Maryam knew a lot about her brother, and one of the things she knew was that his mind became almost impossible to change once he decided on something.

Yet, there was one person who always managed to sway him easily.

Meerab had always held a power over Murtasim. Even as children, when they wanted Murtasim to help them with something, it was always Meerab who approached him, for Murtasim could say no to anyone but her. Even in the off chance he said no, she only had to pout or beg, and he melted like ice-cream on a hot day.

Maryam wasn't the only one that knew that.

It seemed like her mother did too, for she looked to Meerab and arched her eyebrow when Murtasim insisted he did not want to attend a walima of a family friend, and that he would send his congratulations alone.

Maryam held back a smile as Meerab nodded inconspicuously as Maa Begum left the room.

Seizing the opportunity, Meerab picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Murtasim, expertly adding half a spoon of sugar, just the way he liked it, before hanging it to him. Her smile radiated warmth and affection, enchanting him with every glance. It was a smile that could melt even the hardest of hearts, particularly the one that loved her most.

Meerab sighed as Murtasim took a sip of his tea, a genuine smile formed on his lips, he seemed pleased by its taste. Meerab's voice filled with a longing that Maryam knew would tug at Murtasim's heartstrings. "I haven't been to a wedding in so long."

Maryam couldn't resist smacking Rumi discreetly, silently warning her not to interrupt the precious moment unfolding before them.

"I want to go...you should come, please?" Meerab asked softly, her eyes widening and lips pulling into a subtle pout.

Murtasim's gaze softened as he looked at Meerab, seemingly captivated by her. He appeared smitten, his eyes reflecting tenderness, and his parted lips hinting at unsaid words of adoration.

Meerab leaned closer, her eyes widening and her lips forming a subtle pout. Maryam fought back laughter, relishing in the way her brother's face melted into a lovestruck expression. "Please, Murtasim?" Meerab added, her voice gentle and coaxing.

Maryam watched as her brother took another sip before nodding. "Fine."

A mischievous snicker escaped Rumi's lips, drawing Murtasim's attention.

His eyes widened, as if he had only just realized the presence of others at the table.

His gaze landed on Rumi, then shifted to Meerab. "You set me up!" He accused, his eyes dancing with surprise. "I am not coming!" He declared, standing up abruptly and making his way out of the room.

"Rumiiii." Meerab let out a whine, shooting Rumi a playful glare before hastily rising from her seat and chasing after Murtasim.

The sound of their footsteps echoed through the hallway as they disappeared from sight.

Left behind, Maryam whacked Rumi's arm, wishing she had stayed silent for another few seconds.

"She's going to convince him anyways." Rumi remarked casually, all of them knowing all too well the power Meerab held over her brother's heart.

---------

Meerab's heart raced as she followed Murtasim out of the dining room, her hand reaching out to grab his warm one, halting him in his tracks. She looked up at him, her eyes pleading, silently begging him to understand.

Murtasim raised an eyebrow, a silent question etched on his face.

"I really want us to go, and for you to come with us." She said, her voice barely audible yet laced with a plea that resonated within her soul.

"Why?" Murtasim's voice carried a genuine sense of curiosity as he sought to understand her motives. In her mind, Meerab pondered the truth, the raw yearning that pulsed within her. She loved the intensity of his gaze, the way his eyes lit up when he saw her dressed up, but she hesitated to reveal her innermost thoughts.

Summoning her playful side, she decided to share a more lighthearted reason. "Haya will be there, and someone has to stop me from killing her." She quipped, referring to their cousin who harbored an immense crush on Murtasim, she acted like Murtasim and her were meant to be, giggling annoyingly whenever his name came up.

A smile tugged at the corners of Meerab's lips, masking the vulnerability that lay beneath her playful façade.

"I don't know what your problem is with her." Murtasim replied, his voice tinged with a hint of teasing.

"She is obsessed with you." Meerab pouted, she was awfully possessive of Murtasim, always had been, no one had been allowed to be his wife when they played house as children.

Murtasim's response was pointed and direct. "And I don't care for her even a bit."

