When Rivals Collide (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 3. The Will

Murtasim’s commanding voice echoed in the silence of the office as he caught Meerab and Marium rummaging through his late father’s papers. The girls froze, caught in the act, their faces flushed with embarrassment and guilt. Murtasim’s stern gaze swept over them, conveying his displeasure without the need for raised voices.

“What are you doing in Baba’s office?” His tone was calm but carried an unmistakable authority.

Marium, on the verge of an explanation, barely managed to open her mouth before Murtasim cut her off. “Tum tou chup hi raho, Marium.” Her eyes fell to the floor, her attempt to speak now silenced.

Murtasim’s voice was resolute. “Jab tak ye humare ghar me tumhare room tak mahdood thi tab tak theek tha, lekin mai ijazat nahi dunga ke dushman ki beti humare poore ghar me ghoomay. Is that understood?”

The reprimand was clear, and Marium’s quiet “Yes, Murtasim Bhai” was almost a whisper. As the girls exited, their heads bowed in deference, Murtasim remained in the office, sinking into his father’s chair with a sense of solitude.

What struck him most was Meerab’s unexpected silence. Her usual defiant spirit had vanished, replaced by a subdued compliance. It was a stark contrast to her previous confrontations with him. He contemplated the change but soon dismissed it, focusing on the pressing responsibilities he now faced.

---

*Earlier that week*

In the days following Malik Shah Nawaz’s death, Badalpur had been cloaked in mourning. Murtasim, now shouldering the mantle of leadership, was faced with the daunting task of managing his father's affairs. Amidst this, the future of the girls' school hung in uncertainty.

Meerab, driven by an unrelenting curiosity, had resolved to uncover the truth behind the cryptic “last time” her father had mentioned. Her investigation led her to Malik Shah Nawaz’s office, a place she suspected held secrets crucial to the school's future. With Marium’s help, she planned a clandestine raid while Murtasim was occupied elsewhere.

Their venture into the office was a blend of caution and excitement. Shadows flickered as they searched through old documents and files, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Yet, their exploration was abruptly interrupted.

Murtasim’s sudden appearance at the door, his expression a mixture of anger and grief, halted their progress. “Daughter of Anwar Khan, didn’t I warn you about trespassing?”

Meerab and Marium, startled and apprehensive, faced him in silence. Meerab, despite her initial resolve, found herself unable to argue. The sight of Murtasim, weighed down by grief and responsibility, elicited a rare sense of empathy from her. Their rivalry seemed insignificant against the backdrop of his personal loss.

In a moment of silent understanding, Meerab chose to leave the office without further confrontation. Her thoughts were filled with the complexities of their shared struggle and the new perspective she had gained.

---

*Present*

Murtasim was buried in the task of sorting through his father's voluminous paperwork, a process that felt archaic in the age of digital convenience. The documents sprawled across his desk seemed almost anachronistic, but he sifted through them with determined focus.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in,” he called, and Rafiq, his trusted aide, entered.

“Malik Sahab, Waqas Sahab is here. Should I let him in?” Rafiq asked.

“Ji, bhej den aur 2 cup coffee bhi bhejwa dena office mein,” Murtasim replied, acknowledging the lawyer’s arrival.

Waqas Ahmed entered shortly after, his greeting marked by a veneer of formality. “Good Evening, Malik.”

“Good Evening, Ahmed Sahab. Please, have a seat,” Murtasim replied, his smile polite but reserved.

As Waqas Ahmed settled in, the air between them was thick with tension. Murtasim wasted no time. “What brings you here?”

“Since I was your father's lawyer,” Waqas Ahmed began, “he entrusted me with his will.” He handed over the legal documents.

Murtasim examined the will with growing interest. “There was no need for a will. I’m the sole heir.”

Waqas Ahmed’s reply was measured. “That’s not what he wrote. He bequeathed a third of the lands to your cousin, Marium Malik.”

Murtasim sighed. “No surprise there. I’ve always considered Marium like my own sister.”

“And he also suggested that you take an active role in the school’s inauguration, given the unfortunate timing of his death.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Murtasim’s face. “And why should I?”

Waqas Ahmed leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Think about it. Anwar Khan’s properties will ultimately belong to his daughter, Meerab. If you align yourself with Anwar’s wishes, you could persuade him to agree to a marriage that would secure your control over the village.”

Murtasim’s expression turned to disbelief. “He would never agree to that.”

A sly smile played on Waqas Ahmed’s lips. “Oh, but he might. Your father ensured I recorded a video of him urging Anwar to honor their lifelong friendship. Anwar Khan isn’t as inflexible as he appears. That video might sway him.”

Murtasim’s resolve was evident. “I’d rather not.”

Waqas Ahmed persisted. “Consider this: you’d control the village entirely once Anwar passes. Think it over.”

As Waqas Ahmed left, the weight of the decision lingered heavily on Murtasim’s shoulders. Marrying Meerab Khan would secure his position, but it came at a significant personal cost. The implications of such a union were daunting, and Murtasim was left alone with his thoughts, contemplating the future of his family, his village, and his own heart. 

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