Breaking News... Nemrah Ahmed's Next Mega Novel Announced

Breaking News... Nemrah Ahmed's Next Mega Novel Announced

She stunned us with the beauty of her writing earlier on. You cant deny the fact that she is perhaps one of those very rare writers of our age who leaves strong impacts on the readers by sprinkling the magic of her writing. If you ask me how I consider Nemrah Ahmed different from others then I must say there are some pertinent focal points that are the highlight of her writing prowess.

She chooses a different topic, nourishes her characters beautifully, comes them out of age dynamically, uses stunning master pieces in form of one-liners, develops a never read before plot and bowls you over by depicting even the minute of the scene detailing in the narrative. Along with some serious debates over the socio-political issues, we also get to read & learn many beautiful stories from the divine book QURAN PAK in her novels. Best part of her writing is, she never looks preachy but always teaches us useful lessons for this life & the hereafter.

I felt Mus'haf as a master piece. Then I read Jannat ke Pattay and thought well Mus'haf was just a beginning for her. Almost 2 odd years ago, I started reading Namal and till the date (March 3, 2017), I am pretty sure that she has written one of the cults of Urdu digest history but looks like Nemrah has no stopping for sure, as she is all set to enchant all of us with a freshly baked new cuisine, the title of which is still under covers. (Keep on guessing... Ha... :-) )

Nemrah's next will be featured in monthly Urdu digest Khawateen and will commence April 2017 onward.

I am super excited and I know all of my readers are more than excited on the news as the immensely talented & popular writer Nemrah is yet again ready to serve us with the rightful volume of wisdom, knowledge, entertainment & chills. 

Along with Nemrah, I am also fastening my seat belts for another challenge. Challenge for Nemrah would obviously be to surpass the hopes of her regular readers and similarly the challenge for me is to review the things in a much better & interesting way. Readers have loved my reviews on Namal and I shall try to exceed the expectations this time. You will get to read the episodic reviews of Nemrah's next exclusively on this blog. So never miss to hit #Shobywood for much more.

I hope the upcoming one comes out as even better than the best of what she has written in the past. I am keeping my fingers crossed while all you are most welcome to keep on thinking what next is soming up with... #HappyWaiting

Nemrah Ahmed's Namal Only At Zanjabeel...

Nemrah Ahmed's Namal Only At Zanjabeel...

I was (personally) missing this month's review of Nemrah Ahmed's Namal and I am pretty much sure that my regular readers must have been missing the same too. Namal's fever is not over yet. In fact, its something like what they say, abhi to party shuru hui hai... :-)

With the conclusion of Namal, everyone around has been waiting anxiously for the hard-copy form of this epic. I believe, even in this tech-savvy age, a good reader is one who enjoys reading from the book with a mug of coffee in hands in these chilling evenings of winters. Worry not guys and fasten your seat belts as Namal book is going to be launched very very soon...

As the Namal book is arriving soon, I have observed many online book stores offering their own promotional offers and its pretty encouraging for readers to have all sort of variety but wait don't you want to have the book from the author's own signature place. If you think Namal is just a book, I disagree totally,. To me, its a brand and I strongly believe it should have been purchased from the author's official online social media pages.

Currently we have two primary places where we can get latest, updated & most authentic information about Nemrah's write-ups and Facebook addresses of both these pages are mentioned below:

Zanjabeel - A Bookstore by Nemrah Ahmed https://www.facebook.com/Zanjabeelbookstore/

Nemrah Ahmed: Official https://www.facebook.com/nemrah.ahmed.official/

I just want to share my thoughts that instead of just roaming around here & there and getting less charming offers, I feel we all should access the author's original online places to get the best from the best. And as they have quoted in their official page, they are going the reveal the souvenir very soon, which would be presented along with the Namal book. Who knows, what they have in their kitties for us.But one thing is for sure, it would not be an ordinary thing and it would surely be something to cherish. So a free advise is here... Be original and Get original. :-)

A very good luck for the launch of book to Nemrah Ahmed and the publishers and Happy Waiting for all the fans who have lived these 30 months of their lives in the wonderland of Namal.

Namal Analysis Breaks All Records...

Namal Analysis Breaks All Records...

Nemrah Ahmed's Namal bids adieu and there is no doubt in saying that it has been a clear blockbuster of recent times. I can never forget the love & appreciation that has been given to me by my readers and I have no words to say thanks for this. 

My review on Namals has always been successful in getting popularity among the readers... Last month, my analysis on Aa be Hayat broke all the previous records in terms of post viwership at my blog. It managed to get 12000 plus views within 48 hours but as they say, records are made to be broken... So here I am announcing the biggest success of my blog #Shobywood

Alhamdo LILLAH... Namal analysis has managed to get 13000 plus views within less than 24 hours...

Here is my official statement after Namal finale and the screenshot of my blog views...

Namal Concludes- Novel Analysis by Shoby

Namal Concludes- Novel Analysis by Shoby

We live in a world full of diverse stories. Stories that bear the secrets. Secrets that demand to be revealed and thus the stories need to be told. At times I feel, none of the stories are that interesting unless they are made look alluring and this job can only be done who picture the words for us. At one hand they tell simplest of a tale that goes on to become a classic just like Nicholas Sparks A Walk To Remember or John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. On the contrary, sometime the story teller chooses an exceptional premise, a very strong tale but ruins the beauty of it by just using repugnant elements.

We have number of authors in our country who have fascinated us with their strong substantial writing prowess and one of these names need no further introduction. The writer of immensely famous Mus'haf, Jannat Ke Pattay, Beli Rajpootan Ki Malika, Karakaram ke Taj Mehal and what not. Let me go straight to the main course of the day, which may ranks probably as the most famous Urdu language episodic novel of our times titled as "Namal".

I believe that Namal borrows the name from one of the Surah of QURAN PAK (Sura e Namal). Namal means ants, which are considered to be one of the most unique creature of ALLAH PAK- The Almighty. The novel "Namal" revolves around the people who are considered as the weakest elements of the society, just like the ants who are apparently the weakest of the creatures. Recall what ALLAH PAK says in Sura e Namal, 

"Until when they came to the valley of the ants, and said, 'O ants, enter your houses; lest Sulaiman and his armies may crush you unknowingly." (Ayat 18).

At this point, let me PAUSE you for a moment and give you an amazing perspective regarding Ants and that too from the Door of the City of Knowledge. IMAM ALI (asws) in one of his sermons says about ants:

“Look at the ant with its small body and delicate form. It can hardly be seen in the corner of the eye, nor by the perception of the imagination – how it moves on the earth and leaps at its livelihood.  It carries the grain to its hole and deposits it in its place of stay.  It collects during the summer for its winter and during strength for the period of its weakness.  Its livelihood is guaranteed, and it is fed according to fitness.  ALLAH, the Kind, does not forget it and (ALLAH the Giver) does not deprive it, even though it may be in dry stone or fixed rocks.

If you have thought about its digestive tracts in it’s high and low parts, the carapace of its belly, and its eyes and its ears in its head you would be amazed at its creation and you would feel difficulty in describing it. Exalted is HE who made it stand on its legs and erected it on its pillars (of limbs). No other originator took part with HIM in its origination and no one having power assisted HIM in its creation. If you tread on the paths of your imagination and reach its extremity it will not lead you anywhere except that the Originator of the ant is the same as HeEwho is the Originator of the date-palm, because everything has (the same) delicacy and detail, and every living being has little difference.” (Sermon 185 from the book Nahjul Balagha).

Let us now move towards Namal- The novel. How should I describe it. Should I say that it was a a tale of self realisation. How weak ants of the society realised their inner strength and moved multiple steps forward to fight the bad ones. Was it a story of yet another Pseudo-God clan that was demolished as they wanted to rule the small world of their existence in their own style. Sort of people for whom the Sura e NAMAL says, 

"I found her people prostrating before the sun leaving ALLAH and the devil (Satan) adorning their deeds in their eyes has barred them from the straight path so that they do not get the way." (Ayat 24).

OK, my one-liner, Namal was all about Kardaars vs Yousafs. This good versus bad fight lead to twists & turns that made everyone literally enchanted for all these 30 months (Read 31, as one episode of Namal was not released in digest in a month during the time period :-) ).

Let me remind you the hallmarks of a good storytelling. Besides others, there are five major ingredients that are essential to make the story look worth reading/ viewing, be it a novel, fiction or a script of a film/ drama. Premise, backdrop, characterisation, dialogues and narrative. I guess, no one can deny the significance of all these components for the success of a story. To tell you honestly, Namal was all about a great premise along with a strong backdrop, where every character was introduced & operated by the author whenever/ wherever it was required and on top of all this, a make-believe narrative that was beautifully entangled with mighty enticing  dialogues.

