Meerab woke up feeling warm and a little disoriented.

She couldn't move.

Her body ached, all over, like it had been subjected to hours of torture.

It took her a moment to realize that weight rested on her stomach above the blankets that covered her. And that her fingers were wrapped up in something soft and silky.

Her eyelids fluttered opened slowly, adjusting to the gentle rays of sunlight that filtered in through the windows. The warmth of the morning sun danced upon her skin, casting a soft glow that filled the space with a tranquil ambiance.

Her gaze shifted downwards to investigate what rested on her stomach, a smile overcame her face despite the pain as she realized it was a slumbering Murtasim, his face serenely peaceful as his head rested on her stomach.

She could see the rise and fall of his head with each breath she took.

Despite the lingering traces of pain that echoed within her body, the sight of Murtasim sleeping soundly beside her filled her heart with an overwhelming sense of contentment and gratitude. Meerab's heart swelled as she gazed at him, her eyes tracing the contours of his handsome features. His dark lashes cast delicate shadows on his cheekbones, and a lock of his thick, raven hair had fallen over his forehead.

Her fingers were buried in his hair, and she couldn't help but run them through his locks, feeling the silky strands slip through her fingers. She hadn't done that since he had sought comfort in her after his father passed. She remembered standing for what felt like hours, just playing with this hair, scratching his scalp like she was then.

As sleep gave away, she remembered how she had gotten there.

Murtasim had come for her.

Like she knew he would.

But she didn't know he would stay by her side like he had, she had slipped in and out of consciousness throughout the night, but every time she was conscious, she felt his presence by her side. In those fleeting moments of lucidity, Meerab's gaze would instinctively seek out Murtasim's form, nestled in a chair beside her, his watchful eyes never straying from her face. The dim light cast a gentle halo around him, illuminating the lines of concern etched upon his face.

It had soothed her troubled soul like nothing else could have.

She hadn't reacted well when she first awakened, to the feel of an unfamiliar hand touching her, she had found herself momentarily disoriented, caught in the lingering remnants of what had happened to her. Even though her mind registered that the hand belonged to a kind-looking woman, she had still panicked, recalling the men that had leered at her.

But just as panic threatened to consume her, Murtasim's presence, like an anchor in the storm, enveloped her in a cocoon of safety. He swiftly reached out, his strong hands cradling her face with tenderness, his touch a soothing balm to her wounded spirit.

Gazing into her eyes, Murtasim's voice had resonated in her ears, cutting through the clamor of her anxieties. "Meerab, you're safe. I won't let anything harm you." He had whispered, his words a heartfelt vow that reverberated within the depths of her being.

His words of comfort were like a lifeline, pulling her back from the brink of panic each time her body jumped  at the unfamiliar hands assessing her.

Murtasim was like a fortress standing tall and shielding her against raging storms, enveloping her in a sense of security that no darkness could penetrate. With every wince and moan of pain that escaped her lips, Murtasim's jaw had clenched. She had sensed the tumultuous storm brewing within him, she knew he would have left to kill anyone involved if he hadn't been so worried about her.

She always knew that Murtasim's anger was never just a mere reaction, it was always a seething force that burned within him, demanding justice and retribution for the injustice inflicted upon those he cared for.

Meerab felt a pang of tenderness as she looked down at him then, in the light of the day. He had stayed, and in his presence, she found solace. The sight of him, his head nestled protectively against her stomach, created a realization that sent shivers down her spine.

Her mind cast back to the harrowing ordeal she had endured— the fear that had gripped her heart, the desperation that had consumed her, and the agonizing uncertainty that had clouded her thoughts. In that moment, she realized that if she hadn't escaped from the car when she did, and if she hadn't been rescued, she would have been forever torn apart from Murtasim.

The weight of that realization settled upon her chest, making it hard to breathe. The thought of never seeing his gentle smile, of never feeling his touch, of never being enveloped in his comforting presence sent tremors of anguish through her soul.

