Chapter 11

Shehnaaz opened the lunch box and began feeding Dadi maa, her actions gentle and careful. Meanwhile, Sidharth and Simran observed them with tender expressions. The sight stirred something in Sidharth, reminding him of Sameera. He turned to Shehnaaz, a hint of concern in his voice, “Shehnaaz..”

Shehnaaz looked up, “haan..”

Sidharth’s brow furrowed in confusion, “What’s the matter with Sameera?”

Shehnaaz’s hand froze mid-air. The mention of Sameera made her heart race. Did he know? The thought unsettled her. She glanced back at Dadi maa, who was watching her with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What are you talking about?” Shehnaaz asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Sidharth seemed perplexed by her cold reaction. “Balraj was quite rude to her today. She wanted to tell me something…”

Annoyance flickered across Shehnaaz’s face. Dadi maa noticed it too. “I don’t know… maybe it was something trivial. You know how Balraj and Sameera are always at odds…” Shehnaaz’s tone was dismissive.

Sidharth wasn’t convinced. “But she wanted to talk about you…”

Shehnaaz sighed, frustration edging her voice. “Maybe she misses me and wants to meet. It’s not a big deal.”

Sidharth’s confusion deepened. “If she wanted to meet you, she would have told you herself, not me. And why would Balraj be so angry?”

Shehnaaz’s anger began to bubble up. She looked at Sidharth with a mixture of frustration and sorrow. “Sidharth, I live in Mumbai. I can’t concern myself with what happens in Delhi. The only person who matters to me right now is Dadi maa. aur logon ki zindagi me zakane ke bajay… agar thoda dhyan Dadi maa par diya hota.. toh wo aaj yahan nahi hoti…”

Sidharth was taken aback by Shehnaaz’s words. He was already grappling with guilt over his past actions, and her harsh words stung deeply. Simran, standing by, noticed the tension but kept her distance, knowing Sidharth would not take kindly to any interference.

Sidharth stepped closer to Shehnaaz, his expression softening. He cupped her face gently, his eyes searching for the Shehnaaz he remembered, his Sana, his old friend.

” Shehnaaz.. me janta hun mene sabko bahot dukh diya hai…. apna sapna pura karne ki zidd me.. mene kisi ki parvah nahi ki.. I am sorry..me tujhe chhodkar chala gaya… jab tujhe meri jarurat thi.. tab me tere paas nahi tha.. mujhse galti ho gayi… mujhe maaf kar dena… aur ab Dadi maa… its always been you who took so good care of Dadi.. that I didn’t even realize… tune hi mujhe etna careless bana diya tha… I am sorry… sari stupidity ke liye…. kya tu mujhe ek baarmaaf nahi kar sakti… me etna bura hu kya.. tu mujhse aise kyu baat karti hai… your rude words hit like needles to my heart… I am sorry na.. maan ja na yaar….”

Shehnaaz’s defenses began to crumble as she listened to Sidharth’s heartfelt apology. Dadi maa looked on with loving eyes, while Simran sensed an undercurrent of emotions she couldn’t fully grasp.

Despite her inner turmoil, Shehnaaz managed a painful smile. “tujhe london jana tha.. tera faisla.. tujhe apna sapna hum sab se bada laga.. tera faisla… tujhe kuchh karna tha.. tera faisla… tujhe vapas aana tha.. tera faisla.. mujhe manana tha.. tera faisla….. sab kuchh pehle jaisa chahiye tha…. tera faisla… is sab me me kahan aatai hun Sidharth… haan mujhe bura laga ke tu chala gaya.. par me tujhse naraz nahi hun.. timhari zindagi tumhari hai… aur isme kya karna hai.. wo tera hi faisla hoga…”

Inside, Shehnaaz was far from okay. The departure of Sidharth had left a gaping wound in her heart. The pain was raw, and she had felt abandoned. How could she ever express the depth of her hurt?

#Flashback

Shehnaaz sat on the same swing where she first saw Sidharth as a child. She cried incessantly, her tears mixing with the monsoon rain. It had been a week since Sidharth left, and her world had come to a standstill. The emptiness felt endless, each moment without him stretching into eternity.

