Rumi eagerly approached Maryam as she emerged from Murtasim's room, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Is she in there?" Rumi inquired, unable to contain her excitement. She had a hunch that Meerab might be with Murtasim somewhere in the house. She and Maryam had woken up and found her missing from her room, the sheets were untouched, meaning she hadn't slept in her bed at all the previous night.

Maryam shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "No. But bhai isn't in there either...I have a feeling they're together." She responded, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Rumi's heart skipped a beat, and a squeal of delight escaped her lips. Her intuition had been right. Meerab and Murtasim were most likely sharing a precious moment somewhere in the house, away from prying eyes. "Hai, this is so romantic, she deserves this." Rumi squealed, remembering the turmoil that her friend had put herself through in her longing for Murtasim.

"Should we leave them be?" Maryam was always much too kind and thoughtful.

She shook her head. "I'd rather we find them than your mother." Rumi was sure that Maa Begum, who she found slightly scary, would play the role of a stern matriarch tasked with keeping Murtasim and Meerab apart if she found them together so early in the morning.

Plus, Rumi would never miss a chance to tease the two of them.

With an unspoken understanding, Rumi and Maryam embarked on a search, combing through the various rooms and spaces of the house. Their anticipation grew with each passing moment, their excitement intensifying as they ventured closer to their goal.

Finally, they found themselves on the terrace, a serene haven bathed in the early morning sun. As they stepped outside, a collective gasp escaped their lips.

There, on the comfortable wicker sofa, lay Murtasim, sprawled out lazily, his body relaxed.

And nestled on top of him, her face tucked into his neck, was Meerab, their bodies entwined in a tender embrace.

The sight before her was nothing short of enchanting. Rumi's heart melted at the sight of the two people she cherished deeply, entangled in each other's arms, lost in the realm of dreams. They looked so...peaceful, holding onto each other as they were. Both of his arms wrapped around her, hands resting on the small of her back, holding her securely atop him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, one of her hands resting atop his hair, like a little kitten curled atop of a bigger puppy.

Unable to resist the urge to capture the beauty of the moment, Rumi discreetly reached for her phone and snapped a couple of pictures. She wanted to immortalize this precious sight, to have a tangible reminder of the love that radiated between the two of them.

As Rumi gazed at the image on her phone, her heart overflowed with affection. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized that she was witnessing an epic love story unfold before her eyes, a love that brought joy to everyone it touched.

"At least they're fully clothed." Maryam giggled making Rumi snort. She was honestly surprised at their restraint given the way they looked at each other.

As Rumi and Maryam exchanged playful giggles, a movement caught their attention. Meerab began to awaken, slowly pulling her face away from the warmth of Murtasim's neck. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a trace of confusion before transforming into a radiant smile that lit up her face.

Rumi couldn't help but feel a surge of joy at the sight of her friend's happiness, the smile on her face was brighter than the sun.

But Meerab's smile quickly faded into surprise when her gaze met Rumi's. The momentary shock was written across her features, her eyes widening in disbelief. It was as if she hadn't expected anyone to witness this intimate scene between her and Murtasim. Rumi couldn't contain her amusement, and a mischievous grin danced upon her lips.

Meerab attempted to sit up, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, but Murtasim let out a whiny groan, pulling her back into his embrace. His voice, filled with affection, said her name, urging her to stay. Rumi and Maryam burst into uncontrollable laughter, having never heard Murtasim speak the way he was.

The sound of their laughter seemed to break the spell, the sound reverberated across the terrace, causing both Meerab and Murtasim to jolt upright in surprise. Meerab adjusting her dupatta while Murtasim straightened his clothes out. Rumi almost felt bad for interrupting their peaceful slumber so abruptly as she watched their expressions quickly transform from contentment to sheepishness.

Rumi, still giggling, playfully arched an eyebrow and addressed them with a teasing tone. "Well, well, well, what's the meaning of this?" Her voice held a hint of mock sternness, emphasizing their amusing predicament.

Meerab and Murtasim exchanged a brief look, their eyes silently conveying their shared embarrassment. The corners of their mouths twitched, and their attempts to maintain a serious facade only made them appear more adorably petulant, akin to mischievous children caught in the act. She expected them to react more strongly to being caught red-handed.

