This drama did not start on a high note and it’s graph has fallen with the last few episodes. I am not backing out from what I said earlier. It was interesting before despite loopholes, but this episode was the worst so far. It was a BIG drag. The cover photo on Aik Pal’s page says, “Get ready for another hit serial.” Sorry for saying this, but “hit” shows have a great pace and amazing characters. I don’t see any good characters here except Mus’haf but his scenes are repetitive as well. There’s the cunning Omair, the clueless Bareera and her father, Noor Fatima who does everything without a proper plan, the annoying Raani and Shazi, Imran and his friend (whose annoyance level is far less than Rani and Shazi).

The story moved forward with a snail’s pace. It was everything we have seen in the last few episodes. Omair kept fooling Bareera and her Dad proclaimed him as the perfect husband for his daughter. Just few days of teemardari and his mind has changed. Omair has turned himself into a totally shareef person in front of Bareera and her father. On the other hand, Danish Taimoor and Areej Fatima do not click as a couple now. In the 6th episode (before the university was over), I actually enjoyed their scenes. They had good chemistry, but after the wedding they did not have a single cute moment. At least one wouldn’t have hurt! The post-wedding scene was ruined by the horrid dress and makeup of Bareera’s.

Despite all that, Danish Taimoor is no doubt impressive. He nails the bad guy look. See what I am talking about?

Rani is a super annoying person. The background music in her scenes needs to be changed ASAP. She kept bugging Mus’haf in the entire episode and that chauhdry (couldn’t catch his name) who is interested in her keeps teasing Mus’haf. Rani’s “concern” for Mus’haf, sending her friend to find out about Mus’haf’s health and wondering why Mus’haf did not come to teach her, were all a face palm. Haven’t we seen all this before?? Plus the chaudry kept threatening Mus’haf and the scenes became repetitive.

     Shazi and her mother HAD to step in. Once again the discussions about Malik Sahab annoyed Shazi who has happily married Imran. This Malik Sahab is the most discussed character on the show. His banglow, car and other gifts are Shazi’s mother’s hope to survive! She is a despicable woman. Yes, she seems unbelievable, but I have heard enough from news channels to believe in the existence of such people. I don’t trust Imran at all. He will abandon Shazi and ruin Noor Fatima’s life as well (if she gets married to him).

Noor Fatima, very confidently, told her taaya and taayi to wait for two years after the Nikkah and for the first time she actually thought about something before opening her mouth.  She will pursue her career and pay the qarz that her taaya has loaded on her family. But what after that? Is her “plan” clearly thought through? I don’t think so.

What did you think of the episode? Do comment your opinion.

Areeba Mohsen

There are three different tracks in Aik Pal and all of them are totally different and separate from each other. They will obviously entwine soon but until then we just have to wait_ I don’t know for how long!

Bareera and Omair:

One thing that I find really distracting is the makeup. Bareera’s makeup did not vanish or even get toned down when her father was in the hospital. Her curls showed that she had a lot of time to use the curling iron despite her father’s condition_ the only person in her life and country who is sincere to her. Anyways, her not-so-sincere hubby, Omair left no kasar in his father-in-law’s care. The conversation(s) with his parents showed that he did all of that in order to get into his FIL’s good books, and it worked. Bareera’s father was glad that his damaad has changed!

The sudden Nikkah:

Imran was crazy for Shazi that’s why he ran to her house the next morning after he came to the city. I am surprised, how does Imran come barging into and sneaks out of Shazi’s house whenever he wants? When Shazi requested him to help her run away, he agreed. I think, that a person like Imran who has lived in the village environment his entire life, isn’t well-educated and treats women like he treats Noor Fatima, falling for Shazi is unlikely. He could “love” her like a kid loves his toy, and throw her away after he is happy and contented, but a life long commitment like Nikkah isn’t possible, especially when he knows what background she belongs to. That is why I was surprised when he got nikkah-fied to her. Anyways, I am glad that they did not show the whole nikkah scene, because I am tired of watching such scenes again and again. Kya zaroorat hai bhui? But clearly, he had not thought it through. How could he ask Shazi to go back? What if her mother sells her?

The job interview and it’s consequences:

Noor Fatima clearly forgot that she has been engaged to Imran and will be married in a few days. That’s why she was planning on not only doing the job (in the city), hoping to get a house and car from her employer and getting a driver for it! When her brother reminded her about the upcoming disaster of her life, she dizzied. I wouldn’t have sweat it, if it wasn’t for her brother’s second reminder, “Aap ko itne chakkar kyun aate hain?” Does this mean that Noor Fatima will suffer from some disease? I hope not! Plus, I want her to get the job, which seems highly unlikely now.

Mus’haf and Rani’s “lesson”:

On the other side, Rani keeps making Mus’haf uncomfortable. She made her father (the chauhdry) call Mus’haf to the haweli to teach her and then opened up her Pandora’s box of feelings for him. “Mujhe shayari sikahayein, hisaab nahi!” Any normal person would run off after this.

Conclusion:

This was a happening episode and let’s see what fate has in store for all of the characters. I am waiting for their lives to entwine once again.

Areeba Mohsen

The situations cliched and the characters seen before, yet Aik Pal is interesting. When you have a contrast between four characters, the story itself becomes interesting and you don’t have to try too hard to like it. You get engrossed in their lives and there is little margin for boredom. But, there is something that can ruin a perfectly written story. Dragging_wasting more than one scene on one development in the story.