Lets glance at the characters that made the world of Namal, a Disneyland of its own sort for the readers. You may agree or not but we have not seen any villain in the history of Urdu digest series as ruthless, as barbarous and at the same time as authoritative and as debonair, as Hashim Kardaar (which I continued to call as The desi version of Hannibal Lecters). You hate him for his deeds but many of us love the way Nemrah projected this cold-blooded barbaric style icon. There was one thing that he always cherished... Hashim sab theek ker sakta tha...

Main ne samjha tha samander tum ko

Tha ka matlab tumhain ata ho ga (Fakhira Batool)

Then comes Mr. Faris Ghazi (The man of crisis), who can break all the barriers, to beat the hell out of whatever comes in his way, in order to save his family. This one man army has done every vital thing in every possible unethical manner, but again, just like one of the wrestler in WWE used to say, It wasn't my fault. It was never his fault what-so-ever.

First chapter of Namal (series) was titled as "Humara Saadi" and we saw an innocent, happy go lucky, humble, knowledge loving, the one who was truly in love with the divine book QURAN PAK Saadi Yousaf.

Waqt karta hai parwarish barson

Haadsa aik dum nahi hota

And same happened with Saadi. Fate made him get changed and Nemrah showed us two entirely opposite sides of Saadi (from being extremely kindhearted to being severely dangerous). His coming-of-age was brilliantly told by Nemrah Ahmed in the whole series.

She was a very powerful female character. Not only as a successful Lawyer (District Attorney) but also back at the home. She was hurt and she was revenge, written all over her mind. She was Zumer and she was the one many of us prayed to live really long. This character required tons of bravery, cleverness & smartness and not even a single trait was missing in the writing.

Oh that sweethearted K-culture addict, (evil) genius minded young kid who fall in love with not an eligible person. She was Hunain (Hanna) who discovered that it is not really bad to love someone odd, but worse scenario arises when you loose control over yourself. So along with the help of (book) saint's teachings, she re-discovered herself right before getting caught in the web.

Yet another authoritative character was the self-proclaimed queen of heavy is the head that wears his crown, who actually was a self-obsessed witch (read Penny Dreadful's Evelyn). She knew only one thing. Do everything what it takes in order to sustain the power, youth and wealth in your hands. She was the one who wanted to rule and rule forever. She was Jawahiraat.

Ahmer Shafi (The Con-Man) who's character started as a stapney and ended as heir of Sultan Bangash saga. He was a sheer genius and had all the guts to do whatever the master commands. I would love to call him a freelance task initiator. He has done certain real unanticipated things during the course of actions just to get the work done. No doubt, he was the reason of many smiles that came to our faces while reading this immensely serious thriller.

Aabdar Haroon (Aabi)- The victim of NDE (Near Death Experience). Actually she was not a bigger victim of an NDE than she was of the most cherished relationship of the planet (i.e. Love). Cupid made her do things that were never meant to be done by her. Let me summarise her situation, She loved Zumer's Faris and as a matter of the fact, she was loved by Hashim. Handle the equation your own self now... Ha ha ha

Last but not the least, we witnessed a disgruntled, Stubborn, objective-less, wealthy dug-addict spoiled brat (Nosherwaan Kardaar) Sheru. The younger Kardaar who shared the same ugly traits that other Kardaars possessed.

Apart from these, there were many other characters that were pertinent in the heart of the story and considering the fact that Namal lasts for 30 episodes we can give Nemrah the leverage of playing with this mega profusion of characters.

Apart from the ongoing story, many other phenomenon were running parallel along side. Nemrah never forgets to use beautiful & knowledge enriched Ayat of QURAN PAK to share with us lessons that are mandatory to be learned in order to make both of our lives (here & hereafter) worth living. She has once again used many interesting true anecdotes from QURAN PAK in the novel and these stories not only helped the reader to get the real essence of the lessons but also assisted to move the story of the novel ahead.

Talking about Namal, one most pertinent thing to mention is the narrative part of the story. It was a custom at Namal that every chapter had a unique name which hooked beautifully well with the proceedings of the entire episode. Furthermore, every time we got to read a different, unique & interesting read from diverse genres at the start of the episodes. If I have to choose my most favourite of the beginnings, I would surely go for the paragraph taken from Dante's "Divinne Comedy" (Inferno).

Nemrah made sure that every sequence of the Novel should have something "Novel" in it. Just like what I have said many time in my reviews earlier, some of the scenes that Namal featured, made us feel like we are watching an excellent Thriller. Few of the sequences were pure adrenaline pumping rush creating blasters.

Nemrah is a master when it comes to the scene detailing and she did it with utmost brilliance in Namal too. All the scenes featuring court rooms and jail were having ultimate eye-believing authenticity. In Jannat Ke Pattay, she made us visit Turkey and in Namal we visited lush green island Srilanka (Kandy) through her words. She introduced a top class desi brand, my favourite food spot #FoodlyEverAfter where we have been Zumerized many of the times :p

I believe it is impossible to write a 30 episode series and make your readers stick glued to it. Nemrah deserves a standing ovation that she was successful in her attempt and never bored us during the course of time, just apart from may be one or two episodes. Overall, Namal was a fast-paced, edge of the seat marvellously executed mystery- thriller.

Honestly Finale of the novel is very much predictable and rightly so. My regular readers will second me that I predicted almost same sort of denouement. If Nemrah would have ended the Saadi Yousaf abduction/ attempt to murder case in another style where all the culprits were hanged till death, it would not have been looked natural & obviously that was not appropriate considering the fact that we are not living in a justice-pro society. 

It is also interesting to see that Nemrah has left the page of Namal still open and this story do possess the trait of having a sequel but I know Nemrah is a very intelligent writer and she will not bid for any second instalment, unless something much bigger & better than this part clicks to her mind.

There are curtains on Namal now and but NOT on reading it :-) So I would highly recommend every reader to must have this mind-boggling seven course meal at least one more read. Believe me guys, charm of this type of stories never faded away and they keep on telling you, they write us for you... So keep on reading us. 

I just want to say one last (but not the least) thing about Namal, I was hungry for some real good food and Namal acted as a supremely delightful seven course meal that I enjoyed thoroghly all these months. I am going to miss Namal for sure... You tell me, will you miss my reviews at #Shobywood ??? 

(Don't forget to feedback on my review at the comment box below)

Namal (Mega Episode 29)- Mega Review by Shoby

Namal (Mega Episode 29)- Mega Review by Shoby

Have you seen a serial killer. My bad, I have only two pure examples. Dr Haanibal Lecters and Dexter Morgen. Have you seen how these psychopaths enjoy the prey while they kill. I believe Hashim Kardaar is the most eligible character to be enlisted in the list of next big cold-blooded murderer.  Without any further ado, lets connect to the the previous episode. Saadi is captured along with Ahmer in his flat and Zumer is abducted in the hotel's elevator.

This time, he has committed not be deceived by Hannibal. After an excellently written, full of adrenaline rush, action packed sequence (which reminded me of Late Sir Ishtiaq Ahmed's Inspector Jamshed/ Kamran Mirza) type of thrill, along with the indirect assistance of Sheru, the man of crisis Faris Ghazi has reached the location of Zumer and he has manged to save his wife this time. Faris is successful...  Hashim Kardaar was so wrong... Faris Ghazi has all the guts to safeguard his family women... so as I predicted #Zumer is safe & sound... (Shuker adaa kero Namalians)

Much more to come but unfortunately not a big shock to me. One pertinent character of Namal had to die in the episode and as I said in last review, that one character can never be Hashim, Faris, Zumer and Saadi at least at this point of time. She entered the Namal world quite silently and now she leaves with the same silent tone. Just like how Hannibal Lecters murdered Beverly Katz when she came to know about his reality, Hashim Kardaar has murdered Aabdar Haroon... Aabi is no more... RIP :-(

Loved this whole part of Aab e Zeedan as Nemrah writes it almost flawlessly. These scenes demanded action, thrill, mystery, shrewdness & straight forwardness and most importantly pace and not even a single ingredient was missing from all these scene...

At the start of episode #Checkmate we got to know that Ahmer & Saadi were released by the abductors after they reveals he secret regarding Kardaar's murder by Jawahiraat. Zumer asks Faris about The Qanun e Shahadat Order, 1984 and he feels like she has got some mental illness (Once again Nemrah managed to bring a smile in a damn tough condition. :-)

Jawahiraat's conversation with Hashim after she contacted Haroon Ubaid reminded me of one of the episodes of Penny Dreadful, where Evelyn (the witch) kills her own daughter when she returns with a failure of killing Ethan. 

