Warning: I am writing this on an eye candy floss induced sugar high – so read this at your own peril.
This episode focused on the proposal and had a nice ring to it. Nabeel was waiting for his better half before he popped the question. Zeeshan’s re-entry (dream team complete!) his take on Romaisa and the entire scene and dialogue was refreshing in its honesty. Progressive points to Zeeshan for calling Nabeel out on his hypocrisy and his observation that his future wife would have a tough time fitting in with his family.
Plus points to Nabeel as well for not giving us some ghissa-pitta dialogue about how he will be a changed man but acknowledging his (and fellow munafiqi males) faults as well as his hold over his family’s purse strings. This same shrewdness was put to effect in his wedding gift much to khala and the clan’s appreciation – Nabeel clearly knows which cards to play. Adeel and Mikaal were both a pleasure to watch (and ogle!)
While Romaisa needs to be hit on the head with a blunt object and dragged by her hair caveman style, (ok regressive points to this review for that suggestion) to actually understand Nabeel’s intent, I am glad she didn’t up and run away as she might be wont to do. Though the proposal scene was still a little flat – I liked that despite her reservations about Nabeel (oh and there are many) she didn’t shoo him off with one sati-savitri swipe of her chador.
Her reflection on the proposal, wearing and keeping of the ring suggests that while she isn’t charmed, yet, perhaps this is her one chance at a different kind of life. Even Sanam Jung proved she wasn’t a one-expression wonder. She looked pretty, flustered and also pretty flustered! (you were warned).
While Nabeel’s family mulls over this status-quo shaking moment without realizing their own hypocrisies of course, they realize they have to give in to his happiness. His sister-in-law’s annoyance, Rabia’s perceived slight by Zeeshan and both the brothers washing their hands off this matter were fairly natural and realistic. Along with warming the cockerels of my heart this episode also brought out the glee of my inner ten-year old thanks to the T-shirt gags (yea, because I am mature like that)
Also how pretty was Shazia as a bride? Farah Shah toned down her over the top-ness this week and handed it to Alia who got a little too loud, but khala’s Godmother-esque stare was epic as was the satisfied smile on Nabeel’s mother’s face. Mansha Pasha tanked a little today and her comic scenes felt a tad forced.
Overall, this installment was rather pleasing with crisp editing that picked up the pacing, and the visual touches such as the wet ground, overhanging electric wire, the bed sheet slipping away to reveal Romaisa’s hand and her jar of star glitter were lovely. Lovely enough to leave me floating on a high till next week.
As for next week, play it again Sakina Samo. Play it again.
MM (aka A musing Muslim)