As she watched his peaceful form rise and fall with each steady breath, she realized that he was her lifeline—a beacon of light amidst the darkest of storms. Without him, she would have been left adrift, lost in a void of despair. He was her anchor, her protector, and the very reason she had found the strength to endure. He had saved her, with just his name, without even being there.

Lost in her own introspection, she felt a subtle vibration resonating against her palm and her stomach, a soft hum emanating from Murtasim's lips. It was a sweet melody that permeated the air, drawing her attention back to the present moment.

Her heart skipped a beat as she witnessed him beginning to stir, his eyelids moving like delicate butterfly wings slowly awakening from their slumber. The anticipation filled her with a mixture of excitement and tenderness, for she knew that in mere moments, his deep brown eyes would meet hers.

Murtasim's eyes opened gradually, locking onto Meerab's, and a surge of warmth coursed through her veins. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in his appearance, he looked so utterly adorable with sleep in his eyes. Reminding her of a little boy who had just woken up from his nap.

She could feel her heart swell with affection for him as he blinked a few times, trying to focus on her. His eyes were still groggy with sleep, and she could tell that he was still a bit disoriented.

She knew the moment everything came back to him because he got up quickly, moving, his face hovering over her as his warm hand pressed against her forehead, checking if she still had a fever, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes roamed over her features with meticulous care. Every line, every contour of her face was scrutinized, as if he sought to read her soul through her expressions. His gaze held a mix of anxiety and a deep longing for reassurance, as if her well-being held the key to his own peace.

It wasn't the first time she had seen Murtasim worried for her, but it had been a long time since the last, she had almost forgotten how it felt to be cared for by him. It made her feel cherished, knowing that he cared so deeply for her well-being.

"Meerab, are you okay?" The tenderness in his voice, laced with genuine worry, washed over her like a soothing balm.

She nodded as his hand trailed down to cup her jaw, thumb rubbing her cheek. Meerab closed her eyes, leaning into his touch, relishing the feeling of safety and comfort that came with it.

"Don't lie to me." He whispered, causing her eyes to open. The vulnerability in his voice touched her deeply as her gaze met his, and she understood the significance of his plea—no falsehoods, no hiding behind veils of pretense.

"My body hurts." As the words slipped from Meerab's lips, a wave of regret washed over her. She wished she could snatch them back, as she witnessed the transformation in Murtasim's countenance. The softness that had adorned his features like a gentle caress dissipated, replaced by a darkening cloud of concern mingled with anger.

Meerab's heart ached at the sight of the anger on Murtasim's face. She reached out to him, her hand trembling as she gently touched his face. She traced the outline of his jaw over his neatly trimmed beard, feeling the softness of his skin and prickle of his beard beneath her fingertips. She hated the tension etched into his brow, the lines that creased his forehead, betraying the turmoil within. She longed to alleviate his pain, to erase the anger that had taken residence in his eyes.

Meerab was acutely aware of Murtasim's impulsive nature when it came to her well-being. He had always been protective of her, following through with beating up anyone that hurt her. He had even fought with Armaan because of it once. While she appreciated his care, Meerab also recognized the need for caution and measured responses.

She had a feeling that things wouldn't bode well for anyone involved if he didn't calm down, she didn't want him to do anything that might make things worse, remembering the bodies he had stepped over as he carried her to the car the previous night.

As Meerab's fingers caressed his face, she felt a subtle shift beneath her touch. The rigidness in his body gradually gave way, replaced by a growing sense of calm. His jaw softened, surrendering the anger.

"I'll be okay, I just got more exercise than I am used to yesterday." Meerab's voice carried a hint of lightheartedness as she spoke, a gentle attempt to alleviate the heaviness that lingered in the air. With Murtasim's assistance, she sat up, feeling the support of his strong hands against her back, providing a steadying presence.

