Chapter 18

Shehnaaz gently brushed her fingers through his hair, her touch tender and full of love. Each stroke was slow and deliberate, as if she was trying to soothe not just his tired mind but also her own aching heart. As Sidharth slowly drifted off to sleep, his body relaxed into her embrace, finding comfort and safety in the warmth of her small arms wrapped around him. She held him close, as if her embrace could shield him from all the pain and confusion that had come between them.

Shehnaaz’s heart was heavy with love for this man who had become her world. She knew deep within that he was the only one she would ever truly belong to. Her love for him was deep, unwavering, and pure. But no matter how strong her feelings were, she also knew that love alone wasn’t enough to sustain a relationship. Trust was the foundation that held everything together. Without it, love could wither and fade away.

As she held Sidharth close, she couldn’t stop the thoughts that filled her mind. “sirf ek baat aapne mujhse baat kar li hoti..” she thought to herself, the pain of his mistrust slicing through her heart like a knife. “mujhse puchha hota.. apni dard mujhse bata hota.. par aap ne etni asani se maan liya ki apki naazi galat hai..” The ache of being misunderstood, of being blamed for something she didn’t even know about, weighed heavily on her soul. She felt a deep sorrow that he hadn’t trusted her enough to confide in her, to let her in on his troubles.

After a while, Sidharth’s breathing became deep and even, a sign that he had finally fallen into a deep sleep. Shehnaaz gazed at his peaceful face, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and sadness. She leaned down and pressed a final, lingering kiss on his forehead, pouring all her emotions into that one tender gesture. It was a silent promise, a farewell of sorts, though not to their relationship, but to the moment they had just shared.

Carefully, she shifted away from him, replacing her warmth with a soft pillow, hoping it would provide him some comfort in her absence. She got out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb his rest. As she dressed herself, she moved slowly, her movements reflecting the heavy burden she felt in her heart.

Before leaving the room, Shehnaaz turned to look at Sidharth one last time. Her eyes were filled with love, a love so deep that it brought tears to her eyes, “me zindagi bhar aapse hi pyar karungi.. me apko kabhi nahi bhulungi..” she hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. But as she turned to leave, the tears came anyway, rolling down her cheeks in silent streams. She wiped them away quickly, not wanting to dwell on the pain any longer.

_______________

“Can I say something..?” Nisha’s voice, trembling yet determined, sliced through the tension in the room, capturing the attention of Anu, Zoya, and Raj.

Anu’s body stiffened, and a wave of anger surged through her. The memory of her recent conversation with Karan flashed in her mind, where he had told her everything Nisha had done to Shehnaaz at the office. The betrayal, the manipulation—it all came rushing back, fueling the fire in her heart.

Without hesitating, Anu’s voice rang out, sharp and cutting. “You better be off right now, Nisha, before I terminate you just like you made Bhai terminate Shehnaaz.” Her words were laced with a fierce protectiveness, her eyes narrowing as she faced the woman who had caused so much pain.

Nisha’s shoulders slumped slightly, a sigh escaping her lips. It was a sound filled with self-loathing and regret, making both Anu and Zoya pause in confusion. They had never seen Nisha like this—vulnerable, broken. “Me buri hi sahi… but mene Sidharth se sachha pyaar kiya hai,” Nisha’s voice was soft, almost pleading, as if she was trying to convince herself as much as them.

Anu rolled her eyes in disbelief, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Enough, Nisha,” she snapped, unwilling to entertain what she assumed would be more excuses or lies.

But Nisha wasn’t ready to give up. She cut in earnestly, desperation tinging her voice, “Please, hear me out… Me hamesha se Sidharth ko pana chahti thi… Shayad mera tareeka galat tha… par mera pyaar nahi…” Her voice cracked as she continued, the words tumbling out in a rush, “Jab Shehnaaz aai… Sidharth bilkul change hogye… muskurane lage… mujhse bardasht nahi ho raha tha ke jisse main pyaar karti hu… vo kisi aur se… Apne pyaar ko pane ki zidd mein pagal ho gayi thi main…”

Tears welled up in Nisha’s eyes, and this time, she couldn’t hold them back. She wiped them away hastily, her hands trembling. Anu and Zoya exchanged a look of shock. This was a side of Nisha they had never expected to see—a girl known for her cold, calculating nature now stood before them, raw and exposed, her emotions laid bare.

