Tere Bin - A Parallel Universe

Chapter Twenty Nine

Meerab sat nestled in the plush cushions on the white couch of the sitting area outside their quarters, the soft morning sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow on everything it touched.

She absently flipped through the pages of her magazine, her mind drifting between the words on the page and the peaceful ambiance around her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures in life.

Although it was Sunday, Murtasim's had already left as his day was planned with chores awaiting him in the village. Since Meerab was nearing her seventh month of pregnancy, Murtasim had made a conscious decision to lighten his workload in anticipation of Meesam's arrival. He wanted to be fully present for his daughter, cherishing every single moment of her early days.

In the quiet hours before dawn, Meerab had stirred from her sleep, a soft smile gracing her lips as she felt the gentle touch of Murtasim's fingers cradling her face. His lips brushed against her cheek, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. It was a familiar routine, one that had become a cherished part of their mornings.

Even in the early hours before dawn, when the world was still draped in darkness, Murtasim made it a point to bid farewell to his wife before leaving for the village. She didn't like when he left without informing her while she was asleep so he made it a point to always greet her and reassure her with his presence, if only for a fleeting moment.

As Meerab slowly opened her eyes, she found herself greeted by the sight of her husband's loving gaze. His eyes held a mixture of tenderness and determination, a silent promise that he would return to her side as soon as his tasks were complete.

With a soft sigh of contentment, Meerab leaned into his touch, savoring the closeness they shared in those quiet moments before the day began in earnest. She knew that his departure was inevitable, but the warmth of his touch lingered long after he had gone, filling her heart with a sense of comfort and security.

As Murtasim had prepared to leave, he pressed a lingering kiss to Meerab's forehead, his lips lingering against her skin as if unwilling to part. "Sham tak vapis ajaon ga Jaan, apna or Meesam ka khayal rakhna," he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance.

And with one final kiss on her lips, he had left, his heart already yearning for the moment when he would return to the embrace of his beloved wife.

Now as she sat with the magazine in her hand, her mind was still on her husband, her lips curling into a soft smile. The tranquility of the Sunday morning was suddenly interrupted by the faint sound of voices outside. Meerab's curiosity piqued, and she glanced towards the door, her heart fluttering with anticipation. With her swollen stomach, making sudden movement was a challenge and even the simplest tasks as getting up required extra effort.

Before she could muster the strength to rise from her comfortable position and move towards the noise, her mama appeared in the doorway, her face radiant with a smile that lit up the entire room.

Meerab's eyes widened in delight, a rush of joy flooding her being as she realized who stood before her. "Mama, aap agai!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness as she carefully rose from her seat, her magazine momentarily forgotten.

Anila's eyes twinkled with affection as she approached her daughter, her arms outstretched in a loving embrace. Meerab carefully came forward, her heart swelling with love as she melted into her mother's comforting embrace. It had been far too long since they had last seen each other in person, at least for Meerab, and the reunion was a moment of pure bliss for both of them.

It had been over a month since they had last met and Meerab and Murtasim had been eagerly awaiting Anila's arrival. With Meerab entering her final trimester, they had insisted that she come to live with them, wanting her to be by their side during this special time in their lives.