Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

50. settling in

Author's Note: Hi everyone! First, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for all the love you've shown for the last two chapters. I'm so glad that many of you enjoyed them! I was a bit hesitant about how detailed they were, but as I mentioned to some of you in the comments, I believe pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood are often overly romanticized. It struck me early on in this fandom that many readers might not have been exposed to the realities of these experiences. Whether you're someone who hopes to be a mother someday or you're too young to be thinking about it right now, I hope that what you've read stays with you. I hope it gives you a glimpse into what to expect and what to look into when the time comes. The journey isn't as easy or straightforward as it's often portrayed, and for many, it's not as smooth as Meerab's experience has been.

Also, before we dive into this chapter, I want to take a moment to extend my deepest appreciation to all the incredible mothers reading this! Bringing a tiny human into the world is no small feat, and the journey through pregnancy and childbirth can be one of the most challenging experiences a woman faces. Our bodies and minds are pushed to their absolute limits, and yet, at the end of it all, we're handed a baby to care for rather than the rest we need. Yet, we all rise to the occasion and put our babies first. In this story, Meerab is blessed with a supportive family and a loving husband. She has the privilege of focusing solely on her child, with others stepping in to handle the cooking, cleaning, and day-to-day tasks. But I know that for so many of us, this is not the reality, and that always breaks my heart a little. Instead, we're handed an endless juggling act, the sleepless nights, the moments of doubt and exhaustion—yet we all persevere with strength and grace that is nothing short of heroic. I hope one day the world changes and mothers are supported more throughout that process and really appreciated! But for now, I just wanted to say to all the mothers out there, whether you're supported by many or standing strong on your own, you are the true superstars. Your love, resilience, and dedication make the world a better place. Thank you for all that you do!

That's enough yapping from me, enjoy the chapter, see you on the other side!

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It was two days later that they were finally cleared to return home. With Dua having to fly back home to take care of her own child – Murtasim was sure she meant Saad and not Salar because the latter was a little angel – they were on their own. Murtasim couldn't shake the feeling of the overwhelming responsibility that settled over him with her departure.

As he drove through the streets from the hospital to their home, he couldn't help but notice how different this car ride was. For the first time in a long time, his wife wasn't sitting beside him in the front seat. Instead, she was nestled in the backseat—right next to the baby seat he had carefully chosen, sparing no expense. He had insisted on getting the safest model available, one that had been shipped all the way from the USA, because his choti shehzadi deserved nothing less than the best even if the seats weren't required in Pakistan.

When the seat had arrived, his mother had rolled her eyes at his insistence on safety features, but Meerab had smiled and kissed his cheek, and that was all the validation he needed. And now, as he glanced in the rearview mirror, his heart swelled at the sight of his tiny daughter, cuddled snugly into the seat, fast asleep. Safe.

Meerab laughed softly, and his heart melted when he caught sight of her through the rearview mirror, her eyes bright with amusement. "How are you going to drive like this?" she asked.

Murtasim had one hand on the steering wheel, but the other kept drifting back, alternating between holding Meerab's hand and gently playing with Meesam's little legs. He couldn't help it; the urge to stay connected to them both was too strong.