The theme of “Pardes” initially focused on the lives of immigrants who earn for their families outside the country and return home to nothing in terms of savings. Sarmad Khoosat and Shaista Lodhi excelled as a married couple in love, but forced to sacrifice their nuclear family’s happiness for the sake of Ahsan’s family’s happiness. Now, after a generational jump, the struggles of their children are being seen. Starring Affan Waheed, Durr E Fishan, Shaista Lodhi, Sarmad Khoosat, Gohar Rasheed, Sharmeen Ali, Hammad Shoaib and others, “Pardes” has been directed by Marina Khan and written by Sarwat Nazir.
Episodes 27 & 28 see Ibad (Affan Waheed) and Aiman (Durr E Fishan) continue to deal with Rahila’s (Atiqa Odho) disapproval towards their relationship. This is further intensified when Ibad and Aiman both successfully pass their exams, but with a lower GPA than Rahila’s stepchildren. Rahila has endured a lot at the hands of her stepchildren over the years, but Ibad has also had to suffer through these constant comparisons. Fortunately, the looming cloud is lifted from Rahila’s head when Ibad and Aiman announce that Aiman is expecting. This changes everything for Rahila and she finally feels her place in the family has been cemented. Unfortunately, while the family is celebrating, one can see the writing on the wall and exactly where the story is headed. Like Ahsan (Sarmad Khoosat), Ibad will also seek greater pastures to provide a certain lifestyle for his family.
Of course, the side stories with Asim (Gohar Rasheed) and Noshi (Sharmeen Ali) run alongside as Nomi prepares to leave for the US for his education. He gets married to his cousin before leaving, but then refuses to answer her calls, “ghosting” her for over six months. This creates a tense situation in the house. Meanwhile, as Asim and Noshi have moved to a smaller place for the sake of their son (who will betray them), Zubeida (Shaista Lodhi) and Zain are back in their old house – but this time, happily so. Will Asim and Noshi be forced to come running back to Zubeida after Nomi destroys their dreams?
It’s interesting to see how, despite making all the “right” choices to avoid her mother’s fate, Aiman’s life has come full circle with the prospect of a husband going abroad to build a career for himself. But in this day and age, would any man really leave his wife and child behind? There isn’t any reason for Ibad to not be able to sponsor his family to move along with him. Zubeida has Zain with her to care for her – but she would miss her daughter terribly. What is the fate of this family? What’s great about “Pardes” is that….we care. We care what happens to these characters and what is in store for their future. The team has done an excellent job fleshing out their past experiences and insecurities, which allows viewers to be invested. Affan Waheed’s Ibad is not only a great husband, but Aiman and Ibad’s relationship is one that is admirable and sets a good example for the younger generation – that open communication, trust and respect is necessary to build a strong relationship. Affan Waheed and Durr E Fishan have successfully taken the reigns of the show and the duo, along with Atiqa Odho, have become the star performers. “Pardes” is a show that has kept us hooked from the first episode – and it continues to do so.