Meerab whined petulantly, her lower lip jutting out in a playful pout. "But she cares. She needs to keep her eyes off what's mine." Meerab protested, her voice carrying a hint of stubbornness.

A mischievous grin danced upon Murtasim's lips, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yours?" He questioned teasingly, his voice laced with playful skepticism. His response caught her off guard, fueling a mix of emotions within her.

"Are you not?" Meerab raised an eyebrow, her voice filled with a hint of challenge. She knew he was just teasing her for he had said that he was hers just days ago, without a moment's hesitation.

Murtasim shrugged teasingly, his playful demeanor annoying her in that moment. "Am I?" He inquired, his words laced with a playful ambiguity.

She had forgotten how much she both loved and hated his teasing.

Meerab's glare intensified, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. Feeling miffed at his refusal to go to the wedding and his refusal to say that he was hers, she felt that famous Khan anger flare up within her, her mind clouded. "Fine! I'll find someone else to stick to then. Go to hell!" She exclaimed, her voice biting.

With that, she turned on her heels, stomping away in a display of defiance.

He had the audacity to laugh as she did.

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

Murtasim had finally relented and agreed to attend the wedding, she was sure it was because of her glaring. His agreement had sent the whole house into a flurry of selecting outfits and preparing for the occasion.

In the midst of the preparations, Meerab found herself caught up in Rumi and Maryam's demand. They had insisted that Murtasim buy them bangles as a condition for keeping the picture of the two of them asleep together on the terrace a secret. Although she was still miffed at Murtasim's teasing, they pleaded with her to join them for the shopping trip and she had never been able to resist their pouting.

As they made their way to the car, Murtasim gallantly opened the front door of the black Mercedes for her, but Meerab chose to ignore him, silently expressing her lingering annoyance at his teasing.

She purposefully took a seat in the back, sliding in behind Rumi, a defiant gesture that elicited a sigh from Murtasim. "Your nakhre will kill me one day." He remarked, his voice filled with both exasperation and amusement.

"I hear someone talking, but they're not mine, so I can't make out their words." She mused, a touch of wistfulness tingeing her voice.

Rumi snickered. "You two are like a little kitten and puppy, I swear!" She squealed as she whacked Meerab's arm playfully, giggling.

Murtasim cleared his throat, causing her to glance in his direction. He then turned his gaze towards Rumi, addressing her in a playful tone. "Tell meri Meerab that we are not going anywhere if she doesn't sit in the front seat, where she's meant to be."

Rumi all but pushed Meerab out of the car, insisting that she take her rightful place. "He always calls you meri Meerab, what more do you want?!" Rumi said as she pushed her out the back door.

As Meerab reluctantly complied, she couldn't help but notice the amusement dancing in Murtasim's eyes. Her anger simmered beneath the surface, knowing deep down that she was being childish, but unable to resist the urge to pout as Mariam got into the backseat she had just vacated.

Mariam whispered something to Rumi who giggled and nodded.

As Meerab settled into the plush black Mercedes, Murtasim got into the driver seat, his question broke the silence. "Still angry?" He inquired, his voice laced with a hint of teasing like he found her displeasure to be amusing.

A surge of frustration welled up within Meerab at his question. "Why would I be angry?" She muttered, her tone petulant. The memory of his refusal to admit that he was hers resurfaced in her mind, as if to remind her why she was angry. "It's not like I have any right over you." She added.

In the backseat, Rumi and Mariam giggled, their innocent laughter adding a touch of lightness to the tense atmosphere. Meerab cast a brief glance at the mischievous duo, her expression pleading for a moment of privacy.

"Can you two please give us a moment?" Murtasim implored.

"WHYYY? I WANT TO HEAR IT TOO!" Rumi whined, determined not to be left out of the conversation.

Murtasim intervened, using his negotiating skills to strike a deal. "I'll buy you any number of bangles if you give us five minutes." He offered, his voice filled with a touch of indulgence. Meerab had to stifle a smile at how sweet he was.

