Chapter 9

Shehnaaz instructed, “Me jaisa bolti tu waisa karna, okay?”

Nisha rolled her eyes, exasperated, “Another plan… Have you decided to break all records of being evil?”

Shehnaaz chuckled mischievously, “Abhi 15 minute baad tu mujhe phone karegi.”

Nisha closed her eyes, resigned to her friend’s schemes, “Okay meri maa… Agar kuch kand hua, remember I don’t know you.”

Shehnaaz grinned, “Kamini…”
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It was almost 5:45, and Shehnaaz was biting her nails anxiously, wondering, “Ye idiot Nishu call kyun nahi kar rahi…”

Jasbeera ji noticed Shehnaaz pacing back and forth and asked, “Beta, wo log aate hi honge… Kya hua tujhe?”

Shehnaaz smiled, trying to hide her nervousness, “Kuch nahi hua, Mumma.”

Just then, her phone rang. Without checking, she put it on speaker, “Hi Nishu.”

The caller giggled, “Nishu nahi, mam. Anand hu main. I have a great offer for you, mam. I am from XYZ company. Is it a good time to talk?”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “No,” and disconnected the call, giving an innocent smile to Jasbeera ji.

Jasbeera ji found her smile rather strange.

Her phone rang again. This time she checked if it was Nisha and put it on speaker, “Hey Nishu, what’s up?”

Nisha sighed dramatically, “Hmm…”

Shehnaaz glanced at her mother, wondering if she was listening, and asked dramatically, “Kya baat hai? Why are you sounding so low?”

Nisha rolled her eyes at her overacting and spoke sadly, “Kuchh nahi… Bas tabiyat kharab hai.”

Jasbeera ji gave a concerned look. Shehnaaz grinned inwardly, “OMG… Aunty ko bol ke tujhe doctor ke paas leke jaye.”

Nisha sighed again, “Actually, Mumma Papa dono bahar gaye hain ek business party mein… Der se aayenge.”

Jasbeera ji, now worried, while Shehnaaz pretended to be concerned, “Nishu, tu akele kaise rahegi?”

Nisha chuckled, “Wohi to… Mujhse utha bhi nahi ja raha… Kya tu yahan aa sakti hai, kuchh der ke liye, jab tak Mumma Papa nahi aa jate?”

Shehnaaz sadly spoke, “Main aana to chahti hoon, par kya hai na, ghar pe guests aa rahe hain aaj… So…”

Jasbeera ji immediately took the phone, “Nahi beta, main Shehnaaz ko abhi bhejti hoon.”

Nisha and Shehnaaz both shared a mischievous smile.

Shehnaaz protested, “Par Mumma, agar wo log… aur Papaji…?”

Jasbeera ji patted her cheek, “Main sab sambhal lungi… Dekh wo akeli hai beta, jaldi ja.”

Shehnaaz immediately ran to her room and did a happy dance.

Nisha rolled her eyes, “Toh bata, plan kya hai… Jaldi ghar aa.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Shut up… Tere ghar aane ke liye ye sab plan nahi tha.”

Nisha gaped at her, “Phir…? tu kya karne wali hai? Mujhe dar lag raha hai…”

Shehnaaz grinned, “Tu bas itna kar… Agar ghar se phone aaye to sambhal lena… Bye sweets.”

“Sanaaaaaaa,” Nisha kept shouting as Shehnaaz disconnected the call with a chuckle.
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As Shehnaaz walked out of the gates without a car, the guards looked at her, a bit confused, but she dismissed it and looked around for his car.

Sidharth had his car parked near the gate. A smile formed on her lips when his eyes fell on her choice of clothes. She wore a cute kurti paired with jeans. He pressed the horn of the car, gaining her attention.

Shehnaaz looked towards the sound, her eyes widening at the sight of the posh car. As she walked towards it, she saw Sidharth get out of the driver’s seat and come towards her. Her heart skipped several beats, watching his masculine persona and the glasses that made him look more handsome than legally allowed.

Chuckling at her wide-eyed expression, he pecked her forehead and opened the car door for her. She felt at peace, the instant calmness filling his heart with her presence.

Her curls bounced around, and her eyes never left his gaze.

As she sat in, lost in him, he buckled her seatbelt, staring at her intensely all the while. Then he sat in the driver’s seat and started driving, “Muh band karo,” he said with a smirk.

Embarrassed, Shehnaaz did as told and immediately looked out of the car, “Hum first time sath mein travel kar rahe hain,” she said lovingly and looked back at him.

