Chapter 15

Sidharth knew his mother wouldn’t let it go easily. “Okay maa… filhal aap jaake rest kijiye, please…”

With a sigh, Ritta Ji left for her room, and Anu followed Sidharth, who was clearly in a bad mood.

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Shehnaaz’s sleep was disturbed when her phone rang. Making a face, she checked her phone and saw it was from a private number. “Hello…”

Receiving no response, she spoke again, “Hello… who is it…?”

When she didn’t get a response, Shehnaaz disconnected the call and looked around for Sidharth. She was alone in her bed, with her duvet wrapped around her instead of Sidharth. She made a baby face, realizing he must have left when she fell asleep.

She tried to sleep again, but her phone rang, much to her annoyance. Getting out of bed, she answered the call, “Hello…”

Losing her patience as there was still no response, she snapped, “Agar baat nahi karni toh call kyu kiya? Agar dobara call kiya na… toh mujse bura koi na hoga.” Saying so, she disconnected the call and made her way to the washroom.

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Anu waited, a bit scared, until Sidharth spoke. “Vicky ka accident ho gaya hai…”

Anu’s eyes widened in shock, and her voice cracked. “What..? Bhai, where is he..? How is he..?”

Tears started to roll down her cheeks, and Sidharth hugged her instantly. “Relax bachha… he is fine… usse chot nahi aayi hai… thankfully… bas left hand mein jara si kharoch aayi hai… he is ok… but…” Sidharth trailed off, unsure.

Anu relaxed a bit, knowing Vicky was fine. “But what, Bhai..?”

Sidharth sighed and told her the entire story Vicky had told him. Anu was shocked. “What the hell… is she mad..?”

Sidharth was losing his control now. “Even I am not sure… agar Vicky ko kuchh ho jata toh… I want you to look into this…”

Anu was confused. “Matlab, Bhai..?”

Sidharth rubbed his forehead to calm down. “I am not sure about this girl for Vicky… Vicky kehta hai she loves him but she is over-possessive… or the correct word is obsessed… there is a way to love… you don’t hurt the people you love… this is not love…”

Anu was still in shock. “Bhai, I have met her once… she is weird and very possessive about Vicky Bhai…”

Sidharth sighed. “Vicky will share more things with you than he will with me… meet that girl again… try to understand her… I will have to check about her past behavior…”

Anu carefully caressed Sidharth’s shoulder. “Bhai… aap pareshan na ho… me milti hun us ladki se…”

Sidharth patted her head and hugged her. She was a darling sister.

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As Shehnaaz made her way downstairs, she noticed her mother speaking with someone on the phone, looking a bit hyper. She took the phone from her mother, who was about to shout, and spoke with the person regarding the wedding preparations.

Once done, Shehnaaz disconnected the call and went to the kitchen to bring lassi for her mother. That little thing was more than enough to calm down her mother’s anger.

Jasbeera Ji rolled her eyes and took the glass of lassi, feeling herself calming down already. Shehnaaz chuckled. Her mother was just like a kid sometimes. “Mumma… awehi hyper ho jati ho aap…”

Jasbeera Ji glared at her. “Aur tum jara kam soya kar… din bhar kharate maarti hai… fir raat mein sona nahi hai… subah pura room karwana pada… kitna ganda karke rakha tha…”

Shehnaaz made a face. “Ho gaya subah daat ke… round 2 nahi chahiye abhi… anyway, me kal Karan aur Shweta se mil rahi hun… woh log sab sambhal lenge… tussi chinta na karo…”

Jasbeera Ji shook her head. “Ane do tere papaji ne aaj… dono baap bete ki khair nahi hai aaj…”

Shehnaaz hardly doubted that. Her mother rarely got angry, but when she did, everyone got blasted at least once. Shehnaaz kissed her mother’s cheek and hugged her tightly.

Jasbeera Ji smiled. “Achha ab mujhe chhod to sahi… bahot kaam hai…”

Shehnaaz hugged her even tighter. “Nahi…”

Jasbeera Ji chuckled. “Bachho jaise behave mat kar Shehnaaz… bahot kaam hai beta…”

Giggling, Shehnaaz kissed Jasbeera Ji’s cheek again and left her.

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Sidharth was working on his laptop when his phone rang. He smiled a little, knowing the caller, and answered. “Haan baby…”

Shehnaaz made a baby face. “Aap mujhe bina bataye kyu chale gaye..?”

