This has to be one of my favorite episodes so far. The way time moves while seemingly standing still; the way the as yet unknown past informs Haniya, Uzair, and Hajra’s lives in the present; the way the going-ons in Chicago are fluently woven in with the happenings in Karachi, both sisters gradually picking up pieces of their shattered lives; and, best of all, the way Ibaad’s whereabouts continue to remain a mystery: Is he?…naah, he’s not…really? but, he seems to be … hmm … perhaps he is … err … maybe not …
Mehreen,Farhat, and team MeJ, you guys rock!
This episode revolved around Haniya’s bonding with Uzair and Hajra. Uzair, defeated but yet not a man to be taken lightly, is visibly smitten with the charming Haniya. Haniya’s first meeting with Hajra is truly special, talk about a case of love at first sight. Hina Bayat is simply outstanding as Hajra. The visible difference in her demeanor, her tear-filled eyes, her unmade face, her drab clothing, all tell the tale of a woman whose life has undergone a devastating change. She is nothing like the gorgeous, vibrant woman we saw in earlier episodes. Matching Hina every step of the way is Javed Shaikh. Uzair is clearly suffering, but still has not made his peace with Ibaad; his reluctance to acknowledge Ibaad as his son, when Haniya asks about his picture, speaks volumes. Holding her own against these stalwarts is Sarwat Gilani. Since the last episode, with her move to Pakistan, Sarwat is shining as Haniya. Her bonding with Hajra is special; the scene in the hospital (despite Hina’s blooper) was particularly touching. The last shot of the episode, the range of emotions flitting across Haniya’s face as she drove away from her visit with Aabi’s parents, stayed with me long after the episode ended.
Back in Chicago, Shoaib has made his intentions official and Yamina seems interested as well, but sadly from the precaps it is evident that Adam is not going to let Yamina walk away quite that easily. So, even as I am rooting for Yamina’s happily-ever-after, I am also pessimistic about that happening. All I can say is: Mr. Adam, stay away! Sanam Saeed is fabulous as the strong-willed Yamina.
All in all this was a very happening episode. The story is being told so beautifully that it is very difficult to make any final calls, even for those of us who have read the novel. Is there a twist in the tale? Should we/can we hope against hope?
Waiting for next Friday….
Written by SZ~ [email protected]
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