“Pyar Ke Sadqay” is one of the better shows on television right now. With a strong storyline, a great cast, adorable leads and an interesting negative character, this show has everything going for it. Unfortunately at present, the story has taken a “second marriage” route, which is a track viewers are tired of watching in Pakistani shows. In the last episode, we saw that Shanzay convinced Abdullah to marry her through emotional blackmail – but Abdullah wanted to make his marriage to Mehjabeen work.
In episode 22, Abdullah (Bilal Abbas Khan) has been sucked into Shanzay’s (Yashma Gill) trap once again and Shanzay is seen trying to convince Abdullah to divorce Mehjabeen (Yumna Zaidi). While Abdullah seems hesitant and is clearly wrestling with his conscience, these scenes succeed in raising the blood pressure of viewers. Abdullah agreed to marry Shanzay out of obligation and pity. Why would he be expected to divorce the wife he already told Shanzay he was committed to previously? This show is quickly headed down the “Dusri Biwi” road and that is not a welcome one.
Watch the episode here.
Of course, the brightest, most likable ladies of the show make their appearance in this episode (finally). Washma (Srha Asghar) and Phupo (Sharmeen Ali) are seen discussing Washma’s love life. This angle is realistic, because Washma has only seen bad relationships around her, so her faith in males is at a low despite having feelings for Ehsan. Phupo uses Abdullah’s example to push Washma in the right direction, highlighting how loving and caring Abdullah is not only towards them but also Mehjabeen. Unfortunately, though Washma agrees, she spots Abdullah and Shanzay in the car together on her way to meet Ehsan.
When she arrives back home, she informs Phupo about this development and the two seem upset. This is a promising track, because Washma has always looked out for Abdullah and tried to protect her family from Sarwar and it will be a welcome track to see Washma and Phupo team up to help Mehjabeen through the present situation. Washma is a lovable character and Srha Asghar is a sight for sore eyes when she appears on screen. Sharmeen Ali is doing a good job as Phupo as well, though she doesn’t get much screen time.
While Mehjabeen and Abdullah are seen bickering and Abdullah has become dismissive of Mehjabeen, Sarwar has become gutsy with his pursuit of her. Mansoora has also begun to show her disdain towards Mehjabeen, which is giving Sarwar power. While he previously just made Mehjabeen feel uncomfortable and gave off “creepy vibes,” this time around Sarwar openly admires Mehjabeen and suggests that he ensure Mehjabeen stays in the house if she agrees to have an affair with him. Mehjabeen may be innocent, but she understands the negative connotations and immediately runs to Abdullah and tells him that Sarwar has been making her feel uncomfortable, propositioning her. While it would’ve been ideal to see Abdullah come to Mehjabeen’s defense immediately, Abdullah reacts as though Mehjabeen has attacked his father and drops her home. This isn’t unrealistic though as few would immediately believe negative accusations about their father – and Abdullah has been in Sarwar’s “trap” for years now. This is simply a reaction that comes from years of his own emotional abuse. But, in a welcome scene, Abdullah is seen remembering instances where Mehjabeen has tried to come clean about Sarwar before – which means Abdullah may acknowledge this truth sooner than later.
Omair Rana continues to be a large highlight of the show, playing the realistic “baddie” in a way that we hate Sarwar, but also enjoy watching him on screen. Sarwar isn’t larger than life, he’s just manipulative and, well, evil. The rest of the cast continues to do a great job in their roles, but with the current track, it’s becoming difficult to praise any one actor, because the storyline isn’t the best. Yumna Zaidi does a great job in this episode too, but it’s high time Mehjabeen takes control and starts fighting back – against Shanzay and Sarwar both. Episode 22 was not action-packed, but did manage to move the story forward towards the end.