Murtasim's heart swelled with pride as he stood in the foyer, silently observing Meerab who walked around the living room. He had always admired the way she carried herself, but now, with the anklets adorning her feet, he found himself drawn to her even more. The melodious tinkling of the anklets served as a beacon, guiding him to her presence wherever she went.

The sound was distracting, drawing his attention irresistibly towards her. It was as if the anklets possessed a magnetic pull. Whether she walked, ran, or simply stood still, the tinkling sound served as a constant judge of her proximity, a reminder that she was near and that he could easily follow her like a shadow.

Lost in his admiration, Murtasim marveled at how effortlessly Meerab moved about the living room, her eyes trained on what he guessed was Maryam's assignment. She somehow managed to read it through while piping up randomly to speak with Rumi and Maryam, who were engaged in conversation about a movie they wanted to watch.

Her eyes occasionally glanced in the direction of the foyer. It was as if she knew he was there, watching her, even though he was out of sight. He wondered what gave him away, she always seemed to look up towards a door before he even entered, somehow knowing he was around.

Caught up in his thoughts, Murtasim was oblivious to the world around him until a familiar clearing of a throat interrupted his reverie. He turned to find his mother standing behind him, a knowing smile dancing on her lips.

A hint of embarrassment tinged his cheeks as he realized he had been caught in his silent adoration of Meerab.

With a playful twinkle in her eyes, his mother spoke, her voice laced with amusement. "If you're done staring at Meerab, your uncle is waiting for you... and your phone has been ringing in your pocket for a while." Her words held a gentle teasing, a reminder that his enchantment hadn't gone unnoticed.

The sound of Rumi's voice chimed in from the living room, echoing his mother's sentiment. "WE ALL HEARD IT TOO!" Rumi's playful declaration further accentuated Murtasim's momentary embarrassment.

It seemed that his infatuation with Meerab had been transparent to everyone present.

Attempting to conceal his embarrassment, Murtasim offered a nod of acknowledgment to his mother before making his way towards the door, the original purpose of his presence in the foyer resurfacing in his mind – he was heading out the door but the sound of her anklets had drawn him in like a moth to the flame.

As he walked away, he couldn't help but overhear his mother's words. "We'll have to start thinking about setting dates for their wedding now."

----------------------

"Shhhh!" Rumi hissed, her voice filled with urgency, as the three of them leaned against the wall closest to the door, their curiosity piqued by the conversation they had just overheard.

Meerab's heart soared with joy at the mention of a wedding from Maa Begum. The desire to be wed to Murtasim was like a fire burning within her, fueling her eagerness to start their life together. However, she knew that it was customary for the topic of marriage to be brought up by the elders, not by her. So, while her heart had begged for a quick union, she suppressed her own desires and had waited for someone to bring it up.

But just as quickly as her heart had swelled with joy, it deflated with a pang of disappointment when she heard Murtasim's quiet utterance. "Not yet."

Her mind raced, desperately trying to process the weight of those two simple words.

The rest of his sentence got lost in the chaos of her thoughts, leaving her hanging on the precipice of uncertainty.

Not yet.

The words echoed in her mind, resounding with a mix of confusion, doubt, and a tinge of sadness.

Meerab couldn't help but wonder if Murtasim's hesitation meant that he didn't share her eagerness to be married. It felt as though her dreams of a swift union were crashing against the reality of his reservations. The conflicting emotions swirling within her threatened to engulf her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

She was dying to be married to him, was even willing to forego all the dreams she had for her own wedding in lieu of a quick one because she was tired of staying away from him.

Did he not feel the same way?

A small part of her brain attempted to reason, reminding her that there must be a valid reason behind Murtasim's words. It tried to calm the storm of doubt and assure her that he likely had his own considerations and timing in mind. However, that part was drowned out by the louder voices of insecurity and impatience, leaving her feeling disheartened.

Even Rumi gasped in surprise at Murtasim's response. "What does he mean by 'not yet'?" Rumi's voice quivered with a mix of confusion and concern. "Did you hear what he said after?" She asked, looking to Meerab for answers as she was the closest to the door.

