Naye rishte ki halki si sharm, 
Naye ehsaas ka behti si dharm. 
Baaton mein shayari, nigaahon ka khel, 
Mulaqaaton mein chhupi ek nayi mehfil. 

Phir woh pehli call ka halka sa darr, 
Dil ke kone mein ek anjaana sa asar. 
Muskurahat jo lafzon mein dhal gayi, 
Shayad yehi nikkah ki roshni pal gayi.** 

Aur phir ek din woh khabar bhi aayi, 
Jisne khushiyon ke sang udaasi bhi laayi. 
Safar ka mod tha ya ek naye imtihaan ki ghadi, 
Dil mehsoos kare woh jo alfaaz na keh sake kabhi.

The Nikkah

The living room was adorned with soft golden lights and delicate floral arrangements, creating an intimate and serene atmosphere. Only close family members were present, their expressions filled with joy and anticipation. The air carried a sense of warmth and reverence, a silent acknowledgment of the sacred bond about to be formed.

Murtasim sat beside Meerab, a respectful distance between them. He wore a traditional nikkah suit, a  white color that complemented his complexion perfectly. The suit was simple but well fitted, with a good quality fabric that shimmered softly in the light. The collar was decorated with a slight pattern of embroidery, adding a touch of opulence without being overbearing.A man about to step into a new chapter of his life.

Meerab, on the other hand,looked every bit the bride, even in the simplicity of the moment. She wore a delicate peach nikkah dress made of luxurious satin, its fabric softly shimmering in the light. The dress was modest yet elegant, with intricate lace detailing around the neckline and sleeves. The long, flowing gown had a gentle train, which pooled around her feet as she sat. Her hijab, a soft shade of ivory, was draped over her head and shoulders, framing her face in a soft, serene manner. Her hands, adorned with a simple gold bracelet and delicate rings, rested nervously in her lap.The nikkah veil rested just below her chin, partially concealing the quiet nervousness in her eyes.Her makeup was subtle, just enough to highlight her natural beauty her eyes soft with a hint of blush, her lips tinted with a natural rose

Imaan Sahab, the religious scholar, began reciting the verses that marked the beginning of their union. The room fell silent, save for the rhythmic recitation of sacred words.

"Qubool hai?"

Meerab’s heart pounded. A moment of hesitation, not out of reluctance, but the weight of what this decision meant. She took a steady breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Qubool hai."

All eyes turned to Murtasim. His gaze remained steady, a quiet certainty reflecting in his eyes.

"Qubool hai."

With the final affirmation, the nikkah nama was signed. Ink met paper, sealing their fate with the simplest of strokes. A new chapter of their lives had begun.

Happiness filled the room as both families rejoiced. Smiles, prayers, and heartfelt congratulations flowed effortlessly. For a brief moment, Murtasim and Meerab’s eyes met uncertainty, awareness, and a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

A nikkah is a beautiful relationship both the strongest and the most delicate. It is a turning point in life, binding two souls in a bond of trust and companionship.

At Salma’s gentle insistence, Murtasim reached forward and lifted the veil resting below Meerab’s chin, placing it carefully over her head. His touch was fleeting, respectful, yet in that moment, something shifted between them. Meerab lowered her gaze, her heart fluttering at the unfamiliar closeness. Her veil was now in place, symbolizing not just their union but the sacredness of this new relationship.

The ring exchange followed. Salma handed a gold ring to Murtasim, who turned to Meerab, silently waiting. There was a quiet pause, as if both were giving a moment to the weight of this sacred act. Then, after a beat, Meerab extended her hand. The brief touch of their fingers as he slid the ring onto her finger was electric a sensation neither had ever experienced before. The simple act of touching, something so familiar in other relationships, felt entirely different now. They were mehram to each other, and yet, this touch felt so tender, so new. Their hearts raced in unison, the gravity of the moment settling between them like a soft, shared breath.

It was her turn. Nazia gave a silver ring to her. Murtasim’s hand was already extended toward her, waiting. With a deep breath, Meerab reached out, sliding the ring onto his finger with a careful grace. The familiar warmth of his hand against hers made her pulse quicken, yet there was a sense of peace settling in her heart. It was the first time they had touched, and in that fleeting moment, both felt a quiet connection that was unlike any other.

Their eyes met briefly, a soft acknowledgment passing between them. Neither held the gaze for long. The realization that they were now mehram to each other stirred emotions neither had fully prepared for, but it also brought a sense of calm. This was their beginning.

Zubair captured every moment through his lens, preserving the emotions in each fleeting glance and hesitant movement.

Umar stood in the background, his heart swelling with both pride and a tinge of unspoken fear. His little sister had stepped into a new phase of life one he prayed would bring her nothing but happiness.

