Meerasim Ki Dunya

Chapter 24. Guilt

Since most of you wanted the update, here it is. But don't come at me for leaving you here. Happy reading and I'll see you after my exams.

100 comments for next chapter but don't spam.

********************************

"Now tell me what happened yesterday." Murtasim's face grew serious as he pressed for details about the kidnapping incident.

Meerab began recounting the events of that harrowing day, describing how she had ventured into the fields, gotten lost, and encountered the armed men from Malik Mukhtar's territory. She explained how they had mocked her and their initial intent.

Murtasim's jaw clenched as he listened, anger building within him at the thought of Meerab being in danger. "And then?" he urged her to continue, his concern evident.

Meerab took a deep breath. "They were armed, and I was alone. They wanted me to go with them. I tried to resist, but they outnumbered me. They mocked me by saying that they'd treat me as an honored guest since I'm your wife. I had no idea then who they were."

Murtasim's eyes narrowed as he listened to her words, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have happened. "And then?" he repeated, his voice firm.

Meerab's voice trembled slightly as she continued, "I knew I couldn't trust them, so I ran deeper into their fields to get away."

Murtasim's grip on her hand tightened. "Then how did you end up locked into their warehouse?"

Meerab continued her account, her voice growing more somber. "I ran as far as I could, but they caught up to me. They locked me in a warehouse, and I heard them mentioning Malik Zubair's name. It was clear they were following his orders."

Murtasim's face hardened as he absorbed this information. He realized the seriousness of the situation. "Malik Zubair," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing to figure out the implications.

Meerab continued, "I was scared, Murtasim. I didn't know what they would do next. But then you came, and you rescued me."

Murtasim nodded, his anger at Malik Zubair growing. "I won't let him get away with this. I'll handle this situation and make sure he faces the consequences of his actions."

Meerab was slightly trembling as she recalled the previous day's events. Instinctively Murtasim wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She too reciprocated the hug and put her head on his chest.

In that moment, wrapped in each other's arms, Meerab found solace and reassurance. Murtasim's embrace was a source of comfort, a reminder that she was safe now. She closed her eyes, taking in the warmth of his presence and the steady beat of his heart.

Murtasim held her close, his protective instincts in full force. He planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head, whispering, "You're safe now, Meerab. I won't let anything happen to you."

As Murtasim and Meerab sat down for breakfast, the morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the dining table. Still, there was an undeniable tension in the air due to the events of the previous day.

Murtasim's appetite remained lacking, and he pushed his food around on his plate, his thoughts preoccupied. Meerab made an effort to engage him in conversation, asking about his work and village affairs, but his responses were brief and distant.

After a somewhat subdued breakfast, Murtasim stood up, his demeanor still distant. "I need to head outside, Meerab. There are some urgent matters I must attend to."

Meerab nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Are you going to go see the Maliks?" she asked with fear in her voice.

"Yes, they crossed their limits this time," he said through clenched teeth as he loaded his pistol.

Murtasim's words sent a shiver down Meerab's spine, and her eyes filled with worry. She knew that dealing with the Maliks could be dangerous, especially with the recent events involving her kidnapping. Still, she also understood Murtasim's need to protect their family's honor.

"Please be careful, Murtasim," she urged, her concern evident in her voice. "Don't let your anger cloud your judgment. And most important of all, please don't get hurt."

Murtasim met her gaze, his eyes softening for a moment. "I'll do my best, Meerab. And I promise I'll be safe and come back as soon as I can."

With that, he left their home, leaving Meerab with a sense of unease and the hope that he would return safely from whatever confrontation awaited him.

As the hours stretched on, Meerab's anxiety continued to mount. She paced restlessly in the living room, her steps echoing the rhythm of her racing heart. The ticking of the wall clock seemed to mock her with each passing second, and she couldn't shake the unease that had settled deep within her.

Haya's arrival added to the tense atmosphere in the room. While her bitterness towards Meerab was palpable, her concern for Murtasim couldn't be entirely concealed. Haya's voice carried a sharp edge as she laid blame on Meerab for the current situation.

"Ye sab tumhari waja se hua hai, Meerab. Na tum Maliko ke kheton me jati, na Murtasim ko ye sab karna parta," Haya accused, her words heavy with resentment.

Meerab's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling as she tried to defend her actions. "Mai waqayi kho gayi thi aur nahi janti thi ki sab aisay hojayega, Haya."

Haya's expression softened, if only a fraction, as she spoke again, her concern slipping through the cracks of her bitterness. "Main chahti hoon ke Murtasim sahi salamat wapas aaye. Agar usse kuch ho gaya toh ye sab tumhare zimme hoga."

Meerab nodded, the weight of her guilt heavy upon her shoulders. She couldn't bear the uncertainty of Murtasim's return and silently prayed for his safety, hoping that he would come back unharmed from whatever situation he had ventured into.

Mayi, who had been sitting by the telephone, shared the same sentiments as the two girls. When the phone finally rang, she picked it up, and her face took on a somber expression. After a brief conversation, she gently cradled the receiver back in its place. Her words hit Meerab like a tidal wave, causing her knees to weaken as she sank into a chair, overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow.