With the Shah Brothers' departure from Hyderabad, Murtasim's presence becoming increasingly scarce due to his demanding responsibilities as a feudal lord, on top of dealing with the outcome of the trafficking ring that they had disrupted, it was all over the news. A political storm had been created, the fallout of which was more far reaching that Meerab could have imagined. With the local elections around the corner, it seemed like everyone had something to say.

Over the next four days, Meerab caught only fleeting glimpses of Murtasim. His workload was etching dark circles under his eyes that mirrored her own growing concern. Yet, despite his busy schedule, Murtasim made it a point to join them for dinner each evening, their eyes locked in a silent understanding that brought her immense joy, and made her flush because the way he looked at her stirred something deep inside her.

Rumi, always attuned to the unspoken chemistry between them, delighted in teasing them playfully along with Maryam. Maa Begum often cleared her throat to stop them when they got too comfortable, or left them at the dinner table to engage in their biting banter.

She never wanted to retire to bed, hanging around the table as long as she could with Murtasim, taking him in like a starved woman. He always gave her an apologetic look before reluctantly going to his office to continue his work day.

Meerab had observed the patterns in Murtasim's routines since her return, marveling at his unwavering dedication. It was similar to the role his father had occupied yet it seemed like the burden on Murtasim was greater.

Some mornings, he would rise before dawn, preparing for a day filled with visits to the farms, meeting with estate managers, and addressing land disputes. On these days, he would don her favorite outfit on him – a shalwar-kameez, his attire mirroring the earthy connection he had with his land and its people. Her eyes lingered on him a lot during dinner on these days, for he had a habit of unbuttoning the top few buttons of his kameez and her eyes found themselves straying to his neck and how wonderfully the kurta stretch across his broad chest.

There were other occasions when Murtasim would dress in crisp suits or shirts, an indication that he had important meetings with local leaders or discussions concerning finances and investments. Those encounters seemed to delve into the intricacies of revenue management, for he returned home with a plethora of files which he meticulously reviewed. Her eyes had a hard time staying off his arms on those days because he always rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows, leaving her to marvel at his muscular forearms and the veins that she yearned to trace with her fingers.

After dinner, he retired to the sanctuary of his office, bringing his work with him, pouring over financial documents, assessing the revenue generated from the farms, rental income, and scrutinizing investments. Meerab marveled at his ability to navigate the complex world of finance, a testament to his astuteness and dedication to preserving their wealth and the well-being of their community.

And there were other ongoing duties that unfolded behind the scenes, and urgent matters that called for his attention. He would hold meetings with the local police, ensuring the security of their land and the safety of their tenants, resolve disputes, deal with crises – all to fulfill his responsibilities as a guardian and protector.

Meerab held onto the knowledge that while she may not fully comprehend the intricacies of his daily obligations, she wanted to be there to support and cherish him, to be an anchor in the turbulent sea of his responsibilities.

She took a deep breath, clutching the cup of steaming tea in her hands as she approached Murtasim's office, pushing the door open with her foot to let herself in. The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated his features, accentuating the handsome contours of his face. His beard was a little longer than he usually kept it, but she rather liked it, along with his messy un-gelled hair. He had changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt, the fabric stretching deliciously across his broad chest.

Her cheeks flushed as her eyes met his, noticing his knowing smirk, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her chest. He always seemed to know when she was admiring him.

Setting the tea down on his desk, Meerab mustered the courage to voice her concern. "Do you always work this much?" Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and worry, as she observed the multitude of files spread out before him.

Murtasim met her gaze with a nod. "Thank you for the tea." He smiled, the weariness in his eyes was evident, but his determination remained steadfast. He got up then, stretching out his arms, walking around the desk to lean against it, his eyes roaming her face. "You have something to say." He guessed.

"How'd you know?"

"What do I not know about you?"

She felt a smile break out on her face at his words, but she bit down on her bottom lip to control it, remembering that she had walked into the office with a purpose.

With a hint of determination in her voice, she voiced her desire. "I want to help you with all of this."

Murtasim's expression hardened, and he gently shut her down. "You're not meant to shoulder these tasks, Meerab. You're meant to take over my mother's responsibilities, not burden yourself with my work."

Her eyes welled up with emotion, frustration mingling with her desire to be involved. "But I want to help."

Murtasim's voice grew firm as he pushed back. "I appreciate your intentions, but I can handle it."

Their voices filled the room, the air heavy with the weight of their conflicting desires.

