So, episode 14 is here. For a refresher course, check old episodes.
Since I barely recall anything except for a few character names, here is a recap:
I know, you are looking for link of episode 12 review. That’s because I didn’t do it, I don’t remember why. Things are quite hazy, cuz it has been a lot. I think the last episode was in January 2023. Has it really been six months? Phew! Time is flies faster in 2023.
Oh, wait… It turns out that I missed reading one episode from March. Ah, need to take a detour. Here: Book Review | Maala | Episode 13 | Nemrah Ahmed
So, without much further ado (moreso than we already have), let’s get to the one-book-review-per-month post.
Maala Episode 14 Recap & Review
Kashmaala, the victim
Maala is a victim of domestic abuse, and she is determined to get a divorce. She goes to Canade to live with Mahi. The opening of this episode is a nice melancholic description of how people see Maala, notice her scars and just understand-iss tarah toh hota hai iss tarah ke kaamoN mein. It breaks our heart to see the universal truth of abuse against women.
Iss tarah ki takleefein dene wale hamare apne mard hote hain.
Maala’s plight as a victim of domestic abuse is heart-wrenching. Determined to break free from the shackles of her abusive marriage, she takes the bold step of seeking a divorce and finds solace in the company of her sister Mahi in Canada. The opening of this episode paints a poignant picture of how society often perceives and dismisses victims of abuse, merely passing it off as an unfortunate reality of such situations. It’s a universal truth that breaks our hearts, and we’re left pondering the need for awareness and empathy towards those suffering in silence.
The portrayal of the perpetrators of such abuse as our very own men is a stark reminder of the dark reality that many women endure behind closed doors. It compels us to question the societal norms and demand change to protect and uplift those who are vulnerable.
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Maala runs into Nageena, not knowing that she is the jadoogarni to be running away from. Maala was trying her best to stay low and get a divorce but now Nageena and Ziyad are hurling new net to catch Maala. She’s about to lose her job and that threatens her asylum in Canada. These people are mean. So mean.
Maahir, the patient
Maahir is hospitalized into a psycho ward because he has hurt people around him. Thanks to Sabreena, he knows that he is possessed, but he is still unwilling to accept it. He is also unwilling to do the treatment the way Sabreena has advised him to. Nageena is doing her magic and it affects Maahir, so much that it pains even reading about it. Finally, though, he conquers his daemons, in the name of Allah, and sends them back to where they came from. And, just like that, Sarkar gets blood cancer. I know these are fictionalized and exaggerated versions of the truth, but boy does it feel good to read it, to see our hero rise from the ashes.
Cue music (arms of gold Mia Pfirman)…
I rise from the ashes
With pins and patches
We carry on
I rise from the ashes
I heal from your passion
My doubts are gone
In your arms of gold
Maahir accepting his reality and following the prescribed treatment becomes a challenge for him. The power of Nageena’s influence on Maahir is both unsettling and captivating, making us ache with the weight of his struggles. Maahir rises above his daemons, seeking refuge and strength in the name of Allah, and banishes the malevolent forces that held him captive. It’s a cathartic moment that leaves us cheering for our hero’s triumph over darkness.
As I said before, the fictionalized and exaggerated elements serve to intensify the emotional impact of the story, allowing us to experience the highs and lows of the characters’ journeys on a profound level. It is through these well-crafted narratives that we find ourselves connecting with the characters’ struggles and rooting for their redemption.
We are all work in progress
Now, let’s get to my favourite part of this episode. When Maala meets a scholar and asks about the spells on her, and why she is the one targetted. Rayed says the most important line of this episode.
Rayed:We are all work in progress.
You know, in last episode, it was the description of Haram, and now it’s this. Many a time, I feel like Nemrah narrates the deepest darkest thoughts of my mind. It just goes on to prove that many people may have the same feeling, same thought, but only few get to articulate it the way Nemrah does, and reaches a mass audience.
This line is just that.
We are all work in progress. I have always been a praciticing Muslim, but day-by-day, year-by-year, I’m growing not only growing as a person, but also growing as a Muslimah. I have a come a long way but there is a longer route ahead of me until the sweet agony of death. Each step brings me closer to understanding myself and my relationship with Allah. It’s a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep connection with our faith.
We are all work in progress.
It’s like Nemrah can tap into our souls and put our emotions into words that we struggle to articulate.
This line holds such profound truth and beauty. We are all constantly evolving, growing, and learning. Life is a journey of self-discovery and personal development. As practicing Muslims, we strive to improve ourselves not only as individuals but also as devout believers. It’s a continuous process of betterment and progress, one that never truly ends until the sweet agony of death.
Many people talk about their J-Days. I can’t really say that I’ve left my “J-Days” behind. No, because I am still a work in progress.
Isn’t it fascinating how a single line can capture the essence of our collective journey? We may have different backgrounds, experiences, and struggles, but the desire for growth and improvement unites us all. It’s a reminder that we are all on this journey together, navigating the challenges and triumphs that life throws our way.
So, let’s embrace this beautiful truth – “We are all work in progress.” Let’s celebrate the journey of self-improvement and relish the growth that comes with each step. And as we walk this path, let’s support and uplift one another, for together, we can create a more compassionate and enlightened world.
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Let me know how you felt about this episode. You can comment, or email me.
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Until we meet again, check out my books on Amazon. You can subscribe for Kindle Unlimited for free for the first month, just saying 🙂
Shabana Mukhtar