“Aakhir Kab Tak” has been a step above the rest throughout its run so far. This is an issue-based show, one that highlights the problems women face not only outside the home, but also within their own environment. And yet, this is not a grim show, balancing the intensity with real-life depictions of romance and kindness. If anything, this show focuses on empowerment and moving past trauma towards happiness. Starring Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Adeel Hussain, Haroon Shahid, Azfar Rehman, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and others, the story has been written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama.
Episode 22 arrives like the calm before the storm, allowing the audience to breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the two starkly different love stories….while also becoming aware of what shake-ups await the audience in the future. Fajr (Srha Asghar) and Saim (Haroon Shahid) are now openly in love, sharing a true bond of husband and wife while finding complete support in Saim’s family. Yes, even Neelofar (Sabahat Bukhari), who is not only apologetic for her past wrong-doings, but also now supports Fajr against others. It’s beautiful to see this bond growing between Neelofar and Fajr….but a dark cloud looms on the horizon. Neelofar mentions a visit from Saim’s friend, Zulfi, who is someone Saim’s sister immediately visibly does not like. She not only dislikes him, but also seems to be concealing some past trauma. While it does require one to read between the lines, it’s evident that Zulfi is the one and only Professor Zafar (Azfar Rehman), who will make his re-entry into Fajr’s life through her greatest support….her husband. Still, one has to hold on to hope that Saim and his family will support Fajr through the trauma when it’s revealed – especially because it seems Saim’s sister has experienced something similar at his hands.
Of course, once again, it’s Noor (Ushna Shah) and Nasir (Adeel Hussain) who steal the show with their light-hearted, natural romance that is firmly rooted in the real world. While Nasir wants to marry Noor, Noor has a load of baggage and obligations and fears losing Nasir at the mention of this. Still, like the brave, practical woman she is, Noor has an open conversation with Nasir about her family situation and while Nasir seems sympathetic, he agrees that there may not be a future on the cards for the two of them. This is a real couple with emotions that the audience can connect with and it’s so tragic to see how Noor internally breaks down at the thought of losing her greatest support system and the man that she loves. But Nasir pulls through for Noor as always and gives her and the audience a happy surprise by moving in next door to her family home.
This episode in particular leaves the viewer with a big smile on their face at the end. Adeel Hussain continues to leave the audience in splits with his sarcastic comedy and light-hearted nature while Ushna Shah’s Noor is a role model for all young girls, the sort of heroine we’ve been waiting for on our television screens. Of course, Srha Asghar and Haroon Shahid are playing Fajr and Saim wonderfully as well with this romance a solid representation of a supportive marriage. This is an episode dedicated to the progression of the love stories of Saim and Fajr, along with Noor and Nasir. With both couples now settled in a happy place, the stage is set to bring back Professor Zafar. How will his re-entry impact Noor and Fajar’s lives?