"It's not funny, Meerab." As his words hung in the air, she could sense the intensity of his emotions, a storm brewing within him. The tension radiated off him in palpable waves, an almost tangible force that enveloped them both. His clenched jaw and the subtle flexing of his muscles revealed the extent to which he struggled to contain his emotions.

"I know." She whispered.

"Do you?"

Meerab winced as his voice rose in anger.

"You could have been hurt badly. What were you thinking? How could you take such a big risk with your life?" The weight of his words and the anger in his voice were like a sudden gust of wind, jolting her senses. She winced, her body instinctively recoiling from the force of his rising rage. It was as if each word carried a shard of accusation, piercing through her with their pointed edges.

The room seemed to shrink, the air heavy with tension as their emotions clashed. Meerab felt the weight of his words pressing down on her, fueling a surge of conflicting emotions within her own heart. She understood his concerns, his desire to shield her from harm, but she felt her anger rise to match his, for it always did. She knew she had taken a risk but that risk had saved an innocent life, maybe she had gone about it wrong but there had been no other choice in the moment. She knew he was angry out of concern for her, but she hated it.

"I just couldn't sit by and do nothing while I watched her being taken. I had to try to save that girl!" She retorted, her voice shaking with emotion, eyes blazing with determination and frustration. She understood his concerns, his desire to shield her from harm, she always did but she couldn't suppress the fire within her that compelled her to act, to stand up against injustice.

She saw a mix of emotions flickering in his gaze—concern, fear, and a glimmer of stubbornness. The storm of his fury simmered just beneath the surface, his silence acting as a smoldering ember that threatened to ignite.

Meerab felt the heat rising in her own cheeks, her heart beating fast in her chest, and his silence only seemed to fuel her own indignation. "I can take care of myself!"

"Like hell you can! You might be the strongest woman I know, Meerab, but even you can't fight off the type of people who took you. YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR WORSE!" Murtasim's face was red with rage, his brows furrowed, and his lips set in a thin, tight line.

"WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO? JUST LET HER BE TAKEN?" The thought of doing nothing was unbearable to her, and she couldn't understand why Murtasim couldn't see that.

"You could have asked for help, you could have told someone, YOU COULD HAVE TOLD ME." He was breathing heavily, trying to control his temper, but it was clear that he was struggling.

"Would you have even picked up?"

"Of course, I would have Meerab, what kind of question is that?" He sighed heavily.

Meerab felt a lump form in her throat at his word, her anger dissipating, her voice softening.

"The people of this village count on us to protect them." Meerab's voice trembled with a mix of determination and anxiety as she echoed the words she had heard her uncle utter countless times, words that resonated deeply with Murtasim as well.

"No, not you. They count on me, you should have come to me to tell me." Murtasim's voice carried a firmness, a sense of authority that mirrored the weight he felt on his shoulders. He met her gaze with unwavering intensity, his eyes searching for understanding in the midst of frustration.

Her desperation surged, her voice quivering with a blend of fear and justification. "I didn't know what would happen if I let her go!" The words spilled out, a torrent of raw emotion fueled by the memory of that pivotal moment, when she had made a split-second decision in the face of uncertainty.

"That doesn't mean you go running into dangerous situations, Meerab!" He sounded so stern, like he always did when he was worried for her.

With a hint of helplessness in her voice, she pleaded her case, "What was I supposed to do?"

In a burst of forceful determination, Murtasim's voice reverberated through the room, his words laden with unspoken emotions. "TELL ME! I would have helped!"

"YOU ALREADY HAVE SO MUCH GOING ON." Meerab's voice carried the weight of her concern and frustration, intermingled with a fervent plea for Murtasim to understand. Her words spilled forth, fueled by a deep-rooted need to help him as she witnessed the sheer burden he carried on his shoulders, even wanting to take more on. "I wanted to help, you're not responsible for everything!" Her words hung in the air, resonating with a mix of determination and tenderness.

