenomenal performance, depicting unstable emotions and his manipulative tactics as an abusive narcissist. Hassan’s behavior escalates from a raised hand to brutal beatings, leaving Zara battered and bruised. However, what’s truly remarkable is the drama’s thoughtful portrayal of Zara’s ability to recognize the toxic pattern. Despite her grandmother’s regressive advice to make the marriage work, Zara’s parents unwaveringly support their daughter. A refreshing shift in societal attitudes.
Numair and Andaleeb: From Betrayal to Healing
As Zara’s and Hassan’s storyline wraps up, the drama’s momentum slows, and the focus shifts to Numair and Andaleeb’s evolving relationship. Just as things are getting interesting, the plot takes a jarring turn, leaving viewers bewildered.
Andaleeb’s pregnancy should be a joyous occasion, but instead it sparks a bizarre controversy, and the drama takes a perplexing turn when Numair’s past comes back to haunt him. A research project had led him to believe he’s infertile, and this revelation now threatens to upend his life. When Andaleeb gives birth to a baby, Numair’s instincts take over and he requests a DNA test to confirm paternity. Because, clearly, the most romantic gesture is accusing your partner of potential infidelity. You’d think a doctor would know better than prescribe distrust as a remedy for his own insecurities.
The plot twist raises uncomfortable questions about trust, insecurity, and the complexities of human relationships. Numair’s actions, though motivated by self-doubt, are a slap in the face of Andaleeb. Could she have had an intimate relationship with Moiz? The real issue, however, lies not with Andaleeb’s past relationship but with Numair’s own deep-seated insecurities.
The drama wraps up like the bow, tying loose ends. Andaleeb discovers the reason behind Numair’s absurd behaviour and, mercifully, doesn’t diagnose him with a chronic case of stupidity. Instead, she prescribes him a healthy dose of communication and trust.
No one said marriage is easy
As the curtain closes, all’s well that ends well, but beneath the surface, the drama poses a profound question: can we ever truly escape the baggage of our past, or do we simply learn to carry it with us?
The answer, much like Numair’s fertility issues, remains a mystery.
Despite its imperfections and occasional absurdities, this drama deserves praise for conveying the crucial message that some relationships are not worth salvaging, and abusive behavior should never be tolerated. Hopefully, Zara’s journey will empower viewers to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed. And Andaleeb’s story serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, we need to give relationships a chance, even if they don’t initially spark passion.
Ultimately, the drama is a nuanced and engaging portrayal of the complexities of human relationships.
Note: Domestic abuse is a grave issue in Pakistan, where societal pressures often silence victims of physical and emotional abuse by an intimate partner. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out to organizations like the Aurat Foundation or Madadgaar Helpline (1098) for support.
