Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

11. keep him safe

A/N: A surprise update because I saw spoilers for the episodes that have traumatized me, and we need a soft (and sensible) Murtasim & Meerab in our lives. I uploaded 10. right the wrongs about 16 hours ago, so if you haven't already, please go read the Murtasim's POV chapter before you read this one!

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Meerab stirred from her slumber, feeling a sense of warmth and security enveloping her. The softness of the pillow beneath her head and the gentle caress of Murtasim's fingers through her hair were the first sensations that greeted her awakening. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she slowly opened her eyes, expecting to find herself in the familiar comfort of Murtasim's room.

However, as her vision adjusted to the soft ambient light filtering through the windows, a wave of awareness washed over her, remembering that she had been in the living room with everyone when her medications had kicked in. Her eyes flickered across the room. The presence of Hamza and Armaan, their expressions etched with a gravity she couldn't ignore, sent ripples of curiosity and concern through her being. The atmosphere crackled with an unspoken tension, and it was clear that something significant was unfolding.

Drawing in a deep breath, Meerab sat up, the shawl that had provided her comfort during her slumber slipping gently from her grasp.

Meerab's eyes darted around the room, searching for clues to unravel the mystery that surrounded them. Murtasim's intense gaze met hers, brimming with an inexplicable mix of affection, determination, and a hint of apprehension. Her heart skipped a beat, a flutter of anticipation mingling with a twinge of worry. She had learned to decipher the nuances of his expressions years ago, and there was no denying that he was up to something, something that held immense importance.

A flicker of curiosity danced in her eyes as she broke the silence, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and gentle concern. "What's going on?" She asked, her words carrying the weight of her intuition. She knew, deep within, that something significant had transpired during her unconsciousness. The air in the room seemed pregnant with unspoken words, urging her to uncover the truth that hung in the balance.

They remained quiet.

"No." Meerab's voice carried a resolute tone, as she sat up fully, her gaze shifting between each of them with an air of suspicion. She had spent enough time with them, especially Murtasim, to decipher their intentions without the need for elaborate explanations.

A soft sigh escaped Hamza's lips, interlaced with a touch of resignation. "I swear she has some sort of mind-reading capability." He muttered, his eyes momentarily glancing toward Meerab before returning to Murtasim.

She felt Murtasim making a subtle attempt to rise from the couch, a fleeting gesture to evade the impending conversation that he knew would ensue. She understood all too well that it was a conversation where neither she nor Murtasim would emerge a winner.

Yet, before he could retreat further, Meerab reached out, clutching his hand, and gently pulled him back, her touch a silent plea for him to remain seated.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Meerab's eyes met Murtasim's, her voice soft yet infused with unwavering determination. "If you kill anyone, you'll go to jail." She told him, her words carrying the weight of reason and a plea for his restraint, for she could see the fury and determination in his eyes, and she knew that it had to be related to her.

A flicker of anger danced within Murtasim's eyes, mingling with the deep concern that etched his features. "But they hurt you." He protested, his voice tinged with a righteous indignation, confirming her suspicion.

Meerab's gaze softened as she placed a comforting hand on his arm. "And I'm fine now, I'm here." She reassured him, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and a quiet strength. "Sit down, Murtasim, please."