When Rivals Collide (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 4. Advice

This update is especially for KhushiMaury who's been one of the first active readers on this story. Thank you for your support.

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Over the next few days, Murtasim wrestled with the unsettling notion of marrying Meerab Khan, a prospect that had never before crossed his mind. The conversation with Waqas Ahmed had introduced a new and uncomfortable layer to his already complex life. The deep-rooted feud between their families made the idea of a marriage alliance seem like a treacherous gamble, one that seemed to offer power but demanded personal sacrifice.

Murtasim's office, bathed in a warm, golden light from the late afternoon sun, was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. The room was meticulously organized, with a classic mahogany desk that exuded authority and old-world charm. On one side of the desk, an array of paperwork was neatly stacked, reflecting the order Murtasim maintained in his professional life. The other side was dominated by a sleek, modern laptop, its screen glowing softly, ready for his next move.

Waqas Ahmed, a man in his mid-fifties with an air of practiced composure, sat across from Murtasim. His presence was a reminder of the weighty decisions that lay ahead. Having come exactly two weeks after their last meeting, he brought with him the USB containing a video that held the key to their plans. Waqas handed the USB over, his eyes betraying a mix of anticipation and scheming.

Murtasim accepted the USB with a nod and smoothly inserted it into the laptop's port. He navigated through the files with practiced ease, bringing his father's face to life on the screen. The image of Malik ShahNawaz, with his distinguished features and dignified presence, appeared against the backdrop of what was once his office.

As the video began, Malik ShahNawaz's voice, aged yet imbued with authority, filled the room. "Anwar, my old friend," he began, his tone a blend of warmth and solemnity, "I know our families have been in conflict for generations, but our friendship has always endured, hidden beneath the shadow of that feud. It has been my deepest desire to see an end to this enmity, to ensure that our village prospers in unity, and that our children can live in harmony."

The camera focused on Malik ShahNawaz's earnest eyes as he continued, "I believe, Anwar, that the best way to achieve this is by bringing our families together through the bond of marriage between our children, Murtasim and Meerab. If you're watching this video, it means either I've departed from this world or my illness has silenced my voice. I hope, my friend, that you can honor our long-standing friendship by fulfilling my last wish."

The video concluded, leaving an emotional weight in its wake. Murtasim’s brows furrowed deeply, and he turned to Waqas Ahmed with a mixture of frustration and contemplation. "But, Waqas, I thought our main objective here was to gain power?" he asked, the weight of his father’s plea colliding with his own ambitions.

Waqas Ahmed leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips as he considered his response. "Indeed, Malik. However, there’s no harm in letting Anwar believe that this alliance is driven by goodwill rather than a quest for power. After all, it’s often the perception that matters more than the reality."

Murtasim nodded slowly, the wisdom in Waqas’s words beginning to sink in. "Very well. Let’s proceed with this charade. Now, brief me on the school project so that I can begin to implement our plan, just as you’ve advised."

With the understanding that they were embarking on a complex game of power, politics, and perception, Murtasim and Waqas Ahmed delved into a detailed discussion about the school project. They reviewed its current status, mapped out strategic steps, and plotted how Murtasim would align himself with Meerab's cause. Their conversation was meticulous, marked by the careful balancing of their true intentions behind a facade of unity and goodwill. The golden light streaming through the office windows seemed to illuminate the web of strategy they were weaving.

As their discussion about the school project concluded, Waqas Ahmed leaned forward, his tone taking on a more personal note. "Malik, ek mashwara hai."

Murtasim, curious, signaled him to continue. "Ji, boliye."

Waqas Ahmed's eyes glinted with a hint of mischief. "Meerab Khan ke dil mein apni jaga banaye taakay wo bhi iss shadi se razi ho. Ho sakta hai Anwar Khan beti ki rizamandi na hone par inkar karde."

Murtasim’s face hardened. "Main uss se flirt karne mein dilchaspi nahi rakhta."

Waqas Ahmed chuckled softly, his demeanor lightening. "Nahi, aisa nahi. Girls are quite simple, Malik Sahab. Small gestures go a long way. If you flirt, she might get the wrong idea and we don’t want that, do we?"

Murtasim's curiosity was piqued. "Aap kya kehna chahte hain?"

Waqas Ahmed leaned in slightly, his tone measured. "Yeh school Meerab Khan ke dil mein khaas jagah rakhta hai. Agar aap uske liye kuch karen, toh yeh us tak pohnchayen ya phir usko pata chalay. Uski himmat ko sarahye, uske liye appreciate kariye, jo wo gaon ki aurton ke huqooq ke liye lad rahi hain."

Murtasim’s lips curved into an intrigued smile. "If you know girls so well, how come you're still a bachelor?" he mused, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Waqas Ahmed cleared his throat, his gaze shifting momentarily. "Malik, sometimes people become so engrossed in their work and commitments that they forget about personal matters. That’s all."

Murtasim leaned back in his chair, studying Waqas with a thoughtful expression. "It’s interesting how you understand these things, Ahmed Sahab."

Waqas offered a wistful smile, his eyes reflecting the weight of experience. "Well, as a lawyer, I’ve witnessed numerous personal and professional dramas over the years. It gives one a unique perspective."

Murtasim nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Waqas’s words. "You might be right. I will consider your advice. It wouldn’t hurt to make a few efforts."

Waqas Ahmed's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I’m glad to hear that, Malik. Remember, the better your relationship with Meerab, the smoother our plans will go."

Murtasim sighed inwardly, not entirely convinced but resolved to follow through for the sake of the larger goal. "You’re right, Ahmed Sahab. I’d like to stay in touch with you so that I can have access to legal advice whenever I need."

"For sure, Malik. I’ll stay in touch with you. Take care and have a good night," Waqas Ahmed replied, rising from his seat.

"You too, Ahmed Sahab," Murtasim said, watching as Waqas Ahmed departed from the office. As the door clicked shut behind him, Murtasim remained seated, the weight of his father’s legacy and the future of his plans pressing heavily on his shoulders. the next few days, Murtasim found himself unable to shake off the memory of his conversation with Waqas Ahmed. The notion of marrying Meerab Khan, his lifelong rival's daughter, had never crossed his mind before. He was acutely aware of the deep-rooted feud that had festered between their families for generations, making the idea of marriage seem like a perilous proposition in exchange for power.

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Do you think that Waqas Ahmed's character is a bit suspicious?