Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

38 - Taare

Meerab swiped over a layer of clear gloss in the vanity of her ensuite mirror, hair in perfect curls past her shoulder with a deep side parting that meant flowing bangs tickled her eyebrow like the wisp of a soft peacock feather.

The miscarraige meant Meerab and Murtasim had mellowed, and now, she slowly regained her zest as extra large glittery earrings looped into her ears, diamond-encrusted bows swaying at her either side hypnotisingly. The gifted viper bracelet wound onto her wrist and Murtasim entered behind her silently. In the mirror of their sea-view penthouse, Meerab saw him reach for a vial of perfume on the counter. The moment was domestic as he spritzed it onto his collar, jaw flexing in reflex.

''Graduation meri hai. Why are you getting so ready?'' She teased, eyebrow arching as she smelt the enticing musky perfume diffuse around them. (It's my graduation.)

Murtasim wore a semi-formal outfit, a buttery white shirt perfectly smoothing over his buff frame that made it hard to look away. ''To celebrate my biwi, of course.''

''Kaise lag rahi hai tumhari biwi?'' Meerab spun to ask, adjusting the creamy silk fabric of her blouse that cascaded into a swaying dress finishing just shy of her ankles. It was elegant and cooling against her skin. (How do I look?)

''Meri lag rahi hai,'' Murtasim replied charmingly, studying the little dimples decorating the corners of her mouth. (You look like you're mine.)

Meerab scoffed in blissful defeat; she couldn't help but smile so widely that her cheeks hurt; the compliment felt like a warm hug while knowing the unwavering depths of their love for one another that only knitted tighter with each turmoil. ''But that's not new, is it?'''

Murtasim nodded and then his hands drifted to her waist, pulling her closer to admire the happiness she exuded after what felt like a season of grief. Meerab's skin glowed peachy and the pain of loss had subsided into a dull ache that she chose to push to the back of her mind. The trauma metamorphosed them into something secure. ''Will your entire family be there?'' Murtasim dared to ask, not wanting to see Sarfaraz again so soon.

A sense of apprehension made Meerab inhale slowly. Sarfaraz had secured her admission at the prestigious University and arranged the huge student house so she could study in peace, so his presence at her graduation ceremony was almost certain. ''Saare hon gye, but just for pictures.'' (They will all be there.)

Murtasim fingers raked down his jaw with annoyance and then led the way out so she could fetch her graduation gown.

The car ride to her sprawling campus was short. The bodyguard role worked to his favour in being allowed to stay cosily close whilst her gown and hat was fitted, and even it meant Murtasim could sit amongst the students throughout the graduation ceremony. Murtasim took the seat behind Meerab, and she felt his silent presence as he toyed with the ends of her curls that swayed behind her seat as the dean spoke about the scale of their achievements. As the class took to the stage and received their scrolls in turn, he was the only person who remained seated, legs crossed, dazed at the vision of his nawabzaadi graduating. The strobe light lit as if she was on the run way, dazzling as she shook hands with the dean and returned to her seat.

Thunderous claps ensued and as they exited the hall, Murtasim found Yasmin standing close by. She curled her hand into Murtasim's hand for the first time. Murtasim smiled down at her with surprise and teased, ''You look like your phupo today.'' She wore a creamy frock with volume that made her appear doll-like.

''Do you like my heels, pupha?'' Yasmin asked with a wobbly twirl, blushing.

''Bahut pyaare,'' Murtasim chuckled fondly, melting in reply to her sweet, victorious giggles. He held onto her fingertips for stability as the world went dizzy and blurred from spinning. (Very pretty.)