“Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay” is a show that has been sweeping audiences off their feet, becoming a source of absolute enjoyment, a delight mainly due to the incredible performances from the lead and supporting cast. Written by Umera Ahmed, “Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay” has been directed by Farooq Rind and stars Mahira Khan, Kubra Khan, Usman Mukhtar, Huma Nawab, Laila Wasti, Shamim Hilaly, Ali Tahir and many others. The story of an intense rivalry between cousins and how competition can grow incredibly unhealthy when perpetuated by toxic family members, this show is a complex love triangle.
In episode 5, we see Mehreen (Mahira Khan) and Aswad (Usman Mukhtar) finally beginning to reconnect, Aswad realizing Mehreen is that same girl he always held so dear. Their friendship remains undeterred even after being interrupted by a jealous Mashal (Kubra Khan). What’s interesting here is that, during their argument, Aswad makes it clear that he’s not romantically interested in either Mashal or Mehreen….which further upsets Mashal. But things turn sour when Saleha (Huma Nawab) walks in and notices a cigarette burn on Mehreen’s clothing. This, of course, cements the reality of Mashal’s words in Aswad’s mind. This entire scenario would throw the logical mind for a loop, but Aswad isn’t logical. A cigarette smoker does not randomly use their own clothing as an ash tray. Why would Mehreen have cigarette burns on her clothing simply because she smokes? What Aswad should be checking for is the “scent,” the scent a smoker tends to carry with them – something Mehreen would never have on her, because…….she doesn’t smoke. Saleha is the voice of reason and she, thankfully, points out Aswad’s blind faith in Mashal’s lies. Unfortunately, Aswad is too far gone to recognize that Mashal is lying.
Fortunately, Mehreen receives comfort in Sara’s home when Safaan (Haroon Shahid) brings his mother to meet her. The entire family wholeheartedly loves Mehreen and Mehreen is content in that acceptance. We finally see happiness on Mehreen’s face as she is finally at peace with herself, envisioning dreams of being Safaan’s wife and having a loving home, escaping from her own toxic family home. But how can Mehreen remain happy when Mashal has the keys to her brain (her brain being her bedroom and her journal)? While Mashal is content at present after extracting a partial confession of feelings from Aswad, will Mehreen’s interest in Safaan change her mindset?
It’s the Aswad character that continues to be a mess and one has to feel for Usman Mukhtar, who is one hell of an actor to make Aswad even somewhat likeable. Aswad has his moments, particularly when he’s alone with Mehreen. But it’s the cloud of trust that looms over him, blindly trusting Mashal for no logical reason, that digs a hole. Why is Aswad so judgmental? Why does Aswad judge Mehreen so harshly? Yes, it’s a trait that he’s carried since childhood, but why hasn’t he grown out of it? Mahira Khan and Kubra Khan are the stars of the show, of course. Both ladies are doing a brilliant job in their respective roles. “Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay,” despite the flaws, is one of the most compelling shows on television at present, along with “Parizaad” and “Aakhir Kab Tak.”
