Since the Naseeb incident, his dormant feelings for Meerab had resurfaced with a newfound intensity. Thoughts of her consumed his mind once again, prompting him to take action. He had deliberately kept his distance from her, fearing that his heart would rekindle its affection for her the moment he laid eyes on Meerab.
He understood that he could never recreate the past when they shared a profound bond of friendship, and perhaps something deeper. However, he believed he could make an effort. He wanted to reestablish their friendship, to regain her trust. They might never be life partners due to the stark differences in their respective lifestyles, but they could at least be friends.
Knowing how much Meerab enjoyed social gatherings and parties, he decided to take charge of planning her 25th birthday himself. He aimed to make it a perfect celebration for her.
After numerous calls to event planners and countless meetings, he finally accomplished the task. Now, all he had to do was wait for the day to arrive and then surprise Meerab by personally bringing her from Karachi.
After a quick lunch on Meerab's big day, he embarked on his journey to Karachi. He anticipated reaching his destination by evening, hoping that by then the party organized by Meerab's friends would have concluded. If, by chance, it was still ongoing, he was prepared to patiently wait. Little did he expect the scene that awaited him at the party.
As he arrived at the venue, his eyes fell upon Meerab, her face adorned with a radiant smile as she delicately cut the birthday cake. Surrounded by her friends, she exuded sheer joy. Although he felt a twinge of unease seeing Meerab standing in close proximity to a male friend, he resolved not to let such a minor detail dampen his spirits.
Preferring to observe quietly from a corner, he didn't want to risk spoiling Meerab's special day by making his presence known. However, his contentment was short-lived when he witnessed the male friend kneeling down, producing a small box containing a ring. Startled, he swiftly rose from his seat and made his way toward Meerab, his guards following closely behind.
Reaching out from behind her, he gently grasped her hand, just as the friend asked for her hand in marriage. By observing the expression on Meerab's face, he had inferred that her response might be negative, but he yearned for certainty.
Once inside his car, he sought clarification, desperately hoping that his assumptions were incorrect. However, her answer made him regret the question. His final glimmer of hope for reconciliation with Meerab now rested solely on the birthday surprise he had planned. He could only pray that no further complications would arise, jeopardizing any chance of rekindling their relationship.
The drive to the Khan Mansion passed in silence, each of them engulfed in their own thoughts.
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As soon as he stopped the car at the Khan Mansion, Meerab immediately jumped out not wanting to spend even a second longer than necessary with Murtasim.
But what she saw there took her breath away. The garden had been meticulously arranged to host a gathering of their closest family members. The atmosphere exuded a sense of familiarity and warmth, creating an environment perfect for cherishing special moments with loved ones.
Soft string lights were delicately strung across the garden, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the space. The lights intertwined with the branches of the surrounding trees, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Lanterns hung from the branches, their soft glow adding a touch of whimsy to the surroundings.
A long, elegantly decorated table stretched across the garden, adorned with a beautiful floral centerpiece. The centerpiece featured a blend of vibrant blooms, carefully arranged to create a harmonious display of colors and scents. Each place setting was meticulously arranged, with fine china and polished silverware, evoking a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The garden itself was in full bloom, with a tapestry of flowers gracing every corner. Roses, daisies, and tulips painted the landscape with their vibrant hues, infusing the air with their delightful fragrances. The sweet scent mingled with the laughter and conversation of their beloved family members, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
In the midst of the beautifully arranged garden, a stunning birthday cake took center stage, becoming a delightful focal point of the celebration. Positioned on a decorated table, the cake stood tall, exuding an aura of sweetness and celebration.
The cake itself was a masterpiece of culinary artistry. It was adorned with intricate designs, expertly crafted from smooth fondant and delicate icing. The colors of the cake mirrored the vibrant blooms of the garden, with hues of pastel pinks, blues, and yellows that added an extra touch of whimsy and cheer.
Atop the cake, a beautiful arrangement of edible flowers and delicate sugar decorations adorned the confection. The flowers, carefully crafted with incredible attention to detail, added a touch of natural elegance to the creation. The entire masterpiece radiated with an irresistible allure that captured the essence of Meerab's special day.
