In the third episode of "Echoes of The Past," the narrative delves deeper into the characters' past and present struggles, exploring the complex interplay between memory and oblivion. The episode opens with a flashback to the 2007 summer trip, where Sawsan, Ali's mother, is furious about Nadia's engagement. She questions whether Ali is truly the father of Nadia's child, while Yassin remains indifferent, using his apathy to punish her. Sawsan, determined to confront the situation, declares that she will deal with Nadia on her own.
In the present, Layla tends to Yehia's wound, showcasing a growing bond between them. Meanwhile, Ali confronts his mother, who insists she was unaware of Nadia's murder until the trial. Ali is conflicted, confessing to Layla that he couldn't kill Yehia, fearing the burden of two deaths. Layla, who has taken it upon herself to care for Yehia, reveals that she found his address from a receipt he dropped during their first encounter. She insists on helping him, driven by the lingering pain of Nadia's death, despite having blocked the memories of her. She makes a deal with Yehia: they must not harm her family and must go to the police once the real killer is found. Yehia, desperate for answers, reluctantly agrees.
Maldini, Yehia's mole, is brutally interrogated by the hitman hired by Yassin. His eventual breakdown leads the hitman to follow Fatla, Yehia, and Layla to a desert party hosted by Sherif. Yehia approaches Sherif, seeking the tapes he recorded during their trip. Sherif claims to have destroyed them, pleading with Yehia to abandon his quest for revenge and to spare Layla from the turmoil. He expresses regret over the past and leaves, leaving Yehia pondering his next move. Layla, however, spots the hitman and helps Yehia hide, further complicating the situation.
Sherif, contrary to his claims, does possess the tapes. He reviews them, visiting Ali, who is mourning Nadia. Sherif also recalls Yehia's suspicions about Yassin's involvement in his grandfather's death, adding another layer of intrigue. Ali, desperate for answers, is urged by Sherif to focus on finding Nadia's killer. Fatla, concerned about Maldini's disappearance, is furious when he returns injured. Yehia interrogates Maldini, suspecting the hitman may be a double agent. Fatla, disillusioned by Yehia's actions, cuts ties with him.
Yassin confronts Sherif, suspecting him of aiding Yehia. Sherif insists he has burned the tapes and wishes to be left alone, but Yassin, unconvinced, fires him from the company. That night, Ali and Yassin play chess, with Yassin expressing his regret that Ali didn't kill Yehia. Ali questions the ease of killing and probes Yassin about his own past, leaving Yassin without an answer as he leaves.
The episode concludes with Sherif watching a tape of Nadia, heartbroken and upset with Ali's family. In a shocking revelation, Sherif makes an advance on her, claiming love, which Nadia rejects with disgust, threatening to expose him if he continues.
"Echoes of The Past" Season 1 Episode 3 masterfully weaves together the threads of memory, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth. The characters' struggles to confront or suppress their pasts drive the narrative forward, setting the stage for further revelations and confrontations in this gripping series.