"Pleaseeeeeee." Rumi whined. "You always say the cutest things and Meerab butchers the delivery when she tells me after, let's cut out the middle-woman."

"Rumi." Murtasim's voice left no room for argument.

Maryam seized the opportunity to add her own condition. "Make it that you'll buy us anything." She suggested, eager to maximize the reward.

"Done. Within reason, nothing over 1 lakh."

"Deal." With the terms settled, Maryam opened the car door and began pulling Rumi out while she continued to whine.

"Twenty steps away from the car, Maryam." Murtasim requested, likely knowing that Rumi would press her face against the window or something as equally ridiculous.

Murtasim's gaze softened as the door closed, and he reached out to gently grab her hand. "Meerab, yaar, I was just teasing." He affirmed, his voice filled with sincerity.

Despite his heartfelt words, Meerab couldn't shake off the lingering resentment. "You don't have to marry me if you don't want to, you know." She snapped, her tone laced with stubbornness. "Islam gives both of us the right to wed by choice, so you can belong to whoever you want."

"Meerab." Murtasim's voice held a hint of exasperation, his patience wearing thin.

But before he could respond, Meerab interjected, her voice laced with defiance. "You didn't say you were mine." She challenged, her hurt evident. "Maybe I'll find someone at the wedding..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of bitterness tainting her words.

Murtasim's expression hardened. "If you want me to murder a man, then go right ahead." He quipped, his words laced with possessiveness.

Meerab's heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his eyes.

"Possessive for a man who claims he isn't mine." Meerab retorted, a trace of teasing lacing her voice.

"I don't go around gifting anklets to just anyone, or let other women sit in the front seat of my car." Murtasim stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

The memory of Haya receiving a gift from him resurfaced, and Meerab couldn't help but let her jealousy taint her response. "You gifted choodiyan to Haya!" She accused.

Murtasim let out a weary sigh, his frustration evident. "She begged for them—it was four years ago!" He explained, hoping to appease her.

But the reminder of Haya's actions and her continuous flaunting of the gift struck a nerve within Meerab. "She still wears them and shoves her arm in my face to tell me you bought them for her." Meerab lamented, her voice tinged with insecurity.

Murtasim's eyes met hers, a touch of impatience coloring his features. "Show her everything I've gotten you then, including all the choodiyan I will buy you today." He challenged, his words a silent dare.

"Stay away from Haya, and don't you dare buy her something again." Meerab snapped, her voice filled with possessiveness.

A chuckle escaped Murtasim's lips, though he acquiesced, saying, "Okay."

Meerab wasn't fully convinced of his compliance and pressed further, her voice firm. "I mean it, Murtasim." She insisted, seeking his unwavering assurance.

"Okay." Murtasim repeated, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

"Did you...buy Zara choodiyan?" Meerab's voice carried a hint of curiosity.

Murtasim's response was immediate, denying any involvement. "I have never even bought her a candy, much less choodiyan." He replied with conviction, his words holding an air of honesty.

A soft hum escaped Meerab's lips. The thought of Murtasim showering someone else with gifts, even something as small as bangles, stirred a twinge of jealousy within her.

"Were you always this jealous?" Murtasim questioned, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.

Meerab's glare intensified, her eyes locking onto his. "It's your fault." She retorted, her voice laced with a hint of accusation.

Confusion flickered across Murtasim's face as he sought to understand her perspective. "My fault? How?" He inquired, his voice soft yet filled with a desire to comprehend her emotions.

Her response came in a whisper, as if the admission was a vulnerability she hesitated to reveal. "You ignored me for years, and now I am insecure." She muttered, her words barely audible. She had spent so long spiralling and wondering if he even liked her that the thoughts always popped up in her mind even though she knew they were pointless.

Murtasim let out a quiet sigh, his eyes reflecting regret and understanding. "You were adamant about law school..." He began, his voice filled with empathy. "I know you well enough to know you would hate to be married so young..." His voice trailed off.

