Chapter 4

Anu had become Shehnaaz’s lifeline in a very short period of time. She helped Shehnaaz learn how to create documentation, prepare for presentations, make notes, arrange data in the computer for future reference, and schedule meetings for Sidharth. Shehnaaz was a quick learner, and Anu often watched her progress with a proud smile.

In evening, Shehnaaz walked into Nisha’s cabin with a stack of completed documentation. “Ma’am, the files are ready,” she said, her voice steady and confident.

Nisha, not expecting such promptness, was shocked. She went through the files repeatedly, searching for mistakes but finding none. Irritated, she kept the files with her. “That’s not good work, but it will do. You may leave and bring me coffee.”

“Sorry?” Shehnaaz asked, her temper rising. Did Nisha think she was a peon?

Nisha smirked. “Go. What are you waiting for?”

Shehnaaz tried hard to control her anger. “I will inform the peon.”

“I asked you to bring it,” Nisha said, testing her patience.

Shehnaaz gave a sweet smile. “Not part of my job. Thank you.” With that, she walked away, leaving an irritated Nisha behind.

_____________

Meanwhile, in Mohali, Rajbeer was going through a tough phase. He spent most of his time alone, looking at pictures of Shehnaaz on his phone, reminiscing about their school and college memories. He had been avoiding her calls, hoping to either forget her or make her realize if she had any feelings for him. Her attempts to reach out to him had decreased, and he smiled sadly at the thought.

One day, while walking through the market, Rajbeer ran into Jasbeer Ji, who scolded him for neglecting Shehnaaz. “Beta, wo sheher me akeli hai… use teri zarurat hai… kaisa dost hai tu?”

Jasbeer Ji’s words snapped him out of his thoughts. She was right. Even if Shehnaaz didn’t reciprocate his feelings, they were friends. What kind of friend was he? She needed him, and he had been selfish.

He immediately called her. “Shehnaaz…”

Shehnaaz was thrilled to hear from him. “Kamine! Kitne call kiye tuze mene… aise koi karta hai kya? Tu toh bhul hi gaya mujhe sala. Accha sun, pata hai mujhe ek bahot badi company me job mil gayi…”

Shehnaaz’s excitement was palpable as she continued talking, and Rajbeer could only smile and listen patiently. This was his Shehnaaz, he thought, and smiled.

_________________

Sana’s first day at work had gone well, and in the evening, Anu informed Sana and Zoya that her mother had invited them for dinner.

Zoya made a cute face. “Yaar, sorry, I can’t. Meri date hai aaj.”

Anu whistled, making Zoya roll her eyes while Shehnaaz looked confused. “Matlab?”

Zoya gave her a weird look while Anu burst into laughter. “She is going for dinner with her boyfriend, Sana.”

“Ohhh, okay,” Shehnaaz said, feeling a bit embarrassed for asking a silly question.

Anu brought Shehnaaz home directly from the office, but they always made sure not to leave together. Ritaji had prepared all the famous Punjabi dishes, thrilled that Shehnaaz was coming over. She loved Shehnaaz dearly and believed this girl would bring back the happiness that had been snatched from her son’s life. There was something in Shehnaaz’s joy that had connected Ritaji to her. She was God’s child, pure and filled with love and happiness. Ritaji smiled at the thought of keeping Shehnaaz with them forever, starting from today. The only challenge was getting her son to marry Shehnaaz. Ritaji was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t realize Sana and Anu had arrived.

“Maa, kya special hai aaj?” Anu asked as she walked into the kitchen with Shehnaaz.

Ritaji smiled when she saw Shehnaaz, who touched her feet lovingly. “Jeeti raho beta, how are you?”

“Me ekdum changi, aap kaise ho?” Shehnaaz replied with a sweet smile, taking the glass of juice Anu offered her.

“Hum bhi ekdum changi,” Ritaji said in the same tone, making Anu and Shehnaaz giggle.

Ritaji shook her head. “Achha, aap dono jaake fresh ho jao. Khana bas ready hai.”

