Kaabil

6. Mom vs Mother

Meerab.

While facing the window, my heart was aching for what Maryam was saying. Of course, it's not her fault. I am not holding her accountable for any of my elders' behaviors. Nor Murtasim. Like me, he, too, was dragged into this mess. Our past collided so bitterly that we would lose everything if we did not hold on to each other.

This was my family. I grew up with these people. I never saw love or affection elsewhere because I got it all from my people. Despite how strong I've been coming along, a fear was lingering in the back.

Murtasim Khan.

He protects his people like his father. But what scares me is how much he is willing to defend himself. He agreed quickly, like I mean nothing more than his dad's wish. I don't blame him because I am doing the same. Is he that unknown to emotions as people have rumored him to be?

Maryam touched my arms, which ripped me of my thoughts. "I'm sorry." I racked my eyes from her eyes to her hands. Unfolding my arms, I reached for her. She gripped my hands and started trembling.

"Maryam, you don't have to apologize. You were protecting your father's wish. Give me some time. A month ago, I thought of a different future. Now, I have to think of a different one. It isn't easy. My mind is a cluster of other emotions, all chaos." My voice broke, and I started crying.

She hugged me while I sniffed at her shoulders. "I am here for you. Bhai is here for you. Don't close yourself in. Talk to us." I was so engrossed in my thoughts and conversation that I did not register there was a man in the room.

A man whose wife I will be in few days. Who saw me shattered like glass? A glass he has to live with his whole life. I quickly wiped my tears.

My teary eyes scanned Murtasim, who was engrossed in his thoughts. No expressions. His eyes were narrowed as if he were conflicted.

Will I have to start reading his eyes now? I should've studied medicine and become an ophthalmologist just for Murtasim. He was so difficult to understand. But how would've I known?

The door knocked, and the annoying shit entered. Haya. My mind went to our conversation in the afternoon, where she confessed her undying love for Murtasim. I don't have a personal feud with her; she can breathe for all I care, which would annoy me. I feel I would have to do more of her in the future.

"All three of you were missing. Maa Begum is calling you downstairs." Haya gave me a deadly stare, but her gaze softened when she looked at Murtasum. Can she not act as a pathic look-seeking bitch? I rolled my eyes at her, sneaking glances at my future husband.

"Haya, what were you saying to me? Oh yes, Murtasim won't agree to the wedding." She nervously watched me as I made my way to Murtasim. From peripheral vision, I saw Murtasim's body tensed.

"Murtasim, would you like to marry me?" He stilled for a long minute.

Maryam zipped her lips, holding back a laugh. Murtasim, on the other hand, took his wallet out and reached for my hand. He laid it on my palm. I gave him a baffled look. What is he doing?

"I am giving you everything I own as of this moment. Does that answer your question?"

I was torn between clutching the wallet or looking at his eyes. Though his face gave away zero confidence, his eyes did the job.

I gulped and nodded. "Everything?" I whispered. Shaking, I kept a hand on his chest.

He stiffened under my touch and blatantly stared at my hand. He knew what I was asking for. He blinked a few times.