Veiled Harmonies (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 5

Meerab stepped out of Ahaan's car, her movements almost robotic as she mentally braced herself for what she knew awaited her. 

Her mother's office was an epitome of elegance, much like her mother herself—the tall glass windows and minimalistic decor exuded a sophisticated charm that often only served to remind Meerab of the high bar of perfection she was expected to maintain.

She drew in a deep breath, smoothing out the imaginary wrinkles in her dress before walking purposefully through the grand entrance.

As she walked down the marble corridor, every step echoed, bouncing off the polished walls and high ceilings. Colleagues and employees, each meticulously dressed and carrying a demeanor of professionalism, occasionally stopped to congratulate her.

"Congratulations on the award, Meerab!" an assistant cheered, her eyes lit with genuine admiration.

"Your performance was spectacular," another colleague commented, their tone holding a mix of sincerity and formality.

Meerab offered polite smiles, nodding her thanks while her mind simmered with tension. The congratulatory remarks weren't unusual, but she knew what came next would be far less pleasant.

As she neared her mother's office, the crowd grew thinner, and the air seemed heavier. She could feel the penetrating gazes gauge her every move.

Finally, she stood before the grand, intricately carved wooden door. Pausing for a moment, she took another deep breath and steeled herself before gently pushing it open.

Inside, her mother was flanked by her "minions," a term Zain, Meerab's elder brother used for her mother's trusted circle of assistants and advisors. Their chatter halted the moment they noticed her.

"Congratulations, Meerab," her mother's chief advisor, Mr. Khanna, began with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Trending once again, but for something rather unexpected."

Another assistant, Ayesha, chimed in, her tone dripping with barely concealed curiosity. "Yes, your name is all over the internet, and not just for your award. Murtasim, hmm? Quite the surprise."

Meerab's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. She glanced at her mother, who sat at her imposing desk, watching quietly, her piercing eyes observing her daughter with an intensity that always made Meerab feel like a schoolgirl in trouble.

"Thank you," Meerab said smoothly, forcing a smile. "The performance and the award mean a lot to me."

Ignoring the pointed remarks, Ahaan attempted to shift the focus. "The trending stuff, it's just speculation. You know how things get blown out of proportion online" 

She turned to Ahaan, who thankfully recognized her distress signal and jumped in. However, Meerab's mother, Nazia, remained silent, her intense gaze never leaving her daughter's face. The silence that followed was thick and tense.

Eventually, Nazia spoke, her voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "Meerab, the award and your work are commendable. But you must understand the importance of maintaining your  image. The public perception is delicate and must be handled with utmost care. Associating with someone like Murtasim—whatever the nature of it may be—could jeopardize that."

Meerab's stomach churned. She felt her carefully constructed facade begin to crack under the pressure of her mother's disapproval. "Mum, it's really nothing. Just rumors," Meerab said, trying to sound convincing while feeling a rush of anxiety.

Nazia didn't respond immediately, her silence punctuating the gravity of what she said. 

"Yes, mother. I understand," she whispered, her voice wavering slightly, betraying the turmoil churning inside her. The weight of her mother's admonition bore down on her, filling her with an unease that had become all too familiar in recent times.