Meerab's voice trembled with sincerity and determination as she took a step closer to Murtasim, her eyes shining with unwavering conviction. "Just listen to me for a second, Murtasim." She began, her words carrying a weight of love and understanding. "I see the man I knew change into something worse due to the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, and I want to help. Let me help you - "

"You don't need to worry about me, Meerab." Murtasim replied, even as his stern facade softened while he reached out to clasp her hands. "I can manage."

Meerab's eyes widened in disbelief as she retorted, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and affection. "YOU CAN MANAGE? You drink more tea than any man should in a day, you smell of smoke, and you look like you haven't slept for a whole year. You didn't even look at me all day." She pouted at the last part, unleashing her charm.

Murtasim's gaze softened as he stared at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Because when I start looking, all I want to do is look, and I can't afford that." He confessed, his words similar to those he had uttered before.

Her stomach sank at his words, longing to cup his face and kiss him. But she gathered her resolve and pleaded once again. "Let me help you then, so you have more time to look at me."

He laughed at that.

"Seriously."

He shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. But she knew she was one of the only people that could sway him even when he was determined about something.

She stepped closer, lowering her voice as she looked up at him and spoke. "It doesn't mean that you can't do it. I have full faith that you can handle anything. But it means you don't have to do it alone, Murtasim." She explained. "Just like I know I don't have to face things alone, that you'll be there to help me when I need it."

Murtasim took a step closer this time, closing the physical distance between them, his voice filled with a tension that she couldn't explain. "You manage everything fine. You've gotten right back into things since returning."

"Because your mother is around to help, and she has been teaching me for years. But when your dad started this, he had his brother and father to help. The business and responsibilities were a lot less then, and the world was a different place." She explained, her voice gentle yet resolute. "This all fell on you before you were ready." She took another step towards him. "Let me help, you know I can."

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them as Murtasim absorbed her words.

He sighed, his fingers rubbing the back of her hand. "I love that you care. But I want you to have the freedom to pursue your dreams, you went to law school for a reason. I don't want you to feel trapped in this world."

She gazed into his eyes, her voice filled with conviction. "You're such an idiot. My dreams involve you, you have in me a lawyer who can solve half of your problems, and I'll never try to short-change you or betray you." Not like the previous lawyer their family had, who had sold out to the Malik Family, and the one before that had been embezzling funds.

His eyes narrowed. "You wanted to practice criminal law."

"I did...but it was kind of boring. I could press through numerous court cases, but honestly, a lot of times the court that is held outside on the lawn by Maa Begum seems to help more people. I just want...change, to better the lives of the common person, and I could start that from our own people."

There was a moment of silence as their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. Murtasim's shoulders sagged, his resistance crumbling.

A soft smile graced Meerab's lips as he looked down at her, no longer holding his body upright.

Murtasim brought his forehead to rest gently against hers. "You're so stubborn." He murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of exasperation and endearment. Meerab's breath hitched as she suddenly realized the proximity between them. She could feel the warmth of his exhale against her skin as he spoke, causing goosebumps to ripple across her body, a physical manifestation of their shared intensity.

He cupped her face, his touch gentle yet possessive. His nose brushed against hers, their proximity becoming an uncharted territory for them both. They had never been this close before, and the electric tension in the air crackled with anticipation. Meerab mirrored his stance, her heart racing in her chest, for she knew that with another step, all the boundaries that had kept them at arm's length would blur into oblivion.

"Murtasim." She whispered, a shock and nervousness evident in her voice.

Murtasim's voice came as a whisper as well, his words laden with a plea. "Just a moment, Meerab. Let me have just a moment." He pleaded, his breath mingling with hers as he inhaled deeply, seemingly savoring her scent. "You still smell like roses." He confessed, his voice filled with longing and nostalgia.

As their foreheads remained delicately pressed together, Meerab could feel the rise and fall of Murtasim's breath syncing with her own. It was a quiet moment, a pause in the chaos of their demanding lives, where time seemed to stretch.

Meerab marveled at the tenderness in Murtasim's touch where he cupped her face. His palms felt warm against her skin. With each gentle stroke of his thumb, she felt a surge of need coursing through her veins.

Their noses brushed against each other, their mingling breaths creating an intoxicating blend of familiarity and anticipation. It was a delicate dance of proximity, teetering on the precipice of crossing a boundary.

The scent of Murtasim's minty cologne mixed with the subtle fragrance of roses that clung to her skin, creating a heady aroma that enveloped them both.