Sheru asks Faris Ghazi to fulfil his promise of taking back Saadi's case but he refuses to do so.

Once again we witness all the relevant characters of Namal world in court room and Zumer saying, have a nice day to both Hashim and Sheru is telling something else. Haleema is in the witness box today and once again a commendable job by Zumer (Sorry) #NemrahAhmed on this intelligently written interrogation that took place between Zumer & Haleema. Even Faris is inspired... 

Sahibazadi tries to blackmail Jawahiraat by using the information disseminated by Ahmer & Saadi but Jawahiraat turns the table by already making up for the same, keeping both of her sons together.

I request my readers not to get bored of my repetitions where I am times & again saying how Hashim Kardaar resembles Dr. Hannibal Lecters. Hashim uttering the words Qatal mohabbat mien bhi hotey hain... Qatal majboori mein hotey hain... reminds me of nothing but the last episode of Hannibal Season 2 (Mizumono) when Hannibal tries to kill others along with his favourite friend come foe Will Graham. Brutal... Lethal... Dangerous... Atrocious... Compelled... and yes A Psychopath...

"Acha bhala main teesri shaadi kerney ke qabil ho raha tha"... After rescuing his wife and getting back to back jolts, if only one person in the planet has that rarest tendency to say something like this, he is no one else than Faris Ghazi. "Do larkiyan or bhi pasand thi... And he goes on to explain their details of his probable GFs... :p

Incredible... Isn't it... Multiple scenes simultaneously in one screen... Only Nemrah Ahmed can attempt something like this... Jawahiraat being interrogated in the witness box, Faris torturing Lab Assistant/ Doctor/ Lift operator and Hanna replying a two years old letter of Aleesha, Hanna & Saadi hacking a government website (Believe me Hanna's message regarding entry tests is really what I feel :-) ) and a 440 Wolt Shock, Haseena is betraying the residents of Morchaal. It seriously looks like watching a sleak noir movie.

Prosecution pleads for death penalty... And this is how Zumer sums up the prosecution and meanwhile Faris Ghazi has taken care of some real bad sectors of society. the crimes of whom have really shattered Faris in one way or another.

Hold on guys, Namal is not yet finished... Many more secrets remains to be revealed. Hashim himself has killed his father... No no, he has not killed Aurangzeb Kardaar. He has killed his genetical father Tayab Mutee (a cousin of Jawahiraat)... So technically speaking Hashim (jo sab theek ker diya kerta tha) the superlative Head of Kardaars in not a Kardaar himself... WOW... (Although, I am not really surprised by this twist but yes it was seriously a great one)...

Furious & enraged Hannibal has poured acid all over Evelyn's face...

Half justice have been done... More of the less is left... Bravo Namrah Ahmed for giving this self obsessed witch the treatment she literally deserved... Now waiting for the final round of Karadars vs Yousafs which is ultimately becoming something like Kardaars vs Kardaars...

Namal (Nemrah Ahmed) Episode 28- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal (Nemrah Ahmed) Episode 28- Novel Review by Shoby

Its a centuries older saying that every picture has two sides, which ultimately means that no story of the world is perfect in its isolation.  Michael Paterniti said, “In the end, it wasn't so much that there was an alternative narrative--there always was--but it came down to belief: Which one did you want to believe. Which one suited you best? Or, perhaps more to the point: Which one told the story you were already telling yourself?” Almost same is the summary of what C Joybell C's lines which became the appetiser of Episode 28 tentatively titled as #Aquarium.

“For everything in this journey of life we are on, there is a right wing and a left wing: for the wing of love there is anger; for the wing of destiny there is fear; for the wing of pain there is healing; for the wing of hurt there is forgiveness; for the wing of pride there is humility; for the wing of giving there is taking; for the wing of tears there is joy; for the wing of rejection there is acceptance; for the wing of judgment there is grace; for the wing of honor there is shame; for the wing of letting go there is the wing of keeping. We can only fly with two wings and two wings can only stay in the air if there is a balance. Two beautiful wings is perfection. There is a generation of people who idealize perfection as the existence of only one of these wings every time. But I see that a bird with one wing is imperfect. An angel with one wing is imperfect. A butterfly with one wing is dead. So this generation of people strive to always cut off the other wing in the hopes of embodying their ideal of perfection, and in doing so, have created a crippled race.”

Lets get back to the press conference where Sheru is revealing some hidden truths regarding Kardaars and their trade and his revelations has left almost everyone stunned. Concurrently, Zumer gets a fake call (read yet another damn fake #call).

Crops are getting ready to be harvested and here we have Hashim saying to Nosherwaan, Ab se tum sirf mere bhai ho... Dubara us building mein qadam na rakhna". It is (may be) the very first thing of this harvesting season.

"Main aap ki beti hoon ya hath'putli" by Aabdar is the second thing being harvested. Rifts are mandatory and being ruthless is the need of the hour and Nemrah is trying every right move to rearrange the pieces of jigsaw puzzle named as Namal. 

Third harvested crop is Ahmer The Con-Man who has just played probably the biggest trick of his life by contriving desi Evelyn (Jawahiraat) the self obsessed witch.

Haleema is summoned by the court as a witness and Hannibal is preparing her well enough to tackle Zumer's possible interrogations.

Well well well, Looks like Nemrah has seriously thought about my interpretation of Hashim Kardaar as Hannibal as she used the term #TheGrimReaper while Hashim is in the kitchen blending something (The scene very much familiar to those who have watched Hannibal series).

In the mean time, Aabdar goes to visit Hashim on his invitation and he reveals that Aabi's reality has been unfolded in front of him but he is no way going to give her any punishment for what she did. Instead he had a message for Aabi's friend Faris, Usey kehna ke woh apney khandaan ki auraton ki hifazat nahi ker sakta"... Felling chills in the backbone... And if this not enough, Ahmer has been kidnapped... ???

They say Saadi has the tendency to mould people's feelings in his favour by using his tendency of using extreme innocence through his conversation.  Lets see if this cheesy conversation between him & airport security operator Masood Aalam ends up deducing favourable results for him in court room.

Oh this lady is still in a mod to play a game. Aabi is tactfully asking for a mercy from Faris, "Or mera kiya, jisey aap ne is sab mein dhakail diya... "Agar aap mujh se shaadi ker le to woh mujhey nuqsaan nahi de sakey ga"... Yes, I am NOT shocked... This was already written in the books somewhere. Nevertheless as I said earlier, harvesting season is very much on at #Namal. However, reaction of Faris is quite predictable & understandable.

Why is she repeatedly saying, main marney nahi lagi and marney waley ki akhri khuahush sort of things... I am sure, this must be making the atmosphere suffocated for many of the readers (may be for all of us)... Do not go like this author... Please do not do what I am sensing, might to be happen...

See how Nemrah beautifully used the reference of fake kidnapping episode by Sheru in the court room to reveal something mighty. As Ahmer was missing since few days and in this anticipation Saadi visits him and comes to know that he has been house arrested by some kidnappers and in an attempt to evacuate him, he himself gets captured by the kidnappers. On another hand, Sherry tried to capture Faris but failed.

History is being recreated by Hashim but this time, one character is replaced. Aabdar is there to fill the gap of already deceased one. Hashim arranges a fake call to Zumer for dinner by Faris in the same old hotel. Zumer is trapped in the elevator by Hannibal.

Part one of Aquarium ends as Ahmer & Saadi are kidnapped in Ahmer's flat. Zumer is very much close to the death in the elevator turned human aquarium. And Faris Ghazi is in search of Zumer. Only two more instalments are left and we are this much close to the curtains. 

Unlike last couple of episodes, this one was more adventurous and pacey. Things are getting unfolded in a quick mode now. The best thing about this episode was its length. Thank you Nemrah for not making a mess of things by giving us a long tale and letting things work out in two different parts. I am still pretty much sure that Faris & Zumer are no way going to die at least in this time of birth. Saadi is the heart of the story, so he is also not in the list of those who can be gone easily. Believe it or not, Hashim would be remembered as one of the most stylish & cunning villains of all time in the world of Urdu literature and I really dont think, this character would be ended in a typical tit-for-tat situation. Then who is left to be gone... Answer of this trillion dollar question is hiding beneath the upcoming episodes. Meanwhile, fingers are crossed. Happy waiting guys... :-)

Namal (Episode 27)- Review by Shoby

Namal (Episode 27)- Review by Shoby

They say, if you have to choose between two bads, choose one who is mild in his badness. How strange is the phenomenon where we observe that Self Realisation leads towards Self Actualisation whereas at the same time, Self Realisation is the same component which diminishes every damn thing known as Self Esteem within you. The more you realise whats good or bad lies within you, the more you find the way to overcome the false within yourself. Evil lies within everyone of us and that evil itself tells us how to battle that beast out.

