“Pardes” has done a great job of showing how children are affected by the choices of their elders. Starring Affan Waheed, Durr E Fishan, Shaista Lodhi, Sarmad Khoosat, Gohar Rasheed, Sharmeen Ali, Atiqa Odho and others, the story has been written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Marina Khan. During the course of the show, we have seen how Ahsan and Zubeidaa’s choices, specifically the decision for Ahsan to work abroad, has had a long-lasting effect on his entire family – most importantly, on his children. With both kids now grown up and one married, the effects continue to be seen in their actions and life choices.
There are two major events that take place in episodes 29 & 30. First, Ibaad (Affan Waheed) and Aiman (Durr e Fishan) are basking in the joy of their yet-to-be-born baby. Rahila (Atiqa Odho) appears to be equally excited – and yet, the arrival of a baby also means the family is now awaiting good news regarding Ibaad’s job as well. While Ibaad initially hides it, it’s soon revealed that he will be sent abroad for four months while in training. Hearing this, Aiman’s stress and anxiety begins, terrified of her life playing out the same way her mother’s did. This is an interesting angle, because individuals aren’t the same and, even more importantly, life does have a set pattern. Ibaad is not Ahsan and Aiman is not Zubeidaa. These are young, confident, educated and strong individuals with a backbone – they are certainly not destined to make the same mistakes their families did. For Ibaad, he comes from a background where immense expectations are on his shoulders – his mother has been through a lot in her life and it’s his duty to make her dreams come true. But on the other hand, he does not want to let down his wife, the woman he loves, and decides to take a step back and think it over.
Realistically, Ibaad should be able to take the job, travel abroad for four months and come back to his family. There isn’t any reason for Aiman to stop him, despite her insecurities. The show so far has done a great job highlighting the impact these issues carry on through generations, but one has to hope that they do an equally good job showing how Ibaad and Aiman’s fate does not have to mirror that of their parents. They are intelligent individuals who can make informed decisions – and in this day and age, there isn’t any reason for Aiman to even remain in Pakistan separate from her husband if he even decides to stay out of the country.
The second major event that takes place is that Asim (Gohar Rasheed) and Noshi (Sharmeen Ali) finally realize the importance of family – specifically Asim’s family – after Noshi is robbed at gunpoint. Robbed of their life savings, they are turned away by all, including Noshi’s own family. Noshi is shocked when her own father and sister not only turn against her (after their son breaks off his marriage), but also inform her that they are moving to Canada. It’s then that Zubeidaa (Shaista Lodhi) comes to her rescue, along with Zain. It has taken Asim and Noshi decades, but they have finally recognized Zubeidaa’s value and acknowledged her goodness. And while this is satisfying, it’s actually sad to see how Asim and Noshi have lost everything – including their wayward son.
Affan Waheed and Durr E Fishan’s chemistry as Ibaad and Aiman is refreshing and their relationship is winning hearts. This is a loving, supportive couple and it’s rare to see such sweet moments on our television screens. It helps that both characters are very likable. How the show moves forward from this point will be interesting. Will Ibaad avail the opportunities awarded to him and make his mother proud or will he remain in Pakistan (which there is nothing wrong with) and refuse to leave Aiman’s side?