Sidharth smiled, “Haan, mera bachha.” He loved how she cherished these small moments of happiness.

Shehnaaz smiled back, loving when he called her his “bachha.” “Aapko travel karna achha lagta hai?”

Sidharth thought for a moment, “Haan bhi aur na bhi.”

He chuckled when her face frowned in confusion, “Ye kaise jawab hai?”

Sidharth took her hand and rested it on the gear with his palm above hers. “I mean, kabhi kabhi achha lagta hai, aur kabhi kabhi unwantedly bhi travel karna padta hai if it’s a business trip.”

Shehnaaz blushed when his fingers softly caressed hers. “Aapka fav vacation spot kya hai?”

Sidharth gave it a thought, “Switzerland, Maldives, Sydney.”

Shehnaaz got excited, “Hayy, sachhi? Mujhe bhi!”

Sidharth smiled and looked at her, “Come here.” The moment he said it, she immediately submitted herself in his embrace and rested her head on his shoulder.

Shehnaaz, “Hum kaha ja rahe hain shopping ke liye?”

Sidharth guessed she might know the designer too, “Anamika Khanna ke paas.”

Shehnaaz’s eyes popped open, and she slapped his arm, making him kiss her hair, “Kya hua jaan?”

Shehnaaz glared at him, “Hum normal closet change kar rahe hain. I thought we will go to some mall.”

Sidharth shook his head, “I know. I purposely called her to have a visit here with her designer clothes.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Aap pagal ho kya?”

Sidharth chuckled, unlike him, “Thodasa.”

Shehnaaz giggled back, “Ajeeb insan ho aap. Samajh mein hi nahi aate.”

Sidharth stopped the car at their destination, “Aadat ho jayegi tumhe is ajeeb insan ki.”

As they walked through the respective section, Shehnaaz was wrapped in his arms with his arm around her shoulder as she refused to let go of him, a bit intimidated with the surroundings. She did belong to a wealthy family, but Anamika Khanna was one of the biggest designers in the country.

Anamika joined them, and her eyes were just stuck on Sidharth as they shook hands. Shehnaaz noticed that and pulled him closer to her.

Sidharth smiled, noticing her cute possessiveness, and hugged her closer.

Anamika’s face fell at the sight, and she smiled weakly, “Please, this way sir.”

Anamika helped them a little and left halfheartedly, noticing Sidharth was getting annoyed with the disturbance.

The moment she left, Shehnaaz glared at him cutely, “Aapko usse jyada baat karne ki koi jarurat nahi hai.”

Sidharth watched her cute angry face and kissed her red nose, “Haan baba, nahi karunga.”

She smiled and glanced through the collection only to find dresses… and dresses… and dresses…

Making a baby face, she gave up and let him select the dresses for her.

By the time he was finishing, Shehnaaz was almost sleepy, “Ab bas bhi karo na. Ek toh mujhe ye dresses samajh bhi nahi aate.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes, “Aur tum bhi bas karo. This is the 4th coffee. Not a good habit.”

Annoyed, Shehnaaz pulled him away from the dresses, making him snake his arms around her waist, “Kya hua bachha?”

Shehnaaz was getting conscious now, “Mujhe itne dresses nahi chahiye. Ye designer clothes hain. Aapko andaza bhi hai how much this all will cost?”

Sidharth twisted her wrists angrily at her back, making her wince in pain, “Sidhhaaarth!”

Sidharth glared at her, “this is the first and last time we are discussing about money jaan.. am I clear..”

Sidharth loosened his grip, watching her eyes close tightly. He took her wrists near to his lips and kissed them gently.

Shehnaaz smiled at her weird man. He was like a ruthless man a second ago and back to her “jana” in another second.

Sidharth sighed deeply as he cupped Shehnaaz’s face in his hands, his eyes intense with emotion. “Mujhe nahi pasand toh bas nahi pasand… tum meri ho… main kuch bhi karu…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded, her voice trembling, “You are the only one in this whole world who is mine… just mine…”

At those heartfelt words, Sidharth pulled her into a tight embrace. The warmth of his arms around her was soothing, a silent promise of love and security. It was a moment of pure, unspoken love that felt absolutelyspecial to both of them.

After a while, Sidharth gently led Shehnaaz to another section of the store. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized they were in the bridal section. For a fleeting moment, her heart raced with the thought that he might be planning to marry her. The mere idea made her cheeks flush a deep red. Trying to steady her racing heart, she softly asked, “Hum yahan kyu aaye hai…?”

