The days following the confrontation with Hameed felt like a fragile truce, a moment of calm before the storm. Murtasim and Meerab, having finally embraced their feelings for one another, spent every possible moment together, exploring the depths of their love amid the chaos of their lives. They found solace in each other, sharing laughter and dreams, unaware of the lurking shadows that threatened to shatter their fragile happiness.
But as the sun set on another day filled with stolen glances and quiet whispers, Meerab’s father, Nawab Asad, sat in his dimly lit study, his heart filled with fury and betrayal. The news of his daughter’s relationship with Murtasim had reached him like a thunderclap, and with it came a wave of rage that threatened to consume him.
“How could she?” he muttered, his fingers gripping the edge of the ornate desk. “How could she throw away her future for a soldier? He’s nothing but a killer!”
His trusted advisor, Raza, stood at a distance, observing the Nawab's tumultuous emotions. “My lord, it may be wise to speak with Meerab first before taking drastic actions,” he suggested cautiously.
Asad's eyes darkened, a mixture of anger and desperation boiling within him. “Speak to her? There’s nothing to discuss! She has brought shame to our family. I will not allow this to continue.”
“Then what do you propose?” Raza asked, wary of the wrath brewing in the room.
“I want him dead,” Asad declared coldly. “Send a message. Gather some men and eliminate Murtasim before this becomes a scandal that will ruin us all. We can’t afford to have our family’s name tarnished by this... this union.”
Raza nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his shoulders. “It shall be done, my lord. But I must warn you—killing him will not end this. Meerab will never forgive you.”
“Let her hate me,” Asad replied, his voice steely. “Better she hates me than live a life with that man.”
---
Meanwhile, Murtasim and Meerab were in the safety of the Khan Haveli, blissfully unaware of the impending danger. They were nestled on a balcony, surrounded by the fragrant flowers of the garden, sharing dreams of a future together.
“Murtasim,” Meerab said softly, her eyes sparkling with hope. “What do you think our life will be like once this is all over? When we’re free to be together without hiding?”
He smiled, the warmth in her gaze filling him with strength. “We’ll travel, see the world together. I want to take you places where you can be who you truly are—free from the shadows of this life.”
“Do you really think we can escape all of this?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “My father won’t let me go easily.”
“I won’t let him take you from me,” Murtasim vowed, his expression turning serious. “I will fight for you, no matter the cost.”
But their moment of peace was shattered by the distant sound of shouting. Murtasim’s instincts kicked in, and he stood up, his body tense. “Stay here,” he ordered, his voice low and urgent.
“No! I’m coming with you,” Meerab insisted, her heart racing with fear and determination.
“Murtasim, please!” she pleaded as he moved towards the door.
He paused, turning to face her, his expression softening. “I can’t let anything happen to you. Promise me you’ll stay here and lock the door.”
Reluctantly, she nodded, her heart heavy with worry.
As Murtasim left the room, he could feel the tension in the air, the hair on the back of his neck prickling with unease. He rushed down the hallway, his heart pounding in rhythm with his hurried footsteps.
