After six weeks of tension building, rapid-fire accusations, harsh words and actions, it was time for a lull. This episode plateaued to examine the consequences of and lives tainted and transformed.
Ali’s talaknama decidedly put a full stop to any attempts at reconciliation. I suspect Sania was hoping for a change of heart and hence keeping others at bay, but now she has to prepare for a different reality. Sania, heartbreakingly hurt, weighing her options and trying to heal at least had her Rumi by her side. I only wish she reaches out to her mother to gain her foothold and anchor her life.
Although, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, why would Sania not once explain her innocence – even give into tears, write a letter or heck even go melodramatic with Quran-e-paak ki kasam or some such to at least say she’s innocent? This quiet acceptance makes her seem like she is guilty. I thought her character though restrained, was not one to tolerate injustice and false accusations. Sanam however, gave a very controlled performance, for which I do applaud her.
Ali’s ability to handle home and hearth are no doubt under pressure again and he’s crumbling under the strain as his mother finds out rather starkly. While he did show some maturity in not hauling off Rumi against his wishes, he doesn’t seem to be thinking about much else in his son’s life. Jibran, given one note to play is playing it well enough.
This episode was however all about Rumi and the havoc such an event can have on a child’s life. His desire to be around his mother and be enveloped by her love and security were unmistakable. His inner fears of being with his unloving and stern father and the dialogue – kamare main bandh kas denge, agar mujhe waapis nahin laye…all underline his fragile state of mind.
Children of divorced parents more often than not end up with their own share of guilt and mature well before their years. His consoling his mother, hugging her, not wanting to leave her, wanting to eat by himself, playing games way past his bedtime were so very bittersweet. Bilal Khan as Rumi is a treasure.
Shout out to the DoP – Naeem Mustafa for that lovely scene with Rumi and Sania in bed under the dark shadows of the ceiling fan. Even for such a cramped space there was excellent use of light and shadow maybe mirroring the state of the characters minds.
We saw little of ‘Sham and Seherish this time. ‘Sham rebuffed any attempts at reaching an understanding between them and if we thought Seherish was stubborn, looks like ‘Sham is wearing that mantle now. His sense of guilt and misplaced sense of duty is turning into strange stalker-like behavior. One hopes he has the good sense to see that he can’t right this wrong and he better not make it worse for Sania. Aisha and Adeel were engaging as always.
I’ve already mourned the loss of truth and innocence but now I really truly want to see both couples move on with their lives as best they can.
MM (aka A musing Muslim)
