“Jalan” now airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, giving viewers double the dose of drama each week. Starring Minal Khan, Emmad Irfani, Fahad Sheikh and Hajra Yamin in lead roles, the show has been written by Sidra Sehar Imran and directed by Aabis Raza. Focusing on two sisters and how one’s selfish attitude destroys multiple families, “Jalan” is now inching towards its conclusion.
In episodes 24 & 25, Nisha (Minal Khan) and Asfandyar’s (Emmad Irfani) marriage is at an all-time low with Nisha blowing off Asfand as though their relationship is meaningless. Not only does she not pay attention to him at home, she also leaves the house without ever informing him as to where she’s going – and where she’s going is, obviously, to see Ahmer (Fahad Sheikh). To make matters worse (for the duo), Ahmer now has control over Asfand’s financial prosperity and how well his business can and will do. The two men do not get along and Ahmer’s refusal to work with Asfandyar is a big blow to Asfand’s business.
After hearing Nisha’s voice over the phone, Humaira (Maira Khan) does not want to leave any room for Nisha to wiggle her way back into Ahmer’s life, so she quickly has Areej (Hajra Yamin) pack up and sends her to Karachi. Areej, excited to see Ahmer, arrives, but is shocked to find Nisha there – and vice versa. Areej confronts the two and applauds Ahmer on his deceit before storming out. Seeing Areej’s anger and possessiveness, Ahmer finally realizes that what he always wanted from a partner was love, importance and loyalty. He now realizes he has always had these traits in Areej, but had been overlooking her the entire time, blinded by heartbreak. Last week, we discussed how Ahmer was the “Nisha” in his marriage, causing Areej the emotional trauma he himself suffered at Nisha’s hands. If Ahmer had not turned a corner this week, he would have been written off in the minds of many viewers due to his heartless behavior towards his wife. Fortunately, Ahmer realizes how badly he has wronged Areej and, seeing Nisha and Areej side by side, he finally understands how different these women are.
These two episodes belong to Hajra Yamin as Areej. Areej has never been a doormat, but with the nature of her marriage (Ahmer living out of country), she found herself reduced to a neglected, unloved woman who would sit and wait for her husband to show her some attention. Seeing Nisha and Ahmer together is the snapping point for Areej and she remembers that she has self-worth. She refuses to stand by and put up with Nisha any longer – and when Ahmer suddenly makes her feel as though she has that right to him, she takes charge. Telling Nisha off, she puts her in her place, making it clear that she knows what kind a woman she is and she is not welcome in her – and Ahmer’s – life. She also gives it straight to Asfandyar that he needs to control his wife who is meeting her husband in the late hours of the night. One wants to applaud Areej, because it’s clear that if Nisha’s parents, sister and everyone around her had set her straight like this at a young age, things may have been different.
Jalan Episode 22: Fahad Sheikh’s Ahmer Is the Highlight of This Show
The episode winds up with Ahmer taking Areej to stay with Misha’s parents when Misha’s father falls ill. Areej has won Ahmer’s heart and acceptance into his life. Meanwhile, Nisha has begun threatening Asfandyar that she is going to leave him – for Ahmer. Fahad Sheikh and Hajra Yamin are the star performers of this episode, winning the hearts of viewers as Ahmer and Areej. It’s great to see some positivity in this otherwise heavy and chaotic story. The preview for next week appears to be wrapping up loose ends, which suggests it’s either the 2nd last episode or possibly even the last episode.
