The sun hung low over Lahore, casting a warm golden glow that painted the city in hues of amber. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, echoing from the film studio where preparations for the latest production were in full swing. The excitement was palpable; today was a big day on set for Meerab, the star of the film, whose presence drew everyone in like moths to a flame.
Murtasim stood outside the bustling studio, his heart racing with anticipation. After their previous encounter on the balcony, he had hardly been able to think of anything else. The memory of Meerab's soft smile and the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke lingered in his mind. He had never imagined that he would find himself in her orbit again so soon.
As he waited, he watched the crew setting up for the shoot, the cameras gleaming under the bright lights, the actors rehearsing their lines. But no matter how hard he tried to focus on the action, his eyes kept wandering back to the entrance, waiting for her to arrive.
Just then, a commotion erupted near the main set. Murtasim's heart skipped a beat as he saw Meerab stepping onto the set, radiant in a flowing blue dress that accentuated her every curve. She was laughing, surrounded by crew members, her laughter ringing like music in the air. But then, in an instant, the atmosphere shifted.
A sudden spark from a faulty light ignited the drapery behind her, sending flames licking up toward the ceiling. Panic ensued as the crew scrambled to extinguish the fire, but Murtasim's heart dropped as he watched Meerab freeze, confusion and fear flashing across her beautiful face.
"Meerab!" he shouted, his instincts kicking in.
Without a second thought, Murtasim dashed toward the fire, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear the chaos around him-the screams, the shouts-but all he could focus on was reaching her. The flames grew, flickering dangerously close to her, and all he could think about was saving her.
"Murtasim, no!" someone shouted, but he didn't listen. He pushed through the crowd, feeling the heat intensify as he drew closer. The flames roared, consuming everything in their path, but he wouldn't let fear stop him. Not now.
With a fierce determination, he reached her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her away from the flames just as they began to engulf the fabric of her dress. "Run!" he shouted, guiding her toward the exit. The heat was unbearable, and he felt the searing pain of flames licking at his arms, but he didn't care. All that mattered was getting her to safety.
They burst through the door, tumbling out onto the grass, breathless and shaken. Murtasim rolled onto his back, gasping for air, the adrenaline coursing through him. He glanced at Meerab, who was staring at him with wide eyes, a mixture of shock and gratitude washing over her face.
"Murtasim, you-" she began, but he cut her off.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice hoarse. He could see the worry etched on her features, and that was what mattered most to him.
"I... I think so," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "But you... you got hurt!"
Murtasim looked down at his arms, where the skin was red and blistered from the flames. Pain shot through him, but he brushed it aside. "It's nothing. I just couldn't let you get hurt."
Meerab's eyes filled with tears as she processed what had just happened. "You saved my life. No one has ever done anything like that for me."
His heart swelled at her words, but he shook his head, feeling embarrassed. "I didn't think. I just acted."
"I don't care!" she exclaimed, reaching out to touch his arm gently. "You're incredible, Murtasim. Thank you."
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world around them faded away. He could see the sincerity in her gaze, the warmth of her gratitude wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. But then she pulled away, and reality crashed back in.
