Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

47. the last stretch

Author's Note: Hi! I know it's been a few weeks since I've updated this fic, I got caught up in a new short story I've been writing for MeeraSim as part of "Infinite Encounters", my book of short MeeraSim AUs [A Lovesick Fool - https://www.wattpad.com/1464758604-infinite-encounters-love-across-universes-tere-bin]. With that wrapping up soon, I hope to be back to updating UM regularly. In this (long) chapter, we get MeeraSim being all kinds of cute and enjoying some time together before their choti shehzaadi arrives in the next chapter! I hope y'all enjoy it. 

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"I have spent Eid with a lot of people, but no one has had such a lavish spread for breakfast. You've truly outdone yourself, Aunty," Shahryar beamed at Maa Begum, his voice smooth, almost too smooth, as he praised the feast laid out before them.

Murtasim's eyes narrowed at his friend.

Was that a hint of flirtation in his tone?

And why did his mother—his usually stoic, no-nonsense mother—giggle in response? She looked positively pleased with herself, almost... delighted. His mother giggled? At Shahryar? She looked so pleased with herself, her cheeks even tinged with a hint of pink.

Murtasim's grip on his fork tightened.

Was Shahryar flirting with his mother now, too? The thought made his blood boil. He stabbed the piece of fruit on his plate with unnecessary force, the sound of the fork piercing the fruit ringing out in the otherwise peaceful room. The watermelon cube shuddered under the force, juice splattering slightly onto his plate.

Maa Begum reacted instantly, her sharp eyes catching the movement. "Murtasim! Did I not teach you how to eat properly?" she scolded, her voice carrying the familiar tone of authority – that's what she usually sounded like!

Murtasim clenched his jaw, but before he could respond, Shahryar turned to him, a wide grin plastered across his face. The nerve of this guy! Murtasim glared back at him, trying to convey through sheer force of will that he was not amused by this newfound charm of his friend.

Before he could act on his irritation, he felt a sharp elbow jab into his side. He turned to find Meerab giving him a pointed look.

"Stop it," she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing at him.

"He's flirting with Maa, too!" Murtasim hissed back, his frustration evident.

Meerab simply rolled her eyes and returned to her breakfast, clearly not as concerned as he was. She spooned up some of the shahi tukda, a satisfied smile crossing her face as she savored the rich, sweet dessert her father had placed close to her, knowing it was her favorite.

Meanwhile, Shahryar, oblivious to the internal turmoil he was causing Murtasim, leaned closer to Maa Begum. "What do you all usually do today?" he asked, his tone genuinely curious, though Murtasim suspected there was something more behind the question.

Even Chacha-Saab seemed to find the situation suspicious, his eyes flickering between Shahryar and Murtasim with a barely concealed smirk. He arched an eyebrow at Murtasim in a silent, what is going on? gesture, clearly entertained by the unexpected dynamic at the breakfast table.

"We spend most of the day in the village, giving out gifts and meeting with the villagers," Maa Begum responded with a warm smile, clearly enjoying the conversation.

"That's so nice of you all. I'm sure they appreciate it," Shahryar said, nodding as if he were genuinely impressed.

Murtasim rolled his eyes, not bothering to hide his disdain. This was Shahryar at his most insufferable—oozing charm, soaking up the attention, and somehow managing to get on everyone's good side, except Murtasim's. He could practically feel his teeth grinding together as he listened.