Veiled Harmonies (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 11

"We're truly honored to have you for this interview, Meerab," the anchor expressed, a shrewd glint in her eyes.

The air crackled with anticipation as the cameras poised to capture every nuance of Meerab's expressions.

Meerab offered a polite yet carefully poised smile in return, her demeanor exuding a sense of composed readiness.

As the interview unfolded relatively smoothly, Meerab expertly navigated the questions about her last tour, her mother and her support and upcoming projects, delivering rehearsed answers with all the right expressions to maintain her professional facade.

"Let's talk about the rumors of a potential collaboration on an OST with Rizwaan. What can you tell us about that?"

Meerab smiled warmly and explained, "Yes, the collaboration is very much happening. I'm truly excited about it. I believe our voices will complement each other beautifully, creating a unique and memorable soundtrack. Rizwaan has an incredible talent, and working with him has been a fantastic experience. We're both bringing our hearts into this project, and I can't wait for everyone to hear what we've created."

However, as they reached the final stretch of the interview, the atmosphere took a tense turn when the interviewer's tone shifted. "As we come to the end of the interview, Meerab, you're the nation's angel, out very own music princess.  But your fans are really curious about your dating life," the interviewer asked, a loaded question hanging heavy in the air.

Meerab, a media-savvy pro, chose her words meticulously, crafting a response that skirted around the intrusive query with finesse. 

The interviewer, sensed that she wasn't getting the desired reaction, upped the ante, pushing for more personal details and seeming visibly irritated by Meerab's composed demeanor.

"And what about Murtasim, who saved you just last month?" the interviewer pressed, the question hitting a nerve, causing Meerab to mask her shock and rising panic. 

Was there a leak? Did the interviewer know something she shouldn't? The stakes felt higher, the need to divert the conversation urgent.

Meerab gathered her composure, forcing out a laugh that masked the turmoil within. "Murtasim? He's quite remarkable, but I must say, my favorite was the one of the british royal's  I was rumored to be dating last year," she replied with a well-practiced warmth, the smile not quite reaching her eyes.

The interviewer chuckled, but continued with a touch of persistence, "We were all deeply moved by how he stood up for you during that airport incident. And the fact that your combined hashtag 'Meerasim' trended for days sparked curiosity. We'd love to hear your thoughts on it." 

The undertone of fishing for a scandal was hard to miss, but Meerab had honed her skills through training and practice, prepared to deflect any prying into her personal life.

Putting on a charming facade, Meerab chuckled lightly. "Ah, yes, Murtasim is a truly kind. It was gracious of him to offer his guidance for a bit," she responded, careful not to reveal more than necessary.

"So, just to clarify, there's no truth to the rumors? You and Murtasim are not in a relationship?" the interviewer pressed on, the probing questions veering into territory that tested Meerab's patience. Anger flickered in her eyes, but she masked it with a composed expression. She reminded herself she was just doing her job, keeping a professional front despite the nagging pressure.

With a serene smile gracing her lips, Meerab's gaze held a calm resolve as she addressed the interviewer. "I'm truly flattered by the curiosity surrounding my dating life, but as an artist, my primary focus is on my craft," she began, her tone composed yet firm, she continued  "I approach my work with utmost dedication and passion, and I believe it's essential to direct the spotlight towards my music and my upcoming projects."