Renewed Vows (Tere Bin)

19. Date

After skillfully arranging the table with the delicious dishes she had prepared, Haya embarked on her mission to summon Murtasim from his room. His previous dismissive demeanor wasn't enough to dissuade her from attempting once more.

Upon reaching the threshold of his room, she grasped the door handle, only to be met with frustration as the door remained steadfastly locked. She opted for a polite knock instead, her patience unraveling slightly.

When the door finally creaked open, Haya's eyes fell upon Meerab, who appeared to be on her way somewhere with the way she was dressed. The interruption didn't appear to be welcomed, as her tone carried a tinge of irritation.

"What's the matter, Haya?" Meerab inquired, her annoyance palpable.

"I... I came to call Murtasim for dinner," Haya replied, her gaze attempting to peer past Meerab and catch sight of the man in question.

"Oh, really? Murtasim is actually taking me out for dinner. You should feed Maa Begum instead, no? She loves your cooking, anyway." With a nonchalant conclusion, Meerab shut the door before Haya, leaving her on the other side, fuming with anger.

Meerab slammed the door shut, the reverberations of her frustration still lingering in the air, when a voice from behind inquired, "Who was causing you trouble, Begum?"

"Your beloved cousin, who else?" she retorted sardonically, her gaze settling on Murtasim who was meticulously arranging his hair.

"What was she saying?" he inquired further.

"She was calling you for dinner," Meerab responded, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

"Did you inform her that I already have dinner plans with my wife?" he quipped, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"Of course I did," she replied, a wry smile mirroring his.

The bustling streets of Hyderabad were alive with activity as Murtasim and Meerab stepped out for their first dinner date. The city's vibrant energy seemed to match the anticipation in the air as they headed to a charming restaurant known for its delectable cuisine.

The aroma of spices and grilled meats greeted them as they entered the cozy eatery. Soft, warm lighting created an inviting ambiance that set the perfect mood for the evening.

Murtasim held out a chair for Meerab, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed as a hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

As they settled into their seats, the waiter handed them the menus. Murtasim leaned back, his gaze fixed on Meerab. "I've heard the kebabs here are exceptional. What do you think, Meerab?"

She glanced at the menu, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, if the reputation is true, I'd hate to miss out on exceptional kebabs."

Murtasim chuckled. "Good choice then. Kebabs it is."

As they waited for their orders, the conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about their favorite foods, shared amusing anecdotes, and even delved into lighter topics like movies and music. It was a stark contrast to their initial interactions, and Meerab found herself enjoying Murtasim's company in a way she hadn't expected.

"You know," Murtasim began, his tone slightly teasing, "I've been told that sharing dessert is a crucial test of compatibility. What do you say, Meerab? Shall we brave the challenge?"

Meerab's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, if it's a compatibility test, I'm all in. Let's go for dessert."

They ordered a decadent dessert to share, a rich blend of flavors that left them both thoroughly satisfied.