Where Shadows Reach

The Balcony

Meerab had been avoiding Mari since the announcement, she needed time to think.
Faking a headache she had locked her room and sat there recalling Shahanwaz uncle's letter.

He had been a wonderful person, always loved her as far as she could recall.
He would buy the same presents for her that he bought for Mariyam and sometimes more.
When Meerab asked for special things he would always make sure to get them for her when she came over to visit.

He always made time to sit and listen to her tales even when he was busy with work.
His office, now Murtasim's office was always open for her to visit him any time of the day.
She did not want to reject his wishes outright but she wanted to speak to Murtasim first.
This was not a simple thing to say yes to a marriage proposal even if it was his last wish.

Let alone agreeing to live your whole life with one person,she had not even considered settling down in the near future.
Or for that matter ever looked at a man with marriage in mind.

Her future plans always included being a lawyer, being at the Haveli with Mari and her family.
Marriage and having a husband had not crossed her mind at all.

"You cannot marry him." Whispered a voice, it had come from the direction of the window.
Meerab looked out her window to see who it was. The window was closed and from the first floor it looked out over a green lawn and it was empty.

Seeing no one she thought she must have imagined the voice. As she turned to walk away from the windows she heard it whisper again, this time even closer than before. "....cannot marry..."

Instantly the voice reminded her of the nightmare, making her heartbeat quicken.
She hurried out of her room, not wanting to stay there and she almost ran into Feena who was bringing tea and snacks for her as she had skipped lunch.

"Feena, can you bring that to the balcony."

With a nod Feena headed towards the other end of the corridor, going through the open door to the first floor balcony.

Meerab poured the tea herself after dismissing Feena.
It was about four in the evening and looking out over the railings she could see the swimmimg pool below glittering in the sunlight.

She was taking a sip when she felt like someone had just walked up behind her, but there was no one when she turned around.
Shaking her head she muttered to herself "Stop being paranoid"

She was still muttering to herself about the absurdity of hearing voices when someone suddenly crept up and called "Meerab!"
She was so startled the empty cup dropped from her hands and shattered on the tiles near her feet.
A piece of it bounced back and hit one of her toes.
"Ow!" Putting one hand on the railing to balance herself she put her right hand on her heart to calm herself.
Murtasim came into view in front of her "Im sorry I didn't think you would be this scared." He said half jokingly before their eyes met and he saw the same fear in her eyes that he had seen last night.

His tone gentled when he said "Meerab, its just me. Sorry, I should not have done that."

Meerab focused her eyes on his, irritation welling up above the fear.

"You never think!" She began,taking a step towards the chair before wincing.

Looking down she noticed the pain was coming from her big toe.
Murtasim held out his hand for her but she did not take up his offer instead choosing to hobble the few steps to the lounge chair.
She sat down and lifted her right foot and inspected the toe.
Finding a piece of porcelain wedged into her skin, she pulled it out and immediately blood seeped up covering her nail.