Meerab, lost in her own whirlwind of emotions, could only shake her head in response to Rumi's question. She hadn't registered Murtasim's words beyond "not yet." Her mind was too consumed with the fear that his reluctance meant he didn't want to marry yet.

As the front door closed, signifying the end of the conversation they had inadvertently eavesdropped on, Meerab's heart sank. Her mind raced with unanswered questions, leaving her grappling with her own impatience and the need for reassurance.

"Call him and ask him right now." Maryam suggested.

As the suggestion to call Murtasim immediately hung in the air, Meerab's emotions were in turmoil. Her heart pounded in her chest, torn between the urge to seek immediate clarity and the need to give herself some space to process her own thoughts. Maryam's suggestion seemed logical, as it would provide instant answers, but something inside Meerab compelled her to pause and reflect.

With determination, Meerab reached out and intercepted Rumi's attempt to call Murtasim. Her grip tightened around the phone, her knuckles turning white. She felt a surge of conflicting emotions, struggling to find the right words to express her inner turmoil.

"I need time to think," Meerab asserted, her voice trembling slightly. It wasn't a refusal to address the issue or a rejection of their well-intentioned advice. Rather, it was a plea for space, a moment to sort through the chaos within her own mind and heart, caused by two words.

Rumi groaned in frustration, clearly impatient with Meerab's decision to delay confrontation. The memory of their previous misunderstanding, which had nearly cost them both their lives, lingered in the air like an unspoken warning.

Meerab's gaze flickered between Rumi and Maryam. She understood their worry and appreciated their desire to prevent any further misunderstandings.

"I know I should talk to him, and I will." Meerab responded, her voice filled with gratitude. "But I need to figure things out within myself before I confront Murtasim. I don't want to jump to conclusions or act impulsively." Her words were an honest admission of her own vulnerabilities and a plea for understanding.

Rumi sighed, her frustration mingling with concern. "Just promise me that you won't let it fester for too long."

Meerab nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Rumi's words.

-------------------------

Meerab's room felt suffocating as she paced back and forth, her agitation growing with each passing moment. She had mustered the courage to reach out to Murtasim, hoping for a conversation that would alleviate her doubts and fears, but he had remained silent, unresponsive to her calls and text message.

Three calls.

And a text message to call her back.

All unanswered.

Anger bubbled within Meerab, fueling her frustration and intensifying her pacing. Her mind replayed the unanswered calls and the text message that had seemingly vanished into the void. She tried to rationalize Murtasim's silence, knowing he was likely busy, he had gone to the village after all. But he could just pick up her phone and tell her he'd call later.

"Why won't he answer?" Meerab muttered under her breath, her voice edged with irritation. She felt disappointed, as if her attempts to seek clarity had been brushed aside, leaving her alone in a sea of uncertainty.

Her pacing became more agitated, her steps quickening with each turn. The sound of her anklets made her even more angry. Why did he buy them for her if he didn't want to marry her...at least not yet. What did that even mean? Did he want to wait for a few days? A few weeks? A few months? Or a few years?

She reached for her phone, her fingers trembling with a mix of frustration and anxiety. The urge to call him once more tugged at her, a desire to demand an explanation. Her thumb hovered over his contact, the temptation to dial his number almost irresistible.

But then, a small voice of reason whispered within her. She took a deep breath, her anger mingling with a newfound resolve. She would wait for him to come back and talk to him then...maybe she'd even whack him for not answering her calls.

Setting her phone down, Meerab sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly together. She closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing, allowing the anger to subside gradually. It was a conscious effort to regain control of her emotions, to channel her energy towards finding a more constructive way to address the situation.

--------------------------------------

Her anger won over her need to be constructive.

The atmosphere around the dinner table was tense as Meerab seethed with anger. She had been waiting for Murtasim to come home, her emotions escalating with each passing minute. As he entered the room, a smile on his face and unaware of the brewing storm inside her, he glanced her way.

Confusion flashed across Murtasim's face as he took his seat at the table, likely trying to make sense of the intensity in her glare. Meerab's eyes flickered over to Rumi, who was giggling, her eyes darting between the two.

Meerab, barely able to contain her frustration, stabbed her chicken with a forceful motion, the clinking sound of the fork hitting the plate still audible over the conversation. Her gaze remained fixed on Murtasim, her eyes narrowing as she held his gaze with an unwavering intensity.

