In a beautiful and moving twist, Shameem turns out to be the hero of Haji Mushtaq – Barbeena’s love story and seems that Barbeena chooses to live with Haji Mushtaq over Baraan, not just out of duty, but love. The two men in Kabli Pulao, Baraan & Haji Mushtaq – we have one word for them, respect!
A Story That Spoke Our Heart!
It seems the drama showed exactly what the audiences wanted to experience, the story moves towards climax; conflict between Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena, Baraan losing his calm demeanor and getting angry at Haji Mushtaq over threatening and suspecting Barbeena.
It is laudable to note a shift in male narratives as both Baraan & Haji Mushtaq chose trust over doubt for the woman they love. Haji, in his desire to let go of Barbeena for her true love, (not because he doubted her, as we discovered towards the end of the episode in Kabli Pulao), and Baraan, in protecting her honor and feeling anger towards Haji for doubting her. “Aisi aurat ko toh sar pe bithaana chahiye” he utters emotionally, instead of pointing a finger at her.
Shameem – The Friend Haji Mushtaq Needed
It was a surprising twist to see Shameem trying to be the friend that Haji Mushtaq desperately needed at this point, making him realize a lot of things, vouching for Baraan and urging Haji Mushtaq not to make a mistake that he will regret for the rest of his life, making him realize how much in love he is with Barbeena, and that her decision to stay with him was not an act of sacrifice or duty but testament to the love she had in his heart for him.
Though probably, Shameem didn’t need to convince Haji of Barbeena’s innocence, as his reasons for asking Barbeena to leave were not really him doubting her loyalty towards him or thinking she is a spy, it was simply what he thought would be best for her.
The Two Heroes Of The Story
Baraan and Shameem – our two heroes, both rose to the occasion, prioritizing the happiness of people they loved over their own happiness. Although Haji Mushtaq was telling Baraan to take away Barbeena, Baraan was not happy to do it. He didn’t want to take her. It also made sense for Baraan and Shameem to connect over their lost love.
The drama fooled us for a bit, making us question: was Haji Mushtaq really jealous, was he suspecting Baraan and Barbeena of foul play? This reaction from Haji Mushtaq also made us a little disappointed, only to win us back later as he revealed his real reason for asking Barbeena to leave.
Barbeena: Love vs Duty
Till now it seemed that maybe it would be difficult for Barbeena to choose between the two. Although she had asked Baraan to leave, but one would think, it was because she thought that was the right thing to do and she didn’t want to betray Haji Mushtaq. But now that he knew the entire truth, one would think she was free to then leave with Baraan without being accused of disloyalty, but surprisingly and pleasantly she was clear she wanted to be with Haji Mushtaq.
Another touching scene – when the women of the family sat around Barbeena and she starts crying. It also dawns on us that she loves this family and doesn’t want to leave them. We love how the story has taken a deep twist and we can’t wait to see what really happens in the end – hopefully a happy and smiling Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena – changing mindsets and stereotypes.
