Meher returned from Inaya's house with exhaustion clinging to her like a second skin. The moment she stepped inside her apartment, the familiar quiet greeted her—but it didn't last long. Her phone rang just as she bent to kick off her boots.
She glanced at the screen.
Danish.
With a tired breath, she answered, tossing her keys onto the side table as she walked in.
"Hi," Danish said casually. "How are you doing?"
"Hi… just came back from Inaya's house," Meher replied, her voice softer than she intended.
She moved toward the living room and let herself drop onto the sofa, the cushions sinking beneath her weight. The day felt heavier than it should have.
"You sound tired," Danish observed.
"Yes," she admitted. "A bit."
A quiet sigh slipped past her lips before she could stop it.
"There's a lot going on in the company… and then some family issues too."
"I can't interfere in your family matters," Danish said gently. "But what's happening at the company?"
Meher stared at the ceiling as she answered.
"Someone's hacking into our software—but they aren't damaging anything. It feels like they're just… teasing us."
There was a pause on the other end.
"If that's the case," Danish said, "maybe it's just some teenagers messing around. They'll lose interest soon."
"No…" Meher said, shaking her head even though he couldn't see her. "They don't seem like that."
Another long sigh escaped her, heavier than the last.
"And since I'm going to take over the company, I have to be responsible."
"That's true," Danish replied.
Silence stretched between them for a moment.
"Oh—and," Meher added suddenly, "sorry about yesterday. Zayn doesn't usually behave like that. I don't know what's going on in his head."
"You seem to know a lot about him," Danish said lightly.
"No," Meher replied quickly. "I was just stating facts."
"Then why were you apologising on his behalf?"
Meher hesitated.
"Oh… that's because—"
"Relax," Danish chuckled. "I'm joking."
Then, as if remembering something important, he added, "By the way, Zayn's good at hacking too. He's been learning since childhood."
Meher straightened instantly, surprise cutting through her fatigue.
"What?" she asked. "He's good at hacking?"
"Yes. You should talk to him about your problem. He might help."
She scoffed.
"I'd rather lose to the hacker than ask him for help."
"I've seen you two before," Danish said thoughtfully. "Looks like you're not on good terms."
"Yeah," Meher muttered. "Even his face irritates me."
"A handsome face like his irritates you?" Danish teased. "Interesting."
Meher rolled her eyes.
"Fine. He is a bit handsome," she admitted. "But very irritating."
Danish laughed.
"Well, if you don't want your poor employees unemployed, you might want to talk to him."
Meher closed her eyes.
"…Yes. I think I should."
Before Danish could reply, another voice cut into the moment.
"Meher, we need to talk."
She turned her head toward the doorway. Asad stood there, his expression unreadable.
"Danish, I'll call you later," she said.
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
She ended the call and dropped her phone beside her on the sofa.
Danish stared at his own phone for a second before murmuring to himself,
"Let's take the bet. I want to see if she really chooses Zayn."
Asad stepped closer.
"You're going on the date today, right?"
"No," Meher replied flatly.
Asad's gaze hardened.
"You know what I can do if you don't."
She clenched her jaw.
"You keep threatening me with that. Fine—go on."
Her frustration spilled out in a sharp sigh.
Before the silence could settle, Zehra entered the hall, her face pale and tense.
"Did you forget the sacrifices your sister made for you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I know, but—" Meher began.
"I want my daughter safe, Meher," Zehra interrupted, tears pooling in her eyes.
"Please… just do what he says for now. It's only a date. It's not like you're getting married today."
Her mother's breaking voice pierced straight through Meher's chest. Guilt washed over her as memories flooded back—her sister's smile, her quiet strength, the family she gave up, everything she sacrificed so Meher could stand where she was today.
"Okay!" Meher almost shouted. "I will!"
Asad's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
"That's great."
Meher turned away, her chest tight.
He hasn't found any real lead yet… she thought bitterly.
But he's my last hope.
She rose slowly and walked toward her room, every step heavy with reluctant acceptance. Behind her, Zehra's relieved voice echoed through the hall.
"Thank you, Meher!"
But gratitude was the last thing Meher felt as the door closed behind her.
To be continued...