As Namal is just about to conclude, Nimra once again quotes C. Joybell C. “The difference between my darkness and your darkness is that I can look at my own badness in the face and accept its existence while you are busy covering your mirror with a white linen sheet. The difference between my sins and your sins is that when I sin I know I'm sinning while you have actually fallen prey to your own fabricated illusions. I am a siren, a mermaid; I know that I am beautiful while basking on the ocean's waves and I know that I can eat flesh and bones at the bottom of the sea. You are a white witch, a wizard; your spells are manipulations and your cauldron from hell yet you wrap yourself in white and wear a silver wig.”

As already discussed in one of my reviews, we have seen much complexity in the character sketches of Namal based character. Unlike most fictional characters, Nimra did not confined any character within a vacuum. They are not isolated within the nest of their own one-specific trait. For instance check the angry young man Faris, at one moment he is our very own hero who is fighting the odd ones but wait. Look at the way, how he fights those evils. Agreed he is fighting for a noble cause but he is not a saint in his own capacity. Similarly, our desi Hannibal (Hashim Kardaar), he is an out & out villain but thats not the whole story. We have seen traces of a mild goodness in his personality in few episodes.

So let me try to build up a bridge between Namal & Joybell's lines. namal is like a factual world, where everyone is not 100% evil and no one is 100% pseudo-god . There are goods & bads in every character and one has to choose who is the lesser bad version.

Ok setting this self created philosophy aside, let me take you to the first scene of episode 27 where court is adjourned and the session is having Marry Angeo in the witness box and its time for Zumer to try some hunting in this area of the woods.

Marry Angeo is interrogated by Zumer & Hashim both. Apparently, its a small victory for Hashim courtesy his cunning questioning. Aabdar informs Faris that she has handed over the video recording to Zumer.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and one should enjoy it at its fullest and I believe that residents of Morchaal has taken this advice quite literally. So once again, we have the Morchalians around the breakfast table and Nudrat with the deadliest weapon on planet #AmmaKiJooti in her hand. I have a very serious suggestion for Hanna. Why dont you plan to start your own HowStuffWorks like project. I mean, you have that tendency to perform almost every other task, so why dont you think of being some real help for the chunk of #SelfDependent galz. :p

Betty Smith said in A Tree Grows in Brroklyn, “I know that's what people say-- you'll get over it. I'd say it, too. But I know it's not true. Oh, youll be happy again, never fear. But you won't forget.” May be same is the case with Hanna. She has been asked to present in the honourable court for the proceedings. Shehad Ki makhi ne rasta badal liya, Marz khatam ho raha tha but a few more glimpses of Hanna-Hashim love story are yet to be revealed in front of public and that too in the court room. Lets see if justice is done this time. 

I feel #FoodlyEverafter must have been a very economical food place. reason being three jobless killing their time with no bucks consumption. :-)

Meanwhile, Jawahiraat had to face much more than what we call embarrassment in front of her social circle at Golf Club. Hashim has arranged some watchdogs in the name of security around her and this so called security measure has become the talk of the town. If this was not enough, back at kardaar's place, Fayona refused to disappear in front of her as Hashim has ordered her the same to keep her eye on Jawahiraat. Destiny has made Jawahiraat to be responded in such lethal tone and that too from her own son Sheru.

Sheru's response shows a clear picture of how & why spoiled brats belonging to the upper class react when they are done with facing problems and when they are asked to assist in issues. Check out the words, Hum Yousafs nahi hain jin ka chota chota bacha apney masail khud hal kar sakta hai kiyo ke kathin waqt mein apney masley sirf wohi shakhs hal ker sakta hai, jo achey waqt waqton mein dooseon ke masley hal kerta aya ho. Fabulous Nimra. Incredible... True to the roots...

"Yeh aulaad kiya samajhati hai ke maa kitchen mein hai or baap daftar mein to unhain kuch nahi pata chalta". From no where Nimra pulls of such a commendable monologue which is nothing but all truth and that extra quoting of frequently used term "#Begherat" was much needed for a hollow smile here.

Aabi meets Zumer & Faris and asks for forgiveness. She also inform Faris that Jawahiraat is threatening her as she has given them e recordings. Hashim meets Hanna and traps her with his world famous cunning techniques.

Hanna is in extreme anxiety sponsored by her critically complex situation. Scene featuring Hanna and Faris where Faris utters a few sentences including "Make Them Bleed" is a beautiful blend of expression in terms of action/ reaction scenario.

It never matters if she is an established professional lawyer for the whole world. Remember, if she is your wife, she has to act as a wife in all situations no matter what. "To wahin reh jatey, wapis aney ki kiya zarurat thi" is a typical wife's take on husband's late coming and "Aa gaya hoon to ghar se nikaalo gi kiya" is a very expected reply from an #Honest ( :p ) husband. I dont know why Nimra has included this light romance within the proceedings but to me it was a much needed dialogue. After all, trust is what takes you to the other side of the victory line. Be it the case of #YousafsvsKardaars in the life of Zumer & Faris or the actual lives of 8 billion people around the globe.

A few episodes back, we have seen Hashim thinking of repentance and now its Sheru's turn. "Main KHUDA se muaafi mangna chahta hoon... Main Saadi se muaafi mangna chahta hoon". But Hashim is all prepared for a mighty combat "Us ne mujh se woh aurat cheen lijis se main sab se ziyada mohabbat kerta tha... Main us se woh aurat le loon ga, jis se woh mohabbat kerta hai".

#FoodlyEverAfter is packed with some real uninvited guests now a days. Hashim visits the food outlet to discuss Zumer for an out of court settlement. He is ready to compensate in monetary terms but Zumer is more interested in the legal fight for justice. Nimra concludes the scene with a stunner, "Tumhari sab se bari saza pata hai kiya honi chahiye??? Tumhain hidayat mil jaey or phir tum sari zindagi apney gunaahon ko yaad ker ke pichtatey raho".

Nimra explains the verse "Wa Tuizzo manTashao Wa Tuzillu manTasha" in her unique style. Quoting how public were reacting against Hazrat Ibrahim (asws) but at the end of the day ALLAH has blessed Him with Hazrat Ismail (asws), Hazrat Ishaq (asws) and the legacy continued with the Greatest of all Times Hazrat MOHAMMAD MUSTAFA (saww) who hails from AAL e Ibrahim (asws).

Sirf ALLAH ke Hath mein hai izzat... Same was the summary of the sermons given by BIBI ZAINAB (sa) Bint e IMAM ALI (asws) in the courts of Sham after Battle of #Karbala. When yazeed tried to disgrace the family of Prophet MOHAMMAD (saww). When he said with all the evil pride we have been successful and you have been defeated. Bibi ZAINAB (sa) asked him to wait till the Azan starts. When Muazaan uttered the words Ash'hado Anna MOHAMMAD ur RASOOL ULLAH. Bibi ZAINAB (sa) said, Oh yazeed, tell. Is the Muazzan uttering the name of your Grand father or mine. This is our victory. This is the victory of my Grand Father Prophet MOHAMMAD (saww). This is the victory of Islam. Today, everyone around the world regardless of religion or sect praises IMAM HUSSAIN (asws) and believes Him to be the leader of youth in Jannat but where is yazeed. Nowhere... No doubt, ALLAH PAK has blessed Prophet MOHAMMAD (saww) with all the blessings and respects.

back to Namal- Are we going to witness the actual turn of the story, super cool girl Hanna is in the witness box with her very own distinctive style & fad. Confident & composed are the true words we can use to depict the conversation of Hanna with honourable Judge & Zumer. And now comes the captious part, finally its Hanna vs Hannibal one on one.

Stunner! This is the super confident Hanna for you. Keeping eyes in his eyes, she is demanding the right to be asked in which language she is comfortable and she has taken everyone including me by surprise. Forget Hanna for a bit. Take a bow Nimra Ahmed. You have pulled off a stunner. How unorthodox you played with these almost super natural sort of characters. What a take on Hanna's sheer genius nature.

Ok. be serious everyone. after going through all the heck what happened just now in the court room, I really want to second Faris's views regarding Zumer #SalaiKarhai #Cooking Thoroughly enjoyable... Aala.