She sighed. "I don't know why I reacted the way I did...I know you were teasing but - "

Murtasim interrupted her. "I want you to know, Meerab..." He began, his voice steady and filled with conviction, "...that you have always been mine, and I have always been yours, even before we knew it ourselves. I thought it was impossible to love you more than I feel like I fall more in love with you every day." Murtasim continued, his voice filled with unwavering devotion. "You are the center of my universe, and you always will be, until my last breath." Murtasim declared, his voice filled with a fierce determination.

Meerab's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her heart swelling with joy, she knew everything he had uttered in her heart but her brain seemed to need the constant reassurance.

She squeezed his hand. "Oh." Tears cascaded down Meerab's cheeks as she absorbed his heartfelt declaration.

"That's it, just oh?" He teased as they held each other's gaze.

"I am momentarily stunned." The overwhelming surge of emotions made it difficult to find the right words to express the depth of what she felt.

A soft smile played on Murtasim's lips as he tenderly wiped away her tears with his thumb. The touch of his hand against her cheek sent shivers of warmth through her entire being, grounding her in the present moment.

"I love you." She whispered.

He hummed happily. "And I love you...and your nakhre."

In a tender, intimate gesture, Murtasim leaned closer, bridging the small distance that separated them. His warm hand cradled Meerab's face, his touch sending a cascade of electric currents through her being.

Their breaths mingled, and with a gentle brush of his lips against hers, their lips connected in a sweet, lingering kiss. Meerab's heart soared with each delicate press of their lips, the softness and tenderness of the moment enveloping her in a cocoon of pure bliss.

He pulled away much too soon, their foreheads rested against each other, their eyes locked in an unbreakable gaze. For once, she didn't feel the need to chase his lips, she was content with the chaste peck that spoke to her soul as the warmth of Murtasim's touch lingered on her face.

"WHY ARE THE WINDOWS TINTED?" They both heard Rumi yell despite all the windows being rolled up and burst out into laughter as they pulled away.

"It's like we have children already." Murtasim unlocked the door, Rumi threw the door open right away. "Just get in Rumi." Murtasim sighed.

Meerab giggled.

"Ooooh, she's giggling, I see everything is okay then." Rumi sang as she jumped into the car, followed by Maryam.

Meerab's eyes flickered back to her friend and she mouthed shut up please to her. But she was sure her smile gave her away because Rumi let out a loud haiiiiiii.

The car moved, pulling out of the driveway amidst Rumi's whining of not being able to see anything and demanding to know how they had made up. Meerab had turned her body towards Rumi, teasing her about her endless energy, and giggling when the mention of Hamza being at the walima they were set to attend shut her up.

As they idled at a red light, Meerab's attention was drawn to a soft knock on the window. As Murtasim rolled it down, she turned around to see two children selling gajre, delicate flower garlands for adorning the wrists, standing outside her window.

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she looked at the young ones, their innocent eyes filled with hope and determination. The girl must have been only four, and the boy looked no older than seven himself.

The little boy, with an air of confidence, spoke up as the window rolled down completely, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "Buy gajre for your wife, she'll love them." He proclaimed, speaking directly to Murtasim, causing her to turn to him, her eyes wide.

Murtasim nodded, his eyes meeting Meerab's briefly, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her.

The little boy carefully extended two garlands of gajre to Meerab, his tiny hands holding the delicate strands of white and red flowers. Meerab's eyes widened with delight as she accepted the offering, marveling at the intricate beauty of the blooms. The white flowers glowed ethereally against the backdrop of her hand, their pristine petals evoking a sense of purity and grace. Intertwined with them were vibrant red blossoms, adding a touch of passion and ardor to the fragrant creation.

"These are so pretty, who made them?" She asked the young boy.

"Our mama."

"Tell her I said thank you." Meerab smiled, bringing the garlands closer, she inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet, intoxicating aroma that wafted from the gajre. The mingling scents of jasmine and roses enveloped her senses, creating a symphony of floral notes that instantly transported her to a garden of enchantment. The soft petals brushed against her fingertips, their velvety touch leaving a lingering sensation of nature's gentle caress.

