Eleven episodes down and there are so many story arcs at play at the same time here. The highlights of this episode were Amtul finding out about Abrar’s second marriage and disclosing it to everyone, Momina revealing their father’s second marriage to Abeer, Momina and Abeer confronting their father and last but not the least Momina and Arham getting into yet another argument which just might be their last.

Momina is devastated after finding out that her father has married Fehmi so much that when Arham calls she is unabe to speak and keeps crying. This worries Arham so without a second thought he jumps into his car and comes over to console Momina just to be met with her callousness. Looks like this revelation has left her so rattled that she doesn’t believe in the whole idea of marriage anymore so any love shown by Arham for her seems meaningless to her.

She doesn’t tell Arham why she is so devastated rather they a have a heartfelt talk about what’s it’s like to live without a mother. Arham finds out about this later when Amtul mentions Abrar’s marriage in order to make Afaan and Arham more distant towards the Abrar family.

On the other hand somethings make no sense like if Fizza is Zawar’s sister then why is she living at Arham’s home and not at her brother’s. Moreover Fizza is embarrassingly in love with Arham. He clearly shuts all her advances but she embarrassingly keeps wanting his attention. Amtul is obviously trying to make them hang out together and then there’s the dinner part which was so badly acted, that’s also where Amtul meets Fehmi at the restaurant and finds out that Abrar has remarried.

Finally when Abrar gets home after dinner he is confronted by his daughters to which he says if they weren’t so callous towards their baby brother he wouldn’t have to get married and find him a mother who’d take care of him but both his daughters are adamant that he got married because he wanted it for himself.

After finding out about Abrar’s marriage Arham goes back to Momina’s place and confronts her for not telling him before and acts very rudely with Momina even tho Abrar’s marriage has nothing to do with Momina but Arham’s position is also understandable to some point because he wants to marry Momina but is probably tired of fighting one problem after another in order to convince his mother. Both Momina and Arham are all out of patience and very angry at everyone and everything mostly at the situation but they don’t know where or how to channel this anger so instead they end up being mad at each other.

They both say things they can not take back now. Looks like Arham has lost all hope and will be making no more efforts to reconcile with Momina and probably will consider Fizza now. In the coming episodes Abrar will bring Fehmi to his home and that will bring a new storm.

How did you find the new episode of Haara Dil? Do share wit us.

So this episode of Haara Dil had some interesting developments including the introduction of much awaited Zawar’s sister Fizza. Yashma Gill plays the role of Fizza and is portrayed as a very lively and open person. It is evident that Fizza is hopelessly in love with Arham while Arham only gets annoyed by her presence. Amtul is all set with her plan of making Arham marry Fizza we will have to wait for the future episodes to find out how Areej and Zawar deal with this development.

Abrar is over the moon because of this change in Momina. Momina’s acceptance of Sami has served as a happy sad kind of deals for Abrar because now it has become a pickle for him. The sole reason behind marrying Fehmi was that Sami needed the constant care of a mother now that Momina is playing Mommy for him it is hard for Abrar to justify Fehmi’s presence in his life. He constantly struggles with giving Fehmi her due status of his wife in his home all the while not losing his daughters’ trust any further.

Arham is still trying to reconcile with Momina and he sees Momina’s change of heart as an opportunity to reignite the long lost spark between them and he succeeds to some extent. After all that has happened in Momina’s life she finds it hard to believe that she can trust Arham when he claims that he will fight anything and everything to be with her. She is adamant that Arham’s mother won’t accept her and that she won’t marry him unless she gets his mother’s approval. Abeer is trying her best to talk Momina into patching up with Arham but Momina being the realist that she is keeps telling her that she won’t keep running after delusions.

On the other hand we can see that tho Fehmi puts a brave face in front of Abrar but her patience is running thin. She wants to live with her husband like a married woman should but Abrar still needs some time before he discloses this relationship to his family and friends. Momina had started growing suspicious of him and Fehmi after seeing them together in the mall and later when she heard Fehmi call Abrar to wake him up in the morning.

