Qurban

•16• Consequences / نتائج

The glass shattered against the wall with a loud shrill before falling to the ground into many uncountable shards. The chair hit the table next as Idris raged in the confines of his study. For a man his age, he sure had a very bad temper. Humayun stood in a corner watching his father in law threw things around a like a toddler.

"Throwing a tantrum that's what."

Idris' words came back to him when he accused Altamash of acting like a child. Seemed like the grandfather and grandson shared the same qualities after all.

"I'll kill him!"

Idris roared in anger causing Humayun's eyes to take him in. His face was red and he was gritting his teeth so hard, they would break if any more pressure be applied. Finally, Humayun moved and walked over to him. Keeping a hand on his shoulder, he said in his usual monotoned voice

"Calm down. Let's think it through."

Laboured breaths fell from Idris' lips as he breathed in and out. His blood pressure must went up high because of all that anger which was not good given his age and health decline. Medicines could only work much.

He sat down on the chair and lit up a cigar. Humayun took the chair in front and folded his hands across his chest. Giving a minute or two to Idris to taper down his self, Humayun spoke

"What do we do now? He challenged us so boldly. The cases are still a hot topic."

Idris took a huge puff of the cigar, the smoke clouding around his face before dissipating in the air. His left eye twitched as he said

"He has some nerve to challenge me like that. He's more stupid than I thought."

"What will be our next move? Ever since he said those words, the internet has been going wild. The public's support is also not in our favor. We are getting buried alive."

Idris knew all of it. Knew that his recent money laundering case had been the downfall of his political career. He also knew the public was pulling their support for him. He had to think. It would be cold day in hell before he resigns. The Pakistani politics was his entire legacy.

And he'll be damned before letting another beggar stole the crown.

His eyes narrowed as if coming to a conclusion. Leaning forward, he bent his head and said lowly

"We'll meet Irtiza. Arrange a meeting with him tomorrow."

Humayun's face morphed into confusion and he asked

"Why? Are you planning of negotiating?"

Idris laughed darkly, the sound waved off in the air like nails on a wall.

"Don't be dumb, Humayun. I'll offer him a deal. If he's wise, he'll agree to my terms."

Humayun didn't seem convinced because his next words were

"What if he refuses?"

An equally dark gleam came in Idris' eyes as he spoke

"He'll know exactly what happens when you provoke a sleeping lion."

Humayun didn't understand what his father in law was thinking. Of course he knew the man was no saint and was involved in organization that were far from legal. But right now he just couldn't get a read on him. His face was completely blank except for the sardonic glint in his eyes.

Humayun stood up from the chair and said

"I'll arrange a meeting. I'll take leave now. It's already very late."

Idris nodded and Humayun walked toward the door. As soon as he opened it, he was surprised to find Mansha standing outside. The girl only glanced inside before entering the room. Humayun simply left the duo alone- closing the door with a soft click.