Laughter and well wishes filled the air as family members took turns congratulating the newly married couple, exchanging warm hugs and heartfelt duas.

There would be no rukhsati today. That moment would come a year later, when Meerab completed her studies. Until then, they would remain bound by the sacred promise of this nikkah, their journey together just beginning.

The next day, Murtasim sat on his bed, holding his phone in his hand, deep in thought. Should he call her? Would it seem too soon? What would she think of him? His thumb hovered over the dial button before he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Zubair sat on the couch, absent-mindedly scrolling through his phone, when it suddenly rang. He answered with a mischievous grin.

"Assalamualaikum," a voice came from the other side.

"Walekum assalam," Zubair replied casually.

"Ap kon?" came the voice, slightly amused.

"Ap mujhe nahi jante? Hairat hai! To be world famous superstar Zubair Rehmani ko nahi jante ap?" Zubair teased.

The voice on the other end chuckled. "Zubair."

"Ap kon?" Zubair asked, feigning confusion.

"Main… to-be world-famous superstar Zubair Rehmani ke phuphu ka shohar hoon."

Zubair’s eyes widened as realization struck. "Murtasim phupha?"

Murtasim frowned on the other end. "Phupha?"

"Haan, ab toh aap mere phuphu ke shohar hain, toh phupha hi bolunga na!" Zubair said mischievously.

Murtasim sighed. "Ab tak toh tum mujhe Murtasim bhai bolte the, toh aaj phupha kyun?"

"Woh toh, jab aap phuphu ke shohar nahi the. Ab hain, toh isliye " Zubair teased.

Murtasim shook his head, smiling. "Accha, apni phuphu kahan hain?"

"Pata nahi, shayad apne kamray mein hongi ya mama ke saath."

"Ye phone hamesha tumhare paas hi rehta hai?"

"Nahi, most of the time. Woh kya haina  phuphu ka manager aur PA bhi hoon!" Zubair boasted.

Murtasim chuckled. "Toh manager sahab, apni phuphu ko phone de sakte hain?"

"Kyun nahi, abhi deta hoon!" Zubair responded as he got up and walked towards where Meerab was.

Through the call, Murtasim could hear voices in the background. "This is not fair, phuphu," a loud voice said.

Murtasim instantly recognized it. It wasMeerab's voice.

"Phuphu, aapki call hai!" Zubair announced.

Meerab’s voice lowered, but Murtasim couldn't make out her words clearly. A few moments later, she stepped out of the room, taking the phone from Zubair.

"Kiski call hai?" she asked, frowning.

Zubair smirked. "Ap hi pata kar lein," he said before walking away.

Meerab frowned but took the phone, bringing it to her ear.

"Assalamualaikum," she said, unsure of what to expect.

"Walekum assalam, mai Murtasim baat kar raha hun," came the voice she had already started to recognize.

Meerab froze. It was Murtasim.

Meerab cleared her throat, fighting the sudden nerves bubbling up. She didn’t want to sound awkward. This was their first real conversation since the nikkah, and she didn’t want to make it uncomfortable.

"Alhamdulillah. Mai... mai thik hun. Ap..ap kaise hain?" she managed, doing her best to sound casual, but inside, her heart raced.

"Alhamdulillah." Murtasim replied, his voice filled with calm reassurance.

There was a distant voice calling Murtasim in the background, pulling his attention away for a brief moment.

"I am really sorry. I have to go." Murtasim quickly said.

"Allah Hafiz." he finished, a touch of finality in his tone.

"Allah Hafiz." Meerab whispered back, her heart fluttering despite the shortness of the conversation.

She stood there, holding the phone to her ear, long after the call had ended. Her heart was still raced, unsure of what to make of the fluttering feeling in her chest. It was just a short conversation, yet it felt like a significant step. They hadn’t had the chance to speak on their nikkah day, only exchanging glances, but this? This felt different. It was sweet, and it made her smile, something light and genuine inside her. What was this feeling? Maybe it was the feeling of being truly bonded, of being mehram now. The feeling in her chest? She couldn’t quite name it, but it felt... new. Cute. It was as if something unspoken had shifted between them in that short exchange.

Meerab couldn’t help but bite her lip, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Maybe this was what it felt like to be in nikkah. A simple conversation, a new bond.

Just then, someone called her, pulling her back into the present moment. She shook her head, trying to push the warmth in her chest aside, and went back to her duties, her heart still fluttering.

Meerab was at her sister-in-law’s boutique, sitting quietly while Shaziya managed some work. She had taken leave from college today, deciding to accompany her bhabhi instead of staying home.

As Shaziya flipped through some papers, she casually asked, "Baat hui Murtasim se?"

Meerab, who had been lost in thought, looked up at her.

