Chapter 22

Lost in a trance, Sidharth’s hand moved forward, almost as if it had a will of its own. His fingers brushed against hers, and in that brief touch, he felt a rush of something he couldn’t quite define. Without thinking, he took her hand in his, his grip firm yet tender, almost as if he was afraid to let go.

Shehnaaz’s breath hitched in her throat. She was stunned by his sudden gesture, her heart pounding in her chest. Her wide eyes instantly lifted to meet his gaze, and what she saw there left her shaken to the core. His eyes bore into hers with a depth of emotion that she hadn’t seen before – an intensity that made her heart race and her hands tremble. She felt something shift inside her, a surge of emotions so powerful it left her feeling vulnerable, exposed.

For Sidharth, the moment their eyes met was electrifying. A wave of satisfaction washed over him, coursing through his veins like a warm, comforting current. It was a feeling he had been unknowingly craving – to see himself reflected in those almond-shaped hazel eyes of hers. He had missed that look, that connection. His heart seemed to calm in that fleeting moment as if her gaze was the only thing that could bring him peace.

Around them, Anu, Rita ji, and Tayi ji exchanged surprised glances, their expressions filled with both shock and surprise. Even Shikhar couldn’t hide the grin that spread across his face, clearly enjoying the unexpected turn of events.

Unaware of the eyes on him, Sidharth’s fingers moved with a gentle certainty. He slipped the ring onto her finger, and it fit perfectly, just like her hand fit so perfectly in his own. It was as if the universe had conspired for this very moment. His eyes never left her finger, captivated by how right the ring looked there, how it seemed to belong. Slowly, his gaze traveled back up to meet her eyes once more, searching, questioning, filled with a depth of emotions he could barely contain.

His hand still held hers, his grip tight and unwavering, a silent declaration of something neither of them could put into words. He didn’t want to let go. It felt like he was protecting something precious, something fragile yet incredibly important.

The room around them erupted in applause, pulling Sidharth out of the trance he was so deeply lost in. The sound was like a jolt, snapping him back to reality. Realizing what he had done, his eyes widened in shock, and he let go of her hand as if it had burned him. He pulled back sharply, feeling like he had been struck by a bolt of electricity.

Shehnaaz quickly averted her eyes, fear tightening her chest. She knew that look in his eyes, the storm that was brewing there. She could sense the anger simmering beneath his surface, ready to explode. “ab vapas gussa karenge mujhpe…” she thought, her heart sinking as she prepared herself for the harsh words she knew would follow. She could feel her heart beating fast, knowing that whatever he would say next might tear her apart.

Sidharth almost groaned aloud, a deep, restless sound escaping his throat. What the hell was he doing? He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him like a hot spring ready to erupt. He wanted to scream, to shout at himself for losing control, for allowing himself to feel… this. It scared him, this powerful, uncontrollable pull towards her. It made him feel vulnerable, exposed, something he had sworn never to be again.

He struggled to understand why his actions betrayed him so. Why did he feel this need to protect her, to be near her, to hold onto her? The thoughts raced through his mind, but there were no clear answers. Only the echo of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears and the sight of her, standing there with those eyes that had somehow become his weakness.

Unaware of the storm brewing between the two, Rita ji smiled warmly at Shehnaaz, her voice filled with a gentle encouragement, “Ab tumhari bari, Sana…”

Her words felt like a heavy stone being placed on Shehnaaz’s shoulders, a weight she was not ready to carry. Shehnaaz’s heart thudded in her chest, her mind racing. How was she supposed to put a ring on Sidharth’s finger when he looked so furious? She could feel the tension radiating from him, his body stiff, his eyes dark and intense.

Trying to mask her anxiety, Shehnaaz forced a soft smile for Rita ji. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her fingers trembled slightly as they reached out towards his hand, moving slowly, cautiously, almost as if afraid to cross an invisible line. She hesitated for a moment, then finally allowed her fingers to brush against his. The moment their skin touched, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her, a current that traveled from her fingertips straight to her heart. She grasped his hand gently but firmly, bringing it to the center between them.