Her words, initially intended to address her actions, now encompassed so much more, bringing out what had been. bothering her since she had returned to the Khan Mansion. Meerab couldn't bear to see Murtasim shoulder the weight of the world, to bear the burdens alone, and it pained her to witness his relentless dedication at the expense of his own well-being.

"Still, you shouldn't have gone after her, I don't think –"

"I couldn't just let her be taken!" Meerab's voice rose, laced with a fierce determination that burned within her. Her words carried the weight of her convictions, a reflection of her unwavering belief in standing up for what was right, even in the face of danger.

"-you need to go around helping people, it's not your responsibility either!"

"WHY CAN'T I HELP IF YOU CAN?" The words burst forth from Meerab's lips. Her voice quivered with emotion, fueled by a resolute belief in the power of compassion. "I'm still a person, I have a conscience, and I can't just turn a blind eye to someone in need. I couldn't just leave her there. These are our people—how is it any different?"

Silence hung heavy in the air as she watched Murtasim absorb her words, his features contorted with a mix of anguish and determination. His voice trembled as he spoke, revealing a vulnerability rarely seen. "It is different. You're the daughter of the Khan family and my future wife. You're a walking target, Meerab. Fuck—everyone knows that the best way to kill me is through you."

In that moment, Murtasim's voice cracked, tears welled in his eyes, and his helplessness laid bare before her.

Meerab could see the fear in his eyes, the worry etched into his face.

She could feel her own tears prickling at the corner of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

She didn't know what to say, she was silenced by his tears, and stunned by his words.

"I thought – I thought Malik had you." His tone was laced with fear and desperation. He paused, his voice choking up as he struggled to continue. "He is trying everything he can to get his hands on our land, and I thought he would hurt – "

He shuddered, as if he couldn't finish the sentence.

Meerab realized he had been at the village so often because of the Maliks then. "Sorry, I might have lost us a lot of land - "

She stopped short when Murtasim groaned. His breathing was heavy, and his chest rose and fell with each shuddering breath. His face was twisted in exasperation, the muscles in his jaw tense and flexing with every word he spoke.

"Do you think I care about that? Fuck the land, if anything happened to you, I would have died, Meerab. I would have killed them all and then killed myself." Angry tears streamed down his face, she hadn't seen him in tears since his father passed away.

Meerab's eyes widened as his word sunk in.

All of his words.

He had called her his future wife.

Meerab's heart stopped as Murtasim's words registered.

He said he couldn't live without her.

He had just referred to her as his future wife.

She had never heard those words from him before, and they sent a rush of warmth through her chest, her heart was hammering so fast that she felt like she could no longer breathe.

"I thought I lost you...and I can't live with that." He cried.

His words were barely above a whisper, but they were filled with so much raw emotion that it felt like a punch to the gut. Meerab's breath caught in her throat as Murtasim's words reverberated within her. His declaration, spoken with raw emotion, hung in the air like a promise and a plea. The weight of those words settled deep within her, stirring a torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her senses.

Tears began to fall from Meerab's eyes as she watched Murtasim struggle to compose himself. The intensity of his emotions was almost too much to bear.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing, and yet, it made so much sense.

As Murtasim's words echoed in her mind, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped her. The sheer magnitude of what he had revealed left her both elated and conflicted, her heart torn between the ecstasy of his declaration and the lingering doubts that had plagued her for so long.

A wave of bittersweet nostalgia washed over her as the memories of their past encounters flooded back. She remembered the stolen glances, the subtle gestures of affection, and the unspoken yearning that had silently simmered beneath the surface. All those years of pining for him, of hoping that he shared her feelings, suddenly crystallized into a deep realization.

Yet, amidst the elation, her insecurities resurfaced like unwelcome guests, casting shadows of doubt on the newfound clarity of their connection. The pain of believing that he would never reciprocate her love, that he might choose another path without her, had been a heavy burden to bear. It had shattered her heart, leaving behind fragments of self-doubt and a lingering fear of being unloved.