With a mischievous grin, Rumi couldn't resist teasing them further. "I must say, you both look quite guilty there. Should we expect a full explanation for this compromising position?"

Meerab's cheeks flushed even deeper, her lips forming a playful pout. Murtasim, his gaze fixed on the ground, couldn't help but let out a sheepish chuckle. It was a charming sight, their vulnerability and lightheartedness shining through their embarrassment.

As Rumi's laughter began to subside, her eyes caught sight of something on the floor nearby. Curiosity piqued, she reached down and picked it up, realizing it was Murtasim's wallet. A grin spread across her face as she decided to have a peek inside.

With a delighted squeal, Rumi stumbled upon a small picture nestled within the wallet. It was a snapshot of Meerab, perhaps a couple of years old, her radiant smile captured in a frozen moment of candid happiness. Rumi's heart swelled with joy at the sight, she didn't know men still carried around pictures of their beloved in their wallet, it was so romantic that she felt her eyes tear up.

Her gaze shifted from the picture to Murtasim, a knowing expression passed between them. Rumi couldn't help but continue her playful charade, her voice dripping with mischief.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" She teased, waving the wallet in the air. "A little memento, hmm?"

Murtasim's eyes widened, his cheeks reddening slightly. He quickly composed himself though. "Give that back."

"What is it?" Meerab asked looking confused as Murtasim reached out in an attempt to snatch the wallet from her hand.

Sensing his intention to retrieve it, Rumi swiftly turned on her heels and darted away, laughter cascading from her lips. Murtasim gave chase, determined to reclaim his wallet, Rumi liked to believe her agility proved to be a formidable obstacle – but was sure that Murtasim's body just wasn't used to having a person sleep atop him.

With nimble footsteps, Rumi closed the distance between herself and Meerab. Wrapping her arms around her friend from behind, she held her tightly, her mischievous grin widening. In one swift motion, she thrust the wallet in front of Meerab's face, the picture of her radiant smile on full display.

"He's so in love with you!" Rumi squealed with unabashed delight, her words brimming with excitement, it was like a scene right out of a movie, but so much better.

Meerab's eyes widened as she took in the picture, her cheeks tinged with a rosy blush. A smile bloomed on Meerab's lips as she turned her head to meet Murtasim's gaze.

"Did you take this?" Meerab asked as Rumi's eyes flickered back to the picture, it looked like a picture that someone had taken from some distance, without Meerab's awareness, but with an actual camera rather than a phone due to the crisp clarity of the photo.

Murtasim nodded, his eyes flickering over Meerab's face with a warmth that bowled her over.

"Issi baat par ek sher arz hai." Rumi giggled, not being able to help herself. [I want to share a couplet.]

Meerab groaned, she wasn't a fan of her shayari.

Murtasim looked confused for he didn't know about her new obsession.

Dil mein basa hai pyar tera, ankhon mein basi hai nami, jab hi aati hai yaad teri, hum dekhte hai tasveer yeh wali." [Your love resides in my heart, a misty essence in my eyes, whenever I miss you, I behold your picture with delight.]

Murtasim gave her an unimpressed look before sighing. "You shouldn't have been named Rumi."

"That one was a lot better than her usual actually." Meerab muttered.

Rumi couldn't help but scoff at their remarks. "I don't think you two are in any position to make fun of me, especially you, Murtasim Bhai." She said, her playful tone laced with a hint of mischief. With a grin, she held up her phone, proudly displaying the captured picture of Meerab and Murtasim peacefully sleeping together.

As Rumi giggled happily at their surprise, Maryam joined in, their laughter filling the air. The sight of the two of them caught in such a tender moment had brought them immense joy. However, Rumi and Maryam saw an opportunity to have a little fun and decided to seize it.

Turning to Murtasim, Maryam took the lead in their impromptu extortion scheme. "Well, Murtasim Bhai..." Maryam began, a roguish glint in her eyes. "I think it's only fair that we receive some compensation for keeping this picture a secret. Don't you agree?"