This episode again ended with a bang when while cleaning the house Momina comes across the nikkah-nama and finds out that her father has married Fehmida and all her suspicions are confirmed.

This climax has left us with so many questions. Will Momina relapse to old patterns and start hating her father for remarrying, will she start hating Sami again, how will Abeer respond to all this? Probably by becoming even more rebellious.

We will find out this and a lot more next week till then let us know how did you like this episode of Haara Dil.

So written by Rabia Razzaq directed by Furqan Adam and produced by Mastermind Production ‘Haara Dil’ is Danish Taimoor’s third production of a drama serial. The play is all star studded including names like Dainsh Taimoor, Hiba Bukhari, Mahmood Aslam, Shehryar Zaidi, Shaheen Khan, Rabya Kulsoom, Rameez Siddiqui and Seemi Pasha.

The first episode aired on Aplus yesterday and included it’s fair share of cliches and climaxes. Hiba Bukhari plays the role of a middle class, responsible and somewhat straightforward girl Momina who is of age and her mother Shagufta played by Shaheen Khan like every other Pakistani mother can think of nothing but finding her daughter a suitor. Mahmood Aslam who is playing Momina’s Dad’s role (Abraar) is very supportive of Momina’s decision to further study and even of her relationship with Arham which is played by Danish Taimoor who happens to be the son of her father’s best friend Afaan (Shehryar Zaidi).

The status difference between Momina and Arham’s families is as clear as morning sky but it doesn’t bother anyone much except Arham’s mother Amtul (Seemi Pasha) and his sister Areej. The episode basically revolves around Momina and Arham (of course the leads) who struggle to understand what the future holds for them. The play can be a bit Bollywood-ish at times with all the use of slow motion and urrti zulfain aur hawain.

Arham’s mother dearest is portrayed as a very authoritative figure who is very blunt almost callous at times. She wants Arham to marry Anoushay who is her friend’s daughter and of course complements their family status (cliched right?). Moving on Arham is adamant that Momina is the only woman who can actually make him happy and to him nothing else matters he finds a confidante in his father Afaan who understands and respects his sons decision but constantly reminds him of not making promises if he can’t keep them.

The first episode was quite on point we’re quickly brought to Areej’s Mehendi where the two families finally meet but I have no idea where both dads were probably hanging out someplace cool with no drama since they are the only ones who can see through the extra-ness of it all. Amtul is obviously very derogatory towards Momina’s family and Shagufta being the lady that she is says nothing in return but Abeer (Momina’s younger sister) who is another character as cool as the dads played by Rabya Kulsoom reminds Amtul Aunty that she can not treat people like that.

There’s a lot of drama on this mehendi when Momina arrives and her dubbata catches fire because of all the diyas at the entrance (that she conveniently fails to see) and Arham comes to her rescue tho the ost in the background really is beautiful but one can not help but notice the clicheness of this scene. Areej and Amtul obviously snap because of this incident and there’s another fiery exchange of words between Areej and Abeer and finally Momina speaks as well after which she walks out of there which upsets Arham meanwhile Amtul gets drowsy and almost falls and well drop scene.

Shagufta reaches home and talks to Abraar about how clear Amtul’s stance on Arham and Momina’s marriage is so it is about time that they start looking for some other rishta for Momina. Anyway if any of you haven’t seen it already I won’t spoil it for you because the episode ended with a twist and at least I could not see it coming.

Overall the play has a great ost, casting is good and I especially liked Rabya’s performance as Abeer. The dialogues are powerful at times like the time Afaan tells Arham “Jo rishtay khushi dete hain wohi dil ke sabse ziada nazdeeq hote hain” ahhh I felt that. The story comes of as predictable in the beginning but I am guessing there’s a lot to come. So fingers crossed.

Do share with me what you thought of the first episode.

