I've Got My Eyes On You

Chapter 30 - Fade it Away 🥀

As Murtasim and Meerab were preparing to leave for the airport, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Meerab was busy checking her luggage and making sure everything was in order, while Murtasim double-checked their travel documents and itinerary. Amidst the hustle and bustle of their departure, Meerab's phone rang. She was preoccupied with packing her wallet and didn't notice the call. Murtasim picked up her phone, intending to hand it to her, but his attention was caught by the hesitant tone of the caller. It was Dua,and her voice sounded strained.

"Hello?" Murtasim uttered

"Murtasim," Dua said, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I need to talk to Meerab. It's important."

"Everything alright?" Murtasim asked in a concerning tone

Murtasim's heart skipped a beat, sensing the seriousness in Dua's tone. He glanced at Meerab, who was still focused on her task, unaware of the call. Without hesitation, Murtasim decided to answer on Meerab's behalf as he moved out of the room, knowing that whatever Dua had to say must be urgent.

"Dua, this is Murtasim. What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Dua spoke, her words heavy with sorrow. "Murtasim, I...Anwar Uncle-"

"Anwar uncle had a heart attack and - and he's passed away" Dua finished

Murtasim felt a wave of shock and sadness wash over him. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. The news was devastating, and he knew it would shatter Meerab. However, he made a quick decision not to tell her right away, considering they were about to board the flight.

"Dua, please text me the address, I hope you have the contact number," Murtasim replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We are coming back. Please take care of yourself."

After ending the call, Murtasim took a deep breath, trying to process the news. He didn't want to ruin the flight for Meerab, knowing how much she was looking forward to it. Instead, he decided to wait until they were in a more private and suitable environment to break the news to her gently.

"Kon tha?" Meerab asked softly

"Uh? Dua- She was asking when are we reaching." Murtasim managed to say

"Yeah she's excited to meet me. I bought gifts for Dadi and Baba too. I wish he gets happy this time. He's always cold" Meerab said sadly yet excitedly

Hearing her words broke his heart. How could he tell her when she was this excited Closing the distance between them, Murtasim held her by arms as he leaned in to kiss her forehead, "Moonbeam you're the purest soul on this earth Meri jaan. Humesha mazboot rehna"

"Why are you talking like this?" Meerab giggled as she blushed

"Everything sorted, Should we leave?" He asked, twisting the topic

"I'll miss this place" Meerab muttered

"We'll come back soon, meri jaan" Murtasim gave her a warming smile.

Throughout the flight, Murtasim kept a close eye on Meerab, trying to gauge her mood and offer her comfort without revealing the heartbreaking news he had received.

As the plane ascended into the skies, Meerab felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. The sensation of being airborne always made her uneasy, despite knowing the statistical safety of air travel. She tried to distract herself by reading a magazine, watching something on the screen, but the anxiety gnawed at her. The business class had no people in her sight. Maybe that's why she felt anxious. Sensing her discomfort, Murtasim gently placed his hand on her shoulder, offering silent reassurance.