"I can't do this anymore! We can't keep pretending everything's fine. I can't afford to stay here and watch my future crumble. Especially for someone who doesn't value human feelings!"
Muaaz, a talented yet struggling architect based in London, find...
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"WHAT?!"
Well, this wasn't unexpected. I say to myself looking at the shock on my family's faces after I announced my decision.
"I have agreed to lead the Heritage project," I repeat, more carefully this time. My gaze moved from Layla, Ayra Khala, Haadi Uncle, Ma, Papa, Nana, and Nani who gaped at me in return.
"Are you sure about this?" Layla asked as though to confirm.
I nod. "Spoke to George earlier today and he was over the moon."
"But this isn't even about him." Ayra Khala retorted. "It's about you and your career, and your life. Have you given away all of that to please someone, Muaaz?"
A frown took over my face. "I didn't do all of this to please him or anyone. This is my decision." I stressed.
"To take a risk?" Layla prodded, to which I just shrugged in return.
"Maybe."
"For how long will you be staying there? And who else is going with you?" Papa asked.
"I have no idea and no one. It's just me the whole time."
Layla began clapping her hands and I rolled my eyes at her. She caught my reaction and tilted her head to the side. I raise my brows, silently asking 'really?'. 'I don't know what else to say to you.' She conveyed with a shake of her head and bouncing her shoulders.
"Accommodation?" Ma inquired.
"Hayy," I confirm.
"Accomodation ki kiya zaroorat? Humara ghar hai. Fahad ka ghar hai." All heads snapped in Nana's direction so quickly, I wondered if their necks were ok. All except for Layla and I.
Fahad?
"Uske paas jaane ki koi zaroorat nahi hai." Papa announced in a sharp tone.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Layla silently asking what was up with the jerk of her chin. Jutting my lower lip outward, I reply I don't know.
"Office accommodation provide karra wahi kafi hai. If you want more space, your Ma can get Muqam-e-Ibrahim cleaned for you."
"Ohkay." I say, definitely missing something here.
"When do you leave?" Ma asked.
"In 2 weeks."
The fact of the matter is, I am done. I am done playing safe, done chickening out, done listening to my mind. Instincts? Maybe not. Because they still pushed me towards saying no, don't jeopardize my career, and putting an end to the whole thing.
But deep down, I wanted to take a risk. Break free of the safety net I involuntarily created for myself. I've been banking successful projects all these years, and I am grateful for that. But none of them were as wild as this one.