Wah! Is the perfect description for this episode. Maza aagya sach main.. Number 11 “ Waqt Kay Us paar”…..who would have imagined all the events to turn out this way. Let’s get started Haalims..The episode again began with a weird dream of Taaliya where she is in her era that is the new Malaysia and that basket. I couldn’t connect anything from her dream maybe something from her ex-husband, her wedding stuff or something. It needs a lot of brainstorming but I am more interested in the first dream to be materialized.

I really want to talk about our favourite the ideal person in this novel Wan Fateh Ramzel first because there are some shocking revelations here.( Eyes popping out)

Fateh Ramzel

The most unexpected response from Fateh Ramzel just marked this episode for me.He finally said it yes he did and guess what’s that? He needs Taliyah and kudos to Taliyah’s confidence that she had in her vision that one day this” Mr. Needs Nobody” will need her. The jail part where he had to chose between his life and Taliyah he clearly chose the later it was also quite surprising for me but cute.

I must give credit to the political nature of Fateh Ramzel that even in front of Taliyah’s Father he had the guts to put his point first and that’s the true nature of this inspiring man.

Honestly, it tore me when I read that he was physically tortured ..Ouch
Aryana’s appearance and that potion drinking event was full of suspense but I have something to ask as well wait till the end of review.

Shehzadi Tasha

We move next to our Shehzadi Tasha who had some really amazing feasts and courageous steps to her credit that must be highlighted. The first one was the island, apart from being the most courageous moves taken by her I was repeatedly reminded about Fateh Ramzel’s prediction about Taliyah’s dismissal. She is smart and yes she is right wo apne liye akeli hi kaafi hai. In that Island everything marked the intelligence of Taliyah except that choari parts where she couldn’t resist and our Shareef Adam scolded her Lol.

The most emotional part for me was Taliyah’s come back from the Island and her care towards Fateh Ramzel…The girl is head over heels in love. Fateh Ramzel’s questions of what she will do after he will leave her hurt her but she courageously hid the pain and smiled. Such a brave girl! Taliyah’s steps to bring all the Slaves to pressurize her father were impressive and that was a smart move as u say in politics.

Shareef Adam

Adored his care for Taliyah in the island and of course his concern because he always thought Taliyah will go back alone and he will be stuck forever..Lol but deep inside he trusts Taliyah and that was amazingly put forth when he lets her go back. Pyaara insan Adam!

Loved the message of always having a pen and paper with you because after all he is a moarikh he must have it but the Islamic history portrayed made the whole scene much more meaningful and beautiful. So guys write if you can and if you don’t you truly are wasting Allah’s gift.

I didn’t know Adam was soft hearted to a limit that he wouldn’t kill the beast who was ready to kill them. Apart from his soft heart it was his training that taught him never to hurt them but to free them is the best option to get rid of their danger. Great message of humanity !

Now let’s talk about the most important event of this episode that potion part…
The suspense it created left me thinking even when ALL of them safely reached to their era.

The words of Fateh that Adam and Taaliya always put him first because they always thought he is above them.( Fan fever)

The appearance of Aryana and her sadness.

All these words kept the reader anxious as we all knew Taliyah’s father wouldn’t have left them without taking something back.ThankGod that Shart was also revealed in this episode otherwise the whole month would have been so anxious for us.

So Our Beloved Fateh Drank that Liquid because he thought that it was the best option at that moment but I don’t think so. Here is why

1- Fateh thought of drinking the liquid because he had nothing to lose. He was the way he was a Leader the only thing which changed for him was his feelings for Taliyah and he compromised on that.Fateh thought of not letting Taliyah drink this because if she did she would forget all the lessons and live the same life but even When Fateh drank this Taliyah’s father was satisfied it means there is something he knows that Fateh didn’t. For me if Taliyah would have drank this she would forget everything and she would have again chased that treasure and boom back to her father so in this case her father would have let Taliyah drank it But he chose Fateh and the reason was Taliyah’s lust for power will bring her back so there should be no one stopping her from coming back. But I think even if she had drank it she would have gone back. Why Fateh? Can anyone explain.