The little girl giggled and Meerab looked over to see her watching her with a smile on her face.

"My wife is pretty, isn't she?" Murtasim asked playfully, causing both children to nod enthusiastically, their innocent affirmation filling the car with a sense of delight – which was mostly the loud aww that Rumi and Maryam let out.

Meerab's heart fluttered at Murtasim's playful words, a mixture of surprise and joy coursing through her. She couldn't help but feel a blush rise to her cheeks, a warmth spreading across her face as his endearing statement echoed in her ears. Even though they were not officially married yet, the affectionate way he referred to her as his wife made her heart skip a beat, igniting a flicker of anticipation within her.

Unable to resist the charm of the moment, Meerab requested two additional sets of gajre for Maryam and Rumi, the two of them were squealing in the background much too loudly for them to be ignored. The boy's smile widened, his joy contagious as he happily handed over the additional garlands.

With genuine generosity, Murtasim handed the children money, his actions speaking louder than words. He didn't bother to inquire about the price, she knew the bills he handed them were far more than the gajre were worth. Meerab's heart melted as he told them to keep the change, a small gesture that meant the world to the children. In that simple act, she saw the depth of Murtasim's compassion and his innate ability to find joy in giving.

Meerab couldn't tear her gaze away from the side of Murtasim's face as he resumed driving, his profile illuminated by the shining sun flickering in between the buildings. This was the man she had fallen in love with, always going above and beyond, never content with merely handing money to the less fortunate. He sought to bring a smile to their faces, by buying whatever they were selling, especially from children. He always had.

The realization of how much she loved him swelled within her. It wasn't just his good looks or his charming demeanor; it was his genuine kindness, his willingness to brighten someone else's day with a small act of generosity that made her heart swell. As the car continued to move forward, Meerab couldn't help but glance at Murtasim, her eyes shining with a deep appreciation for him.

"We're still here by the way." Maryam was the one to tease this time, sticking her head between the seats as Murtasim parked the car.

"How could I ever forget with how loud you two are?" Murtasim sighed as he turned off the ignition. "Go find the shop you were talking about."

Rumi and Maryam's bubbling excitement propelled them out of the vehicle and into the bustling market without further protest, much to Meerab's surprise. Left alone with Murtasim, her heart quickened its pace.

A gentle hush settled over the car as Murtasim's voice broke through the silence. "May I?" He asked as he picked up the gajre, his words laced with a tenderness that resonated deep within Meerab's soul. Her gaze met his, and she nodded, granting him permission without uttering a single word, it was cute that he asked when he didn't hesitate to kiss her at a whim.

With a soft smile dancing on his lips, Murtasim extended his hands towards Meerab, inviting her to surrender herself to his touch. Her own hands trembled slightly as she placed them in his. The warmth of his palms against her skin sent a tingling sensation coursing through her veins, igniting a fire that had long been smoldering within her.

Murtasim's fingertips delicately glided over her skin, tracing the contours of her wrists with a feather-light touch as he slid the gajre on her wrists. The sensation was electrifying, each caress leaving a trail of sensation that awakened every nerve ending in Meerab's body.

He pulled her hands up to his lips, leaving a soft, lingering kiss, on each hand. The touch of Murtasim's lips against her skin sent shivers cascading down Meerab's spine, causing her body to respond with a mixture of excitement and vulnerability. Every nerve ending awakened under his touch, and her eyes strayed on his lips, wanting them pressed up against hers.

A gentle sigh escaped Meerab's parted lips, her breath hitching in response to the surge of emotions coursing through her. The word "beautiful" escaped Murtasim's lips, but it was Meerab who felt like the embodiment of beauty in that very moment. His words wrapped around her heart, radiating a warmth that washed away any doubts or insecurities.

"Let's go?" He asked.

She nodded, smiling as Murtasim swiftly got out of the car, moving to her side of the car to open the door for her, his chivalrous gesture making her heart flutter with amusement. She stood there, caught between the open car door and the vehicle itself, as Murtasim leaned into the door, his presence surrounding her like a gentle embrace.