Murtasim's eyebrows raised in response to her piercing glare, curiosity and concern playing across his perfect features. She hated that her brain still wanted to fawn over him and how utterly adorable he looked when he was confused even in her anger. She forced herself to remember the missed calls and unanswered messages that fueled her anger.

Rumi's giggle persisted, though she attempted to suppress it, her amusement at the tense situation evident. Murtasim's attention briefly shifted to Rumi, a silent plea for clarification as he subtly arched his eyebrow, but Rumi just giggled and shook her head.

He turned towards Maryam then, who also shook her head at him.

He let out a cute little exasperated sigh before his mother distracted him with a conversation about an upcoming social gathering.

-------------------

The cool night air embraced Meerab as she stood on the terrace, her sanctuary during all the arguments she got into with Murtasim over the years. She had sought solace in its familiar surroundings, finding comfort in the starlit sky above. It was as if Murtasim still instinctively knew where to find her, making his way to the terrace after dinner.

"What happened, Meerab?" Murtasim's voice sounded concerned as he approached her with caution, like one would to a wounded cat.

Meerab turned her gaze away, trying to make her voice cold but she just sounded petulant. "I have no reason to talk to you." She replied, her words laced with a lingering sense of disappointment.

She knew she was being dramatic but she had tried to contact him multiple times, and he hadn't even sent her a little text. All while she had spiralled wondering why he didn't want to marry her yet.

Murtasim sighed. "Meerab, yaar, what did I do now?" He pleaded softly, his voice tinged with earnestness, the words ones he had uttered on many occasions whenever he found her miffed.

She cut him off, her words mirroring his earlier words. "I don't want to talk to you, not yet."

Another sigh escaped Murtasim's lips as he seemed to comprehended the root of her anger. "You heard me speaking to maa?"

She chose not to respond.

"Listen to me." He implored, his voice ringing with sincerity.

"Why should I?" Meerab snapped, her frustration still palpable.

"You're so goddamn stubborn!" He exclaimed, his voice laced with equal parts annoyance and desperation. "You say you trust me, but you don't." The intensity of his words hung in the air, a testament to the depth of their disagreement.

A flicker of hurt crossed Meerab's being as she met his gaze head-on. Her voice trembled slightly as she countered his accusation. "I do trust you." She emphasized each word, hoping to convey the sincerity of her belief in their bond.

But then her voice wavered, her frustration mingling with an overwhelming sense of longing. "But I am dying to get married to you." She confessed, her words laced with vulnerability. "I've loved you ever since I've known what love is, and sometimes it feels like you just don't care."

The disbelief in Murtasim's eyes was evident as he struggled to process her words. "I don't care?" He repeated.

"You don't – "

"Stop being so dense, Meerab."

Overwhelmed by her own conflicting emotions, Meerab's anguish welled up inside her, finding an outlet in a single, impulsive act. Her hand shot out, landing a soft blow against his chest. The sound of her palm connecting with his chest echoed through the night air, reverberating with her pent-up frustrations.

Hot tears streamed down her face as she unleashed her emotions, no longer able to contain the torrent of feelings that threatened to consume her.

Murtasim, caught off guard by the sudden strike, stood there for a moment, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Don't cry." He whispered, closing the distance between them, cupping her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. His touch was so gentle that it made her want to keep crying. "I hate it when you cry, a deep ache settles in my chest."

She couldn't help but snort. "That's cheesy."

He smiled at that, wiping her tears away. "Now tell me, why are you crying?"

She sniffled. "I called you five times, you didn't even pick up! I've been spiralling all day and - " She huffed, stopping short.

Murtasim's eyes met hers, his expression vulnerable, she hated those big brown eyes of his, they made him look like a wounded puppy that she wanted to hug.

"Meerab." She also hated how softly he said her name. "I would have picked up... but my phone..." He reached into his pocket, retrieving something with careful hands.

She watched as Murtasim gently presented his broken phone, its shattered screen reflecting the fragments of her dissipating anger. The realization settled within her, and her shoulders slumped with relief and embarrassment. A wave of guilt washed over her, realizing she may have overreacted without knowing the full story.