Sidharth set the laptop aside. “Tum so rahi thi bachha…”

Smiling cutely, Shehnaaz sat in the swing of her balcony. “Pata hai… mera wedding lehenga sabko pasand aaya… Ankita ko, Nisha ko, Anu ko…”

Sidharth chuckled at the mention of Anu, wondering how she would react when she found out that Anu was his sister. “Mera bachha… kuch khaya tumne…?”

“Mumma ki daat khayi…” she said, twisting her lips grumpily.

Sidharth couldn’t help but grin. “Kis khushi mein..?”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes at his teasing. “Suniye, aap na jyada mumma ki side na lo… aaj mumma ka temperature high hai… bahot tired ho jati hai…”

Sidharth sighed hearing that. “Jaan… jab tum ye baat janti ho… toh tumhe maa ki help karni chahiye na… instead of sleeping so much…”

Shehnaaz felt bad hearing that, and guilt took over her. She kept quiet and listened.

Sidharth continued, “Mera bachha… maa ki umra ho gayi hai… unki health ka khayal rakhna humara farz hai… unhe koi takleef na ho is baat ka khayal rakhna humara farz hai… tum rakhti ho, me janta hu baby… but abhi filhal shadi ka ghar hai na… hazar kaam hote hai… you got to ensure she is not overdoing everything herself…”

Shehnaaz nodded softly. “Kya mera behavior careless hai, Sidharth..?”

He softened at the sadness in her voice. “Nahi baby… me tumhe is liye keh raha hun taki tum aur achhe se khayal rakho maa ka… maa-baap dobara nahi milte… unka khayal rakhna… unhe pyar dena… unki izzat karna… unhe khush rakhna… isme ek alag hi satisfaction hoti hai… maa humari har cheez ka khayal rakhti hai… khane peene se leke… humari har khushi ka… unka khayal bhi toh rakhna chahiye na…”

Shehnaaz smiled, understanding his point. “Promise Jana, me aur achhe se khayal rakhungi mumma ka… aap ko mujhe proud feel hoga sachhi…”

She was so sweet and understanding. She was a baby, and it was his duty to help her grow without snatching away the baby inside her. “Bahot pyara hai mera bachha… I am already proud of you…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes brightened like stars with happiness. “Me jau mumma ki help karne… I will learn cooking too…”

“Very sweet… go… but dhire dhire sikhna… don’t get stressed… and try not to get hurt at all…” he completed the last part with a chuckle, making her pout.

“Mujhe na aap ki yaad aa rahi hai…”

Sidharth felt his heart drop in need of her. He missed her too. He needed her too. “I miss you too, mera bachha… me paas hi hun na tumhare…”

Shehnaaz nodded with a smile and disconnected the call.

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Jasbeera Ji was sitting in her balcony with a sweet smile on her face. Today was the first time ever she didn’t have to run behind Shehnaaz to have her milk. Today was the first time she walked into the kitchen and expressed her wish to learn cooking. Today was the first time Shehnaaz helped her with everything and tried to learn small things carefully, putting her complete concentration into it.

The best part was that she was enjoying it. She heartily wanted to learn. Jasbeera Ji wasn’t sure about the reason for the sudden change in Shehnaaz. Shehnaaz had always been a caring daughter but had grown up in an environment that never let her mature.

Rajender Ji sat beside Jasbeera Ji and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He had noticed Shehnaaz too. “Beera… duniyan ke har maa-baap ki zindagi mein ye pal aata hai… jab humare bachhe humari chhotisi duniya ke bahar jakar

… ek dusri duniya basate hai… par iska matlab ye nahi ki humare bachhe humse dur ho gaye… humare rishtey ab bhi utne hi mazbut hai jitne pehle the… hume apne rishtey ko aur majboot karna hota hai… because this is the right time to pass on our love, our values, our traditions to our children…”

Jasbeera Ji nodded, caressing Rajender Ji’s hand on her shoulder. He was right. “Aap bilkul sahi kehte ho Raj… par Shehnaaz ko dekho… uski pehli responsibility apne pati aur sasural walon ke liye hogi… aur jab tak humari beti ko apni in sab responsibilities ka ehsaas nahi hota… tab tak mujhe tension rahegi…”

Rajender Ji cupped her face and softly kissed her forehead. “Aaj pehli baar Shehnaaz ne khud tumhare kaam me haath bataya hai… humari beti zyada time nahi lagayegi apne responsibilities ko samajhne mein… ye responsibility humein sirf poori umeed ke saath nibhana hai… wo sab kuchh dhire dhire seekh jayegi…”

Jasbeera Ji hugged Rajender Ji. She loved the support and motivation he gave her. She truly felt blessed.