"Haan, hui thi… call aayi thi," she replied softly.

Shaziya paused for a second before glancing at her. "Call aayi thi? Tumne ek dafa bhi call nahi ki?"

Meerab shook her head.

"Kyun?" Shaziya asked, raising an eyebrow.

Meerab lowered her gaze. She didn’t have an answer. How could she explain the hesitation, the nervousness, the unfamiliarity of this new bond?

Shaziya sighed, walking over to her. She gently took Meerab’s hand and made her sit down beside her.

"Apne shohar se baat karne ke liye nervous ho rahi ho? Sharm aa rahi hai?" she asked with a teasing smile.

Meerab’s cheeks tinged with warmth as she looked away.

Shaziya chuckled. "It’s common. Arrange marriage mein aksar aisa hota hai. Nervousness bhi hoti hai, thodi shyness bhi. I understand."

For a moment, a distant look crossed Shaziya’s face, as if she had drifted into a memory of her own. But she quickly shook it off and focused back on Meerab.

Her tone softened. "Lekin Meerab, nikkah mein conversation bohot zaroori hoti hai. Ek doosre ko jaana, samajhna, aur bharosa karna zaroori hota hai. Usne tumhe call ki thi na? Ab tum karo."

Meerab hesitated, but Shaziya squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Ab woh tumhare shohar hain. Tum dono ne saath zindagi guzarni hai," she reminded her gently.

Meerab swallowed, nodding slowly.

Shaziya smiled.

This version keeps the essence intact while adding a touch more emotion to their bond. Let me know if you’d like any changes!

That night, Meerab sat on her bed, holding her phone in her hands. Shaziya’s words echoed in her mind.

"Nikkah mein conversation bohot zaroori hoti hai."

She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the call button. Should she? What if he was busy? Would he find it strange?

Taking a deep breath, she finally pressed the call button. The phone rang, and within moments, he picked up.

"Assalamualaikum," Meerab greeted, her voice soft.

"Walekum assalam," Murtasim responded, a bright smile spreading across his face. The exhaustion of his long shift faded for a moment. He hadn’t expected her to call, but the sound of her voice felt like a breath of fresh air.

"Maine disturb toh nahi kiya apko?" she asked hesitantly.

"Nahi toh," he reassured her immediately.

A brief silence settled between them before she spoke again.

"Kya kar rahe the ap?"

"Kuch nahi, hospital mein hoon. Aaj night shift hai meri. Abhi rounds se ho kar aaya hoon," he explained.

"Oh…" Meerab murmured.

"I am really sorry. Maine pehle call nahi ki… Pichle do din bohot hectic the."

"I understand," she said gently. "Sorry kehne ki zaroorat nahi thi."

Murtasim smiled at her words.

" Apke  exams kab se hain?" he asked.

"Pata nahi… Abhi tak koi notice nahi aaya," she replied.

Just then, Murtasim heard someone calling for him in the background. He sighed. "Meerab, mujhe jaana hoga… ek case aaya hai. Main tumhe baad mein call karunga."

"Sure," she said, her voice holding a softness he hadn’t noticed before.

"Allah Hafiz."

"Allah Hafiz."

As the call ended, Meerab found herself smiling an unexplainable, lighthearted feeling settling in her heart. It had been a short conversation, but something about it felt right.

She hugged her phone close for a moment before placing it on the side table. Maybe this was the beginning of something new, something special.

Meerab walked towards the college exit with Saba, chatting casually. As they neared the gate, she spotted him. Murtasim was walking toward them, his presence unmistakable. He noticed Meerab and made his way over.

Saba, sensing the moment, quickly made an excuse and left with a teasing smile, leaving the two of them alone.

"Assalamualaikum," Meerab greeted, her voice soft but warm.

"Walekum assalam. Ghar ja rahi thi ap?" Murtasim asked, his tone casual but his eyes searching hers.

"Haan," Meerab responded, glancing around.

"Chalein, main drop kar deta hoon." Murtasim offered, stepping a bit closer.

"Nahi, it's okay. Mai chali jaungi. Mujhe Zubair ko bhi pick karna hai." She tried to decline, her gaze flickering towards the road.

"Thik hai. Zubair ko pick karke ghar chalte hain." Murtasim said, undeterred.

Meerab hesitated for a moment but then nodded, the offer still feeling oddly comforting. "Chalein," she said, and they began walking together towards his car.

Once inside, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Neither of them spoke for a while, and the quietness in the car was almost tangible.

Murtasim broke the silence first, his voice playful. "Apne bataya nahi…"

Meerab turned toward him, a little confused. "Kya?"

"Ki apke paas aik manager cum PA hai." He raised an eyebrow, teasing.

