The Eclipsed Heart

Chapter 26

Murtasim was really concerned about Meerab. Having to known that she grown up in an environment where her father pampered her, Murtasim wanted to ensure that she felt welcomed and comfortable in her new life in Pakistan as well. Even if it meant crossing the boundaries he had set in their relationships, he tried his best to prioritize her happiness and well-being. It was a responsibility he felt as her husband, a role that came with its own set of challenges.

But ever since Meerab went through the food poisoning episode, Murtasim noticed a shift in her behavior. Initially dismissing it as occasional introspection, he grew increasingly concerned as it became more frequent. There were moments when he caught her zoning out, seemingly lost in her thoughts, only to snap back to reality with a shake of her head. One instance was etched in his memory — her trance when she walked into his workout session and the way she almost slammed her face into the door when she snapped out of it, left him feeling concerned about her well-being.

Navigating the evolving dynamics of their relationship was another puzzle for Murtasim. While they had grown comfortable with each other, there were moments that left him feeling perplexed. The incident with the whipped cream, for instance, had stirred unexpected feelings within him. The touch, the locked gaze — even if just for a few seconds — left him feeling "awkward." Murtasim knew these moments were the side effects of their shared living space, hence, they were naturally inevitable.

So, to divert his attention and find solace, Murtasim retreated to his storeroom. It was a sanctuary filled with remnants of his teenage years, a time when life was carefree and devoid of responsibilities. Musical instruments adorned the room — guitars and drums that echoed with the melodies of his past. Paintings and photographs adorned the walls, capturing glimpses of moments that were now distant memories. A camera hung there, a relic of his former dreams and the shelf filled with poetry books were an evidence of his appreciation for literature.

Seated amidst these artifacts of his youth, Murtasim picked up a guitar. The strings resonated with familiar tunes, transporting him back to a time when music was his escape. The rhythmic strumming served as a balm, soothing the complexities of his present life. As the melodies filled the room, Murtasim allowed himself a moment of nostalgia, a reminder of the teenager he once was, free from the weight of feudal responsibilities and traumas.

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As Meerab walked to their room, a faint melody floated through the air, drawing her attention to the storeroom adjacent to hers and Murtasim's. The door, typically kept locked, was slightly ajar, allowing the captivating notes to escape. Intrigued by the unexpected serenade, Meerab's footsteps instinctively led her towards the source.

Peeking into the room, she was greeted by a surprising sight—Khan Murtasim Khan, seated with a guitar in hand, his eyes closed, and fingers dancing gracefully over the strings. The nostalgic tunes he conjured painted a picture of a multilayered Murtasim she hadn't glimpsed before. This unexpected angle of him sparked a sense of admiration and curiosity within Meerab.

Her eyes wandered around the room, revealing a treasure trove of Murtasim's passions. Paintings adorned the walls, capturing moments frozen in time. Photographs told stories of a life she was yet to fully comprehend. Classical music records whispered tales of his auditory preferences, and Urdu shayaris added a poetic touch to the atmosphere. Meerab found herself contemplating the rich tapestry of Murtasim's past, each element offering a glimpse into the complexity of his being.

As the final notes lingered in the air, Murtasim opened his eyes, realizing he was no longer alone. His gaze met Meerab's as she stood there at the threshold of the door. Meerab, feeling a mix of surprise and intrigue, offered a shy smile, "I didn't mean to intrude, but the door was opened, and I heard the guitar play, so curiosity got the best of me."