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After his call with Shehnaaz, Sidharth sat back with his laptop when he saw Anu coming towards him, looking for him. Sidharth looked at her and saw that she was a bit disturbed. “Anu… you ok..?”

Anu nodded. “I spoke to Vicky bhai… Bhai he was very disturbed and emotional… first time Bhai…” her voice cracked.

Sidharth stood up and hugged her instantly. “Relax baby… Vicky ka khayal rakhna hai hume… tum Vicky se sab kuchh clear kar lena…”

Anu nodded. “Don’t worry Bhai… me humesha aapke sath hun… Vicky Bhai ko sambhal lungi me…”

Sidharth patted her head. “Good girl… mujhe tumpar pura bharosa hai..”

Anu smiled a little, feeling a bit better. “Ab aap tension mat lo Bhai… me manage kar lungi sab kuchh…”

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Sidharth kept his focus on the details on his laptop, his mind partly on Shehnaaz and her efforts to help her mother. His thoughts were a mix of worry for his sister and pride for his soon-to-be wife. He knew he was blessed to have such caring women in his life, and he silently vowed to always protect and cherish them.

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When Sidharth walked into his mother’s room, he found Rita ji comfortably seated in her reclined chair, engrossed in a book. Sidharth couldn’t help but smile at the serene scene, and he quietly approached her. Without saying a word, he sat on the floor in front of her and rested his head in her lap.

Rita ji, sensing his presence, shook her head and put her book aside with a chuckle. She raised her hand, knowing exactly what her son wanted. Sidharth grinned and handed her the bottle of hair oil he had brought along. Taking the bottle from him, Rita ji poured some oil into her hands and began massaging it gently into his hair.

“Ab bata, kahan gaya tha?” she asked, her voice soft and loving.

Sidharth closed his eyes, savoring the magical touch of his mother’s hands. “Maa, aap itni chinta kyun karti hai?” he murmured, feeling the tension melt away.

Rita ji smiled softly. “Yeh mere sawal ka jawab nahi hai, Sidharth.”

He chuckled, enjoying the familiar banter. “Maa, uske haath mein chot lagi thi toh main…”

Rita ji abruptly stopped massaging, cutting him off with concern. “Doctor ke paas leke gaya usse? Beta, baarish ka mausam hai, chhoti se chhoti injury bhi badh sakti hai.”

Sidharth felt a pang of worry at her words. Rita ji rolled her eyes at his expression. “Ab aisi shakal mat bana. Kal hi doctor ke paas lekar ja.”

He nodded, relieved, and gestured for her to continue massaging his hair. Rita ji shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Aur usse mujhse kab milayega?”

Sidharth was about to answer when she chuckled again. “Aakhir haan ya naa, yeh toh mujhe hi tay karna hai.”

He looked at her, surprised and a bit anxious. The idea that his mother might not approve of Shehnaaz unsettled him. “Par maa…”

Rita ji smirked at his worried face. “Ab woh ladki aapke liye theek hai ya nahi, yeh toh main hi decide karungi na.”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of his mother not liking Shehnaaz. “Par maa…”

She chuckled again, this time more gently. “Achha, toh tum nahi chahte ke main decide karoon?”

He instantly replied, “Nahi maa, I mean, haan, of course…”

Rita ji rolled her eyes and playfully messed up his hair, making him frown. “Sid, main mazak kar rahi hoon, bachha. Shakal dekh, kaisi ban gayi hai.”

Sidharth sighed in relief and closed his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment. Rita ji smiled fondly at him. “Ab bata, Vicky kahan hai?”

Sidharth sighed and remained quiet. Rita ji’s voice turned a bit stern. “Sidharth, main kuch puchh rahi hoon. Vicky kahan hai?”

He sighed again, “Maa, uske friends ka accident ho gaya hai. He is in hospital.”

Rita ji sensed that there was more to the story. “Name?” she asked.

Sidharth cleared his throat, “Tara.”

