This week’s Dar-e-Nijaat gave us plenty to think about, from Zamil’s unexpected change to Abu Bakar’s difficult dilemma and Zaryab’s refusal to see what is right in front of her.
So Zamil setting out with the Tableeghi Jamaat definitely surprised us. He isn’t completely black — there might be some hope there, though we’re a bit confused by his sudden change. On one hand, he seems clearly put off by Zaryab suddenly, telling her, “You are always in my space,” and also implies that his life has changed since she’s been with him, indirectly holding her responsible for his grades. But then he’s also in competition with Abu Bakar, and he’s also okay with going to the US with Zaryab. So we have no idea what’s going on — something seems to be missing.
We also don’t understand why Zaryab’s character is exaggerated to the point that it’s borderline annoying. One would expect a girl of her background to possess a certain poise, an air of refinement—even in her rudeness. Yet here she was, practically shouting for no reason. She stood so close to Zamil that he would have even heard her whisper. Then why raise her voice when he could clearly hear every word?
While Zamil is a twisted character, and the way he used Zaryab and is now blaming her is wrong, can Zaryab — and girls like her — be completely blame-free when they choose not to pay attention to the obvious signs that something is gravely wrong? Zamil is clearly saying something, but she doesn’t even pay attention for a moment. She’s in her own bubble.
How are the parents okay with Zamil and Zaryab living together? Does the dadi know?
The other track — of Abu Bakar, Hamna, and Khushbakht — is so interesting. We were curious to know more about Hamna’s story and how Abu Bakar will deal with it. What exactly did Abu Bakar do? This track is again a reminder of how young girls can become infatuated with men who help them — this could be the story of many people who’ve found themselves in similar situations. It’s sensitive and tricky because anyone can assume the wrong thing.
The story made Khushbakht recall her own past, and now we’ll find out what exactly happened there.
The drama also captured how we think of people who take time out for religion. It highlights that we can visit the northern areas for two weeks and everyone will be fine with it, but a week for religious pursuits, and suddenly everyone is curious. Zaryab isn’t bothered by drinking, drugs, and having an intimate relationship with Zamil, but she is bothered by his going with the Tableeghi Jamaat — another representation of a certain part of society.
Umera Ahmed shows that if a writer wants to, he/she can use the pen to influence the audience in a positive way. The drama showed Abu Bakar reciting the Quran and repeating that one ayat again and again when he was faced with the dilemma of how to handle Hamna—when his own reputation was at stake—was such a beautiful way to remind us to ask Allah for help, and that He will guide you when you are in need and when you ask Him.
إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ
“Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”
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