Hashim in sheer anger, Zumer scolding her, Sam calling her "being over", Sadi hugging her.. And she... Just a simple middle class girl with a heavy heart which is hurt... She is crying, somewhere inside... Crying out loud. Let me accept it, this one particular scene is by far one of the most dramatic & handsomely written scene of whole #Namal series. Standing ovation Nimra Ahmed... Standing ovation...

In a press conference, Sheru reveals how his IPP company is deteriorating the country by producing incompetent and faulty turbines. He further adds that he is resigning from the CEO post.

Honestly I have lost all the tendencies to be shocked over these maze like situations building in Namal. Getting straight to the point Zumer is kidnapped and that too by a fake call of Faris (Not Again yaar).

So its just a matter of a couple of episodes now. Curtains are ready to be fallen down. Drama is just about to over. Heroes are going to rise and evils have to face what they started. Its a very simple story inNnamal. As you sow, so shall you reap and characters of Namal are reaping what they have sowed.

I predict, Jawahiraat will surely commit suicide. Hashim is going to be prosecuted in any case be it money laundering or IPP issue. Sheru will be punished for his evil act. And readers, please dont worry if Zumer has been kidnapped. remember what happened with Jehan Sikander in second last epiosde of Jannat kay Pattay. Stay blessed everyone...

Namal (Episode 25 Nemrah Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal (Episode 25 Nemrah Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Dr. Seuss said “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”  Martin Luther King Jr said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Bob Marley said, "Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do." My personal favourite John Green in #TFIOS said “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” and story continues as for many of the philosophers, scholars, speakers & writers the feeling of Love is sweeter than honey but STOP we are in the #Namal world where things are always unanticipated So Nemrah quotes a very unorthodox monologue written by C. JoyBell C. about love.

Check the lines depicting a very unique & dynamic yet true hallmark of intense love. Joybell said, “They say a good love is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a good love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn through the skies and ignite the night like a phoenix; the kind that cuts you loose like a wildfire and you can't stop running simply because you keep on burning everything that you touch! I say that's a good love; one that burns and flies, and you run with it!”

Probably its needless to further explain these self explanatory lines. I just want to add up here that Love for Joybell & our Namal characters is different (read sui-generis). Remember Zumer saying, "I Hate You" and Faris replying "I Love You Too". Recall what Aabi said, "Woh (Zumer) tumharey liye Faris Ghazi, Aisa kabhi nahi karey gi." Last but not the least, what Hanna felt for Hashim & how she tackled with her emotions & affection. So this is the type of love for which Joybel said, "the kind that cuts you loose like a wildfire and you can't stop running simply because you keep on burning everything that you touch".

Now lets begin our journey in the state of hypnosis. When I first read the title of episode 25, the first thing that strike to my mind was the 19th episode of 3rd season of Fringe (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), where Waltor, Peter & Olivia walks into an altogether different world with the help of hypnosis using LSD (drugs used to alter awareness of the surroundings, perceptions, and feelings).  But this, obviously, is not Fringe, it is Namal. So lets see, who, why & how someone got hypnotised in Namal this time around :p

Episode 25 starts with the beautiful description of a court room. (Side Notes: Apart from many other traits, I am the biggest fan of Nemrah as far as her scene detailing skills are concerned). Nemrah shuffles multiple scenes forth & back while focusing on the primary court procedures. I feel she has a superbly talented screenplay writer hidden somewhere within her.

Few weeks backs Aabi challenged Hashim, "If you want me, earn me" and the price she quoted for acceptance of wedding proposal is way too high, way too complex. She wants Hashim to follow the court trial and prove his innocence in the court. Meanwhile, Zumer shares the complete past of Sadi highlighting how "Humara #innocent Saadi" converted  into this newly emerged ruthless character.

Zumer tells Faris about the proposal of Haroon Ubaid and in return Faris reveals the actual reality behind Haroon's interest in the case. "Woh dil se chahta hai ke Hashim is muqadmey mein uljhey. Is ke liye woh tumhain or Aabdar dono ko istemal ker raha hai". The very honest & beautiful inner self of Zumer gets sad hearing this.

I loved the way, how Nemrah mentioned the short notes taken by Hashim during the oral arguments by Zumer.

After Zumer, here comes the Hannibal himself. Fastened your seat belts for some very cunning remarks from him. Hashim almost thrashed Saadi by besmirching his innocent character. Thank you Nemra for reminding us the Real Day of Judgement in the meantime.

In the midst of all this, entry of Aabdar is a game changer for a while. Hashim looks at Aabi and this mere glance was noticed by Hanna. Mohabbat rahey ya nahi... Yaaden to akhri saans tak rehti hain... Nemrah makes sure that we do not forget the love-effected super cool girl Hanna. (What a bunch of characters Namal has. I shall miss all of them once Namal concludes and it is a fact). 

Aabdar is angry with Haroon reason being she is now fed up of being misused by him. However he assures her that whatever he has done, its for her and then he presents her Zumer's nose pin.

I personally enjoyed this little informal written correspondence between Hanna & Aabi in the courtroom. (Remeinded me of how we used to talk to each other in our school & uni life :p ).

Aabdar cunningly informed Faris about the deal which was cemented between Zumer & her father Haroon. Aabdar's statement "Baat cheez ki nahi hai... us ne #aap ko 3 din tak girwi rakha tha" is followed by a stunner response from Faris, "Us ne mujhey 4 saal tak jail mein bhi rakha tha... Main us ko hazaar dafa muaaf ker sakta hoon". (This is the type of love that Joybell talked about). This scene featuring Faris, Aabi & Zumer (in the backdrop) is a masterpiece. Took place at #FoodlyEverafter this one is an excellent rendition of love... Love that speaks out loud in the words of Joybell... A good love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn through the skies...

Hashim consludes his initial arguments. Arguments that were full of false statements, misinterpreted scenarios, twisted incidents & every bad notion that can be accounted for in the books. And if this is not enough Hashim has disclosed his future plans to Sheru. He literally wants the innocent  family of Saadi to bite the dust. He is in full swing to thrash the tag of nobility from their forefronts.

Statements of Saadi Yousaf in the witness box forced Hashim to "think out loud' #TooPoetic. I loved the remarks though...

Thank you Nemra... Thank you very much for providing the poor couple a much needed opportunity to leave all other tensions behind and visit a hill station. Zumer says it all in just one sentence, "Mujhey qeemti zewar chahiye tha... Mehenga nahi". A line with a beautiful blend of romance & honesty. (Love that John Green talks about).

As per tradition of Nemrah Ahmed & Namal, words of wisdom are here, "Jab insan ke baap dada ko saza nahi milti... Walden ko in ki seyah kariyaon ke bais koi nahi pakarta... Ya khud humarey maazi mein humarey gunaahon pe koi pakar nahi hoti... To humain lagta hai ke woh gunaah justified they...  lakin ALLAH ki Shariyat flexible nahi hai...".

Back in the hotel located in the beautifully hill station, while playing word scrabble, we have a new addition in the dictionary... Zumerized will be tackled with Farsisism... Ha ha ha... Brilliant...

Episodes ends with the start of Hashim's interrogation while Saadi Yousaf is still in witness box... (To Be Continued...)...

Unlike the last one, this is a very beautiful & powerful episode. Nemrah has beautifully wrapped up the proceedings of all previous episodes here. Nemrah deserves a big applause for writing this episode in a very unique manner.  

The whole episode looks like filmed in a drone rotational mode in the state of virtual hypnosis. This episode is a milestone in current Urdu literature considering the fact that it is unique in its treatment & projection. Congrats to Nemrah Ahmed for being a pioneer in writing in this style as far as Urdu digest writing is concerned.

Namal (Episode 24)- Review by Shoby

Namal (Episode 24)- Review by Shoby

Whenever I read There, I Still Will Be, poem from the award winning poetess Mirtha Michelle, it always reminds me of Mohabbat Ki Adhoori Nazm by Amjad Islam Amjad sb. Although written in different languages, the eccentric essence & flow of both these poems (i.e. There, I Still Will Be & Mohabbat Ki Adhoori Nazm) is almost identical. Check how these two have that amazing indistinguishable harmony when it comes to the symphony part of these poetic pieces:

Mirtha Michelle writes:

I gave you the sun 

But you wanted the moon.

When I gave you the moon, 

You wanted the stars.

So I reached blindly, 

for the most infinite stars, 

And wrapped myself 

Around each one of them, 

Just for you.