Once they finished, Anu took Shehnaaz to her room. Shehnaaz was quite familiar with the house now.

“Sun, me niche jaake auntyji ki help karti hun,” Shehnaaz said after freshening up.

_______________

Sidharth was sweating profusely as he rested in his sleeping bag. He had been working out vigorously, trying to shake off the image that had captured his mind. He hated feeling helpless; this wasn’t him. Those almond eyes, the sadness on her face, the anger on her nose, those pink lips… he couldn’t forget.

Who was she? He had locked his feelings inside and never allowed anyone in, but this girl had just walked in and refused to leave despite his attempts. Why were her eyes haunting him? Why couldn’t he forget her? He might never see her again, and no one was allowed to change him. She was no one, and he wouldn’t let her affect him like this. Never. He remembered why he hated love, and a fire lit in his eyes. He thought with determination and blocked all his thoughts.

_________________

Back at the house, Shehnaaz waited patiently for Anu, but it didn’t seem like she would be done anytime soon. She knocked on the bathroom door. “Sun, me niche jaake auntyji ki help karti hun.”

Saying this, she left the room. As she was going down the steps, she lost her balance. She prepared herself to fall, but that never happened. Instead, she felt a tight hold around her.

“Are you okay?” asked her savior.

Shehnaaz felt a strong grip on her hand just as she stumbled, nearly losing her balance. Quickly recovering, she looked up to see a stranger before her. “Thank you,” she murmured softly.

“That’s okay. You are…?” Aryan hesitated, unsure who this girl was, walking clumsily in his house.

Shehnaaz felt a rush of anxiety as she met his gaze uncertainly. “I’m Shehnaaz… Anu’s friend.”

Aryan sensed her unease and tried to lighten the mood. “Oh, hi. I’m Aryan… Anu’s brother.”

Suddenly remembering something, Shehnaaz smiled at him. “Oh, you’re the one who came to pick me up at the airport.” Aryan chuckled at her innocence. “Yes.”

Her traditional attire puzzled him, as Anu’s friends rarely wore such outfits. Just then, Anu descended the stairs. “Sana, you’re still here? I thought you had left ages ago,” she joked, laughing at her own lame attempt.

Anu noticed Aryan still staring at Shehnaaz and teased him, “Why are you bothering my friend, bhai?”

Shehnaaz felt uncomfortable with where the conversation was heading. “Anu, let’s go. Let’s help aunty ji.”

With that, she practically dragged Anu away, leaving a bewildered Aryan behind.

Dinner was already prepared by the cook, and Manish and Kajal were out attending a party. The evening passed smoothly as Rita ji kept the conversation flowing with random questions.

Aryan also joined them at the dining table, and Shehnaaz gradually felt more at ease as time passed. When Aryan asked her to pass the bowl that was near her, she smiled lightly. “Yes, I’m originally from Mohali… it’s nice.”

Sana nodded as she passed the bowl. After dinner, Rita ji took Anu and Shehnaaz to her room.

From her cupboard, Rita ji took out a delicate bangle and gently placed it on Shehnaaz’s wrist. Shehnaaz looked at Rita ji in shock and confusion. “Aunty ji, nahi… aap ye..”

Rita ji hushed her gently while Anu smiled, understanding her mother’s intentions. Shehnaaz seemed to have a magical effect on everyone.

Shehnaaz glanced at Rita ji, who patted her head affectionately. “tum pehli baar ayi ho yaha dinner ke liye..tumhe khali hath thodi jane denge..” shehnaaz was really uncomfortable,”aunty ji..main yeh nhi le sakti..aap please samjhaiye.” 

Ignoring her protests, Rita ji closed the cupboard decisively. “Iska matlab Tum hame apna manti hi nhi ho..?” Rita ji pretended to be upset. Shehnaaz didn’t know how to respond. “aisa nahi hai aunty ji… I…”

Rita ji cut her off gently, “toh fir apni maa ka diya gift accept karlo..then only I’ll believe.” Shehnaaz hesitated but finally nodded with a small smile.

