The forces of “zalim samaj” were out in full force in this week’s jam packed episode of Dayar e dil, but thank God it wasn’t a story of two weddings and a funeral. From last week’s promo, I was really worried that Arjumand was going to commit suicide instead we saw her try to escape her fate to the best of her abilities. Unfortunately her weeping and begging made no difference to the men in her family, all of whom were intent on using her as a prop to their own arrogance and pride .In such conservative cultures women are often seen as commodities however much they are loved. “Beytiya behas Nahi keeya Karti” –I think most Pakistani women have heard that sentence ring in their ears in some shape or form at some point. Throughout this episode I was waiting to see Arjumand’s father stand up for his daughter but all he could manage was a faltering,’shayed hum ney jaldi karr dee’. He  at least he should have understood his daughter’s unhappiness.

The contrast between the two weddings could not be greater: Roohi and Behroz have a simple but joyous Nikkah despite everyone’s displeasure, while Arjumand and Behroz can barely breathe for the approval heaped on them .Farhat Ishtiaq’s nuanced writing means that we can see both sides of every situation. Agha Jan may be wrong but according to his thinking and background his actions make sense and he is not actually trying to hurt anyone. Similarly Tajamul’s (Roohi’s brother) cheapness in denying his sister any financial help is wrong but his distrust of Behroz is perfectly reasonable.

This script shows a lot more maturity than Humsafar in some ways where the characters were very black and white. Roohi and Behroz may seem selfish to their families but there seems little else they could do but rebel. Of the two Behroz is the mujrim, perhaps he could have let Arjumand down a little easier. I would like to say Suhaib is also at fault for not standing up to his father , but Agha Jan’s near  collapse as he waits for Behroz to return shows his concern for his father’s health is justified.

This fast moving, well plotted episode is that rare breed of serial where the hard work has been done by the writer and the director. That frustrating feeling after watching an episode and wondering what the heck it meant or why a certain character’s actions are not making sense is happily missing. Haseeb Hassan and Farhat Ishtiaq seem to be very much on the same page so far and the payoff is a smooth, flowing narrative that keeps the viewer in its grip from beginning to end. I have a feeling that Momina Duraid was a very active creative head on this project and as I said last week it shows in the quality of each episode.

Abid Ali is simply magnificent as Agha Jaan, giving us a controlled, powerful performance without shouting or annoying mannerisms.There is not one weak or empty moment in his portrayal . The scene where he is still waiting for Behroz was flawless and moving. Again Ali Rehman and Hareem Farooq were the perfect prisoners of conscience forced into a relationship they both hate. Hareem Farooq stood out again this week, in a role that could so easily be insufferably virtuous allowing us to connect with this simple, sweet character.

Mikaal and Sanam Saeed have worked in a few serials together and seem to share some serious chemistry. Sanam in particular looks great in this role; she is both natural and lovely without that awful white paint epidemic currently afflicting drama land. I simply loved their Roohi and Behroz Nikkah scene. My only complaint is please why the white cotton suits in the bedroom again? Asher /Khirad, Zaroon/ Kashaf ……. time for a change … And that reminds me, Farhat Ishtiaq is famous for her beautifully written romantic scenes but they require some sharp editing for effect. There is a reason saps like me watch Humsafar time and again.

I was not great fan of Ahista Ahista and or Nanhi but Haseeb Hassan’s directorial skills are undeniable. It cannot be easy weaving so many characters and plot lines in and out of each episode of what is essentially two serials, (one for each generation of this family )but so far Haseeb Hassan has managed it with enviable efficiency.

written by Sadaf

PS  T-3 till we get to see Wali

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