Sidharth was momentarily stunned by her courage. He knew she was aware of his anger; he could see the way her eyelashes fluttered nervously, the way her breath seemed to quicken. Yet, she had still reached out, still dared to touch him, and that touch… it did something to him. Despite the anger simmering inside him, he couldn’t deny the intense emotions that surged through him with that mere contact. It was as if, in that single moment, she had taken complete control over him.

Amidst the whirlwind of his frustration, Sidharth found himself unable to pull his hand away from hers. He hated that he missed her warmth, the way her skin felt against his, the way her presence calmed the chaos inside him. His jaw tightened, his red, fiery eyes flickering down to her face, noticing her lowered gaze as she concentrated on slipping the ring onto his finger.

As the cool metal of the ring slid into place, Shehnaaz quickly let go of his hand, her fingers releasing him as if she had been holding a hot coal. That sudden release, that withdrawal, irritated Sidharth. A frown crossed his face, his annoyance deepening. Why did it bother him so much when she let go? Why did he crave her touch, even in his anger?

The sound of applause filled the room once more, breaking through the tense moment between them. The clapping was loud and cheerful, but Sidharth barely heard it. His mind was still on her touch, on the way it felt to hold her hand even for that brief moment.

Tayi ji stepped forward, her face glowing with happiness, and placed her hands gently on both Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s heads. “Hamesha khush raho… ek dusre ko samajho aur pyar do,” she blessed them, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.

For a fleeting second, their eyes met again, an intense and almost desperate look passing between them. It was as if they were both searching for something in each other’s eyes – an answer, a reassurance, perhaps even a hint of what lay ahead. Then, almost as quickly, they looked away, each retreating back into their own thoughts and feelings, still uncertain, still conflicted, yet inexplicably connected.

Rita ji stepped forward with a warm smile, her eyes filled with joy as she blessed them, “Main bahot khush hun tum dono ke liye… hamesha khush raho… saath raho…”

Anu, beaming with happiness, quickly reached out to help Shehnaaz stand up. “Congratulations, Bhabhi…” she said, pulling Shehnaaz into a tight hug, her excitement evident in every word. Shikhar, meanwhile, turned to Sidharth, wrapping his arms around him. “Congratulations, Sid… Congratulations, Bhabhi,” he grinned, looking over at Shehnaaz. She returned the smile, her face lighting up with a mixture of relief and warmth. But that simple exchange made Sidharth’s mood darken once again, a scowl settling on his face as his emotions churned.

A helper quickly cleared away the “parat” and rushed to the kitchen, returning with a “thali” filled with liquid kumkum. The atmosphere shifted, becoming more solemn and ritualistic as Rita ji gently guided Shehnaaz to a corner where the palm imprints of Payal were displayed on the wall.

Sidharth’s expression changed in an instant. He felt a surge of anger well up inside him, a burning fury that he couldn’t contain. “Mere Payal ki yaadon ko mitane ki koshish bhi mat karna!” he snapped, his voice harsh and filled with pain. He thought they were asking Shehnaaz to place her imprints over Payal’s, and the mere idea felt like an unbearable violation of his late wife’s memory.

Everyone froze, stunned by his outburst. The room fell silent, and the joyous atmosphere from moments earlier dissipated into uneasy tension. Shehnaaz felt a sharp sting in her heart, her eyes filling with hurt. She knew how much Payal meant to him, but his harsh words felt like a slap, a cruel reminder of her place in his life.

“Sid…” Rita ji’s voice rose slightly, firm but tinged with disappointment. “Yeh kya tareeka hai baat karne ka?” She sighed deeply, trying to keep her composure. She turned to Shehnaaz, gently patting her cheek, her touch comforting. “Beta, tum rasm poori karo…” she said softly, trying to soothe the hurt in her eyes.

