Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

33 - Kismat

In the privacy of Meerab's bedroom in the palatial Khan haveli, he personally spoon fed the girl chocolate cake and melting ice cream. Her vacant hands pulled the candy floss-pink teddy into her lap, its plush arms mauled for cathartic relief. The overwhelming feelings present in Meerab's chest mellowed, reassured by his presence, by Murtasim's unwavering show of attentive care. He was soothing as a balm, a healing remedy, arriving to enliven Meerab's otherwise solemn night. ''Liked the pictures?''

''You looked so fucking good in those jore.'' The same spoon alternated between feeding himself too, and he swallowed the mouthful of cooling creamy vanilla bean-flecked ice cream. ''Fir jora kaunsa pasand aaya tha?'' (Which outfit did you end up chosing then?)

The sustained interest made her lips curl, pleased, the man dying for hints about her bridal attire. ''That peachy, rose-gold one for the walimah, like you said. And the baraat outfit is a secret. I'm not going to show you,'' Meerab teased, chin lifted tauntingly, left unknown for a game of mystery.

The air was saturated in affection, the room cosy, the house asleep. Any outcome seemed possible when they were next to each other, undoing the tears shed and tiredness from endless try-ons.

The next mouthful was in the midst of being chewed when Murtasim probed, ''Aur Gul bhabi ne us changing room mei kya poocha ke tum udaas ho gye the?'' (And what did Gul ask in that changing room that upset you?)

Chua hai echoed in her skull, cringing internally. ''Kuch bhi nahi.'' (Nothing.)

Her answer was not satisfactory. ''Fir chehra waise kyun banaya hua tha? Koy tou baat the.'' (Then why did you seem sad? She must have said something.)

Sitting up taller, Meerab deflected, ''It was a private conversation, between me and bhabi. Girl talk.'' Her period was late. Their gazes met and she hoped he couldn't read the truth, her suspicions remaining buried.

''Acha,'' Murtasim scoffed, features stiffened, spoon lowering as he failed to pinpoint what had happened — or maybe she had the same suspicions as Irtaza. (Sure.)

''I was just tired from trying on the dresses — be grateful that you can't sympathise with how heavy and itchy bridal dresses are.''

Murtasim studied her intently, the timidness of defeat to her features. ''Par ab tired nahi ho?'' (But you're not tired anymore?)

''Kyun ke tum aa gye ho mere paas.'' Meerab slipped her hand into Murtasim's and bought it to her lips. The way he looked at her, mesmerised, and his voice, cosy and affectionate, made her want to spill, to share her doubts. (Because you are with me.)

''I love you. Bas kuch dino ke baat hai,'' he responded, succumbing to her whispers. The mattress beneath them was comfy, the day long. (There's only a couple days left.)

The pregnancy test waited in her bathroom cabinet, craving to be tried together as husband and wife, to confirm their future. But the craving to know was all pushed aside, needing to be sensible — she assumed he'd be unable to stay away if he knew she was pregnant, ruining the shart of separation till the wedding. ''And i'm all better now after having cake. You should go now, Murtasim,'' Meerab advised halfheartedly.

Murtasim's temple crinkled, offended at being pushed away when they obviously craved comfort. ''Kyun? Bas milne aaya hun, the cake and teddy delivery service is complete, and now for some company, thori baatein ho jaein...'' (Why? I only came to see you.)