Raj, who had been silently observing, couldn’t take his eyes off Nisha. He truly wondered what drove her hatred for Shehnaaz, but now he saw it clearly—a twisted love, fueled by jealousy and desperation. He continued to stare at her, trying to make sense of the woman who had caused so much chaos in the lives of those around her.

Nisha hesitated, her voice trembling as she continued, “Phir ek din Manish sir ne mujhe ek restaurant mein milne ke liye bulaya, jahan unhone mujhe Simran aur Shehnaaz ke mamaji se milwaya.” Her voice was low, filled with regret and a sense of dread as she recounted the events that had transpired. “Shehnaaz ke mamaji, Sukhdev, Manish ke haath ki kathputli hain… Sab unka aur Simran ka plan tha. Simran Sidharth ka peecha karte karte Bangalore tak chali gayi thi. Manish sir ne tumhare peeche bhi jasoos lagaya tha, Anu, taaki woh tum par nazar rakh sake. Tumhara Shehnaaz se milna, usse job dilwana—sab unhe pata tha. Sidharth ki Shehnaaz ke taraf nazdikiyan bhi… Isliye unhone Shehnaaz ko Sidharth ki zindagi se hataane ka plan banaya.”

Nisha’s shame was palpable as she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maine unka saath isliye diya kyunki Manish sir ne mujhse wada kiya tha ke woh meri shaadi Sidharth se karwayenge… I was such a fool to fall into his trap. Sachh maano Anu, mujhe Simran aur Sidharth ke past ke baare mein kuch nahi pata tha. Mujhe laga Manish aur Simran sirf Sidharth ki property mein share paane mein interested hain…” Her voice faltered as she spoke, each word weighing heavily on her conscience.

“sahi Waqt par, Shehnaaz ke mamaji ne Rajendra ji ko call karke maafi ka natak kiya aur unhe Mumbai bulwa liya. Aur aaj ka din isliye choose kiya gaya, kyunki humein pata tha aaj tum aur Shehnaaz office mein nahi honge,” she added, her tone filled with guilt. The enormity of what she had been a part of was crushing her spirit, and it showed in every word she spoke.

Nisha then turned to Raj, her eyes filled with a mix of guilt and desperation. “Jo ladki tumse uss din mili thi, woh Simran thi… Jo call tumhe aaya tha, woh Manish ne karwaya tha.” She searched his face for any sign of understanding, but Raj’s expression remained unreadable, cold even. Nisha took a deep breath and continued, “Sukhdev Shehnaaz ke mamaji hain, aur is par Sidharth shock ho gaye… Tab main jaan bujhke Rajendra ji ko bahar le gayi taaki Sukhdev, Sidharth ke dimag mein yeh baatein fit kar sake ke yeh sab saazish Shehnaaz ki hai… Sab plan Simran aur Manish ne rachaya tha… and…”

Her words trailed off as she looked at Anu, fear flashing in her eyes. She could see the anger boiling within Anu, who was barely holding back her fury. Nisha’s heart pounded in her chest, knowing that she was on the verge of revealing everything, and the consequences could be dire.

Anu’s glare was icy, her voice commanding as she spat out, “Say it.”

As Nisha’s trembling voice revealed the final piece of the puzzle, the tension in the room became almost unbearable. “Kajal mam ne Rita mam ke juice mein nind ki medicine daal di thi… jiske wajah se woh faint ho gayi thi, taki tum party mein na ho jab Shehnaz ko termination letter diya jaye,” Nisha confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Anu’s face drained of color as the weight of Nisha’s words hit her. Her hand clenched around her phone so tightly that it seemed like she might crush it. Zoya, noticing the strain and the growing fury in Anu’s eyes, quickly reached out and pulled the phone away from her before she could harm herself.