Shehnaaz wanted to see him again, to feel his presence, to be close to him. But he was nowhere to be found. Her childish hope led her to the swing, waiting for a sight of Sidharth. The rain poured heavily, drenching her, but it was nothing compared to the depth of her sorrow.

this dooriyan between them…

Her cries echoed with the pain of separation. The unanswered questions lingered—why did he leave? Was his dream more important than her? Had he really forgotten her?

Shehnaaz walked through lonely streets, lost and directionless. The endless rain seemed to mirror her tears, as if the sky itself shared her anguish. She searched for him everywhere, in places where they had shared their moments, but he was absent. The feeling of abandonment was profound.

She missed his touch, his presence, the comfort he provided. The loneliness was unbearable. The light he had ignited in her heart seemed like a flame that would never die, burning fiercely despite his absence.

#Back to Present

Sidharth’s words jolted Shehnaaz back to the present. His disappointment was evident, and she could see the hurt in his eyes. The realization that he viewed her as merely a friend, not as someone who played a crucial part in his life, stung deeply.

“Hum dono ki zindagi alag kab se ban gayi Shehnaaz…” Sidharth said, his voice laced with pain.

Shehnaaz’s eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. “Hum dono ki zindagi kabhi judi thi hi nahi, Sidharth. Tumhari zindagi Simran hai, aur meri Dadi maa hai.”

Sidharth’s  disappointment was palpable.

How could she say it’s only me who can decide my life? As if she’s no one… For God’s sake, she is my Shehnaaz, my best friend, my support, my… my bestest friend. Shehnaaz took a deep breath and reasserted her resolve. She wasn’t Sana; she was Shehnaaz Gill. No one could melt her.

Sidharth was taken aback. Her words made him feel like an outsider in her life. “Toh kya… haan… tu meri best friend hai, aur hamesha rahegi…”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Hamesha….” Simran tried to lighten the mood, “That’s like best buddies….” Sidharth managed a smile while Shehnaaz looked at Dadi with a newfound determination. “Dadi maa, you are coming to Mumbai…”

Another shock hit the room.

Sidharth was stunned. “Whattttt?”

Simran echoed his confusion, “Whatttt?”

Dadi maa, clearly worried, those tastesless soups everyday..noooo, “Whattttttt?”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “That’s final. Let me consult with the doctor.”

Sidharth sighed in frustration. “Shehnaaz, stop. Dadi maa is not well, and I need to take care of her.”

Shehnaaz looked at him with a smirk. “I see how well you’ve been taking care of her…”

Sidharth rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Dadi maa spoke up, “Shehnaaz, bete…”

Shehnaaz cut her off, “Nahi, Dadi maa. We are going to Mumbai, with the doctor’s consultation, of course.”

Shehnaaz had a brief discussion with the doctor and concluded that Dadi maa needed to stay in Delhi for a week until she was well enough to travel. When Shehnaaz returned to Dadi maa’s room, she said, “Dadi maa, maine doctor se baat kar li hai. After one week, we are going to Mumbai.”

Dadi maa sighed. “Shehnaaz, relax. You’re overreacting. I am fine, beta.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Yaah, I can see that. Is that why you’re in the hospital?”

Sidharth, with a cheeky smile, suggested, “Ek aur rasta hai. Jab tak Dadi thik nahi ho jati, tum yahan ruk jao…”

Shehnaaz shook her head at his childish act. Did he really think he was being smart? Ugh…

Simran sensed that Sidharth really wanted Shehnaaz to stay. “Yah, Shehnaaz, please stay with us. We hardly know each other, and we’ll have a great time.”

Shehnaaz offered a weak smile. “I would have loved to, but I can’t ignore my work. I have many important meetings scheduled. I’ve already postponed them for a week, and I can only take Dadi with me after that.”

Sidharth’s face darkened with frustration. “You know what… I hate you.”

Dadi maa rolled her eyes, while Shehnaaz pretended not to have heard. Simran, finding Sidharth’s childish behavior amusing, couldn’t help but giggle.

