It is endearing to see that no one questions Waqar about the fact that he had neglected his two daughters or never had even seen one of them. But of course Mehru will be held accountable if she doesn’t leave her brothers house. After all a woman in our culture and society has no place left to call her own, other than her husband’s home
To summarize episode four of the drama begins with the departure of Mehru with Waqar along with her daughters to their new home. Mehru’s mother advices her that “a husband’s home is the only home of a woman.” If Mehru treats her stepdaughter right and provides motherly affection, love and care for Aiman, she will also be securing her own daughters future. Furthermore, Mehru’s mother asserts that Babar should stay with her (as he is old enough to now understand the sensitivity and the nature of his mother’s departure). On the other hand, Aiman is beyond thrilled that her father has not only brought a mother (not really the one she envisioned) but also siblings. In well placed flashbacks, we are also given a sneak peek into the Waqar’s attitude to Mehru. The conversations between Khadija Bi and Mehru also provide us details into Sara and Waqar’s relationship. Waqar is financially strained and now conflicts will begin to appear as we move farther along in the story.
There are many dramas that are currently on air discussing or highlighting our society’s attitudes towards woman who have left their homes, but none have depicted it as well as Zard Mausam. Here are my top three reasons why and specifying to this episode:
Acting: My favorite scene to date had to be when we are shown Mehru’s outline bathed in the moonlight, and Waqar opens the door and the look she gives him, WOW this is what I describe as class acting. Each scene in the drama is so well placed, every actor (including children act beyond well) and you feel each one their pain and their point of view. When Babar looks back to see his mother driving by, the way Aiman’s face falls at the sight of Mehru…. Sania Saeed and Faisal Rehman have outdone themselves and other novice actors/actress could take a leaf out of their books and learn a lesson or two from them.
The placement of narrative & Characters: In the beginning, as a viewer we are tricked into thinking that Mehru’s attitude and insecurity might have been the cause of her failed marriage. In today’s episode we see a completely different view. Waqar’s humiliating attitude towards Mehru on their wedding night and soon after their marriage had an equal role to play. This unveiling of different characters, the story, the placement of narrative makes for a compelling drama and viewers like me are hooked to find what exactly happened between the two and what is still about to occur.
Cinematography and Camerawork: the panning camera moments, the trivial details still depicted with such sophistication, the well placed timing of OST. Thumbs up to the crew for adding so much depth and feeling into the play.
Overall, excellent episode in terms of acting, dialogues, narrative and character development. Looking forward to seeing how Mehru and Waqar will try to adjust to their new lifestyle.
Written by Maria Khan
