Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

40 - Aamad

Murtasim and Meerab passed automatic rotating doors and were greeted with a line of staff awaiting in the grand double-storey entrance, the space paved in white marble and contrasted by dark wood that made it seem luxurious.

On their faces were professional, poised  smiles, stacked infront a thick column that gave the hotel a regal feel as they entered, with barely any traditional features, as if they had been exported abroad. Other than the humidity, the telltale sign was the thick Islamabadi accent. ''Salaam, Murtasim Sahab, Meerab Ma'am, main Humsha hun, Pearl Continental ki manager. I hope your journey up here wasn't too burdensome?'' Her lilt was hopeful even as she spoke at double the speed, clad in a sleek and structured white suit that had Meerab fawning.

Meerab leaned into her husband as it all began to sink in, her nude acrylics tickling his bicep. ''The route was beautiful, no hassle at all.''

Murtasim removed the aviators perched on his nose, voice slightly deeper than usual as he replied charmingly, ''Journey was fine. The company smoothed over any turbulence,'' before gazing to his wife again, both shouldering each other like smitten newlyweds.

The women behind Humsha couldn't help but smile coyly. The one at the front stepped forward to place a welcoming bouquet of blushing peonies into Meerab's hand that she received gladly.

''Perfect. I will be your first point of contact for the duration of your stay, working closely with your wedding planner, Sadaf, to ensure everything runs smoothly.'' Humsha's slicked-back ponytail seemed to glint as she nodded, a manufactured smile stretching across her lips, turning to lead them inwards. ''Mehmaano ki tiyaariyan set hai, most of them are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Rooms are ready and—'

''Koyi aur aaya hua hai?'' Meerab asked while admiring her flowers. (Has anyone else arrived yet?)

''Aik mehmaan hai, Mr Khan.'' Humsha tapped a sleek pen to her chin once before remembering his first name, ''Irtaza. He was early, saying his flight was scheduled early but I think he was just excited to get here and be a part of your celebrations,'' she chuckled. (There is one guest.)

Meerab lightened. ''Has he already settled?'' Their glossy suitcases zoomed past on a wheeled trolley.

''Yes, he's the executive suite,'' Humsha replied, guiding them into a table of drinks and an open seating area, brimming with soft furnishing in natural tones, creamy cub chairs and sandy drapes that made the space luxe yet soft. ''Shall I ring ahead and announce your—''

''Nahi, i'll surprise him,'' Meerab decided and voiced in the same second. They had an abrupt good bye, and the care Irtaza had exhibited in her moment of vulnerability deepened their bond.

The hand resting behind Meerab's waist softened, stroking with his thumb into the dip of her side. ''Tum jau, i'll sort any last paperwork,'' Murtasim assured in a cosy whisper between them. (You can go.)

With a nod, Meerab shuffled the flowers into a uniformed lady's hand and was shown the way, a bellboy leading her into a mirror-lined lift that lifted her up until the air seemed to thin. The executive suite wasn't hard to find, its double doors excessively wide, even with its own name tag. Her knuckles folded and she knocked, tune short and quick. She smoothed down her turquoise shirt and tan, loose trousers to feel presentable. After a heartbeat, shuffling was heard on the other side that roused a giddiness in her chest.

When the door swung open, the first thing leaving Irtaza's mouth was, ''Tum?'' His chair was wayward and his travel outfit, a slate hoodie and dark jeans, was horribly creased. (You?)

Meerab's eyebrows lifted, amused at the tone of disappointment that he didn't bother to hide. ''Kyun? Mariyum ka intezaar kar rahe the?'' (Why? Where you expecting Mariyum?)