“Aakhir Kab Tak” is a story that is issue-based, focusing on the way women are treated in society and how two sisters handle life differently based on their attitudes. Written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama, this drama stars Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Adeel Hussain, Azfar Rehman, Haroon Shahid, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and others. Up until now, we’ve seen that Fajar (Srha Asghar) is a timid, unconfident character growing up in a toxic environment, supported only by Noor (Ushna Shah), her outspoken sister. In episode 3, we saw how Professor Hamayun (Azfar Rehman) preys upon Fajar, grooming her before he makes his move and attacks her, making a video of the act.
Episode 4 deals with the fall-out of the situation, specifically the emotional reaction Fajar has afterwards. Arriving back home, Bushra instructs Fajar to keep quiet and not tell her family what happened or Professor Hamayun will release her video online. These videos are Hamayun’s greatest bargaining tool to keep these girls “in check” – and Bushra is perfect evidence of how far a girl will go to maintain her so-called dignity and reputation intact. While she has suffered through the same grief Fajar has, she is now causing Fajar grief by pushing her into the same turmoil.
Fajar is unable to handle the grief, breaking down in bed, developing a high fever, falling unconscious and, ultimately, even attempting to jump off the roof and commit suicide. Fortunately, her mother (Javeria Abbasi) and Noor catch her in time, but this only speaks of Fajar’s mental condition – which is made worse when Bushra pays her a visit, telling her she’s being summoned by Hamayun again. While the women struggle with Fajar’s condition, they do not receive any support from their father or from anyone in the household. This shows the sort of loveless home they have been raised in with a father who not only physically abuses their mother, but also mentally and verbally abuses her. It’s not a surprise that Fajar is so timid, while Noor is opposed to the idea of marriage.
Srha Asghar and Ushna Shah are both doing a brilliant job in their respective roles, along with Azfar Rehman who has made his presence felt even when he isn’t in this particular episode. The concept of “Aakhir Kab Tak” is very heavy, making it a difficult show to watch for many, and yet, it’s a show that one could call necessary viewing as it sheds light on how members of society partake in predatory behavior – and how one should look out for the signs. It will be interesting to see how Noor reacts when she finds out what has happened to her sister in the next episode.
