Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

14. revisiting the past

Meerab stood in the garden adjacent to the driveway, her eyes peeled for the familiar gleam of the black Mercedes that always heralded Murtasim's return. A thrill of excitement had been bubbling within her every time he pulled into the driveway recently, but today, she had a special reason for this heightened anticipation. His text — an understated, "I'm on my way home" — had sent her heart racing, and not merely from the joy of his impending presence.

In her hand, she clutched a small photograph, one that she had serendipitously stumbled upon during her afternoon with her father. The picture seemed to hold secrets; its discovery felt no less than unearthing hidden treasure. She found herself giggling aloud at the image captured in the frame, thinking about Murtasim's reaction when he would see it. This photograph had been craftily tucked behind another, as though someone had wanted it hidden away from prying eyes.

Her father's old photo albums had turned into an escape for Meerab lately. Nestled amidst the worn-out pages were snippets of her past, her mother's legacy, and fragments of stories that painted a vivid image of times gone by. Time with her father was turning into a cherished ritual much to her surprise. Every evening, over cups of tea and plates of snacks, he'd weave tales of her mother, each story a piece of the puzzle that painted a picture of her mother in her heart. The price for these stories? Just a listening ear, and tea made by her. It was a price Meerab happily paid.

The sound of gravel crunching under tires drew her attention back to the present, her heart skipping a beat. Murtasim's Mercedes glided into view, its familiar silhouette sending a surge of warmth through her. As soon as the car came to a halt, Meerab nearly sprinted towards it, her excitement palpable. She barely gave him time to step out, her bright eyes and broad smile conveying an urgency.

Murtasim looked puzzled, but his deep-set eyes twinkled with amusement. "What's got you so excited?" He queried, his voice laced with laughter.

"I found something!" She teased, brandishing the photograph for him to see, her eyes dancing mischievously.

His normally tan face turned a shade redder, an immediate reaction to whatever memory the photograph evoked. "Give it back." He said, trying to sound stern but the flush on his face betrayed him.

Meerab shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. As he reached out to retrieve the photograph, she swiftly pulled it away, her laughter echoing in the driveway.

"Meerab!" Murtasim's voice, usually so measured and calm, now carried a hint of desperation, almost whiny, as he made another unsuccessful grab for the picture.

Her heart raced, not just from the chase but from the thrill of the playful exchange. She giggled louder, making a dash for the garden path with the incriminating photograph held high. Risking a glance back, she saw him swiftly closing the car door and setting off after her. His determination was evident in the determined set of his jaw and the playful glare in his eyes.

"Give it back!" He called out, the chase leading them towards the pool area, his voice echoing amidst the splashes of the water fountains.

"Nope! I've decided it'll look perfect framed in our bedroom." She countered, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. As he lunged for her, she sidestepped, dodging his grasp with an agility she didn't know she possessed.

"Meerab, yaar, stop being so childish." He panted, both from the chase and from trying to suppress his own laughter.

She spun around, her dupatta flowing behind her, a playful challenge in her eyes. "I am being childish?" She retorted, squealing in delight as he lunged at her again, the edges of the photograph crinkling in her tightening grip.

As Murtasim lunged one more time in his attempts to retrieve the photograph, Meerab tried to jump out of the way. But the slippery edge of the pool, combined with her swift sidestep, made her lose her balance. Time seemed to slow down for Meerab as she felt herself teetering on the brink. In a desperate attempt to regain her equilibrium, her hand instinctively shot out, grabbing onto the front of Murtasim's shirt.