As Meerab and Murtasim joined the rest of their family members, her parents beamed at her. "How's the surprise, dear?" Waqas asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Meerab glanced around, taking in the enchanting scene, and murmured, "It's truly beautiful, Baba. Who went to all this effort?"
"Murtasim ne kya hai ye sab tumhare liye," Salma Begum joyfully revealed.
(Murtasim did all of this for you.)
Meerab turned to look at Murtasim, her eyes narrowing as she resolved to remind him that no amount of grand gestures could compensate for what he had done. However, for the sake of her parents, she decided to keep her temper in check, at least for now.
Meanwhile, Murtasim couldn't help but feel relieved that he had witnessed Meerab's initial reaction to the arrangements before she discovered his involvement. He knew it would take time to change her perception of him.
After Meerab cut the cake, everyone erupted in cheers and showered her with birthday wishes. Salma Begum removed her bangles and delicately placed them on Meerab's hands. "This is my gift for your birthday, my dear. I present you with these precious family bangles because mei ne tumhe apne Murtasim ke liye chun liya hai," Salma Begum declared the union of Meerab with her son, her smile radiant.
(Because I have selected you as a wife for my son Murtasim.)
Murtasim felt like the ground could swallow him whole. Maa Begum's unexpected announcement had shattered his plans. How could she make such a decision without consulting him beforehand? Wasn't he the one responsible for all the decisions in the house? How could this engagement be decided without his consent?
As Meerab stepped back to process the situation, she couldn't help but interpret the arrangements as Murtasim's way of showing affection before their official engagement was announced. However, deep down, anger simmered within her. She knew that no amount of grand gestures could erase the pain he had caused and how dare he assume that a grand party would make her say yes to him.
No wonder he'd been so upset to see Rohail propose to me because he had planned all of this, she thought. Filled with a mix of emotions, she stormed into the house, her footsteps echoing Murtasim's anger.
Murtasim, seething with resentment, marched into the house too, his frustration palpable. He couldn't believe that Salma Begum had made such a decision without consulting him. The anger within him intensified as he entered the house.
Both of them sought refuge in their respective rooms, refusing to accept Salma Begum's imposition on their lives.
In their separate spaces, Meerab and Murtasim grappled with their emotions, unwilling to succumb to the circumstances forced upon them. The air in the house grew heavy with tension, as their anger and frustration reverberated through the walls.
"Murtasim beta darwaza kholo mujhy tum se bat karni hai." Maa Begum called to him as she knocked on the door.
(Murtasim please open the door, I want to talk to you.)
"Ap ne itna bara faisla jab apni marzi se kar liya tou ab mujh se kya bat karne ayi hain." Murtasim expressed his frustration as he opened the door.
(When you have already taken such a big decision on your own then what do you have to talk about now?)
"Beta ye faisla mera nahi bal ke tumhare Baba ShahNawaz ka hai. Ye mangni Meerab ki paidayish par hi tay ho gayi thi. Mei ya tum koi bhi Shah Nawaz ki baat ko nahi taal sakta." Maa Begum explained helplessly.
(Dear this decision was taken by your father on Meerab's birth. Neither me nor you can dare to disregard his decision.)
"Ap ailaan karne se pehle tou mujh se bat kar sakti thi na. Pooch nahi sakti thi lekin bata tou sakti thi." Murtasim said.
(You could've told me earlier about all of this.)
"Tumhe tou shuru se uss me dilchaspi thi beta phir ab kya hogya." Maa Begum was aware of his feelings for Meerab.
(You were interested in her from the start then what happened?)
"Thi Maa. Ab aesa kuch nahi hai. Ap ja ke apne alfaz wapas le len." Murtasim corrected her.
(I used to be interested in her. Please take your words about our engagement back.)
"Tum do din ka waqt lo aur aram se socho iss baare me. Phir hum bat karte hain." Maa Begum decided to give him some time to think.
(Think about it for a day or two then we'll talk on this topic.)
Meanwhile in Anwar Khan's portion:
"Meerab beta please darwaza kholo. Ap ke Baba ko ap se bat karni hai." Waqas knocked gently.
(Meerab please open the door. Your father wants to talk to you.)
"Baba ab ap ko kya bat karni hai. Itni bari bat keh di Tayi Jan ne tab tou ap ne kuch nahi kaha." Meerab declared indignantly as she opened the door.