The weight of her initial anger suddenly seemed disproportionate, and she found herself struggling to admit her overreaction. A sense of vulnerability washed over her as she contemplated the consequences of her actions.

As she looked at his wide, earnest eyes, her voice softened, carrying a hint of remorse. "I... I'm sorry, I overreacted." She mumbled, her gaze fixated on the broken phone in Murtasim's hand. It was an admission tinged with both humility and an eagerness to bridge the divide that had formed between them.

Murtasim's expression softened. He set the broken phone aside, taking a step closer to her. His voice was gentle as he spoke. "Did you hear all of what I said to maa?"

She shook her head.

Murtasim's hands sought the contours of Meerab's face, his touch a blend of urgency and tenderness. With a firm yet gentle grasp, he pulled her closer, their bodies inching towards each other. She rested her hands on his chest, his heart beating away under her hands as their lips collided in a searing kiss, igniting a whirlwind of sensations that consumed her.

Their mouths moved in a passionate dance, lips melding and parting with an undeniable hunger. Murtasim's tongue traced the outline of Meerab's lips, seeking entrance, and as she instinctively granted it, a surge of electricity coursed through her body.

Meerab could feel the brush of his velvety tongue against hers, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers, creating an intoxicating concoction that sent shivers down her spine. In the midst of their intense embrace, their bodies spoke a language of their own. The arching of their backs, the brush of their fingertips against each other's skin, all communicated an insatiable hunger for closeness. Their breaths mingled, hot and ragged, punctuating the air with a symphony of desire.

As they reluctantly pulled apart, their foreheads came to rest against each other, their labored breaths intermingling in a shared moment of sheer vulnerability. Murtasim's voice, a mere whisper against her skin, filled the silence. "I love you. I want to do this properly."

Meerab's heart ached with both frustration and affection as she muttered, her voice laced with a hint of playful reproach. "By kissing me like this and not marrying me?" The words tumbled out.

He moved his forehead slightly back before moving closer again, as if he was tapping his forehead against hers. He sighed, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them. "I couldn't resist that." He admitted, his voice filled with unbridled desire.

She hummed softly, her eyes fixed on his lips, an unspoken invitation for him to continue. She yearned to be kissed until the world faded away, until her breath was stolen from her lungs, consumed by the passion they shared.

"Don't look at me like that, please. Just listen to me." He pleaded.

She nodded, remembering that they had been having a rather important conversation.

"You were chosen for me." He began, his voice filled with adoration. "But you're also the woman I love." Each word dripped with sincerity. "One whose eyes light up when she's watching a woman being proposed to on the screen, one who would feel robbed if my mother was to bring up marriage and start rolling with it."

Her mind absorbed his words, processing the truth they held. It was true; she would initially brush off the notion, but then her thoughts would wander, imagining the joy of being proposed to, of having that moment of surprise and delight. A faint nod escaped her, her silent agreement echoing through the night air. "Sometimes you know me better than I do." She whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with deep affection.

A smile tugged at Murtasim's lips. "I just told her to wait until I could propose to you."

"Oh...I didn't hear that part."

He laughed. "Of course you didn't, your mind takes flight as soon as you hear one thing."

She pouted.

"But I understand." He whispered.

"I ruined the surprise."

He chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with affection. "You'll still be surprised." He assured her, his tone holding a note of mischievousness.

Meerab's voice trembled with sincerity as she spoke, her eyes locked with Murtasim's. "You know, I don't need anything elaborate... just you." She whispered.

Murtasim's gaze softened. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw, as if etching her features into his memory. "I know." He replied, his voice filled with a tender warmth. "But I want to give you the world, every little thing you've ever wanted."

His words hung in the air, echoing with a promise that she believed wholeheartedly for he had always been the one who fulfilled her dreams or fought for them, who made her heart sing with joy.

The night air wrapped around them, caressing their skin with a gentle breeze as they stood on the terrace, with smiles on their faces.

Murtasim leaned in closer to Meerab, his warm breath tickling her ear as he spoke. "We should go inside."

She hesitated, wanting to prolong their time together, knowing that going inside meant they had to go to their own rooms. With a longing in her heart, she shook her head while pouting up at him, her hair swaying around her face. "Can we stay here, just the two of us?" She murmured, her voice filled with a quiet plea.

