Back to you

She is exactly like you!

The Khan mansion was bustling in an uproar. The tiny princess had everyone wrapped around her finger. People lined up in front of the mansion to take a glimpse of Meesam. It's been a month since Meerab had returned and she was adored and loved by her father, her foster mother and mother-in-law. Mariyam's pregnancy announcement adds cherry on the top. It's as if the theme of the mansion was to celebrate their daughters and daughter-in-law.

During the entire course of the month, Meerab and Meesam met countless people, and Anwar and Ma Begum introduced them to numerous people. Anila, jubilant that her daughter was back, had broken the news of the mini Meerab to her family and all of Meerab's maternal cousins queued up to meet her. Meesam was paraded from one arm to another, people unable to resist holding her. It was taxing, Meesam wasn't used to meeting so many people and the huge crowd disturbing the peace, taking a toll on her. She was constantly weary and fidgety around strangers, making her clingy to Meerab.

Meerab was distressed, she knew the family meant well but her child was uncomfortable. Her repeated tantrums couldn't be handled by anyone, except her. Meesam constantly looked for her presence in the crowd and would remain silent or passive if only in her arms. She had yet to warm up to other family members.

Meesam was familiar with Murtasim, he didn't let them out of sight, his constant presence hovering around them. When it would get overwhelming, he would declare that as a family they would need privacy and rush them into their bedroom. Murtasim was learning the ropes of being a father and was of great help. Within three weeks he was an expert in bathing, burping and changing Meesam's clothes. He would also do without putting up any fight, would change her dirty diapers and was a pro at putting their daughter to sleep. Meesam was slowly getting acclimated to her other parent.

Meerab watched with a fond gaze as Murtasim settled down Meesam for her sleep in a bassinet attached to Meerab's side of the bed. Taking down the entire house by the storm of her cries, Meesam had exhausted Meerab throughout. She had refused to sleep, eat or nap, constantly crying and didn't even stay in Murtasim's presence. After going through everything, waving toys, making funny faces and hugging her tight, her energy levels depleting she quietened.

"Yaar, having a kid is hard," Murtasim confessed, his entire appearance haggard. Meerab silently laughed.

"She gets it from you." Meerab teased him and grinned as he rolled his eyes.

"Of course, when she is troublesome, she gets it from me. And when she's angelic she gets it from you." He countered the playful tone evident.

"Yes, don't you know that's the absolute rule." Meerab's eyes were dull, due to tiredness but held that glint of mirth.

"Yes, baby I know. But do you know what I've heard from everyone we've met so far?" Murtasim jumped and landed on the bed, bracketing Meerab against the headboard.

"What?" Meerab gleed.

"That she is a mini Meerab." Murtasim's husky voice whispered against her chuckles. "She is you, jaan from head to toe. Even stubborn like you."

Meerab looked at him in amusement and Murtasim smiled. He leaned down and kissed her. Humming, Meerab was pressed down on the pillows supporting her back. They had exchanged innumerable kisses within a month.

They were building bridges together and physical intimacy was in the cards. No, they hadn't had time and mind space to do anything further than exchanging a couple of pecks and heated kisses which didn't last more than two minutes. Their presence was demanded by their family or their daughter. They did make it a point to sit and have a peaceful conversation slowly learning about one another on the sofa. Meesam's room was designed and up, which she will be moving into when the right time comes. Until then, she would be in their room. They were a family, the building block of a family is to spend as much time together.