When Rivals Collide (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 14: A Much Needed Break

Meerab sat on the edge of her bed, the soft, golden glow of her bedside lamp illuminating the room as she spoke to Saba on the phone. It had been a while since they'd had a proper conversation, and the familiar banter between them was a welcome relief from the weight of recent events.

"So, you finally did it, huh?" Saba teased, her laughter ringing through the phone. "I swear, Meerab, I've never met anyone as persistent as you."

Meerab chuckled, sinking into her pillows. "I’m not one to give up easily, unlike some people." 

"Alright, no need to throw me under the bus," Saba quipped, a playful edge to her voice. "I had my reasons, you know." 

Meerab’s smirk deepened. "Oh, I’m well aware. And that reason just so happened to be your ridiculously handsome cousin." 

Saba sighed dramatically, though her tone remained light. "For the record, I had to take care of my Nani. That’s why I had to put everything on hold." 

Meerab arched a skeptical brow. "Uh-huh, sure. If that’s the case, then why did you end up engaged to said cousin a few months later? And don’t try to sell me the whole ‘my parents arranged it’ story—we both know they’re not the type to force anything on you." 

Saba groaned in defeat. "Fine, you got me. Guilty as charged. But guess what? I’m back in Karachi for a few weeks. Why don’t you come over? We have so much to catch up on." 

Meerab paused for a moment, weighing the offer. A few days away from the chaos, a chance to clear her head—it seemed like just what she needed. The weight of Waqas’s unsettling visit and the unexpected proposal had left her with more questions than answers. A break sounded perfect.

"Sounds great," Meerab finally agreed, a small smile spreading across her face. "Let me check with Ammi and Abbu, and I’ll let you know."

Saba’s excitement was evident. "Yes! It’ll be like old times. I can’t wait!"

They spoke for a few more minutes, exchanging updates, laughing, and making plans before saying their goodbyes. After hanging up, Meerab felt a sense of relief. Spending time with Saba was exactly what she needed—a distraction, a chance to regroup.

Later that evening, Meerab found her mother in the kitchen, her hands busy preparing a tray of sweets for the family.

"Ammi, can I talk to you for a moment?" Meerab asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Nazia looked up from the tray and smiled warmly. "Of course, beta. What’s on your mind?"

Meerab hesitated before speaking. "Saba’s back in Karachi for a few weeks, and she invited me to stay with her for a few days. I thought it might be a good idea to get away for a bit, clear my head."

Nazia's expression softened in understanding. She knew how much her daughter had been dealing with recently. "That sounds like a good idea, Meerab. You've been working so hard, and a change of scenery might do you some good."

Meerab smiled, grateful for her mother's support. "Thanks, Ammi. I'll pack a few things and head over tomorrow."

Before Meerab could leave, Nazia's voice stopped her. "Oh, wait. Take some of these gulab jamuns with you. It’s our tradition to never visit someone’s home empty-handed, and Saba loves them."

Meerab laughed softly, nodding. "Of course, Ammi. I’ll make sure she gets them."

With that, Meerab headed to her room to pack, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. A few days with Saba was just what she needed—a chance to recharge and perhaps find some clarity.