Shehnaaz nodded, though her heart felt heavy. Her fingers trembled as she dipped her palms into the thali, feeling the cold, wet kumkum against her skin. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more painful than the last. She moved slowly to the wall, carefully placing her imprints just below Payal’s. She made sure not to overlap them, respecting the space that still belonged to Payal, and yet feeling like she was intruding on sacred ground.

Sidharth watched for a moment, his face hard, his emotions in turmoil. He couldn’t bear to look any longer. Turning away abruptly, he stormed off to his room, his footsteps heavy and filled with frustration.

Shikhar sighed, a deep sense of disappointment evident in his eyes. He hated seeing his brother like this, so consumed by anger and grief that he couldn’t see what was right in front of him. The ladies exchanged worried glances, their concern for Shehnaaz growing. She stood there, her palms stained red, feeling like an outsider in a place she so desperately wanted to belong, the weight of Sidharth’s words pressing down on her heart like a crushing burden.

“Beta, tum please us baat ko dil par mat lena… woh toh humesha se aisa hi hai… khadus,” Rita ji said with a light-hearted chuckle, trying to ease the tension and lift Shehnaaz’s spirits.

Shehnaaz managed a small, sad smile in response, nodding her head slightly. Rita ji’s attempt to comfort her was sweet, but it didn’t help much. She felt lost, unsure of what she was supposed to do next. Her mind was spinning with questions – where was she supposed to stay? Where would she sleep tonight? The exhaustion of the day was starting to seep into her bones, making her feel even more weary.

Anu noticed the tiredness etched on Shehnaaz’s face and smiled softly. “Tumhara saara samaan Nakul dada ne shift karwa diya hai. Chalo, I’ll take you…” she offered, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Rita ji nodded with relief, grateful for Anu’s initiative. “Anu, Varsha ko bhi saath leja… Sana ke liye pillows, duvet, woh sab dekh le. Sana beta, tumhe jo bhi chahiye, Anu ko bata dena,” she instructed, making sure Shehnaaz would be comfortable.

“Ji, Maa,” Shehnaaz replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, feeling a mix of anxiety and gratitude. She followed Anu upstairs, her footsteps hesitant, like she was entering an unknown territory, unsure of what awaited her in Sidharth’s home – a place that felt more like a lion’s den than a sanctuary. Shikhar took his leave for the day, sensing the tension still hanging in the air.

Upstairs, Sidharth was pacing back and forth, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. His mind replayed the moment when he had grabbed Shehnaaz’s hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. What on earth had he been thinking? His actions were impulsive, driven by emotions he could neither control nor understand. Where was his brain? Had he completely lost his mind?

He muttered curses under his breath, angry at himself, angry at the situation. He stalked towards the bathroom, stripping off his pajama and changing into a comfortable shorts, trying to shake off the confusion and agitation that clung to him. He needed to clear his mind, to regain control over his emotions.

As he walked back in the room, his eyes fell on a few bags in the corner. Shehnaaz’s bags. They were neatly placed, almost like they belonged there, yet their mere presence made his chest tighten.

“Why hasn’t she come yet?” he found himself thinking, the question popping into his head uninvited. It was a stupid thought, one he immediately regretted acknowledging. Why did he even care? His anger flared up again, frustrated by the war between his heart and his mind. He wanted to maintain his distance, to push her away, but there was a part of him, deep down, that was inexplicably drawn to her, that felt incomplete in her absence.

Sidharth let out a sigh, frustrated by the storm of emotions within him. He knew he needed to have a serious conversation with his mother. “Shehnaaz can’t stay in this room,” he thought to himself. “I will go crazy… I need my space.”

Just as his thoughts were spiraling, a soft knock on the door pulled him back to reality, followed by the faint sound of it creaking open. His body stiffened, and he turned around quickly, his expression guarded.

There stood Anu, entering with her usual ease, while Shehnaaz followed behind, looking hesitant, almost as if she was being pushed into the lion’s den. Varsha trailed after them, holding a pile of pillows and duvets in her arms.