2- The time when Fateh revealed everything to Adam showed that he wants Taliyah to stay with her But he took a promise from her to never go back even for him.

3- Even Fateh knew that Adam loves Taliyah still he wants her. Do u think its selfish of him?

4- Do u think after reading that email Taliyah would go back for Fateh Ramzel?

5- After knowing that his heart has the same old hateful feelings for her would she forget all the moments she lived with him?

Or Taliyah’s father knew that for Fateh Ramzel She would come back because he knew Fateh used to say bad things about Taliyah ( A chor) yet he protected her ? just a thought

Last question what is that Aakhri samndari safar of Taliyah…Was it a truth?

Can’t wait for the new episode. I hope you all enjoyed the episode and the review as well.
Keep me in your prayers.

Asma Jamali

So finally here with a review of the probably most read novel in Pakistan, Yes you are right its about Nemrah Ahmed’s new novel Haalim.

This novel could be categorized as Science Fiction because it is more like a fantasy world or a world that only existed in the Einstein’s time equation in addition it has that gems of wisdom we usually taste in Nemrah Ahmed’s novels. I am sure this gave you a lot of her characters to remember in retrospect. I know this novel is more like a fantasy or a superficial kind of world but the lessons from each character’s story gives you a whole new dimension to think about and the time theory makes it very interesting.

Number 10 is out and I ought to say it had a lot of events that capture your attention and refresh your mind and give you a reality check in terms of your thoughts and believe me that is the speciality of the writer. I cannot resist to say this because every episode has a title and it unfolds with scenarios and conditions which are most likely happening in our country nowadays and it always touches those topics which are faced by many people these days. Let’s jump in the ocean of this beautiful and thought provoking world.

TITLE- SANAM TARAASH

Well, the title was quite captivating but it wasn’t something new as we already experienced this in Namal But surely the story had. For me this title hinted the two main aspects of the episode.

1- The ‘’fan fever’’ moments that were magically explained by our favourite Fateh Ramzel. I can not even explain those moments in words that how beautifully he made clear the idea of being easily impressed by others. As a matter of fact I thought I was reading a psychology book. So thumbs up for that therapy Wan Fateh Ramzel or Ghulam Fateh Ramzel.

2- The Statue of Wang Lee. Atleast here they showed some ‘’Good’’ talent in Taaliya or Should I say Shehzadi Tasha.

TAALIYA’S JOURNEY SO FAR IN THIS EPSIODE

The episode took off with Taaliya’s dream that she was in an office cabin and wearing a symbolic ring. Taaliya’s dreams are actually visions that come true exactly how she sees it so there are no hidden meaning or symbolic gestures behind it. So good news for all Haalims that Taaliya will go back to Malaysia But the question lies … Alone ? or with Adam or Fateh Ramzel or both? That was the sacriest question of Adam That I am sure left all of us wondering and guessing.

Despite being called a chor and dhokebaaz by our favourite Fateh Ramzel ( a politician ) I still don’t dislike her character. I don’t know why but when you read about Taaliya’s actions and her justifications you could feel for her. I didn’t know Taaliya would speak about these matters. The first one that actually stood out the most for me was the ‘’Work Place Ethics’’ and the second one ‘’Victim Shaming’’.
I was surprised to read how seamlessly the writer linked the Rishta of Sultan Mursal with the Work Place Ethics and made it very clear that what should be the status of a ‘’Boss’’ and ‘’Employee’’ and the true meaning of Harrassement.

I just appreciate the determination of Taaliya, even when she knew her father knew everything she wasn’t shattered but tried to make plans to escape and it was good to see our Taaliya back jiske paas hamesha plans hote thay! Now coming to the most Shocking and Eye Popping Event of this episode.

Mehndi hai rachne waali, haathon pe gehri laali…..Lol the shaadi part. I honestly remembered Datan when she messed up the plan of Taaliya by calling Asra and telling her that a girl will steal ur husband. Does she really knew Taaliya or she could foresee future? Never mind, the most weird shaadi happened and I don’t know what I felt. Taaliya’s fans maybe Happy but I still don’t know what to say about this.The reaction was shocking then neutral….Lol if it makes sense but the circumstances made the decision quite satisfying as there was no other way to get rid of Sultan and his proposal.

