Khaani ka Khan - Tere Bin FF

Chapter 25 - FLASHBACK (2) : MARIAM

As Meerab quickly dressed in a wine-colored velvet jorha, she couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions wash over her, reminiscent of her own wedding day. Yet, this time, the feeling was amplified, as if she were a newlywed once again, experiencing the excitement and anticipation of a new chapter in her life.

But amidst the flurry of preparations, thoughts of Mariam, Murtasim's decision, and the challenges that lay ahead flooded her mind. How would she explain Murtasim's choice to Mariam? How could she possibly convince her to hold onto hope for a better tomorrow, a tomorrow that seemed so uncertain?

As she fastened the intricate details of her attire, Meerab's thoughts raced, her heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with obstacles, but she also believed in the power of love and resilience to overcome even the greatest challenges.

With a resolve born of determination, Meerab squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead. She would be Mariam's guiding light, her pillar of strength, and she would do everything in her power to ensure that hope remained alive in her heart, no matter how dim the circumstances may seem.

As Meerab entered Mariam's bedroom, she was met with the sight of her sister-in-law sitting with a tear-streaked face, her eyes downcast as she stared blankly into the mirror of the dressing table. The weight of sorrow hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the room.

For a moment, Meerab hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to approach Mariam in her moment of grief. She could feel the pain radiating from Mariam's form, a tangible presence that seemed to envelop the room. Gently, Meerab approached Mariam, her movements slow and cautious, as if afraid to disturb the fragile stillness that surrounded them. And as she stood beside her sister-in-law, she reached out a hand, offering silent support and solidarity in their shared grief.

Mariam's voice, laced with a mixture of sarcasm and hurt, cut through the silence of the room. "So, you're here, Bhabhi? To offer your congratulations to your sister-in-law on her wedding?" Her words were tinged with bitterness, the pain of her situation evident in her tone.

Meerab knelt beside Mariam immediately, her heart aching at the rawness of her sister-in-law's emotions. Gently, she reached out, attempting to make eye contact with Mariam, hoping to convey her empathy and understanding without words. With a tender expression, Meerab searched Mariam's eyes, silently urging her to open up, to share the burden of her sorrow. She longed to offer comfort, to ease the weight of Mariam's pain, even if just for a moment.

"Waqt..." Meerab began, her voice soft and hesitant.

"har zakham bhar deta hai? Sab theek ho jaata hai?" Mariam interjected bitterly, her gaze piercing as she locked eyes with Meerab. "Dus mahine... sirf dus mahine hue hain aapki aur Murtasim bhai ki shaadi ko. Aur ek waqt tha jab 10 din bhi iss kaid numa ghar mein nahi bita sakti thi aap. (It's been only ten months since your marriage to Murtasim bhai. And there was a time when you couldn't even spend ten days in this prison-like house.)"

Meerab's eyes fell to the ground, overwhelmed by Mariam's words. She felt the weight of guilt and sorrow settle heavily upon her shoulders, knowing that her sister-in-law's pain was justified. Mariam continued; her voice heavy with the weight of twenty years of suffering. "Maine bees saal bitaye hain. (I have spent twenty years here.)"

A heavy silence descended upon the room, thick with the gravity of Mariam's revelation. Meerab knew that Mariam spoke the truth, and her heart ached with the realization of the injustice that had been inflicted upon her. Meerab took a deep breath, gathering her courage as she sought to offer comfort to Mariam in her time of need. "Marium," she began gently, her voice filled with sincerity, "I understand your pain, and I know that these past twenty years have been filled with hardship and suffering. But we must remember that Allah never burdens His children with more than they can bear."