The episode was no doubt dragged. We had Noor Fatima discussing about her interview with her mother, in three separate scenes. Then we saw Shaazi getting ready for the Malik Sahab and getting scolded from her mother in two scenes repeatedly. Imran dropped in with the locket he had promised Shaazi and wasted two to three scenes while planning for it and buying it. Bareera’s MIL’s constant ranting and Omair’s laziness were all repetitive. Dragging makes a good story lose its charm.

Bareera had it coming. I don’t feel sorry for her because she has thrown herself into this mess. Her dad, her sister, everyone warned her, but she was head over heels in love with Omair and refused to listen to anybody. Omair’s love was not long lasting, he initially did side with Bareera but his real intentions were to get her father’s business and that is pretty evident now.

Bareera’s visit to her father was the best part of the episode. His concern for her was touching. I really feel for him, especially if he has to give up his business for Omair.

Rani has fallen for Mus’haf, like she has fallen for every other guy in the village and it isn’t a good sign for Mus’haf’s future. How will the Chauhdry react when he knows about this? Still it was good to see Mus’haf doing what he loves. He is the poor giver. Someone who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of spreading education in his village. He was warned about the Chauhdry by a fellow teacher at school.

Woh (chauhdry) samajh raha thha ke tum kuch dinon mein bhaag jao ge….

Mushaf’s friend Mukarram’s character is very much likeable. His news are the main source of info for the seedhe saadhe Mus’haf. I liked his conversation with Mushaf about why he doesn’t want to go to school.

I am anxiously waiting for Noor Fatima and Mushaf’s meeting and would really dread her and Imran’s marriage. He is in love with Shaazi and he should really leave Noor Fatima alone, but then again, the way Noor Fatima agreed to marry him was plain stupid. The phrase apne paun par kulhari marna is suitable for her. I have a feeling that the malik sahab will punish Imran for insulting him.

What are your thoughts on this episode?

Areeba Mohsen

7th Sky entertainment had disappointed a lot in the past few months, and that is why I was reluctant to give Aik Pal a chance. I was sure that it would be too preachy and full of stereotypes but after watching it, I was proven wrong. Good job Sarwat Nazir, for keeping the balance. Last week, I criticized Bareera’s character for being too OTT and Omair’s for being cliched and the readers mistook my statement for the fact that I did not like Aik Pal as a whole or that I don’t find a balance in it. The fact is that I do enjoy watching Aik Pal but I am a reviewer and my job is to point out the good and bad in the show after watching it.  You can agree or disagree with me and I won’t mind, because I love reading your comments, unless they are not harsh.

The episode was good and a lot happened in it, especially the university scenes. Bareera didn’t forgive Mus’haf for the proposal and indirectly told Omair that Mus’haf is causing problems for their marriage. Poor Mus’haf was beaten by Omair but being the good person he is, he did not tell anyone about who beat him. Bareera smiled when her friends talked to her about the beating and refused to visit Mus’haf in the hospital. The way she immediately decided to abandon her father for Omair was unbelievable too, but I am glad that Mus’haf was there to save the day.

Areej Fatyma’s dressing was marvelous today. The black jacket over the pink printed T-Shirt and jeans looked totally cool on her. Later in the rishte wala scene she looked amazing in the red top and jeans. Her makeup was better than before, thus I enjoyed Bareera’s scenes today. Danish Taimoor was good as always. Him and Areej totally rock as a couple and that is why I loved the way Omair announced his engagement with Bareera and in the after-class scene, put his cap over her head.

I did not feel for Mehreen at all because Maryam Ansari failed to deliver. Her dialogues were too mainstream.

Omair’s parents were, contrary to my previous impression of them, laalchi! They have a lot of money but they shamelessly asked Bareera’s Dad to give them loads of jahez. Bareera did notice their behaviour but she was sure that Omair would be nothing like them. Still under the 50k impression Bareera? 

Imran did make an appearance today and this time we saw him with another woman. drinking and enjoying himself. I totally felt for Noor Fatima when she picked up her hand , looked at the engagement ring and appreciated Bareera’s good fortune. However I did not like the way she called Omair “sahab“. Was it necessary?

Overall, the episode was good. I’ll give it 7/10 stars and will be awaiting your comments.

Areeba Mohsen

Ummm…….someone please tell me, this was supposed to be a university based drama right? Or did I expect too much? Is Aik Pal another university based love story among many others?

Episode 3 was all about Noor Fatima (read Noor Fatima ka annoying cousin). Remember the cousin whom I said I wanted to see less of? Well, he got an entire episode all to himself. Despite the fact that Ali Safina is performing well, I can’t understand why directors make sure that the annoying characters get the most screen time. Noor Fatima was forced to accept him as her fiance, as this was the price she had to pay in order to get an admission at her favourite university. Unfair right?

I admit, Sumbhul has been chosen by the casting directors time and again to play this kind of role, but I like her this time. Her and Affan both are giving performances which they have already given, but their characters are new. Noor Fatima and Mushaf are people who are not only kind and caring, but have a deep desire to complete their education despite the hurdles and that is what I love about them.