Taaliya finally knew what Treasure was awaiting for her and why she visited Sanbao, At first it looked as if she will visit that place for Fateh Ramzel but then the puzzle was solved by Taaliya herslef and it was exactly in accordance with her nature….Yes, Yes it is choari but different kind of choari. ‘’The Antique Shop’’ whose inauguration will be done by Adam and Taaliya in the future. What a thought!

FATEH BIN RAMZEL’S JOURNEY

This episode marked the unexpected shaadi of Fateh Ramzel and literally this man is a born politician you know jis ke rag rag main siyasat basi ho…duh even at that crucial moment where he had to marry Taaliya to save her he was looking for brownies.. I know his plans were for all par hadh hoti hai…khair

We also knew that Fateh Ramzel was upset about the distorted history written by our Shareef Moarikh Adam but the reason was not what Taaliya assumed. She accused him of fame, and wanting to stand out as Best. He just wanted to meet Taaliya’s father that’s why he was upset when Adam didn’t mention him but Fateh Ramzel is a politician after all he knows other ways to make his job done.
Fateh Ramzel was also seen encouraging the slaves and teaching them about ‘’Zehni ghulami’’The Entry of Aariyaana and the history of Tea, Fateh Bin Ramzel always proves to be a ‘’Mr.Know it all’’

COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC STATE

Economic Hitman a disease well explained to common people by Nemrah Ahmed. I just keep wondering how a single novel could touch so many important topics to educate everyone. The suggestion which was put forth by Taaliya was for the well being of the country but the Chinese ( Wang Lee ) idea won the argument and Sultan because of his moti aqal couldn’t grasp the disaster behind it.

DREAM MYSTERY

I swear I wouldn’t have known about these treasures as my guesses about Namal were exactly like this.The Mystery of the treasure revealed so far was that there were 3 treasures, The first one was the treasure of ‘’time’’ the second is going to be the ‘’ Antiques’’ and the last one is still unknown.

ADAM’S JOURNEY SO FAR

Adam’s participation in this episode was little but whenever he appeared he did something really important and gave the basis to progress the story.
He found out the book about the Three moons and discovered that island and collected his location for different maps.

Adam loved Taaliya and this line explains it all…haaye Adam

END OF THE EPISODE

What a true politician Fateh Bin Ramzel is, he easily convinced Raja Muraad that he knows everything about the future but what was awaiting for us as readers was shocking….

I think FATEH Bin Ramzel lied but if he didn’t then Taaliya must discovered the key and travelled back to her time.What are your thoughts about this episode and what are your guesses? Pardon me if a missed something as the episode had a lot of happenings.

Asma Jamali

Nemrah Ahmed’s Haalim has started publishing – an episode a month – from this month and this was the first episode as well​ as chapter we got to read. :) It is getting published in Khawateen Digest and is also available online on Nemrah Ahmed’s official page.

The first episode was full of surprises and writer has done an excellent job in ensuring we continue reading this novel.

*Spoiler Alert*

So, the very first scene shows Haalim dreaming a dream and it aroused enough curiosity in me to continue. Dream was symbolic of something which we get to read in the last scene of this episode.

Then writer takes us to an office in Kuala Lumpur where Molia is seen telling his boss that he has traced where the laptop of their boss – which got lost somewhere by Anwer – is right now. And that he hired Halim, a private scam investigator for this job. Anwer tells him to do whatever is in his will to get the laptop back or he will fire him. He contacts Halim who at first shows some attitude then agrees to merely “help” him on getting 3 times as much money as before. He gives him profiles of Tangu Kamil’s workers to see who he can “buy” for getting the laptop back. The only profile which attracts him is that of Taliya Murad from Kashmir, Pakistan who’s a caring, loving, quite stupid and impetuous girl who works as a maid for Tangu and also cooks soup in a soup parlor. Her only weak point is her illegal status in Malaysia.

