In the fifth episode of "Echoes of the Past," the narrative takes a poignant turn as characters delve into the past, unearthing secrets and confronting the painful memories that have shaped their present. The episode begins with a flashback to a pivotal moment in 2007, where Sawsan pressures Nadia to have an abortion. Nadia, aware of Sawsan's affair with Yassin, threatens to expose her if she continues to push for the abortion. The confrontation is witnessed by a young Layla, setting the stage for the complex dynamics that unfold in the present.
In the present day, Ali confides in Sawsan about his desire to leave home. She suggests that he should also make Yassin pay for his actions, hinting at the deep-seated resentment and the intricate web of family relationships. Ali questions whether they were ever truly in love, and Sawsan admits that while they were, the love ended, and she stayed for the sake of their children.
Meanwhile, Layla and Yehia embark on a journey to the beach house, hoping to find answers to the mysteries surrounding Nadia's death. Yehia reveals that Nadia was uncomfortable with the trip but was forced to go because he was dating Mona at the time. Upon reaching the coast, they question a guide about the feasibility of cutting a hole in an oxygen tank's hose, learning that it would be difficult and that a diver should use the extra tank on the boat immediately if such a situation occurs.
At the beach house, Yehia recalls Mona showing him her insect collection and finds a blade in the box, raising suspicions about her involvement in Nadia's death. Layla, meanwhile, experiences a resurgence of memories, including the fight between Sawsan and Nadia. She recalls falling and scraping her knee, an incident where Yehia had helped her in the past. In the present, she falls again due to the memory, and Yehia once again comes to her aid, leading to a near-kiss moment before he takes her to the car.
As they leave, the caretaker spots them and informs Yassin. Khaled, the hitman, convinces the caretaker to use his police contact to identify the girl with Yassin, intending to use her as leverage. On their way, Layla asks Mona about Nadia and Sawsan, who claims they had a good relationship. Yehia calls Fatla, who gives him the silent treatment, while Maldini, feeling guilty, convinces Fatla to help Yehia, fearing Khaled will kill him otherwise.
Layla and Yehia encounter a police barricade and are asked to show their papers. Layla, lacking an ID card, is pulled aside, but she manages to call Ali, who uses his influence to get them released. The officer's report to Yassin about Ali's intervention further irritates him, prompting him to instruct Khaled to find another way to stop Yehia.
Back at home, Layla contemplates her past with Yehia and tries to kiss him, but he deflects the moment. She later confronts her mother, Sawsan, about Nadia's death, recalling her own trauma and hospitalization after seeing Nadia's corpse. Sawsan breaks down, revealing the pain and misery she endured, staying with Yassin for Layla's sake.
Yehia, meanwhile, texts the anonymous messenger, questioning Mona's involvement in Nadia's death. The messenger cryptically responds that Yehia is looking in the wrong place, but Yehia remains unconvinced, suspecting Mona's blade could have been used to tamper with the hose. The episode concludes with Mona's return to Egypt, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding mystery.
"Echoes of the Past" Season 1 Episode 5 masterfully weaves together the threads of the past and present, revealing hidden truths and the emotional turmoil that characters face as they confront their memories and secrets. The episode sets the stage for further revelations and confrontations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.