Unveiling Meerab [Tere Bin FF]

53. leverage

Authors' Note: Hello everyone! I am glad y'all enjoyed the last chapter. We all know that once I start writing smut, I keep writing more, so there's some in this chapter too, hehe. I hope y'all enjoy it! See you on the other side!

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Meerab smiled as she watched Murtasim as they walked out of the dining room, towards the foyer. He held Meesam close to his chest, her tiny body resting easily in the crook of his arm. She had been especially alert that morning, her little hands grabbing at the collar of his shirt while she kicked her legs, her face a picture of concentration as she took in everything around her.

"Are you going to miss me, meri choti shehzaadi?" Murtasim asked, lifting Meesam slightly above his head as she let out a soft coo.

Without wasting a second, he started peppering her little face with kisses. Dozens of them. He pressed his lips to her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, over and over again, each kiss met with a curious, wide-eyed expression from his daughter. Her tiny lips parted as she let out a delighted squeal, her body wriggling in his arms.

"Ahh-ooo," she babbled, the sweet sound filling the room as her little hands flailed in response. Her eyes brightened, her mouth opening in those early attempts to communicate, responding to her father's overwhelming affection with those soft, happy sounds that melted Meerab's heart every single time.

"Alright, alright," Murtasim chuckled, pausing his affectionate attack for a moment, though the warmth in his eyes remained. "You're going to have to miss me for a couple of hours, meri choti shehzaadi," he murmured softly, holding her close to his chest again.

But then, with a glance at his watch, his smile faded slightly. "I'm late," he muttered reluctantly, looking down at Meesam, who was now staring back at him with wide, innocent eyes as if sensing the change in his mood.

Carefully, he handed Meesam back to Meerab, who adjusted her easily in her arms. His fingers lingered just a second longer, lightly brushing over the soft fabric of her onesie as though he wasn't quite ready to let her go.

"Talk to her today!" Meerab said to Murtasim, her voice firm as she cradled Meesam in her arms. She followed him as he walked through the foyer, her slippers tapping softly against the floor, determined to get him to stop procrastinating.

"I will," Murtasim replied, his tone far too casual for her liking as he continued walking toward the door.

Meerab narrowed her eyes, picking up her pace slightly. "You keep putting it off!" she accused, her voice laced with impatience.

Murtasim sighed as he reached the front door, and just as Meerab was preparing to scold him again, he turned back around to face her, the usual smirk on his lips. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Meesam's plump cheek. Meesam's mouth formed a little 'O,' as if trying to mimic him. Her small legs kicked in the air, clearly delighted by the attention.

Meerab's heart swelled at the sight, watching the way Meesam's tiny hands reached out as if to grab onto him, her fingers curling slightly, though she was still too small to get a real hold. She let out a sweet gurgle, her eyes sparkling as her head wobbled slightly before resting against her mother's chest.

Murtasim's lips then brushed over Meerab's forehead. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of the kiss. But just as she thought he was about to pull away, his lips landed on hers, a quick peck that left her momentarily stunned. When she opened her eyes, she found him grinning at her, mischief written all over his face.

From behind them, she heard the faint giggles of the maids lingering in the living room. Embarrassment colored her cheeks as she shot him a glare, feeling the heat rise to her face. But Murtasim, ever the tease, simply winked at her before turning on his heel and walking out the door.