Dhaagey: The Ties that Bind Us

37. old friends

A/N: Hi! It's been a while -- I know. Here's a super long chapter (almost 20 pages)! Hope y'all like it! :)

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The car glided smoothly through the roads of Karachi, Murtasim's calm and composed demeanor behind the wheel in sharp contrast to the excited energy that bubbled within Meerab. The city lights illuminated their path, flickering past in a blur, mirroring the flurry of anticipation that stirred within her. Street vendors, families and the eclectic mix of Karachi's nightlife played out like a live movie outside the car window, but Meerab's attention was held captive inside the car, ensnared by the mystery that the others seemed privy to.

As they pulled up in front of one of her favorite restaurants, its grand facade warmly lit, welcoming patrons with the delicious aromas wafting through its exquisite carved doors, Meerab's heart raced with realization. She observed Rumi reaching over to the pocket behind the driver's seat, retrieving a thick envelope, embossed and filled with what seemed like cards, which only heightened Meerab's curiosity.

"You have to come with us!" Rumi insisted, turning towards Murtasim with wide, pleading eyes. Her voice was infused with excitement.

"No." Murtasim's voice resonated with a gentle firmness, rejecting the invitation yet softening the blow with the warmth that lingered in his tone.

A clandestine air enveloped the car as Rumi leaned closer to Murtasim, whispering something in his ear. The soft, conspiratorial murmurs tickled Meerab's curiosity, causing her to lean forward slightly, her ears straining to catch a snippet of the secretive exchange.

"Why are you whispering?" Meerab queried, her voice a blend of faux irritation and genuine curiosity. She pouted slightly, her lips curving downwards in a playful expression of discontent.

Rumi turned her head, directing a teasing smile towards Meerab. "Oooooh, she's so possessive. I was telling your husband something important." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, the corners crinkling with amusement.

"Rumi, what are you up to?" Meerab probed, her eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing her friend in search of any revealing signs.

Rumi responded with a shrug, an innocent smile playing upon her lips, her eyes portraying a façade of untouched purity.

The performance was impeccable, but Meerab wasn't entirely convinced. "Don't act so innocent, I know you're the mastermind behind this," she said, the atmosphere in the car light and tinged with the playful banter.

"You think Murtasim bhai would listen to me?" Rumi blinked innocently, allowing a calculated, pure-hearted expression to wash over her face.

"If you tell him it's for Meerab, he'll do anything," Maryam quipped in, her voice light and humorous, and she giggled, adding to the playful atmosphere within the car.

"MARYAM! You're supposed to be on MY side!" Rumi exclaimed, her voice echoing a dramatic dismay. Her hand moved swiftly, delivering a gentle, mock whack to Maryam, who responded with melodious laughter.

"Oops, sorry!" Maryam's voice danced through the air, a playful lilt to her words.

Turning towards Murtasim, Meerab sought answers in his eyes. "What are they up to?" Her voice was layered with a whiny undertone, a subtle plea for revelation.

"Something good," Murtasim reassured, his voice a soft caress, each word echoing warmth and comfort. His eyes met hers, shimmering pools of sincerity and soft amusement that brought a gentle curve to her lips despite her feigned annoyance.