Every week I want to be lazy and write a combined episode review but this drama does something mind blowing and here I am in front of the keyboard. What could be mind blowing about a drama whose entire story has been all but given away by the promos? Last week we knew there were storm clouds hovering over the Umama/Murad household, while Umama was busy caring for her long lost father Deeba Baji was cozying up to a surprisingly receptive Murad. Things came to a head in this episode and Deeba Baji’s most fervent dreams come true. At this point I would just like to pause and praise, Sana Askheri whom I have admired in Dareecha as well… the lady knows how to act! This may seem like an over the top role to reasonable people but for those who have seen the world and observe human nature, it is pretty true to life. Like so many small minded people she simply cannot rise above her situation.
Murad’s mother takes advantage of Umama’s absence and her son’s weakening resolve to arrange a quick as you can Nikkah. The saddest part is that Rehana, whom Umama gave her daughter to, does not take a moral stand and inform her sister in law. Despite her countless sacrifices, despite all her efforts to be a good wife and daughter in law, when the moment of truth arrives Umama is left standing alone. That is in itself a signal lesson to people who think living a life of submission and fear somehow elevates them to saint status. Asking for your rights and demanding to be treated with respect is always better.
The scene when Umama enters the house to find her husband marrying another woman was unforgettable. The sheer disbelief and horror On Umama’s face said it all. The feigned indifference mixed with shame and embarrassment on everyone else’s was priceless. Mehar Bano had me in tears and I am sure the entire viewing public. The best part had to be when Murad takes Umama out to ‘explain” as she is screaming in disbelief at him. First he tries to blame his mother, but Umama has grown a hundred years in that one moment and refuses to accept that. Then we hear his admission and the sound of Umama’s heart breaking, he wanted a son. Both Fahad Mustapha and Mehar Bano were simply amazing, just perfect. I could just see the words “but I thought you loved me in“ Meher Bano’s eyes.
While Umama is bundled off to her room, Deeba feels her wedding day, the one she longed for, has been spoilt. When Deeba and Murad are finally alone she asks for her Muh Dikaeey which for most brides is a treasured memory but Murad has nothing to give her. Of course he remembers that long ago first meeting with Umama and the difference in attitude and situation but the die is cast. Murad has little to give Deeba, she may have married him but not once has he even tried to show he has any feelings for her, simply because he doesn’t have any. She seems to be a convenient means to an end, which is happy to be used as such. There is an old saying “be careful what you ask God for, he might just give it to you ….”
Finally we see the strong Umama whom I had been waiting for, she gives a straight answer to Rehana and refuses the apology offered for not informing her. When last we see her Umama she is packing to leave for her Father’s house. I am left thinking how different things might have been if she had the backing of her family, if she had been more assertive and demanded Murad and his family treat her with respect from the beginning. Perhaps her thoughts, her wishes and her rights would not have been so expendable.
Written by Sadaf