On the other hand, Bareera and Omair are not so pleasant to watch. Bareera is extremely OTT. Does Areej Fatima really need that much make-up? No! So why does Bareera end up looking like this? She is educated and old enough ke makeup karna tou aata hi hoga. Omair is simply farigh. He can have any girl he wants but Bareera is “special”. And the reason, you ask? Because she ignored him!!! I have heard this dialogue in countless dramas and movies and it always gives me a good laugh. Saari dunya ki larkiyan chorr kar wohi larki pasand ayi hai jo ignore kare :P His rishta bhej-ing and Bareera’s father’s inkaar wasted all of episode 5. The only scene worth watching was when Ali Safina told his friend “Shehr mein Noor Fatima ki wajah se thori aata hun, shehr aane ki wajah tou koi aur hi hai…..” I really hope that his father finds out about this wajah and beats him up.

Now now guys, did you think I wasn’t going to praise Danish Taimoor and Areej Fatima? These two have nailed it, especially Danish Taimoor. He has even changed his way of talking to suit the role of Omair. Only if Omair’s character had a little more depth. Areej is giving a good performance as well, but only if her character was a little less OTT.

So between the two un-interesting episodes, the fourth episode of this drama stood high. It was not only interesting, but it had what I wanted, the four youngsters, studying in the same room of the university. From the scene when Mushaf shut up Omair and fataa fat se told the definition which his teacher asked for, to the scene when Noor Fatima walked into the room, introduced herself, walked slowly towards the empty seat behind Bareera and sat down on it, I loved every moment.

There was just one little problem though. The results of a test in a university are never announced this way. They are put up on a soft board for everyone to read.

I love how Mushaf shoots down Numair whenever he tries to pick up a fight. I like the way he never minds when someone teases him about his beard or his shalwar kameez, but what I don’t understand is how he fell for Bareera. She is incredibly badtameez and rude. Was it the kabhi kabhar ka pyar se baat karna which made our Mushaf beqaraar?  I do think that Mushaf is the one who can keep Bareera happy, but it depends on whether or not she wants to be with him. Maybe in the future when she changes herself, then  she’ll realize that accepting Mushaf’s proposal would have brought her a lot of happiness, but for now Bareera has fallen for  Omair.

I think that they could’ve shown us in a much better way why Bareera fell for Omair. The RS.50,000 check should’ve had no importance for a girl like Bareera. Magar woh tou aise impress huin ke bas……..Despite all the warnings, she has agreed to marry Omair, who will most probably ruin her life.

Aik Pal has characters which I love and characters which I don’t. But it would all have been covered up if there were some student like interactions between them. They are getting involved in a love triangle and I really didn’t want one in this drama. I wanted some students who behave like students and are shown participating in class activities, projects, extra-curricular activities etc. Some sort of friendship between them would have been appreciated. The story would still be interesting, infact more gripping without a love triangle.

Share your thoughts about the drama.

Areeba Mohsen

I thoroughly enjoyed the university scenes in today’s episode. Bareera and Omair’s first interaction was fun to watch . I have seen such conversations before and Arij’s makeup and dressing were OTT in that scene but it still captured my interest. Omair is completely rude and farigh, yet girls swoon over him and he satisfies his ego by treating them like scum. Danish Taimoor has nailed his character and him and Arij Fatima look amazing together.

Musaf and Omair’s scenes were nicely executed. They looked unrealistic though. It’s unlikely for all the university students to unite against one guy just because he has a beard. Musaf has come across as a nice person who minds his own business. He walks away everytime Omair and company mistreats him but I would really like it when he finally speaks up for himself.

Noor Fatima’s cousins (Ali Safina) is the stereotype we see often. I honestly don’t want to see him anymore and let’s hope that Noor Fatima goes to the university in the nest episode so we are spared of her annoying cousin. Ali Safina is performing well though.

Share your thoughts on this episode of Aik Pal.

These four episodes have been very well-executed, well-directed and well-acted. After 22 weeks, Aik Pal came to end today, and I got to say, what a complete end it was, despite being predictable. All the tracks were handled nicely.

 Bareera’s transformation which did not take place overnight was pretty convincing. After being discharged from the hospital, when she visited Noor Fatima’s house for her first class, she had no idea her life was going to change the way it did.

After finding out about the classes, Omair did all he could to stop Bareera because he could not afford her coming back to normal. He told her that “characterless” women like her could never be pious. This did undermine her confidence but Noor Fatima succeeded in bringing her back for the second class.

Areej Fatima looked adorable in those scarves and I loved what Bareera said to Omair when she wore a scarf for the first time and he told her that it did not “suit” her. “Mujhe kisi ne bataya hai ke yeh dress her musalmaan larki par acha lagta hai”.

Gradually, she learned a lot from Noor Fatima, who knew that she would soon leave the world and told that she would “love for Bareera to take her place”. Bareera wasn’t so sure that she could conduct the classes as successfully as Noor Fatima did, but as time passed,  Bareera learned more and more. She also befriended Noor Fatima’s son.

She discussed about her troubled marriage and Noor Fatima told Bareera to win Omair’s heart with her love, because still loved him and this was the only way for her to lead a peaceful life with him. Bareera agreed to this, and she did all she could to win over her husband.

I really thought the jerk was getting more than he deserved, and even after all that when I saw him telling his girlfriend that he thought Bareera had some “secret motives” behind those kind acts, I knew that there was no redemption for that guy.

Bareera also realized that her love for Omair is one-sided and he will never accept this new path she is walking on. She could not afford to go astray again, and when Omair slapped her for not going to the so-called dinner with him, she knew she had to leave him. Noor Fatima suggested the same thing.

