Tere Bin

Chapter (6)

Meerab's heart raced as she embraced her parents, their presence a soothing balm after a tumultuous time. The room glowed with the warmth of their reunion. Murtasim stood by her side, a soft smile playing on his lips. Seeing Meerab with her parents was like glimpsing another facet of her—a carefree happiness untouched by past or future concerns. While her relationship with her father had always been a source of comfort, Murtasim couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as he thought of his own strained connection with his father, an unspoken void that he carried within.

As they gathered for breakfast, an unanticipated twist unfolded. Murtasim, eager to ensure Meerab's comfort, pulled out a chair for her beside him. However, Haya surprised everyone by claiming the seat. Murtasim's eyes met Meerab's, catching the faint blush on her cheeks as embarrassment swept across her face. The room buzzed with astonished looks exchanged between family members, their expressions mirroring the unexpectedness of the moment.

Meerab, caught off guard, began to step away, her desire to avoid any further awkwardness evident. Yet, before she could escape, Murtasim's firm grip on her hand stopped her in her tracks. His voice, calm yet decisive, broke the silence, "Haya, tum Maryam ke sath baitho. Yaha Meerab ko baithne do." His touch on Meerab's hand remained steadfast, a gesture that held layers of unspoken support.

The frustration within Haya was palpable as she retorted, her voice edged with anger, "main to roz tunhare sath hi baithti hu. Ab Meerab aa gayi to mujhe nikaloge?"

Amidst the tension, Shahnavaz's voice rang out, cutting through the charged atmosphere. "Haya!" he called out in a tone that demanded attention. "Meerab uski biwi hai. Uske sath nahi to kiske sath baithegi? Utho aur Maryam ke pass baitho."

Haya's actions were a jolt to the otherwise subdued atmosphere. Her forceful push of the chair resounded like an unspoken challenge, and she faced Meerab with a fiery determination, teeth clenched. The tension between them was palpable, as if years of unresolved emotions had finally come to a head. Haya used force to push Meerab away, causing Meerab to stumble slightly. However, Murtasim's firm grip on her arm steadied her and prevented her from losing her balance completely.

Meerab, left standing, felt a heavy weight settle upon her. She averted her gaze, unable to meet anyone's eyes. The first day in her new in-laws' home had morphed into an unexpectedly uncomfortable ordeal, leaving her vulnerable and self-conscious. The unease seemed to lock her in place, making movement an insurmountable challenge.

However, Murtasim's intervention brought a glimmer of solace. He gently tugged at Meerab's arm, coaxing her toward the vacant chair. Her smile, though strained and artificial, masked the inner turmoil she grappled with. As the others resumed their conversations, the chatter surrounding her faded into a distant hum. Playing with her food became a means of distraction, a way to divert her thoughts from the disconcerting turn of events.

Unseen by the others, the tension between Haya and Meerab had a history. Haya had always been a source of trouble for Meerab, even during their childhood. She consistently tried to belittle Meerab's achievements and sully her reputation. As they grew older, Haya's attempts to undermine Meerab's confidence continued, leaving behind lingering insecurities that haunted Meerab, even on this significant day.

After breakfast, Meerab's parents left, leaving behind a sense of emptiness. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she retreated to her room in tears, with Murtasim following her. The reality of being separated from her parents hit her hard, but another unsettling thought weighed on her: she was now living under the same roof as Haya.

Murtasim gently reached out and held Meerab's hand, his touch halting her escape. She looked up at him, her cheeks stained with tears, her eyes filled with a mixture of distress and vulnerability.

"Meerab," Murtasim began softly, "I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I never expected Haya to act so immaturely. I promise that I won't allow anyone to disrespect you in your own home."

As the word "home" hung in the air, a surge of questions flooded Meerab's mind. Was this place truly her home? Had she ever truly felt like she had a real home?

Murtasim watched Meerab closely, noticing the confusion that clouded her eyes as his words resonated within the room. Her reaction stirred an unease within him, as if he had unintentionally stepped into unfamiliar territory. He released her hand, his posture tense as he contemplated whether he had made a mistake.

Standing there, a sense of uncertainty settled over Murtasim. He questioned whether their relationship could ever truly become genuine. Their marriage had been orchestrated for the sake of their families, not out of personal choice. He grappled with the complexity of their situation, realizing that the promises he had just made might not carry the weight of a husband's commitment but rather the support of a friend's assurance.

"I—Haya scares me," Meerab finally blurted out. I know she is your cousin and all,but I get a bad feeling whenever she is near."

Murtasim listened attentively as Meerab shared her feelings. Her words took him by surprise, but he comprehended the weight of her concern. He offered a reassuring smile, aiming to alleviate her worries.

"You don't have to be scared of her. She's just childish. I'm like a brother to her, so..." Murtasim paused, hoping his explanation would provide some comfort and understanding.

"But she's no longer a kid who used to tease me. She needs to realize that I'm living here too. She can't just embarrass me in front of the entire family," Meerab said.

"Meerab, I will take care of it. Even though our marriage was arranged for the sake of our families, we are in a relationship. Biwi ho tum meri. Your honor is my honor too," Murtasim affirmed, emphasizing the bond they shared.

A sense of validation washed over her. For the first time since their union, Meerab felt acknowledged, not merely as a responsibility tied to familial commitments, but as an individual who deserved respect and protection. Murtasim's assertion that her honor was intertwined with his own gave her a glimmer of hope that She wasn't alone in this.

As she looked into his eyes, she saw sincerity and determination. Murtasim wasn't just making empty promises; he was laying the foundation for a new understanding between them. A subtle warmth spread through Meerab as she realized that perhaps, amidst the complexities of their situation, there was room for genuine companionship and mutual support.