The stars, 

the moon and the sun combined, 

Weren't enough for your fickle heart.

So I took my tears, 

And made you a sea, 

So you can sail the earth 

And find the impossible treasure... (There, I Still Will Be)

And Amjad sb says:

Agar sitaroo’n mein, Aus khatroo’n mein, khushboo’n mein na pao mujh ko,

To apney khadmoo’n mey dekh lena,

Main gard hoti musafatoo’n mey tumhey miloo’n ga... (Mohabbat ki Adhuri Nazm)

Let me tell you one thing about There, I Still Will Be... This poem is all about going an extra mile for your loved one. The level of sacrifice and the state of being a complete giver depicted here is simply superb. It tells us how one should always be ready to present almost everything for someone we love from the heart. And one more thing, its not about give or take, when it comes to love. Rather, its about giving without any expectation... Without any anticipation... and perhaps this was the reason why Nemrah Ahmed started this episode of Namal from this poem.

Tootey Taarey ka Dil takes the first frame from my favourite place. Yes you guessed it right #FoodlyEverAfter Faris is away (most probably for Aabdar) leaving the sleeping beauty (Zumer) behind. Ahmer has successfully gained Hashim's confidence and Hashim has successfully gathered almost all the evidences to prove Sadi a terrorist. Question remains who is willing to help Hashim in this regard and most importantly WHY???

Drop-scene of Aabdar's suicide episode is here. Faris thinks its a cheap luring gimmick as she was just faking her suicidal attempt, however he was wrong. But one thing highlighted by Aabi here is quite an interesting challenge for Faris, Woh (Zumer) tumharey liye Faris Ghazi, Aisa kabhi nahi karey gi.

At Morchaal, I humbly request the beauty (Haseena) not to practically implement what she was hinking to do (Zehar waley Parathey for Sadi). Nevertheless we have come across a safe & sound Sadi after whole lot adventure & drama :p

Sadi wants to leave the home & Zumer stops him doing so. Much valid arguments presented by Zumer. Kisi ko tumhari zarurat nahi Sadi magar mohabbat ke tehet... And an honest attempt by Zumer succeeds as Sadi says, Main kahi nahi ja raha. Mujhey kahin nahi jana.

Kahan gaey they is a typical Non- Zumerish style of question, considering she was questioning Faris whereas Teesri bivi ke paas is a typical Faris style of response :p ha ha ha

Due to the video controversy, apparently a small rift is visibly growing up & converting into a bigger issue between Haroon Ubaid & Jawahiraat. At times I feel I am watching a high voltage melodrama where every character is blackmailing every other character (either with some good or bad motive). This time its Hanna blackmailing Ahmer and asking him to cease the phone tapping, as she knows the reality behind Sultan Bangash.

As things are moving ahead, somewhere heart is getting broken (Sadi), on the other side broken hearts are getting healed (Faris). A very true description of how this world operates. At one place, celebrations are on & people are happy, whereas somewhere someone is mourning.

So my Shobywood is getting popular day by day, assuming that Faris has already read the movie review (may be at my blog) :p ;-)

I believe Hanna has done the right thing by disclosing her alleged affair with Hashim in front of Faris but she has delayed the confession... May be a little bit delay but still its good.

Breaking News- Nosherwaan Kardaar has been arrested by cops on account of an alleged murder & then kidnap of Sadi Yousaf iand the referred scene is witnessed & clicked by many present there, which later on became viral on internet & TV channels. This will provide a serious dent to Kardaar's goodwill & their depreciating stocks are showing the same. 

Can you believe it. I mean it is ridiculous. Haroon Ubaid has proposed Zumer that he can persuade Hashim to let the hearing be conducted in a smooth way and as a favour, he wants Zumer to leave Faris. Jo mera hai, woh mera hi rahey ga... Perfect response from an almost perfect loving wife. Thumbs up.

Once again a scene featuring court of justice is showcased in Namal but Thanks GOD this time culprit is different- The Nosherwan Kardaar. Hashim wants to counter Sheru's arrest by enhancing some social activities. However Sheru is sent to jail. Sadi asks Sara to be a witness in the case and Hashim asks Col Khawar to assist him & work for him again. Although Sadi has already asked him to repent by helping him but who cares...

So it is revealed here that Col Khawar was not called by Hashim. In fact, he received a planted call by Ahmer Shafi and Ahmer is not doing it only for Kardaars. He is taking a revenge. Ahmer is Sultan Bangash son of the Brig. who was murdered along with his family by Col Khawar. And after revealing some more unheard sins committed by Kardaars, Ahmer puts an end to the story of Col. Khawar.

Nemrah uses such a discreet yet relatable example of wall paint to create a warm & emotional scene of a typical siblings reunion. Sadi, Hanna and Sam are one-game now.

Just imagine Jawahiraat without make-over and that too after 24-hours... What an idea by Hanna... Ha ha ha :-)

Case hearing has started and Sheru gets bail citing the reason that he was attacked in the jail premises.

At times I feel the world of Namal is like a tale of Alif-Laila where characters are magicians and they all can get the most difficult of the stuff done by mere a simiple charm or a magical trick. Faris presents journalist Jilani a bag full of CDs, where recordings of his misdeeds are saved. What else is required to persuade him to interview Sadi. (Alif-Laila ha ha ha).

Food for thought this time: Or phir kon hai jo insano ko andheron se nikaal sakta hai, rasta bata sakta hai... Siwaey ALLAH ke. Yes, the only SAVIOR the true SOVEREIGN is only HE- ALLAH.

Well the scene featuring Zumer & Faris is stunning. Zumer has chosen being herself. She will lead the way as she used to deal with other matters. And we all know, Zumer is capable of doing so.

Dr. Aeman, whose hospital was burnt by Faris Ghazi, was the one who was trying to assist Hashim. Revenge has a new shape now.

I am afraid this episode was somewhat mediocre as compared to a few earlier episodes. The overall impact of this one was not so grand as per norms of Namal and it lacked the power & thrill that was the hallmark of other episodes of Namal. However ew pros of the episodes like advancement in the story in terms of Sheru's arrest & rift between Jawahiraat & Haroon have made it easy to make the things work.

Namal (Nimrah Ahmed) Episode 23- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal (Nimrah Ahmed) Episode 23- Novel Review by Shoby

Just a few weeks back I came up with an idea of correlating characters of various English dramas (seasons) with the characters of our very own Namal and here I am reading episode 23rd (Morchaal) of Namal which is started by Nimrah with one of the dialogues from episode Buckle Up of Season Scandal (Quite an interesting co-incidence :-) ).

Just to give the readers an insight about Scandal it is one of the most celebrated American political thriller TV series and it mainly focuses on the work & life of Olivia Pope, staff of her crisis management firm and the staff of the epicenter of world power i.e. USA's White House. Buckle Up is the 19th episode of Season 5. Episode "Bukle Up" is written by Michelle Lirtzman and these lines quoted by Nimrah are no doubt the highlight of the whole episode.

These lines show the desperation of the protagonist who wants the other to be rescued by any hook or crook. Its no more about being good or bad, its about fighting the reason which makes you sad and turns your future dark. You just need a mere glance (may be a single one-liner) which you can quote to yourself, which has the tendency of putting a tap on your back so that you may get a little inspiration which may leads you to new heights of motivation. This is the secret of success. This is how you bring yourself out of the troubled waters.

Leave every scandal aside ( :p ) and lets focus back on our prime concern Morchaal (The House of Ants). I must tell you it is the most attractive title of the whole Namal series till date. Why??? Because it is very much relatable to the term "Namal" and it surely brings all the intriguing checks back on you as far as proceedings are concerned.

Yousafs are as usual doing the regular stuff in the bungalow occupied with lush green vining plants when the door bell rings and Faris is back. Leaving the umbrage behind, desperation of sister's love speaks straight away, "Mera bhai kahan hai"? Sam calls her Zumer (thinks as if now he has the licence to call her by her name as he knows the secrets & all). Faris tell them that Sadi will be back soon. Zumer further clarifies that as per his meeting with Faris, Saadi wants justice and to her it is the valid stance, although Faris does not agree on the same.

Hashim asks Jawahiraat to keep a distance from Haroon and she reciprocates that whatever she has been doing, her primary objective is to bring Aabi & Hashim close and to build a relationship between these two. Nature has started playing the role now as Sheru is now regretting the attempt of murder he made to kill Saadi. He calls Zumer and she briefly explains what jealousy can do at its prime best. It can even drag you to the position where you can claim one's life. Dreadful sin...