Omair went one step ahead. After finding out that the classes took place at Mus’haf’s house, he told Bareera to trap Mus’haf. Jo contract uss ne mujh se cheen lia hai, woh wapas lao. A heart broken Bareera decided to go back o her father’s house.

Omair lost everything. Bareera not only left him, but took control of the business, leaving him broke. Aiza bolted, (unexpectedly fast), thus Omair was left with nothing but his karwee kaseeli batein, and even though he tried to confront Bareera several times, he failed to change her mind. It was great to see him suffer and I am glad the writer didn’t magically make him mad after losing everything!!

Noor Fatima’s health deteriorated  and she was admitted to the hospital. I loved the way Mus’haf cared for her. He was not a cheating husband who was waiting for his wife to die so he could marry some other woman. He was always sincere to his wife. There were some pretty emotional scenes between him , Noor Fatima and their child and it was heart wrenching to see him losing his mother at such a young age.

Mus’haf finally disclosed the reason why he had not told about his real self to Bareera when he had proposed her. He told how his father had seen hard times while living in the village and promised his father (Mus’haf’s grandfather) to come back and help the people of the village. After going to Canada, he forgot all about the promise. Nonetheless, he sent Mus’haf to Pakistan to fulfill it.Mus’haf said that he wanted to be recognised by his personality and good actions, not his money.

The events that unfolded after Noor Fatima’s death were predictable. We all knew that circumstances would unite Mus’haf and Bareera. Both Mus’haf and Noor Fatima’s mothers told him, that Noor Fatima had forced them to get him and Bareera married after she died. He refused to do so because he still loved Noor Fatima but Bareera’s father stepped in at the right moment and the wedding took place. (P.S the fertility report was not fake)

Aik Pal had a unique storyline and a great cast to begin with. All of the actors played their roles in the best way. However, Noor Fatima and Mus’haf’s characters went into slow motion in a few episodes.

The direction of the show could have been much better. There were so many loopholes throughout the show, which I have mentioned in my previous reviews. There were times when the story made no sense whatsoever, or was stagnant and we had to show a lot of patience to see the next big twist. There were loads of dragged scenes and I could see that the writer was forced to strectch the story.

Overall, the show was entertaining with good messages and it was a good watch (minus a few episodes). ;) What do you guys think?

Areeba Mohsen

Ban gayi hai anaa ajizi

Noor Fatima’s conversation with Bareera made Bareera realize what she had done to herself. Woh buhat shikasta, buhat bikhri bikhri thhi. Noor Fatima realized her pain as well. Being the good soul she is, she decided to solve Bareera’s problems.

On the breakfast table, Bareera told Omair that she had never realized that Mus’haf, the guy who proposed her at university, would be the owner of such a large group of industries. That’s when Omair got to know that his business rival is the same person he bullied in university life.

Before I progress further, let me just say than you to the makeup people for not making Bareera a gola ganda anymore. She looks much prettier now than she looked before with loads of makeup on her face.

Finally, Noor Fatima’s mother made a presence as well. She’s going to Germany (I have no idea with whom). She told that back in the village, Imran’s second wife has made his parents’ a living hell and asked Noor Fatima to forgive them.

Mus’haf’s reaction at finding out about Omair coming to meet him was simply cute. Ya Allah, Kahin mein takabbur ya khud pasandi ka shikar tou nahi horaha? He always makes sure that he isn’t indulging in ignorance. Even after reaching the heights of success, he is tha same Mus’haf. Not overconfident at all.

Bareera and Mus’haf’s meeting was nicely executed. Mus’haf’s reaction after seeing her was nailed by Affan Waheed and Areej Fatima obviously did well.

Mus’haf is connected to Bareera, and that is the reason he always ends up saving her. When Farhan tried to molest her and Bareera ran outside, Mus’haf’s arrival was a miracle. The dialogue between them was touching:

Bareera: Mein khabees aurat hun, iss liye mujhe khabees mard mila hai!

Mus’haf: Aagar aap buri hoteen tou Allah aaj aap ko kyun bachata?

After dropping Bareera off at her place,  Mus’haf came back home. On Noor Fatima’s inquiry about where he had been, he didn’t tell her about Bareera. I was surprised. Noor Fatima goes on and on about Bareera. She’s the last person on earth to be jealous and I’m sure she would’ve rejoiced knowing that her hubby saved Bareera.

The next morning, Mus’haf headed to the beach, and sat on a bench, while thinking about Bareera. It was kinda weird, a married man thinking about another woman. I could’ve been infuriated at once, but hasn’t Mus’haf proved himself to be an amazing husband time and again? He has happily fulfilled his responsibilities as a husband and father. Bareera was his first love. Even if he tries, he can’t forget her. Despite that, he has been loyal to Noor Fatima all these years. Don’t get me wrong here, dreaming about another woman is totally wrong, but here, we have a man who isn’t dreaming about another woman to cheat on his wife. Mus’haf saw Bareera after several years, and the feelings came running back. He had no intention of cheating on his wife.

Mus’haf and Omair’s meeting was also well executed.

Omair: Mein Omair Ahmed hun, Salman group of industries ka maalik. Naam tou suna hoga?

Mus’haf: Ji nahi. 

Omair: Acha? Koi gumnaam company nahi hai meri. Aur tum tou jaante ho mujhe, bari purani shanasai hai tumhari mujh se bhi, aur … (clears throat) Bareera se bhi.

Mus’haf’s replies were not less interesting. I loved how he completely shot down Omair by telling him that he only works with honest people and does not involve in partnerships.  Omair stooped low to his real self rather quickly.