Nisha continued, her guilt and shame evident in every word. “Manish ko laga tha ke party ke baad Sidharth kabhi Shehnaz ki shakal bhi nahi dekhega, par aisa nahi hua… Sidharth bhi Shehnaz ke saath kahin chale gaye… Pata nahi kaha…”

Anu’s mind raced with worry and anger. The web of deceit and manipulation was far more intricate than she had imagined, and the thought of what Shehnaz had been subjected to made her blood boil. Just then, Raj, who had been listening intently, voiced the question that had been nagging at him. “Anu, Shehnaz ki kidnapping wali baat…” His voice was filled with concern, his eyes pleading for answers.

Nisha nodded slowly, the weight of her actions bearing down on her. “It was a trap… Tumhara yahan wait karna, aur Shehnaz ka termination… As natural human tendency, woh upset thi, toh zaroor tumhe rote rote hug karti… Aur uske pictures click karke Sidharth ko dikhana tha taki Shehnaz ka chapter hamesha ke liye khatam ho jaye…” Her voice broke as she realized the depth of her betrayal, how far she had gone in her blind pursuit of love.

Raj let out a heavy sigh of relief, knowing that at least Shehnaz wasn’t in immediate danger. But the question still lingered in the air—where was she now? His thoughts were in turmoil, his concern for Shehnaz mixing with the anger he felt towards the people who had conspired against her.

Nisha’s voice broke the silence again, filled with regret and sorrow. “I am sorry… mujhe nahi pata tha yeh sab itna ugly ho jayega… main bas Sidharth ko pana chahti thi…” The vulnerability in her voice was clear, her regret genuine, but it did little to ease the pain and betrayal that hung in the air.

Anu, who had been silently fuming, took a deep breath and stepped forward. She placed a gentle hand on Nisha’s shoulder, her voice softening just a little as she said, “Chalo koi na… tumhe apni galti ka ehsaas hua, acchi baat hai… par hamesha yaad rakhna, pyaar kabhi zabardasti nahi kiya jata.” Anu’s words, though kind, held a certain firmness—a lesson she hoped Nisha would take to heart.

Nisha nodded in agreement, her eyes filling with tears. She had learned the hard way that love, real love, could not be forced or manipulated. The pain of that realization was etched on her face, but there was also a hint of relief—relief that she had finally confessed, that she had finally owned up to her mistakes.

_______________

Shehnaaz felt the weight of the day’s emotions pressing down on her as she made her way to the changing room. The soft fabric of her salwar kurta brought her a small sense of comfort as she changed out of the hotel clothes. Once she was dressed, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before stepping out. Her heart ached with a mixture of relief and sadness, knowing she had worried everyone who cared about her.

As soon as she exited the hotel, she was greeted by the anxious face of Anu, whose eyes instantly locked onto her. Without a second’s hesitation, Anu rushed towards her, arms wide open, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Kaha thi yaar? Call kyun nahi receive kar rahi thi? Main kitni pareshan ho gayi thi… tera phone kaha hai?” Anu’s voice was a mix of relief and worry, her words tumbling out in a rapid stream as she held Shehnaaz close.

Shehnaaz, momentarily stunned by the intensity of the hug, took a moment to process everything. Her mind flashed back to the chaos of the day, and she suddenly remembered her phone. With a small frown, she reached into her bag, retrieving her phone from a small wallet tucked inside. The screen lit up with numerous missed calls from Raj, Anu, Rita ji, Zoya, and her father. Each missed call felt like a tiny weight on her heart, a reminder of how much she had unintentionally worried them.

Feeling a rush of emotion, Shehnaaz’s eyes began to well up with tears as she hugged Anu back, this time with more intensity, her sadness seeping through the embrace. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice thick with regret. She knew she had worried them all, and the guilt gnawed at her.

Zoya, standing nearby, offered a gentle smile as she glanced at the baby in Shehnaaz’s arms, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. Nisha, on the other hand, stood a little apart, her face marked with deep shame and regret. Raj, who had been anxiously waiting for Shehnaaz, couldn’t take his eyes off her, his worry evident in the way his brows knitted together.

