I should be sad, superficially things are not going too well for Umama; her father dies suddenly, Murad seems to be getting worse in his arrogance and Deeba Baji is still on the warpath. Yet somehow she seems free and if not happy, not exactly as unhappy as she was in Murad’s house. The lot of a single mother is never easy but neither is a life of constant disappointment and denial of dignity. I think the saddest part of this whole situation is the fact that their marriage was supposed to be a love match. Umama might think her life would have been better if Allah had given her a son but there are millions of other people on this planet who live happy, valued lives in without ever giving birth to one . Umama’s real problem has always been Murad himself.

For most of my reviews I have called Mr. Haseeb the world’s worst father but after seeing the depths to which Murad has sunk, it is safe to assume he lost that title fair and square. Mr. Haseeb actually tried to make up for his neglect and took care of Umama when she needed it the most; even leaving her the house she now lives in. When Umama went to take care of her ailing parent I was so annoyed that this gave Murad an excuse to get friendly with Deeba. However on consideration if Murad had not understood or appreciated her after all that time what difference would a few more weeks have made?

Before his passing Mr. Haseeb makes amends with his sister Sajda whose son, Mushtaq had been the original choice for Umama. She now lives sad and alone because after his disappointment with Noreen, Mushtaq also left for a new start in Malaysia. I really appreciated this scene. With time and reflection some people can change for the better and Umama and her family’s attitude of forgive and forget was just right. It was strange to see Mushtaq come back and help with the funeral as a much more caring and mature person.

Throughout the episode we see Umama’s mother in law begging for her return, but it has less to do with Umama or her children’s welfare and everything to do with her own needs. Murad and his mother strongly disapprove of divorce but apparently making someone’s life a living hell is acceptable. Two very strong dialogues stood out for me today .One delivered so well by Mehar Bano when she asks how a man enslaved by his own wishes and desires could possibly be a support to her and her girls. That conversation alone made this entire episode worth watching. Murad is so incensed by Umama’s daring to return his money that he has to be forced to attend her father’s funeral. On the return journey his sister Rehana reminds him of quite clearly about his own arrogant and unjust behavior when he complains about his daughter’s coldness. Perhaps Murad will have a chance to contemplate this but if he has not learnt the value of these relationships in so many years it is doubtful he ever will.

This was a great episode and I am desperate to know what happens next week. Thank you the Daagh team for making such a compelling story and such relatable characters come to life. I am not sure if next week is the last episode or not but either way it should prove interesting. I have a secret wish for Umama and I have hope Sarwat Nazir, the writer, makes it come true …

Written by Sadaf