Rumi nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, absolutely! We have a list of demands!" She declared, her playful tone mixed with a hint of mischief. "First, we want to go to the movies with unlimited snacks. And I mean unlimited, no holding back!"

Maryam chimed in, adding to the list. "We both want new sets of bangles." She said, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

"And a trip to the spa for a day of pampering." Rumi added, she deserved it.

"Plus, a shopping spree, because a girl can never have too many clothes." Maryam added, Rumi nodded for it was a great idea.

"We'll need 100,000 in cash for our little adventures...and I have another request but I'll make that in private." Rumi added.

Meerab seemed wholly amused. Murtasim, not one to back down easily, scoffed at their demands, trying to maintain his composure. "You think I'll just comply with all of that?" He asked, his tone feigning disbelief.

Maryam raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Oh, Murtasim Bhai, remember, we hold the power to expose this photo to Maa." She reminded him, a playful glint in her eyes. "If she sees this, she'll be hyper-vigilant, and you two won't get even a second alone much less a whole night. So, I suggest you think very carefully about our demands."

Murtasim sighed, realizing the weight of their words. He nodded, albeit reluctantly, acknowledging the significance of their secret. "Fine." He relented with a playful roll of his eyes.

Rumi and Maryam exchanged victorious glances before bursting into laughter once again.

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

Murtasim found himself surrounded by laughter and excitement as they stood outside the movie theater, indulging in the experience of buying snacks before the film. Rumi and Maryam, brimming with enthusiasm, were making their choices. He pretended that he was only giving in because of their ridiculous attempt at extortion, but he would have purchased everything they desired anyways.

Meerab seemed to know that because smiled up at him every time he huffed and nodded at their suggestions. She looked ethereal, his Meerab, she always did but there was something about her right then that took his breath away and made it impossible for him to look away for too long.

Her choice of a black anarkali suit accentuated her radiant complexion, making her beauty all the more striking. The way the fabric gracefully draped over her figure, highlighting her curves, was a testament to her elegance and grace. He had forgotten to breathe for a second when she first walked down the stairs, like his breath had been caught somewhere along the way by his rapidly beating heart.

His gaze lingered on her face, taking in again every detail that never failed to astound him. Her lips, stained a vibrant shade of red, invited his eyes to trace their delicate curve, remembering the way they felt against his. The contrast between her flawless skin and the bold colour of her lips only enhanced her allure, leaving him mesmerized by her beauty.

Her hair, partially pulled up, exposed the graceful curve of her neck, which Murtasim found himself instinctively drawn to. The sight of her perfect face framed by those soft tendrils made his heart skip a beat. He marveled at the way her features seemed to harmonize, creating a symphony of beauty that left him in awe.

Even amidst the bustling environment, the faint sound of her anklets reached Murtasim's ears as Meerab shifted lightly. He found himself enchanted by the melody they created, reminding him that she was always just a few steps away, and that she was his.

As the snacks were secured, Murtasim's attention shifted to the arrival of Hamza and Arslan, the latter yelling out his name loudly in greeting. He was surprised they had made it in time.

The surprise on Meerab's face was evident, and her curious voice rang out. "What are they doing here?" She asked as the two approached them.

Leaning closer to Meerab, Murtasim whispered into her ear, his voice barely audible amidst the surrounding chatter. "They were in Karachi, Rumi insisted I call Hamza. She's quite bold." He couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at Rumi's audacity as she revealed her private request to Murtasim earlier.

Meerab's snicker resonated with Murtasim, she didn't sound surprised at all.

He arched his eyebrow at her in question.

"I'll tell you later." She whispered with a smile, as they all got occupied with greeting one another.

Murtasim's eyes narrowed as Arslan threw his arm around Meerab's shoulders, casually invading the space that even he didn't invade in public. "Meerab, you look radiant." He said in greeting.

A surge of possessiveness and protectiveness welled up within Murtasim, threatening to burst forth like a volcanic eruption. He remembered the last time Arslan had done the same, back in the familiar confines of his family kitchen. The memory ignited a fierce anger within Murtasim, causing his fists to clench as he relived the raw emotions that had surged through him back then.