Sidharth had never been like this with her before; it was quite entertaining for her.

Sidharth grew more agitated. “I’m talking to you, and you heard me… I hate you.”

Shehnaaz sighed. “I know that.”

Sidharth turned to Dadi maa with an exasperated look. “Dadi, she’s become so annoying..”

Dadi maa chuckled. “Beta, relax. We’ll talk to Shehnaaz.”

Shehnaaz shot a pointed look at Dadi maa. “Forget it, Dadi maa. We’re both leaving by the weekend.”

Sidharth sighed, “Fine, jo karna hai woh kar, par ab ghar chalein. Doctor ne discharge de di hai…”

Shehnaaz looked at Dadi maa, “tum dono Dadi ko ghar le jaaiye… I’ll be there in evening.”

Sidharth looked at her, confused. “Where are you going?”

Shehnaaz sighed, “to keep my luggage.”

Dadi looked at Shehnaaz with pain. Will she not stay with them?

Sidharth’s confusion turned to frustration. “What do you mean?”

Shehnaaz knew this would lead to another argument. “I have book a room for myself.. and I will be staying there for this week..before Uttara drags me to….”

Sidharth cut her off angrily, “Enough of it. Forget it, Shehnaaz. You are not going anywhere.”

Shehnaaz looked at Sidharth sternly. “Don’t start it again, Sidharth…”

Sidharth was now super annoyed. “What the hell is the problem with you? I am done with this. Enough is enough…”

Simran knew they were heading towards another argument and decided to ease the situation.

Before Shehnaaz could retort, Simran stepped forward, “No way, Shehnaaz… This is so bad. I have come to India for the first time, and you won’t even spend some time with me? Am I that bad?”

Shehnaaz calmed herself, “Simran, listen… please try to understand…”

Sidharth came forward, holding Shehnaaz’s hand. “It’s you who need to understand, Shehnaaz. Get it clear… you are not going anywhere. You are going to stay with us in Shukla mansion…”

Shehnaaz looked at Sidharth with her piercing eyes.

Sidharth looked at Shehnaaz with angry eyes.

Dadi was again in pain, seeing how they had changed so much.

Dadi maa sighed, “Shehnaaz beta, please… humare liye…”

Shehnaaz looked at Dadi maa with pleading eyes, silently begging her not to force her into something she wouldn’t be able to bear.

Sidharth, frustrated, snatched Shehnaaz’s luggage from her hand and made his way out, leaving a fuming Shehnaaz behind. He didn’t care anymore.

Enough was enough.

He had had enough of her stubborn anger. She was his Shehnaaz, and she would do what he wanted. She had never refused him anything before, so why now? Stupid duffer…

Shehnaaz took a deep breath to calm herself. “Okay… but I have to go somewhere for now. It’s urgent. I’ll see you later…”

Simran nodded with a smile.

Dadi looked at Shehnaaz suspiciously. “Shehnaaz, where are you going?”

Shehnaaz met Dadi’s gaze with reassuring eyes. “Dadi maa, calm down. I have to go…”

Dadi looked at Shehnaaz angrily. “Bilkul nahi. Tu nahi jayegi waha. You are coming home with us right now.”

Shehnaaz ignored her and, after hugging an angry Dadi maa, left instantly.

Simran watched Shehnaaz leave and looked at Dadi, confused, unable to understand what had just happened.

_________________

Gill Haveli shuddered in fear as the strong footsteps of Shehnaaz Gill made their way in.

Malini, sitting in the hall, looked at the door in shock. Her feet turned to jelly as fear gripped her.

She saw Shehnaaz—Shehnaaz Gill.

Shehnaaz walked in like a thunderstorm, flanked by her six imposing bodyguards, who moved in sync behind her.

Was she hallucinating? It couldn’t be real…

Malini stood up, lost in her shock. she screamed in anger, “Shehnaaz….”

The loud shout echoed through the haveli.

Mohinder and Balraj came running, startled by the commotion. They stayed rooted to the spot, baffled and shocked.