Shehnaaz noticed the rest of the group, her heart sinking a little further. “Raj, tu itni der kyu wait kar raha tha yaar… hayy, maine sabko pareshan kiya na…” Her voice was filled with remorse as she turned to Nisha, surprised to see her there. “Aur Nisha ma’am, aap yahan…?”

Before Shehnaaz could say anything more, Nisha moved towards her and, to her surprise, wrapped her in a hug. The unexpected gesture left Shehnaaz momentarily stunned, her body stiffening in the embrace. Nisha’s voice, however, was soft and filled with genuine regret. “I’m sorry for everything… stay blessed,” she murmured, her words carrying a weight of sincerity that Shehnaaz had never expected.

Raj stepped closer, his concern evident in the gentle way he wrapped his arms around Shehnaaz. His voice was soft, yet filled with the worry that had been gnawing at him, “Teri kitni fikar ho rahi thi hame… tujhe kuch idea bhi hai?” His words carried a tender scolding, an expression of how much she meant to him and the others.

Shehnaaz felt a pang of guilt as she heard the concern in Raj’s voice. She looked up at him with a small, apologetic smile, her voice barely above a whisper, “Maaf kar de yaar… main thodi si upset thi isliye…” Her words trailed off, the weight of the day pressing down on her.

Anu, ever the protective sister figure, cupped Shehnaaz’s face in her hands, her touch gentle yet firm. “Oyy, tu bilkul tension na le… main baat karungi na Bhai se… sab theek ho jayega,” she reassured, her tone filled with the confidence that she could make things right.

But Shehnaaz, despite the comfort of Anu’s words, felt an unease she couldn’t shake. A smile flickered on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes, confusing Anu with the odd expression. “Nahi, nahi… abhi nahi… please mujhe mere Mamaji ke ghar drop kar de… main address deti hoon,” Shehnaaz requested, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to hold herself together.

The mention of “Mamaji” ignited a spark of anger in Anu, her patience snapping as she burst out, “Tujhe pata bhi hai tere Mamaji ne kya kiya hai?” Her voice was sharp, the protective edge she had always wielded on behalf of Shehnaaz cutting through the air.

Shehnaaz, caught off guard, looked at Anu in confusion, shaking her head in denial. She had no idea what Anu was talking about, and the uncertainty gnawed at her.

Seeing the confusion on Shehnaaz’s face, Anu, though still angry, softened slightly. With a deep breath, she began to tell her everything Nisha had told them, her words spilling out like a torrent, each revelation hitting Shehnaaz like a physical blow.

As the truth unfolded, Shehnaaz felt the ground beneath her shift. Her legs wobbled as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of the betrayal. The world seemed to spin around her, and she instinctively brought her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the gasp of horror that escaped her lips. Her eyes filled with tears, the shock and devastation evident on her face. “Itni badi saazish mere khilaf… kya bigada tha maine kisika…” she whispered, her voice breaking under the weight of her disbelief.

Anu, seeing Shehnaaz’s devastation, immediately reached out to wipe away her tears. She made a determined face, trying to inject strength into Shehnaaz, “Anu ke hote hue koi tera kuch nahi bigaad sakta, samjhi?” Her voice was firm, but underneath it was the warmth of her deep affection for Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz managed a tearful smile, her heart touched by Anu’s protective words. But as the truth sank in, her thoughts inevitably turned to Sidharth. Everything made sense now—his behavior, his distance, the way he had jumped to conclusions without even asking her for an explanation. The realization hit her like a fresh wave of pain: he didn’t trust her. He hadn’t even given her a chance to explain herself before assuming the worst. The love they shared, it seemed, wasn’t strong enough to withstand the shadows of doubt and mistrust.

This realization left Shehnaaz feeling hollow inside. Her heart ached, not just from the betrayal of her Mamaji, but from the deeper wound inflicted by Sidharth’s lack of faith in her. Tears continued to fall, but this time they were not just tears of shock and betrayal—they were tears of a heart breaking, of love that had been tested and found wanting.