So, Molia uses it to threaten her but she refuses and tells Tangu Kamil of the incident who then properly looks everywhere for the laptop and tells the secretary to do the same. Laptop is produced from one of the drawers of study table. Tangu gifts some money to Taliya and tells to take the money from Molia as well which at first she’s reluctant to do as her pride in her “honesty” and “loyalty” will be shattered as Molia will think she’s a thief who betrayed her boss but Tangu convinces her. These qualities of hers impressed me so much that she became my favorite character at once. I liked her only to be surprised later :P She gives the laptop back to Molia at her soup parlor taking the money (not willing to) from him who taunts her of doing what she seemed to loathe the most. She feels hurt, writes resignation letter and leaves for her home.

… & here comes the plot twist! :D I was shocked when I read “welcome home Halim!”, haha! :D This seemingly innocent Taliya was the same person who was Halim for Molia, (took money as a scam investigator) (voice modulation helped to act as a male), then Taliya for him (took money for stealing back the laptop) and Taliya for boss Tangu (took money as a reward for loyalty)! :P She and a lady Liana – whom Taliya calls Datin (meaning grandma in Malay language) – work together as scam artists and have done many scams and thefts together. They were the ones who initiated it by stealing the laptop from Anwer and putting it in Tangu’s study room and finally giving back to those it belonged to and earned money three times.

That night they plan together their next theft. Taking laptop search as an excuse she had already made Tangu open his drawers in front of her whose code she could see as an image on book rack’s mirror. They intend stealing Mrs Kamil’s jewelry next on Sunday night his family has special guests coming.

That night they also talk about where they came from and how they met, just to remember​ old days. They met seven years ago on an airport when Taliya’s foster parents had gotten her married (nikkah) on Skype with a boy she had come from Lahore to Malaysia to live with. It is revealed Taliya has precognitive visions and dreams which help her decide what to do. She had her first vision that day on airport when her hubby was about to receive her. Liana was a worker who helped her feel better. She was being used as a courrier girl for money laundering by her husband and was oblivious to that, Liana helped her in safely getting out of the airport with money and then they used it to get divorce from him. Liana herself was probably living in an olds house those days. It is also revealed Taliya’s first memory is that of 17 yrs ago when she was 11 yrs old. She was walking between church’s desks, had a shabby dress on and a dirty face, in St Paul church, Malacca, Malaysia. She was admitted in an orphanage from where her foster parents belonging to Kashmir took her only to treat her as a maid when they returned to Lahore, Pakistan. Everyone tells her nothing about her could be found. Her name, family, where she came from, she knows nothing. But she believes her ethnicity is Malay. She also had this round symbol on her neck back as if it was heated. She had forgotten everything, probably due to some incident she doesn’t know of. She told everyone her name is Taliya bint Murad and so that’s her name.

So, after establishing the background of these characters, we move on to the next part where they put two and two together and get to know that a replica coin of old times (which Mrs Kamil has in her possession) and a bracelet of Queen – these two things they never stole every time they saw someone having it. Coincidentally! These two circulated among many different victims of their scams but never thought of picking. Liana joins the pictures of these two to show Taliya how these two join to make a “key”. And are broken parts of a gold key! Taliya then gets to remember how she had this key whose chain was wrapped around her arm as a bracelet when she was 11 and lady Maria who dropped her at orphanage must have taken it from her.

So, she tells lady Maria a fake cover story to get her to tell where that bracelet is. She admits she accidentally broke it and then sold it to a goldsmith to fend for Taliya. And that before she took it from her, she did utter a few words telling her name is Taliya and that this key is her father’s. Also, something on the lines of “villagers are in deep trouble, I’ve come here to rescue them.” And tells that no one came to claim her.