If he truly loved her, why hadn't he made an effort to be with her? Her heart had broken when she convinced herself that he didn't love her, that he wanted to marry someone else.

But as she gazed into his tear-filled eyes, Meerab saw a defencelessness that matched her own. The anguish etched on his face mirrored her own heartache, as if they had both been caught in the web of miscommunication and unspoken longing.

In that moment, Meerab made a choice—a choice to confront her insecurities head-on and to trust in them.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Murtasim, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Then why didn't you ever call me?" She cried, she had wondered if he didn't say anything because he didn't want to marry her. "Didn't you miss me?" The pain and hurt were evident in her voice. "I – I thought you didn't care because you never said anything."

Murtasim's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting a mixture of regret and surprise as he listened to her words. His hand, warm and reassuring, reached out to gently wipe away her tears, his touch conveying a depth of understanding and tenderness that she had longed for.

He appeared utterly shocked, his mouth opening and closing as if searching for the right words. Meerab could see the sincerity etched on his face, a look of realization dawning upon him.

Murtasim's eyes softened as he looked at her, his fingers wiping away her tears. "I'm sorry, Meerab. I didn't realize..." His voice carried a tinge of remorse, filled with a mix of regret and genuine apology.

Murtasim sat down gently on the bed, pulling Meerab into him. She settled in his lap, ignoring the pain in her body for the comfort of his warmth brought her. She rested her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively – fitting perfectly as if it were meant to be that way. She felt the strength of his embrace as he held her, pulling her into his body. His chest was warm against her cheek, and she could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong.

In that moment, his arms became a sanctuary, providing solace and reassurance that she craved.

His actions said more than he had ever said in words, for he had never tried to hold her, not in years, and never like he was then.

Meerab felt herself relax into him. She let out a shuddering breath and began to cry, the tears coming out in quiet sobs, as her brain struggled to focus, wondering if she was crying because of Murtasim's words or the ordeal she had just gone through, the years she had spent pining for him, or the pain in her body.

Murtasim held her close, rubbing her back gently as she wept, letting it all out.

Meerab buried her face into Murtasim's neck, breathing in a familiar scent that belonged uniquely to Murtasim. Mint was supposed to be cool but on him, it smelled warm. It was a scent she had yearned for during their time apart, a fragrance that carried the essence of safety, love, and familiarity. Years of longing and longing for this very moment came rushing back to her. To be held in his arms, to find refuge within his embrace, had been a dream she had nurtured silently in her heart.

Murtasim held her tightly, his embrace unwavering and protective. With each gentle sway, he rocked her back and forth, a rhythmic motion that echoed the tenderness of his words. Words of comfort were uttered in his low and soothing voice, the words filled the air, weaving a tapestry of comfort around her.

He pulled away as she sniffled, his hands coming up to cup her face, thumbs wiping away the tears that continued to fall. "Shhh, it's okay, you're okay."

As Meerab's tear-filled eyes wandered across Murtasim's face, she mustered the courage to voice the ache that had plagued her for so long. Her voice trembled as she whispered, her words laden with the weight of unspoken longing. "Y-you never said anything."

A deep sigh escaped Murtasim's lips, carrying with it a tinge of regret, his eyes closing, his thumbs still rubbing her cheeks gently.

When his eyes opened and his gaze met hers, they were filled with remorse and a hint of disbelief. "I should have." He admitted, his voice laced with a mixture of self-blame and sincerity. "But I thought you knew."

She shook her head, as much as she could with the way his hands were cupping her face. She hadn't known anything.

As the weight of their unspoken emotions lingered in the air, Meerab witnessed a subtle shift in Murtasim's demeanor. The hard edges of his expression softened, and a flicker of determination danced in his eyes. It was as if he had made a conscious decision to shed his armor, to let go of his guarded nature and allow himself to be vulnerable.

