Chapter 13

Sidharth cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Naaz, we need to talk.”

Shehnaaz, sensing the gravity of the moment, responded hesitantly, “Umm, woh…”

Sidharth’s eyes locked onto hers with a mixture of intensity and vulnerability. “Do you love me?”

The directness of his question took Shehnaaz by surprise. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, the bluntness of his approach leaving her momentarily speechless. The same passionate look in his eyes from their previous encounter was now focused solely on her.

Shehnaaz’s heart raced, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. The man she adored was asking her if she loved him, possibly seeking a deeper commitment. Her mind was a whirlwind of nervous thoughts. What if he didn’t feel the same way? How would she handle his rejection?

Shehnaaz looked around, trying to steady her racing thoughts, before meeting his gaze again. Her face was a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She felt as if her words were trapped, unable to escape due to her anxiety.

Sidharth, on the other hand, was struggling with impatience. Her silence was eating away at him.

“Do you love me, Naaz?” he asked again as he tried to keep his frustration in check, but Shehnaaz’s silence was wearing his patience thin. His voice was taut with suppressed emotion as he asked again, hoping for an answer this time.

“Umm… me…”

Before Shehnaaz could finish her sentence, her phone rang, slicing through the tension in the air. Sidharth groaned quietly, clenching his jaw as he looked away, trying to compose himself.

Shehnaaz quickly answered the call, her voice a bit shaky. “Haan Di…(pause)…haan, hum bhi shopping hi kar rahe hain…(pause)…haan, maine ek saree pasand karli hai…(pause)…haan Di, I will try it and then decide…(pause)…ok Di, bye.” She ended the call with a sigh.

Sidharth’s eyes bore into her as she nervously began to explain. “Woh Di puchh rahi thi… ke humari shopping kaisi chal rahi hai… mujhe saree leni hai… chale…” Shehnaaz grabbed her things hastily and walked away, her steps quick and unsteady.

Sidharth suppressed another groan, taking a deep breath to calm his rising irritation before following her into the girls’ section. Shehnaaz pretended to be engrossed in the rows of sarees, but she could feel Sidharth’s intense gaze on her, making her heart race erratically.

She picked up sarees and examined them, trying to distract herself. Sidharth, noticing her flustered state, focused on the sarees too. Despite the variety of beautiful colors and designs, his eyes were drawn to one saree in particular. He knew, without a doubt, that it would look absolutely stunning on his Naaz.

Sidharth walked over to Shehnaaz, his presence warm and comforting. He moved so close that he was almost hugging her from behind, his breath brushing against her ear.

“Mujhe ye pasand hai,” he whispered, handing her a saree with a quiet intensity.

Shehnaaz turned slightly to look at him, finding herself caught in his gaze. His eyes conveyed a message that she couldn’t ignore. She obediently nodded and took the saree from him, her fingers brushing against his in a fleeting touch.

“Main try karke aati hun,” she said softly, trying to steady her racing heart.

Sidharth nodded, his impatience barely concealed. Shehnaaz walked into the nearby trial room, closing the door behind her. As she tried on the saree, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She felt the fabric against her skin and thought about Sidharth’s closeness, his whispered words still echoing in her ears.

Ten minutes passed, and Sidharth’s impatience grew. He couldn’t stand the wait any longer. He walked up to the trial room door and knocked gently. “Naaz?”

“Umm… haan, Sidharth,” she replied, her voice muffled by the door.

Sidharth sensed the reluctance in her voice and felt a surge of concern. “Kya hua, Shehnaaz?”

“Wo… main… umm…” Shehnaaz stammered, her voice shaky.

“Darwaza kholo,” Sidharth ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Kya?” Shehnaaz’s voice was filled with shock and hesitation.

Sidharth repeated his command, more firmly this time. “Open the door, Shehnaaz.”

A moment later, he heard the soft click of the door unlocking. Before Shehnaaz could react, Sidharth pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

Both stood frozen, shocked by the unexpected situation.

Shehnaaz was stunned because she had thought Sidharth would talk to her from outside. And Sidharth was equally shocked, expecting her to be fully dressed in the saree by now. But there she was, with the saree half-worn and in disarray.

Shehnaaz instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, trying to shield herself. Sidharth, however, remained motionless, staring at her delicate form, his eyes wide with astonishment and something deeper.

His throat went dry with desire. “Mine,” his heart pounded with an almost primal intensity.

He stepped forward, and Shehnaaz, panicking, stepped back until she hit the mirror behind her. Sidharth continued to close the distance until his torso was pressing against hers. His eyes roamed over her as if she were a precious treasure, his gaze lingering on every curve and contour. He admired the graceful arch of her neck, the way it melded into her shoulders, the blouse that accentuated her feminine beauty, and the open dori at the back, visible through the mirror. His eyes traced the delicate curve of her waist, her flat tummy, and the saree that lay in a messed state on the floor.

