“Aakhir Kab Tak” has been a favorite since it first premiered, telling a grim, dark story set in reality, but with a tone of optimism and hope. This isn’t a dark, dreary show that leaves the audience in a bad place, rather it focuses on providing the viewer with hope, the light at the end of the tunnel. The highlight are the encouraging characters that push through their misery and attempt to solve their problems rationally. Starring Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Adeel Hussain, Haroon Shahid, Azfar Rehman, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and others, the story has been written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama.
With 27 episodes down, one would imagine that the story has been stretched out far too long – but this is not the case. While the show did hit a two-episode lag, this is a story with enough scope to carry on for longer, tackling the difficult subject of sexual assault and its effect on the victims. While Fajar’s (Srha Asghar) life spirals out of control due to Zafar’s (Azfar Rehman) presence in her home, Saim (Haroon Shahid) remains oblivious that the cause is his own friend. He’s a loving, understanding husband who wants to do well by his wife, but is confused as to what the problem is. However, Saim’s sister stumbles on Zafar harassing Fajar on more than one occasion and even informs her parents about it, encouraging them to kick Zafar out. Unfortunately, like many South Asian members of society, her parents brush off her concerns, choosing to believe Zafar instead as he claims Fajar has been acting out towards him.
Fortunately for Fajar, Noor (Ushna Shah) is on the case. With Nasir’s (Adeel Hussain) support, Noor is able to meet Bushra in the hospital as he takes her there – where she encounters Saim’s sister. When the two discuss the situation, Noor realizes Zafar is now in Fajar’s house. Not only is it wonderful to see Saim’s sister and Noor, two strong, confident young women, bond over wanting to protect Fajar, but Noor’s confrontation scene with Zafar is iconic. Each week, Noor proves herself to be exactly the heroine we’ve been waiting for, a woman who will fight for those she loves – and even with those she loves (Noor’s “Darpok aurat” to Fajar as she hits Zafar is not gone unnoticed) for the sake of doing right. Now with both Noor and Saim’s sister (what is her name?!) in her corner, Fajar has a stronger support system. But will it be enough for Fajar to confide in Saim?
Meanwhile, Nasir finally finds Basam. This is where the story takes an unexpected turn with Basam’s kidney having been stolen, along with all his finances. It’s heartbreaking to see Basam in such a condition, despite everything he has done in the past. Even better is seeing Nasir consoling Basam and standing with him and his parents. Nasir has proven to be a strong partner, a loving and supportive husband – an ideal in every way that’s important. The Noor and Nasir relationship has gone on to be the best love story we’ve seen on-screen in a long time and it’s only made better by Ushna Shah and Adeel Hussain’s chemistry. Both Adeel Hussain and Ushna Shah have had wonderful performances in their respective careers – but Nasir and Noor will go down as their best.
As the story moves forward, we can see that Zafar will attempt to discredit both Noor and Fajar in order to prove himself righteous. But will it work? Will Fajar fall into the same trap that Bushra did? How long will it take for Fajar to get justice against the man who has not only wronged her, but many women before her?