“Jalan” continues to play the TRP game, bringing in viewership based on a surprising story and incidents that keep the viewer interested. Starring Minal Khan, Areeba Habib, Emmad Irfani, Fahad Sheikh, Hajra Yamin and many others, the story has focused on two sisters essentially fighting over one man. However, at present, the story has finally taken a different turn after Misha’s death, now following the aftermath of Misha’s death and what could potentially be a revenge story from Ahmer’s end.
Nisha (Minal Khan) is a character that is beyond any point of understanding. The mental health aspect of this show is not even a discussion point. She is not being highlighted as a mentally unstable individual, which is what the hope was for her character. Nisha is simply a self-absorbed character, though in reality she would be classified as a sociopath. While on her honeymoon, Nisha is informed of Misha’s (Areeba Habib) death. A look flickers across her face, giving the viewer a second to understand that Nisha has been informed of Misha’s death. But when she hangs up the phone, she enthusiastically tells Asfand (Emmad Irfani) that she’s ready to go out – and conceals this truth from him not only throughout their honeymoon, but also for days after their return. Nisha is the sort of character who one honestly just hopes the worst for, because she does not care for anyone – not her sister, not her parents…..and now, not even her husband?
In episode 19, it’s revealed that Kinza (Nadia Hussain) is the majority shareholder in the family business, owns a larger percentage of all finances and property and basically, Asfandyar is at her mercy. While Asfand may be angry at his sister for her decision and her refusal to speak to him, he does not speak ill of Kinza and understands that her holdings are her right given to her by their parents. Nisha, however, does not feel the same way and tells Asfand to change the papers and assert his right over the finances, going as far to state that their religion does not give Kinza this right anyway. Asfandyar is shocked at her statements and their fights begin. This only gets worse when Asfand finds out about Misha and realizes Nisha has been hiding this information from him. Asfand begins to realize that Nisha married him for his money and begins to feel the weight of his decisions, which have destroyed two entire families. Unfortunately, it’s too little too late and Asfand does not get to play the victim. This is a grown man who made a calculated choice to cheat on his devoted, loving wife with her sister. Before his affair with Nisha had even begun, Asfandyar pushed Misha once in anger, because she was “always tired” (she was pregnant). Then when she was pregnant, she pushed her to the floor and tried to give her a divorce. When she set herself on fire, he behaved as though it were an inconvenience to him, not an ounce of remorse or realization on his face for what he had done to her. Should viewers blame Nisha? Of course. She’s a terrible person. But so is Asfandyar. These two terrible people ended up together because they deserved each other.
At this point, Asfandyar wants custody of his son, but Nisha and Kinza are opposed to the child entering the house, both for different reasons. Still, it’s clear that Asfand will bring the child home – and Nisha’s behavior towards the boy will be her downfall. Ahmer’s (Fahad Sheikh) story is taking a predictable turn, though it’s not a turn that’s unlikable. As his friend is now busy with his father’s businesses, he asks Ahmer to take charge of his business in Dubai (is it Dubai?). The stage is set for Ahmer to make money and become a wealthy man – just as Asfand is losing his stature. Will this mark the return of Nisha in Ahmer’s life? How will she even believe this is possible? And to what extent will Ahmer respond? Honestly, I simply want to see Ahmer rebuilding is trust and faith in relationships with Areej (Hajra Yamin), a character that has been grossly neglected.
Jalan Episode 18: Fahad Sheikh’s Ahmer Is Set to Take Center Stage
“Jalan” continues to be interested, but while that interest was once due to shock-value, now the audience simply wants vengeance to be served in one way or another. But will there really be a satisfying way to end this show? Will Nisha being slapped by 4-5 different individuals really make up for the fact that she and Asfand caused Misha’s pain, which led to her death? One really does wish “Jalan” tried to tackle a more realistic aspect to this story – the aspect of Nisha’s mind, how it works and how she should be seeking treatment. But alas, we will have to settle for slaps.