“Oh, heaven,” he thought, feeling overwhelmed by her beauty. He knew, at that moment, that she would be the end of him.

“Wo… main… mujhe… saree pehnani nahi… I mean… wo…” Shehnaaz stammered, trying to explain but failing to form coherent words.

Her attempt at explanation was abruptly silenced as Sidharth’s strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close with a force that left her breathless. He let his weight against her, his need for her evident in every touch.

Shehnaaz gasped at his sudden movement, her eyes locking onto his. She saw the passion and possession burning in his gaze, making her heart race even faster.

“Sidharth,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Shehnaaz kept one hand crossed over her chest, while her other hand moved to Sidharth’s chest in an attempt to create some distance between them. However, Sidharth’s free hand tooks hers and pinned it beside her on the mirror, making her gasp for breath.

His fingers gripped her waist possessively, leaving the white skin turning pinkish, his fingerprints visible on her delicate flesh.

She was like an angel to him, so beautiful, fairy-like, and fragile.

Unable to control himself, Sidharth moved closer, nuzzling his nose near her earlobe. “Main pagal ho jaunga, Naaz…” he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

Shehnaaz didn’t fully understand what he meant but winced when his teeth sank gently into her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.

His words sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt her resolve weakening. The intensity of his emotions, the raw need in his eyes, was overwhelming. Shehnaaz felt her heart pounding in sync with his, their breaths mingling in the small space.

Sidharth’s hand moved gently yet firmly, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Shehnaaz’s hands, still crossed over her chest, slowly lowered, her defenses crumbling under his touch. She clutched onto his shirt, trying to anchor herself in the storm of emotions.

Sidharth groaned near her neck, his breath hot against her skin. “Aisa kabhi nahi hua mere saath…”

“Sidharth…” Shehnaaz mumbled softly, but her words faded into a soft sigh as Sidharth planted a tender on her neck.

“Yeh ehsaas… main samajh nahi pa raha… aisa lag raha hai ke main badal gaya hoon…” he murmured, each word tickling her skin and heightening her senses.

Every touch, every word, held her captive. His grip on her waist tightened, and his breath quickened. Shehnaaz felt herself sinking deeper into the whirlwind of emotions that Sidharth stirred within her. His eyes, filled with a mix of passion and desperation, bore into hers, and she could see the struggle he was going through.

“I was never arrogant, aggressive, dominant… and…”

Sidharth’s fingers pressed firmly into her back, while his other hand held her wrist gently but securely against the mirror. His lips brushed near her collarbone, filled with a mixture of urgency and tenderness.

“And?” Shehnaaz whispered, lost in the intimacy of the moment.

Sidharth placed a deep, lingering kiss on her shoulder. “And… passionate…”

Shehnaaz took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. Her hand, which had been resting over her chest, moved to his neck, running her fingers through his hair, holding on to him for support.

Sidharth responded with a groan, feeling a wave of emotion. His reaction was intense, a proof to how deeply he felt for her.

“Kyun kar rahi ho mere saath aisa tum…?” Sidharth’s voice was a mixture of frustration and longing.

Shehnaaz shivered under his tender, passionate kiss, her fingers moving instinctively to massage the back of his neck and his scalp.

“Mujhe ab aur bardasht nahi ho raha, Naaz…” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

He pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together, the intensity of the moment palpable. each touch sending waves of sensation through her.

“Damnnnn… I need you…” he confessed, his voice filled with raw sincerity.

Shehnaaz’s heart fluttered with his simple yet powerful declaration. The realization that he needed her, that he wanted her in his life, filled her with a profound sense of love and connection. She felt a surge of hope, knowing that his feelings for her were as strong as her feelings for him.

“Kya mujhe tadpa rahi ho…? Haan, Naaz?” he asked, his voice a whisper full of vulnerability.

“Answer my question…” he urged softly, his gaze intense.

“Do you love me?” he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and hop

Sidharth’s kisses grew more intense, as his lips moved from her neck to her collarbone, gently exploring her form. His touch was filled with a mix of tenderness and passion, making Shehnaaz’s breath quicken and her heart race.

Shehnaaz felt completely absorbed in the moment, her emotions heightened by his affection.

“Sidharth…” she murmured, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

“Tell me that you need me,” he said gently, his voice full of longing.

“Tell me that you want me,” he continued, his eyes searching hers for a response.

“Tell me, Naaz… I need to know,” he urged. “Do you love me?”

Sidharth’s lips gently traced the familiar mark on her skin, a remnant from their previous encounter. The touch was filled with tenderness and longing, as if he couldn’t let go without expressing his affection once more.

