this is diff. banu etc, orig. still continues.
Having played the update to the end, I now realise I jumped the gun somewhat. But actually I think this is more of a continuation of the original, just with certain factors altered? So I'm not certain the Dev intends to return to 'Life in Middle East'?
It seems to me this is pretty much Polad's route, with alterations. Banu never left or divorced Kamil, and he never found out about their affair? She never worked for Polad in his Bar, and she never stopped wearing the hijab? Meanwhile Kamil has been made into a less sympathetic character, by having him cheat on Banu with prostitutes, probably because when the game started, Banu had denied him sex for years, whilst she came to terms with the death of her first husband. So I think in this version, Banu and Kamil may never have had sex, with her continuing to deny him, even though she started having sex with Polad? And then subsequently, Kamil has discovered he has AIDS, and feeling guilty Banu has stopped her affair with Polad, and devoted herself entirely to her sick husband.
So I think this game is set probably at least a year after the events of 'Life in Middle East'? That's my current take anyway, perhaps the Dev can say otherwise?
Whatever the truth, this very clearly is not a complete restart of the game, because Banu is not the same person that started 'Life in Middle East'. She's already a somewhat liberated woman, who secretly at least harbours desires, that the original Banu would never have contemplated. As soon as she arrives in the West, it's like the leash has been removed, and all that's stopping her from doing whatever she wants, is her own guilt and desire to be a good muslim woman. So it's a straight choice between Banu resisting temptation and once again becoming the good wife she used to be or surrendering to her darker self that had such a torrid affair with Polad. Perhaps your choice will determine whether she returns after one month, or stays in the West for good?