Aaj bhi meri biwi ko dekh kar aahein bharte ho?

This time, Mus’haf did not show any patience towards him. He kicked him out.

Meanwhile, Bareera tried to kill herself (because of a fight she had with Omair).

Her maid saved her by taking her to the hospital on time. Bareera had no desire of staying alive. Omair couldn’t care less. Pagal karke rakh diya hai iss pagal aurat ne mujhe! But for the sake of haazri, he went to the hospital to see her.

Once again, fate intervened. Noor Fatima came to see the doctor, and spotted Bareera’s maid there, who took her to Bareera and Noor Fatima knew in that moment, that she can save Bareera.

Noor Fatima: Agar yeh gunaah tum se sarzad hojata, tou pichle saare gunahon ki taubah karne ka mouqa kho deteen tum.

Bareera: Mein jeena nahi chahti. Nahi chahiye mujhe yeh daulat, yeh shauhar.

Noor Fatima: Meri taraf dekho, mujhe tou zindagi se nafrat nahi hai.

Bareera: Tumhe kyun hogi? Sab kuch hai tumhare paas….

Noor Fatima: Al-Hamdu-Lillah, sab kuch hai mere paas, lekin waqt nahi.

And then we got to know that Noor Fatima is suffering from cancer. She was diagnosed with it after three years of marriage, when her son was 1 years old. She told that after finding this out, she cried and protested, but then she found relief through religion. (Plus now we know why she wears those scarves all the time)

Jab tum theek hojao, tou mere paas ana. Mein tumhe bataun gi ke zindagi mein sukoon aur itmenaan kaise laya jata hai.

When she came back home, Mus’haf was at home waiting for her. She told him about her conversation with Bareera. She said that Bareera wished to be dead, but was saved. On the other hand, Noor Fatima wanted to live, but had no time left. Later, when Mus’haf was shown standing at his office window, thinking about how he could not save his wife, with all of his money, I was convinced that he is still loyal to Noor Fatima.

What are your thoughts on these episodes?

Areeba Mohsen

After a much happening last episode, I was expecting this one to be better, but it was poorly executed. There were a few developments, but they were already expected.

When a husband tells his wife, that he married her because a certain girl asked him to, acts uncomfortable on her mention, and has a completely formal relationship with his wife, it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that he was interested in that certain girl, and hasn’t been able to forget her. Magar kya kahein Noor Fatima ke! Either she already knows, or she is a bigger idiot than we think she is. I wish, the director or writer had made her and Mus’haf’s characters’ thoughts easier for us to figure out. We never know what they are thinking. What does any of them want?

There is a fact about these two characters. They can give me yawns anytime! Omair and even Sharjeel (who is a side character) radiate more energy than these two and Bareera. Mus’haf has been likable as a human being from the start, but not as a character in a TV show. He is too boring for that.

Bareera’s day started with getting up, and deciding that “agar Omair khabees hai, tou mein bhi khabees hun!” I knew that her transformation would take time and was glad that they didn’t show her changing overnight. Bareera thinks that there is no way for her to “go back”. She has came so far on the way of ignorance, that even looking back is hard for her. Jesi hun, wesi hi rahun gi is the thought on her mind.

She decided to “drink” her worries away, and then go to dance at a night club, but found herself wondering, “Mujhe khushi kyun nahi mil rahi?” Maybe that’s because she is searching for happiness and peace of mind at the wrong place?

There was a repetitive doctor’s visit today. The conversation between Bareera and the doctor gave me a deja vu. The whole scene was meant to tell us that Bareera isn’t taking her medicines anymore. Later, when Bareera decided to go to the club, seeing her acting like a normal person, Omair wondered if “she had stopped taking her medicine”. That could mean only one thing, Omair has been making her take meds that would have adverse effects on her health. Evilness personified.

The dance scene was too long to tolerate. It could have been shorter because it’s purpose was to make Bareera feel that despite the fun she had dancing or drinking, she has no cure for her loneliness.

Omair finally found out the name of the owner of his rival group, and it’s Mus’haf Ameer Ali. Although Omair didn’t recognize the name yet, it will be fun to see the look on his face when he remembers, that it is the same Mus’haf he bullied in college.

The highlight of the episode, was the meeting between Bareera and Noor Fatima arranged by Nadia. Although it is weird for any woman to “thank” another and say aap ki wajah se mere shohar ne mujh se shadi ki, but this is Noor Fatima we’re talking about! However, Areej Fatima nailed the look on Bareera’s face after knowing about Mus’haf’s status and that she is the reason of someone else’s happiness. The disappointed plus surprised look was spot on. But this is not the only time Areej Fatima was great today. The drinking and club scene was well-acted as well. Although, I was surprised when her sequin-covered blouse changed itself! Danish Taimoor’s acting is brilliant as well. He isn’t a boring villian, infact he is better than the hero at keeping interest alive in the show.

What did you guys think of the episode?

Areeba Mohsen

P.S: Guys, I will be doing a combined review of episode 16 and 17 after the 17th episode, because I’ll be busy with exams the next week.

Wow! This is the kind of episode that a reviewer likes reviewing. :P I must say, this show is getting a lot better. The message is clear and the story is making a lot more sense than it did a few weeks ago. The writer’s creativity is shining through. Aik Pal, is about students from different backgrounds, studying together, interacting with each other, making some mistakes, achieving some goals, then going in different directions and years later, getting back together and figuring out how much they made use of their lives, and where they were right and wrong. 

