Tere Bin - A Parallel Universe

Chapter Twenty Four

Murtasim shifted uncomfortably in the stiff hospital chair, his gaze fixated on the closed door. The sterile scent of the hospital room filled the air, creating a tense atmosphere that mirrored the unease in his heart. Beside him, Meerab was sitting on the hospital bed, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety evident in her eyes.

The past fifteen days had been a rollercoaster for the couple. Meerab had been kidnapped and suffered the injury and Murtasim had been diligently assisting her during the recovery process. Today marked the pivotal moment when the stitches were to be removed. The home visits from the nurse over the fortnight had become a routine, but the visit to the hospital today added an extra layer of anxiety for both of them.

As they waited for the nurse to arrive, Murtasim couldn't shake the worry etched on his face. His thoughts were consumed by the pain Meerab might experience when the stitches were removed. The very idea of her suffering sent shivers down his spine.

What added more to his worry was the impending fear of childbirth . The pain that she would have to bear to bring their child into this world. He hated for her to go through this all alone.

Meerab who was already anxious could sense her husbands distress so she reached out and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Murtasim", she called softly her voice a calming melody in the tense room. He turned to look at her, his eyes searching for some sort of reassurance.

Meerab's touch provided a soothing balm to his anxious soul. He gave her a tight-lipped smile, grateful for her and found solace in the warmth of Meerab's hand on his shoulder, a silent promise of strength and unity in facing whatever challenges lay ahead.

She offered a tender smile, trying to ease his worries. "It's going to be okay, I will be fine" she said in a soothing tone, attempting to calm down his nerves. He looked at her with even more concern.

Murtasim nodded, trying to absorb the comfort in her words. "It's going to hurt you, Meerab," he whined, knowing that it was a time where he should be offering supportive words, but he just could not fathom the idea of her bearing further pain.

Meerab smiled at her husband. She had been noticing the change in his behavior since the past three days when the nurse had casually mentioned during her visit that taking off stitches causes some pain and Meerab should be mentally prepared for it. Little did she know that her words were flaring up the anxiety and brewing a storm of anxiousness within the great and mighty Khan Murtasim Khan.

"I know, but I'll be okay, you are here with me," Meerab said calmly, extending her hand to him. He took her soft one within his large calloused hands and bent down to place a gentle kiss at the back of her hand.

"You can wait outside if you want," she offered, trying to ease his discomfort. She knew he had seen the doctors stitching her up, and it would definitely not be a fond memory seeing your loved one lifeless on a table.

She saw something change in Murtasim's eyes in a tenth of a second, his eyes darkening when he spoke, "Nahi, main tumhe akela chor kar kahin nahi ja raha ," he said and stood up.

The room echoed with Murtasim's restless footsteps as he paced back and forth, the weight of anxiety pressing down on his shoulders. The anticipation of another medical procedure for Meerab had his nerves on edge.

The entrance of two nurses carrying trays filled with forceps and medicines heightened Murtasim's anxiety. He took a deep breath, attempting to maintain a calm demeanor as the nurses greeted them. The memories of their last visit to the hospital lingered, where Murtasim's intimidating presence had left a lasting impression on the nurses.