Chess & Checkers

14. Whispers in the Rain

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As the day unfolded, the weather took an unexpected turn, transforming Hyderabad from a scene of radiant warmth to one shrouded in a somber palette of gray. Bright sunshine gave way to brooding clouds, and the once gentle breeze turned into a howling wind that whipped through the city streets. The atmosphere seemed to mirror Meerab's inner turmoil, as if the heavens themselves were echoing the storm of emotions raging within her.

From her office window, Meerab observed the gathering storm with a mixture of apprehension and tranquility. Dark clouds loomed ominously overhead, signaling the approach of an unexpected thunderstorm from Gwadar in Pakistan's west, threatening to engulf Karachi and its neighboring regions, including Hyderabad.

While many dreaded the impending tempest, Meerab found herself oddly comforted by its arrival. There was a certain allure in the chaos, a soothing rhythm to the impending downpour that resonated deeply with her.

As the first drops of rain began to fall, Meerab couldn't help but smile. Each raindrop seemed to carry with it a sense of renewal, washing away the worries of the day and leaving behind a feeling of calm. Memories of her mother, who had always cherished such weather, flitted through her mind, adding a poignant touch to the moment.

Outside, the city transformed before her eyes. Trees swayed under the onslaught of the wind, their branches bending and twisting in a mesmerizing dance. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, seeking shelter from the impending storm, their urgency palpable in the air.

Despite the chaos unfolding outside, Meerab felt a sense of peace settle over her. In the midst of the storm, she found sanctuary, a moment of stillness amidst the chaos. With a soft sigh, she leaned back in her chair, allowing herself to be swept away by the symphony of rain and wind, finding solace in the beauty of the tempest.

Glancing at the clock, she let out a small sigh as she closed her laptop just as it struck half-past five. Gathering her belongings, she exited her office, intending to check with Murtasim if he was ready to leave. However, before she could do so, Audrey, who was also packing up, informed her that Murtasim had already left a few minutes ago, without mentioning where he was headed.

"Neither of you tell me or each other where you're going and then ask me like I'm magically supposed to know" she muttered under her breath, shaking her head in frustration like a mother tired of her children's games.

Meerab managed a forced smile before bidding Audrey goodbye and reaching for her phone. She called Bakhtu, the one person who seemed to always know Murtasim's whereabouts. Anxiously tapping her heel on the marble floor, she waited for Bakhtu to pick up, the phone ringing several times before he finally answered.

"Salam, Bibi jee," he greeted respectfully.

"Bakhtu, Khan kahan hain?" she asked urgently.

"Maloom nahi bibi jee, unhon ne bas kaha tha kisi zaroori kaam se ja rahe hain tou mai aap ko ghar le jaun. Mai office ke baahir hi aap ka intezaar kar raha houn" he replied, prompting Meerab to raise an eyebrow and narrow her eyes in suspicion.

"Unhon ne bataya nahi kahan ja rahe hain?" she probed further.

"Maaf kijiyega bibi jee lekin Khan kuch baatein apne tak hi rakhte hain, na humei batate hain aur na hi humei poochne ki ijazat hai" Bakhtu explained, earning an annoyed sigh from Meerab.

"Acha mai neeche arahi houn" she said, ending the call with a sense of frustration. Making her way downstairs, she found Bakhtu waiting beside her beloved white Audi A7 Sportback, a car that had been untouched since her wedding day.

****

As rain cascaded down upon the city, the atmosphere within the Ahmed household was hushed, punctuated only by the echoing footsteps of a solitary figure making his way towards Zaheer Ahmed's study. However, before he could reach his destination, he was intercepted by the housekeeper, Suleiman.