Tere Bin - A Parallel Universe

Chapter Eighteen

Un ki amad se milta hai Baharon ka Pata

Vo to mausam ko badalne ka hunar rakhte hain

(Unknown)

Meerab was standing near the pool, surrounded by the opulence of Khan Haveli. The grandeur of the property was reflected in the intricate architecture, with marble pillars and ornate details. The poolside was adorned with a fountain, its cascading water creating a soothing melody. Above her, a canopy cast warm hues of pink light, creating a magical ambiance that combined with the twinkling moon and stars. The lush green vine that had been neatly arranged and cut by the lawn caretaker added a layer of beauty offering tranquility to the person standing under it. 

The pool reflected the moonlight, its surface shimmering in the night. The fountain area was a focal point, with water gently splashing and adding to the serene atmosphere. The entire scene symbolized the timeless beauty and elegance of Khan Haveli, a place where tradition and luxury seamlessly merged.

As Meerab stood there, lost in the enchanting night, her mind wandered to the dinner they had all shared earlier. Anwar Khan and Murtasim were engrossed in business talk sitting across from each other, while Maa Begum was trying  her best to convince Meerab to try the nihari, a dish she wasn't fond of.

She didn't harbor a great love for meat but ever since they all had come to know relate to her being anaemic, they would always try to make sure that her diet was protein rich.

The tempting aromas filled the air, but Meerab resisted, keeping her distance from the savory dish. The peculiar food aversions she was experiencing only intensified her desire to avoid eating anything with strong rich aromas.

Murtasim,who was sitting right beside her passed cut-up pieces of chicken from his plate to hers while savoring the pulao  displaying his love through small gestures. It was his habitual expression of love, symbolizing the care and attention he showered upon her. His act of serving her represented the spoiled nature she had become accustomed to.

No matter how hard she tried she just could not hold down the meat and her darling husband loved teasing her in this aspect. He was a big meat lover so he often teased  her about her food preferences. He would often jest, "Meerab I think hamare baby ko bhi apni Mama ki tarah ye sab kuch khas pasand nahi aya, that's why he or she always keeps you on your toes."

She would just silently glare at him while fighting with the intense episodes of nausea. They had all been enjoying their dinner peacefully when the Sakina entered the dining room, holding Maa Brgum's phone in her hand. 

"Haya Bibi ki dadi hai, apse bat karna chahti hai.", tension filled the air as she announced. Maa Begum took the phone from Sakina, dismissing her with a wave as she brought the phone close to her ear. The room held its breath as they all stared in Salma Begum's direction .

Murtasim's hand came to rest on her left thigh, offering silent support, perhaps as if he was trying to help her maintain composure amid the looming uncertainty. He was scared that even taking Haya's name in this house would upset her to an extreme length but to be honest, she was least bothered. Although she had felt all three of them stare in each other's direction avoiding eye contact with her.

Meerab felt Murtasim's gaze fixed on his mother. The atmosphere became charged as Maa Begum spoke with Haya's dadi.

The mention of Haya, a topic long avoided, tightened the air. Maa Begum's voice, stern and commanding, echoed through the room as she greeted the older lady.  

"Salam, kaisi hai app or kaise yad kiya apne is waqt." Meerab observed the exchange, noting the unaltered expression on Maa Begum's face. She continued to listen to her dadi on the other end for some time unbothered by the three set of eyes that were gawking her the whole time. The conversation unfolded, and Meerab observed with detachment as the other end relayed news.