I forgot to mention Shabana and Bilal’s phone call and his interview in episode 13. Long story short, Bilal asks Shabana to come back and she says: she’ll think about it.

And Bilal tells the whole town. Hehe. Bawla woh abhi bhi hai. So funny. Mannu’s result and Bilal’s interview getting some attention on social media, this conversation was nice. Tara and his incorrect English made it extra funny. This guy playing Tara, he’s going good.

The lukkha gawking at Shabana finally walks to her and asks to join her. Shabana ka munh tod jawab made me happy. She not only aska him to F-off but also snaps at the waiter who had the audacity to say “sir ne pay kar diya hai”.

When she steps out, Kabeer is there, standing by the car, just waiting. Shabana and I, we both heaved a sigh of relief. Was it in the last episode that I said “Kabeer is perseverant and that would eventually make him adorable?” Well… It kinda did. The day Shabana had, she needed the respite of a friendly and kind (and might I add a loving) person. On the ride back, she introspects, asks how Kabeer would have reacted in her situation. Kabeer replies like a logical, practical person. Is Shabana upset over Ehteshaam? No, sir! She’s angry, as she should be.

Very well said, sant Kabeer.

Shabana has had enough of Hira. There is a gentle confrontation where Hira kinda flexes that she has connections in HR department. The next thing we know, she was unceremoniously fired. Shabana had kept the boss Noman in loop which helped.

You shouldn’t be too afraid of people. Hira’s Mamu in HR is also an employee and he wouldn’t risk his own job for his niece.

If only we all are so reasonable in our thinking. But honestly, maza aa gaya.

Yumna comes to see Shabana. I liked their casual yet cautious chat about weather. Customary, and uncomfortable. Shabana openly admits of why she came to Karachi, and that she has no interest in Salaar anymore but yumna wants to stay in touch. She has things to say but lacks the courage I guess. And Shabana’s lack of interest doesn’t help much, but her words do impact Shabana.

ایک مظلوم کو دوسرے مظلوم کا بہت سہارا ہوتا ہے شبانہ

And followed by: you should be thankful to Allah for saving you from a tragedy.

Ia it going on housemaid angle now? Like Shabana will help Yumna who’s trapped in an abusive marriage? That’d be awesome, honestly.

Tauqeer was investigating Shabana, right? Whatever crappy report he got, it confirms his suspicions: that Shabana has targetted Kabeer for a reason. He talks to Kabeer, says things he shouldn’t have said. Things escalate, dadi overhear things and… Bas, phir se hospital. This scene served two purposes. Second of all, it put dadi back to the hospital. And first of all, it shows us how our perception shapes our reality. Tauqeer thinks people from small villages are manipulative and he created a story so crass, I don’t even want to repeat it. Ah, perceptions!

And then comes the scariest and kinda lamest scene of the episode. Someone has broken into Shabana’s place. She calls police but couldn’t tell her address (which is weird, because when you shift to a new place, you learn a few basic things first). Then she calls Kabeer who not only receives her call and promises to call the police but also goes to see her. Wasn’t he at the hospital? Hello? Priorities?

Despite Shabana locking the room’s door, the intruder comes in, but fret not. She’s ready. Hits him and runs out. The moment she opens the main door, two policemen and the building security guy come in because they were literally waiting outside for their entry. It was so hilarious to watch. I reminded to watch it again.

And then the best part… Kabeer and Shabana arguing. This time, Kabeer didn’t hold back. Turki ba turki jawab diya. Finally when Shabana has nothing more to say:

Shabana: aap mujhe taana maarne aaye hain.

Kabeer: taana maarna hota toh phone par hi maarta, aane ki kya zaroorat thhi?

I laughed, like laughed out loud. Sooo good.

So, now, are they getting married?

By the way, I must say this, as I have been thinking about it for every drama I watch starting Adeel hussain. For a fit guy, isn’t his butt not-so-flat? Something feels out of proportion. Sorry, silly thing to say but it’s been on my mind for a while.

Should I watch Bas Tera Saath Ho? I don’t want to.

Review

This was probably the most enjoyable episode of this drama so far. I can’t I say cared much about Tauqeer-Kabeer tu tu main main but rest of the episode was packed with events that move the story forward like thak-thak-thak, not dragging it.

Okay, so Shabana has some very positive qualities: she gives no effs for people in power, she doesn’t mop but moves on, she doesn’t mince her words but she also has very strong chameleon like trait: ekdum rang badal leti hai. This, in a way, makes her a perfect protagonist. She isn’t perfect, she has flawed and there’s room for improvement, for growth. I love Shabana, and I love how Sohai is playing her.

~~~