Murtasim Khan was pacing restlessly in the living room, his dark eyes darting toward the door every few minutes. Today was the day. He had been thinking about this for weeks—no, months. Finally, he was getting a dog. A big, loyal, adorable companion to keep him company during his long rides and at home. Of course, he had only one obstacle to face before his dream could become reality: convincing Meerab.
He glanced toward the kitchen, where Meerab was busy making tea, completely oblivious to the incoming hurricane of persuasion he was about to unleash. Murtasim steeled himself, adjusting his posture as he sauntered over to where she stood. He put on his most charming smile, the one that made everyone—especially her—weak at the knees.
“Meerab…” he began softly, standing behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders.
She didn’t even turn around, continuing to pour the tea into the cups. “What is it, Murtasim? You only use that tone when you want something.”
Damn, she could read him like a book.
“Nothing much,” he said casually, leaning against the kitchen counter, still trying to sound nonchalant. “I was thinking… what if we got a dog?”
At this, Meerab stopped, mid-stir, and finally turned to face him, her expression blank. “A dog?” She blinked, clearly processing what he had just said. “You want a dog?”
“Yes!” Murtasim said, his face lighting up with excitement. “I’ve always wanted one, and think about it—we have so much space! The farm, the haveli, it’s perfect!”
Meerab frowned, shaking her head as she handed him a cup of tea. “Murtasim, no. A dog is too much responsibility. We’re already busy enough as it is. Who’s going to take care of it?”
“I will! I’ll take care of everything,” he promised, following her into the living room, determined to wear her down. “I’ll feed it, walk it, train it. You won’t have to do anything, I swear.”
Meerab sighed, sitting down on the couch with her cup of tea. “Murtasim, I just don’t think it’s a good idea. You’ll get bored after a week, and then it’ll be me who’s stuck taking care of it.”
“No, no, I won’t,” he insisted, sitting next to her and giving her puppy-dog eyes—ironically, the very tactic he would soon regret teaching the dog. “Please, Meerab. I’ve never asked you for anything like this before.”
Meerab arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Really? Never asked me for anything before? What about the time you begged me to let you put up that giant portrait of yourself in the hallway?”
Murtasim scratched his head, sheepishly grinning. “Okay, maybe once or twice, but this time I’m serious!”
She shook her head again, but this time there was a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She knew when Murtasim got like this, there was no stopping him. “Alright, fine,” she said with a sigh. “But you better keep your word.”
“Yes!” Murtasim jumped up from the couch in triumph, fist-pumping the air. “You won’t regret this, Meerab, I promise!”
***
A few days later, Murtasim arrived at the haveli with a small, energetic ball of fur in his arms. The dog was a handsome Golden Retriever puppy, its bright eyes sparkling with mischief and charm. Murtasim had already fallen in love with the little guy, and he was sure Meerab would, too.
“Meerab, come look!” he called out, entering the living room.
Meerab walked in, her expression a mix of curiosity and wariness. When her eyes fell on the puppy, her initial reluctance melted, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Oh my God, he’s adorable,” she said, her voice soft as she knelt down to pet the puppy.