With a deep breath, Murtasim spoke, his voice laced with honesty. Each word carried the weight of a lifetime of unspoken truths, of desires kept hidden beneath layers of self-imposed stoicism.

"Meerab, it has been sheer agony to stay away from you." Murtasim said, his voice choked with emotion. "I – knowing that you were so close but out of reach - " He took in a deep breath before continuing. "Seeing you always made me forget all reason, I just wanted to beg my mother to marry us off as quickly as she could, even before you started university, but I knew you weren't ready for that." He took in a deep breath then, his eyes on her face. "Each time I saw you, my heart ached with a yearning that I struggled to keep in check. I longed to hold you close, to feel your warmth against me, to breathe in your scent and make you mine forever. But I knew I had to be patient, to wait for the right time."

"Oh." Was the only thing that left her. She had spent countless nights wondering if he still remembered her, if he still cared for her, if he still wanted her. And now, hearing him say those words made her mind go blank, she didn't know how to react. She saw in his eyes the rawness of his vulnerability, the courage it took for him to lay bare his thoughts and feelings.

"Do you really think I didn't miss you?" A short, sharp burst of laughter left him, accompanied by a look of utter disbelief that she had believed he hadn't missed her. "I missed you so much that I couldn't get anything done at first...so I started compartmentalizing, I forced myself to not think of you, because every time I saw you and spoke with you, I spiralled. I had to stop myself from driving to Karachi to beg you to come back. I knew how serious you were about school but – I hated it."

Meerab listened intently, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. "And now?" She whispered.

He looked at her with a sad smile. "I have compartmentalized for so long that I don't know how to deal with your presence. You overwhelm me, Meerab. I want to do nothing but look at you and be around you, even though I know I can't, this whole empire, this village, it would all cease to exist if I let myself do what I want."

As the weight of their unspoken desires and unfulfilled longing dissipated, a new thread began to weave its way between them. "What do you want?" She whispered, her heart sinking to her stomach in anticipation of his words.

Murtasim took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. "You, Meerab, I want you more than words can express."

In that moment, the air between them seemed to crackle with electric anticipation. Meerab's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest. The intensity of Murtasim's words washed over her, leaving her both exhilarated and nervous.

"I thought...I thought you were avoiding me because you didn't want me." She admitted, tears streaming down her face again.

"No! You have always been in my heart, Meerab, in my soul, and I have longed for you every moment we were apart." She could hear the vulnerability in his voice, each syllable carrying the weight of years of restraint and longing.

Her heart swelled with a mixture of joy and relief, finally hearing the confession she had secretly yearned for.

He continued to speak much to her surprise. "And I have tried, in vain it seems, to keep my gaze lowered and my heart pure. I wanted to do things the right way, to wait until the time was right and we were both ready to get married. But you make it so difficult to resist you." He rested his forehead against hers as he whispered the words, the longing in his voice apparent.

She could feel Murtasim's breath mingling with hers as their foreheads touched, their connection intensifying with every passing moment.

He took in a deep breath then before letting out a soft groan. "You've always made it so difficult to stay away from you and not be tempted to just - " He sighed, breaking off, not finishing the sentence with words they both knew he shouldn't say.

Meerab's chest rose and fell with each ragged breath, her body trembling with anticipation. She had longed for this moment, for Murtasim to openly acknowledge the magnetic pull between them. She had wondered if it was just her, if she was the only one that burned for him. His words, though unfinished, hinted at the forbidden desires that had brewed beneath the surface, one he felt too.

Meerab's heart skipped a beat at Murtasim's words, feeling a rush of emotion wash over her. Tears filled her eyes as she took in the intensity of his gaze and the sincerity in his voice. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would leap out of her chest.

As Murtasim's heartfelt words echoed in the room, a jolt of disbelief and confusion coursed through Meerab's veins. Had she misunderstood him all this time? The weight of unanswered questions pressed upon her.

Was it possible that she had been wrong all along? Why couldn't he have said what he just said before?