On the planned day, she succeeds in stealing the jewelry minus gold coin as Tangu Kamil’s family gifts it to Fatih Ramzil (guest who’s also Malaysia’s politician) right in front of her. Liana also calls her to tell the missing bracelet is now in Fatih Ramzil’s possession. The dream she saw, for the first time ever she interprets any of her dreams right! Now both the parts of key are in the same person’s possession so they will be doing a theft on “Malaysia’s next prime minister”!!!

That’s where it ended and I liked reading it throughout. :) It’s going to be about, as it seems, dreams and their interpretations and I’m excited! There were many comic lines which amused me for example the point about Molia scared at the sight of his family picture in “dhoop” as his family will be “bay ghar” if he didn’t get the laptop back :D and Hailm AKA Taliya telling him to write it 555 times: “Halim KL (Kuala Lumpur) ka behtreen scam investigator hai aur main ainda us se ikhtilaf nahi karoon ga.” then Molia taking a page out of his file in front of Taliya to show her the missing laptop’s picture and Taliya reading the line which was written on a page which slipped a little outside and line could be read. :P

Taliya said she doesn’t justify what she does but I caught her doing just that. She put the blame on her husband and then on her foster parents that had they kept her well fed and well cared for, she won’t have gotten used to lying and stealing to fulfill her needs. This heist will be her last – she says so. She dreams of getting a beautiful house at her favorite place and wants to do a big big robbery one last time! Also, after getting to know this bracelet originally belonged to her, she’s a little curious to know about herself too. There’s a hope through this bracelet she’ll meet her biological parents – a hope! A scary thing is, all those people who possessed these two things got ill, died of painful diseases. These things brought bad luck with them – that’s what Datin thinks and is scared. :O Also, since Taliya’s dreams and visions come true, usually bad ones, she thinks it’s not a blessing but a curse! Sad!

I also liked everything Fatih Ramzil said about toheen e risalat and the role Muslims can play in order not to let that happen. Fatih dreams of a progressive Malaysia, he had a daughter Ariyana who died in childhood.

The first episode was screaming Nemrah Ahmed ;) as by now I and many others recognize her unique writing style.

Anyway, the first episode was a complete package and I loved it. Share your thoughts too! Thanks for reading!

Sidra Hasan

For all Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s crooning kissi daaaaaaa yaar na bichrayyyyyyy through 25 episodes was worth – I am not sure whether kissi da yaar actually did bichar in the end! Who was really who’s yaar and did one particular yaar actually survive in the end? Produced by Six Sigma Plus, directed by Ovais Khan and written by Sanam Mehdi, Guzarish aired it’s last episode on ARY Digital last night. I have been following the drama from the start and if I felt at any point that the drama was dragging – I can not seem to recall that feeling now. A story with nothing extraordinary to offer yet somehow different, Guzarish made a pleasant watch due to the natural acting of its cast, decent storyline and direction.

Guzarish is the story of two young people, Zain (Ahmed Ali) and Zara (Yumna Zaidi) who are in love and engaged to be married. Zain’s older brother Jaffar (Ali Khan) is also engaged to be married to Zara’s sister Sara (Sara Ashraf), although theirs is an arranged match. The girls live with their father Aalam (Javed Sheikh) and although their widowed Phuppo (Saba Hameed) lives separately, she and her son Saad (Affan Waheed) are often at Aalam’s house. Phuppo apparently was never fond of her bhabhi and neither is she particularly fond of her nieces. Saad is in love with Zara but accepts she and Zain are in love and meant to be together and his mother is very adamant too that her son must never marry either of her nieces.

Anyhow, a misunderstanding on the night of the nikkah causes Jaffar to break the engagement with Sara and despite Zara’s pleas to not create a scene nor cause problems in her relationship with Zain, he makes a huge fuss and makes his mother and Zain leave without having any ceremony done. Aalam is outraged too over Jaffar’s insults. Zain’s mother (Saba Faisal) has an accident and while she is in the hospital hovering between life and death, Zara tries to reach out to Zain. Upon Aalam’s insistence (read hukkum) and with Zain unresponsive due to worry over his mother’s condition and Jaffar’s unmoving stance, Zara is married to Saad, much to Phuppo’s despair.

