FF: The Secret Desires (Tere Bin, Meerasim)

Part 2: Secret Planning

"I know it must be heartbreaking and very disturbing for you" Mrs. Begam tried to make the new bride comfortable on the bed as she held both her hands in hers, giving it a warm touch... the moment she saw her coming out of the car, her eyes sparkled.... She made sure all the wedding night arrangements were completed in 1 hour when Shahnawaz called her... the entire room was decorated with fresh flowers, decorative ornaments, and candles.... the pale violet paint in the room complimented the lavish silk curtains with matching bedsheet....

Meerab kept her gaze fixed on the ground.... not knowing what to answer as the fact was true.... " I know it will take time for you to adjust but we all are here to help you make it your home ".... She looked up to meet the eyes of the woman, who just brushed her soul with a feather of motherly affection that she always experienced with Anila.... 'home' she repeated in her mind.... "MashAllah... you are very beautiful" Mrs. Begam complimented as her eyes met with those round beautiful innocent ones for the first time and she dropped a light kiss on top of her forehead tika.... She could not ask for anyone better for her son.... She was perfect! ....

"Welcome to the family, Meerab" a young lady in her mid late 20's smiled at her as she softly left a peck on the bride's cheek.... "... I'm Saba... your husband's twin...only 2 mins older, though..." Saba introduced herself with a wink, which managed to bring a half smile on Meerab's face.... not obvious but interesting to know he had a twin sister..... "... He calls me Api... but you can call me by my name if you would like... I don't mind", Saba cleared out, trying to make the girl comfortable.... there was no restriction when it came to comfort level of individuals in the house.... "Api!" Meerab softly repeated.... her voice was husky yet soft ... both mother-daughter exchanged an approval for the bride smiling....

"Maa Saab, Emad will wake up" Saba looked at the clock by the bedside table.... "...Sorry I have to go, my son is sleeping.... I have to nurse him ..." she apologized, and reluctantly took her sister-in-law's leave .... " I will also take your leave ... but first let me help you sit properly... " saying that Mrs. Begam bent down to hold Meerab's feet in order to put them on the bed, knowing that it would not be easy for the feather-like girl to do it herself with the heavy bridal lehenga .... "... Maa, please!..." keeping her voice low, Meerab stopped her before the older lady could touch her feet and realized what she just uttered....

No one has ever called her by that name, but coming out of Meerab's mouth sounded like a perfection to Mrs. Begam's identity in the family ... it seemed like she added a new value to her existence as a mother! ...".. Sorry, I dont know what to call you ... I th..." Meerab was interrupted... " ... Maa ... you can call me Maa ..." Mrs. Begam did not want to let that feeling out of her system ... that name was sealed for her daughter-in-law only as she lightly touched the cheek of the bride, fully content with the choice of her dear husband, Mr. Shahnawaz Khan...

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"You are very well aware of the fact that I don't even look at things that I don't know about .... and here, forget about knowing, you got me married to a girl whom I have never even seen before in my life, let alone meet her... May I know what sin I have committed to deserve this injustice??.... Is this a punishment for always respecting your commands??" Murtasim questioned his father as he met face-to-face with him.... not ready to get over the storm that was thrown at him by his own father .... "I understand your anger and frustration .... but don't forget Maryam is the daughter-in-law of Gulzar family now.... knowing their history with us, I do not want them to mistreat your sister.... if their daughter is here, then they will think a thousand times before hurting Maryam ..." Shahnawaz tried to make his fake case ....

"Seriously? This is the solution you found? You couldn't think of anyone else?" Murtasim laughed with sarcasm... "Well, unfortunately, I don't have a second son.... so yeah!" Shahnawaz tried to lighten up the mood .... this time he did not find his father's sense of humor funny at all .... Murtasim closed his eyes, breathing heavily as he shook his head, clenching his fist....