Anu rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by her brother’s cold demeanor. She shot Shehnaaz a reassuring glance, her eyes blinking a silent message to stay calm. Shehnaaz’s nervousness seemed to grow with every passing second, her fingers twisting anxiously at her sides.

Varsha placed the items on the bed and, sensing the tension in the air, quickly made her exit, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.

Anu, smiling warmly at Shehnaaz, turned to her brother with a teasing grin. “Bhai, bhabhi ko jo bhi chahiye dekh lena aap… Aur unko tang mat karna,” she said mischievously, clearly enjoying the situation. Before Sidharth could even think about scolding her, she dashed out of the room, shutting the door behind her with a playful smirk.

Shehnaaz stood frozen in her place, her eyes blinking rapidly like a lost child in an unfamiliar place. She looked so small and fragile, and for a brief moment, Sidharth found himself almost… amused by the sight. He quickly forced himself to look away, feeling an unwanted tug at his heart.

“Okay, Sana… just take a deep breath,” she thought, trying to calm her racing heart. “He isn’t going to eat you… He isn’t even going to look at you… Just don’t look at him, don’t disturb him, don’t speak to him, and he will leave you in peace…” But as her eyes betrayed her thoughts, she glanced over at him again.

There he was, standing in front of her, wearing a plain t-shirt that clung to every inch of his muscular frame, and a pair of shorts that revealed his strong, athletic legs. Every part of him seemed to exude raw masculinity. Shehnaaz could feel her heart pounding harder, her mind screaming in frustration. “God, he was going to drive her insane soon… No one should be allowed to look that… manly.”

She swallowed hard, her throat dry, trying to keep her thoughts in check. This was not going to be easy. Sidharth’s presence in such close quarters felt like a test she wasn’t sure she was ready to face. She silently prayed for strength, hoping her racing thoughts and flushed cheeks wouldn’t betray the storm inside her.

Sidharth couldn’t help but notice how her eyes lingered on him, lost in a mix of surprise and desire. Amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth; she was like an open book, and her face betrayed every emotion she was feeling. she was just a kid.

Startled by his gaze, Shehnaaz quickly looked away, biting her lip in embarrassment at her own foolishness. Sidharth’s heart gave an unsteady beat at the sight — her innocent gesture was somehow endearing, making him feel restless.

Shehnaaz wasted no time in making her way to one of the bags. She rummaged through it, pulling out a few clothes to change into, her slipppers and few skin care products, her movements hurried and awkward. Without meeting his eyes, she rushed towards the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a sigh of relief.

Sidharth watched her every move, unable to tear his eyes away. There was something about her… something so different, so real.

Inside the bathroom, Shehnaaz quickly changed into her usual comfortable clothes, removing all the heavy jewelry except for the small mangal sutra around her neck, the chuda on her wrists, and the ring that now sat snugly on her finger. She scrubbed away all traces of makeup, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as she saw her bare face in the mirror, her true self staring back. She combed her hair back into a simple bun and smiled faintly at the tiny smudge of vermillion still visible on her forehead.

Taking a deep breath, she hoped against hope that Sidharth had fallen asleep by now. She opened the door quietly, stepping back into the room, only to find him sitting on the sofa, working on his laptop. His fingers paused on the keyboard, and his eyes slowly lifted to meet hers.

He froze, his gaze sweeping over her, taking in the sight before him. Shehnaaz stood there, now in her casuals: a loose t-shirt and shorts with a giant Mickey Mouse print, her chuda still jingling softly with every slight movement. Her face was clean of all makeup, her natural beauty shining through, and the vermillion in her hairline standing out against her otherwise simple appearance. And then, his eyes dropped to her feet… Winnie-the-Pooh slippers.

