Raqeeb sey- Finale: closure or unfinished?

 

Raqeeb sey- Finale: closure or unfinished?

 

Since I have been following the much-talked-about play Raqeeb sey  from the first episode it is imperative that I write something about its finale too. We all have overtly appreciated the play. Emphasizing how good content was needed in our television; where for the most part TV shows are aired for commercial outcomes mostly insulting the intelligence of the viewers Raqeeb sey was a breath of fresh air. We have repeatedly poured our love and appreciation for the entire team for making this classic, especially Bee Gul for her exceptional writing.


 Nonetheless, Raqeeb sey was a poetic saga that finally came to an end. A story primarily about many women who struggle each day with their set of challenges that transitions into a story about human behavior that comprises of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Leaving viewers to question their judgment about the grey areas of human behavior. Also, the unfortunate incidents in life that should make one stronger was the message given by the end.


For me, the second last episode where the women in question realize their worth and begin to question their existential existence was an end in itself. However, the last episode left me with sour aftermath. I do understand that good winning over evil is the ultimate solace for all of us and women's emancipation is always appreciated. The last episode gave many women like me a sense of worth and fulfillment outside the paradigm of a man’s shadow.
While watching the last episode I could only think of these words written by Kaifi Sahab
زندگی جہد  میں  ہے صبر  کے  قا بو میں  نہیں
نبضِ  ہستی  کالہو  کا نپتے آ  نسو  میں  نہیں
اُ  ڑنے   کھلنے  میں ہے  نکہت خمِ   گیسو میں نہیں
جنت اک اور ہے جو مرد کے  پہلو میں نہیں
اِس  کی آ زادروش  پر بھی مچلنا  ہے  تجھے
اُ ٹھ میری  جان  میرے ساتھ ہی چلنا ہے  تجھ
 
However, I couldn’t bring myself to find complete closure. A few unfinished answers left me questioning. When Sakina and Inshaa (two women who had bad experiences with their partners) decided to find a life with a higher purpose and left to serve humanity. The ending episode shows Sakina – a woman who had been abused; her supposed fault was not only a past love affair but to let the man abuse her repeatedly without showing a spine to change her condition. Giving power to women for taking charge of their own life. But to leave the happiness of the world and serve humanity was something my mind couldn’t fathom. It seems a bit rushed and cliched. Is serving humanity or a higher purpose the only option left for women who have struggled in a relationship? Is there a happily ever after for such women? Why can’t they find their ‘happily ever after’ with romance, love, and respect, living in the same society they were a part of. Why is it so difficult for women especially of a certain age to start over? Why can’t they dare to rethink of a conjugal relationship putting their past behind? Are they shattered beyond repair?

With many unanswered questions, I am listening to the OST of the play and enjoying the soul-searching voice of Hadiqa….

رقیب سے وہ نظارے فریب دیتے رہے
ہمیں تو جھوٹے سہارے فریب دیتے رہے
تلاش کرنے چلے ہم کبھی جو خود کو کہی
سیاہ رات کے تارے فریب دیتے رہے
ہمیں تو جھوٹے سہارے فریب دیتے رہے
رقیب سے وہ نظارے فریب دیتے رہے
وہ پیار جو ہمارا ہاتھ تھام چلتے تھے
فریب دیتے رہے وہ ہم فریب کھاتے رہے
وہ اپنے جن کی محبت کا پہ ناز تھا ہم کو
محبتوں کے وہ مارے فریب دیتے رہے
ہمیں تو جھوٹے سہارے فریب دیتے رہے
رقیب سے وہ نظارے فریب دیتے رہے