Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

42. a baby shower

A/N: Thank you to y'all for all the heartwarming, funny, and kind comment y'all leave behind. Glad so many of you enjoyed the last chapter! We're moving on swiftly to the next chapter and letting Meerab catch up with friends and family. See y'all on the other side!

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There were colorful drapes and flowers wrapped around every surface in the foyer and main living space, their vibrant hues creating a festive atmosphere. The sweet and savory aroma of the food wafted through the air, making Meerab's stomach rumble with anticipation as she stepped into the room set up for her godhbharai.

Maa Begum glanced between her and Murtasim, her eyes narrowing slightly before she sighed and shook her head. She didn't say anything, but Meerab's cheeks burned with a blush, realizing that her mother-in-law likely knew why they had taken so long to get there.

Thankfully, the arrival of guests eased the awkwardness that had fallen over the room. Her mother, Anila, was among the first to arrive. She came with gifts in hand, followed by two women Meerab hadn't seen in what felt like ages.

"Meerabbbbbb!" they both screamed simultaneously, running across the room towards her.

Murtasim swiftly pulled her closer to his side, positioning his body protectively in front of hers to prevent them from crashing into her, which they likely would have, considering their exuberance.

Hina was the first to stop, her eyes darting between Meerab and Murtasim with a playful grin as Maha to skid to a halt. "I guess jeej passes the vibe check," she said with a chuckle.

"He's just scared you're going to make me fall," Meerab grinned, stepping forward to hug her cousins, Hina and Maha.

They hugged her tightly, their joy infectious.

"I love how you didn't invite us to the wedding but when you're almost ready to pop out a baby," Maha teased as she pulled away, her eyes twinkling. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well," Meerab replied, grinning widely.

Hina laughed, turning to Murtasim. "Maybe she was just hiding her handsome husband... he's hotter in person," she teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Hina!" Meerab groaned, embarrassed.

She recalled her cousins liking the few pictures she posted on Instagram, mostly from their honeymoon, they had left a lot of fire emojis with their appreciation. She hadn't realized the emojis were for her husband though. She glanced up at Murtasim, who looked a tad lost as he looked between all three of them. He had never met them before considering they were from Anila's side of the family. She had mentioned them, but only by name and how they had visited a lot during their Christmas holidays from the US, in reaction to the comments they left behind on her post.

Maha held her hand out to Murtasim, her grin wide and mischievous. "Hi, I am Maha, Meerab's favorite cousin."

Before Murtasim could respond, Hina pushed her aside. "Hina, the favorite," she said, extending her hand. "Hi, jeej."

Murtasim looked a little taken aback by their loud and energetic presence, but he nodded politely. "Murtasim."

"The hot baby daddy," Hina chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Murtasim glanced down at Meerab, who just shrugged with a small, embarrassed smile.

"Who couldn't help himself but knock up his wife on the honeymoon," Maha giggled, her tone teasing.

Murtasim leaned in closer to Meerab, whispering, "What exactly did you tell them?"

Meerab groaned softly, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "Behave, you two, please."