Renewed Vows (Tere Bin)

27. Visitors

"Meerab chalo," he urged for the fifth time in the past ten minutes.

"Easy for you to say. All you had to do was put on your clothes while I'm left to deal with these," she said, clearly annoyed, as she continued to dab concealer over the reddish marks on her neck.

Murtasim chuckled at her. "Who asked you to hide them? They're a sign of my love for you."

"Murtasim Khan, not everyone is as shameless as you," she retorted back, trying to hide her smile that threatened to break through her mask of annoyance.

"Alright, hurry up na please. You know how Maa Begum will react because we're late." He urged.

"It was your idea to start the day together so you should face the consequences, no? Plus, we're already late, a few more minutes won't make a difference."

"I'm sorry, I forgot that they were arriving today. You were the one who started it anyways by planting kisses on my chest," he argued pinning the blame on her.

"It is your fault, regardless." Seeing Murtasim open his mouth, she quickly said, "We'll argue later otherwise we'll end up getting more late than we already are."

Murtasim sighed, tapping his foot against the floor board impatiently.

A couple more minutes passed before she announced, "I'm done."

Just as they were about to exit their room, Maa Begum entered, her face contorted with rage. "3 ghanta tum logo ka intezar kar ke wo log aram karne chalay gaye hain ab. 12 bajay koi waqt hota hai uth kar bahir aane ka? Meerab kam se kam tum hi kuch aqal kar liya karo. Meri tou izzat khak me mil gayi Darya Khan ke samne."

Despite the gravity of the situation, upon hearing the name Darya Khan, laughter bubbled up within Meerab and she quickly covered it with a cough.

"We're sorry Maa Begum," Meerab apologised, side-glaring at Murtasim because he was still quiet.

"Hum Darya Khan se bhi maafi mang lenge Maa, ap fikar na karen," he finally spoke up.

"Behtar tou yehi hoga. Ab aajao nashta lagwati hu tum dono ke liye," Maa Begum said before making her way outside their room.

---

The scene unfolded in the cozy living room, where all of them were gathered, delicately sipping on their tea as they delved into the intricate details of the forthcoming wedding arrangements. Mere moments had passed since the formal introductions between Meerab and Haya's family, leaving Meerab pondering about the individuals surrounding her.

Sultan, an embodiment of understated dignity, exuded a commanding presence, a clear indication of his role as the heir. Kinza, mirroring Haya's disposition, exhibited a disinterest in academics, eagerly anticipating her union with her childhood betrothed, a son of her phupho, Zarmeena Gul. Darya Khan, a jovial soul, enlivened the room with his humor and affable conversations that seamlessly flowed with everyone.

In contrast, Mumtaz Begum, seated in contemplative silence, keenly observed those around her, her gaze assessing and measuring each person present. Zarmeena Gul, with a spirited and outspoken nature, wasn't hesitant to voice her opinions on every facet of the wedding, ensuring that her views aligned with the approval of Maa Begum.

The atmosphere in the living room carried a subtle tension, as discussions on the wedding's intricate tapestry continued. The interplay of personalities and perspectives created a captivating dynamic in the room.

After the tea session had concluded, everyone gracefully rose from their seats and departed. Meerab, realizing she had left her phone in the living room, went to retrieve it only to stumble upon a discreet conversation between the two ladies from Islamabad.

"Wish Meerab's marriage had not already been arranged with Murtasim; we could have considered her for Sultan," Zarmeena Gul mused, to which Mumtaz Begum responded with a thoughtful nod. "Sultan shares the same thought as you. She's so beautiful; Her complexion is as pure as milk, and her beauty is adorned with such exquisite features that one might mistake her for a hoor," Mumtaz Begum remarked, appreciating Meerab's exceptional allure.

Meerab, having overheard the conversation about potentially being paired with Sultan, felt a profound discomfort settle in her heart. Her love for her husband, Murtasim, was unwavering and deep. The mere suggestion of an alternative path cast a shadow of unease over her being.

Before Meerab could go inside to get her phone, someone from behind her stormed inside. Meerab's heart sank further as she realized her husband, Murtasim, had overheard the conversation. His presence, charged with anger and protectiveness, caught her off guard.

Murtasim stormed into the room, his voice filled with an intensity that sent shivers down Meerab's spine. "Tell Sultan that he must not even accidentally cast his eyes upon my wife. Otherwise, he won't be fit to witness his own wedding day," he declared, his words resonating with a determination to defend their love and the sanctity of their marriage.

Meerab's discomfort transformed into a mix of emotions - relief that Murtasim had come to her defense and a deep appreciation for his unwavering commitment to their relationship.

In the privacy of their room, Murtasim's anger still simmered. He couldn't shake off the unease that had gripped him upon hearing the conversation in the living room.

Meerab, aware of her husband's feelings, gently approached him. "Murtasim, I love you, and you are the only one in my heart. Those words were just idle chatter," she assured him, her eyes reflecting sincerity.

Murtasim, though still visibly perturbed, softened at her words. He took a deep breath and held Meerab's hand. "I know, Meerab. It's just... I can't stand the thought of anyone even thinking about you that way. You mean everything to me, and I will protect you no matter what. Agar koi tumhe ankh utha kar bhi dekhega na tou mei kuch bhi soche bagher goli chala dunga chahe wo mera cousin hi kyu na ho."

Meerab smiled and nodded, grateful for Murtasim's unwavering support and understanding. "I know that you are possessive about me but you need to understand that I'm all yours. I will never leave you, Murtasim Khan." She said cupping his face, planting a peck on his lips to calm him down. Meerab's words had a soothing effect on Murtasim, reminding him of the unbreakable connection they shared.

As the evening deepened, Murtasim's anger gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of reassurance and love that he felt for Meerab. They talked for a while longer, their conversation delving into the intricacies of their relationship and the profound trust they had in each other.

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Surprise Update yesss but I was so happy to get a perfect score on my exam today that I couldn't help but write this.

Thoughts about new characters? I borrowed all the characters from "Suno Chanda" except Sultan Khan.