Before they met, there were a few developments in the story that I would like to discuss. Firstly, Omair’s acceptance that the only reason he stayed with Bareera all these years was her money. He doesn’t have an ounce of love and respect for her in his heart and will never have it. Not only has he made her useless, but doesn’t seem to (ever) realize it. I will love to see him suffer.

On the other hand, Bareera kept doing to herself what she did in the last episode. This time, she went further ahead and tried to kill herself, but she was saved, and when her friend, Naila, tried to talk some sense into her, she didn’t seem to care.

Sharjeel got to know more about Mus’haf. He had never tried to understand the guy he called “molvi”, and simply used the beard to judge him. But Mus’haf’s kindheartedness forced him to change his opinion. I loved how he remembered the pain he had inflicted upon Mus’haf during the university days, and felt guilty.

Noor Fatima kept wearing the scarves at home. I really don’t get her. She walks slow, talks slow, turns slow. Basically slow is what she lives on. Shaista and moad-dab guftugo is music to people’s ears, but her tone is robotic! Anyways, in a flashback, it was revealed that when Noor Fatima asked Mus’haf about the reason why he married a lower class girl like her, after trying to gol gol ghumay-ing the question a lot, he answered that it was Bareera who told him to marry her. I have liked Mus’haf all along. Whether it was him ignoring the bullies at the university, ignoring Chauhdry Ashraf in the village or his forgiving nature when it came to Sharjeel. But I do not understand why any man, especially Mus’haf would say this to his wife.

After this, came the “meeting”, more like aamna samna of our two female leads. Naila invited Bareera to a dars. Unbeknownst to Bareera, the woman giving the dars was Noor Fatima. Bareera slept in that day, and was woken up by Naila’s call who reminded her her promise and forced her to come. Bareera dressed up in a short dress without a dupatta, while Noor Fatima got ready in her regular Shalwar Kameez, with a shawl and covered her head. I liked how they simultaneously showed both of them getting ready but showing Noor Fatima’s car ride was too much.

Bareera arrived before Noor Fatima and didnot notice her when she came in. It was the words of the dars that touched her heart. Noor Fatima recited the verse of Surah Noor, which says that impure men are for impure women, and impure women for impure men. Bareera had committed emotional suicide and had accepted her situation. She might have even considered herself right and Omair wrong, but when she heard the verse, she got to know that she is also responsible for what happened to her. She immediately got up and rushed out. This made Noor Fatima notice her.

Bareera went to the club where Omair was present with his girlfriend (apparently there is just one club in the whole of Karachi). I really wish her reaction could have been censored. :D However, the uncensored reaction led to Omair dragging Bareera back home.

Overall, it was an enjoyable episode and it gets a 9/10 rating from me. :)

What did you guys think of the episode? Did you enjoy it?

Areeba Mohsen

Tonight’s episode focused on Bareera and Omair’s strained relationship and Noor Fatima’s social work. There was a new development in the story, which could have been much quicker.

Bareera has closed all doors of happiness on herself. Her life and her are a mess. She not only smokes, in order to relieve stress, but spends her time lying around the house, while her maid takes care of her like a baby. Shukar hai, maid cheater nahi. In most dramas maids are the biggest cheaters in a begum sahiba‘s life! (after their husbands of course) Being an educated person, who used to be full life, Bareera’s character is disappointing me. She didn’t ever submit to anybody, but as soon as Omair handed over the reports in her hands, she believed him, and made her life more pathetic than it was already. Kuch tou karti. Beena was ready to help her, but she refused. I think, the writer has delivered her message here. Bareera has always been away from religion, and never consulted Allah in any matter. When she faced such big problems in her life, she resorted to temporary stress relieving activities like smoking, which will obviously cause more problems for her.

Omair is a big cheater, and if the feeling of doubt we have is right, and he gave Bareera wrong reports so she wouldn’t bother him for starting a family, then he deserves to be divorced by Bareera and never forgiven. His and Bareera’s scenes which showed their strained relationship got a bit repetitive, but I was glad that the pol was kholo-fied. Bareera spotting him with his girlfriend at the club gave me a sigh of relief. But I was surprised when instead of screaming at him, Bareera decided to leave with her friend Farhan, and then got worried that Omair would doubt her character. That’s not like Bareera!

Noor Fatima, on the other hand, is the nicest soul in town, the social worker, religious gathering organizer and to top it all off a great mom and wife. All in one package. All I saw her doing today was talking about; opening a school for poor girls, organizing milad and dars and talking to her kid and husband in super sweet tone.  I get it, she is SUPER nice, but then why didn’t any of her scenes strike a chord? Was it the kid’s bad acting (which I don’t mind because he is very young and cute <3 ) or her monotonous tone? Or the fact that most of her scenes were shot in the living room which I have grown tired of watching? The representation of Noor Fatima_ the nicest person in town could have been much better. When for the fourth or fifth time, I heard the tales of her social work I looked at the television and begged, bas kardo taareefein! I also don’t get why she wears a scarf at home? Bahir jayein tou samajh aata hai but she never goes out either.

Bareera’s friend from university days called her (the same one who met Noor Fatima in the milad) and Bareera invited her home. Omair’s friend (remember his crime partner in the university?) was shown helpless after the loss in his father’s business but when he came to Omair for a job, Omair refused to recognize him. That’s just the type of person Omair is. Mu’shaf was kind enough to grant him a temporary job with a promise of making it permanent if he worked hard.

