Chess & Checkers

13. Game of Hearts

TRIGGER WARNING: CONTAINS MENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

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The moment the door closed behind her, Meerab found herself leaning against it, as if absorbing the warmth and sweetness that lingered in the air. A blissful smile seemed to have woven itself into the very fabric of her being, a testament to the enchantment of the kiss she had just shared with Murtasim. Her fingertips grazed lightly over her lips, a tender exploration that vividly replayed the sensation of Murtasim's gentle touch, leaving an indelible imprint on her senses.

A soft blush, similar to the delicate hue of blooming roses, graced her cheeks. The smile on her lips, initially a modest expression, now appeared to have taken on a life of its own, growing wider with every passing heartbeat. In a bid to contain the bubbling excitement within her, she pressed her lips together, a futile attempt to stifle the joy that threatened to spill over. Yet, the sheer exuberance within her couldn't be contained, and little squeals of joy bubbled up from the depths of her throat, escaping into the quiet space around her.

With her heart fluttering like a swarm of butterflies in flight, Meerab hastened to collect her bag and phone from the table, each movement fueled by the lingering emotions that danced within her. The world outside seemed to shimmer with an added brilliance, as if mirroring the glow radiating from her heart. Every step she took was infused with the residual warmth of Murtasim's presence, and as she stepped back into the world, the giddy feeling lingered, wrapping her in a cocoon of happiness that she carried with her through out.

"Audrey, I'm heading out for some work, I'll be back soon," she hurriedly conveyed, not waiting for a response, her fingers pressing the elevator button with a sense of urgency that matched the fluttering in her heart. The doors parted almost immediately, allowing her swift passage.

With hands trembling from an exhilarating mix of nerves and excitement, she swiftly booked an Uber using her phone, finding relief in the near-instant confirmation of a ride. As the elevator doors revealed the ground floor, she moved with purpose toward the exit, spotting her waiting ride right at the forefront.

Instructing the driver to hurry, she settled into the backseat, the anticipation evident in every fidget and glance out the window. The journey unfolded, and with each passing street, the anticipation intensified. A sudden decision struck her, and she requested a brief detour at a nearby flower shop, where she carefully selected a bouquet of fresh lilies—a fragrant token that mirrored the blossoming emotions within her. Resuming her journey with the bouquet cradled in her lap, she couldn't help but run her fingers over the delicate petals, their softness contrasting with the intensity of her emotions. The minutes stretched like eternity as she sat in the backseat, her fingers involuntarily clawing at the leather covers, a tangible manifestation of the eagerness that consumed her.

"Could you please hurry?" she urged the driver, the impatience in her voice betraying the anticipation that thrummed through her veins. The cab continued its course, each passing moment heightening the suspense until they finally arrived at her destination .

As the car finally came to a halt outside the familiar wrought-iron gate, Meerab hastily and absentmindedly retrieved a thousand-rupee note from her purse. She handed it to the driver with a quick motion, urging him to keep the change, all the while in a rush to step out.

"Par baaji ye tou boht ziada hai," she heard the driver exclaim, his voice trailing behind her. However, the surge of excitement within her didn't afford her the patience to wait for the driver to fetch the change and hand it back.

"Koi baat nahi, rakhlein!" she shouted back, her excitement evident in her voice. Pushing open the iron gate, she vanished behind it before the driver could utter another word, leaving the sounds of the vehicle behind.