Fated Love

Chapter 1

Waqas Ahmed and Shahnawaz Khan were inseparable since their childhood. They spent their days exploring the open fields in their gaon in summer vacations, getting into all sorts of mischief, and even sneaking away from school to share a secret smoke. As they transitioned into adulthood, life took them on different paths. Waqas pursued his dream of becoming a lawyer, moving to Lahore to attend law school and eventually establishing his own law firm there. Meanwhile, Shahnawaz embraced his family responsibilities, taking on his feudal duties while settling in Hyderabad.

Despite the physical distance, their friendship remained unwavering. Although, frequent in-person meetings were hard, yet they continued to rely on each other for guidance and support. Shahnawaz Khan never forced his family to visit Lahore with him, however, today marked a special occasion. The Khan family was abuzz with preparations as they readied themselves to travel to Lahore for the graduation celebration of Waqas Ahmed's daughter. This event was set to bring their families closer and create new memories within the backdrop of their enduring friendship.

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Meerab Waqas Ahmed was a spirited and independent young woman, deeply inspired by her father's journey. She marveled at how he, despite coming from a lower background, had achieved his dream of becoming a lawyer. Even as a child, she would sit by her father's side, captivated by the cases he studied. Being their only child, she possessed a knack for getting her parents to follow her lead. Yet, she remained obedient and truthful, respecting their rules despite growing up in a progressive society. While she embraced their customs and traditions, she couldn't help but be frustrated by the persistent gender bias her parents stressed upon that dictated what girls and boys "should" pursue.

However, Meerab had a few tricks up her sleeves and she planned to use them to convince her father to allow her to study law. When she bought up this topic, he hesitated, reflecting the ingrained biases of society. "Can't you consider something else? Social science or medicine, perhaps? Those are fields more suited for girls," he suggested, unwittingly adding to the frustration Meerab felt. She was determined to change his mind.

"Baba, please try to understand. You're my role model, and I want to follow your footsteps by studying law," she implored, tugging at his heartstrings. But he held his ground. "No girl has done this in our family before, Meerab. How can I allow it?" he countered. Refusing to give up, she continued, her eyes glistening with tears, "Please, Baba, this is my deepest wish. Grant me this, and I promise to anything you ask for." Her earnestness finally wore down his resistance, and he relented, enveloping her in a tight hug.

"But this is the last time we'll discuss this, alright? Nothing more than LLB okay?" He voiced his conditions.
"Meerab, You do remember the marriage conversation we had recently. You should mentally prepare yourself for it by the time you graduate because you're finally of age now" her mother chimed in, looking nervously at her husband. Determined not to dampen her mood, Meerab nodded unconsciously, focusing on celebrating her hard-earned victory for now.

Five strenuous years later, Meerab stood proudly as she graduated with an LLB degree, having persevered through endless challenges. Her father's eyes welled with pride at her achievement. "Let's celebrate" he exclaimed, announcing a party and inviting Shahnawaz and his family. But Meerab's introverted nature kicked in as she argued "Baba, is it really important to call everyone? Can't we just have a small party with just the three of us"

Nevertheless, her father persisted. "Meerab, it's only Shahnawaz, Salma bhabi, Murtasim, and Mariam. You remember them, don't you? The three of you used to play together as kids. So, no need to be shy. Plus, he's a dear friend from my childhood, and I want him to be a part of this special moment," he reassured. Meerab sights, she knew she couldn't win any argument against her father when it concerned Shahnawaz Khan.

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Shahnawaz Khan was a dominating and rigid man who adhered strictly to his principles. His honor and dignity were of paramount importance to him. His feudal upbringing further ingrained these traditional views, making him unhappy when Waqas discussed his daughter's desire to study law. "Waqas, how can you even consider this? No girl in our family has ever opted for such a rowdy profession. Have you forgotten our customs after moving to Lahore and embracing these modern ideologies? I mean, I didn't even let Murtasim pursue his stupid dream, and now you expect me to agree to Meerab studying law? That's quite comical if you ask me," he argued, his stance unwavering.

"No, Shahnawaz, it's not like that. You know how much Meerab means to me, and it's heartbreaking to see her upset. She genuinely wants this, and I can't bring myself to deny her," Waqar defended, trying to make his friend understand his point of view.

Shahnawaz reminded his friend of their commitment, saying, "Waqas, have you forgotten our promise? Remember, Meerab is our amanat to you." Waqas acknowledged the promise but presented his perspective, "I know, but it's just five years. She'll mature and will be able to handle responsibilities better. Please, I can't take back my word now. I can't take away this happiness from her," he implored, hoping Shahnawaz would agree to his appeal.

Shahnawaz comprehended his friend's predicament and relented, saying, "Fine, but make sure that after she completes her studies, she won't be involved in practicing law and going around court, fighting cases. Inform her and ensure she understands this." To avoid any future misunderstandings, Shahnawaz issued a precautionary warning. After concluding the call and bidding his friend farewell, his thoughts drifted to a conversation he once had with his own son, Murtasim, years ago. "What's with kids and their dreams nowadays? It's all because they grow up in such comfort and luxuries that these rebellious tendencies take root," he mused, shaking his head in disbelief.

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Murtasim Khan was a calm and calculated young man. He was far too wise for his age and there were times when he shocked the whole panchayat with his wise decisions. No one could believe that he was merely a 26 year old young man influencing men in their late forties and fifties. His decisions often surprised them. It could be attributed to his international experiences, including his accounting and finance degree from Stanford, or perhaps his father's influence that infused him with discipline and grace. His manner of speaking was marked by a confidence that came from a deep understanding of matters.

Murtasim's presence was a testament to the power of modern education blended with traditional values. He effortlessly bridged the gap between generations, earning respect through his actions rather than his age. People admired his gifted talent for approaching challenges with a calm demeanor, unruffled even in the face of difficulties and complications. This reputation of his led his father to pass on the khandani gaddi to him, about three years ago, after Murtasim's graduation. This act symbolized his transition into the role of feudal lord, a responsibility he embraced at the ripe age of 23. Balancing his new obligations, he found little to no time for his personal interests, it was mostly on a weekends, if he's lucky, where he got only a brief break from his strenuous responsibilities.

This was why the thought of attending Waqas Ahmed's daughter's graduation party in Lahore over the weekend didn't sit well with Murtasim. He was in his father's office when he was informed of the planned trip. "It's Meerab's graduation party this weekend, and we've all been invited," his father conveyed to him.

Murtasim, maintaining his characteristic calm, voiced his concern, "Baba Sahab, is it absolutely necessary for me to go? I have pending work that needs my attention over the weekend."

His father, firm in his stance, replied, "Murtasim, he has extended the invitation to all of us. It's important that we attend."

Murtasim was about to argue, but his father interjected with authority, "No more arguments. maine keh diya hai na. We must go."

Murtasim acknowledged his father's decision with a quiet agreement, "As you wish."

With that, Murtasim left to prepare for their upcoming journey to Lahore, his controlled demeanor masking his underlying reluctance and dejection- a skill he had mastered over years.

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