In that moment, Meerab's heart soared with a mix of vulnerability and longing. Every fiber of her being yearned to surrender to the magnetic force that drew them together.

Meerab's gaze lingered on Murtasim's lips, captivated by their enticing allure, she wanted to know what they felt like pressed against her own lips, she had been thinking about it for years now. Of having his lips pressed against hers, of feeling them trail down her body to places no one had ever touched.

It was like she was back at the dinner table in Karachi again, him across from her, her eyes refusing to leave his lips, wondering what it would feel like to be kissed and possessed by him.

The air crackled with anticipation as she summoned the courage to make her plea. Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried the weight of her desire as she spoke. "Kiss me." She whispered, the longing in her voice clear.

Murtasim's breath hitched at her words, his thumb instinctively tracing a gentle path along the curve of her lower lip. The intimate touch sent a wave of electrifying sensations cascading through Meerab's body, igniting her senses and heightening her longing for him.

She needed him to kiss her.

In the softest of whispers, laden with raw need, Murtasim confessed his hesitation, his thumb rubbing her lower lip as he spoke. "I don't know if I'll be able to stop at just a kiss, Meerab." His voice, thick with desire, mingled with the intoxicating atmosphere, permeating the space between them. His words carried a warning, acknowledging the irresistible pull that threatened to consume them both.

Meerab felt a shiver race down her spine. The intensity in Murtasim's voice resonated within her, stirring a craving that mirrored his own, heat rushed through her. The unspoken promise of more than just a kiss lingered in the air, begging to be acknowledged.

As Murtasim's thumb continued to caress her lips, Meerab's heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Her mind danced with images of what lay beyond that single, innocent gesture—a torrent of passion, an unruly flame threatening to consume them in its wake.

Meerab's lips trembled beneath Murtasim's touch, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she contemplated the unspoken possibilities. The weight of her decision pressed upon her, the choice to surrender to the depths of their desires or to step back, preserving the delicate balance of their current reality.

"Kiss me, I trust you," Meerab's voice trembled with a mixture of desire and unwavering faith. Her words carried not only her longing but also a sense of confidence in Murtasim's ability to respect their boundaries.

As her whisper hung in the air, the room seemed to hold its breath, their surroundings fading into insignificance. In that vulnerable moment, Meerab laid bare her trust, placing her heart in Murtasim's hands, confident that he would cherish and protect it.

Murtasim's gaze intensified, a flicker of emotions dancing in his eyes—desire, adoration, and a sense of responsibility.

Closing the small gap between them, his hands cupping her face tighter, Murtasim's lips brushed against Meerab's with a tender reverence.

Meerab felt the warmth of his lips against hers, a delicate touch that ignited a fire within her soul. His lips were so soft against her won. She could sense the restraint in his actions, their lips moving against each other's slowly.

Meerab's heart fluttered with a mixture of nervous anticipation and a deep sense of connection. It was her first kiss, a moment she had often imagined with a hint of uncertainty, fearing that she might stumble or falter in this unfamiliar territory.

But with Murtasim's lips against hers, the initial fears of inexperience melted away. The softness of his lips against hers ignited a primal instinct within her, urging her to explore and surrender to the moment. Her hands found purchase on his waist, fisting the fabric of his shirt as he kissed her.

The sensation of Murtasim's warm breath mingling with hers, the gentle pressure of his lips against hers, ignited a fire within her, filling her with a newfound confidence. As their lips molded together, Meerab discovered a natural rhythm, an instinctive motion that transcended any preconceived notions she had about her own abilities.

With a surge of confidence, Meerab responded to his tender kiss by leaning closer, her body instinctively moving in sync with his. Her lips moved against his with a gentle curiosity, guided by the unspoken language of their desires.

The world around them ceased to exist, their focus solely on the dance of their lips.

With each passing second, Meerab grew bolder, her actions guided by the unspoken language of passion and connection. The gentle exploration of their mouths deepened, fueled by a shared hunger and an unquenchable thirst for more.

Murtasim broke away first, a soft rasp leaving him as she found herself chasing his lips, wanting more. "Stop, please, Meerab." He gasped out, his voice husky with a hint of longing. His eyes, glazed with desire, pleaded for her understanding.

She wanted more, she shook her head, her eyes flickering to his lips, her own lips were tingling with the echoes of their fervent kiss. She leaned in for another kiss, her heart pounding in her chest, wanting another taste of him.