Balraj’s blood boiled with anger, while Mohinder looked at Shehnaaz with fear.

Shehnaaz didn’t even bother to look at them.

Balraj, furious, advanced towards her, “Tu yaha kya kar rahi hai?”

Before he could reach Shehnaaz, two bodyguards restrained him, not allowing him to move.

Malini and Mohinder were shocked by the way their son was held, while Shehnaaz’s face remained impassive.

Shehnaaz started walking in, ignoring Malini and Mohinder.

Malini, seething with anger, shouted, “Ek aur kadam aage mat badhana Shehnaaz…”

Shehnaaz halted. Malini continued, “Chhodo Balraj ko. Tumhari himmat kaise hui Balraj ko aise pakadane ki?”

Shehnaaz looked at Malini with piercing eyes—so dark and cold that they made Malini shiver for a second. Without a word, Shehnaaz made her way inside.

Two guards stayed behind to watch Malini and Mohinder, while the remaining two accompanied Shehnaaz.

Malini, Mohinder, and Balraj stared at her, astonished. What just happened?

Was this the same Shehnaaz who had stayed with them for the past 15 years? She seemed like a stranger now…

________________

Shehnaaz reached her room and had to break the lock because it was shut tight.

As she entered, fear once again gripped her mind. Her feet trembled as she stepped inside. She held the door tightly, her eyes reddening with fear and anger. A painful memory ripped through her heart.

#FLASHBACK

Two months after Sidharth’s departure, Shehnaaz sat in a corner of her room, holding an old album. She stared at a picture of her and Sidharth from when Sidharth was 11 and Shehnaaz was 9. It was from Sidharth’s birthday, with a hand-made greeting card filled with beautiful messages, funny chats, and pictures of them with Dadi.

The card had Sidharth’s favorite song, “Rup Tera Mastana…” The picture showed Sidharth hugging Shehnaaz, both laughing heartily.

Shehnaaz caressed the picture again, tears forming in her eyes. Sidharth hadn’t called since he left. He had already forgotten her, not even bothering to check if she was alive or dead.

“Sidharth, please come back. Please call me. I’m sorry I fought with you. I’m really sorry. Please come back… I don’t know what’s happening to me…”

…

It was true—she didn’t know what had happened to her. She seemed to have forgotten how to smile, laugh, or joke. She had never gone to Shukla Mansion after that; it was always Dadi who came to see her. Dadi never mentioned Sidharth, thinking it might hurt her more.

Dadi realized that Shehnaaz had started to have feelings for Sidharth, but her condition made Dadi’s heart ache. The old Shehnaaz seemed lost, or perhaps Sidharth had taken that Shehnaaz with him, leaving behind a stranger.

So there she was, sitting in a corner of her room, crying and holding the photo of Sidharth and herself. The door was suddenly banged open, pulling her back to reality.

Shehnaaz looked at the door, her heart filling with fear.

It was Balraj. He looked at her, and Shehnaaz looked back at him, scared. It had been a month since Balraj returned, and he had never missed a chance to scold or sometimes slap her. She never complained.

Balraj came in, and Shehnaaz stood up quickly, putting the album aside.

Shehnaaz, nervously, mumbled, “Balraj veer ji aap…?”

Balraj stood in front of her, staring. “Tum fir se ro rahi thi…”

Shehnaaz looked at him confused. He had never spoken to her kindly before. Why now? But her mind calmed a bit, and the fear lessened.

Shehnaaz replied, “Nahi veerji, wo main bas aise hi…”

Balraj, with a sweet smile, said, “Shehnaaz, tune apni kya halat bana di hai. Na bahar jati ho, na padhai par dhyan deti ho.”

Shehnaaz made a sad face, “I am sorry veerji…”

Balraj sighed, “Sidharth ja chuka hai Shehnaaz. Uske bare mein sochne se koi fayda nahi…”

Shehnaaz started crying again.

Balraj put his hand around her shoulder to console her. “Shehnaaz, Sidharth aisa hi hai. Isiliye main humesha tumhe aur Sam ko usse door rehne ke liye kehta tha…”

Shehnaaz looked at him, confused. Why was veerji saying this? What had Sidharth done? Here she was missing him, and veerji had his own new story.

