Fated Love

Chapter 18

Meerab and Murtasim found themselves navigating smoother waters, their relationship now flowing with ease. The once-present awkwardness and nervousness between them had gracefully given way to comforting familiarity. Day by day, they uncovered new layers of each other's lives and past experiences. They had developed a new habit of engaging in a late night discussion about their every day's activities, taking place in the cozy embrace of their shared bed. The absence of a pillow, that previously divided them, symbolized the blossoming understanding and comfort they had nurtured.


Meerab's days were most occupied by her interactions with Maa Begum. Under her mentorship, Meerab embarked on a journey of learning the complexities of being a Khaani, understanding the weight of guiding women who sought their help. The women's panchayat mirrored the men's in many ways, except for the location—it unfolded amidst the lush embrace of the Khan Haveli's garden. Juggling her newfound responsibilities, from managing accounts to seeking solutions for the women's troubles, proved to be a strenuous task. The complexity of the duty often left her overwhelmed but because of Maa Begum's steady presence, offering guidance and assistance, she somehow managed to take up the responsibilities.

Following her heated conversation with Uncle Shahnawaz, her interactions with him seemed to have lessened. They now shared occasional conversations, frequently around the dinner table where an air of tension and seriousness often lingered. Nonetheless, the Khan family as a whole had begun to truly feel like her own. The casual talks with Mariam during the evenings about dramas and TV shows, the nurturing support and guidance from Maa Begum, the mix of authority and fatherly warmth in Uncle Shahnawaz's presence, and the comforting companionship of Murtasim had all woven together to create a sense of genuine family.

Despite settling into life in Hyderabad with her new family, Meerab's heart ached at the mere mention of her parents. Though communication attempts were made, Meerab struggled to extend conversations beyond the ten-minute mark. The emotional complexity of her relationship with her parents was evident; she recognized the need to address the unresolved issues, but the timing never seemed appropriate enough. Beneath it all, she acknowledged that her parents had played a pivotal role in her life for a good 23 years, that made her realize that they did at least deserved one chance to provide an explanation. However, the stars had not yet aligned for that moment.

Amidst the ebb and flow of emotions, Meerab's bond with Murtasim flourished. When Murtasim offered solace after her haunting nightmares, Meerab realized that Murtasim was truly the partner she needed. His gentle care enveloped her like a protective shield and his habit of prioritizing her comfort above his own melted her heart every time. Reflections on her past doubts—both prior to their marriage and in the aftermath of Haya's incident—highlighted the depth of her misjudgment regarding Murtasim's character. Yet, as time flowed forward, Meerab embraced the present and welcomed the evolving dimensions of their relationship with open arms.


Murtasim, on the other hand, found himself utterly and irrevocably in love with Meerab. It was a challenge for him to divert his gaze from her, as the desire to hold her close only grew with each passing day. Nestled in the comfortable embrace of their shared bed, an urge often coursed through Murtasim to lay his feelings bare before her. However, the fear of potential non-reciprocation weighed heavily on his mind, casting a shadow of hesitation over his heart. Yet, despite his best efforts, Murtasim's emotions remained unmistakably etched across his demeanor. His racing heart and the recurring habit of slipping into daydreams became the silent evidence of his unspoken feelings.

Meerab's choice of attire, ranging from elegant shalwar kameez to graceful anarkali frocks, never failed to cast a spell on Murtasim. Each ensemble seamlessly accentuated her beauty, rendering her extraordinary. On the contrary, the simplicity of her pajamas seemed to enhance her innocence and adorableness. The delicate tinkling of her anklets, accompanying her every step, brought a soothing comfort to Murtasim's senses. But what truly held him captivated was her nose pin, resembling a radiant star that adorned her visage.

Murtasim often found himself lost in a reverie of feelings, a whirlwind of emotions that revolved solely around Meerab. The thoughts of her occupied his mind endlessly, a sweet torment that he grappled with. Yet, the words he longed to voice remained trapped within him, imprisoned by his hesitancy. This internal struggle led him to countless sleepless nights, the constant thought of "O khudaya, what kind of a cruel test is this? To bear it is beyond my will, yet to release its grip is beyond my power," a silent plea to Allah for solace in the face of this bittersweet trial.


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