The intensity of his words and his touch created a whirlwind of emotions within Shehnaaz, leaving her senses overwhelmed. She struggled to find her voice amidst the storm of feelings he evoked.

Her silence only seemed to heighten his frustration. He pressed his lips near where her blouse began, causing Shehnaaz to gasp softly, “Sidharth…”

Pulling away from her neck, Sidharth gently held her chin, guiding her to look into his eyes. His breath mingled with hers, creating a moment of charged closeness.

“Answer me,” he urged, his voice earnest.

Shehnaaz’s cheeks flushed pink as she struggled to articulate her feelings. “I… I…” she began, her voice trembling with emotion.

His gaze softened, and he leaned in, their faces inches apart, longing for her response. Just as he was about to close the distance for a kiss, Shehnaaz’s phone rang, breaking the moment and drawing them back to reality.

Sidharth groaned in frustration. “Change and come out,” he said, his voice tinged with impatience. He walked out of the trial room, his emotions a mix of frustration and desperation.

Shehnaaz felt a pang of self-reproach. Why couldn’t she express her feelings as openly as he had? Despite her nervousness, the fact that Sidharth loved her filled her with an overwhelming sense of joy. She resolved to confess her feelings to him as soon as possible. The idea of seeing him frustrated any longer was unbearable, and she wanted to bring back his smile.

Quickly changing into her dress, Shehnaaz answered her phone. “Haan Di… (pause) Nahi, mujhe kuchh aur pasand nahi aaya… (pause) Haan Di, bas thodi der mein milte hain… (pause) Ya, okay, bye.” She ended the call and walked out, only to find Sidharth standing in front of her with a look of frustration in his eyes.

He raised his hand and asked, “Saree?”

Shehnaaz handed him the bag, her movements quick and precise. Sidharth looked at her, his expression a mix of irritation and something softer, before heading to the counter. His demeanor, though irritated, carried a hint of vulnerability, making Shehnaaz feel a pang of guilt for upsetting him.

Shehnaaz watched him, feeling the weight of their unresolved emotions and hoping that she could make things right soon.

Sidharth looked at her again and went to counter followed by a puppy face making Shehnaaz for angering him…

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The day finally drew to a close, but the tension between Shehnaaz and Sidharth remained palpable. Shehnaaz avoided meeting Sidharth’s gaze, aware of the growing frustration in his eyes. She stayed close to Payal throughout the day, much to Abhi’s annoyance.

When they returned home, the atmosphere was charged. One pair of eyes was filled with anger, while the other seemed to be suppressing amused smiles.

Abhi quickly approached Dadi Maa, giving her a side hug. “Arre Dadi Maa, kaha thi aap subah se?” he asked with exaggerated surprise. “Humne kitna dhunda apko! Shopping pe jana tha na, aur phir hume akele hi jana pada.”

A few giggles erupted but were quickly stifled by the stern look Dadi Maa shot at everyone. Daarji, who had never seen Dadi Maa this angry, swallowed nervously. He had always thought his own anger was formidable, but Dadi Maa was giving him serious competition.

Dadi Maa turned her gaze to Abhi and forced a smile. “Achha beta, aap ye bhool gaye ke hum apki hi dadi maa hai…”

Abhi chuckled nervously, trying to ease the tension. “Kya Dadi Maa, aap bhi… Achha chaliye, hum sab apko shopping dikhate hain.”

Dadi Maa, with a playful yet stern look, held Abhi’s ears. “Kyunki aap dulhe raja hain, isliye hum apko maaf kar rahe hain. Warna, dadi se takkar aapko kafi bhari padti, puttar ji.”

Kabeer ji and Rira ji chuckled at Dadi Maa’s antics, while Rajender ji and Jasbeera ji exchanged amused glances, trying not to embarrass her further. Daarji, stunned by the unexpected threat, remained too shocked to react.

Sidharth rolled his eyes and glanced at Shehnaaz, who was watching Dadi Maa with wide, amused eyes.

He gently nudged her shoulder. “Muh band karo,”

Shehnaaz quickly closed her mouth, a weak smile forming on her lips as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

Dadi Maa, finally laughing at Abhi’s endearing expression, pulled both Abhi and Payal into a warm hug. Payal’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and affection for Abhi’s playful behavior.

“Is shaitan ko ab aap hi ko sudharana hai, Payal beta,” Dadi Maa advised with a smirk.

Payal looked down, smiling shyly, while Abhi made a funny face at Dadi Maa, earning a few more laughs. The group eventually made their way to dinner, shaking their heads and smiling at the lighthearted end to the day’s events.

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The entire week was consumed by shopping, but Sidharth found himself increasingly frustrated. Despite the bustle and activity, he hadn’t managed to catch more than a fleeting glimpse of Shehnaaz. Both he and Abhi were on edge. Dadi Maa had kept the men and women strictly separated, ensuring that no chance of a meeting arose.

