Despite Rana and Kate committing to each other Rana’s parents are still in the dark about their relationship, how does this play out from here?
As far as her family are concerned Rana has agreed to stay with Zeedan under this financial agreement whereby they fund his restaurant and he plays along with the marriage. Her parents aren’t aware she’s still seeing Kate so when they do find them together they don’t react well.
How difficult is it for Rana now that she’s committed to this relationship but she still can’t be fully open about her feelings?
Rana’s feeling incredibly torn at the minute, she’s finally in a relationship where she’s happy but at the same time she’s completely ridden with guilt because she’s got this big secret and this financial agreement with her family. She feels very trapped.
Does she also feel guilt about her marriage breakdown to Zeedan?
Because of everything she’s put Zeedan through she feels like she owes him something so agreeing to the financial arrangement is her way of putting things right for breaking his heart. She’s ridden with guilt that he’s been forced to accept this situation and the fact that she’s in a relationship with somebody else.
There’s the added complication of Kate’s jealousy, as she doesn’t understand why Rana won’t just cut ties altogether with Zeedan.
Kate has told Rana to be more firm with Zeedan because Rana does still have communication with him and refer to him as her husband. But Rana feels they are still married and she’s justified in supporting him with his business after everything she’s put him through.
How do Rana’s parents react when they realise the relationship between Kate and Rana is still going on?
Rana’s family are absolutely disgusted and feel betrayed that she’s broken the terms of the contract. In desperation to cover up their daughter’s shame they take drastic measures to make sure that Rana and Kate can’t be together.
How does Alya react when all is revealed and does that upset Rana as the two have had such a close friendship?
Alya’s the last one to find out and it’s difficult because Rana has always had a great loyalty to Alya going way back to university. But this is the ultimate betrayal, she knows that she’s hurt Alya and there’s no going back.
When Rana’s mum calls to say she’s going to Pakistan to see her dying sister why does Rana agree to go with, despite how strained their relationship has been?
Rana believes the only way she can make things right and win her mum round is to be her support system for her dying sister. She feels so guilty and so ashamed of what she’s done that she doesn’t question anything.
Imran starts to think her mum’s story doesn’t quite add up, are any alarm bells ringing for Rana?
Rana’s just caught up in trying to do the right thing by everybody. This is the first time that Rana feels like she’s in control of the situation, where she feels she can actually resolve her relationship with her mum. She assures Kate positives will come from this situation. She knows she’s disappointed her parents and brought shame on the family by breaking the contract but this is the last hope for Rana to try and put things right, so she’s willing to do anything to win her family’s love back.
Rana’s parents go to extreme measures in their bid to keep Rana and Kate apart, while doing your research were you shocked to realise that this isn’t uncommon?
I’ve been working with the Naz and Matt Foundation and have heard many stories about saving face in the community. Parents often don’t see it as a personal attack towards their child, more so they see it as a saving face within the community. They do go to extreme measures to cover up anything they don’t agree with, particularly regarding a child’s sexuality. Physical violence and kidnappings are not uncommon within the Asian community when it comes to their child’s sexuality.
Have you found this a really important storyline to work on?
It’s very important, people need a voice, this issue is still very taboo in the Asian community, and other communities, and I think it’s important to raise awareness. Hopefully we can spark conversation and let people know there’s support available if they find themselves in this position.
Where do you think Kate and Rana can go from here, can Rana have a happy relationship without her parents in her life?
I’d like to think she can resolve things with her family to a certain extent but Rana’s never going to be the same again after this week’s episodes. The measures her parents take to force them apart are so extreme but I think Rana and Kate have been through so much and faced so many hurdles already that I hope the end goal to be together can be realised. They’ve fought this far, I think they’ll be willing to fight all the way.
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I am guessing the headline I should be 'shocked' but could not care less what happens.
ReplyDeleteDon't like the character or story. Happy if she didn't return.
ReplyDeleteWow. This is quite a big thing to undertake story wise. I am looking forward to it. I am ok with this character. The actress is doing a great job.
ReplyDelete