Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

50 - A New Start

3 weeks later.....

The next time Gul saw him, he was lugging around a gift bag stuffed full despite it being wide and tall.

Even from her obscured angle, as Daniyaal trod down the cobbled path, she could discern the expression of uncertainty etched onto his features as he scanned down the row of Mayfair houses.

She rushed forward for greeting and cleared her throat, something excited brewing in her tummy after caring for Mahir so diligently that the days began to feel monotone.

Daanish turned in slow motion to see her well rested and calm, a far cry from the wedding where she was worried, and her fun was clouded by the threat of bumping into Sarfaraz. "Tum?"

"Tum?" She echoed, an eyebrow arched with brightening curiosity. The tie of her trench coat cinched in her waist, her feather, lightweight dupatta threatening to slip off her locks.

"Bacha dekhne aaya hun," he explained. She looked different against this backdrop of cold houses and a cloudy sky.

"Main bhi, although, I just went out to fetch some groceries. Au," she invited warmly and unlocked the pine painted door that lead into Murtasim's home. The house was cosy warm, engulfing them in it.

His hand opened to take her bags. "No need. They're not heavy, and your hands are full."

Daniyal flicked his boots off in the entryway. "Murtasim allows you guys to walk around without security...?" It felt like no time had passed between them, adopting a friendly tone as if there were obstacles remaining to bridge the gap.

"Of course not!" She chuckled, even the idea amusing. "He's so OTT. The car's driver was ex-military, he even stalked me around the shop."

Her rippling laugh hit him straight in the heart like a cupid's arrow, a piercing pain (that was welcomed) spread our his body, and Daniyaal took it as a cue to modestly wrench his eyes away. The house seemed humble but it was anything but, with tall ceilings and a huge, twinkling grand chandelier for welcome, along with pictures of the pair scattered down the entry wall. "The last time I saw you was at the walimah...."

Gul gulped, chin lifted as she turned to him. A trove of unspoken wishes stuck between them. "Things have changed since then."

"You said no," he reminded in a hush whisper, his drooped shoulders.

I didn't want to. It was too soon, the khulla not even finalised and there was Yasmin to think about. "As I said, things have changed since then." She said with the resolve of a woman with clarity now, having time to think and process the life that awaited her.

The shadow of a smile cast onto Daniyaal's lips, edging into hopeful. "Mujhe nahi malum tha ke tum yahan hogi."

It was a lucky coincident. "It's okay. If it wasn't for me, you'd knock and there would be no surprise."

"Yasmin kahan hai?" Daniyal dared to ask, the weight of the question thickening his words.

It felt domestic as Gul pulled her jacket off and hung the garment on a hook, along with others. "We're staying here too, giving them company for the week."

"I hope he pays you well for being a night nurse, god knows he can afford it," Daniyal teased.

She laughed. "That baby is so cute, i'd pay him to let me stay close."

She loved babies? Daniyal sighed, she was perfect. "Cute hi hoga. All babies are."

"Extra cute hai." Ahead, the kitchen was empty except for old take out containers.