You have to hand it to Team Goya for moving things along at a steady pace without sacrificing character development and thankfully, a sense of humour.

Omar Hashmi is slowly standing up to his father’s diktats even though those around him warn him of the portending storm. Acchi tarah sooch lijiye they advise because as they rightly point out, Senior Hashmi is not one to be messed with. If Jr. Hashmi had been made of less sterner stuff he could have taken the easy way out and tell his father about Zara’s recreational activities which would definitely be a deal breaker. I like the way these little parts of the narrative give you an insight into his character.

Omar’s naivety and inherently good nature makes him hope for the best as he drives Mohini to meet the monster, sorry Undertaker. Undertaker for his part bellows and thunders at Mohini reminding her of her illogical choice of suitor akin to walking on water on the moon no less.

Surely it can’t come as a surprise to Senior that his son is a prime catch. Then again he thinks merely in net worth and business deals with little thought to his son’s feelings or preferences. Mohini for her part, nervous as she may be, still holds her sensible head high and while shaken by Senior, is stirred by Junior to make a choice in his favour. Sana Javed plays Mohini with grace and strength.

It always makes me wonder why parents think they own their children and have the right to make decisions on their behalf? Exhibit A. While Sr. Hashmi is busy trying to ensure his business deal comes through and lists all the things that ensnare Omar’s  to his gilded cage, as well as the things have a slowly chipped away at Jr’s self-esteem – Bewakoof Insaan ..mera naam tum se cheen liya jaye..not my equal- he claims complete ownership of his son. Usman Peerzada is fantastic as the bellowing Senior Hashmi inspiring dread and shivers. Having known enough such folks in real life, I can imagine people quaking in their boots at him.

Fortunately the other adults here treat the young adults with respect, advice and encouragement. Kudos to both Asma and Mrs Imtiaz for being pillars of support. Farah Khan is such a natural that its hard to believe these two aren’t related and Shamim Hilali’s quiet moment of pride at Omar having grown up was lovely to behold.

The equation between Asma and Mohini is in direct contrast to the authoritarian relationship between the Hashmis. Asma understands her daughter, and even if she paints a practical picture of the hard life ahead, she also supports whatever decision she is likely to make. Farah Shah and Sana Javed do justice to these lovely lines, though I really wish the sari-folding -which had so much visual potential and could have added depth to the dialogue-was shot better.

The scene that really stole the show was the showdown between Omar and Hashmi Sr. While Omar finally voices all that he has repressed all these years – the control, lack of independence, and the years of authoritarian behavior that have eroded his sense of self -precisely what he admires so much in Mohini.

His gilded cage comes with a price and he knows as much. While he unleashes his anger on those belongings-with-strings-attached, the scene is powerful for showing his frustrations but also his resolve. Osman Khalid Butt is having a field day with his character having fun with Mohini as in his Sr. Hashmi 101 but allowing us to see Omar’s vulnerability and internal conflict. Though I have to say that close up of his (only his whites were visible!) had me convinced that he was going to grow fangs but then that might be go(ya)ing in another direction all together.

It was a pivotal episode but thanks to the writers for keeping it light with dialogues that took some of the heat off. (Amma Abba ko khule baal wali ladkiyaan pasand nahin aatin, Bihoosh nahin hui – is bahaduri pe mujhe sabashi kyon nahin dete?) Things look like they will be heating up next time and Hashmi Senior looks poised to burst a blood vessel or ten.

MM (aka A musing Muslim)

PS: Before go(ya)ing ( Ok, Ok, I’ll stop) to throw tomatoes at the screen, let me assure you am only covering for Sadaf. She will be back soon.