A few days ago, I met my family doctor at a conference and she inquired about if my mother had started to pay attention to her own health as she recommended. Towards the end of our conversation, she said something that came back to me while I was watching the new episode of Yahan Pyar Nahi Hai today. Said that she believes that in our South Asian culture, a woman’s everything in the world revolves around her husband, kids and if she lives with in laws then they also require attention. A woman in our society and culture feels guilty or is made to feel guilty if she pays attention to her needs, her space and she is deemed selfish if she chooses those paths. These wise words from my doctor were applicable to poor Haleema’s dilemma today especially when she thinks aloud: “Aik aurat kay liye sab say ziyada ahem kiya hai us ka ghar, us kay bhacay, yaa bachoon ka baap? ziyada zaroori kiya hai, aik man chahi dil pasand bewi ki haisiyat pana? ya phir ideal zimidar bahoo ka certificate hasil karna?”
I have been rather critical of Yahan Pyar Nahi Hai in my previous reviews because I felt that the story was mostly at standstill and I had enough of Saim’s repetitive dialogues and we, viewers weren’t given much access to Haleema’s thoughts, her insecurities into staying in this emotionally abusive marriage. Even Shumaila found herself in Drama Buff’s smack attack ladies volume II. Well boy has the drama changed since last episode and I am very interested to see where Saim-Haleema-Shumaila triangle fits in and how exactly will the narrative move there?
Continuing from last episode, Zunahirah (played brilliantly by Kiran) has taken steps forward to ensure and instill some much needed advice to Haleema about Saim’s and her marriage. Saim finally talks to Zunahirah about his intensions and as predicted she is not only taken aback but also tells him loud and clear that if she had gotten married to such a third class man, she would have divorced him in three days, not three years. We are still not spared from continuous taunts towards Haleema by Saim, however Haleema has started to listen to Zunahirah’s advice and is trying to take out time for herself, only to displease her MIL. On the other side, Shumaila although has gained trust of her family, she is still oblivious from Arsal’s hidden motives, and finally escapes from her house, intending to elope with Arsal through a court marriage. I am glad to see her having second thoughts about her running away like this.
Did I say before that I love Zunahaira’s character? She is my type of girl; she is such a great addition into the drama. I really like her voice of reason and explanations to Haleema and Saim. I was very impressed with the way she convinced Haleema that her mother in law doesn’t really loves her as a real daughter. Haleema is her need and if she had given Haleema that space and helped her come to Saim’s standards, their marriage wouldn’t be on rocks today. Zunahaira’s character is very rare to see on our TV screens. I love the fact that she is happily divorced and doesn’t hides under a rock due to this fact and is clearly empowered, intelligent and very observational. If this was some typical desi vamp character, she would be planning on eloping with Saim and what not.
I hope we see a changed Halima soon, and I really hope Zunahiarah isn’t really flown back to be taken out of the picture. Looking forward to next week.
written by: Maria Khan
