The parking lot gleamed under the soft orange wash of the streetlights. A cool breeze drifted through the late evening air, stirring Meher's hair around her face as she stood still, her mind drifting somewhere far away.
"Hey," Danish said, nudging her lightly with his elbow. "Are you even listening? Meher?"
She blinked, as though surfacing from underwater. "Hmm?"
"I said… should I drive you back to your house?"
She smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "No thanks. I brought my car."
Danish gave an exaggerated sigh. "Ah man. I was hoping to spend a little more time with you. We haven't hung out properly in ages."
Meher tilted her head, considering. "Then come over. To my place."
He grinned, half-surprised. "Are you serious?"
Before she could answer, a mischievous glint lit up her eyes.
"But," she added, turning toward her car, "how about a race? First one to reach my house wins."
Danish laughed, clearly delighted. "Oh, it's like that now?"
As Meher rushed toward her car, she called over her shoulder, "Loser treats the winner to ice cream. Another day."
"That's cheating! You're already at your car!" he shouted as she pulled open her door.
Meher slid into the driver's seat and rolled down the window, flashing him a playful smirk. "Everything's fair in love and war."
Danish narrowed his eyes and murmured to himself. "Yes, well… everything's fair in love."He gave her a smirk—a quick, knowing look that lingered just a second too long—then turned and headed toward his car.
Moments later, engines roared to life. The night came alive with the sound of screeching tires as two cars sped off into the city streets, headlights slicing through the darkness.
***
Scene: Khan Mansion – That Night
The stillness of the night was shattered by raised voices echoing from inside the Khan Mansion.
It was an imposing structure, grand but cold, sitting in the middle of its manicured gardens like a fortress meant to keep things out—or perhaps, to keep secrets in.
Inside, beneath a high chandelier casting a pale glow across the drawing room, Zehra sat hunched on a couch, wringing her hands.
"Did we really do that bad to our daughter?" she asked softly, almost in a whisper, her voice trembling.
Asad stood nearby, hands behind his back, staring out of the window into the dark.
"No," he replied, his voice cold. "It was her mistake. She should have followed what we planned. We knew what was best for her."
Zehra turned toward him, her eyes wet. "Still… Aaira was so lonely. She had to see a psychologist, Asad. Our daughter needed help."
He scoffed. "That was just her drama. A stunt to ruin my reputation. And she succeeded. Now everyone paints her as some tragic legend, and us? We're the villains."
Outside, Meher pulled into the driveway. She stepped out, and Danish followed closely behind.Their laughter faded as they heard the muffled shouting from within.
Danish frowned slightly. "Sounds like that birthday gift is causing more stress than joy."
Meher sighed, closing her car door with a soft click. "It's not the gift. It's my dad's ego."
"Yeah," Danish said thoughtfully. "He seemed really… cold at the party. Like everything had to be under control."
Meher nodded, glancing toward the front door. "I should go in."
Danish tilted his head. "Want me to come with you? Just for a bit?"
She turned to him, surprised. "You want to come in?"
"Don't get me wrong," he said quickly, raising his hands with a playful pout. "I just don't want you facing all that alone. It feels like sending a sheep to the wolves."
Meher chuckled faintly. "I can handle it."
He studied her face, his voice softening. "I heard your sister's name come up. I know it's still a sensitive topic for you. If you let me… I can be there. You gave Zayn a chance. Won't you give your friend one too?"
She looked at him for a long moment, eyes searching his face. Then she nodded.
"Okay. You can come in."
Danish smiled. "Great. I'll park the car and join you in a minute."
***
Inside the Mansion
The tension in the air was thick enough to taste.
As soon as Meher entered, Asad's voice cut through the room like a knife.
"Well, if it isn't the star of last night's drama," he said, arms crossed. "You thought I'd let it go? I stayed quiet only because Inaya was here."Meher stood her ground, eyes steady. "No. You stayed quiet because a girl from a rich family was watching."
Asad's voice sharpened. "Still talking back, I see."
Before Meher could respond, the door creaked open behind her. A calm, confident voice filled the room.
"It's not talking back, Uncle."
Asad's gaze shot past Meher. Danish stepped into the room with ease, his expression polite but firm.
"And who are you?" Asad demanded. "Oh wait—right. You were at the party. Meher has a new friend now?"
Meher opened her mouth, but Danish gently touched her arm, signaling her to let him handle it.
He stepped forward, offering a small, respectful smile.
"Hello, Uncle. I'm Danish Khan."
Asad's brow creased. "I don't care who you are. This is a family matter—you have no right to interfere."
Danish's voice didn't waver. "Just give me a moment. Do you remember Judge Faisal Khan?"
At the mention of the name, something shifted in Asad's face. His expression froze.
Danish leaned in slightly, voice low but clear. "The one who handled your case, years ago."
Silence. Asad stared at him, as if seeing a ghost.
Meher turned to Danish, eyebrows furrowed. "What's going on?"
Danish glanced at her casually. "Nothing major. Just that I'm the son of your dad's old friend."
Her eyes widened. "You're serious? Why didn't you tell me?"
He scratched the back of his neck. "Didn't realize until I saw his face. Something just… clicked."
Asad took a step forward, trying to regain composure."Meher. Go to your room. I need to speak with him."
Meher hesitated. "You can talk in front of me."
Danish's tone was gentle. "It's okay, Meher. I think he wants to talk about my father. I'll be fine. Give us a few minutes."
She looked at him, uncertain, but his calm eyes reassured her.
"Okay…" she said finally, turning to leave. At the stairs, she paused.
"Bye, Danish. Take care. And—text me when you get home."
Danish smiled softly. "I will. Don't worry. Bye."
He winked. "And don't forget about that ice cream treat. I won."
She gave a small laugh, then disappeared up the stairs.
Danish turned back to Asad.
The mask had fallen from Asad Khan's face. For the first time in years, he looked unsettled.
To be continued…