It was as if time had folded upon itself, bringing forth the same visceral reaction he had experienced when Arslan had dared to touch her so openly when he couldn't do so himself. The urge to unleash his anger and deliver a swift punch to Arslan's face lingered in the recesses of his mind, but he knew better than to succumb to that base instinct. Meerab, the ever-sensible and level-headed woman he adored, wouldn't approve of such primitive behavior.

Taking a deep breath, Murtasim forced himself to interpose his body between Arslan and Meerab, subtly pushing away the intruding arm that dared to touch his Meerab in the presence of unfamiliar prying eyes that would judge her and label her in just a second. The gesture was subtle yet purposeful, a silent declaration that he would not tolerate anyone infringing upon her person.

Arslan, with his customary cheeky grin, laughed at Murtasim's defensive maneuver. "I see you two have worked things out. You can thank me later."

Murtasim's smile was a mere flicker, lacking its usual warmth and genuineness, he rather liked Arslan, even though he could be obnoxious at times. A part of him knew that Arslan was only teasing him, yet the lines always blurred when it came to Meerab. "You're alive, Arslan. I suppose that's gratitude enough for now." He arched his eyebrow at the man who laughed.

Meerab's delightful giggle filled the air, a melody that Murtasim cherished with every fiber of his being. "You really want to die, huh?" She teased Arslan, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Murtasim couldn't help but grin, captivated by the beauty that radiated from her, and how easily she accepted his possessiveness.

Arslan, observing their interaction, chimed in with a raised eyebrow. "He's always been awfully possessive of you, doesn't it bother you?"

Meerab hummed thoughtfully, her gaze shifting from Arslan to Murtasim and back as she spoke. "It should bother me, shouldn't it?" She mused, her voice tinged with a touch of amusement. "But the thing is, he stays within his limits. He respects my boundaries, and I am just as, if not more, possessive of him."

Murtasim's heart swelled with joy upon hearing Meerab's words. The reassurance that she, too, held a fierce sense of ownership over their relationship brought him immeasurable happiness. With a tender smile, Murtasim reached out and gently intertwined his fingers with Meerab's, even though he knew it wasn't the best choice, they were out in public, they weren't married yet, but he couldn't help himself.

"So, if Haya had touched him?" Arslan teased.

Murtasim couldn't help but chuckle at Arslan's teasing remark, though a hint of apprehension overcame him. He was well aware of Haya's infatuation with him, a fact that the entire group was privy to, and of Meerab's dislike of their cousin.

Meerab's laughter filled the air, a sweet sound that brought warmth to Murtasim's heart. She replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I would have pulled her hair at least."

Hamza laughed as Murtasim led the way into the private theater, the quietness of the surroundings immediately obvious and distinct from the chatter outside. It was a deliberate choice on his part, having splurged on the best tickets to ensure a more intimate experience. The emptiness of the theater allowed for a sense of privacy, creating the perfect ambiance for their outing.

He looked down at Meerab and found her smiling up at him, her eyebrow raised as if saying wow. Meerab's excitement was subtle, unlike Rumi's.

"Oh Murtasim Bhai, you truly know how to set the stage for romance! Look at this adorable theater you've picked. You must have planned this just so you can cuddle with your Meerab...more than you've done already." Her words were filled with both admiration and a hint of playful mockery as she waggled her eyebrows, and Murtasim couldn't help but roll his eyes. Rumi was lucky she was so endearing or he was sure someone would have strangled her by now if she wasn't.

Arslan joined in on the laughter, apparently thoroughly entertained by Rumi's banter. Rumi turned to him, her eyes gleaming as she found a partner in her obvious attempts to tease. Her excitement was palpable, and her words spilled out with enthusiasm. "You won't believe it, Arslan! Murtasim bhai bought Meerab the most beautiful anklets. She won't take them off! And he keeps finding her wherever she is because of them. He's such a hopeless romantic, and we're all here today because of how much he LOVES Meerab. Haiiiii, when will I find a man like him?" She sighed wistfully.

