As Murtasim lay in his small room, his dreams filled with images of Meerab, his mother remained wide awake, her heart heavy with worry. She knew her son well—his innocence and unwavering belief in the goodness of people were qualities to be cherished, yet in this brutal world, they left him vulnerable.
Sitting at the edge of her bed, she recalled her own youth, the harsh realities that had shaped her understanding of the world. She had seen the way the rich and powerful played with the lives of those beneath them, treating them like mere objects of entertainment. Her thoughts drifted to Meerab, the shining star whose beauty and charm captivated everyone, including her son.
“Murtasim,” she whispered to herself, her voice filled with concern. “You’re so naïve.”
She remembered how he had beamed with joy when he spoke of his encounter with the actress, his eyes shining with hope. But she couldn’t help but see the stark contrast between their worlds. To Meerab, he was just another crazy fan, someone who would provide a fleeting thrill before being cast aside when the novelty wore off.
“Does he not see?” she pondered, shaking her head in frustration. “She will never see him as anything more than a jester, a clown to amuse her when she needs a break from her glamorous life.”
She sighed heavily, her heart aching for her son. He was so full of dreams, believing that kindness and sincerity could bridge the gap between their lives. But in her heart, she feared the reality—that once Meerab grew bored with him, she would discard him without a second thought.
The next morning, Murtasim woke up with the sun streaming through his window, feeling the remnants of last night’s excitement still bubbling within him. He jumped out of bed, ready to face the day, but his mother’s concerned face greeted him at the breakfast table.
“Murtasim, we need to talk,” she said, her tone serious.
He sat down, his enthusiasm momentarily dimmed by her demeanor. “What’s wrong, Ma?”
“I just want you to understand something,” she began, choosing her words carefully. “You’re a good man with a kind heart, but you need to be realistic about your situation.”
He frowned, sensing where this conversation was headed. “I know, Ma. But Meerab is different. She’s not like the others.”
His mother sighed, her brow furrowed. “I understand you feel that way, but you must see the truth. She is a star—surrounded by wealth and power. You are... well, you’re just a simple man. She might be kind to you now, but don’t mistake her kindness for something deeper.”
Murtasim shook his head, frustration bubbling up. “You don’t understand! We had a connection! She laughed with me, shared stories. It felt real!”
“Real?” his mother repeated, incredulous. “Murtasim, actors are trained to charm. They know how to make people feel special, especially fans like you. It’s part of their job.”
“Ma, she asked me to spend time with her again!” he protested, his cheeks flushed with emotion.
“And for how long?” she pressed. “Once the thrill wears off, she’ll move on to someone else, someone richer, someone who can give her the life she’s accustomed to. You’ll just be a memory, a fleeting moment in her glamorous life.”
Murtasim’s heart sank at her words. “But I saved me from the fire, Ma. She cared enough to thank me. How can you think so little of her?”
“Caring in a moment of crisis doesn’t equate to a lasting bond,” she replied gently. “I’m not saying she’s a bad person. She’s probably lovely, but this world is harsh, and you must protect your heart.”
