Rutba started last week, and with three episodes out, we have had a glimpse of what the new drama has to offer.
Written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Haseeb Hassan, Rutba brings together Hiba Bukhari and Talha Chahour as Mahnoor and Hadi, alongside Mehwish Hayat and Zahid Ahmed, whose characters introduce a new layer of mystery into the story.
So far, Rutba has given us a sweet love story, a marriage that seems to work on trust and understanding, and a glimpse of the conflict that may lie ahead. While the romance has been at the centre of the first two episodes, the story takes a different turn in the third, when Hadi and Mahnoor begin settling into their new life and two new characters enter the picture.
Hadi & Mahnoor: An Eight-Year Wait for Love
Hadi and Mahnoor come from very different backgrounds. Hadi belongs to a relatively simple village family, while Mahnoor is a city girl. After waiting eight years for Hadi to complete his education and establish himself, Mahnoor finally sees him bring a marriage proposal to her family. Hadi has now cleared his CSS examinations and become an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Their families are initially a little hesitant about their differences, but the drama handles these concerns with understanding rather than unnecessary conflict. Hiba Bukhari and Talha Chahour make a lovely pairing, sharing some genuinely sweet moments, particularly when Hadi sings for Mahnoor on their wedding night. The village sequences and aerial shots are also beautifully executed, although the ease with which the village boy and city girl overcome their differences feels a little idealistic.
Two Years Later, a New Chapter Begins
The story moves forward two years, and Hadi and Mahnoor are happily married and expecting their first child. Having spent time apart because of Hadi’s posting, they are finally preparing to move into their own official residence, which needs considerable renovation.
Hadi’s honesty stands out as he refuses to accept funds or favours from contractors to fix the house. His principled nature could become important as the story progresses, especially with new characters entering their lives.
Another refreshing aspect is Hadi’s religious family and its acceptance of Mahnoor’s modern outlook. Mahnoor, too, makes a genuine effort to impress her in-laws. So far, their relationship has been portrayed with warmth, without resorting to the usual saas-bahu conflicts or forcing Mahnoor to change who she is.
Enter Mehwish Hayat & Zahid Ahmed
Just as the couple begins settling into their new home, Sheely (Mehwish Hayat) and Meer (Zahid Ahmed) enter the story. Sheely reveals that she knew the previous occupants of the house, including its former owner, ASP Feroz, who has passed away. She also offers to help with the renovation through her husband’s construction business, but Mahnoor politely declines.
Their connection to the previous owner raises questions, while Meer’s introduction into Hadi’s professional world hints at a possible clash between Hadi’s principles and the influence of powerful people.
Could this new couple become a source of conflict for Hadi and Mahnoor, whose relationship currently rests on trust? It is too early to tell, but their arrival has added an intriguing mystery to the story.
While the initial love story feels a little idealistic, Rutba has made a promising start with its portrayal of a trusting marriage and an accepting family.
With Sheely and Meer now in the picture, we are curious to see how the story develops. Will Hadi’s honesty be tested, and will the mystery surrounding the previous owner reveal something that changes the couple’s lives?
Did you catch up with the story yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
