Do you find Mehwish’s interest in Shahvar, the fact that she speaks to him on the phone and allows secret, sneaky rendezvous with him in the hallway, permissible? Or even normal? You should, because it happens. Seven or eight years into their marriage, Mehwish more than Danish, has what you call the 7-year itch. Here’s a beautiful woman who married her college mate, probably the first boy that came into her life, and years on she realizes that she wants much more from life than his love and commitment. She wants the life.
Episode 5 of Mere Pass Tum Ho ventured into territory much more risque than your average TV drama ever does. Even the suggestion of a married woman having an extra marital affair – whether they do or don’t is anyones guess but they are talking secretly – is forbidden territory. The fact that Shahvar has a bar in his home and is drinking is something even Pakistani movies haven’t ventured comfortably into yet. And yet Mere Pass Tum Ho is going there. This entire episode was all about bold and brazen scenes, as much as can be permissible on TV.
Danish decides his conscience cannot deal with corruption and bribes and he returns the 10 lakhs he had taken, much to the disdain of his wife and boss. We know there will be repercussions at work and definitely at home too. He and Mehwish and adorable little Rumi get going to Shehvar’s dinner and the story extends to what lengths Shehvar will go to to pursue and woo Mehwish.
Is Danish blind? He isn’t. But he, being the average struggling dork, doesn’t want to offend her or tick her off by pointing it out. That’s the only explanation as to why he’s agreed to befriend Shehvar and why he accepts the expensive gifts Shahvar gives them as a parting gift. He also allows Mehwish to take off the necklace he had bought her, with the diamond necklace Shehvar gifts her. I was afraid he would even ask Shehvar to help Mehwish wear the necklace, he’s so eager to please her. I have to say that Humayun Saeed, as the dorky Danish, is impeccable in his portrayal. He’s changed his look for the role and one completely relates to this middle class, good looking albeit simple to the extent of being uninteresting man, vying for his wife’s attention and approval.
Adnan Siddiqui is just as believable as the debonair Shahvar. He is shown as a lonely man, who has everything except love and companionship. He’d cut a tragic figure except that his moral compass is quite weak, slotting him in a negative light.
How far will Mehwish and Shahvar take their secret relationship (it is building into one) is the million dollar question.
