FF: The Secret Desires (Tere Bin, Meerasim)

Part 28: A Trip to Heaven

She reluctantly opened her eyes as the burning rays of the morning sun cascaded through the large glass window on the left side of the bed where she was in deep sleep....Meerab frowned at the heat of the sun rays as she rubbed her eyes in a lazy motion....turning to her left, she found the bed empty and reluctantly pulled herself off the bed....adjusting her purple satin silk nightgown, she slipped her feet into the slippers and walked towards the window....

Meerab fell in love with the place the moment they stepped into the lavish haveli the previous night...it was the first time she was visiting the Khan Haveli located in the heart of the village... the lush green front lawn was a pleasant view to the eyes, especially the garden of assorted flowers and plants along the lawn.... she had always heard about her father-in-law visiting and taking care of the matters in the village and witnessed Murtasim coming here often to take care of some of the affairs.... gathering up all her hair onto a high ponytail, Meerab stood before the window and an immediate smile settled on her lips as her gaze fell on the man....

This was a different version of Murtasim that she discovered, the navy blue salwar kameez accompanied by a matching shawl that laid around his shoulders was exhibiting the power and authority he inherited .... She had seen him dealing with clients over zoom meetings or calls but this was a brand new dynamic of his personality altogether that she got to witness today.... Her gaze softened at the pleasant sight of her husband as she sat by the window and took notes of his features.... The intense eyes that would look at her with passion were now looking solemn at the group of people sitting around him ...

This might have been the same panchayat that needed his attendance and hence visit to the village on a short notice, she thought.... Thanks to Saba api and Maa who insisted Murtasim to tag his wife along with him for a break....to give them company and to Meerab's surprise, Murtasim tagged Meesam along with them without giving anyone any explanation....little did she know that her safety was his responsibility too....

She was glad that the glass of the window was tinted, allowing her to admire her handsome husband without any obstruction.... her eyes shifted to the corner of the garden as she noticed a little movement.... Meerab found Meesam playing with something on the grass while Maai was holding a glass of milk .... her eyes widened as she noticed the toy the little girl was playing with was moving itself and Meesam grabbed the little creature close to her heart and ran towards her husband....

"Then you can proceed to install the purifier and my team will take care of ...not the kittie!" he blurted out looking at the sudden landing of the uninvited furry guest on his lap, earning a series of quiet chuckles from the group of elderly men.... "Meesam, you promised to play with the kittie over that corner until I finish my work here" Murtasim gently reminded with a pointer as he tried to scoop the 1 month old green eyed orange and white rusty spotted kitten in his hand and held it over to the girl.... Ignoring his remark, Meesam rightfully climbed onto the throne and settled herself on his lap before holding the kitten close to her heart....

"Sorry Khan Saab... Meesam baby...let's go inside" Maai apologized when Murtasim gently dismissed her with a nod....

"Kaun hain ye Bachchi?" One of the men could not help but quered.... the young man had always seemed to be very calm and composed ever since he came to the limelight to join his father in business and social events.... He was never seen to be engaged with females or children despite owning a number of rehabilitations or orphanages.... The sight and the interaction had raised curiosities within themselves....

"A little friend.... The granddaughter of Nawab Saab" he informed and they nodded with obviousity...."Moosim, the kittie want nail paint....look" Meesam pulled his face down with her small hand to meet her eye level and then held the tiny paws of the kittie before the man.... "Give me some time, then we will take care of the kittie's nails, okay?" he tried to pacify the girl and she reluctantly agreed with a pout...