She flushed then, knowing that if he said those words at the Ahmed house in Karachi after she had spent all of dinner gazing at him with obvious desire that she would have begged him to marry her right then. She would have given up everything for him, even law, and she knew herself well enough to know that she would start resenting herself and him down the road.

He seemed to know that too, of course he knew, he knew her better than she knew herself sometimes.

She couldn't believe that she had misread his intentions for so long. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, happiness, relief, and fear all at once. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and stay there forever, but a small voice in her head cautioned her, reminding her of Zara.

She held onto Murtasim tighter, fingers gripping his kurta ever so slightly tighter as conflicting emotions battled within her.

"What?" He asked, his eyes flickering over her face. Murtasim's voice carried a hint of confusion as he peered into her eyes, sensing that something was amiss. The furrow of his brow revealed his growing suspicion. "Did you think there was another reason?" He asked quietly.

Meerab's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as the weight of her unfounded doubts settled upon her. She shook her head, feeling foolish for entertaining such thoughts. But Murtasim, perceptive as ever, seemed to perceive her inner turmoil. He arched an eyebrow knowingly, like he could see right through her.

"Mujhe laga koi ladki hai." She admitted softly, her voice tinged with self-reproach. [I thought there was another girl.]

A deep sigh escaped Murtasim's lips, his features softening with affectionate reassurance. "Koi nahi hai, bas tum ho." [There's no one, just you] He whispered, resting his forehead against hers again, their breaths mingling in the shared space between them again. "It has always been you. My heart has been yours for as long as I have known that a heart can belong to another."

Meerab's heart swelled with a mixture of relief, disbelief, and overwhelming love. She felt the truth of his words resonating deep within her being, erasing the lingering doubts and insecurities that had plagued her. Tears trailed down her face, and then she broke down into sobs, wondering why she had been so stupid to doubt him.

"I thought that – the picture – and then Zara came over, and I – " She got out between sobs as he cupped her face again, whispering shhh to her so sweetly that it made her cry harder.

"Meerab, what are you trying to say? Slowly, take a deep breath before you speak." His words were imbued with a soothing tone, a calm reassurance.

She sniffled, taking in a deep breath before she spoke. "Zara uploaded a picture of you on Facebook, and I thought you liked her."

He looked genuinely perplexed, his eyebrows furrowing and his lips forming a subtle pout. The expression on his face was utterly endearing, causing Meerab's heart to flutter with affection.

"She put a green heart and a white heart under it."

He looked even more confused. The sight of his confusion, the way his features scrunched together, had an undeniable charm that made her pulse quicken.

"She was wearing green and you were wearing white."

"And?" He asked.

Men were idiots.

"And you looked happy, and Ajiya said your body language suggested you liked Zara."

He looked even more confused.

"Zara came over yesterday with her parents, with a rishta for you! So, it wasn't so far-fetched!"

"What?" He sounded shocked. He looked taken aback by her revelation, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Zara? That's...unexpected." His voice held a mix of surprise and confusion.

"She said she loved you and that she knew you loved her, to Maa Begum, in front of her parents – and I thought – I thought that you –"

He shook his head. "Never. I have never even looked at her like that, she's no different than Maryam to me."

Meerab couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her as he denied any romantic involvement with Zara. She wiped away her tears and looked at him, her voice quivering with emotion. Meerab sniffled. "Then why..."

Murtasim sighed. "I helped her once, right before the wedding you saw pictures of, some guys at her university were bothering her so I took care of it and dropped her home. Once. That's it. She started acting weird after but I didn't think – is that why you were so angry on the phone?"

She nodded.

"Meerab, yaar." He sighed.

"You ignored me for years without telling me why, what was I supposed to think?" She asked, whacking his arm, feeling defensive in light of his confession.

"You really thought that I wasn't madly in love with you?" The disbelief in his voice was so evident, as if he couldn't fathom that she didn't know he was in love with her.

