Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

37 - Tanha

The morning sunlight cast a golden warmth over the open living room that was both cleansing and bright. The metal accents of curled feet beneath each lavish softa glinted and yet, the usual homely, fragrance of sizzling bukhoor in the Khan mansion failed to provide the comfort of familiarity.

Uncharacteristically, Meerab's hair was tied into a messy bun at her nape and the rays illuminated roasted chestnut notes within her fastened tresses. She looked slightly undone and the white leather of the couch beneath Meerab didn't let her rest either, knowing she bled profusely as Murtasim tied the strap of her sandal at her ankle — he had become more doting than usual. As soon as Murtasim tapped her knee on finishing, Meerab stood tall and adjusted the creamy knit jumper overtop her all black outfit despite the weather being mild. ''Challein?'' She asked Murtasim sweetly, the single word teeming with belief.

Taking the hint, Gul kissed Meerab's cheek lightly, whispering goodbye in, ''Take care, meri jaan,'' past her shoulder.

Murtasim's protective presence stay close beside Meerab, anchored to her in the join state of mourning.

A deep sense of uncertainty permeated the air, but Yasmin was blithely unaware of her father being missing and the delicately shifting dynamics of the grand haveli. She frowned glumly, ''But I will miss you, phupho... Can I have the rest of the cookies?''

''Saare ley lena.'' Meerab offered weakly, blowing a soft air kiss toward her. The cookies were the last of her concerns when she felt robbed of an inchoate dream. They turned and passed through crystal doorways, leaving an entourage of maids on their way out. (You can have all of them.)

Anwar spotted the couple walking towards the foyer in languid paced, Murtasim shadowing Meerab, closer than the bodyguard role had previously afforded, now undisputedly warranted with the husband title. Murtasim's hand hovered behind Meerab vigilantly, a subtle sign of the pain coursing through her womb and zapping through her veins on every step cautious step. ''Baba, hum Karachi ja rahe hai,'' Meerab informed, requiring no permission to escape with Murtasim. (Baba, we're going to Karachi.)

''Kaha raho gye? Student house mei?'' Anwar quizzed curiously whilst fastening the button of his mahogany waistcoat. (Where will you stay? In your student house?)

Murtasim's spine straightened as if the need to prove his responsibleness arose — Sarfaraz had bought that student house and Murtasim loathed him more now Meerab had fallen and sustains cuts. ''Maine Meerab ko aik apartment khareed ke diya hai. Wahin pe rahengye, chacha sahab.'' It was her haq mehr. (I bought and gifted an apartment to Meerab. We'll stay there.)

Without a clue of her turmoils, Irtaza squinted across the open space, forming creases around his warm eyes in a silent plea of, ''Are you okay?''

With full authority, Murtasim guided her outwards and Meerab shared a rueful smile before turning towards the tall doors. Irtaza scampered forward, past the entrance door, beyond the spiralling pillars of their home that were imbued with grandness. Murtasim personally helped Meerab settle in his front driver seat and Irtaza waited behind, probing suspiciously, ''Aise kya ho gya jo tumne khuda hafiz bhi nahi kaha?'' (What happened that you're not saying goodbye.)

''Nothing. Sar mei dard hai,'' Meerab lied fluently, not wanting to share the raw grief of her miscarriage. There was an effort to conceal it but Meerab winced faintly and her skin had taken on an undeniable paleness from heartbreak. (Just a headache)

''Will you return before I go back to London?'' Holding her captive, Irtaza leaned onto her open door and Murtasim circled the large Rolls Royce in pristine white, same as the baraat function but without any of the bubbling joy remaining.

A shake of the head was returned for 'no' and Irtaza offered with his usual playful optimism, ''Walime pe millengye phir. I will dance. And eat. Biriyani hoga menu pe?'' (We'll meet at your reception then! Will there be biriyani on the menu?)