An eyebrow arched in playful inquiry, Meerab met Murtasim's gaze, silently questioning his intent. His sigh carried a hint of longing, his words carrying a weight of desire. "I really want to kiss you right now." He confessed, his voice laced with yearning.

A blush painted Meerab's cheeks, her heart quickening its pace as the weight of his words settled upon her. She wasn't alone, but she tried to play it cool, to maintain a semblance of composure, as she responded with a teasing tone. "What was it that you said that day...ah, we're in public, Murtasim." Her voice held a touch of mischief, masking the extent of her own longing.

Murtasim sighed in understanding, his eyes reflecting a shared desire that burned between them. He nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. They began their walk towards the shop where they knew Rumi and Maryam awaited. Side by side, their hands brushed against each other's, a tantalizing proximity that stirred Meerab's senses.

"Finally! I thought you bailed on us Murtasim bhai." Rumi said as she looked up while the shopkeeper slid choodiyan onto her wrist.

"Shhh, Rumi, bhai was busy sliding on gajre." Maryam giggled as her eyes went to Meerab's adorned wrist.

Rumi burst out into giggles as Murtasim cleared his throat.

"Would you like to see choodiyan too?" One of the men asked Meerab who nodded, moving closer to the colourful displays. "We have pre-made sets but we can create anything you want."

Enthralled by the array of colorful bangles adorning the shop's display, Meerab's eyes gleamed with excitement. Her gaze fell upon a stunning pair of white and gold choodiyan, their intricate design captivating her imagination.

With a burst of enthusiasm, Meerab pointed at the desired bangles, their cream and golden hues reflecting her taste and style. The shopkeeper, equally enthusiastic, swiftly retrieved the chosen pair, a wide smile adorning his face as well.

As he reached out to take her hand and slide the bangles onto her wrist, Murtasim's hand shot forward with surprising swiftness, holding her wrist gently. The touch was electrifying, sending a wave of warmth coursing through her veins. A moment of shared connection passed between them, unspoken but understood. No one else was going to touch her or put choodiyan on her but him.

A soft smile graced Murtasim's lips as he took the bangles from the shopkeeper's hands, his gaze fixed on Meerab. With deliberate slowness, he slid the gajre further up before sliding the choodiyan onto her delicate wrist, his touch gentle yet possessive. The cool metal brushed against her skin, eliciting a shiver of anticipation that traveled up her arm.

Meerab's breath hitched at the intensity of his gaze, his eyes locked onto hers with an unwavering tenderness. In that moment, as the bangles settled snugly on her wrist, she couldn't help but smile at him.

Rumi stood behind Murtasim, humming something quite loudly, it took her a while to understand that it was music from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham during a similar scene. "If you want to steal a kiss like Shah Rukh Khan, I can cover you with my dupatta." She teased Murtasim.

Murtasim sighed. "Why do I bring you anywhere, Rumi?"

"Because you're in love with my best friend and I stick to her like glue."

"Meerab, you need to find different friends." Murtasim's eyes twinkled with mischief as he looked at her.

"HOW RUDE!" Rumi whined.

---------

Murtasim's heart thundered in his chest, a primal rhythm that echoed with every beat. As Meerab drew closer, stepping down the stairs, his breath hitched in his throat, anticipation coursing through his veins like a wildfire. His hands, seemingly possessed by a force beyond his control, twitched with an insatiable desire to touch her.

His gaze swept over every intricate detail of her ensemble, she was adorned in a breathtaking black and gold dress that seemed to hold the essence of enchantment. The intricate embellishments adorned every inch of the fabric, captivating his gaze with their mesmerizing patterns and glittering golden threads, setting his senses ablaze, urging his fingertips to trace the contours of the delicate embroidery.

As Murtasim's eyes met the captivating depths of Meerab's gaze, a surge of electricity surged through him, a current that left him tingling with an intoxicating blend of passion and tenderness. Her presence enveloped him, her radiance seeping into his very being.