Shehnaaz, with a heaviness in her heart, gently took Anu’s and Zoya’s hands in hers, trying to convey the depth of her emotions. Her voice was soft, almost trembling as she spoke, “Main tum dono ke paas rahun ya na rahun, tum dono hamesha mere liye special rahoge…” Her words were filled with a mix of affection and a hint of finality that made Anu’s heart sink. Shehnaaz’s next words were laced with urgency, “Mujhe Mamaji ke ghar jana hoga… Mere Papaji wahaan hain, un shaitano ke beech…”

Anu’s instincts flared up; something was definitely off. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Shehnaaz’s words than she was letting on. Concerned, she asked, “Sana, Bhai kahan hai?”

Shehnaaz tried to put on a reassuring smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Woh upar hotel mein hi hai… Subah ghar aa jayenge, chinta na kar… Chal ab please, mujhe jaldi drop kar.”

There was a strange calm in Shehnaaz’s demeanor, one that made Anu even more uneasy. She hesitated for a moment but didn’t push further. Zoya, sensing the tension but unsure of how to address it, quietly took her leave, heading back to her flat. Anu then drove Raj home first, his worried gaze lingering on Shehnaaz as they parted ways. Finally, Anu dropped Shehnaaz off at her Mamaji’s house, watching her friend disappear into the shadows of the night, a heavy feeling settling in her chest.

As Anu finally made her way back home, she found her mother, Rita ji, still awake, waiting for her. The concern on her mother’s face made Anu’s heart ache even more. “Mumma, why are you still awake?” Anu asked gently, trying to mask the turmoil in her own mind.

Rita ji’s response was immediate, her voice full of worry, “Anu… come in, please… I was worried, baby…”

Anu sat beside her mother, taking her hand in hers, trying to offer some comfort. “Please rest, Maa… Aur rahi aapki Shehnaaz ki baat, vo thikh hai… Aur Bhai bhi thikh hai…” Her words were meant to reassure, but her mind was far from at ease.

Rita ji seemed to feel better hearing those words, the tension easing from her face as she lay back down. Anu watched her mother slowly drift off to sleep, her own thoughts racing. As she lovingly pressed her mother’s forehead, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were spiraling out of control. Shehnaaz’s strange behavior, the ominous feeling she couldn’t shake—everything felt wrong.

Anu sat there in the dimly lit room, lost in thought, determination slowly building within her. She knew she couldn’t let things continue like this. Tomorrow, she would make things right. She would protect Shehnaaz, no matter what it took. “Kal mein sab thikh kardungi, Sana… I promise…” she whispered to herself, a silent vow that echoed in the stillness of the night.

______________

Rolling restlessly on the bed, Sidharth opened his eyes, his head pounding heavily from the alcohol he had consumed the previous night. As he squinted into the dim light of the morning, he noticed the space beside him was empty. The pillow lay there as a cold substitute for Shehnaz’s warmth.

His heart sank as he looked around the room, hoping to find her. He half-expected her to be in the washroom, so he settled back into the bed, cradling his throbbing head in his hands. He regretted the excessive drinking; it was a mistake he wished he could undo.

The memories of last night came rushing back, vivid and tinged with affection. Despite the haze of alcohol, one thing was clear—he loved Shehnaz deeply. The way she looked at him, the way she made him feel, it was all too precious to let go. He wasn’t going to give up on her. Even if she was at fault, he was determined to make things right.

Minutes ticked by, and his anxiety grew as she didn’t reappear. With mounting worry, he got up and checked the washroom. The realization that it was empty too hit him hard. Where could she have gone? The unsettling thought gripped him, making his chest tighten with concern, “kahan chali gayi..?”

Sidharth had no idea where Shehnaz could be. He noticed that his clothes were neatly put back on him, a task she must have done. This added to his confusion and worry. Desperate to find her, he left the room and made his way to the hotel reception, hoping to find some clue about her whereabouts.

To his dismay, there was no note or message from her. His broken phone rendered him unable to call or text her, amplifying his frustration. He knew she must be upset with him after their confrontation at the party, but he couldn’t bear the thought of her being out there, distressed and alone.