Taking a closer look at the bangle, she admitted softly, “It’s very beautiful… and it suits my hand perfectly.”

Later that evening, Anu dropped Sana off at Zoya’s flat. Shehnaaz had been sitting in Sidharth’s cabin, reviewing a file, when Rita ji unexpectedly entered. Rita ji rarely visited the office unless Sidharth was absent.

Anu was pleased to see her mother. “Mumma, you’re here after so long…”

Rita ji took a seat. “Hmm… Sidharth never gives me a reason to come.” She glanced at the file in Anu’s hand. “What are you doing in his cabin?”

Anu hesitated briefly before sitting beside her mother and sharing how she had caught Uncle Manish sneaking into Sidharth’s cabin to check the files.

Rita ji wasn’t overly surprised. “And I assume… you haven’t spoken to Sid about this yet?” Anu looked guilty. “I wanted to tell you first…”

“Hmm…” Rita ji pondered. “Don’t say anything to Sid until I tell you.”

Anu looked confused. “Why, Mumma?”

Rita ji got up and began checking if all the drawers were properly locked. “Do you trust me, Anu?”

Anu nodded silently.

Meanwhile, Nisha, who had seen Rita ji in the office, ordered snacks and coffee before heading to the cabin. Anu and Rita ji were caught off guard by her arrival. The peon placed the tray on the coffee table near where the women were seated on the sofa.

Nisha approached closer. “Hello, ma’am. How are you?” Rita ji smiled politely. “I’m good, Nisha. How are you?”

“I’m fine too, ma’am. What a coincidence… I was just thinking about you this morning.” Anu rolled her eyes at Nisha’s attempt at flattery, while Rita ji appeared uninterested. Whenever she visited the office, Nisha never seemed to leave her alone.

Unfazed by their lack of enthusiasm, Nisha was determined to impress Rita ji and find a way into Sidharth’s life. “By the way, ma’am, Mr. Singhaniya’s project launch party is next month… you’ll be attending, won’t you?” Rita ji wasn’t sure herself. “Not sure yet, beta.”

Nisha smiled at being called ‘beta’, but Anu cut in, annoyed. “Nisha, if you don’t mind, we’re discussing something important here…”

“Oh, of course.” Nisha’s face paled as she hastily left, thinking, “Anu… one day you’ll pay for all these insults.”

Anu had given Shehnaaz some work to do as practice, which she completed on time. Happy with her progress, Anu glanced through the cabin when she noticed Rita ji.

Pleasantly surprised, she stepped out of the cabin with the file, intending to enter Sidharth’s office. However, she was stopped by Nisha. “Oh, hello, where do you think you’re going?”

Shehnaaz, unaware of the tension, replied politely, “Ma’am, to meet Anu ma’am…”

“She’s busy inside with her mother. Don’t disturb them,” Nisha said, refusing to move. Shehnaaz muttered to herself, unable to explain that she knew Auntie Rita. She turned to go back to her cabin when Anu and Rita ji came out.

“Are Sana beta?” came Rita ji’s warm voice.

Anu and Shehnaaz closed their eyes briefly, silently praying, “Oh God, don’t spoil our plan.” Nisha looked at Rita ji in confusion. “Ma’am… you know Shehnaaz?”

Anu jumped in quickly. “No, she doesn’t… in fact, giving Rita ji a funny accusatory look.

Rita ji immediately realized her mistake. “I meant… you must be Sana, right? Anu was praising you a lot.”

Shehnaaz breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, aunty… ma’am… yes, ma’am… I’m Shehnaaz, Sana.”

“That’s enough. Now go and do your work,” Nisha snapped at Shehnaaz, angering Rita ji.

Rita ji scolded, “Nisha, you shouldn’t speak to junior employees like that. Apologize.”

Frightened by the outburst, Nisha quickly apologized to Shehnaaz and excused herself.