The episode lacked the punch that the last two episodes had, but was overall interesting. A few details could be toned down a bit, for example Noor Fatima’s tone. Bareera should try to pick herself up now, otherwise the story will become boring. Did anyone notice, that when Bareera goes to meet the doctor, her makeup was light and she looked much better than she looks with loads of makeup!

What did you guys think of the episode?

Areeba Mohsen

When I signed in to watch this drama, I wanted to see the story of four people from four different backgrounds who influence each other. Through the previous few episodes, their tracks were stagnant and ALL the other characters got loads of screen time.  Adding to this, the stagnant tracks were all totally separate from each other (Bareera and Omair in the city, Mus’haf in his village and Noor Fatima in her’s). So Aik Pal had turned into a boring show. This episode was better since it was much more happening and the three new twists were relieving.

The first one came after Mus’haf escaped Rani’s defamation because of the call Chauhdry Sahab got, that one of his sons had run away with a girl from another influential family. In a turn of events, the girl’s family captured the son, and demanded bete ke badle beti, as in, they’d only give the son back when Chauhdry gave his daughter in marriage to one of their sons. Chauhdry Ashraf (Adnan Shah Tipu) suggested Rani’s father to agree to this, and hinted that she has already ruined their izzat so her marriage is the best option right now. This served Rani right, and Mus’haf’s faith in Allah redeemed his position in Chauhdry’s eyes.

Shazi was restless at Imran’s friend’s house and when she overheard him talking to Imran about his wedding, she sensed something was fishy. Whatever she did to Imran was well deserved. His family now knows how much of a liar he is and they won’t trust him again.

This episode was made complete with the meeting I was waiting for. Mus’haf and Noor Fatima’s conversation was relatable. When two university friends meet after a long time, they first discuss their present lives and then share the memories of their academic life. Noor Fatima had remembered Bareera after all these years, as the girl who didn’t interact with her much. Phir bhi ek kashish thhi uss mein. Noor Fatima was a nerd, and Bareera was the popular girl who was admired by everyone, including Noor Fatima. It makes sense why she still remembers Bareera.

Bareera’s life has definitely taken a bad turn. The man she wanted to leave her father for is giving her a hard time. I am glad their track moved forward as well and Omair showed his true colours. Not only is he keeping her away from the business but he is using her to sign his deals!

Let’s see of the next episode is as interesting as this one. Now that Mus’haf and Noor Fatima have finally met, will they fall in love? What will Bareera do to save herself from Omair’s schemes?

Do share your opinion. And guys, Kis Se Kahoon review is coming tomorrow In Shaa Allah.

Areeba Mohsen

Recent episode of Aik Pal was another drag with one or two twists at the end. As usual, all the scenes were used as stepping stones to reach to the main twists. I have wished countless times, while watching Pakistani serials, why don’t they just bring about the twist at the start, without adding all the dragged scenes? What is the use of dragging? Aik Pal team will squeeze every ounce of interest from the viewers minds with it and a lot of damage has already been done. Is this the same drama I appreciated in he initial episodes?

Omair and Bareera’s track is useless at the moment. Omair, take your father-in-law’s business and be done with it. Then the story can move forward and I can get rid of the yawns your and Bareera’s track gives me. Bareera is oblivious to Omair’s devious eyes. That cunning look he gives her while sipping coffee or watching television shouldn’t be so hard to notice. Right? Beena also made an appearance today but the discussion between the two sisters on the phone was not anything special. All this family discusses is the business.

Imran finally revealed the reason he is marrying Noor Fatima. Ta da! Inko badla lena hai….. 

What badla? You take a badla from someone who has done something to you. All Noor Fatima did was try to be confident. Imran has little sense of what he wants to do. His friend is the only person in his life who has an ounce of intelligence in him. I know his “plan” is not much beneficial to Noor Fatima, but if he convinces Imran to let her work in the city, her life could be better than it would be in the village. She will at least be able to follow her dreams. However, most of the trouble she is in right now, has been caused by herself, or as her mother puts it, her jaldbazi. I don’t know how many times Sumbhul Iqbal has played the roti dulhan but she looked really pretty in her mayun dress.

Shazi continued her same dialogues, and so did her mother. While her mother was busy in grabbing Malik’s money, she was busy calling Imran for help. Just like the previous episode. This time, when her mother made the decision to get her married to Malik, Shazi had to escape and she went straight to Imran’s village. How did she arrive? If by bus then how did she know what bus to take? The plan she used to escape was the most illogical. Am I supposed to believe her mother left her alone in the house, with the friendly servant in? Had she no idea Shazi could behla phusla ke take his help to escape?

Chauhdry Ashraf spent so many scenes warning Rani about Mus’haf’s future that I doubted if he had a memory at all. In three to four scenes, he came barging into her room and said the same words, mein master ke sath buhat bura karun ga, one way or the other. Dragging has a limit people! All those scenes had no substance because obviously, they were fillers.

Mus’haf has been beaten two times. Once by Omair and the second time by Ashraf’s men. He is suffering more than Noor Fatima and Bareera both at the moment. Rani forced him through her father to come back to her house to teach her and once again proclaimed her love for him. As the promo of this episode already revealed what came after, the whole defamation scene was no surprise at all!

Little about Aik Pal makes sense right now. The whole episode passes and nothing happens. I have little hope for the pace getting better in future episodes as well. Right now, it’s simply boring.

