Mann Mayal is one of those rare gems that successfully manage to get you hooked while simultaneously numbing your senses with its sheer stupidity. Jeena thought she would seduce Jamil and get to Salahuddin and then easily wish him away. Instead, Jeena has created a monster- Jamil is very clearly smitten and the barawah she gave has only made him stronger. Jamil now feels entitled and is using every opportunity to get closer to her. The comfort with which he was helping her pack, or the ease with which he managed to get inside her home only signal towards his growing obsession with her.
At this point in the serial, I cannot comment on how any of these artists have performed but if the end goal was to have the audience repulsed, I can definitely state that the goal has not only been achieved but surpassed. While we have Jeena consolidating her position in Salahuddin’s household with her parathas and chicken ka qeema, we have Mannu who- bless her little heart- struggles to make a bottle of milk for her daughter. It’s perfectly acceptable for Jeena to remain physically close to Salahuddin while serving him parathas and Mannu is slowly realizing that she is a misfit. Slowly being the keyword here- Mannu’s movements or lack thereof can easily put the sloths from Zootopia to shame.
Mannu’s Abba is content hearing Mannu has resolved her marital differences and now leads a blissfully married life with Mikael. Do these people actually care about their daughter? Even if she were to tell them everything is a- okay, isn’t it their responsibility to sit down with both Mannu and Mikael and have an actual conversation about their future? Speaking of Mikael, I still wonder if it was purposely shown that Mikael announced talaaq twice and not thrice- is there hopes for some sort of a sick reconciliation there?
With Salahuddin’s parents back, Mannu is on the receiving end for some talkhiyaan. The very obvious concern for why she’s living there while supposedly in her iddat? Why Salahuddin continues taking care of her and for how long would he continue doing so? Since Mannu never thought it important to seek an education, the only option for her to earn would be by becoming a housemaid and that too in Salahuddin’s home! If we are expected to feel for Mannu’s plight, nope- it’s not happening. Here’s a woman from a wealthy background with two children who got divorced. She couldn’t manage to convince her family that it’s ridiculous that she continues living at the mercy of her ex boyfriend (who happens to be single, good- looking and rich). Her family couldn’t give her some money to afford the basics for herself even though with the exception of her dying Abba, the rest of them are aware of her divorce. Abba is in hospital anyways so why couldn’t she live at their home? Maybe Abba’s strong sense of smell would overpower him and he would finally become aware of his Mannu’s situation and ultimately his heart would give in… Sigh…
Jis ka koi nahin hota, uska Khuda hota hai… But no, Mannu’s lack of faith is disturbing. She made a mistake believing in Salahuddin but it’s been years since yet she hasn’t managed to move ahead in her life. Salahuddin is some piece of work- he’s trying to do the honourable thing by providing Mannu with a safe haven but seriously how messed up is this whole equation? Salahuddin’s mom stated the obvious- Mannu should do purdah while in iddat. What relationship does she have with him that allows her to continue living at his home?
The promos for next week show things getting far worse for bechaari Mannu. I think we’re going to get to the point where Salahuddin will eventually scream out his feelings for Mannu sending shockwaves… *yawn*.
Kanwal Murtaza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iF3niV3xic
