Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

48. meesam

Author's Note: Hello everyone! We're finally here after all these months, Meesam is arriving in this chapter. It's honestly been such a wild ride, because I honestly didn't think they'd be this cute and in love when I started Unveiling Meerab on that terrace months ago, but here we are! I think this part (the pregnancy and childbirth) is always going to be super special for me because they both get to do it together. I hope y'all love this chapter as much as I do, see you on the other side!

-----------------------------------

Dua stepped towards the labor and delivery room, her white coat rustling softly as she walked, the familiar weight of it both comforting and, in this moment, oddly out of place. Normally, when she entered a delivery room, she was in complete control—every detail of the space was known to her, from the placement of the instruments to the subtle rhythms of the staff she worked with. But today was different.

This was a hospital she had never worked in before, with staff she had never met until a few hours ago. The environment, while professionally equipped and efficient, felt foreign to her. The walls were painted a different color, the layout of the room was unfamiliar, and the machines, though similar, weren't exactly the same as those she was used to. Everything seemed slightly off-kilter, as if she had been dropped into a world that was just a little bit askew from the one she knew so well.

Dua wasn't just here as a doctor today—she was here as a friend, stepping into a role that felt both natural and alien at the same time. It was a strange balancing act, trying to navigate the dual roles of being a supportive friend to Meerab and Murtasim while also being focused on the medical aspects of the delivery.

Usually, she was the one in charge, giving orders, guiding the process, and leading the team. But here, she was assisting Dr. Abbasi, who was an experienced and well-respected obstetrician who she had shadowed during the start of her career. Dua had no doubts about Dr. Abbasi's competence—she was among the best. Still, it was difficult to step back into a more secondary role, especially when the people on the bed were not just patients, but people she deeply cared about.

Taking a deep breath, Dua pushed aside her lingering discomfort and focused on the task at hand, opening the door into the room that would welcome the youngest member of the Khan family. The familiar scent of antiseptic mixed with the subtle scent of lavender coming from the essential oil diffuser in the corner met her first. The room was dimly lit, the soft overhead lights casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the clinical sterility of the hospital. Despite the machines, the monitors, and the sterile environment, there was a sense of calm, a cocoon of love and anticipation in the birthing suite.

Meerab was propped up on the bed, her face flushed with exertion as she crunched on ice chips from a small cup, clearly miffed. Murtasim was at her side, his large hand encased in hers. Dua watched as Meerab breathed through another contraction, squeezing Murtasim's hand with surprising force. His other hand gently brushed back the damp strands of hair that clung to her forehead. His eyes were locked on her, filled with anxiety and fierce love. Dua couldn't help but smile to herself—Murtasim's protective instincts had always been strong, but seeing him like this, vulnerable yet strong for Meerab, was something else entirely.

Dua was amused as she watched Meerab's dark eyes narrow in irritation as the contraction passed, glaring at the man standing by her side, who was currently the target of her ire.

"You did this to me," Meerab muttered through gritted teeth, her voice laced with frustration.

Murtasim winced, though it was unclear if it was from the strength of her grip or her words. "I know, I know, and I'm so sorry," he murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead, his voice soothing. "But you're amazing, Meerab. You're handling this so well."