Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

23. meri meerab

A/N: This is a long chapter (9229 words!), I was going to break it up into two but thought that would be unfair so y'all better appreciate this, haha. Also - say it with me if you're triggered by the show these days - "Dhaagey MeeraSim are NOT like TB MeeraSim". Leave that shit behind and dive into this world!

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a few days later...

Meerab stepped out of her bathroom, her reflection in the mirror revealing a vision of grace and elegance. She was adorned in an exquisite pink suit, its delicate net fabric adorned with white thread work, silver sequins, and intricate embroidery. Though it wasn't the most glamorous of outfits, the attention to detail made her look like a soft modern-day princess.

Maa Begum had insisted on presenting her with ostentatious pieces to wear to a last-minute wedding they had been invited to in the village, wanting her to make a grand impression as the woman who would soon become the Khaani, rather than of the young girl some of the villagers knew. However, Meerab had chosen the softest dress from the selection, not wanting to appear out of touch. Her decision had appeased Maa Begum, allowing her to strike a balance between embracing the role that would be hers and staying true to herself.

As Meerab entered her room, her eyes fell upon a sizable jewelry box on her bed. Anticipation welled up inside her as she walked over to the bed, knowing that it was a gift from Murtasim. No one else would have thought to buy her jewelry and leave it so meticulously arranged on her bed. The wooden box was also different from the ones Maa Begum used to house the family's precious jewels, signifying that it wasn't from the family collection.

A single envelope, elegantly placed atop the box, caught Meerab's attention. Her pulse quickened as she delicately tore it open, revealing Murtasim's familiar handwriting. Her eyes devoured each word, her mind racing to understand the unexpected twist that was unfolding before her.

She couldn't help but smile as she read the first two words.

Meri Meerab,

I have lost count of how many times I have written this letter, papers are scattered everywhere around my office, and I keep praying that you don't decide to wake up and make your way down tonight. As I pen down these words, a cascade of emotions surges within me. I find myself at a crossroads of vulnerability and excitement, yearning to create a moment that will forever etch itself in the tapestry of our shared journey.

First and foremost, I must apologize for the deception, my love. There is no wedding to attend today, and for that, I am truly sorry. Yet, in my heart, I know that you, with your brilliant mind, will quickly figure out what is going on. I trust your intellect, and thus, I will reveal my intentions clearly.

In the quiet depths of countless nights, I have found myself gazing at the ceiling in my room, hoping for an epiphany that would guide me towards the perfect way to propose to you. I know at this point, if I was saying these words to you in person, you would say that you do not need anything but me. I appreciate that about you, but I also believe that you deserve the world.

And so, Meerab, I sit here, bewildered and amazed at how I ended up where I have. The idea that I loved as soon as thought of it is one which I believe you will relish—an intricately woven tapestry of clues that will lead you directly to my waiting embrace. It is an endeavor born out of a desire to envelop you in the warmth of nostalgia, to showcase the moments that have shaped us and our love.

I have left you clues, scattered in places that hold significance in our shared history, in an aim to retrace the steps that have led us to this very moment. It is my hope that with each clue you uncover, your heart will flutter with anticipation, and your spirit will be embraced by the realization of the depths of my love.