Fated Love

Chapter 20

Meerab had gradually molded herself to the rhythms of her new life in Hyderabad. Despite the bonding moments spent with Murtasim, a yearning for her old friends and the familiar comforts of Lahore still tugged at her heartstrings. As an introvert, Meerab's friend circle was never expansive, yet she cherished the memories of carefree outings with her childhood friends – be it shopping sprees, movie nights, or relaxed gatherings at quaint restaurants. However, in the tapestry of Hyderabad's unfamiliarity, a sense of monotony had settled in, and the lack of a social life only intensified this sentiment.

While the friendship she shared with Mariam was a source of comfort for her, but Mariam's commitments to university often left Meerab to her own devices for long stretches of the day. Thus, when Mariam extended an invitation to join her and her friends for an outing, a surge of both excitement and hesitation coursed through Meerab's thoughts.

"Meerab, would you like to go out? There's an exhilarating festival happening around my college with different types of stalls. Would you be interested?" Mariam's eyes glinted with anticipation.

Meerab wanted to take up the inviting offer but her inner introvert, however, held her back. A surge of anxiety prompted her to inquire, "Um, will there be others joining us?"

"Yes, a few of my friends will be there. Why?" Mariam's curiosity piqued.

Meerab grappled with her emotions. "Mariam, You know, I tend to be a bit shy around new people. I don't want to create awkwardness between you and your friends. So I'll just pass."

Encouragement followed as Mariam rallied to sway her, "Come on, Meerab. This could be a great way for you to break from your routine. You're always engrossed in your Khanum duties. It's time to distract yourself with something fun."

While Meerab's heart whispered the desire to join in, her reservations maintained their grip. " umm... I don't know, Mariam." Her voice was tinged with uncertainty.

Their deliberation was soon interrupted by the arrival of Murtasim. Eager to join the conversation, he asked, "What distractions are we discussing here?"

Mariam swiftly filled him in, "Bhai, Meerab spends most of her time cooped up at home. It's a bit dull, to be honest. So, I invited her to accompany me and my friends for an outing."

Curiosity marked Murtasim's tone, "An outing, huh? But, Mariam, you're aware that Baba Sahab doesn't allow you to go out for these events, right?" Murtasim reminded her and Meerab couldn't help but roll her eyes at Uncle Shahnawaz's rigid rules.

Mariam's mischievous grin surfaced. "Yes, yes, I know. But there's this festival near my college. It coincides with my classes, so I thought I'd skip and have some fun. No need for Baba Sahab to know."

Murtasim chuckled, "Aren't you a cheeky little devil?"

With a playful nudge, Mariam turned her attention back to Meerab, "Convince her, Bhai."

Murtasim, well-aware of Meerab's introverted tendencies, jumped in with a gentle smile, "Meerab, why don't you join her? You've been feeling bored at home, right? This could be your chance to step out and socialize."

Averting her eyes, Meerab softly replied, "I don't want to make Mariam uncomfortable or ruin her fun by being awkward around her friends."

Mariam had a flash of idea. "Wait, how about you come, Bhai? You can be with Meerab, keep her company. Meanwhile, I'll hang out with my friends."

Murtasim's expression wavered, and Meerab quickly interjected, "It's alright, Murtasim's quite busy anyway, so—"

Murtasim cut her off with a decisive nod, "Alright, I'll go."