Meerab's snicker caught Murtasim's attention, and he glanced down at her, curious about what had amused her. His gaze followed hers, noticing her flickering eyes shifting between Rumi and Hamza. He could sense a certain discomfort emanating from Hamza as Rumi continued to shower him with praise for his sweetness and romantic gestures.

Rumi, being impish as ever, deliberately arranged their seating order. It was Arslan, Maryam, Murtasim, Meerab, Rumi, and finally, Hamza. Murtasim took his place beside Meerab, seizing the opportunity to pull the armrest between their plush seats up, eager to be closer to her. He wasn't going to miss any chance to curl up beside her, especially in the cozy environment of the theater.

Arslan, never missing an opportunity to tease Murtasim, couldn't seem to resist making a remark. "Behen hai meri, itna mat chipko." (She's my sister, don't be so clingy.)

Murtasim rolled his eyes, playfully swatting at Arslan's comment. "Shut up, Arslan." She was going to be his wife soon, no one else was around apart from them, and those in the room already knew what Meerab meant to him.

Maryam joined in the teasing, adding her own witty remark. "You'd be surprised at how sticky they are."

Murtasim sighed, looking towards his sister. "Whose side are you on anyways?"

Maryam just shrugged with a grin on her face.

He rolled his eyes before glancing towards Meerab, whose cheeks had turned a faint shade of pink.

Thankfully, the movie started before they could tease them more.

Murtasim's attention was barely on the movie playing on the screen though. His focus was entirely on the sensation of having Meerab by his side. His arm was securely wrapped around her waist, his thumb gently caressing her side as she leaned into him, finding comfort and solace in their closeness. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he could feel her warmth seeping into his being, creating a sense of peace within him.

It was a moment he had longed for, a closeness he had yearned for during the years of Meerab's absence. The simple act of being together, of sharing such intimacy, was something he had always craved but knew he couldn't have. He was technically stealing that moment as well, yet it seemed more acceptable then than it had when he was younger.

In their teenage years, as they watched movies together, Murtasim had often imagined their own version of first dates they depicted on the silver screen. He had dreamt of holding her hand in a dark theater, stealing kisses in the moments of suspense, until both of them were left breathless and longing for more. Yet, there were restrictions on such expressions of affection, making those fantasies seemingly unattainable.

But now, in this moment, as he realized that he got to hold Meerab for two blissful hours, he realized that it surpassed any imagined first date or stolen kisses. It was the simple act of being close, of feeling her fingers playing with his, that filled him with a sense of contentment and fulfillment.

Murtasim leaned down a while later, his voice barely audible as he whispered in Meerab's ear, his warm breath seeming to send a shiver down her spine. "Rumi likes Hamza?" He asked, his curiosity piqued. He felt and heard the soft sigh she let out. She was so responsive to him, her reactions always filling him with a mixture of delight and desire. But he pushed those thoughts aside, not wanting to delve into his desire in that moment for he knew they were treading a dangerous line.

Meerab, leaned up to meet his gaze before moving closer to his ear, whispered back, her lips gently grazing his ear. A shiver ran through Murtasim's body, his senses heightened by her proximity, but he forced himself to listen to her words. "Yes, she has a crush... I think he feels the same way... why are you going to say she shouldn't?" She asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of challenge.

Murtasim shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "That would be hypocritical of me." He admitted, realizing the irony of trying to dissuade Rumi from pursuing her own feelings when he himself had fallen so deeply for Meerab...even if she had been chosen for him. He had no doubt in mind that even if that wasn't the case, he would have fallen madly and deeply in love with her regardless.

She hummed before moving her hand, feeling Meerab's hand resting on his thigh, Murtasim couldn't help but be aware of the intimate touch and the thoughts it provoked – for it was always how the dreams started. "Don't." He whispered, a gentle plea laced with restraint. He knew that allowing such intimacy would only fuel the flame of their connection, a flame that already burned too bright for his own peace of mind.

Meerab giggled softly, her laughter dancing in the air. Sensing that everyone around them was occupied, she seized a moment of privacy and pressed a tender kiss against his cheek. In response, his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to him, his face nestled in her hair. He couldn't resist the urge to place a loving kiss against the strands of her hair, savoring the sweet scent of jasmine that enveloped him.