Its a morning of February, full of fog as Nimra states, "Thori door tak basaarat jati, phir us ke baad baseerat khatam ho jati"... Wow. What a way to tell the readers whats going on.

The name plate saying "Morchaal" brings some memories back. Faris & Zartasha alone in the bridle room and Zartasha feeling the usual bridal unsures and he builds on her confident when Zumer enters the scene for a brief moment. One moment that had the capacity to turn the table round. Meanwhile Waris warns Faris that he should keep his family at a distance from Hashim as he may reveal the secret of his earlier relationship with Zumer.

In Colombo, Kamuni & Rupa are furious over the incidents happened earlier and asks Saadi to leave the house. He has no other option so Saadi is again homeless & jobless now.

Zumer visits Dr. Qasim and his receptionist tells her that someone came and beat the hell of out of doctor. She guessed it right that he was no one other than Faris, however he asks the receptionist not to interfere and forgets the issue as he might get into troubles himself. (Honestly at times, I feel Zumer has that beautiful sense of humor that if she focuses on same, she can bring a lot more than a rigid, rough & rude Lawyer... Please take a note Nimrah) :p

This is something to be written in gold for sure. "Bivi apney shoher ki aina daar hoti hai. Tum us ko kaho woh khoobsurat hai, wo her roz nikherti jaey gi"... A fact explained beautifully by Nimra.

Faris asks Sara (Waris's wife) either to leave the country or be a witness in Sadi's case. Sara tells him that Col. Khawar knows about her presence at the time of incident.

Shoby updated his location at Facebook (Foodly Everafter) with Faris Ghazi & Zumer. Zumer asks him he has beaten someone and Faris unintentionally tells her that he has smacked just a few kicks & punches to Saadi... Saadi... Ha ha ha (Literally LOL). 

Namal readers khush ho jao... Apparently Jaan chutti tumharey Faris Ghazi ki... While romance was all over in the air, Hashim says "I am in love with you" to Aabdar... But wait its a typical girly reply here, "Main tumhari bohat achi dost hoon or dost hi rehna chahti hoon" (If I were there, I would have surely said, Go to hell)...

Just like a typical Pakistani/ Indian film, someone enters the territory of an independent state as if its not a big deal at all i.e. without any hindrance. Haider Humayun Khan (aka Saadi Yousaf) Welcome to Pakistan.

Like they say in the west Thanks GOD, its Friday, it is an official Biryani day for housewives in Pakistan. And what is this Nimrah. After enhancing the blood pumping pace, what you have presented in front of Yousaf's door... Hashim... Not on Maam, seriously not on. Anyways, the sentence "Hashim bhai aey ain" is itself quite satisfactory for many of us... Right na... ;-) 

Faris reveals they all know that he was the one who did every wrong and Hashim is simply not jolted at all. After-all he is Hashim (Dr. Hannibal Lecters). Hashim Kardaar has moved on and he does not want any other fight now. Although he is ready to face the punishments of his ill doings & false deeds but he obviously in no mood to start another combat. I believe its one unique  thing about Nimrah's writing that she plants the most anticipated moments in such an easy environment that the expected after shocks are not felt until they are really coming on and the same happens here. Who can confess about his mistakes (read sins) in such a comfortable manner.

I cant believe it. We witnessed the last episode with multiple scenes at one moment, this time its a two frame sequence brilliantly narrated by Nimrah. At one place, Faris is clarifying why he confirmed Hashim that they all know about the reality and simultaneously on the other hand, Hashim is beating Nosherwan Kardaar citing the reason that he has destroyed everything as Yousafs are dragging them into courts with all the homework done. Hashim is angered and furious but above all he is yet again ready for the battle but this time here is a difference, someone else is also ready to confront him from the front... Faris Ghazi... Kudos Nimrah... Kudos...

Things are moving in such an unimaginable pace now. Hashim orders all the bank accounts & properties of Yousafs to either be ceased or to be purchased whereas recently returned Saadi has uploaded a video on a video sharing site where he has revealed everything about his murder attempt & abduction... Game over Kardaars... Game is over now. One thing is remaining to be seen, Is martaba Hashim kaisey sambhaley ga. 

Faris was already aware of what Hashim is capable of doing after knowing everything. Therefore, he has already transferred all his assets to an Off Sure bank account... "Off sure" ka lafz parh ke hansna nahi Pakistanio... LOL :p ;-)

Looks like a ground battle is on the cards. Nimrah Ahmed is no different from the likes of Alan Ameen (notable action director of Bollywood) in this regard. What a game played by Faris, he has managed camera clicks & photo shoots to fight against guns. Smiles at the end of solid blood pumping scene. Morchaal ki choontiyan Ha ha ha...

Aabi meets Faris to tell him about the proposal of Hashim. Meanwhile Sadi "sorts of" meet with Nudrat in a Grocery store in disguise. This cute si Aabdaar is seriously a big bomb embedded in a small packet. What a trick used by her to blackmail Jawahiraat so that she could persuade Hashim not to marry her. Bravo... Yet another term invented by Namra Ahmed... Zumerised... Ha ha ha

Please someone tell Nudrat if criteria of being "Begherat Aulaad" is to avoid/forget putting refilled bottles in refrigerator, I believe 99.99% youth of Pakistanis can easily be termed as same. 

Nimra deserves applaud, Dua sab se bara catalyst hai. Trude indeed... True in every aspect. Subhana RABI Yal AALA... Woh baar baar tasbeehat ki tadaad bhool rahi thi, so un ko duhraey ja rahi thi. ALLAH ke RASOOL PAK (asws) apney NAWASEY IMAM HASSAN (asws) IMAM HUSSAIN (asws) ko Namaz parhtey huey bhi utha letey they... And Saadi is back. A reunion that one can never forget. A reunion that one can expect only in a high voltage live performing opera theater. A reunion that demands every clap on its praise. Nimrah Ahmed writes a stunning sequence.

Foodly Everafter has three guests, Faris, Zumer and an uninvited one Col. Khawar. He provokes Faris to kill him and after an emotionally tiring heated discussion among the three, Faris releases him and lets him go. Just because he is not a murderer.

I Love you so much... I really do. Words that came out directly from the heart of a woman who is truly madly deeply in love of her ever loving & ever caring husband. Some confessions are felt like a charm- a magic trick that can take you in another world altogether... And this one is of no difference. 

The very next day, I love you has been converted into I'll kill you and off course this is Zumer for you.

And Aabdaar was right. She has done something that can bring Faris to her within few moments without giving him an ample chance to think twice. Aabi has commited suicide.

After many episodes this one was a real pacey. Everything happened in such a fast speed that even I was not having any chance to think which incident to put in the review and which can easily be left. This episode has worked wonders to the readers in many ways. Saadi is back to Yousafs. Hashim is all set to rescue Sheru and his own self. Faris and Zumer are ready to battle it out against the mighty powerful Kardaars and yes we have that one twits that is pertinent to be mentioned Aabi has committed the suicide and her father wants to know who is this guy for whom she has done that.

Shobywood's Special Edition- Namal's Characters in the Light of English Seasons

Shobywood's Special Edition- Namal's Characters in the Light of English Seasons

So let me present to you my views on how I feel about different characters of Namal.  I have tried to tap the resemblance among pertinent characters that have so far been appeared in Namal with some distinctive characters featured in various English seasons. Obviously they are not 100% ditto of each other considering the fact that storyline & circumstances are in no way similar, nevertheless many of the behavioural traits and their reactions to certain scenarios in the novel premises have made me think how I perceived them. Below are the details of the character sketch. Hope you enjoy this very special edition of Shobywood...

Saadi- Peter (Fringe)... Loving, caring, always in a mood to help others. With the change in circumstances, he had to modify but he never intended to become a grey character. Somewhere inside, he is an innocent smart kid who loves to assist everyone for good.

Faaris Ghazi- Nicholas Brody (Homeland) or Dexter Morgan (Dexter)... With a gloomy background, this guy was not meant to be like what he is now. Ruthless, straightforward, deep and intense with no holds bar in terms of taking revenge. However, he is a hero and will always remain a hero for ages. He can do anything & everything to save the family.

Zumer- Venessa Ives (Penny Dreadful)... Having a strong impact of what she went through, she still feels the same pain & agony because of her grieved past. However she is strong enough to take up the challenges and always try to bring the best out of herself in order to make things easier for her family & friends.

Hanna- Astrid (Fringe) or male character Mike (Suits)... Unique, different, smart & genius. Her character came of age and she was meant to be bloomed somewhere in the middle of the story. She made the right moves to bring out the best of her exceptional skills & attributes. She loves to solve the mysteries but sometimes she needs an assisting hand to get the job done in a productive way.