With a heavy sigh, he decided to head home. His only hope was that Shehnaz might be with Zoya or her father, who was currently in Mumbai. He drove through the city with a gnawing sense of unease, praying that she was safe and that he would find her soon.

By the time Sidharth reached home, his mind was consumed with thoughts of Shehnaz. He replayed the events of the previous night over and over in his head. Why did she leave without a word? Did she regret what happened between them? The thought of her possibly regretting their moments together filled him with dread. The fear of her questioning their love, of losing her forever, was almost unbearable.

As he walked into the living room, his heart pounded with anxiety. But what he saw there stopped him in his tracks. The room was filled with people, their expressions a mix of confusion and tension. Sidharth felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

“What is going on here?” he asked, his voice laced with frustration. “Why is everyone standing around like this?”

Anu’s gaze was sharp and unwavering as she faced her brother. “Bhai, have you met Mr. Sukhdev?”

Sidharth’s eyes followed Anu’s gaze and fell on Sukhdev, who stood there looking visibly uneasy and apprehensive. Beside him was Nisha, her head bowed in shame. The sight of them triggered a surge of anger and confusion within Sidharth.

The negativity of the previous day surged back into his consciousness. His voice rose, filled with anger, “What the hell is happening here? How dare you come here?” He directed his fury at Sukhdev, unable to contain his frustration.

Anu’s face hardened as she snapped back, “I called him here.”

“Why?” Sidharth’s voice was sharp, his eyes searching Anu’s face for an explanation. The situation was rapidly spiraling beyond his comprehension.

“To open your eyes so that you can see the truth…” Anu’s voice rang out sharply, causing Rita ji to place a calming hand on her shoulder.

Sidharth, bewildered, demanded, “What does that mean? First You need to open your eyes and stop trusting people so easily. Do you even know how you’ve been manipulated?”

Anu’s laughter was tinged with frustration, “Me? Trapped? Or is it you, Bhai? Are you even seeing the lifeless faces of Manish uncle and Kajal aunty who care only about money and nothing else?”

Aryan looked down, unable to argue against the harsh reality he’d known for years. Rita ji, who had always been aware of their true nature but stayed silent for the sake of family, turned her gaze away.

Nisha stepped forward, holding out Sidharth’s mobile phone, which he had earlier discarded in the office. Anu glanced at Nisha, her eyes urging her to speak.

“This is your moment, Nisha,” Anu said, her voice unwavering.

Nisha ignored the threatening glares of Manish, her head bowed, began to recount the entire truth. Her voice trembled as she revealed the elaborate scheme she had been a part of—how they had trapped Shehnaz and her father, manipulated Sidharth, and created a web of deceit to make Sidharth hate Shehnaz.

As Nisha spoke, Sidharth’s face grew paler with every word. All the colors drained from his face.. his anger, frustration melted in thin air.. his face turned as while as sheet.. His heart pounded as the full impact of her confession hit him. Each revelation was a crushing blow, shattering the fragile reality he had been holding onto.

His eyes widened as the reality finally sink his brain.

Sidharth’s mind raced as he absorbed the truth. The realization of how he had been deceived, how he had wronged Shehnaz, tore through him like a hurricane. He had let himself be manipulated, failed to trust the woman he loved, and drawn harsh conclusions without hearing her side.

“Naaz.. Oh God, mene usse…” Sidharth whispered unable to speak further, his voice breaking. The weight of his mistakes pressed heavily on him. He had been so sure, so easily convinced of Shehnaz’s wrongs, without giving her a chance to explain. The guilt of his actions, the betrayal he had inflicted on Shehnaz, ripped his heart apart.

He looked at Nisha, then at Anu, finally at his mother.. his eyes looked here and there in restlessness and dread as his words which he had thrown towards her replayed.. How could he..? no no no.. please no..

The room was filled with a dangerous silence. The gravity of Sidharth’s realization hung heavily in the air. His regret and sorrow were palpable, and the once-familiar comfort of his home now felt like a prison of his own making.