Sidharth smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Shehbaaz ki shadi hai na… in a few weeks…”

Shehnaaz looked at him in amazement, “Aap ko har baat kaise pata hoti hai…?”

He shook his head, smiling affectionately at her, “Dress choose kare…”

Shehnaaz sighed as she started looking through the dresses, but nothing seemed to please Sidharth. Exhausted, she gave up and let him choose. He selected a beautiful lehenga, certain it would look stunning on her. Leading her to the trial room, he didn’t ask her to try it on; he simply draped it around her. The dress fit her perfectly, as if it was made just for her.

Shehnaaz gazed at her reflection in the mirror and saw Sidharth standing behind her, his eyes filled with admiration and love. She couldn’t look away from his intense gaze, feeling a magnetic pull between them.

Sidharth moved closer until his chest was pressed against her back. Shehnaaz shivered at his touch, feeling a current run through her veins. His fingers gently brushed her hair aside, exposing the soft skin of her neck. She let out a soft breath, her eyes closing involuntarily.

His cold lips met her warm skin, igniting a fire within her. This moment felt different, like a new phase of their love had begun—a phase filled with passion and desire. They were lost in each other, no words needed, just pure, unspoken understanding.

Sidharth’s wrapped her in his embrace, pulling her closer, his lips leaving a trail of warmth on her skin. Her heart raced, and she felt an overwhelming sense of completeness.

His touch was electrifying, making her forget everything else. She didn’t care about the world outside; all that mattered was being in his embrace. They didn’t need to confess their love with words; their actions spoke volumes. His love enveloped her, making her feel alive.

Sidharth’s heart pounded. He was lost in her, completely consumed by his love for her.

Shehnaaz felt a thrilling sensation as Sidharth’s finger traced letters on her palm. Concentrating on the letters, a soft smile teased her lips when she realized he had written his name.

“Sidharth,” she whispered softly, her voice filled with love and a blush spreading across her cheeks.

Hearing her whisper his name, Sidharth’s heart swelled with emotion. He  turned her around to embrace her tightly. They held each other, their hearts beating in sync, lost in their little world of love.

Sidharth didn’t ask for anything, and Shehnaaz didn’t say anything. Their hearts spoke a language of their own, a language of deep, unspoken connection.

Unable to resist, Sidharth lifted her in his arms until her feet rested on his. She clung to his shirt collar as he kissed her passionately. His hands wrapped around her, pulling her closer. Their connection deepened with every passing second.

Sidharth’s heart roared with love and possessiveness. He soothed her with gentle kisses, feeling a sense of completeness as he held her.

Shehnaaz melted into him, losing herself in his touch. The man she didn’t know existed just weeks ago had become her everything. She realized that his kiss was nothing like the sweet kisses described in romance novels; it was intense, and addictive.

His kisses ignited a fire within her, making her feel alive and cherished.

When he finally let go of her, he rested his forehead against hers, both of them breathing heavily. Sidharth stared at her, his eyes filled with possessive love. He pecked her hair softly and mumbled, “Shehnaaz, main nahi janta ke ye kaisa ehsaas hai… iska naam kya hai… is jatate kaise hai… par kuchh to hai mera bachha… kuchh to khaas hai… tumhe mujhse sharmane ki… darne ki koi zarurat nahi hai… tum mujhe daat sakti ho… mujhe zagad sakti ho… mere sath kuchh bhi kar sakti ho… kyunki tumhe haqq hai…”

Shehnaaz smiled, resting her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Rubbing her back gently, he continued, “Main samajhta hoon… tum mujhe samajh rahi ho aur main tumhe… haan wo alag baat hai ke tumhe samjhana thoda…”

Surprised, she raised her face and pouted at him, making him chuckle. “Main tumhara hoon… har lamhe ke liye… mujhe ajnabi mat samajhna kabhi… ye jo badmash dil hai na tumhara…”

Blushing softly, she rested her forehead against his chin, making him sigh deeply. “Wo sirf mere liye hai… sirf mera hai… hum dono mein zizak… dar… sharam in bemani cheezo ke liye jagah hai hi nahi…”

Shehnaaz wrapped her arms around his broad chest, resting there forever.

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After their shopping, Sidharth took her to a restaurant for dinner. They enjoyed their meal in the privacy of their own world, the soft music in the background adding a romantic touch to the evening.