Hashim- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal)... Dark, cunning, savage & cold blooded. This sums all about him. He does whatever evil he can and still comes out as a hero.

Jawahiraat- Evelyn (Penny Dreadful)... Perhaps this is almost 100% perfect match. Jawaahiraat is a witch and wants an everlasting youth, beauty & power to spell cast everyone. She wants to be an undisputed queen. She wants to rule the world and for this purpose, she can go wherever it takes.

Sheru- Brian Moser (Dexter)... Confused, cruel & a disturbed kid who thinks he is right in his stance even after committing optimum level crimes. He is a helpless character right from the word go. Even though he is evil, he still manages to live a comfortable life till the time decides his fortune.

Ahmer Shafi- Brian Finch (Limitless) or Harvey Spectre (Suits)... One word Genius... No he is something above than genius who knows how & when to get the job done. He can bring smile to your face even in the toughest of situations. And you cannot help yourself except loving this happy go lucky kind of person.

I hope you enjoyed reading my views on these characters. If you come up with something interesting or any feedback regarding this article, do share as we all Namalians are a family. Stay blessed. #Shoby

Namal Episode 22 (Nimra Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal Episode 22 (Nimra Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Kaafir Maakir Kaazib Qaatil continues as we witness Fasih in the locales of Srilanka in search of Saadi. Saadi's location where he resides has apparently been compromised but Faih thinks it as a prank call and let it go unnoticed.

Jawahiraat is anxious about the return of Aleesha but to everyone's surprise, Hashim is in no mood to react. He has moved on. (Has he, in real???).

No time for sit back & relax for Faris. Zumer is having some serious doubts regarding him having some "quality" time with Aabi in Columbo and Faris is feeling some real anxiety now. Aabi was undoubtedly playing a game but Faris Ghazi is not tailored made to be trapped so easily, as his written note says it loudly, "Main Yaha Restaurants Ke Khaney Kahaney Nahi Aya". Meanwhile he peruses his mission & contacts an old acquaintance Sabahat who is posted in Colombo.

Back in Pakistan, #SearchSaadi mission is right on it prime bright. Everyone is doing his own bit. Where Nudrat is praying as usual, computer expert Hanna is on a verge to locate Saadi using the IT techs & skills.

"Tum humesha kehtey ho ke humain alag ho jana hai or mujha nahi pata ke kiyo, lakin agar alag hi ho jana hai to tum meri taraf se azad ho". One phone call can turn the life to 360 degrees and it has just happened in Namal. The most distasteful moment is here. Faris & Zumer may fall apart and it is not at all going good for Namalians at least. "Ab her taraf phir se andhera ho gaya tha".

Zumer reveals in front of the family, the actual ongoing scenario on account of her married life with Faris. "Khatarnaak raaz bomb ki tarha hotey hain" reminds me of Because I think I am a grenade (from John Green's The fault in our Stars). Excellent words Nimra.

Zumer asks Yousafs to stay calm & DO NOT visibly show off that they are  having even a slightly mere idea about Saadi being alive, as it may make Kardaars attentive and they would ultimately make their lives hell. Everyone seeks acknowledgement except a mother, as Nudrat says, "Or Saadi... us ka kiya??? and Zumer replies, "Faris sambhaal ley ga". Who cares of love & affection when we get to know that trust is not yet shattered.

Ahmer Shafi has shown his evil genius yet again. Having doubts about Hunain, he hacks the account of Humaira and gets to know the dark secret how Hanna blackmailed her father to get the bounty in the form of a "little" assistance in exams. Ahmer explains, "Her raaz ki qeemat hoti hai fatima. kabhi na kabhi, kisi na kisi tarha woh humarey kaam aa sakta hai".

Saadi is once again trapped and this time someone has used his ever glowing hallmark, i.e. sympathy for people. Who someone??? The one & only Faris Ghazi, who is now beating the hell out of Saadi Yousaf- his very own nephew. After like billions of ages, Saadi meets Faris and after a few rage engrossing moments, Faris is all set to embrace this lovely kid #Saadi and what a one-liner Nimra has used to make the things look a bit relaxed. "Acha ab door hato... meri bivi mujh pe pehley hi shak karti hai". It is quite obvious from this sentence that even in these tough & challenging situations, only one thing is revolving around Faris... Stubborn Zumer.

If living in hell is something to be observed in this planet, it is The Jawaahiraat who has just observed the same. He proposes Haroon who rejects his proposal citing the reasons which she was not in any case ready to hear. The most important aspects of a woman's character are her faithfulness & loyalty and these are the hallmarks that are totally absent in case of Jawahiraat- the self obsessed witch. (Boorhi jaadugarni in the words of Faris :p ).

Mandatory moments were due in the meet up between Faris & Saadi. Zumer humesha ki tarha Zumer hai and Sadaqat ne shaadi ker li hai, woh bhi aik haseena se shows how beautifully Nimra can play with the cobweb of words.

As every other Pharaoh, Jawahiraat too believes blindly that she is the one who will never ever come under the radar of doom. "Magar dil boorha ho gaya tha. Is ki koi aging treatment nahi thi is ke paas".

Dooms Day is near and apparently it is now inches away from Kardaars. Hashim Kardaar's factory gets exploded and he could not take the incident. Down he is as cardiac arrest is what he has to confront. As a matter of fact, this heart attack turned out to be a mere anxiety attack, however humanity is above all and this is what was visibly expressed by the emotional reaction of Zumer.

Faris tries to persuade Saadi to go back to Pakistan and give another fresh start to a life with no Yousaf-Kardaars combat. Saadi has some other plans. he wants a trial. A trial against Nosherwaan Kardaar. He clarifies in front of Faris that he does not want any revenge. What he wants is the justice. Justice that needs to be done at any cost.

"Mujhey bohat achey lagtey hain QURAN mein pooochey gaey sawaal". True indeed. These questions are actually the source of inspiration and motivation. When we ask these queries to ourselves we get to know a much clearer image of what is the real purpose behind our birth. To obey our CREATOR- Who is The ONE and ONLY MASTER of ALL- ALLAH...

Jawahiraat asks Aleesha to reside in one of the servant quarters but Aleesha has something else in her mind. She wants her chain back from Hanna... Chain which reads #AntsEverAfter...

Boxing bells have started ringing in the house of Kardaars. Jawaahiraat, Nosherwaan and Hashim are all in severe confrontation in front of each other. The rift is quite visible. The faith is already decided and we all #Namalians are waiting for just the right time when nail turns red to be driven.

Fasih locates Saadi and this time he has proved that he is not the same old innocent Saadi. Another murder by him in self defence. Saadi kills Fasih in the fight. And this time there is no burden on Saadi for killing a living person. #SaveSaadi

Zumer has stolen files from Hashim's computer and Hanna retrieves them. Meanwhile Ahmer threatens Hanna, not to hack Kardaar's system. 

Foodly Everafter has always been my most favourite location in this whole Namal series. All the scenes that have been written in the backdrop of this little eatery have always come up with something big and this time its of no difference. He returns to Pakistan and meets Zumer here. Faris Ghazi is back from Srilanka. "Lamhey bhar ko isey bhool gaya ke un ki akhri larai kis baat pe hui thi".

"Tum us ke appartment mein they, us ke sath". (Bivian kitni shakki hoti hain- Huh).

"Ok, Ainda sach bolna mujh se... Bhaley kisi ke bhai appartment mein kisi ke bhi sath ho"... (Bivian kitni jaldi maan jati hai... Love Love Love...

Faris tells Zumer that he met Saadi in Srilanka and he will return soon. This conversation between Faris & Zumer is a very decent mix of husband-wife jealousy, love and above all triumph that this beautiful relationship holds.

Highlight of this episode is without any doubt the second last featuring almost all the pertinent characters of the game. Everyone doing his own stuff and in the middle of all this, here we witness Hashim kardaar playing yet another game, as he announces the The Saadi Yousaf foundation which aims to reopen the cases of missing persons and Hashim has once again emerged as a hero in front of public. Hashim sab kuch theek kar sakta hai.

This episode moved Namal quite quickly. The pace which was visibly lacking in few earlier episodes have been vanished and things are going towards a concluding part now. Lots of aspects have been undone by the author and lots many are still left to be discovered. To me, #SaveSaadi is still there but there is a game changer. #SaveSaadi now means to save Saadi Yousaf from breaking bad. Nimr, please let him remain as he was and #SaveSaadi...

Namal has some more gems in its kitty and we are all geared up to see whats coming next.