I was expecting things to go steadily downhill from here on after but I have to say this was a really engrossing episode. So credit where credit is due – absolutely pitch perfect performances, poignant dialogues, stellar direction and lovely lovely camerawork.
This drama reads more thriller than run-of-the-mill gharelu stories despite its emotional twists.
Seherish returns home and as Sania rightly observes use apni ghalti ka ehsaas nahin apki mohabbat wappis liye hai. I have to say Aisha Khan is a cut above her co-stars – her desperation seeps through her entire being and she is so in control yet vulnerable, I think she outshone everyone today.
Seherish is shaky about accepting Sania but willing to save her marriage and trust her husband. At least one of the characters believes in saving her marriage. Her conversations and actions reminded ‘Sham of the life they once shared.
Her apology to Sania while not true repentance (‘Sham kehte hain meri wajah se tumhara ghar tuut gaya) was laced with anxiety– which I thought was such an accurate representation of her character’s insecurities as well as true to life. How many times have we apologized more for our own benefit than real regret?
Mein hoon hi assi ki sabhi ko mujpe gussa atta hai. Truer words were never spoken. Sania is returning to silent suffering sacrificing woman (again) riddled with guilt and wondering if she is throwing away any chance of happiness in her life.
‘Sham too for his part though wanting to tell Seherish the truth finds himself holding back not only because his mutating feelings for Seherish but also because he is in hamdardi, oh sorry, love with Sania.
Sanam and Adeel are quite outstanding. That they share crackling chemistry is palpable. Though I complain about Sania’s mazloomiyat, it is refreshing to see Sanam in this role. Adeel, be still me beating heart, gives such an honest performance you can’t help but feel hamdardi for him (o oh!). On a separate note though, am curious, is he getting stuck in these roles?
Though one really has to ask as most of our insightful commenters have and allow me to paraphrase – what on earth were they smoking?! Did they really believe Seherish would not come back or they would not have to contend with ‘Sham’s first marriage? All their conversations ring a little hollow because any sensible adult would weigh these concerns before making the leap into marriage- a marriage which not only has shady beginnings but also casts doubts as to its validity within Sania’s iddat period.
Who then is worse: Seherish who spun this web of doubt or Sania and ‘Sham who proved her right?
Personally (puts on script doctor hat) if the story had Sania and Sham profess or explore their attraction, and were on the verge of tying the knot, and had Seherish entered then, I would have given team Shukk a standing ovation.Then, this episode would have been ten times stronger and you would have been able to relate with the more human feelings of desire and guilt.
Of course in retrospect (and the strong hold of PTV moralistic reins) you see the turn of events as a way to colour them grey. Sania and Sham who were in the right all this while needed to be in the wrong too. I have my own suspicions about the way the story is headed and crossing all my fingers and toes that it takes a more thrilling turn in the coming weeks.
As I take off my script doctor hat, I leave the characters with some prescriptions -Sham ko hamdardi ki tonic se door rakhe, Seherish ko Shukk ke syrup se aur Sania jo bechari apne pyaro pe khadi nahin ho sakti, unhe kurbani ke injection lage dein.
MM (aka A musing Muslim)