After dinner, Shehnaaz rested her head on Sidharth’s shoulder as they made their way back to her home. Their bond had grown stronger than ever. She loved spending her time with him, and as they neared her house, a sigh escaped her lips. She realized the day was coming to an end, and soon she would be away from him.

Sidharth noticed the sadness on her face and kissed her hair gently, understanding the thoughts behind her silence. He, too, knew he would miss her. It had been a wonderful start to their journey of getting to know each other.

To lighten her mood, he turned on the music player.

“Baatein… kuchh ankahi si… kuchh ansuni si… hone lagi…”

The words resonated deeply with Sidharth. He watched as a smile formed on Shehnaaz’s lips with the song, and it warmed his heart to see her feeling better. He whispered softly to her, “Mein tumhare paas hi hoon na, mera bachha…”

She looked at him, placing a soft kiss on his biceps and playfully squeezing to check how strong he was. Her cute gesture made Sidharth laugh out loud, a sound so rare and unexpected. Shehnaaz, surprised, hugged him tightly, cherishing the moment.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her closer, enveloping her in his warmth. She talked about sweet nothings, lost in her own world, and he listened to every word with patience, cherishing her cuteness. It was their sweet way of building their relationship.

As he parked the car near the Gill mansion, Sidharth kissed her forehead for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

Shehnaaz, trying to appear angry, took all the shopping bags and waved him goodbye as she walked towards the mansion. It was late, and she hoped everyone was asleep. She didn’t want anyone to see the bags she was carrying.

Quietly entering the house, she moved through the living room, only to find Jasbeera Ji sitting at the dining table, staring at her.

Straightening up, Shehnaaz rushed to her room with the bags, followed closely by Jasbeera Ji. She threw the bags into her closet and turned to find her mother standing behind her, looking curious and concerned.

“Sana…” Jasbeera Ji began.

“Yes, Mumma?” Shehnaaz smiled a little, though she felt nervous.

“Beta, aapko sach me lagta hai ke mujhe kuch samajh mein nahi aata?” Jasbeera Ji said, pulling her hand to sit on the bed.

Shehnaaz giggled nervously, “Mumma, actually Nishu aur Ankita ne mujhe ullu banaya aur shopping ke liye le gaye.”

Jasbeera Ji sighed, “Woh dono apne apne ghar pe hain, beta.”

Jasbeera Ji knew her daughter too well. She knew Shehnaaz was naive, innocent, and emotional. She was always scared someone might take advantage of her innocence. Yet, Shehnaaz shared a deep relationship with her mother, who was more of a best friend than anything else.

Patting Shehnaaz’s hair gently, Jasbeera Ji said, “Shehnaaz, ab tu badi ho gayi hai. Kisi par bhi vishwas karne se pehle usse achhe se parakh lena, beta. Tumhari Mumma hamesha tumhare saath hai. Tujhe pata hai na, puttar?”

Unable to lie anymore, Shehnaaz hugged her mother, “Mujhe pata hai, Mumma. Mera vishwas kijiye, woh bahut achhe hain.”

Surprised, Jasbeera Ji asked, “Woh…? Unhe woh kehke bulati hai?”

Feeling shy, Shehnaaz chuckled, “Pata nahi, Mumma. Par unhe ‘tum’ kehke bulane ka mann hi nahi karta.”

Jasbeera ji smiled.. she couldn’t believe she saw smiling at this situation when she should be worried and angry…but she was seeing a different shehnaaz today.. a
matured one..

Shehnaaz continued, “unhe aap kehke bulane me ek ajeeb si khushi milti hai mumma…apna pan lagta hai..jaise aap papaji ko aap kehke bulate hona bilkul
waise…”

Jasbeera Ji smiled, seeing her daughter so happy and matured. “Mujhe aur nahi bataogi unke bare mein?”

Blushing, Shehnaaz turned red. Jasbeera Ji couldn’t believe her eyes—her daughter was actually blushing. She didn’t doubt anymore that Shehnaaz was in love. She prayed wholeheartedly to Waheguru Ji that whoever this person was, he should be good and honest.

“Mumma, woh na bahut ajeeb hai,” Shehnaaz said, breaking the hug.

“Tumse kam hi hoga,” Jasbeera Ji teased with a smile.

“Aapko pata hai unhone mera poora wardrobe change kar diya. Mumma, dresses…”

Surprised, Jasbeera Ji asked, “Kyun? Usse tere dresses achhe nahi lage?”

