Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

23. rumi ki tarah sher

A/N: Hello! I know, I know, "finally"! I've been a bit under the weather lately so I haven't been writing much, but hopefully it's all up from here. This is a long chapter again, with tons of fluff, so I hope y'all like it.

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The sun was high in the sky as Murtasim steered the car towards the village. As they journeyed, the landscape gradually transformed. The tightly packed cityscape and constant hum of activity gave way to a more serene, open environment.

Fields stretched out on either side of the road, a patchwork quilt of greenery that seemed to go on forever. The lush, vibrant fields, some dotted with farmers tending to their crops, painted a picture of rural simplicity and hard work. The occasional sight of tractors and oxen ploughing the land offered a glimpse into the lives of those who cultivated these lands. The air was fresher here, filled with the earthy scent of soil and growing things, a stark contrast to the city's concrete and exhaust fumes.

Murtasim's gaze kept drifting to Meerab, who was curled up in the passenger seat. He watched her as her eyes took in the changing landscape, a soft, thoughtful expression on her face. There was something about the way the fading sunlight played across her features, casting gentle shadows and highlighting the contours of her face, that captivated him. Her hair fluttered slightly with the breeze coming from the airconditioner vents, strands dancing lightly around her face.

Yet he could sense her discomfort. She was curled up in the passenger seat, a small bundle of apprehension and discomfort. The closer they got, the more apparent her unease became. He could almost feel the weight of her thoughts, heavy in the air between them.

He let out a gentle sigh, breaking the silence. "What's wrong, Meerab?" His voice was soft, laced with concern.

Meerab turned towards him, her expression hesitant. She shook her head, trying to dismiss his worries, but Murtasim wasn't convinced. He knew her well enough to see past her brave front.

His mind briefly flickered to the colorful plastic wrap he'd noticed in the trash earlier that day. Her period was always punctual, a monthly visitor that brought discomfort and mood swings. He wondered if that was part of her unease now.

"The heated seat might help," he suggested casually, pressing the button to activate the passenger side seat warmer.

"But then I'll be warm," she whined softly, a frown creasing her brow.

Adjusting the air conditioning, he increased the flow of cool air. "There," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Meerab let out a light giggle, her mood lifting slightly. "Thank you, Murtasim. Whatever did I do all those years I had my period without you?" She quipped.

He shook his head, half amused, half exasperated. "I don't understand why you don't take painkillers," he muttered, his gaze returning to the road.

She shrugged, a small gesture that conveyed a world of discomfort. "They make me feel bleh."

"And you don't feel bleh right now?" he pointed out, his voice tinged with a playful challenge.

"I'm used to this kind of bleh," she replied, a hint of laughter in her voice, making him laugh too.

As the car hummed along the road, Murtasim reached over to clasp Meerab's hand. Bringing it to his lips, he gently kissed the back of it, marvelling at how soft her skin was. "What else is bothering you?" he asked, his voice soft yet probing.

Meerab looked at him. "How'd you know?" she inquired, a slight frown creasing her forehead.

"You're only quiet when you have a lot on your mind these days," Murtasim observed. He could always tell when something was weighing on her.