Murtasim's gaze softened, captivated by her request. He nodded, a tender smile gracing his lips, and gently guided her towards the comfortable outdoor sofa set placed on the terrace.

A sense of joy washed over Meerab, and she couldn't help but squeal happily as Murtasim's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his lap while he sat down. She willingly turned, positioning herself sideways on his lap. Her back leaned against the sofa arm, allowing her to gaze into his eyes, soaking in every detail of his handsome face.

"What are you going to say if Maa Begum comes and finds me sitting in your lap?" She teased him.

"That I am protecting Meerab from ghosts." He grinned, his eyes lighting up with delight.

Her giggles echoed through the night air, his words reminding her of what he always said when Maa Begum found him in her room on the mornings when the lights went out during the night. It reminded her of the innocence and comfort she had found in his presence, trusting him to chase anything that lingered in the darkness away.

"I don't think she's going to buy that anymore." She teased, her heart thumping at the way he smiled at her.

There were two smiles that Murtasim possessed, she realized. The first was the one he wore like a mask, the pleasant smile he effortlessly displayed to the world. It was a smile designed to appease and put others at ease. It was a smile that served its purpose, but it didn't hold the same genuine warmth that she craved.

But it was the second smile, the one reserved for the people he loved, that truly ignited her heart. It was the smile that seemed to originate from the depths of his soul, a smile that reached his eyes and set them ablaze with an undeniable joy. It was a smile that had the power to light up his entire face, revealing the true essence of his being.

As his lips curved upward, she felt her heart skip a beat. The sight of that genuine smile, so full of affection and adoration, was a balm to her soul. It brought a rush of emotions flooding through her, reminding her of the countless moments they had shared, the laughter they had exchanged, and the love that had blossomed between them.

In that instant, Meerab realized just how much she had missed that smile. It held a special place in her heart.

"I don't think she's going to buy that anymore." She playfully reiterated, her voice laced with a tender fondness. Her pulse quickened, as she eagerly soaked in the sight of one corner of his lip pulling up a little more. The soft glow of lights highlighted the contours of his features, casting a gentle radiance upon him. Meerab couldn't help but let her fingers lightly trace the lines of his face, her fingertips trailing across his skin and beard.

Giggles danced on Meerab's lips as she playfully traced her finger along the contours of Murtasim's lips, savoring the electric thrill that coursed through her veins. Her touch was light, almost teasing, as if she was inviting him to partake in her childishness. And true to form, Murtasim didn't disappoint.

As her finger danced along his lips, his eyes sparkled with mischief, a mischievous glimmer that never failed to draw her deeper into their playful connection. He feigned a nibble, pretending to catch her finger between his teeth, his gaze filled with a potent blend of desire and playful charm.

The air crackled with joy as their gazes locked, both fully engaged in a shared playfulness. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them on that terrace, enveloped in a cocoon of unspoken desires and unfiltered affection.

"Close your eyes," Meerab whispered.

But Murtasim shook his head, refusing to comply with her request. His gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"Why?" She inquired, curious about his resistance.

"I like looking at you." He whispered, his voice carrying a softness that caused a blush to bloom on her cheeks. He was utterly adorable with his unwavering gaze and heartfelt words.

"Interestinggggg." Meerab replied playfully, her fingers gently caressing the contours of his jaw. She delighted in the sensation of his stubble against her fingertips, relishing in the juxtaposition of its roughness and softness. With a boldness she had long yearned for, she nuzzled her cheek against his, a contented laugh escaping her lips as the tickling sensation of his beard tickled her cheek.

Pulling back slightly, she confessed. "I've wanted to do that for a really long time...since that night in Karachi." It was the first time she had seen him with a full-beard that begged to be touched, she had wondered what it would feel like against her fingers and her face, even how it would feel as she kissed him.

His smile in response warmed her heart, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for this man who stirred her soul.

A sudden shift in his movements caught her by surprise as he leaned in to nuzzle her neck. A moan escaped her lips, a mixture of delight and ticklishness, as his lips brushed against her collarbone, sending a shiver down her spine. She relished the feel of his kisses, each one igniting a spark within her.

