Over the past few months, viewers of “Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha” have followed the lives of Saad, Maheer and, unfortunately, Areeb. In what should have been a promising love triangle, the audience found themselves staunchly on one side – Saad’s. To call this a flat love story would be an understatement with characters that behave illogically, are frustratingly dense and even lack any ounce of self-respect. In recent weeks, viewers have even grown exhausted of Saad’s misery, wondering when this man will stand up for himself and stop moaning over a woman who does not show him respect. Fortunately, in episode 23, things do begin to look up. Starring Wahaj Ali, Hania Amir, Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz, Shahood Alvi, Salma Hassan, Shaheen Khan, Noor Ul Hassan and Rabya Kulsoom, “Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha” has been written by Sidra Seher Imran and directed by Badar Mehmood.
In episode 23, Maheer (Hania Amir) returns home to witness a blowout between Rafia (Salma Hassan), Saad (Wahaj Ali) and his family over the family home. Saad, under financial hardship due to his father’s loan, clarifies that he has no intention of selling the house, but Rafia is unwilling to listen, her bitterness towards Saad only increasing. Maheer, on her part, has returned home almost a new woman, now dedicated to making her marriage work – which is oddly refreshing to see. At one time, we felt Maheer could not be redeemed even a bit, but is it possible that we can, once again, root for Maheer and Saad? Maheer has a deep discussion with Saad where she explains the importance of marriage and being there for one another. This is a conversation that has been long overdue and it’s nice to see the couple behaving as a support system for one another for once.
Saad and Maheer set out to apply for jobs and Saad is hired on successfully. Unfortunately, a connected scene does not sit well as Saad discourages Maheer from working and helping him improve conditions for the family. There is not a valid reason for Saad to expect his wife to sit at home and waste her degree – a point Maheer makes for herself, but ultimately accepts Saad’s decision. And while Maheer is respectful of Saad’s wishes, Anabia and Rafia do not waste a moment to attack Saad in a ridiculous scene. Anabia treats Saad as “the enemy” and insults him to Maheer’s face and Maheer, finally, tells Anabia to speak respectfully about her husband. What makes this moment hilarious – and not in an actually funny way – is how offended Anabia is and how Rafia expects Maheer to apologize to Anabia. Why would she? When will Anabia recognize how badly she has overstepped – and continues to overstep? The entire character of Anabia is a joke, a married woman who has little to do but meddle in the romantic life of her cousin.
Of course, Areeb (Zaviyaar Nauman Ejaz) grows increasingly annoying as he refuses to take Maheer’s “no” for an answer. He is so deeply “in love” that he will do anything to save Maheer from the clutches of her evil, manipulative husband….who is anything but that. Areeb has now entered villain mode and with Saad and Areeb sharing professional space, things are sure to get heated.
This episode belongs to Hania Amir, who finally brings the logical, kind, somewhat intelligent side of Maheer out. This was a side that we had forgotten existed, and Hania’s performance reminds us that Maheer wasn’t always this annoying character. Wahaj Ali’s performance is great, as always, and he allows that vulnerability in Saad to continue to tug at our heartstrings. We only wish Saad, as a character, would grow a spine. While Saad and Maheer share some really sweet moments in this episode, Areeb will create further chaos next week, truly cementing his place as an anti-hero. The question really is – how will Maheer handle it or will she continue to make a mess of her marriage?