Zabt Episode 22 Review: Ayla and Aoun’s Forced Nikkah Changes Everything

In Zabt Episode 22 of the series, Ayla’s and Aoun’s new lives together after their surprise marriage, in the face of their former future with a partner who is, due to the groom’s deceit, no longer available, will be a total game-changer for them and their families. This episode was packed to the brim with family drama, emotional confrontations, and painfully shocking truths. Ayla and Aoun’s relationship as a result of their significantly different backgrounds has propelled all of the characters in Zabt to an almost equally measured emotional level of stress.

The surprise marriage of Ayla and Aoun was the most shocking moment in Zabt Episode 22. The wedding procession that was supposed to deliver the bride to the groom never showed up, which left both Ayla’s family, and the groom, feeling embarrassed. To save her family’s reputation, Rahat (Ayla’s mother) proposed to Aoun, creating a surprising new beginning for each of their families.

Ayla and Aoun’s Unexpected Marriage

Rahat had always envisioned Ayla as Aoun’s wife, so when Aoun’s proposal of marriage was made to Saqib during all the insanity, Saqib, who felt the social pressures of losing face in front of everyone, immediately agreed to Aoun’s request for Ayla’s hand in marriage.

There was little time for everyone involved to think about anything other than Ayla and Aoun’s future together; as a result, Ayla was married to Aoun almost instantly, which shocked everyone at the wedding. Aoun had been waiting for this moment to occur without saying anything, while Ayla believed to have been punished for her actions.This marriage changes and complicates the love/hate relationship of the characters in Zabt (To Be Continued...)

The dramatic scene creates unresolved tension between love and hate, while also presenting the theme of equality through sacrifice.

Ayla’s Emotional Breakdown

Once Ayla had done the nikkah, she was devastated; instead of being relieved that she was out from under the threat of public humiliation and could now be free, she instead felt confined. She was filled with rage and directed her rage towards her father for making her marry someone she didn't love.

Ayla stated that she would prefer to go before the world and be judged than to marry Aoun. Her emotional state was evident throughout the entire episode; this was one of the strongest emotional representations in this episode.

Ayla's mother, Shamsa, was also opposed to the decision and confronted Saqib for making this decision to use Ayla as a means to settle old debts and obligations.

This family conflict demonstrates how the decisions made by families during times of crisis can leave very deep emotional scars.

Aoun’s Silent Pain and Hope

Although Ayla thinks Aoun is simply an opportunist, the viewers can tell he really has much deeper feelings for her, and always has; however, his love has never been accepted by Ayla. The scene where Aoun has a talk with his mother was also very emotional, when she told him even though she had not always been a good mother, this marriage would be the first time he experienced true happiness.

Sadly though, Aoun's hopes for happiness were crushed when he entered Ayla's bedroom and found her refusing him and verbally attacking him. She made it clear to him that she would not accept him, ever. As a result of Ayla's actions, Aoun told her that he would talk to her father about getting a divorce for Ayla if she truly wanted that.

In this moment, the audience sees Aoun's true character; he was selfless, patient, and deeply in love with Ayla.

Zabt Episode 22: Ayla and Aoun’s Forced Nikkah

Secrets, Betrayal, and Old Rivalries

Ayla's confrontation with her friend created another major turn of events. The heated exchange revealed unspoken jealousy, the state of their damaged friendship, and their respective complicated romantic pasts. Ayla's secret about Ehtisham added layers of complication and tension to Ayla's already complicated life which includes much more than just one forced marriage.

The family continues to have feelings of resentment, especially toward Aoun. Shamsa cannot view Aoun as her son-in-law and believes he is not worthy of Ayla; therefore, she predicts a disaster for them. This rejection may be one of the greatest barriers to Ayla's relationship with Aoun.