At the base of her neck, he placed an open-mouthed kiss, and a soft gasp escaped her once more. The sensations overwhelmed her, and she found solace in the embrace of his hair, tangling her fingers in it as she held him close.

"I've wanted to do this for even longer, but especially then...your kameez had a deeper neckline than usual." He murmured against her neck, his warm breath sending shivers through her body. He continued to lavish attention on the sensitive skin, causing her to let out little sounds. She could feel the curve of his lips forming a smile against her neck at every sound that left her mouth.

Meerab gently pushed him away. "You're distracting me, mister." She whispered, a playful smile adorning her face. She wanted to explore further before the distraction of his lips against hers consumed her thoughts. Her fingertips traced the line of his jaw, starting from the base of his right ear, caressing every contour until reaching his chin, and then ascending to the other side.

Rising to her knees, Meerab straddled him, her knees on either side of his thighs, as she positioned herself to continue her exploration. Murtasim's eyes widened a little at her action, but his arms quickly found their way around her waist, hands resting on her lower back, the touch seemingly burning her through her kameez.

Throughout their time together, Meerab had always admired Murtasim from a distance. She knew his face, every contour and every feature, as if it were etched into her memory. She could recount the stories behind each scar that graced his skin. But despite her familiarity with his appearance, she had never been this close to him, never had the privilege of feeling the warmth of his skin under her fingertips.

Now, as she straddled his lap on the terrace, it was as if an invisible barrier had dissolved, granting her the permission she had longed for to explore the depths of his face with her tender touch. With an intoxicating mix of excitement and reverence, her fingers continued to trace the contours of his face, mapping every line and curve as if discovering a cherished treasure. The softness of his skin beneath her fingertips sent an electric current through her, igniting a longing she had suppressed for far too long.

She marveled at the details that had previously eluded her, the tiny imperfections that made him all the more captivating. Her touch danced across his jawline, following the path of his stubble with a delicate grace. Each stroke evoked a thrill within her, a sense of intimacy that surpassed all previous encounters. It was a privilege she had yearned for, to let her fingers wander freely and unabashedly, as if claiming the right to explore the contours of his face, his very essence.

As she continued her exploration, she couldn't help but revel in the pleasure of witnessing his reactions. With each caress, each gentle brush against his skin, she felt a deeper connection forming between them. His eyes were like molten lava, looking at her with so much love and desire. The little breaths and sighs that left him fueled her own hunger for more.

As she traced the shell of his ear, a soft moan filled the air, a deep, seductive rumble that sent a delicious ache coursing through her stomach. The realization that his ear was sensitive only heightened her desire to please him. She blew a gentle breath against his ear before daringly placing a kiss against it, eliciting a groan from him as his hands tightened around her lower back.

Pulling away slightly, she looked at him with a mischievous smile before playfully tapping his nose.

Murtasim's laughter resonated through the air as Meerab's fingers traced the expanse of his forehead, lightly gliding over the contours of his skin.

The sound of his laughter was music to her ears, a melodious symphony that filled the space between them. With a playful glint in her eyes, Meerab couldn't resist teasing him about his workaholic tendencies. "See, this is how you should spend your evenings rather than holed up in the office." She remarked.

She yearned for more moments like these, where they could simply revel in each other's company.

Murtasim chuckled, the sound warm and infectious. "We'd go broke if I just did this all the time." He replied, the corners of his eyes crinkling with mirth. There was a hint of truth in his words, a reminder of the responsibilities they both carried.

A wistful sigh escaped Meerab's lips as she pondered the idea of a life filled with leisurely evenings spent wrapped in the warmth of their love. "Fine, we can split the days into work days and relaxing days." She proposed.

Murtasim's hum of agreement filled the air, resonating with a sense of appreciation for her suggestion. "Meri Meerab is a genius." He murmured, his words a sweet declaration of admiration and affection.

"I am glad you know that." She quipped. Their laughter mingled with the soft breeze, creating a harmonious symphony that echoed their shared joy.

She sighed, suddenly remembering the important question she needed to ask him, for she knew that going through him was the only way to get Maa Begum to agree to their request.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she extended her hand and let her fingertips lightly graze his chest. Her touch was feather-light, barely grazing his skin, as if teasing him with a tantalizing promise.