However, before their lips could meet again, Murtasim gently placed his fingers over her parted lips, halting her advance. His touch was both tender and firm, conveying a mix of longing and self-restraint.

"My self-control is barely hanging on by a thread, Meerab, don't push me right now." He whispered, his voice filled with a raw intensity. "Or you'll find yourself pressed up against the wall and I will have you." His eyes bore into hers, revealing the depth of his inner struggle. It was a moment of vulnerability and honesty, where he laid bare the extent of his desire and the challenge of resisting it.

Meerab's breath hitched at his words, she felt heat course through her body, pooling between her legs as a soft moan left her. She wasn't naïve to what his words meant despite her inexperience. A surge of emotions coursed through her veins — a potent blend of passion, frustration, and respect – as his eyes darkened at the sound she let out.

For a second, it seemed as though Murtasim would give in to the magnetic pull that drew them together. But just as the temptation hung thick in the air, he gently rested his forehead against hers, creating a tender connection that transcended the physical.

Their breaths mingled, their foreheads touching in a gesture of deep intimacy. Murtasim's touch, both soothing and bittersweet, sent a shiver down Meerab's spine. She felt the warmth of his breath against her skin, the soft brush of his lips on the tip of her nose.

Murtasim reluctantly pulled away, creating a gentle distance between them. It was an act of self-restraint.

Meerab placed a tender hand on Murtasim's cheek. Her fingertips delicately caressed his cheek, her touch a gentle reassurance of her affection. In the midst of the lingering desire that pulsed between them, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for pushing the boundaries of their self-imposed restraint. "Sorry." She whispered.

But Murtasim, his eyes filled with tenderness and understanding, shook his head gently in response. "Never be sorry, not about this."

She nodded, a smile overcoming her face.

In that moment, as they held each other's gaze, a sense of understanding enveloped them.

"Your tea must be cold." She muttered a couple of seconds later.

He nodded.

"Maybe we should have a - " She looked up at the clock in his office. "- 11pm snack for some energy to power through the paperwork?"

Murtasim nodded with a smile.

A knowing smile tugged at Meerab's lips as she took Murtasim's hand in hers, her touch gentle yet infused with a subtle playfulness.

"The house staff - " Murtasim sighed.

"Are asleep, plus I am your wife to-be." If he could sleep in the same room as her in the village house, she could walk hand-in-hand with him to the kitchen.

"Let's go." Murtasim hummed as he smiled at her.

As they made their way towards the kitchen, the dimly lit hallways of the mansion embraced them, cocooning them in a sense of familiarity and comfort, listening to their quiet conversations.

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The first rays of the morning sun cast a gentle glow through the grand windows, casting a warm embrace upon the elegant living room. If Maa Begum was surprised by the sight of Meerab and Murtasim sitting side by side on the floor in front of the coffee table of the living room, she didn't show it.

They had chosen the living room on purpose, an attempt to avoid the alluring temptation that had drawn them into each other's arms before. They had started off in the office, but in the confined space where they had shared their first kiss, they found themselves just looking at each other, so they had relocated.

Meerab watched Maa Begum move with a silent elegance, her eyes sweeping over the room, taking in the sight of them comfortably nestled together. There was a brief pause, a fleeting moment where one might have expected surprise or curiosity to flicker across her face, but she carried herself with an air of composure that belied any outward emotions as they greeted her.

Rather than asking questions, she sat on the sofa across them, watching them work on the files piled on the coffee table. It had to be clear to her that Meerab was helping Murtasim out with paperwork, but she didn't utter a word, despite having shut down any suggestions that she help her son earlier.

"What's happening here so early in the morning?" Maa Begum finally asked a couple of minutes later.

"Meerab insisted we go to sleep yesterday, so we have to finish this now." Murtasim answered nonchalantly, without looking up from the papers he was reviewing.

Meerab's cheeks tinged with a blush as she realized how intimate it sounded, telling his mother that they had been together the previous night, late enough that Meerab insisted they sleep. It had been in separate rooms much to her displeasure, but he had kissed her good night outside of her room before walking back to his.

Maa Begum hummed in understanding, a knowing smile dancing on her lips. Unexpectedly, she didn't delve deeper into their activities and instead turned to leave the room, leaving Meerab pleasantly surprised by her reaction.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Meerab turned her attention back to the papers, her focus sharpened. The blush on her cheeks gradually faded as she regained her composure, ready to complete the remaining tasks with Murtasim by her side.

