Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

16. caught

Rumi eagerly approached Maryam as she emerged from Murtasim's room, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Is she in there?" Rumi inquired, unable to contain her excitement. She had a hunch that Meerab might be with Murtasim somewhere in the house. She and Maryam had woken up and found her missing from her room, the sheets were untouched, meaning she hadn't slept in her bed at all the previous night.

Maryam shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "No. But bhai isn't in there either...I have a feeling they're together." She responded, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Rumi's heart skipped a beat, and a squeal of delight escaped her lips. Her intuition had been right. Meerab and Murtasim were most likely sharing a precious moment somewhere in the house, away from prying eyes. "Hai, this is so romantic, she deserves this." Rumi squealed, remembering the turmoil that her friend had put herself through in her longing for Murtasim.

"Should we leave them be?" Maryam was always much too kind and thoughtful.

She shook her head. "I'd rather we find them than your mother." Rumi was sure that Maa Begum, who she found slightly scary, would play the role of a stern matriarch tasked with keeping Murtasim and Meerab apart if she found them together so early in the morning.

Plus, Rumi would never miss a chance to tease the two of them.

With an unspoken understanding, Rumi and Maryam embarked on a search, combing through the various rooms and spaces of the house. Their anticipation grew with each passing moment, their excitement intensifying as they ventured closer to their goal.

Finally, they found themselves on the terrace, a serene haven bathed in the early morning sun. As they stepped outside, a collective gasp escaped their lips.

There, on the comfortable wicker sofa, lay Murtasim, sprawled out lazily, his body relaxed.

And nestled on top of him, her face tucked into his neck, was Meerab, their bodies entwined in a tender embrace.

The sight before her was nothing short of enchanting. Rumi's heart melted at the sight of the two people she cherished deeply, entangled in each other's arms, lost in the realm of dreams. They looked so...peaceful, holding onto each other as they were. Both of his arms wrapped around her, hands resting on the small of her back, holding her securely atop him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, one of her hands resting atop his hair, like a little kitten curled atop of a bigger puppy.

Unable to resist the urge to capture the beauty of the moment, Rumi discreetly reached for her phone and snapped a couple of pictures. She wanted to immortalize this precious sight, to have a tangible reminder of the love that radiated between the two of them.

As Rumi gazed at the image on her phone, her heart overflowed with affection. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized that she was witnessing an epic love story unfold before her eyes, a love that brought joy to everyone it touched.

"At least they're fully clothed." Maryam giggled making Rumi snort. She was honestly surprised at their restraint given the way they looked at each other.

As Rumi and Maryam exchanged playful giggles, a movement caught their attention. Meerab began to awaken, slowly pulling her face away from the warmth of Murtasim's neck. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a trace of confusion before transforming into a radiant smile that lit up her face.

Rumi couldn't help but feel a surge of joy at the sight of her friend's happiness, the smile on her face was brighter than the sun.

But Meerab's smile quickly faded into surprise when her gaze met Rumi's. The momentary shock was written across her features, her eyes widening in disbelief. It was as if she hadn't expected anyone to witness this intimate scene between her and Murtasim. Rumi couldn't contain her amusement, and a mischievous grin danced upon her lips.