Meerab blinked, then laughed softly. "Manager PA?" She shook her head, still not quite understanding.

Murtasim nodded. "Aur apke ghar mein aik to be world famous superstar hain."

"Zubair, usne ye bakwas ki hogi na?" Meerab responded, shaking her head with a smile.

"Bakwas toh na kahein, accha haina. Future mein, mai aik world famous superstar ka phupha kehelwaunga aur ap phuphu." Murtasim continued, a playful glint in his eyes.

Meerab chuckled, the sound light and genuine. The unexpected humor seemed to have broken the ice, making her feel a little more at ease with him.

Murtasim couldn’t help but smile at the sound of her laughter. There was something about it that made everything feel a little warmer.

They arrived at Zubair’s school and parked outside the gate, waiting for him. The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the school grounds as students poured out, their chatter filling the air.

A few moments later, Zubair appeared, walking towards them with two of his friends.

Meerab smiled as the boys greeted her, responding with a warm "Assalamualaikum."

Zubair, however, looked slightly surprised to see Murtasim there.

"Zain, Fakir, ye mere phupha hain," he introduced, glancing between his friends and Murtasim.

The boys exchanged greetings with Murtasim, who acknowledged them with a polite nod.

"Murtasim phupha, aap yahan?" Zubair asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

Before Murtasim could respond, Meerab spoke up, her voice carrying a teasing lilt. "Humne socha ki to be world-famous superstar ko saath mein pick karte hain."

"Kya?" Zain asked, confused.

"Kuch nahi," zubair  says.

Zubair, grinned mischievously. "Accha hai! Waise bhi, aaj hum teeno phuphu se treat lene ki planning kar rahe the. Ab aapko bhi treat deni padegi."

Murtasim raised an eyebrow. "Kis khushi mein?"

Zubair smirked. "Aap dono ke nikkah ki khushi mein."

Meerab’s breath hitched slightly as she instinctively glanced at Murtasim. He looked at her at the same time. Their eyes met for a brief moment an unspoken exchange of emotions flickering between them before they both looked away.

"Ab chalein? Der ho rahi hai," Zubair said nonchalantly, pulling the car door open. He got in with Zain and Fakir, completely unaware of the tension he had just created.

Meerab and Murtasim followed, settling into their seats.

Later, they stopped for ice cream, fulfilling Zubair’s demand for a celebratory treat. The boys chatted animatedly, and Murtasim found himself easing into their energy, stealing occasional glances at Meerab, who seemed more relaxed than before.

Once they finished, Murtasim drove them home.

As they reached the Rehmani house, Meerab turned slightly towards him. "Shukriya."

Murtasim glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Kis liye?"

Meerab hesitated for a second, then said, "Zubair ki treat dene ke liye."

Murtasim’s smile deepened. "Koi baat nahi. Phir kabhi bhi treat chahiye ho toh bata dena."

Meerab looked away, biting back a smile as she stepped out of the car with Zubair. Murtasim watched her for a moment before driving off, a strange warmth settling in his chest.

As soon as Meerab and Zubair stepped into the house, Nazia’s voice rang out. "Meerab, Zubair, kahan the tum dono?"

Meerab was about to answer when Zubair excitedly jumped in.

"Murtasim phupha aur phuphu ne apne nikkah ki khushi mein mujhe aur mere doston ko ice cream di thi! Phir phupha hume drop karke chale gaye."

Nazia raised an eyebrow, glancing at Meerab. "Drop karke chale gaye? Beta, kitni buri baat hai. Tumne Murtasim ko andar nahi bulaya?"

Meerab shook her head. "Ammi, maine unhein bulaya tha, lekin unki shift thi hospital mein, isliye chale gaye."

Just then, Rabia, who had been observing quietly, cleared her throat.

"Unhein?" she repeated, raising an amused eyebrow.

Before Meerab could react, Shaziya added with a teasing grin, "Unko."

A soft blush crept up Meerab’s cheeks as realization dawned on her.

"Ammi, mai change karke aati hun," she mumbled quickly, turning on her heels and rushing to her room.

As soon as she left, the three women exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

A few weeks had passed. Meerab sat on her bed, scrolling through her books, preparing for her upcoming exams. The house was quiet, the soft hum of the ceiling fan filling the room.

Her phone buzzed beside her. She glanced at the screen, and a small smile formed on her lips before she accepted the call.

Before she could say anything, an excited voice came from the other end.

"I have passed the DHA exam! Ab main specialization ke liye Dubai ja sakta hun."

Meerab’s fingers froze around the corner of her book. Her smile lingered, but something shifted inside her a strange mix of happiness and an unfamiliar weight settling in her heart.

To be continued...

Next part after 15 votes and 20 comments.