Meerasim Ki Dunya

Chapter 23. A New Beginning

I would suggest rereading Chapter 1 and 2 before starting this one incase you don't remember their conversation on Meerab's 20th Birthday.

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The next morning, Meerab slowly stirred from her sleep and found Murtasim asleep on the armchair near the bed. She got out of bed anr called out to him, and he woke up with a start, concern etched on his face as he asked if she was okay.

Instead of giving a direct response, Meerab's voice held a bitter edge as she questioned him, "Why did you look for me? Tumhara tou rasta saf hogya tha na mere jane se aram se tum aur Haya..."

"Izzat ho tum meri, kese na dhundta tumhe," he replied, cutting her off with a tone of unwavering determination.

"Of course. Humesha mei sirf tumhari izzat hi rahungi na. Iss se zyada tou humara koi rishta hi nahi hai. Na bachate tou acha hota," she retorted bitterly, her feelings of resentment and frustration bubbling to the surface.

Murtasim was taken aback by her words," Agar tumhe na bachata tou khud bhi zinda na reh pata. "

He couldn't hide the disbelief in his voice as he said, "Tumhe ab tak zara sa bhi andaza nahi huwa mere rawaye se ke meri kya feelings hain?"

Meerab shrugged, trying to maintain her defensive stance. "Tum ne wada kiya huwa hai baba se mujhe khush rakhne ka," she argued weakly, although deep down, she knew her argument was feeble at best.

Murtasim sighed, the weight of his emotions evident in his voice as he uttered the words he had kept hidden for so long. "Meerab Khan, why don't you understand that I love you."

Her eyes widened in surprise at his sudden confession, and she stammered, "Lekin Haya...?"

Murtasim shook his head, dispelling any doubts. "Koi nahi hai, Meerab, sirf tum ho. It has always been you, it will always be you. Murtasim Khan humesha se Meerab ka hai aur humesha Meerab ka hi rahega."

"Then why did you, all those years ago, end our connection?" she asked, her voice shaking, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Murtasim found himself trapped in the swirling currents of the past as Meerab's question pierced through the emotional barriers he had constructed over the years. He took a moment, his gaze distant, as he gathered his thoughts to respond honestly.

"Meerab," he began, his voice tinged with a mixture of regret and remorse, "I made a terrible mistake back then. It wasn't because I wanted to end our connection, but I thought it was the only way to protect you from the complexities of my family and the traditions that bound me."

He paused, searching her eyes for understanding. "I was naive and overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities, and I believed that by distancing myself from you, I could shield you from the harsh realities of my world. I never wanted to hurt you, but I let my anger and frustration cloud my judgment."

Murtasim's gaze remained locked with Meerab's, his expression earnest. "I didn't have the strength to defy the expectations placed upon me, and I was afraid to put those on your shoulders too while you still had a chance to pursue your dreams. I've regretted my decision every day since then but I never corrected myself in the hope of you having the life you wanted and deserved. "

He took a step closer to her, his voice filled with sincerity. "Meerab, I've carried the weight of that decision for far too long, and I can't undo the past. But I want you to know that it was never about us being strangers or about my feelings changing. I love you, Meerab, just as I did back then, and it was my protection for you that led me to hurt you."

Murtasim's confession hung in the air, heavy with the weight of years of suppressed emotions. The past could never be undone, but in that moment, he hoped to bridge the chasm that had separated them far too long.

Meerab stood there, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. Murtasim's confession had taken her by surprise, unraveling years of unresolved feelings. His words echoed in the silence between them, each sentence striking a chord deep within her.

Her voice trembled as she finally spoke, "Murtasim, I've carried the pain of that conversation for years, too. I couldn't understand why you pushed me away, and it hurt more than you can imagine." Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "But hearing you now, it's as if a heavy burden has been lifted."

She took a tentative step closer to him, her gaze never leaving his. "I loved you then, and I think I still do. Our bond was special, and I couldn't forget it no matter how hard I tried."

Meerab's voice softened as she bared her own feelings. "I thought you abandoned me, and it wounded me deeply. But if you're telling me that it wasn't because of us, then maybe... maybe..." She paused unable to continue as tears ran down her cheeks.

Murtasim's eyes filled with hope as he reached out to touch her hand, their fingers intertwining. "Meerab, all I need is a chance from you. I want nothing more than to make things right, to rebuild our connection."

Meerab nodded. "But it won't be easy for me to forgive you."

He nodded too. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to try if you are."

Their hands remained clasped, a silent promise of a new beginning. The past could not be erased, but perhaps, together, they could create a future that honored the love they had always felt for each other.

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I would update the next chapter on 100 votes but it has a cliffhanger and I'm going for a two to three weeks break for exams. Let me know if you want me to update it now or after my break ends.