"Look at them," Meerab whispered to Murtasim a few minutes later, her voice filled with tenderness and amusement. Murtasim followed her gaze, turning his attention towards Rumi and Hamza. He observed Rumi's animated demeanor, her head leaning close to Hamza's, their proximity evident. He couldn't help but notice the way her body trembled with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she spoke, clearly explaining something to him.

A soft smile played on Murtasim's lips as he watched Rumi. "Should I tease her about it later? As payback?" He snickered.

"Don't you dare!" Meerab hissed.

He stifled a chuckle. "She teases us a lot."

Meerab sighed. "Only a little...when he's not around."

Murtasim nodded.

"I think Hamza is jealous of how she fawns over you." Meerab muttered a while later, her voice barely audible. Murtasim shifted his gaze from the screen, directing his attention towards her. The dim light from the movie illuminated her face, highlighting the hint of mischief in her eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle softly at her observation.

"Are you not watching the movie?" He asked, his voice filled with amusement.

"Are you?" She challenged playfully, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Murtasim turned his body slightly towards her, his eyes meeting hers. With a nod, he affirmed his focus on the movie. He was lying, he was sure she knew it too.

Meerab leaned closer, her voice a mere whisper. "You've been tracing your name into my side for the past hour." She revealed, catching him off guard. A sudden warmth rushed to his cheeks as he realized what he had been doing unconsciously.

He sheepishly looked down at their intertwined bodies in the dark theater. He hadn't even realized that his fingers had been absentmindedly tracing invisible patterns on her side, a silent display of affection.

Murtasim's gaze met Meerab's once again, he chuckled quietly. "I guess I couldn't help myself. It's just... you being so close... it's hard not to touch you."

A soft, tender smile graced Meerab's face as she leaned in, her breath caressing his cheek. "I don't mind." She whispered, her words filled with warmth. "In fact, I rather like it."

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them in the dimly lit theater. Murtasim's heart raced, his mind flooded with thoughts and desires that always lingered just beneath the surface where he pushed them. He couldn't help but draw his attention to Meerab's red, enticing lips. The temptation to lean in and capture them with his own grew stronger with each passing second.

His gaze remained fixed on her lips, his mind remembering how good her lips felt against his. The intensity of his longing was almost unbearable, a constant ache that seemed to accompany their every encounter.

But as much as he wanted to give in to his desires, he held back, for they weren't alone.

She looked almost disappointed as his eyes flickered back to her eyes, which continued to move between his eyes and lips.

"We're not alone." He whispered.

She pouted and nodded. "You're a rich man..." She trailed off.

Her words confused him and he arched his eyebrow at her in question.

She leaned in, bringing her lips to his ear. "Rich enough to rent out a whole theatre again...eventually."

He held back a groan as she pulled away. "Why?" He asked.

She flushed prettily then, refusing to answer as she looked away. He filed the thought away to act on later.

He chuckled softly as they turned their attention back to the movie – which he didn't even remember the name of - their intertwined fingers and the gentle caress of his touch serving as a constant reminder of their connection and the growing affection that filled the spaces between them.

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

When they had sat down for dinner, Meerab had noticed the lingering gazes exchanged between Rumi and Hamza, coupled with the unmistakable tinge of jealousy that flickered across Hamza's face whenever Rumi showered praises on Murtasim's romantic gestures.

It was so obvious that even Murtasim picked up on all of it.

Later, as they arrived home, Hamza excused himself to take a phone call, and Meerab's attention turned towards Arslan and Rumi, who seemed engrossed in their phones, standing by the fountain in the middle of the driveway. Curiosity getting the better of her, she tiptoed closer to catch a glimpse of what they were up to.

It became apparent that they were transferring pictures between their phones.

Remembering Rumi's earlier teasing and having an inkling of what they were doing, Meerab snatched Rumi's phone and dashed away, running through the garden while scrolling through the photos.

"MEERAB! GIVE IT BACK!" Rumi pursued her, determined to reclaim her phone. "I HAVE SMALL LUNGS!" She huffed as she ran after her.

Rumi was hot on her heels despite her complaints, determined to retrieve her phone, but Meerab knew she had one advantage—Murtasim.

