Perfect Mismatch

4: Conversation

A knock on the door soon startled them, so he stepped back and went to open it. Meerab, unsure of what to do at the time, sat on the bed and peered down. Being married to a man she hardly knows and having to go to their wallima makes everything extremely awkward.

"Meerab beta wear this in your wallima. This was Murtasim's mother's dress so I guess he would love to see you in this", Seema remarked, which caused Murtasim to smile upon seeing the dress his mother had worn to her wallima and kept for her daughter or daughter-in-law. This solely belongs to her because she passed away a few years after giving birth to him. He misses his parents so much and values everything that has to do with them, even their material possessions. He approached Seema and gently touched the gown. He did not have many memories of his mother because she passed away the following year from an inability to cope with her husband's death and his father died in an accident when he was seven years old. Every time he is by himself at this house, he misses his parents even more.

"It is mine, and I will wear it," Meerab answered.

"But Meerab...", Seema attempted to convince Meerab that she ought to wear this one, but Murtasim interrupted her in the process.

As sudden memories of his mother struck Murtasim, he said, " It's ok . Let her wear whatever she wants", He took the gown from Seema and carried it to his bed. Dreams about his parents constantly serve as a reminder of their presence and unwavering support in his life, despite the fact that he has very few memories of them. He is grateful to Allah for always providing him with the strength to battle every more formidable ship since he always finds them here when he needs them.

Soon after, Seema shut the door behind them, causing Meerab to exhale in relief as she took a seat on the bed. She turned to Murtasim, who was lost in thought. She felt sorry for him since she recalled that his parents had passed away, so she assumed he was somehow connected to the dress. She chose to clarify the misunderstanding because she did not hate the dress or his choice.

"I brought a wallima dress for myself, which I intend to wear and treasure forever. My friend Saba is going to bring it and meet you as well. Keep your mother's dress secure. It is lovely", Meerab remarked, causing him to smile. He nodded and answered, "Okay."

"I am sorry I can not wear this, but it is really beautiful. Keep this with you for someone else. If we part ways, you can give it to someone who deserves it", her statement did not sit well with Murtasim, and he did not want to respond, so he looked down. He believes that a marriage is a bond that cannot be broken. It is impossible for two entwined souls to separate over a piece of paper. God chose them for this relationship and believes they will always be together. He will do everything in his power to keep them together as long as possible. He moved to the sofa next to her after securely placing the dress inside the cupboard. He knows they should talk about their relationship, but he is apprehensive to do so.

He perceives this marriage as nothing more than a fake one. They are strangers to one another and have no romantic feelings for one another. Looking at her disbelieving state, he is filled with sympathy and wants to take away her pain. At the moment they signed the marriage certificate, he accepted her as his wife. He was able to fully enjoy life because his siblings were involved, despite the fact that their wedding was not particularly lavish. Furthermore, he saw this marriage as a necessary aspect of life, reasoning that since he would eventually have to wed someone, why not her? He only reconsiders his choice because of her feelings and resistance; otherwise, he would no longer harbor resentment toward her. Despite her actions, he can see that she is not in a state to think clearly, so he can not break her heart any more by criticizing her.

Soon after, a phone call interrupted them, and Meerab turned to smile at Murtasim before turning back to the phone. She is relieved that her friend is here to save her at least. After she fixed her hair and called his name, Murtasim turned to face her and arched his brows, inquiring as to what he was asked, to which Meerab responded.