Plot Summary

The scene begins as two goons are talking about a man they want to capture. After reading the first page, any Faridi fan would think that they are talking about him, but no. Faridi is still stuck in Egypt post Maut Ki Aandhi, it seems.

This is crime reporter Anwar. Anwar is sharp and avenges them just right with a befitting retort – by burning their car. I wish I could do those things.

So, the next day they find a dead body in the car and Anwar’s diary near it, implicating him in the murder. Now, Anwar has to save his ass. He would have investigated the case even if he wasn’t involved, right?

Then, an actress is shot inside a drama theatre whilst many police officers were present.

The man who visits Anwar’s house and steals the diary, is the same man in the car and is the same man who meets Anwar again to warn against Daraab and is the same man who has directed the drama.

The dancer is in fact a retired Colonel’s daughter. His nephew is an expert in building safes. He builds one for Colonel – one which plays a song upon opening the safe. Interesting and innovative!

Colonel is missing, the safe is broken and there is a voice message from Daraab, who again warns Anwar to keep away. I don’t understand. It was Daraab who pulled Anwar into the shit by attacking him. And, then he asks him to stay out. Pagal hai kya?

This Daraab man has something personal against Anwar and Rasheeda. As the story progresses, we find, along with Anwar, that Rasheeda isn’t who she claims to be.

Her secret isn’t revealed yet.

Review

This story has one of the most interesting opening. And, this is arguably the most boring story Safi has written.

I remember discussing this with my elder sister. We both hated it. In retrospect, the dislike for this story stems from a severe disappointment. The reader who most certainly has picked up the book for an adventure starring Faridi and Hameed, has to settle for Anwar and Rasheeda. It is an adventure nonetheless, just not as interesting as one would expect.

I like the philosophy of life Anwar lives by.

Anwar’s savage one liners are to die for.

انسپکٹر آصف: اِس بار تم بری طرح پھنس گئے۔
انور: میں اچھی طرح کب پھنستا ہوں۔

اور پھر میں اس لئے اپنی ڈائری وہاں چھوڑ آیا تاکہ مرنے والا تنہائی کا احساس کم کرنے کے لئے اس کا مطالعہ کر سکے۔

کوئی مجرم ہمیشہ آزاد نہیں رہ سکتا۔
انور: ایک نہ ایک دن خداوند تعالیٰ اسے پکڑ کر پولس کے حوالے کر دیتا ہے۔

Thanks for reading. You’re free to comment 🙂

Shabana Mukhtar