Tere Bin - A Parallel Universe

Chapter Nine

Kabhi lafz bhool jaon kabhi baat bhool jaon

Tujhe is qadar chahoon ke apni zaat bhool jano

Uth ke kabhi jo tere pass se chal doon

Jate hue khud ko tere pas bhool jaon

Kaise kahon tum se ke kitna chaha hai tumhe

Agar kehne pe tum ko aoon to ilfaz bhool jaon

(Unknown)

In the dimly lit room, the heavy curtains resisted the morning light, casting a subdued atmosphere despite the clock ticking past 8 o'clock. The maid who had come to get them for breakfast had knocked on their door once but after not getting any response she had left.

Murtasim and Meerab were both in a deep slumber wrapped in each other's embrace. He was lying on his stomach, his upper body on top of Meerab's torso, his head resting gently on her chest. His upper body leaned into her, creating an intimate connection in the shadowy embrace of the room. He was just wearing his trousers so the warmth seeping from Meerab's hand on his bare back further lulled him to sleep.

Meerab was dressed in a black silk floor-length gown with full sleeves which appeared as a silhouette against the minimal morning light that barely managed to seep through the thick fabric of curtains . The material draped elegantly around her, accentuating the gentle curves of her form. The full sleeves added a touch of sophistication to her attire, contrasting with Murtasim's more relaxed state.

His strong bicep encircled her, forming a protective cage with his hands that cradled her in the quiet stillness of their shared slumber. The room remained shrouded in darkness, and both of them were lost in the tranquillity of sleep.

They were enveloped in each other in the hushed ambiance, unbothered by the external world. The muted morning light gently outlined their forms, creating a serene tableau of restful connection in the quietude of the dimly illuminated space.

The room echoed with the soft sound of Murtasim's phone vibrating on the side table. His strong senses registered the hum immediately and he jolted from his sleep. Careful not to disturb Meerab, he lifted his head slowly from her chest and moved away to pick up his phone. Seeing Baktu's name flashing across the screen he cursed inwardly and received the call.

"Malik maazrat, ap aee nahi abhi, aj panchayat baithni hai, hame nikalna hai"

"Kahin nahi jana, gaon phone kar den" He replied in a heavy sleep-laden voice, he was in no mood to leave his wife's side. The matter at hand was not urgent so things could wait.

Bakhtu, the ever-obedient confidant spoke instantly and cut the call, "G behtar",

Murtasim tossed his phone on the table once again and turned around to see his wife who was still in a deep sleep. She lay nestled in the cradle of dreams, her form adorned with the delicate dance of sunbeams. The contours of her face, softened by the gentle touch of sleep, traced the subtle symphony of grace and serenity. The glow accentuated the roundness of her cheeks, sculpting them into a masterpiece of tranquility.

Murtasim came to lay next to her and gently took her in his arms with her face resting on his chest. He couldn't help but marvel at the perfect pouty lips that whispered secrets only the night could hear. The subtle rise and fall of her chest revealed the rhythm of her dreams, a melody that only he was privy to.

Her doe-like eyes, normally alive with the vibrancy of waking hours, were now closed in peaceful surrender. Yet, even in the stillness of slumber, they retained an enchanting depth that beckoned him into the realms of her soul.