Meri Meerab *Discontinued*

25 - Aftaab

Ma'ashuqa? He almost choked.

The women's looks of adoration at the pair had suddenly turned into an awkward glance at the connotation of his infidelity.

When he picked the phone up, he loudly said 'Gee Maa Begum' to rebutt her claim and they began to exchange their salaams.

He then explained the situation to Maa Begum, of the car breaking down and that it was currently at the mechanics. She suggested several times to send someone out to with another car but he insisted there would be no need, as the mechanic said it would be fixed. He assured her that he would continue to update her and then turned the phone off.

Meerab felt no regrets, but the way he looked at her made her feel a little small. 'Kitni mizahiya hai mere biwi.' He stated as though it was a matter of fact.

Meerab turned to the women, faked a smile and giggled to ease the tension.

Sudeently his appetite had finnished. 'Utho.'

Meerab began to unfold her legs on the chaarpai without the support of her hands. 'Khaana aur sohbat kay liye bohat shukria Bibi.'

His hand reached out instinctivley to stabilise her but she pulled her elbow back.

As she stood up to leave, the woman once again stoked over her head in affection and gave them duas of a safe journey ahead and a healthy marraige. It seemed like they needed it after her comment.

Murtasim tried not to roll his eyes at her little game. She had these women wrapped around her finger.

Before she was able to stand up straight again, the woman placed a chador over her head and pushed the edge over her shoulder. It was not customary for a married woman to wander without one in their simple village. It enveloped her as it was quite wide, and had traditional sindhi embroidary running through it.

Murtasim saw the kindress of the women towards Meerab: the food, henna, duas and now the chador too, despite their apparent low income household. He grabbed a wad of notes from his pocket and took approximately half over them, he twirled them above his wifes head a couple times and then handed it over to Samina Bibi.

She seemed surprised at his kindness. She declined several times but he insisted. 'Lelou Bibi.' His patience was running low.

Perhaps on the third or fourth time she accepted and said 'Shukria bete.' For good luck, she added an extra dua, 'Allah tum dono ko bohat jald aulaad ataa farmaye.'

This time, it was Meerab that almost choked on this air. There was no ameen heard from the two of them as they hurriedly turned to make their way out.

Murtasim had to restrain himself from shaking his head in disbelief at the scene they had just walked out from.

Her mehndi had mostly dried now, so she began picking it as they walked back towards the garage, leading a trail of henna crumbs. Actually, she was stomping ahead, as thought she was unconcerned of his presence- she wanted to take the lead.

He didnt mind behind a couple steps behind but it did make the conversation a little awkward. 'Will you let me explain- ?

'No'

'Meerab....' He warned.

At the mention of her name- she stopped and turned around. She had to squint as the sun had began to lower and was just behind him in her eyeline. 'Tum bhool gay hou, mainay kya kaha tha?!'

He was not accustomed to this bratty tone. He faked being scared by holding his hands up in defeat and saying 'sorry.... Meri biwi chalay ga?' He obviously wasent taking her seriously.