Shehnaaz was relieved by Rita ji’s change in demeanor. She blinked rapidly as Rita ji observed her. A smile broke out on Rita ji’s face at Shehnaaz’s innocent expression. “I was just coming to see you… I’m leaving now.”

Shehnaaz nodded with a smile. “Take care.”

“You too, beta.” With that, Rita ji left, and Anu escorted her to the car. Meanwhile, Nisha seethed with anger in her cabin, humiliated by Rita ji in front of Shehnaaz. “Like mother, like daughter… once Sidharth is mine, I’ll show them both what Nisha is capable of.” Nisha’s junior, Tara, entered. “Ma’am, you look upset…”

Nisha crushed the tissue in her hand. “This new girl, Shehnaaz… I need her out.”

“Why are you upsetting yourself over such a simple village girl?” Tara twisted her hair out of habit. “Sidharth sir himself will dismiss her in two days.”

A cunning smile spread across Nisha’s face as she muttered to herself, “And if nothing else, I’ll create such a situation that Sidharth will terminate her.”

Both girls laughed dryly.

Aryan lay on his bed lost in thought when his mother entered. “Aryan… I told you to come yesterday for the party… everyone was asking for you.”

Aryan sat up. “I wasn’t in the mood, mom…” He was secretly glad he hadn’t gone.

A smile crept onto his face, unnoticed by Kajal. “What’s making you so happy?”

Startled, he stumbled over his words. “Nothing… actually, bhai is coming back tomorrow…”

Kajal rolled her eyes. “And did you talk to Sidharth about joining the office?”

“Here we go again,” Aryan thought irritably. “Yes, mom, once my results are out…”

Kajal got up. “What do your results have to do with joining the office?”

Aryan patiently closed his eyes. “Mom, please relax… I want to take a break after exams. Once I join the office, I won’t get any… you understand, right?”

Kajal approached him,

realizing he was upset with her. “I just want to see you successful, son.”

Aryan couldn’t understand why she had a problem with Sid bhai. Why couldn’t she be like Badi Maa? Why couldn’t they have a happy family?

Elsewhere, Sidharth packed his belongings into his jeep and began his journey home. He felt relieved that he had finally managed to push that girl out of his mind.

This feeling had come out of nowhere. He had never felt this way for anyone. No one could fool him. No one could play with his life. She was no one, and they would never meet again. His life belonged to his family and his business. There was no room for anyone else. Whoever she was… she had come and gone. And Sidharth Shergil didn’t need anyone in his life.

Determined and satisfied with his thoughts, he drove home.

______________

Anu and Aryan hugged him warmly upon his return. As he entered the house, he sensed something different in the air… a unique fragrance.

He respectfully touched his mother’s feet and couldn’t help but ask, “koi guest hai kya har me..?”

Confused, Rita ji shook her head and asked him to freshen up for dinner.

Sidharth was about to ascend the stairs when his eyes caught sight of an anklet lying in a corner of the room. Intrigued, he bent down to pick it up. It was delicate and finely crafted, unlike anything he had seen anyone in his house wear before.

As he turned the anklet in his hand, he felt an inexplicable connection to it. It seemed to carry a whisper of someone’s presence, someone who had left a mark on him without even being there. He rubbed it gently between his fingers, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz lay on her bed, a sudden sense of unease gripping her as if someone had touched her feet. Startled, she sat up and realized her favorite anklet was missing from her left foot. “Kahan gaya?” she whispered to herself, searching frantically in the nearby drawer, her heart sinking when she couldn’t find it. It was more than just an accessory; it held sentimental value.

Sidharth entered his room, already unpacked from his recent trip, and locked the door behind him. His mind was preoccupied with the anklet. Without fully understanding why, he placed it carefully in his locker, as if safeguarding a precious secret.

After freshening up, Sidharth joined his mother, Rita ji, for a late dinner. 

After getting fresh, he had late dinner with his mother who was waiting for him, “maa..apne dinner kuo nhi kiya abhi tak..it’s late.”

Rita ji served him and herself, ” mere sid ne nhi khaya..toh main kese kha lu..”