Meerab felt her cheeks flush with color, the warmth of his words filling her with a dizzying sensation. "You never told me."

Murtasim gazed into Meerab's eyes, his voice filled with sincerity. He gently took her hand and placed it over his heart, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I needed to tell you?" He asked, his voice soft and tender. "You're the beating of my heart, and the very breath in my lungs. You always have been, meri Meerab."

Meerab's teary eyes met his, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She let out a sniffle, trying to compose herself. "Most women need to hear that...even if it's a little cheesy." She admitted, a hint of smile overcoming her face.

Murtasim chuckled at her response, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I see, so I should have been an incorrigible flirt or a poet?"

As Meerab looked into Murtasim's eyes, a surge of nostalgia washed over her. His playful demeanor reminded her of the younger version of him—the Murtasim she had fallen head over heels in love with. In that moment, she couldn't help but reminisce about the past, when they would steal stolen glances and exchange mischievous smiles, her heart fluttering with youthful affection.

She couldn't deny the fondness that welled up within her as she remembered those carefree days. The way Murtasim's eyes sparkled with mischief, just as they did now, sent a familiar thrill down her spine.

With a gentle smile playing on her lips, Meerab let her gaze wander, tracing the contours of Murtasim's face. His playful banter awakened a sense of joy and lightheartedness within her, washing away the weight of the recent misunderstandings.

Murtasim hummed, arching his eyebrow, making her realize that he had asked her a question. It took her a moment to remember the playful quip that had derailed her so.

"It's like if I say nothing - "

"You don't need to say anything. You wear your heart on your sleeve, it's the way you look at me, which makes it hard to look away. It's the way you care for me, like no one else does. It's the way your eyes always find me first when you walk into a room. I know your heart, Meerab, and I know it loves me."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a rush of warmth spreading through her veins as Murtasim spoke. Tears welled up in Meerab's eyes, reflecting the overwhelming surge of love she felt for him. In that moment, it was as if time stood still, and all the doubts and insecurities that had clouded her mind dissipated. Murtasim's words washed over her like a soothing balm, erasing any lingering fears and uncertainties.

"I really do love you." She whispered. Murtasim's understanding of her heart brought a sense of solace and affirmation, as if he had unraveled the very essence of her being.

He smiled at that, letting one hand drop from where it was cupping her face to pick up her hand, he placed a kiss on the back of it before he spoke, while intertwining their fingers.

"I love you too." Murtasim's words washed over Meerab like a warm wave, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of peace in his presence. A smile crept onto Meerab's lips, and her eyes filled with tears of joy. She couldn't believe that he also loved her like she did. His words were like music to her ears, and they filled her with an overwhelming sense of happiness.

Meerab squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch. She looked up at him, and she let herself truly see rather than question. She saw the love in his eyes, the way his lips curved into a soft smile, and the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the world.

The way he had always looked at her.

Meerab's heart beat so fast at the realization that she thought it might burst out of her chest. She felt as if she were standing on the edge of a precipice, ready to take a leap of faith into the unknown. But with Murtasim's hand in hers, she knew that she was safe.

Tears streamed down her face as she leaned into him, feeling his strong arms wrap around her again.

"I can't believe you." He whispered into her hair a while later.

"Shut up." She muttered feeling a little embarrassed at how off she had been.

"We should move."

She didn't want to, not right then.

"The doctor left you painkillers." He whispered.

She moved away then, she wanted them because her body ached so horribly.

His eyes flickered across her face again. "You're covered in bruises."

"We escaped...jumped out a car, ran for what felt like forever, fell a lot."

He sighed, uttering her name in disbelief. "Meerab."

"Murtasim." She sighed, copying him.

He smiled and her heart skipped a beat. 

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A/N: Y'all, this chapter was LONG and it is basically the cutest thing I think I have ever written – did I sob through most of this – yes, would I do anything differently – no. 

Would love to hear your thoughts about this, Murtasim's POV coming up! I