Tere Bin - A Parallel Universe

Chapter Twenty Three

Meerab slowly opened her eyes with the soft morning light greeting her that filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room.  She took her sweet time blinking her eyes adjusting to the light and realized that today she was not alone in bed.

Murtasim was nestled close to her, lying on his stomach with his head turned towards her whereas his left hand lay protectively across her stomach, close to her waist.  His disheveled hair framed his peaceful face and a strand carelessly fell on his forehead.

A feeling of warmth and love washed over her as she took in her husband. It had been many days since she had seen him so close right after waking up. A soft smile graced her lips. The aura around him seemed to radiate peace which was a stark contrast to the turbulent days they had recently faced over the past few days.

She marveled at the tranquility on his face, a sukoon that spoke volumes. It was a mark of the peace he had found after dealing with Malik Zubair, the absence of looming enemies bringing a sense of security to their family. 

The morning light cast a subtle shade in the room, creating a serene ambiance that mirrored the tranquility within Murtasim. Glancing at the clock, Meerab noticed that it was about to hit 9:00 AM. 

This was unusual for Murtasim, who typically rose early and slept in just on Sundays. His decision to sleep in spoke of a rare exception, a moment of respite from the daily heavy workload that often kept him busy.

Lifting her right hand, Meerab gently weaved her fingers with his, cherishing the connection. She chuckled looking at their joined hands on her stomach. Even in his deep slumber,  he continued to protect his family – his hand on her stomach symbolizing his unwavering dedication to both her and their unborn child. The love he emanated, even in the simplicity of sleep, touched her heart deeply.

She couldn't help but marvel at the depth of Murtasim's love. This, she thought, was the epitome of love – a husband who, even in his dreams, safeguarded his family, finding solace in the peace that love brought to their life

This was the epitome of love – No wait, this was ISHQ.

The same ISHQ they had talked about three years ago.

"Phir vo mohabbat mohabbat thori rehti hai" his words echoed in her mind.

"Phir kya ban jati hai" she had asked.

"Ishq ban jati hai", he had said and it was indeed Ishq. 

What she felt for him was ishq. His actions spoke louder than words. She was afraid that he had even surpassed the stage of Ishq.

Meerab was lost in her thoughts, contemplating the peaceful moments and the love that surrounded them. Unbeknownst to her, her thumb continued to strike the back of Murtasim's hand, playing with it absentmindedly. The repetitive motion caused him to stir from his slumber.

"Kis ke bare main socha ja raha hai Mrs Khan?" Murtasim's voice snapped her out of her reverie. 

She looked at him who was smiling at her whilst burying his head back in the pillow, attempting to adjust his vision to the morning light. 

She smiled in return diverting her attention now fully on him.

"Zaroori to nahi hamesha tumhare bare main socha ja raha ho," she replied mockingly and that was all it took for her to  earn a glare from Murtasim. 

Despite knowing she was teasing him, he couldn't help but desire to be the constant presence in her thoughts. So he lifted himself up on his forearms, his biceps catching her attention, as his face loomed over hers, just a few inches away.