𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

فطرتِ عشق ۱۲۔

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering~

- Yoda, Star Wars

As he walked in, everyone swiftly straightened up and focused on their computers and files. On his path to his cabin, the office staff greeted him, but he only acknowledged them with a nod. His stern demeanor shattered everyone's confidence.

The once cheerful Murtaza had vanished, replaced by an expressionless version three weeks prior. No one dared to be frank with him due to his unwavering stern gaze. The once radiant smile that used to brighten everyone's day had disappeared, seemingly lost forever.

As he took his seat and summoned his secretary, Ali, he inquired about the file he had assigned for completion the previous day.

While reviewing the file, he discovered numerous errors, prompting him to toss it onto the table and exclaim,

"I gave you only one DAMN thing to do and you fucking couldn't!"

Apologizing, Ali exited the room with the file.

Murtaza's breath quivered with anger after Ali had left.

"To hell with you, Daneen!"
He muttered to himself.

Throughout these past three weeks, he couldn't banish Daneen from his thoughts. He loved her deeply, yet it became evident that he cherished his ego even more.

He had refrained from reaching out to Daneen even once.

"Tou usne bhi toh contact nahi kiya!!"

(She hasn't contacted me either!)

This was his self-reassurance, a phrase he would use to silence his heart, which yearned to hear from that one person.

In those three weeks, Daneen occupied Murtaza's thoughts incessantly. Whether he was eating, sleeping, or at the office, he couldn't shake her from his mind.

He despised the fact that Ayaan had been the catalyst for their argument, leading her to depart for his sake.

"She might initiate divorce proceedings any time now!!"

How could she do that with him?!!!

_____________

Loving you is a constant battle between my heart and my mind~

Having freshened up, Murtaza emerged from the washroom just as Guljaan entered his room, having knocked beforehand.

"Ji ammi koi kaam?"

(Is there something you need, ammi-mother?)
He inquired, to which she responded.

"Daneen kab tak waapis aayegi?? Dekho Murtaza main kitni dafa yeh sawaal pooch chuki hun! Bata do mujhe sach sach agr tum logon ke darmiyan kuch ghalat hua hai toh!! Koi ladayi wagaira!"

(When is Daneen returning? Look, Murtaza, I've asked this question countless times! Just tell me honestly if something is amiss between you two, even if it's an argument or something!)

Guljaan had spoken with Daneen on the phone on multiple occasions, and Daneen had assured her that she would be back soon. She made an excuse of, missing her family; she hadn't spent time at her parents' home after their marriage, so she wished to stay there temporarily. Moreover, she had contrived a reason for leaving Khan Villa without meeting Guljaan, stating...