What follows, is disappointingly a typical evil saas all out to make sure her son turns against the bahu and has her thrown out of the house. Despite Saad’s love for Zara, but with Zain’s constant presence somehow or the other in their lives, Saad succumbs to jealousy and suspicions and turns on Zara who finally has had enough and walks out of the house. She collapses and ends up at the hospital where Jaffar sees her and takes her home and Saad believing that Zara has gone back to Zain, wants nothing to do with her. All seems to have worked out how Phuppo envisioned except that Saad is then diagnosed with a brain tumor and by now he has learnt how his mother has played him and seems like the brain tumor has truly affected his brain because he feels the most fitting punishment for his mother would be to deprive her of the one person she loves the most – him. He refuses all treatment and shuts her out and Phuppo realizing how wrong she had been seeks out Zara for forgiveness and to bring her back to convince Saad to fight for his life.

A few other tracks play simultaneously in the drama and add to the story. However, thankfully their tracks did not take the focus away from the main leads which was a relief. Hina (Maha Warsi) is Zain’s khala ki beti and comes to Karachi for Zain’s wedding. She and her mother stay on when Zain’s mother is ill and then she begins to develop feelings for Zain which she openly expresses to him. I am often quite curious about this kind of love where you know the person you love madly loves another yet you claim your love is so deep you feel fulfilled just to know you can be with that person. Anyways, Hina and Zain are engaged and then not engaged and then umm, I lost track.

Jaffar apparently has been in love with a woman abroad for many years who falls for the charms of a younger man, Khurram. Khurram marries her as she is rich and he has financial troubles back home but he does not love her. Khurram however hides this part of his life and marries Sara. Khurram and Sabina have a son who ends up with Jaffar who has made it his purpose in life to protect this child.

What appealed to me the most about this drama was the refreshingly normal attitude of Zara. She was in love with Zain, true. But once she was married to Saad, she accepted the turn her life had taken and made an effort to make her marriage work. Normally the girl in this kind of situation in our dramas becomes a robotic person who erupts from time to time at the understanding new miyan, declaring her love for her old flame. Or, when the understanding miyan vows to deliver her to the love of her life, she realizes her understanding miyan was her true love. Yawwwwn! And Gaggg! I liked Zara’s positive attitude, how she did not whimper and weep over each of Phuppo’s insults and tried to bond with Saad. Also, in the scene when she leaves the house I liked how it did not become a meri baat tau sunain and at one point Zara took control and walked out herself. The fact that she collapses right after is a separate story uggh!

Zain however finds it harder to give up on Zara and I found myself relating to his character and his confusion too. He made a few silly decisions especially jumping into Zara’s life time and again when she made it clear that would only ruin things but given how he was in love with her I could see how he was not ready to give up even though she was married now. However, his immature actions did only end up making life difficult for Zara.

I rarely watch a drama which has Yumna Zaidi in the cast. Something about the way she talks and acts just does not sit well with me. But I will admit she has performed really well in this play. I felt for Zara. However her dialogues at times were a bit too preachy and made me cringe but overall I could not fault her acting. Ali Ahmed, Affan Waheed and Maha Warsi fit their roles perfectly but did not stand out. My favorite however had to be phuppo. Saba Hameed is an actress who fits into her characters so well you believe you are watching the character and not Saba Hameed. Her skeptical and scornful expressions and then her desperation as a mother were so spot on. When she reaches out to Zara I did not find it unreal or artificial and could totally relate to her personality change.

I also liked how although the ending is a happy one (I think), it took a few episodes to come to the point rather than dragging out the drama and then doing an about turn and turning everyone’s lives and personalities upside down within the last 40 minutes and lo and behold, all is well again. The viewers were kept wondering till the very last episode though who Zara will end up with eventually – Saad or Zain. Although not a masterpiece, Guzarish was a decent watch for me.

How many of you were watching Guzarish and rooting for Zara-Zain or Zara-Saad? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kunwal Javid