Sidharth couldn’t shake off the anklet from his mind. Rita ji noticed his distraction, “Camping kaisa tha? Tujhe thoda chain mila?” she asked, genuinely curious about his well-being.

Sidharth nodded, “Haan maa, bahut acha tha. Dimagh ki saari tension kam hui.”

Rita ji hummed thoughtfully, then leaned closer, “wese I visited your office today..your new secretary is very efficient I must say.” She tried to sound casual, but Sidharth sensed her probing.

Sidharth knew she always visited office when he is not there to look after. This business was her hardwork after his father passed away, “that’s all I want maa..I am tired of firing them every alternate day..”he joked lightly making his mother giggle.

“I think you won’t get chance this time..”Rita ji replied as she finished her plate and got up.”Is it.”Sidharth looked at her curious

His mother never praised any office staff ever like this.

Rita ji kept her plate in kitchen and returned, “just my observation, she seemed good with her work.”

“Hmm,” he acknowledged noncommittally, internally wary of any undue favoritism. He preferred to judge people by their actions.

Later that night, as Sidharth lay on his bed, he couldn’t escape the image of Shehnaaz’s anklet. Retrieving it from his locker, he studied its intricate design. “Kiski ho sakta hai?” he mused aloud, feeling an unexpected warmth as he ran his fingers over its smooth surface. The anklet seemed to radiate a presence that intrigued him.

His thoughts drifted involuntarily to Shehnaaz—the girl who had unwittingly stirred his curiosity. Ever since their encounter, something had shifted within him, a restless longing he couldn’t define. He had convinced himself it was inconsequential, but the anklet now challenged that certainty.

Placing it back in the locker, Sidharth closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep. “I should throw it away,” he muttered to himself, resisting the urge to keep something that symbolized a connection he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

The next day dawned with Anu’s excitement about Sidharth meeting Shehnaaz. She had instructed Shehnaaz to wear a purple kurta, insisting it suited her perfectly. Shehnaaz, puzzled by Anu’s sudden insistence, complied without question, sensing her friend’s enthusiasm.

At home, Rita ji and Sidharth observed Anu’s animated preparations with bemusement. “Bhai, jaldi karo na, late ho raha hai office ke liye,” Anu chided, her impatience evident.

Rita ji intervened, handing Sidharth a glass of fresh juice, “Anu, let him finish his breakfast properly. Tang mat karo apne bhai ko.” Anu grimaced at the juice’s taste but gulped it down obediently, her mind already planning the day ahead.

Sidharth scanned the morning newspaper absently, only to have it snatched away by Anu, who gave him a playful scowl. Aryan chuckled from the sidelines, “Bhai, aaj toh tu chain se jeene nahi degi Anu.”

Sidharth nodded in mock resignation, while Anu pouted, determined to get her way.

Finally, they left for the office, where Sidharth’s return after weeks caused a flurry of activity. Anu tagged along, playfully pestering Sidharth as they navigated through the bustling corridors.

In his cabin, Sidharth paused abruptly, causing Anu to bump into him. He turned to her with a raised eyebrow, “Ab mujhe kyun follow kar rahi ho?”

Anu glanced at their reflection in the mirror and huffed, not dignifying his question with a response. Instead, she marched out of his cabin, her determination palpable.

Meanwhile, Anu directly walked into Sana’s cabin but it was empty.. isn’t she in office yet? that’s not good.

She immediately called sana but found her phone ringing on desk.  “Phone toh yahi hai, toh fir gayi kahan?” she muttered to herself, her worry growing.

Shehnaaz had been sent to a client’s office by Nisha, causing Anu’s frustration to peak. She stormed into Nisha’s cabin, her irritation clear in her voice. “Good morning, Nisha. Shehnaaz ko client ke office bhej diya tumne?”

Nisha’s smile faltered, caught off guard by Anu’s directness. “Haan… haan, actually main… I mean, Tara was…” She stumbled over her words, clearly flustered.

