I've Got My Eyes On You

Chapter 38 - Shattered

Before we read this. I would like to request to play "dushman e jaan by adnan dhool in the bgm for all the right feels! All the tamatars and chappals on my way I know!
See you on the other side!

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The first light of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains of their bedroom, casting a soft glow on the room's elegant decor. The storm had passed, leaving behind a calm, almost serene morning. In the dim light, Murtasim sat on the armchair placed near the bed, his gaze fixed on Meerab. She lay under the comforters, her face peaceful in sleep, the horrors of the previous night temporarily erased from her features.

Murtasim's hand held hers, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. His eyes traced her face, memorizing every detail—the curve of her lips, the delicate arch of her eyebrows, the way her hair fanned out on the pillow. Despite the bruises and the marks, she looked ethereal, a picture of resilience and beauty.

He hadn't slept all night. The adrenaline from the night’s events had kept him alert, but more than that, it was the fear of losing her again. He couldn't bear to take his eyes off her, afraid that if he did, she might disappear. He tightened his grip on her hand, as if that could tether her to him more securely. His thoughts wandered back to the previous night. The anguish he felt, the rage that coursed through him when he saw her bruised and broken, and the overwhelming relief when she finally fell into his arms. He still felt the residual tremors of fear and anger, but seeing her safe and by his side was enough to calm him, if only a little. Meerab stirred slightly, her fingers twitching in his grasp. Her eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the dim light. She looked around for a moment, disoriented, until her gaze landed on Murtasim. The sight of him, sitting there, holding her hand, brought a soft smile to her lips despite the hurt in her heart. She was scared of what was coming up.

“Murtasim,” she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.

He leaned forward, his eyes searching hers for any sign of lingering fear or pain. “I’m here, Meerab. How are you feeling?”

She didn’t reply and passed out again.  He sat back down, still holding her hand.

Murtasim shook his head, his eyes filled with emotion. “I should have been there sooner. I should have protected you.”

He closed his eyes at bringing her hand near to his face, leaning into her palm. “I was so scared, Meerab. I thought I’d lost you.”

He stood up, pulling the comforter up to her chin, making sure she was comfortable. He then sat back down on the armchair, his hand never leaving hers. She shifted in the bed, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Despite the pain, despite the trauma, she felt safe. She knew that as long as Murtasim was by her side.

Murtasim’s phone rang, the sound piercing through the quiet morning. He picked it up, recognizing Farid’s name on the screen. With a resigned sigh, he answered, keeping his voice low to avoid disturbing Meerab.

“Murtasim,” Farid’s voice was filled with uncertainty and a hint of shock. “Ye kal you ordered for taking the engine out of 234-SW? Mujhe abhi pata chala”

Murtasim’s jaw tightened, his eyes flickering to Meerab. “I did,” he replied curtly.

Farid was incredulous. “Why? Murtasim, do you know the price of that engine? It was worth 85 million. How could you—”

Murtasim cut him off, his voice cold and resolute. “The peace on Meerab’s face right now is priceless, Farid. My Heart and mind paid much heavier price in the past 24 hours to have her back. That 85 million worth of steel machine was nowhere close to my wife’s safety.”