The urge to touch her consumed him, his hands aching with the need to caress her, to hold her close. The desire pulsed through his veins, igniting a fire that raged within him, urging him to claim her. Yet, he exercised restraint.

Her long, cascading brown locks framed her face like a waterfall of silk, gently swaying with her every movement. As his eyes traveled along her radiant visage, they were drawn to the intricate gold and emerald necklace gracing her neck, the matching earrings that adorned her ears, and the rings and diamond kangans that adorned her wrists. Each piece spoke of a timeless elegance, a testament to the heritage and legacy of their family. They were jewels carefully chosen by his mother from their collection, a symbolic gesture that conveyed Meerab's place as the beloved daughter and daughter-in-law of their family.

Murtasim couldn't help but admire the impeccable taste and attention to detail that his mother and Meerab possessed. They had selected jewelry that not only complemented Meerab's beauty but also carried a significance, announcing her permanence in the Khan Family with grace and splendor.

As Meerab stepped closer, Murtasim could see her flushed cheeks, the vibrant hue spreading like a wildfire across her delicate features. Her eyes, brimming with anticipation, roved over his form with a hunger that mirrored his own adoration for her. It was as if she, too, drank in the sight of him, savoring every inch of his being with an intensity that made his pulse quicken.

Murtasim's breathing grew shallow, each inhale drawing in the essence of Meerab, the air heavy with the intoxicating scent of her perfume. The air seemed charged with an invisible tension, a palpable connection that sparked between them, bridging the gap between longing and fulfillment. His lips tingled with an unquenchable thirst, a yearning to taste the sweetness of her mouth, to capture the essence of their shared passion in a single, searing kiss.

His voice trembled slightly as he struggled to find the words to articulate the ethereal beauty that encompassed Meerab in that moment. He gazed at her, his eyes filled with awe and reverence, and took a deep breath, attempting to convey the depth of his emotions. "You...you look – " He could only exhale loudly.

But he knew she understood because a grin overcame her face. "That good, huh?"

"Ethereal."

"You don't look so bad yourself." Murtasim's heart skipped a beat as Meerab's words reached his ears, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Yet, it was the intensity of her gaze that held him captive, her eyes delving into the depths of his being, filled with a fire that mirrored his own desires.

As Murtasim sensed the approaching footsteps of his family on the landing at the top of the stairs, a wave of urgency washed over him. He couldn't bear to be torn away from Meerab's presence so abruptly, not when their desires were so palpable, hanging in the air like a delicate thread ready to be woven into something deeper.

With a gentle yet firm grip on her hand, Murtasim swiftly led Meerab away from the imminent intrusion, seeking solace in a secluded corner behind the stairs where they could steal a few precious moments together.

His eyes locked with hers, he pressed a finger to his lips, silently urging her to remain quiet. The world around them seemed to fade into insignificance as they found themselves enveloped in their private sanctuary, shielded from prying eyes and wandering ears.

The rhythm of his heartbeat quickened, the sound echoing in his ears as he pulled Meerab closer, their bodies mere inches apart. In that intimate space, time seemed to stand still, as if the universe conspired to grant them a moment together.

Murtasim's gaze bore into Meerab's, his eyes speaking volumes of the passion and longing that surged within him. As his fingers instinctively brushed against the soft contours of her cheek, Murtasim savored the warmth that radiated from her skin. She was so utterly beautiful that he didn't know how to handle it.

With a swift motion, he gently grasped her by the waist and pulled her closer to him, their bodies now intimately connected. Their eyes locked in a passionate exchange, reflecting the depths of their desire for one another.

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as Murtasim's lips descended upon Meerab's with an unrestrained ardor. The kiss ignited a fire within him, and he poured all his pent-up longing and affection into the tender meeting of their mouths. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, exploring and savoring the taste and texture of each other.

A low, primal groan escaped Murtasim's throat as he felt Meerab respond to his passionate kiss, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, pulling him closer. Her own moan mingled with his, echoing the mutual intensity of their connection. Murtasim's hands roamed freely, caressing the small of Meerab's back, relishing the sensation of the embroidery of her dress beneath his fingertips as he pulled her closer.

