Moving on is never easy. One fights to hold on, one fights to let go but looks like all the characters today were at a different place from where we left them last.
Kuku throws Mansoor’s clothes and cufflinks in a box and shuts it with such finality that I can only hope she’s done with him. Mansoor ne mujhe jeena sikha diya hai. Quickly enough she’s on the move, (or is it on the rebound?) flirting with new friends and breaking out the red lipstick, red dress and considerable oomph under the disapproving gaze of Mrs. Khan.
New friends bartered for old.
Old friends too make an appearance. In guitar toting, romantic poetry spouting style with all the endearing traits of a sensitive, creative and expressive soul in direct contrast to hamare mature, suljhe huay Mansoor, is Saadi, Laila’s college friend and secret admirer and perhaps also Abhishek Bacchan ka chotta bhai
Saadi hurt but not deterred by Laila’s marital status and kiddo in tow wonders where Laila is? Kahania likhne wali, sher padhne wali, mulaayaam rung pehene wali – where did she disappear? Finally Laila finds someone who knew who she once was and sees her as a person again and can see the sadness that seeps through. Even though the romantic shairi fell flat in their delivery, it was enough for kindred souls to recognize one another.
Mera kyon sochega? Laila now has that firmness in her voice and her body language shows that doesn’t feel the need to answer to anyone’s questions on how she plans to live her life even though her mother lays on the guilt thick layered in helpings of personal disappointments and societal expectations and refuses to give her a helping hand. Not sure Laila needs it anyhow, since her fledgling business skills are already churning in a profit, sigh, why can’t I work in the drama universe?
Mansoor meanwhile is the one who is forced to stand still and reflect. Abandoned by both his wife and mistress, the lack of attention from either has worked its ways into his armour. His conversation with Shah Zamir and his simplistic worldview strikes a chord and makes him rethink his treatment of Laila and we do get an apology. How truly sincere he is, remains to be seen.
I have to say, each week, our expectations are subverted and I truly have little idea on how this is all going to play out. The acting goes from strength to strength and the story is moving at a fast pace with thankfully a lack of moralizing and we get to understand each characters view point. The visual language of this drama is sheer beauty and I for one look forward to much much more.
MM (aka A musing Muslim)
