he teaser of this play promised something intriguing. It left the views wondering whether it would be a befitting follow-up to the recently concluded Kafeel. Directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and written by the late Saira Raza, does this play live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

The opening scene shows Anas Mujtaba, played by Farhan Saeed, bathing his grandfather, portrayed by actor Salman Shahid. The viewers are then introduced to the remaining characters: Anas’s Taya Jaan (Faran Tahir), Tayee Ji (Saba Hamid) and their two children, Shahereen and Shayan (Zoya Nasir and Haris Waheed).

It turns out that Anas Mujtaba’s father was disinherited for marrying of his own free will. From his childhood, Anas has been treated like the hired help in the house and has never enjoyed the status he deserves.

Farhan’s character has been compared to Hania Aamir’s in Meray Hamsafar, who similarly suffered at the hands of her uncle’s family after her father left her in the care of his mother and his brother’s family. If a second season is ever made to that particular play, it will probably look something like Bas Tera Saath Ho. Farhan portrays the character of Anas extremely effectively. His uncle’s family loses no opportunity to humiliate and insult him.

Although his grandfather tries to protect him, the old man is repeatedly reminded of his younger son’s folly in marrying against his wishes. Now that he has been disowned, the property belongs to the Taya’s family. This is another reason for the humiliating treatment meted out to Anas.

Despite being a bright student, who tops in his class at the university, he receives little acclaim or acknowledgement for his hard work. He is viewed as a burden, whom the Taya’s family cannot wait to get rid of.

Ansa is portrayed as a confident and self-assured woman, who will leave no stone unturned to claim her rightful share of inheritance. She is the complete opposite of Anas and refuses to be intimidated or browbeaten by her brother and sister-in-law.

Sana Javed (Ansa Jamil) is Anas’s class fellow at university. She, too, is a brilliant student. She lives with her brother and sister-in-law and has an equal share in the property. The play brilliantly captures how her father (Mohammad Ahmed in a cameo), makes a will, stipulating that his daughter has an equal share and the rent from a house that he owns will be divided equally between his two children, to foot her educational expenses. Her share is to be sold off when she gets married and the proceeds used to finance her wedding expenses. The balance is to be given to her for her personal use.

His son and his wife resent the will. There is a suggestion that parents should secure their daughters’ future before they pass away. Ansa is portrayed as a confident and self-assured woman, who will leave no stone unturned to claim her rightful share of the inheritance. She is the complete opposite of Anas and refuses to be intimidated or browbeaten by her brother and sister-in-law.

The situation at Anas Mujtaba’s household deteriorates. The viewers learn that his educational expenses are being borne by a paternal aunt. He hates asking anybody for anything and is hoping to receive a scholarship. However, he is not eligible for the scholarship because he does not complete the required credit hours. When he tells his aunt about it, she berates her brother and the scene turns terribly ugly.

His Taya’s son, Shayan (Haris Waheed), stomps out of the house. Anas is blamed for this. His grandfather and paternal aunt try to protect him but are unable to save him from the ire and wrath of his Taya’s family, who are only waiting for the grandfather to pass away, before they kick him out of the house.

The grandfather tries to cement his position by asking his son for his daughter’s hand in marriage for Anas. This leads to a fresh furor. Shahereen loses no opportunity to insult, humiliate and abuse him.

The acting is superb. All the supporting characters do a wonderful job. The script and the direction are fantastic. The viewers’ blood boils to see Anas maltreated by his Taya’s family. Kudos to Farhan for portraying the character so brilliantly.

Verdict: Tune in on Monday and Tuesday at 8 pm to catch Bas Tera Saath Ho.

The writer is an educationist. She can be reached at [email protected].