Slowly, she allowed her fingers to crawl upward, tracing a teasing path along the contours of his chest over his shirt. Her touch was gentle yet deliberate, her fingertips caressing his skin in a playful dance. Each stroke left a trail of electrifying sensation in its wake, igniting a flicker of desire within them both.

Meerab delighted in the way his muscles reacted beneath her touch, the slight shiver that coursed through his body. She reveled in the knowledge that she held this power to captivate him, to elicit these subtle yet intoxicating responses.

"Can we go to the movies? Rumi and Maryam want to go...so I think we all should." She suggested, nonchalantly. Her fingers continued their playful exploration, rising and falling in a rhythmic pattern as she spoke.

A teasing smile danced across Murtasim's lips as he responded, "Ah, so not a date then?" His tone was laced with gentle humor.

She raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Shouldn't you be asking me on one?" She retorted, challenging him.

Murtasim's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Touché." He conceded, acknowledging her point with a lighthearted nod.

Meerab leaned closer to Murtasim, her lips forming an irresistible pout. She used every ounce of her charm, cupping his face with her hands, and placing a tender peck on his lips before making her request.

Her voice carried a playful tone as she uttered her plea. "Will you take us, please?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, a glimmer of mischief adding to her appeal. She knew the power she held over him, and she intended to use it to her advantage.

Murtasim's resistance crumbled beneath the weight of her charm, and he found himself nodding in agreement, unable to deny her request. But a sigh escaped his lips, a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "You're really dangerous, you know." He remarked, his voice laced with both admiration and a hint of caution.

"How?" She tilted her head innocently.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you don't know the power you hold over me, Meerab. It takes just a look or a word and all my defenses melt down."

She knew he was teasing, but there was a glimmer of truth in his remark.

She leaned in closer, her gaze locked with his, and tilted her head to the side in mock innocence. "Is that a bad thing?" She asked, her voice carrying a hint of mischief and genuine curiosity. Her fingers played with the collar of his shirt, tracing light patterns along his chest, their touch laden with both tenderness and a subtle hint of seduction.

Murtasim's eyes softened as he met her gaze, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "I guess not, as long as I get amply awarded for giving in."

She giggled at that. "Oh really?" Her fingers lightly trailed down his chest.

Murtasim hummed in response, his voice carrying a hint of seductive allure. "We can start with plenty of kisses." he suggested, his words drawing a blush to her cheeks. The mere thought of his lips pressed against hers sent a wave of warmth coursing through her body.

She bit her lower lip, feeling a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability. "You keep pulling away." She muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of longing. She wanted nothing more than to surrender to the intoxicating desire that swirled between them, but it seemed that Murtasim's self-control kept him from fully succumbing to the moment.

His voice, low and husky, reached her ears, causing her pulse to quicken. "Because you drive me crazy, Meerab." He admitted, his words a testament to the raw desire that coursed through his veins. "Even in this moment, I am so close to snapping."

As the words washed over Meerab, a pang of desire surged through her veins, igniting a flame of longing within her. The intimate position they found themselves in, with her straddling him, heightened the intensity of their connection. Her body, attuned to every subtle movement, pressed against his, and she could feel the heat radiating between them.

She could feel the warmth of his thighs beneath her, the contours of his body fitting perfectly against hers, as if they were two puzzle pieces meant to be joined.

Her heart skipped a beat, a surge of desire mingling with the vulnerability that had taken hold of her. She could feel the intensity of his longing, mirrored by her own, as they danced on the precipice of passion.

A silent understanding passed between them, their eyes locked in an unspoken agreement. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, the promise of their desires hovering just out of reach. They both knew that when they finally allowed themselves to surrender to the overwhelming attraction, it would be an explosion of emotions, an unbridled union that would leave them breathless and entwined in each other's arms.

But for now, they relished in the tantalizing tension, the magnetic pull drawing them closer, their bodies yearning for the connection they both craved. The moment was charged with a potent blend of desire, vulnerability, and a deep-seated love that only grew stronger with each passing day.

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A/N: This chapter got away from me, it was supposed to be short and sweet and then Meerab demanded more cuteness, haha. Let me know what you think!