When Rivals Collide (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 9: Shadows

The morning sun filtered through the delicate lace curtains of Meerab's room, casting soft, intricate patterns across the floor. She stood before her mirror, brushing through her long, dark hair, which flowed like a silky waterfall down her back. Her almond-shaped eyes, deep and thoughtful, stared back at her reflection. Dressed in a soft pastel pink shalwar kameez, the fabric gently hugged her slender frame, accentuating her elegance. The subtle embroidery along the edges shimmered in the morning light, a touch of grace that mirrored her inner strength.

As she adjusted the delicate dupatta over her shoulder, a knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Marium, her best friend, with her usual bright smile that lit up her face. Marium was a picture of youthful energy, her petite frame adorned in a light yellow outfit that perfectly complemented her fair skin and chestnut-brown hair, which was neatly tied back in a loose braid. The soft colors and simple design of her attire added to her natural charm.

"Meerab, are you ready? We're supposed to meet Murtasim at the school site soon," Marium said, her voice filled with excitement.

Meerab nodded, her mind momentarily drifting to Murtasim. The man who once seemed an enigma to her was now slowly unraveling, revealing layers she hadn't expected. His tall, broad-shouldered frame, the way he carried himself with a quiet strength—it all lingered in her mind. She recalled the depth in his dark brown eyes, eyes that had seen much, and the way his presence commanded respect. Even now, she could almost picture him, dressed in his usual dark kurta-pajama, his pagh resting with a sense of pride, a symbol of the heavy legacy he bore.

As they made their way to the school, Meerab couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that had settled in her chest. The school had been her dream, her goal, and now it was a reality. But the thought of facing Murtasim again brought a flutter of nervousness she hadn't expected. The memory of their last encounter was still fresh—how their hands had briefly touched during the inauguration, the unexpected warmth that had spread through her at that moment. It was confusing, but she couldn't deny that it had left a mark on her.

When they arrived at the school grounds, Meerab's breath caught in her throat. Murtasim was already there, standing tall amidst the construction, his dark silhouette contrasting against the bright morning light. He was dressed in a deep navy kurta, the fabric clinging to his broad frame, with a simple silver ring on his right hand catching the sunlight. His face was as stern as ever, but there was a softness in his eyes as they met hers, a fleeting moment of connection that made her heart race.

"Meerab," he greeted her, his voice low and steady, yet there was a warmth there that she hadn't noticed before.

"Murtasim," she replied, trying to keep her voice equally composed, though she couldn't help the slight tremor that betrayed her nerves.

They exchanged a few words about the school, the construction, the progress being made. But underneath the surface, there was an unspoken tension, a recognition of something that neither of them was quite ready to acknowledge.

Just as Meerab was beginning to feel more at ease, a shadow fell over them. Waqas Ahmed had arrived. His presence was like a cold wind, unsettling and unwelcome. Dressed sharply in a light gray suit that seemed too polished for the dusty school grounds, his eyes, a light brown that always seemed to be calculating something, were fixed on Meerab. His gaze made her skin crawl, a reminder of a past she'd rather forget.