Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

36. surprises

The sweltering, vibrant day in Karachi unfolded as Meerab presented an all-too-familiar, playful whine to her husband. "Where are we goingggggg?"

The whine did not get her the answer she wanted.

The sunny cityscape flowed past them, bustling with life and suffused with myriad aromas: the scent of street food, the distinct salinity from the nearby sea, and the ceaseless thrum of urban chatter and life.

They had just dropped Maryam off at Rumi's house. Rumi, a whirlwind of energy, had all but thrown open Meerab's door, her hug a vice of affection and unbridled enthusiasm. For a moment, Meerab was caught in the tornado of Rumi's greetings, feeling her ribs creak with the strength of her best friend's hug.

But Rumi was not one to stop at mere embraces. In her characteristic fashion, she rapidly transitioned from affection to theatrical warnings towards Murtasim. She had declared that Murtasim needed to learn how to share and that she was stealing Meerab for the next day with her hands firmly on her hips, a mock-scolding expression on her face.

Before Meerab had a chance to respond, Rumi had closed the car door with a determined finality, whisking Maryam away with her into the house. The rush of their departure left Meerab slightly bewildered, along with the I hope you enjoy the surprise that she yelled from the door.

As soon as she was alone with Murtasim, Meerab had shifted, her legs finding their way into Murtasim's lap. The subtle stroke of his fingers against her skin was almost absentminded, a tacit dance of intimacy and familiarity, like the gentle caress of a soothing breeze on a scorching day.

"Murtasimmmmmmm." She whined, nudging his stomach gently with her foot as he drove.

"Patience, meri jaan," Murtasim replied, as he had the whole way there, the corners of his mouth twitching upward as he bestowed a gentle squeeze upon her foot. Meerab's eyes followed the unfolding scenery outside, realizing that Murtasim was heading towards the Clifton Beach area. Her heart swelled with anticipation, recalling the symphony of waves, the granular kiss of sand, and the limitless expanse of blue.

"Are we going to the beach?" Her voice, tinted with excitement, broke the ambient hum of the car engine and the distant city noise.

With a curt, playful denial, Murtasim responded, "No."

Her sigh, elongated and dramatic, filled the space between them. "Murtasimmmmmmmm," she extended, drawing his name into a whimsical tune.

"Meeeerabbbbbb." He mirrored, laughter in his voice.

The playful poke she delivered to his stomach with her foot served as a silent, loving retort, that made him chuckle.

"Open the glove box," he instructed.

With a blend of curiosity and trepidation, Meerab complied, unveiling a single, long, black handkerchief nestled within.

"What is this?" she inquired, her eyes flickering between the cloth and Murtasim, a question mark painted in their depths.

"A blindfold, cover your eyes," came his firm but gentle response.

Meerab hesitated, her brows knitting together in a dance of confusion and expectation. "Is that necessary?"

"Yes, it's a surprise. I've planned it meticulously, so indulge me."

With a playful whine underscoring her surrender, Meerab acquiesced, veiling her eyes with the fabric. Though she voiced her protests with a light, teasing tone, a deeper, unspoken understanding flowed through her. Without hesitation, she would yield to Murtasim's wishes, trusting him implicitly.