I've Got My Eyes On You

Chapter 4 - The revelation of shadowy Aspects

Meerab had been quietly working in the corner of Murtasim's opulent study, diligently transcribing notes for his autobiography. The atmosphere was thick with the weight of untold stories, but the air suddenly shifted when Murtasim's phone rang. He walked out of the room. Intrigued, Meerab couldn't help but overhear the conversation as she stood up and went to the door where Murtasim stood on the other side.

Murtasim's voice on the phone was stern, "No excuses. I want that money transferred to his account by tomorrow. Ensure he gets the medical help he needs. We take care of our own."

Meerab's eyes widened as she tried to reconcile the ruthless image of a mafia man with the compassion she was witnessing. Murtasim, with a commanding tone, was arranging assistance for someone in need.

Murtasim switched gears, his voice deadly calm, "And make sure you find that scum who killed his daughter. No mercy. Show him the consequences of his actions. Kill him!"

The abrupt shift in Murtasim's demeanour sent shivers down Meerab's spine. Her eyes paused on the paper, the gravity of the conversation sinking in. Murtasim hung up, his gaze meeting Meerab's, as he heard her gasp on the other side, entering back to the study, who had inadvertently become a witness to this unexpected display of compassion and vengeance.

Meerab tentatively said, "Murtasim, I... I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just..."

Murtasim was calm but distant as he uttered, "It's a part of my world, Meerab. The dichotomy of existence. Sometimes, you give a lifeline, and other times, you must enforce justice."

Meerab struggled to process the duality she was witnessing. The man who moments ago showed empathy for the downtrodden now spoke of vengeance with a chilling resolve. She couldn't help but voice the confusion that clouded her thoughts.

Meerab hesitantly said, "I'm trying to understand, Murtasim. How can you be so compassionate and yet... so ruthless?"

Murtasim leaned on the door, closing the distance between them, his gaze fixed on her eyes. The weight of his experiences seemed to reflect in the lines on his face.

Murtasim reflectively replied, "Life is a spectrum, Meerab. A delicate balance. In my world, there are no absolutes. You give where you can, but you also must ensure justice is served."

Meerab, still grappling with the complexity of Murtasim's character, felt a sense of vulnerability in the air. The alpha male facade had momentarily cracked, revealing the man beneath - a man burdened by the choices he had to make.

Meerab softly uttered, "I didn't expect... I mean, you're not what I thought you would be."

Murtasim smirked, but with a hint of sadness as he revealed, "People are seldom what they seem, Meerab. Especially in my world. I appreciate your struggle to comprehend. It's a journey we're on together."

As Meerab returned to her notes, the room held a lingering tension. The enigma of Murtasim's life became even more perplexing, a puzzle she was determined to unravel. The alpha male had revealed a vulnerability that left Meerab questioning not just the story she was tasked to tell but the very essence of the man before her. As Meerab delved deeper into Murtasim's world, she discovered not just a mentor but a kindred spirit who understood the depths of her artistic soul. The grandiosity of the mansion became a backdrop to the symphony of ideas that unfolded within its walls. The once-rejected writer found herself reborn in this hallowed space, the determination within her burning brighter with each passing day. The partnership with Murtasim became a transformative journey, not just for Meerab's career but for her as an individual. The challenges they faced together became stepping stones to growth, pushing Meerab beyond her perceived limits. The banglow, once an imposing fortress of mystery, transformed into a sanctuary where creativity and inspiration flowed freely. A few weeks passed while Meerab and Murtasim were focused on their task. The task was both confusing and challenging.