What is your opinion?

Areeba Mohsen

Aik Pal is the latest offering by Hum TV. It has replaced Mere Mehrbaan on Monday nights and belongs to the same production house as the latter. MM failed to impress because of cliched topic.

Judging from the promos, Aik Pal looked like a drama that would give the viewers food for thought and a really good lesson. This anticipated the viewers and the drama crossed over 200,000 fans on facebook a day before the first episode.

The drama shows a contrast between the lives of two girls, Bareera (Arij Fatyma)and Noor Fatima (Sumbhul Iqbal) .  Noor Fatima is the poor village girl who is dependent on her taaya for her education and he isn’t allowing her to study. Plus he has captured her father’s land, which could have been her financial help. Her views on money are, “Wealth ka matlab, dunya ki sab se taaqat-war cheez, jis se ham ilm bhi khareed sakte hain.”

On the other hand,  Bareera has everything in life. Money, good looks and people who love her. Her intro as a modern, care free and adventurous girl was prolonged and unconvincing.  Why would two ladies walking out of a shopping mall have mercy on a girl (Bareera) who is acting like a  beggar when she doesn’t even look like one?

Plus it was surprising to see a well off girl like Bareera acting so weird. The way she gobbled up the burger was like she hadn’t eaten for days. Khair, she will pay for this later as was evident from the last scene of the episode. Oops!

What goes wrong with these lesson-based dramas is a)they are too preachy and b) too cliched. Up till now, Aik Pal isn’t any of the either. We have cliched characters but there is a limit to the cliches. Bareera’s family consists of a caring and a mature religious sister (Beena) and a loving father who believes in giving his daughter some space. Compared to the regular disappointed fathers and the annoying  sisters, these two are a treat to watch.

The next character is Musaf Ameer Ali (Affan Waheed) who is a simple, kind and caring person. He belongs to a village and believes that doing anything good for his village folk does not count as a favour. He has set up a school for the kids of his village.

  Bechara Mushaf! He has to live in the same hostel room as Umair (Danish Taimoor) who is a rich, carefree playboy and hates his parents. This is why he stays at the hostel away from his parents. He is well prepared for his roommate and when he catches Musaf sleeping in his room, he throws water at the poor guy. Jo meri territory mein ayega, uske sath yahi hoga!

To his surprise, Musaf walks away without a fight and doesn’t even bring this up until the next morning when Umair greets him. Musaf’s reply to Umair’s “Good morning” was “Assalam-o-Alaikum” and that scene brought a smile to my face.

Things work in Noor Fatima’s favour for now and taaya ji decides to let her go to the city for MBA. Kama kar apni maa aur bhai ko sambhale gi, yahan rahi tou zameenon ka hisaab maang le gi. Noor’s taaya ka beta (Ali Safina) is interested in her and is the main obstacle in her path right now.

Overall, I enjoyed watching the drama. This is a good start for a play I wasn’t expecting a lot from. The characters are well-etched and the pace is perfect. Hopefully it will stay the same. The writer Sarwat Nazeer and director Siraj-ul-Haq have  done a wonderful job. It will be interesting to see these four youngsters enroll in the same university. Let’s see what happens from now on.

Do express your views on this episode.

Areeba Mohsen

A university is a place where lots of people, from different backgrounds mix together. They have different ways of thinking and different outlooks on life. These people study together and mingle. Then at last it’s time to go on their separate ways, and that’s what happened today in Aik Pal.

Mus’haf went back to his village and Noor Fatima to her’s. Bareera’s hatred for Mus’haf remained. Tum aao shadi par….tumhein pata chale ga mere jesi larki ko purpose karne ka kya anjam hota hai…It is really unconvincing why Bareera hates him that much. She is a beautiful girl and she knows that. It’s not like Mus’haf was the first guy to propose her?

But let’s leave that, and come to the wedding of Omair and Bareera. I thought Bareera could afford the best dress in the market but her dress was totally disappointing and old-fashioned. I love the colour purple but even that could not make me like the dress. Added to this, the jewelry and makeup were totally weird.

Omair had told Bareera in the previous episode that he would not live in his parents house. Then why was he happily living at their house after the wedding? A directional loophole maybe.

Anyways, as expected, Omair’s parents showed their aukat after the wedding and began their demands but I am glad Omair took Bareera’s side. Till now, he is not as bad a husband  I had thought he would be. I liked it when he shot down his parents’ attempts at grabbing Bareera’s money. But with his father’s business going down and his mother’s parlor their only source of income, I am sure Omair would be forced to look for a job and he has already stated that he can not do it. That will lead to trouble.

Mus’haf on the other hand was happy doing what he loves, i.e, teaching kids in his school. We were introduced to a new character, Rani, portrayed by Haya Khan. She is the chauhdry’s carefree daughter and has developed a liking for him.

One of Noor Fatima’s university friends sent a rishta to her house. Noor Fatima asked for some time from her taayi before the wedding and she threw a tantrum about it. Not to mention, the namak mirch she put in before telling this to Imran. He ran to Noor Fatima’s house and defamed her. Apne university ke dost se shadi karogi! Whatever happened after this was highly unconvincing. In order to prove herself right, she decided to get married to him immediately! Sounds crazy right?

The happenings of today’s episode were interesting but some of them were totally unconvincing and I wish the director would have paid more attention to them. What do you guys think?

Areeba Mohsen