(What do you want to talk about now. Aunty took such a big decision about me yet you stayed quiet.)
"Meerab please iss bat ko samjho. Murtasim ek acha larka hai. Aur iss faislay me meri rizamandi shamil hai." Waqas tried to explain.
(Meerab please try to understand. Murtasim is an ideal man and Bhabhi Begum took this decision upon my will.)
"Sirf ap ki marzi kafi nahi hai Baba. Ye meri life ka decision hai aur mei Murtasim ko as a life partner accept nahi kar sakti." Meerab's eyes were teary now.
(Only your will isn't enough Baba. This is the decision of my life and I can not accept Murtasim as my life partner.)
"Lekin tum dono tou itne achay dost huwa karte thy." Waqas tried to reason.
(But you both used to be such good friends.)
"Exactly Baba. Huwa karte thy. Hain nahi. He changed after Taya Jan's death."
(Exactly Baba. We used to be, we aren't now. He changed after Uncle's death.)
"Beta wo mature hogya ShahNawaz ke intekaal ke baad. Wese kab badla Murtasim?" Waqas was a little confused.
(He matured after his father's death, otherwise when did he change?)
"Ap ko andaza bhi nahi hai ke wo kitna badal gya hai." Meerab was sobbing now.
(You've no idea how much he has changed.)
"Huwa kya hai beta? Tum dono ka koi jhagra huwa hai? Uss din Saima baji wali bat bhi tou clear ho gayi thi phir kya huwa?" Waqas asked Meerab.
(What has happened dear? Have you both fought over something? That day also everything was cleared up regarding you going to police with Saima Baji. Then what happened?)
"Baba he doesn't even like me, he likes Haya." Meerab told him the reason.
"What? Ye sab tumhe Murtasim ne khud kaha?" Waqas was extremely shocked.
(What? Did Murtasim himself se this to you?)
"Yes Baba."
"Theek hai mei Bhabhi Begum se subah bat karta hu. Tum pareshan mat ho aur Aram se so jao. Goodnight." Waqas was angry at Murtasim now.
(Okay I'll talk to Bhabhi Begum in the morning. You should not worry and take some rest. Goodnight.)
"Goodnight Baba."
In Marium's Room:
Haya was sobbing loudly. "Aese kese Maa Begum ne mera haq kisi aur ko de dya."
(How can Maa Begum give away my right to someone else?)
"Khuda ka khof karo Haya. Murtasim bhai pe tumhara haq kab se hogya." Marium was a little angry at Haya's outburst.
(Fear God, Haya. When did you gain the right over Murtasim brother?)
"Mei Murtasim ki cousin hu. Pehla haq tou mera hi huwa na. Meerab tou Mamu ke dost ki beti hai tou phir wo kese meri jaga le sakti hai?" Haya reasoned.
(I'm Murtasim's first cousin so I have the first right on him. Meerab is the daughter of Uncle's friend then how can she take my place?)
"Behtar hoga ke tum apne khwabo se bahir aa kar iss haqeeqat ko qubool kar lo. Agar Maa Begum ya kisi ko pata chal gaya na tou tumhe wo dadyal bhej dengi." Marium warned her.
(It would be better if you step out of your dreams and accept this reality. If Maa Begum or anyone finds out, they will send you to your father's family.)
" Tum se tou bat karna hi fazool hai. " Haya muttered angrily.
(It's useless talking to you.)
"Han tou matt karo bat. So jao wese bhi mujhy tou bohat neend arhi hai." Marium replied as she lay down for sleep.
(Okay then don't talk to me. Go to sleep, I'm also very sleepy.)
"Uss churail ne meri neenden uradi hain aur yaha tumhe sone ki pari hai", Haya muttered under her breath.
(That witch has stolen my sleep, and here you want to sleep.)
"Kya kaha tum ne Haya?" Marium's sharp ears caught onto her voice.
(What did you say Haya?)
"Kuch nahi so jao tum." Haya told Marium as she slipped out of the room to stroll in the garden.
(Nothing you go to sleep.)
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What do you will happen when Maa Begum finds out that Murtasim likes Haya?
Do let me know in the comments.