With a playful yell of his name, she swiftly changed direction, heading straight towards Murtasim. In one swift movement, she crashed into him, her body colliding against his, seeking his solid presence for protection. Murtasim, ever alert and quick to react, instinctively wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her close.

Together, they effortlessly maneuvered, gracefully dodging Rumi's attempts to grab her phone, both of them laughing at her attempts. Murtasim's protective stance sent a clear message to Rumi as did his words. "Leave meri Meerab alone."

Rumi, Arsalan, and Maryam all let out a loud simultaneous awwwwww at his words.

Meerab flushed as she recalled that unforgettable moment when Murtasim had affectionately called her "meri Meerab" for the first time. It was a memory etched deeply in her heart.

It had been during lively Eid celebrations during the time they were both in high school, the occasion had been filled with joyous laughter and playful cricket matches. Murtasim, always enthusiastic about the sport, had eagerly joined the game, his competitive spirit shining through with the Shah Brothers. However, fate had a different plan, and he ended up with a broken arm, a painful mishap that required surgery.

In the aftermath of the operation, as Murtasim emerged from the haze of anesthesia, his mind still clouded by the effects of the medication, he called out for meri Meerab repeatedly. His voice, laced with vulnerability and a hint of longing, murmured her name like a sweet melody.

Armaan, Hamza, and Arslan, who had been present at the hospital, hadn't been able contain their amusement. They found themselves overcome with laughter, tickled by Murtasim's dazed state and his subconscious yearning for Meerab's presence. It was a light-hearted moment amidst the seriousness of the situation, one that forever imprinted the endearment "meri Meerab" in their memories. They had always referred to her as his Meerab since even though he had barely used it after his drug-induced haze wore off.

For Meerab, that incident held a deep significance. It wasn't just the amusing circumstances that made her heart flutter; it was the realization that she occupied a special place in Murtasim's thoughts, that she was his, when he was under the influence of medication and vulnerable. Which is why she had been so confused by the distance he put between them shortly thereafter.

"Meeerabbbbbbb, give me my phone back!" The atmosphere crackled with tension as Rumi's angry outburst echoed through the air. Meerab, shaken from her nostalgic reverie, swiftly returned to the present moment. She felt a surge of adrenaline and amusement as she locked eyes with Murtasim.

Curiosity danced in Murtasim's gaze as he raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "What's on the phone?" He asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity. Meerab couldn't help but find his eagerness endearing.

A mischievous grin played on Meerab's lips as she revealed the clandestine secret she had discovered. "Apparently, Arslan and Rumi trade pictures." She divulged, her voice dripping with delight. "He takes pictures of Hamza for her in exchange for pictures of Ajiya."

The revelation hung in the air for a moment, stirring a mix of astonishment and incredulity. Murtasim's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his eyes widening as he processed the information. He couldn't help but chuckle softly, clearly amused by the unexpected revelation.

However, the situation quickly escalated as Arslan's voice boomed, denying the accusation. "WE DO NOT!" He vehemently protested, his voice carrying a hint of defensiveness. The tension between Rumi and Arslan intensified, their heated exchange of glares revealing their shared secret. Meerab wondered how long they had been working together.

Rumi swiftly snatched her phone from Meerab's grasp, shooting her a sharp glare before storming off, her footsteps echoing with frustration.

"She can't take what she dishes, can she?" Murtasim snickered.

"Not at all." Meerab muttered watching her friend stomp off. Fate seemed to have a wicked sense of humor as she unwittingly collided with Hamza, who stood nearby, visibly confused by the unfolding drama.

Concern etched across his face, Hamza reached out to steady Rumi, a touch of bewilderment in his voice as he asked. "What's wrong?" The question hung in the air, capturing the confusion and disbelief that permeated the scene.

"YOU!" Rumi exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation, as she pushed him away slightly, distancing herself. Without providing any further explanation, she turned on her heels and marched toward the house, leaving Hamza bewildered and seeking answers.

Meerab and Arsalan exchanged resigned glances, a shared understanding passing between them. "Mennnn." They both sighed simultaneously, a single word laden with meaning.