Ishq-e-Junoon

10. Ibtidaa

-Jahan woh hoti hai wahan rounak hoti hai,
Iss maayne me woh chaand se bhi aage hai

☾

As they approached Shahmeer Khan's mansion, Izzah's breath caught in her throat. What loomed before her was not merely a house but a sprawling palace that spoke of opulence and power.

The driveway was lined with luxurious cars, each more exquisite than the last, and the presence of numerous guards added an air of authority that felt both intimidating and overwhelming.

Izzah's heart raced as she took in the scene, the grandeur making her feel small and insignificant. The reality of Shahmeer's stature settled heavily on her shoulders—he was no ordinary man, but a colossal figure.

Shahmeer noticed her hesitation as he opened the car door for her. "Aa jao," he urged gently. Izzah nodded silently, keeping her gaze lowered, overwhelmed by the atmosphere around her.

[Come.]

He walked beside her, maintaining a respectful distance, the weight of his presence palpable as they approached the entrance. As they stepped inside, a flurry of activity buzzed around them, but all eyes seemed to shift toward the imposing figure of Shahmeer Khan.

His butler, Anwar, came rushing forward, his demeanor professional and attentive. "Salaam Khan Sahab," he greeted with a deep bow before turning to Izzah, his expression curious.

"Yeh Izzah Shah hai," Shahmeer introduced her, his voice firm. "Kuch waqt tak hamare saath rahengi, sahi intezaam kijiye".

[This is Izzah Shah, she'll be staying with us for a while, make proper arrangements.]

Anwar nodded, his expression shifting to one of understanding as he quickly responded, "Jee, Khan Sahab. Aap bilkul fikar na karein."

[Yes Khan Sahab, don't worry]

"Meher bibi kaha hai?" He asks in his gruff voice.

[Where is Meher bibi?]

"Jee bibi toh apne kamray mein hain", Anwar replies.

[She is in her room.]

"Thik hai jaye aap", he orders the butler and turns back to Izzah, his expression softening slightly. "Fikr nahi karo," he instructed, his tone almost reassuring. "Tum mehfooz ho yaha. Dinner par milte hain, us waqt hum baat karenge."

[Okay you can go.]
[Don't stress, you are safe here. I'll see you at dinner, we'll talk then.]

Izzah nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Jee, shukriya."

[Yes thank you.]

With a final nod, Shahmeer headed towards his office, leaving Izzah standing alone in the grand foyer. The towering ceilings and lavish decor only amplified her feeling of being out of place.

☾

Shahmeer Khan sat in his luxurious office. The sun dipped low casting long shadows across the desk. He leaned back in his chair, exuding an air of authority, when a high-ranking police officer entered, his demeanor serious and resolute.

"Kahiye Malik Sahab, kaise aana hua?" Shahmeer asked, a hint of casualness in his tone, though his mind was already on edge.

[Tell me Malik Sahab, what brings you here?]

"Khan Sahab, baatein nahi ghumaunga, bas sidhe se puchta hu, kya wo ladki aapke saath hain?" the officer's directness was sharp, piercing through the veil of pleasantries.