Meerab, determined and meticulous, tackled the files with precision, her eyes scanning each page for details, while Murtasim provided his expertise whenever needed.

Her fingers delicately turned the pages as she reviewed the revenue reports, her brow furrowing slightly as she came across a particular entry. She glanced at Murtasim, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. "Murtasim, have we seen an increase in the rental income from the farms in the past quarter? This figure seems unusually high compared to the other quarters."

Murtasim, his gaze focused on a separate set of documents, looked up at her and nodded, his voice calm and confident. "Yes. We implemented a new irrigation system on some of the farms, which has significantly improved the yield. It's reflected in the increased rental income."

Meerab nodded, her pen poised over the document as she made a note of the explanation. Satisfied with Murtasim's response, she continued her diligent review, occasionally pausing to ask him questions, seeking his input or clarification, before earmarking it for his signature.

As they progressed through the files, Meerab's attention was drawn to a contract that seemed to deviate from the norm. She tilted her head slightly, her voice filled with curiosity, "This contract for the sale of agricultural equipment... the terms seem unusual. Did you review this?"

Murtasim leaned closer, his eyes scanning the contract as he assessed the details. After a moment of consideration, he shook his head slightly. "No, I haven't had the chance to review it yet. It seems like there might be some discrepancies. We should look into it further before proceeding."

Meerab nodded in agreement, making a note to flag the contract for further scrutiny.

The room was filled with the hushed murmurs of their discussions, the occasional scratching of pens against paper, and the rustling of documents as they meticulously reviewed each file.

As Meerab worked, she could feel Murtasim's eyes on her. She looked up at him and arched her eyebrow, but his eyes just wandered across her face. His gaze spoke volumes, revealing a mixture of affection, adoration, and a trace of longing.

She couldn't help but enjoy his lingering gaze, a tender smile gracing her lips as she replied. "Focus, Murtasim. We have work to do."

He chuckled softly, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness. "I told you, Meerab. If I start looking at you, it's hard for me to turn away."

Meerab rolled her eyes, but her heart swelled with happiness. She gently reached out, her fingertips brushing against his cheek in an affectionate gesture. Leaning in, she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "Work, Murtasim. Let's focus." With a gentle nudge, she redirected his gaze away from her and back to the papers before them.

Meerab couldn't help but feel a warm flutter in her chest as she sensed Murtasim's gaze on her once again. She turned towards him, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips, expecting a lighthearted remark or an affectionate tease.

But when her eyes met his, she was taken aback by the tenderness that radiated from his gaze. It was a look that spoke volumes, conveying a depth of emotion that left her momentarily speechless. She could see the genuine affection and admiration in his eyes, as if she were the most precious thing in his world.

"Seriously?" She chuckled, her laughter laced with a hint of surprise. She leaned in closer, her own eyes locked with his, and gently teased. "Is it that hard for you to keep your eyes off me?"

Murtasim's expression softened further, his voice barely above a whisper as he replied. "You have no idea, Meerab."

A blush crept up Meerab's cheeks, her heart skipping a beat at his heartfelt words.

Their surroundings faded into the background, the paperwork momentarily forgotten as their focus shifted to each other. Time seemed to stand still as they shared a silent exchange, the air between them brimming with unspoken affection and a burgeoning desire.

She let herself take a break, and gently traced her finger along Murtasim's forehead, her touch featherlight. She couldn't help but notice the faint lines etched on his otherwise smooth skin, evidence of the burden he carried and the weight of his responsibilities.

"You've been working too hard." She murmured, her voice filled with concern. "Look at these wrinkles."

Murtasim's eyes flickered with amusement.

"Are you calling me old?"

"Ancient." She teased. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss on his forehead, her lips lingering against his skin. "I'll give you my skincare products or people will say my husband-to-be looks old." She teased as she sat back.

He chuckled. "They're only going to talk about how handsome your future-husband is."

"Hmm, the one time you dropped Rumi and I off at university, you gathered a whole fan club." She pouted, remembering how everyone who saw him asked her who he was and if he was single. Rumi had shooed them all way while declaring him off limits.

"Jealous?" Murtasim teased.

She nodded.

"You don't need to be." He whispered, his hands cupping her face, thumb tracing her cheek tenderly.

"I know...but I am, you're mine."

He smiled at that. "All yours."

"Good."

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A/N: Let me know what y'all think! I was super excited about this chapter, hehehehe.