Sidharth was determined not to discuss his feelings over the phone or through text. He wanted to face her, to see her eyes and hear her confession directly.

As he walked into his bedroom, his frustration was palpable. It was evening, and he had just returned from a long, important office meeting. By the time he arrived home around 7 PM, he overheard the Gill family talking about their plans to leave the following morning. The news was a blow he could barely tolerate.

Shehnaaz had remained silent since their last encounter at the mall. She hadn’t opened up about her feelings or what was on her mind. The silence was unbearable for Sidharth, and the uncertainty about her emotions was gnawing at him. He was dreading the thought of leaving things unresolved, and the looming departure only intensified his anxiety.

Sidharth never imagined that a calm and patient person like him could become so impatient and possessive. The silent treatment from Shehnaaz was driving him mad. He was left in a state of uncertainty, unsure if she reciprocated his feelings. Yet, her silence and failure to deny his advances led him to believe that she might indeed love him. He needed her confession, her acknowledgment, to ease the restlessness that was consuming him. And now, with their departure scheduled for the next morning and no word from Shehnaaz, his frustration and desperation were reaching a breaking point.

He couldn’t understand why he had to fall for someone who seemed intent on tormenting him. Why couldn’t she just speak her heart out?

kamini kahin ki…Sidharth bite his lip…Sdharth tu chup ho ja..aaj kal sherni chup hai..agar kahin pehle jaise firse ubal gayi..to teri khair nahi..and you do not call ur love kamini…control Sdharth..control..

but ye ladki…..he banged his head on the mirror….

pehle toh pura din chapad chapad karti thi..mujhe annoy karne ka ek mauka nahi chhodti..aur aaj kal madam ke muh se ek shabd sun na bhi mushkil ho gaya hai…

He closed his eyes, struggling to maintain his composure. “God, Shehnaaz, please react… I can’t handle this anymore.”

His heart raced with a mix of desperation and hope. He needed to hear her feelings, to know where he stood, before it was too late.

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“Mujhe usse baat karni hi hogi aaj,” Sidharth thought with determination. The weight of his emotions was unbearable, and he couldn’t continue like this.

“Me aise aur nahi reh sakta,” he muttered to himself. The thought of going another month without clarity, of waiting until after the wedding, was too much to bear.

“Agar kal jaane se pehle usse kuchh nahi bola, to ek mahina…” He shuddered at the thought. “No way, I will go mad till the wedding.”

With a sense of urgency, he decided that he had to confront her now. His heart pounded with resolve as he stormed towards Shehnaaz’s room, every step fueled by his need for answers and resolution.

Shehnaaz sat on her bed, her mind swirling in confusion. She stood up, paced a few steps, and then sat back down, only to rise again moments later. Her nerves were getting the better of her, and she clutched her dupatta, making a cute puppy face as she walked towards the window.

“Ughh,” she groaned under her breath, feeling frustrated with herself. She walked back to the bed, clearly upset.

“Is she really that darpok?” she wondered aloud. The realization that she had become so timid was almost too much to bear.

pehle to mujhe Sdharth se etna dar nahi lagta tha ?? to ab kyyu..??

kyu.. kyunki aaj kal..wo baat kam karta hai..aur chipakata jyada hai…

Her face flushed a deep red as she remembered how romantic and passionate Sidharth had been. “He’s so romantic and passionate,” she thought with a blush.

But then she scolded herself, her face twisting into an angry pout. “aur tu..darpok kahin ki..pure moment ko ruin kar diya…sidhe sidhe bol nahi sakti.. ae Sdharth Shukla..apun ka tere pe dil aa gaya hai..bol..apun ko apni girfriend banayenga…??'”

Shehnaaz, standing in front of the mirror with dramatic expressions, practiced her lines, her reflection showing every emotion. “Aise bolgei, to Shukla ji teri bolti humesha ke liye band kar dega,” she said, making a baby face as she ran back to bed. “Waise bhi, aaj kal thanks to him, ek word bolna mushkil ho gaya hai…”

She sighed, knowing she needed to be brave. “Shaitan Shukla… agar usne sun liya to me to gayi kaam se. Ek to aaj kal awehi gussa karta rehta hai. Hayy hayy Shehnaaz, galti to teri hai na. Tu use bol kyu nahi deti ke tu usse pyar karti hai? Just say it… Be brave, Shehnaaz. Be brave. Bol de… fir jo hoga dekha jayega…”

Lost in her pep talk, she was startled by a loud knock on the door.

“AA RAHI HUN!” she called out, rolling her eyes, and went to open it.

When she opened the door, she was expecting Payal but was instead met with the furious eyes of Sidharth Shukla. Her eyes widened in shock at the sight of his intense expression.