Meerasim Ki Dunya

Chapter 12. Reactions

They had reached Hyderabad near sunset, and here he stood, his eyes fixed on the floor, while his wife stood beside him. His mother's scolding felt like a familiar reprimand from his childhood, even though he was a grown man now. He knew he had been careless, not informing her of his visit and ignoring her calls. But he had his reasons, ones that were rooted in his protectiveness for Meerab. It had been his silent way of expressing his anger at them for hurting Meerab. His uncle had even gone so far as to file a police report, thinking that both him and Meerab had somehow gone missing.

As his mother continued her admonishment, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. On one hand, he was annoyed at being treated like a child, and he didn't particularly appreciate his mother scolding him in front of his wife. Yet, on the other hand, he knew that Meerab was used to this kind of family dynamic. She had observed it since childhood and understood the complexities of it all. He hoped she wouldn't be too uncomfortable with this situation.

Amidst his thoughts, he couldn't help but wonder how Meerab would react later. Would she tease him about it? That prospect both worried and intrigued him. If she did, it might signify that she was slowly returning to her usual self, the strong and spirited woman he had grown to admire and love.

Eventually, his mother's scolding came to an end, and she left the room, leaving Murtasim and Meerab alone together. He finally looked up from the floor, meeting Meerab's eyes. There was a mix of amusement and understanding in her gaze, as if she had witnessed this kind of family interaction many times before.

He let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry about that. Maa can be a handful sometimes," he admitted, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

Meerab chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "I've seen worse, believe me." He knew that she was talking about the times his mother had raised her hand (among other things) on him because he was quite naughty as a child.

Murtasim couldn't help but smile back. It felt good to share a lighthearted moment, even amidst the complexities of their relationship. "I hope you don't think less of me for this," he said, his tone more serious now.

"Well it was your fault that you didn't inform her. Thank God that Baba wasn't here and they didn't tell him anything. If something had happened to him because of your carelessness, I would have killed you," Meerab threatened with a serious face but her twinkling eyes gave her away.

Murtasim chuckled, appreciating Meerab's straightforwardness. "I know, I know. I messed up."

Meerab raised an eyebrow playfully. "You messed up big time. You were acting like a teenager rebelling against his parents."

He sighed, realizing how juvenile his actions had been. "Yeah, I guess I was. But I couldn't stand seeing you upset because of them."

Meerab's expression softened, and she reached out to give his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I know you care, Murtasim. And I appreciate it."

He smiled warmly at her. "I promise I'll try to be less impulsive in the future."

Meerab smirked. "Well, I hope so, for your own sake."

---

"Main tumhe zimmedar samajhta hoon, Murtasim, isi liye maine tumhe apni beti diya hai. Aesi harkat agar ayenda ho toh main maaf nahi karunga," Anwar warned him on the dinner table.
(I think that you are a responsible young man that's why I gave you my daughter. If anything like this happens again, I won't forgive you.)

"Agli baar aisa nahi hoga, Chacha Sahab. Ghalti ke liye mazrat chahta hoon," Murtasim apologized.
(I won't do it next time Chacha Sahab. I'm sorry for my mistake.)