Hasratein is based on a novel by Dalvi titled ’Adhantri’...it is producted by Ajai Sinha...and one of the best from his lot. Early on it starts off with Savi (the central lead female) as a young girl...her father is a classical musician while her mother is a younger attractive woman. With two dozen or so episodes the plot is taken up 20 or so years (apparently the serial was not doing well and Ajai tried this---successfully).
Savi is living with her bua and foofaji...she is married off to Shyam (called Shyamu by her) a college professor who is a decent guy. Old-fashioned mentality wanting a pretty wife who can take care of his house and family---they have a young son Satish (there is a story behind his name too but that is best caught while watching the serial).
The story goes from there with Savi eventually getting bored with the home life and wanting to work...against Shyam’s wishes she starts working and lands herself with a job at BB Publicity...run by KT...young attractive well off guy from a successful business family rooted in Delhi (e.g. KT’s parents life in Delhi---KT meanwhile is married with two young children-picture perfect family).
From there the real story starts...the central topic is age old---EMA (extra-marital affair)---but it is the very unique wy it is handled that makes it one of a kind. Shefali Chaaya who takes over playing Savi’s character is superb...as is Harsh Chaaya. The most amazing scenes (in my opinion) were those between Shyam and Mansi (Shyam’s good PLATONIC friend)...the portrayal of his lonely character coping with left the best he can is amazing and touches to the core---his torn personality between his intense love and hate for Savi is absolutely wonderful to see portrayed so well.
If this ever does air again on Zee definitely do catch it---it’s a shame that such a serial once sprouted from an industry that now sports rubbish saas-bahu sagas.