Veiled Harmonies (Tere Bin AU)

Chapter 13

Meerab had returned from her studio and headed straight to Murtasim's apartment. Nervously ringing the bell, she fiddled with the handle of her bag as she waited.

The door swung open, revealing Murtasim just out of the shower, with wet hair falling on his forehead, dressed in loose sweatpants and an old worn t-shirt, barefoot with a towel slung casually over his shoulder. "Hi," she breathed out.

"Hi," he replied, moving aside to let her in.

"How was your trip?" Meerab asked, her nerves evident in her voice. It felt strange for them; the intimacy they shared behind closed doors contrasting with the awkwardness of small talk.

"Good," Murtasim responded simply, prompting a small smile from Meerab. "Yeah, I saw some clips people posted to Instagram from your UK show, your shows look so good."

Murtasim felt a tinge of warmth knowing that Meerab had been checking up on him. "Yeah, it was fun. You should come some time," he suggested casually, then teasingly added, "You know, if your company lets their angel stay out that late or allow her to see scandalous rap battles. "

Meerab's smile widened at his playful tone. "Maybe you should ask me and see. You never know I might just turn up."

Taking off her jacket and placing her bag on the couch, Meerab closed the distance between herself and Murtasim, approaching him on tiptoes to kiss him. In that moment, she allowed herself to be engulfed by their connection, the need to be close to him after such a long time overpowering the lingering doubts that quietly nagged at the back of her mind.

The intrusive voice whispering doubts was swiftly silenced by the genuine connection she felt through the kiss Murtasim returned. "Hi, baby," he greeted, the affection in his voice easing her worries.

She continued kissing Murtasim, subtly guiding him towards the bedroom. Murtasim, allowing her to take the lead, as he was gently nudged backward until the bed met the back of his knees, causing him to sink down onto the soft mattress. Without hesitation, Meerab climbed into his lap, lavishing him with wet, fervent kisses.

"Missed you," she whispered into Murtasim's neck, her warm breath making him shiver. The tenderness in her voice mingled with desire.

"Missed me? I didn't think you'd have the time to think about me," Murtasim retorted, his playful tone tinged with a hint of underlying pain that flickered in his eyes.

Meerab paused, pulling back slightly. "Don't be like that. I'm here to make peace. And talk."

Murtasim raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her, particularly noting their current position.

"Talk?" he questioned, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his expression.

"Then maybe more..." she trailed off, her fingers absently playing with the imaginary strands on his t-shirt.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "I thought you wanted to hold off..."

End it all together, echoed in his mind. The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable, a defense mechanism against the vulnerability he felt.

Meerab took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I only suggested holding off, taking a break in that moment, instead of ending things altogether because I didn't want to lose you."

Murtasim's expression softened, confusion mingling with a glimmer of hope. "That's exactly what I— Wait, what did you say?" He paused, his breath catching as he processed her words.