110.

The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Faraz and Murad stood in the kitchen, their eyes meeting with a silent understanding as Uncle Hashim walked in. He took one look at the two young men before him and nodded, a small, approving smile on his face.

“What’s the plan, boys?” Hashim asked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorway.

Faraz turned, a confident smirk on his face. “First, I’m going to go to our dear father. Today. I’ll ask for my share in the family business—my rightful place.” He paused, letting the words settle. “He’ll hate it, but he won’t deny it. Not with witnesses around. And once I have a foothold, I’ll play the part. I’ll make him think he’s finally got me under control.”

Hashim raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You’re saying you’ll make him think you’re falling in line?”

“Exactly.” Faraz’s voice was calm but sharp with purpose. “Ibrahim’s always wanted a puppet, someone he can mold into his own image. I’ll give him just enough to let him believe he’s won.” He glanced at Murad. “And for that to work, Murad will need to… let’s say, insist on marrying Taliya. Instead of the girl our father has in mind for him.”

Murad, who’d been listening intently, froze, his eyes widening. “Wait, what? Why do I have to marry Taliya? This was supposed to be about taking him down, not… not getting me married off.”

Faraz smirked, clearly enjoying Murad’s reaction. “Oh, come on, Murad. Don’t act so surprised. We all know how you feel about Taliya. Or are you really going to deny it?”

Murad’s face flushed, and he scowled, looking away. “That’s not the point,” he muttered, folding his arms defensively. “You can’t just throw my life into this… plan of yours. Besides, I don’t need your assumptions about how I feel.”

Faraz let out a low chuckle. “Assumptions? Murad, the way you look at her speaks volumes. And if you marry her, it’ll be a perfect move against him. Our father wants control over our lives. This’ll throw him off balance. He thinks he’s got our futures planned, but if you insist on Taliya, it’ll make him question everything. He’ll have to spend more time dealing with you, which means less time trying to rein me in.”

Hashim stepped in, his expression thoughtful. “Faraz is right, Murad. This isn’t just about rebelling. It’s about strategy. If you take control of this choice, you’ll make Ibrahim lose confidence in his ability to manipulate you. He won’t expect you to choose Taliya, not when he’s hand-picked someone else for you.”

Murad sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly conflicted. “You’re both making it sound like a game.”

“Maybe it is,” Faraz said, his voice softening slightly. “But it’s the only game we can win. Look, Murad, I get it. This isn’t easy. But if we don’t take control now, we’ll spend our lives being pawns in his twisted plans. This isn’t just about marriage or rebellion. It’s about freedom.”

Murad glanced at Faraz, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “And what about you, Faraz? Why go along with this? You hate everything he stands for. Why even pretend to play by his rules?”

Faraz’s face darkened, his eyes hardening. “Because I’m done being his puppet. I want my own life. But if I go at him directly, he’ll destroy me. This… this is the only way to make him let his guard down. To make him think he’s still the one pulling the strings.” He paused, his gaze turning distant. “I’m not doing this just for myself, Murad. He’s hurt too many people. It has to stop.”

Hashim, who’d been listening quietly, took a step closer to Faraz. “And your end goal, Faraz? When this is all over, what do you want?”

Faraz’s eyes flickered, a bitter smile on his face. “Peace, Uncle. Just… peace.” He clenched his fists, his voice a low murmur. “He took my mother from me. Took everything she fought for, everything she believed in. This is my chance to make sure he never does that to anyone else.”

Hashim reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Faraz’s shoulder. “Then we’ll make sure of it. But we have to act fast. The longer we wait, the more suspicious he’ll get.”

Murad sighed, shaking his head. “Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll stand up to him and say I want to marry Taliya. But just so we’re clear, this is about taking him down—not about love or anything else.”

Faraz gave him a knowing look, barely holding back a smirk. “Keep telling yourself that, Murad. But one day, you’ll realize she’s the only one who makes you feel free.”

Murad rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Faraz. Just… don’t get too comfortable in my kitchen, alright?”

Faraz chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Oh, don’t worry. Once this is over, I’ll make myself at home somewhere else. But for now, you’re stuck with me.”

Hashim cleared his throat, breaking the banter. “Then it’s settled. We act soon. We can’t afford hesitation.”

Murad and Faraz nodded in agreement, their gazes hardening with resolve. The plan was in motion, and they knew there would be no turning back. They were no longer just brothers—they were allies in a battle for their freedom.