‘Pata nahi taqdeer ko manzoor hai ki nahi’: Mumtaz hopes for daughter Natasha and Fardeen Khan’s reunion; expert on when reconciliation after separation is healthy

She also recalled moments that highlighted emotional responsibility even after the relationship changed. “Even today.. I want to tell you that when my daughter was a little sick in London, he flew from India thrice to visit her. If it were some other man, he would have conveniently said, ‘Go jump in the lake, why should I come?’ It wasn’t necessary for him to come and visit, but he came and met her twice or thrice,” Mumtaz shared. These gestures underline how care can exist beyond formal partnership.

Speaking about parenting, Mumtaz emphasised the role of consistency and mutual respect. “Their kids are with the mother, so whenever they have their holidays, he takes them on vacation. And, my daughter happily agrees to the same. Keeps them like a flower, taking them everywhere, never says no, and goes shopping with them. I am not lying, he is an amazing father and a very good husband. He loves his children more than his own life. You can ask him yourself. They have such beautiful children,” she said.

At the same time, Mumtaz openly expressed her hope for reconciliation, a sentiment many parents of separated couples quietly carry. “He is a very nice person, great human being. He loves me also a lot, respects me so much. I would still pray to God that these two reunite… Par pata nahi taqdeer ko manzoor hai ki nahi (don’t know what destiny wants).” 

So, when separated partners continue to show care and involvement, how does this affect their emotional healing?

Gurleen Baruah, existential analyst at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “It really depends. Every separation has its own reasons, and only the two people involved truly know what led them there. Care and mutual respect after separation are not unusual, especially when the relationship didn’t end in hostility. For some, this kind of emotional civility can support healing because it reduces bitterness and allows both people to process the separation without feeling erased or devalued.” 

For others, she adds that ongoing closeness can slow healing if boundaries are unclear. Whether reconciliation happens or not cannot be predicted from care alone. Healing usually deepens when each person focuses on their own values, reflects on what they want going forward, and allows space for individuation rather than staying emotionally stuck in the past.

The role that extended family members play after a separation

“Family members naturally have feelings, hopes, and opinions, especially when they care deeply about both people,” notes Baruah, adding that sharing a perspective or offering support is human. But that’s where it needs to stop. Adults must be allowed to make their own decisions, even when those decisions are painful for others to accept. 

“Pushing, persuading, or emotionally pressuring a couple can add guilt and confusion rather than clarity. Holding two truths together is important here: hoping for a reunion, and respecting that the final choice belongs to the couple. Emotional maturity lies in staying supportive without trying to control outcomes,” stresses the expert.