Fated Love

Chapter 16

With the first gentle rays of the morning sun caressing the room, Murtasim's eyes blinked open. The weight on his chest brought back the memory of Meerab's restless night, plagued by a haunting nightmare that had left her trembling. A surge of protective anger coursed through him at the thought of Malik Zubair, the source of her distress. He cast his gaze downward, and there she lay, Meerab, so delicate and innocent, nestled against his chest.

In that tender moment, he found himself attracted to her innocence and charm. The urge to shield her from any harm, to stand as her protector, swelled within him. Love had wrapped its tendrils around him so effortlessly, so completely, leaving him in awe.

Meerab, with her enchanting beauty and sharp intellect, had cast a spell he couldn't break free from. He cherished the way her brows furrowed in adorable confusion when Maa Begum instructed her on her responsibilities as a Khaani. The sparkle in her eyes, akin to stars in a night sky, when she and Mariam animatedly discussed their favorite TV shows, was a sight to behold. Even her groans of protest upon being roused by the morning alarm held a peculiar charm. But it was her smile that was truly the sun breaking through the clouds, illuminating every corner of the room and the rosy hue that embraced her cheeks whenever their gazes met was a silent testament to her innocence.

Murtasim, lost in her trance, was drawn back to reality as Meerab stirred with a soft, familiar groan. She nuzzled against him, her head nestled against his chest, and his heart quickened at her proximity. He smiled as her doe-like eyes fluttered open, they landed upon their current sleeping position, and a blend of surprise and shyness danced across her features.

With a small gasp, Meerab gently pulled herself away from Murtasim's embrace, the warmth of his presence leaving her reluctantly. Her fingers fiddled with the edges of her disheveled hair as a rosy blush crept onto her cheeks. Those captivating eyes darted away from his, seeking refuge in the patterns of the bedsheet beneath her. She mumbled a soft greeting "Good morning" her voice barely above a whisper, her bashfulness lending her an enchanting vulnerability.

Murtasim couldn't help but smile at the sight she presented. Her innocence, her modesty, only deepened the adoration he felt. He cleared his throat, his own cheeks faintly tinged with color, and offered a reassuring smile. "Good morning, Meerab."

Her gaze lifted back to meet his, a shy smile pulling at the corners of her lips. As the comforting silence embraced them, Murtasim's heart raced with the weight of unspoken emotions. He longed to confess his feelings, to tell her how she had become his world, but the boundaries of their relationship held him back. He cleared his throat, attempting to steady his voice, and softly inquired, "How are you feeling now?"

Meerab's head nodded gently, a wordless affirmation that she was indeed feeling better. Murtasim continued, his voice betraying a hint of hesitation, "I have to attend the panchayat today. I'll try to come back as soon as possible. Would you be okay alone?"

Meerab's thoughts raced, her heart torn between wanting him to stay and understanding the significance of the panchayat. With a whispered assurance, she responded, "Yes, don't worry."

Murtasim's concern persisted, his voice tinged with a sense of responsibility, "Are you sure? I can miss it if you want me to."

The idea of him skipping his duties for her sent her heart aflutter, but she knew the importance of addressing the issues with Malik Zubair. She hesitated before speaking up "If umm..... if it's possible, can I please come with you as well? I'll stay in the car, I promise"

Murtasim knew that Meerab was scared of being alone hence he agreed "Alright. Get ready and we'll leave in a bit" he said as he smiled.

Murtasim began to rise from the bed, but Meerab's voice halted him, a soft "Murtasim" escaping her lips.