Tere Bin

Pehli Raat Ik Saat

Meerab and her parents sat in the living room of the Shahnawaz Haveli. The house was full of lights and flower garlands, ready for the wedding. 

Meerab sat uncomfortably in the living room while everyone chatted to one another. Ma Begum had a huge smile on her face and Meerab was surprised because she had never seen Ma Begum this happy.

She was excited to meet Mariam and hugged her twice. Haya hadn't even said 'Salam' to her which was expected as Meerab knew how much Haya disliked her. 

After all Meerab was taking her spot.

'Meerub, mein inti Khush ho ki aaj ye din aa aya hai, mere Murtasim ki shaadi woh gi' Ma Begum started a conversation with Meerab after so long. 

Meerub looked up at Ma Begum as she was looking down at her lap. 'Ji Ma Begum' Meerab awkwardly said. Meerub was forcing herself not to think about it because she knew she'd create a horrible scene. 

In queue, Murtasim walked in and Meerab was surprised. His shoulders were broader. His biceps seeping through his white shalwar kameez that clung to him perfectly in the right spots. His jawline sharper. His eyes darker. 

Meerab watched as he said Salam to everyone before taking a seat directly opposite her. His gaze met hers and he too scanned her just like she did. 

Murtasim looked at Meerub. Her face glowed even more than 4 years ago. Her face slimmer. Her cheeks rosier and more full. Her lips darker. 

His eyes moved down her outfit and a small smirk in satisfaction had appeared on his face. She had worn the outfit he had given her. She looked mesmerising. Even better than he could imagine. It fit her perfectly. 

They both were interrupted as Ma Begum cleared her throat and both their gazes turned to Ma Begum. 'Tomorrow is the Nikkah as you both know now.' She paused. 

Meerub and Murtasim shifted their eyes from Ma Begum to each other in a silent conversation, both trying to read each other's reactions. 

'Meerub, the henna artist is coming in a few hours and all the dresses are in your room steamed' Henna? Meerab thought. She didn't really like henna.

'Ma Begum I don't like henna, I'll be fine without it' Meerab spoke quietly and prayed to herself that Ma Begum would agree. 

'Meerub, this is not for negotiation. Henna is an important part for a woman. It's a beautiful art. You will have to wear it' Ma Begum spoke in a non-negotiable tone. 

Meerab sighed quietly and hunched her back in disappointment

Why did I even try?

'Okay Ma, I'm going to my room. I'll be back for lunch' Murtasim sensed the tension in the room and left the room but not before giving Meerub a 'please' look. Meerub looked back at him confused. What was he trying to say? Was she reading that right?

Murtasim left the room and Ma Begum turned to Meerub. 'Go make him tea, he must be tired'

'Me?' Meerub asked a bit taken back. She had never ever made tea for anyone but herself.

'Yes you.' Ma Begum clarified in an annoyed tone.

'I'll ask the maid' Meerub was about to get up and ask the maid but Ma Begum spoke. 'You're going to be his wife. You need to make sure all his needs are met.' Ma Begum tried to shoo her away but Meerub could not let anyone order her.

'But-' Meerab spoke but interrupted by Waqas' strict tone.'Meerub jao mera bacha' (go, my child).

Meerub huffed in annoyance and left the room angrily. They always make me do things I don't want to do. It's not fair. Do I not have my own choice?