Balraj continued, “Shehnaaz, main usse achhi tarah se janta hoon. Jab tak teri zarurat thi, tera istemal kiya usne. Ab dusri ladkiyon ke paas chala gaya, tujhe chhodkar…”

Shehnaaz looked at Balraj in pain. “Nahi veerji, Sidharth aise nahi hai. Wo to padhai karne gaya hai…”

Balraj smirked. “Nahi Shehnaaz, tum bahut bholi ho. Wo humesha aisa hi tha. Ladkiyon ko tissue paper ki tarah use karta hai wo…”

Shehnaaz started crying harder. “Nahi veerji, Sidharth aisa nahi…”

Unable to listen anymore, Shehnaaz ran out of there, crying her eyes out.

With tears streaming down her face, she ran to Shukla Mansion. It felt like a safe haven, especially near Dadi maa.

Why was veerji saying such things? He must be very bad…

My Sidharth is not like that. He’s gone for studies. I know him. I trust him.

As she entered the hall, her eyes searched desperately for Dadi maa.

Unable to shout due to continuous tears, she searched madly.

Just then, the phone in the hall started ringing.

Shehnaaz, with tears still in her eyes, smiled. She had a feeling it might be Sidharth’s call.

She ran to the phone and picked it up.

For a moment, there was silence.

She couldn’t utter a word, while Sidharth waited for someone to speak.

Sidharth said, “Hello, Dadi maa…”

Shehnaaz’s heart skipped several beats hearing his voice after three long months. It felt like a blessing to hear him.

Shehnaaz couldn’t speak.

Sidharth, assuming it was Dadi maa, continued excitedly, “I am in love, Dadi maa…”

Shehnaaz’s heart soared with happiness. Her heartbeat quickened.

Finally, Sidharth realized his feelings for her. He must be missing her as much as she missed him.

Say it, Sidharth… Just say it…

Sidharth continued, “Her name is Simran…”

Shehnaaz’s smile slowly faded. The colors of her happiness turned to black and white.

Her heartbeats decreased and finally stopped. She forgot what it meant to breathe.

Her expression became confused and blank as the realization hit her heart like a heavy stone.

It felt as if someone had brutally snatched her heart away, as if someone had declared she didn’t deserve to live.

She looked around, seeing only darkness. Was she in heaven?

No, she was in hell. That’s why it was black. She wouldn’t meet Mumma and Papaji here. They were in heaven.

She was so lost in herself that she forgot Sidharth was still on the line.

Sidharth, smiling, said, “Dadi maa, say something. I know you’re shocked. I don’t even know how it happened, but I love her. Her name is Simran. She’s dad’s friend’s daughter…”6e

Shehnaaz hung up the phone, cutting the call.

She walked away, leaving behind the shattered pieces of her heart.

Author’s Note

Dear Readers,

I hope you found this chapter as emotional and gripping as I did while writing it. Shehnaaz’s journey through pain, love, and heartbreak is something I’ve poured my heart into, and I’m deeply grateful for your continued support and engagement.

Your feedback means the world to me. It helps me grow as a writer and encourages me to craft stories that resonate with you. Please feel free to share your thoughts, reactions, and any suggestions you might have. Your comments and votes are invaluable, and they inspire me to keep writing and improving.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Your enthusiasm and encouragement are what keep me going.

Also, stay tuned for Baarish, Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon 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

#EmotionalJourney, #LoveAndLoss #RawEmotions #ShehnaazAndSidharth #HeartfeltWriting #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #Inspiration #Storytelling #RomanticDrama #FeelingsUnspoken #PersonalJourney #ReadAndVote

Emotional journey, love and loss, raw emotions, heartfelt writing, romantic drama, personal struggle, inner conflict, vulnerability, Shehnaaz and Sidharth, intense emotions, character development, storytelling, relationship dynamics, romantic tension, emotional outburst, narrative depth, self-discovery, pain and healing, writing community, reader engagement.