Meri Meerab *Discontinued*

60 - Mazerat

Sabra saw that her son was besotted and didn't miss the opportunity to play her move. 'Aisay kyun na kare ke shaadi pe iski bhe baat pakki kar lei?,' she suggested, hand wavering between Haya and Naurez.

Maa Begum's demeanour lit up at the idea, desperate to accept the proposal. She had already discussed it with Haya and Haya was over the moon- it was to safe to say that she had gotten over Anas pretty quickly.

But for some strange reason Haya bit her tongue at that moment, and in her space, Naurez announced, 'Hummay manzoor hai.' He had a wide prideful grin as he came to stand behind Haya, who was still seated at the outdoor dining table.

Maa Begum and Sabra immediatley got up from their seats and hugged each other in happiness at the formation of the new relationship. Murbarak ho's were exchanged as the others clapped in the background and a soft breeze carried the noise far and wide- there were celebrations at the mahal after what felt like a lifetime.

Meerab didnt miss the way that Maa Begum had reverted to her old ways of acting in haste. 'Aur tumein...... manzoor hai Haya?' Meerab interjected lovingly, wanting Haya to confirm her stance as Maa Begum's previously matching-making efforts ran through her mind.

It wasen't like Haya's to be shy, but at this instance she only nodded, looking anywhere other than Naurez. A rosy tint graced her cheeks and a sense of relief washed over Meerab history didn't repeat itself.

'Walimah pe anghooti pehna dengey,' Maa Begum suggested and she was met with nods and warm smiles.

Instinctively, Murtasim's hand came out to Haya's head to bless the union in a big brother sort of way, ruffling her hair over the dupatta.

Firdaus chirped, 'Ab tou bas Mariyum reh gey hai,' amidst a fit of giggles and with mischievous sparkle to her eye.

'Haan, parhai khatam ho jaye tou iska bhe bandobast karte hai,' Maa agreed with a palable sense of hopefulness.

At Firdaus' display of enthusiam, Meerab to make a mental note to investigate the matter and she added, 'aur tumhari,' whilst looking at Firdaus who was attempting to surpress a grin at the happy news all around.

An overly dramatic gasp left Firdaus, and she asked, 'meri baat kahan say aaye?' Her voice was filled with a girly cheekiness. Obviously liking the idea of marriage but thinly veiling her interest in-front of the plethoras of guests, as she pushed the hair back out of her face.

'Dost hou, aur sab ki Khanum bhe. Sochna parta hai,' Meerab replied, her voice laced with pride at reffering to herself at such.

Murtasim heart swelled at the acknowledgment but remained standing whilst whilst taking a bit of the french toast, savouring it as it would be the last food he ate before his wedding. He attempted to pick a blueberry, just to lean down to whisper next her, 'how are you feeling?'

Meerab assumed he was asking about their wedding in a couple hours and her slightly more emotionally sensitive state from being pregnant. 'Teek hai,' she replied endearingly about herself and the baby, and then corrected, sputtering , 'Acha hai, nashta acha hai.' Remarking as though he wasent eating the same food as he was- meaning to say that she wasen't nauseous- from the baby or the event.

Her deep doe eyes met his and in the reflection he saw contentment and his own reflection, dancing. Murtasim wondered how he had ever thought to deprive himself self of this bliss- thinking that she wouldn't reciprocate his feelings or that he was unworthy of her. But Meerab had just been waiting patiently for him to take the first step, and then impatiently - when she began forcing his hand.

Murtasum played along with a nod. 'Good,' he confirmed in a tone of satisfaction. His eyes squinting as the overhead sun was strong and the melody of her baa-ing sheep drifted around the mahal's gardens.