Muhafiz-E-Khan (Tere Bin MeeraSim FF)

54 : Bonus Chapter

1 years on

The calm following a long day was always something to relish. Meerab loved that moment, just her and Murtasim in their huge bed, dabbling with the idea of sleep without indulging in it just so they could stay in each other's company for a little longer. All their responsibilities and cares fell to the side.

It was so warm and cosy, her cheek pressed to his spine whilst he was on her side. He wore the finest cotton shirt. Her makeup'ed face, that she didn't bother to wash off, would probably transfer on his tee, but he never complained about wrecked pyjamas. That was the least of Murtasim's mountain of worry with the kids' grubby hands ready to attack him and muddy shoes that found themselves in the house and spilled snacks.

There were alot of spilled snack trays. Each one went on a bumpy journey and almost always ended up on the floor.

But what was more important was that he made true on the promise to be more hands on.

If it was possible to love him more for that reason, Meerab did. He was the dreamiest husband a girl could ask for. A kind father, a supportive partner. They were a good team.

The music of heavy rain pattering against the window-wall of her haq-mehr apartment set the scene. It was pitch black, the cloudy night sky darkening everything, even though the floor-length blinds were closed. The atmosphere was thick with laziness.

They should've been sleeping, but a dull tune of white noise seemed to vibrate through the walls and kept them tethered to consciousness.

Her toes twitched against his.

Whilst his eyes resting peacefully shut in the darkness of their bedroom, Murtasim grunted lightly, for "kya hai?"

Her hand reached around his waist, leaving a ticklish path in her wake. And her soft fingers spread like a web, first sliding between his, then locking closed and pulling him closer snugly. He felt the softness of her chest and her tummy press against him as if they were two peas in a tight pod.

"No La Rosey for Mahir?" It came out like a request, a soft plea.

Swiss boarding school.

So far away from home, from her.

Murtasim had mentioned to her it casually a month back, but didn't back down after that. It was on his mind and she knew it.

He was in serious talks about securing a spot next semester, and it left her restless now.

"It'll be good for him."

"Mera dil nahin kar raha."

His hand, already claimed by her, was lifted out the sheets. Cooler air attacked Meerab's forearm, but was soothed over by a kiss to her knuckles in bid to convince her. It was light and slow peck of his lips, lazy, as laced on sleepiness. "Tumhara dil kaise sambhalun?"

"10 is too young," Meerab whimpered.

Finally, Murtasim turned onto his side so he could see her.

The room was cosily black, and would've been romantic if not for her meek, worried tone. And they had ended up on the same pillow, sharing it. The oversized sleep shirt she wore belonged to him, and was creased and bunched around her collar, her hair splayed. Her locks were shorter than the mid back tresses from pre-Mahir times, and bouncier now, so easier to style.

She pouted dramatically, her bottom lip curling. And tides crashing at the base of the apartment block seemed to grow wilder.

His arm looped behind her shoulder protectively, scanning her cast-in-sleep face. Meerab's blinks were slow, cheeks flushed. "Mahir will be skiing, and getting a world class education. He'll be having fun, and come back with 3 new languages under his belt."