75.

The dim light of Murad's study illuminated the stacks of papers scattered across the mahogany desk. The smell of aged wood mingled with the faint scent of leather-bound volumes lining the walls. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he sifted through the files in front of him. Each document held memories of his past—the plans his father had forced upon him, the debts he was expected to settle, and the countless expectations he had yet to fulfill.

But amidst the clutter, Murad found a glimmer of hope in the memories he shared with Taliya, the laughter that echoed in his mind from their recent outings. Yet, the weight of his family legacy loomed large over him, a constant reminder of the chains that still bound him.

As he flipped through the last few pages, the door creaked open, and Uncle Hashim stepped in, his expression serious. Murad glanced up, instantly sensing the gravity in his uncle’s demeanor.

“Murad,” Hashim began, his voice low and deliberate. “We need to talk.”

Murad straightened in his chair, a knot forming in his stomach. “What is it?”

“It’s about Taliya,” Hashim said, stepping further into the room. He closed the door behind him with a soft click, the sound echoing in the quiet space.

Murad's heart raced, dread pooling in the pit of his stomach. “What about her?”

“You need to end things with her,” Hashim said, his tone firm. “It’s not just about your feelings, Murad. It’s about family honor.”

Murad’s brow furrowed in disbelief. “Uncle, you can’t be serious. Taliya means a lot to me. We’re finally making progress. I can’t just walk away from her.”

Hashim took a deep breath, a weary look in his eyes. “You don’t understand the implications, my boy. Your father’s name still carries weight, and your relationship with Taliya could jeopardize everything we’ve worked for. She doesn’t belong to our world.”

Murad’s anger flared. “What do you mean she doesn’t belong to our world? She’s just as worthy as anyone else! You don’t know her like I do.”

“I know enough,” Hashim countered, his voice steady. “She’s not from our social standing. Your father had plans for you, and marrying outside our circle would shatter those expectations. It could lead to scandal—our family’s reputation is at stake.”

“Reputation?” Murad scoffed, pushing away from the desk. “What about my happiness? What about Taliya’s happiness? I can’t keep living for a legacy that I didn’t even choose.”

“Legacy is everything,” Hashim insisted, his eyes narrowing. “You have a duty to uphold. Your father’s expectations are not just a burden; they are your responsibility. Think of what would happen if word got out. The whispers, the ridicule—it could destroy our standing in the community.”

Murad's hands clenched into fists. “And what about my feelings? Am I supposed to just ignore them because of some outdated tradition? Taliya deserves better than to be treated as an afterthought in my life.”

Hashim softened slightly, sensing the conflict in Murad's voice. “I understand how you feel, but sometimes, love isn’t enough. You have to consider the bigger picture. You’ll be a leader someday, and leaders must make sacrifices.”

“What about her sacrifices?” Murad shot back, the pain of the truth slicing through him. “Taliya has fought through so much. She’s faced her own demons, and yet she still stands strong. She’s not just some girl; she’s become an important part of my life.”

“And that’s precisely why you need to protect her,” Hashim urged, stepping closer. “If your father learns of this relationship, he won’t just be angry—he’ll retaliate. You can’t let her become collateral damage in this game of power.”

Murad felt the anger drain from him, leaving only a hollow ache. He thought of Taliya, her laughter, her dreams, and the bond they were nurturing. To sever that connection felt like a betrayal he could never forgive himself for.

“I can’t just end it,” he whispered, feeling defeated. “I won’t.”

Hashim’s expression softened further, but his resolve remained. “Then you need to be prepared for the consequences, Murad. You’re not just risking your future—you’re risking hers too. You have to make a choice.”

Silence hung heavily in the room as Murad processed his uncle’s words. The familiar tension of obligation warred with his desire for love and freedom.

“You’re asking me to choose between my family and my heart,” Murad said finally, his voice steady but laced with pain. “And I can’t do that.”

Hashim studied him for a moment, a mixture of concern and pride in his eyes. “Just think about it, Murad. Think of what’s at stake. I only want what’s best for you.”

With that, he turned to leave, the weight of his warning lingering in the air. Murad slumped back into his chair, staring at the files scattered across his desk, feeling the burden of his reality closing in around him.

He could already envision the future his uncle described—a future dictated by his father’s demands, a future devoid of Taliya’s laughter and warmth. And as he sat there, grappling with the impossible choice before him, he knew one thing: he couldn’t let her go without a fight.

Murad had never felt so torn in his life. The shadows of his past, the expectations of his family, and the blossoming love he had for Taliya collided within him, creating a storm he feared he wouldn’t survive.

But he had to try. For Taliya’s sake. For his own. And as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the room, Murad vowed to confront his demons, ready to challenge the world that sought to keep them apart.