Shehnaaz playfully slapped her forehead, “Wohi to, Mumma. Kehte hain ke tumhe koi aise dekhe mujhse pasand nahi. Isliye aaj se tum dresses hi pehnogi.” She ran to her closet and emptied all the bags, showing her mother the beautiful, designer pieces.

Jasbeera Ji smiled, seeing her daughter so happy. “Mujhse kab milayegi?”

“Bahut jald, Mumma. Abhi aap jao, mujhe sona hai,” Shehnaaz replied excitedly.

As Jasbeera Ji made her way to her bedroom, she felt a mix of happiness and worry. She didn’t know why, but she had a good feeling about this person. Jasbeera Ji was as innocent and naive as Shehnaaz. They were like shadows of each other.

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Meanwhile, Sidharth lay on his bed, a peaceful smile lingering on his lips. He loved spending time with Shehnaaz and wished he had her in his arms right now. He craved to sleep in her embrace, surrounded by her warmth that soothed his heart.

Looking at his phone, he thought of calling her but wondered if she was asleep. unable to hold back, he dialed her number.

Shehnaaz was rolling on her bed, earphones in, listening to music with her eyes closed. Her phone rang, and she picked it up without checking the caller ID. “Hello…”

“Shehnaaz, Anu here. Soyee thi kya?” Anu spoke on the call.

Disappointed, Shehnaaz sighed. She had hoped it would be him. She again forgot to ask for his number. Her brain seemed to go on hang mode when she was with him. “Hi Anu, nahi yaar. Bol na…”

“Busy…” Sidharth mocked, slamming his phone on the bed. “Itni baatein karne ke liye din raat kuch samajh nahi aata. Apne dosto ke sath chit-chat kar rahi hogi. Ye nahi ke koi usse miss kar raha ho toh thodi der phone khali rakhe.” He grimaced, trying to sleep.

Moments of their closeness flashed in his mind like a movie. He rolled on the bed for some time and finally made his way to the kitchen. He bumped into Anu in the corridor.

Startled, Anu paused her conversation. “Shehnaaz, ek min…”

The mention of Shehnaaz’s name caught Sidharth’s attention. He rolled his eyes, thinking, “Ye dekho zara. Mujhse baat karne ke bajay Anu se baat kar rahi hai. Roj college me toh milte hi hain na.”

Glaring at Anu, he asked, “Kisise baat kar rahi ho kya?”

“Ji bhai, woh meri friend Shehnaaz hai na, ussi se baat kar rahi hu. Bhai, ussi ne phone kiya tha. Main toh so rahi thi…” Anu bit her tongue, thinking Sidharth would scold her for disturbing someone at this hour.

Sidharth rolled his eyes, thinking, “Ye ladki… jab bhagwan akal baat rahe the tab bhi kisi se phone pe hi baat kar rahi hogi. Sidharth Shukla… what will be your future, I wonder…”

He considered snatching the phone from Anu but groaned at his childish thoughts.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz had long forgotten the phone, her mind lost in the memories of the day. Anu called out a few times before disconnecting the call and going to sleep.

Sidharth, unable to resist, called Shehnaaz again, hoping the call had ended.

Thinking it was Anu again, Shehnaaz answered, “Haan Anu, sun rahi hu. Tu bol.”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat at hearing her annoyed yet melodious voice. “Sirf Anu ki hi baatein sunni hain?”

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened as she whispered softly, “Jana…”

The whisper was so soft that even her own ears might not have heard it, but he did. His lips curled into a smile. “Haan, mera bachha…”

Her smile widened, and her eyes filled with surprise. She couldn’t believe he actually called. Her throat went dry with anticipation, and she forgot to speak altogether.

Sidharth chuckled. “Thik hai, agar tumhe kuch nahi kehna, I will not disturb you.”

“No, rukiye,” Shehnaaz yelled suddenly.

Sidharth smiled at her sweet voice. “Aap soye nahi abhi tak?”

“Tumse baat karna chahta tha,” Sidharth confessed, closing his eyes.

Shehnaaz buried her face in the pillow with a soft blush. He was missing her too. She smiled and mumbled softly, “Achha, suniye…”

Sidharth chuckled. That ‘suniye’ felt like a typical husband-wife thing. He had no idea how she had filled his life with so many moments and happiness. “Ummm…” he hummed softly, wanting to hug her close.

Clearing her throat, Shehnaaz said, “Aaj Mumma aapke bare mein pooch rahi thi…”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat. “What did Mumma say…?”

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