Rita ji nodded, her maternal instincts on high alert. “Friends or girlfriend?”

Sidharth bit his tongue. “Friend, maa.”

Rita ji looked at him sharply. “Just friend?”

Sidharth nodded reluctantly, knowing he couldn’t lie to her. Rita ji rolled her eyes, understanding her son’s dilemma. Sidharth made a baby face, feeling guilty for attempting to deceive his mother.

He then told her the entire story about the accident, and Rita ji rubbed her forehead in worry. Sidharth immediately held her hand. “Maa, relax. Main hoon na.”

Rita ji caressed his hair lovingly. “Tere hote hue mujhe Vicky aur Anu ki fikar karne ki kya zaroorat hai.”

Sidharth smiled, kissed her hand, and rested his head on her lap, feeling the comfort and love only a mother could provide.

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Rajender ji shook his head, knowing that once Shehnaaz made up her mind, there was no changing it. Her determination was evident, and he respected it even if he didn’t fully understand it.

Jasbeera ji’s emotions were running high, and her thoughts drifted to Shehnaaz. “Suniye, mujhe aap se baat karni hai…” Shehnaaz’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of the conversation they had earlier.

A wave of realization hit Jasbeera ji. She was starting to second-guess her feelings. Shehnaaz’s request to speak with her father had been timely and necessary. The positive changes she had noticed in Shehnaaz were real, and she didn’t want to jeopardize them. “Ji, kuch nahi… chaliye… so jayiye… late ho gaya hai,” she said with a heavy heart, trying to mask her emotional turmoil.

With that, Jasbeera ji turned and walked toward the bedroom. Rajender ji, sensing her inner conflict, followed her quietly, his silence echoing the unspoken concerns and understanding between them.

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By the time Sidharth returned to his room, the clock had long passed midnight. He assumed Shehnaaz must be asleep by now; if she weren’t, she would have called him. He decided not to disturb her rest. However, he was determined that she see a doctor the following day. He considered the possibility of taking her himself but realized it wasn’t feasible given the wedding preparations. With guests soon to arrive at her home, he knew his visits would need to be minimal until the celebrations concluded and their relationship was made official.

As he lay down, a chuckle escaped him, filled with a sense of wonder at how much he had changed. Just a month ago, the idea of love seemed foreign to him. He had never considered settling down; to him, women had always seemed to complicate life.

But then Shehnaaz entered his world, and he realized he hadn’t truly been living until she came into his life. Magic had happened. Love had happened. She had become the center of his universe, shifting everything into a new perspective.

Unable to shake off his worry, he texted her: “Jaan, kal subah mumma ko lekar doctor ke paas jana aur chot dikhana. I know you will say it’s recovering, but please do as told.”

Missing her deeply, he took out her dupatta and pressed it to his chest, cradling it as if it were her. With the comforting scent surrounding him, he fell asleep.

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Jasbeera ji was frantic with worry when she saw the swelling on Shehnaaz’s fingers. She scolded her for ignoring the injury and insisted on taking her to the doctor. Uncertain of what had caused the swelling, Jasbeera ji felt she had no choice but to have Shehnaaz get an injection to be safe.

Later, Shehnaaz texted Sidharth, her frustration evident. “Ab khush honge na aap? Gayi main doctor ke paas… bada wala injection bhi liya… royi bhi… ab khush?”

Afterwards, Shehnaaz took Mahi to Karan and Shweta’s office, where Ankita, Anu, and Nisha were already gathered.

Shehnaaz greeted Shweta warmly, congratulating her on her engagement. Shweta’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you so much, Shehnaaz.”

Karan, growing impatient with the ongoing chatter, rolled his eyes. “If girls are done with chit-chat, can we move on to the main topic?”

Ankita chuckled. “Neki aur puchh puchh…”

“Kiski puchh, Ankita?” asked Ranbir, who had just arrived with Mayank. Ankita shot him a glare and slapped his arm, making him wince.

Anu shook her head. “Guys, please, let’s discuss the requirements. These people have a thousand other things to consider.”

Karan wrapped his arm casually around Anu’s shoulder and whispered, “Meri itni fikar… uff…”

Anu rolled her eyes and slapped his arm away. “Nautanki…”

Karan and Shweta then went over the details regarding the function: the food menu, the theme for the sangeet, and other arrangements.

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