Anu cut her off impatiently, “Whatever the reason, she’s my brother’s secretary, not yours. If Tara can’t handle her responsibilities, replace her, but don’t disrupt others’ work.” With that, Anu left, leaving a smirking Nisha to contemplate her next move.

Meanwhile, Sidharth contacted Zoya to inquire about Shehnaaz’s whereabouts, only to discover she was supposed to be in the cabin next to his. Peering through the glass partition, he found it empty.

A frown creased his brow, “She’s not there,” he murmured to himself, disappointment tainting his tone. He disliked employees who weren’t where they were supposed to be during working hours, unless it was absolutely necessary.

Zoya hurried into his cabin, concern etched on her face. “Sir, woh yahan thi, maine khud dekha tha,” she assured him, perplexed by Shehnaaz’s sudden disappearance.

“Check out and let me know..her job confirmation depends on it,” Sidharth instructed, his tone firm yet tinged with underlying worry.

Outside Sidharth’s cabin, Zoya bumped into Anu, who was about to enter. She pulled Anu aside urgently, “Sana kahan hai? Boss already annoyed hain.”

Anu’s expression turned grave, realizing the gravity of the situation. She relayed the information to Sidharth promptly, prompting him to summon Nisha to his office.

Inside his cabin, Sidharth wasted no time, cutting to the chase. “Good morning, Sidharth sir,” Nisha greeted nervously, sensing the seriousness in his demeanor.

Sidharth didn’t mince words, “Is it true that you sent my secretary to a client’s office without informing anyone?”

Nisha paled visibly, unprepared for such direct questioning. “I… I’m sorry, sir. Tara was occupied, and…”

Sidharth interrupted sternly, “This is the last time. I don’t want my work to suffer because my secretary is doing someone else’s job. Understand?”

“Yes, sir. It won’t happen again,” Nisha replied hastily, retreating to her cabin with a newfound resolve.

Meanwhile, as Sidharth sifted through papers in Shehnaaz’s cabin, she burst in, visibly flustered from the Mumbai heat. The sudden intrusion startled him, and he turned to face her, their eyes locking in mutual surprise.

Shehnaaz hastily wiped sweat from her brow with her dupatta, meeting his gaze head-on. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, their unspoken connection crackling between them.

“Tum…” Sidharth’s voice was a mix of disbelief and recognition.

“Aap…” Shehnaaz’s breath caught in her throat.

And in that instant, the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of shared astonishment.

Sidharth was frozen in place, his gaze drawn to her almond-shaped eyes that held a depth he hadn’t expected. He couldn’t ignore the way her presence affected him—the way her disheveled hair framed her face in soft waves, the way her skin glowed with a natural blush.

He was frozen because her eyes were more beautiful than previous time.he was frozen because.. he noticed a layer of sweat rolling down at the corner of her neck..he was frozen because..her hair were messed but they looked more smooth than last time..he was frozen because her skin seemed more softer and pink than last time. He was frozen because he remembered every detail of her face. He was frozen because his heart betrayed him by beating so fast..he was frozen because this girl..for heaven sake stopped his senses.

Shehnaaz, too, felt a rush of emotions surge within her. Seeing him again brought a mixture of longing and uncertainty. Her heart raced as she realized how much she had missed him, despite their brief encounter.

She was frozen because she missed him for crying out loud..she was frozen because his eyes were intense than last time. She was frozen because she could feel the warmth her heart needed form him..why this closeness made her feel home.why his angry eyes made her feel protected..he comes out from nowhere and stops her world turning it upside down..

They stood there, caught in a silent exchange of emotions, each searching the other’s eyes for answers neither could articulate.

She felt a stranger attraction towards his which was very strange..her cheeks turned pink without asking her..her hands held the dupatta tight in

anxiousness without asking her..her teeth pulled her lower lip in and bite onto it shortly without asking her ..

“Ouchh”..

_____________________

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Please share your comments because I love to read them. Don’t forget to vote.

Also, stay tuned for “Baarish,”  along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

Don’t forget to follow me on  Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube  for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka