The Translation Affair
"Urdu translator Hira works at a high-powered law firm. When new partner Samir needs her for a sensitive case, their late nights become more than professional."
The Translation Affair
"I need someone who understands nuance."
Hira looked up at the new partner looming over her desk. Samir Ali was every cliché—tall, handsome, the kind of ambition that made junior associates cry.
"That's what translation is."
"This is different. Sensitive case. Pakistani clients. I need someone who understands what's not being said."
"My specialty." She met his gaze. "When do we start?"
"Tonight."
The late nights stretched into weeks.
They translated documents, interviewed witnesses, built a case that required complete cultural understanding. Somewhere between the Urdu transcripts and the legal briefs, something shifted.
"You're remarkable," Samir said one midnight. "The way you explain context I'd never grasp—"
"That's my job."
"It's more than that." He moved closer. "You see things. People. Understand them."
"Including you?"
"Especially me." He was close enough to touch. "I've been trying to maintain professional distance. I'm failing."
"Me too."
The first kiss was against the conference room window—London glittering below.
"This could ruin us both," Hira whispered.
"Worth it." He lifted her onto the table. "Tell me to stop."
"Don't you dare."
Samir was thorough in everything—including this.
He took his time, translating her responses into action, adjusting until she was crying out in a language that needed no words.
"Meri jaan," he breathed, entering her. "You translate everything I feel."
"Corny."
"Sincere." He thrust deeper. "I love you, Hira. In any language."
"HR will have questions," she said afterward.
"The case ends Friday. After that, we're free." He pulled her close. "Let me take you somewhere no one cares about office policy."
"Where?"
"Anywhere you want. Pakistan. Italy. Mars." His smile was soft. "As long as you're there."
The case was won. The relationship became public.
Partners were scandalized for approximately a week.
The wedding invitation was trilingual—English, Urdu, and love.