As the sound of Rumi and Maryam's voices grew louder, intermingling with the palpable intensity of their kiss, Murtasim felt a twinge of awareness. He could hear the faint traces of their names being called, the worry and curiosity lacing their innocent voices. But in that moment, Murtasim's focus was solely on Meerab, and he resolved to savor every stolen second with her.

With an instinctive urgency, he deepened the kiss, his lips pressing against hers with a renewed fervor. He drank in the sweet taste of her, his tongue intertwining with hers in a passionate dance, one she was an equal partner in.

Meerab's sounds of pleasure and need reverberated against his lips, and Murtasim hungrily swallowed every one of them, their intimate symphony echoing within him. The desire that coursed through his veins was mirrored in the way their bodies pressed against each other, each touch igniting a new wave of longing.

Murtasim's hands, guided by instinct and desire, caressed Meerab's back, her hair, her face, desperate to imprint the memory of her touch upon his senses. He knew he would have to keep his distance at the walima, and that it would be increasingly difficult with the way she looked right then. But eyes would be on them, they would take note of every action and giving away his familiarity with Meerab would only make tongues wag, and he wouldn't let anyone question his Meerab.

Ss much as he longed to linger in this stolen moment, Murtasim reluctantly pulled away. His breathing ragged as hers, his heart pounding in his chest. Their gazes lingered, each filled with a potent mixture of desire, longing, and a hint of reluctance.

Murtasim pressed his forehead against Meerab's, their breaths mingling as they closed their eyes, allowing the weight of their desires to envelop them completely.

As the footsteps of Murtasim's family grew closer, he reluctantly pulled away, a lingering touch and a look of longing passing between them.

Meerab's voice, barely audible, escaped her lips in a soft plea. "Can we stay home?" She whispered, her words laced with a delicate vulnerability. Her gaze, fiery and passionate, searched his face for a glimmer of acquiescence.

Murtasim couldn't help but hold back a chuckle, amusement and longing filling him. The thought of succumbing to Meerab's request, to lose themselves, was tempting and dangerous. He knew the consequences that awaited them.

"You're the one who insisted we go." He replied, his voice filled with a teasing affection that belied the tumultuous desire that coursed through his veins. His lips curved into a half-smile, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement and yearning.

Meerab's eyes burned with an intense determination, her longing palpable. "Alone. Can we stay home alone?" Her plea resonated deep within Murtasim's being, his heart mirroring her yearning.

The magnetic pull between them grew stronger.

A groan escaped Murtasim's lips, longing and restraint interwoven in the sound. Her request tested his resolve, tempting him to surrender. "Don't tempt me, Meerab." He murmured, his voice husky with desire. His gaze locked onto hers, reflecting the inner struggle he grappled with. He wanted nothing more than to be alone with her, without any expectations or lines, just the two of them but they couldn't do that.

As he pulled away, Murtasim couldn't help but notice the disheveled strands of Meerab's hair, slightly awry from their passionate kiss. His fingers instinctively reached out, gently tucking and rearranging the locks with a tender touch. A smile tugged at his lips as he marveled at her beauty, appreciating every contour of her face, every curve of her lips.

Noticing a faint smudge of their intimate encounter, he delicately rubbed his thumb against her bottom lip, erasing any evidence of their stolen moment. His gaze lingered, drinking in the sight of her, his heart swelling with an overwhelming sense of adoration. In that instant, she was the epitome of beauty in his eyes, an ethereal vision that took his breath away.

With a soft exhale, Murtasim spoke, his voice a low, gentle murmur. "Go, tell them I already went outside." His words held a touch of urgency, a desire to ensure that their shared absence would go unnoticed.

As he turned to make his way towards the back door, his footsteps faltered, and he paused, sensing Meerab's eyes on him. Slowly, he pivoted on his heel, his eyes meeting hers. There she stood, leaning against the wall, her hand resting gently atop her heart, as if trying to steady the erratic beats that mirrored his own.