Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

22. solutions

Meerab had stepped into the familiar Ahmed House, a place she had called home for years up until her recent return to Hyderbad, to find an unusual atmosphere lingering in the air. Murtasim had dropped her off and picked up Maryam to take back to the Shah House, considering that Rumi had barricaded herself in her room and refused to talk, and it made Maryam feel a little odd in a place that wasn't familiar to her in the way it was to Meerab.

She quietly made her way through the house, heading towards Rumi's room. The closed door stood as a barrier between them, a symbolic representation of the emotional walls Rumi had erected. Despite the door being shut, Meerab could sense the turmoil behind it as she had knocked.

Rumi did not reply. Not to her knock. Not to her pleas to be let in.

Not that she expected her to.

When Rumi was struggling emotionally, she barricaded herself inside, refusing to come out or see anyone. The maids, aware of her disposition, left a pint of ice cream or another snack outside her door every thirty minutes.

Meerab always lingered outside Rumi's room when she was struggling, waiting for when her friend was ready to let her in, she would witness Rumi's little hands adorably reaching out to grab the treat without venturing out. Her eyes would always meet the gaze of anyone who stood nearby, reflecting a hint of panic and vulnerability, as if she were a wounded animal seeking refuge, before she would shut the door quickly. It was a sight that tugged at Meerab's heartstrings, igniting a determination to stay put and offer comfort when needed.

To her relief, the faint sound of a movie playing reached Meerab's ears. It was a reassurance, for when Rumi was watching Bollywood movies and eating junk food, it meant that things would be okay, she just needed a little bit of time. What was more worrying was when she sat alone in silence.

Meerab lingered outside the closed door again, knowing that patience and understanding were vital. They all knew that forcing their way in would only worsen the situation. Instead, she waited, hoping that Rumi would eventually let her in, like she usually did.

She sat on the top of the stairs, Anila Chachi lingered too, it was a ritual as old as time for the two of them it seemed. But right then, Meerab's senses tingled as she felt Anila Chachi's gaze upon her. She couldn't help but wonder if the woman wanted to address what she had witnessed between her and Murtasim in the car. The memory of their closeness weighed on her mind, stirring a slight tinge of guilt within her now that someone outside the two of them had borne witness to their closeness.

Although she hadn't felt guilty in the heat of the moment, Anila Chachi's knowing stare brought forth a twinge of unease. Meerab was aware that her closeness with Murtasim, their longing for each other, wasn't permissible before marriage. But it was a struggle to control her feelings and impulses when it came to Murtasim, especially after staying away from him for so long.

As they found themselves sitting at the top of the stairs, waiting for Rumi, Anila Chachi finally broke the silence. Her voice carried a gentle curiosity, yet there was a subtle undertone of concern. "You look like you have a lot on your mind, Meerab." Her words opened a door for conversation, if Meerab chose to walk through it.

Meerab glanced at the woman, her eyes searching for any hint of judgment or condemnation. Yet, what she found was a genuine expression of understanding, a willingness to listen without passing any harsh judgments. It was an unexpected comfort that encouraged Meerab to share her thoughts and burdens.

Rumi had always been open with her mother, and Anila Chachi had never made Meerab feel judged or condemned. With a mixture of nervousness and vulnerability, Meerab decided to open up and address the elephant in the room. "You saw us?" Meerab asked, her voice filled with a hint of uncertainty.