For a moment, Sidharth’s expression was a mix of shock and bewilderment. Amusement flickered in his dark eyes, a small grin threatening to break through. “Seriously?” he thought, barely suppressing a chuckle. Which adult on this planet wore Mickey Mouse-printed clothes and Winnie-the-Pooh slippers?

Shehnaaz could see some weird expressions on his face and immediately felt a wave of self-consciousness. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she instinctively tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling like a child caught doing something silly. Her eyes darted around the room, trying to avoid his intense gaze.

Sidharth, however, couldn’t take his eyes off her. There was something so innocent and pure about her, standing there in her cartoon-covered clothes, looking as if she had stepped right out of a child’s dream. He found himself both bemused and inexplicably drawn to this quirky side of her.

For a moment, the tension in the room softened. Despite the strange situation they found themselves in, something about Shehnaaz’s simple, unpretentious presence felt oddly comforting. Sidharth couldn’t quite understand it, but somehow, he didn’t mind her being here, in this room, with him.

Sidharth’s eyes remained locked on hers, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his gaze, while Shehnaaz blinked rapidly, baffled by his strange demeanor. Why was he looking at her like that? Feeling a little self-conscious, she glanced down at herself, trying to find anything out of place. Nothing seemed odd, yet his expression suggested otherwise.

A soft grin crept onto Sidharth’s face as he watched her trying to figure out what was wrong with her appearance. But as soon as he realized he was smiling, he quickly wiped it away and refocused on his laptop, pretending to be busy when her eyes returned to his.

Shehnaaz felt a wave of relief wash over her, seeing him occupied with his laptop, but a new worry quickly surfaced. He had also had a long and exhausting day, and he needed sleep just as much as she did. But how could she tell him that? She didn’t have the courage to ask him to go to bed; she knew he wouldn’t appreciate her meddling, and he had made it clear that she should mind her own business.

This was by far the most awkward situation she had ever found herself in. Her gaze fell on Vihaan, who was sleeping peacefully in the center of the bed, and her heart softened at the sight. But then the dilemma struck her again — where was she supposed to sleep?

She couldn’t sleep beside Vihaan; Sidharth would definitely not approve of that. On the same bed with them? She shuddered at the thought; Sidharth might actually shoot her for even considering it.

Unknown to her, Sidharth was acutely aware of her every move. His focus wasn’t on his laptop at all; his thoughts were entirely consumed by her. She was like an innocent child in her confusion, with her vibrant beauty and those ridiculous Winnie-the-Pooh slippers that were now etched into his mind. He couldn’t help but find the whole situation amusing, even as he stubbornly kept his face neutral.

He knew exactly what she was contemplating — where to sleep — and being his usual stubborn self, he decided to let her struggle, entertained by her increasingly perplexed expression.

Shehnaaz’s eyes finally landed on the floor beside the bed, and her face fell at the thought. She realized that this might be her only option. Sidharth was on the sofa, and she knew she couldn’t ask him to move. Maybe, once he went to sleep, she could shift to the sofa, but she couldn’t just stand here waiting. Her eyes were already drooping, and if this went on much longer, she might actually fall asleep while standing.

Sidharth sighed as he watched Shehnaaz pick up one of the duvets and place it on the floor. He noticed her small sigh of relief at having been given two duvets, realizing that if not for that, she would have had to sleep directly on the cold, hard floor.

His heart ached at the sight of her making a bed for herself on the floor. He felt a restless urge to stand up and stop her, to tell her she didn’t have to do this. But he couldn’t. He just sat there, torn between wanting to help her and knowing he had to keep his distance. He knew he was being a jerk, but he needed her to see him that way. He had convinced himself that this was the only way she would stay away from him.

Because, despite all his resistance, he had realized they shared a peculiar chemistry that drove them both insane. There was an inexplicable pull between them, a magnetic force that kept drawing them closer, no matter how much he tried to push her away. Staying apart seemed like the best solution to avoid complications.

Still, he was momentarily taken aback that she hadn’t chosen to sleep on the bed beside Vihaan. She hadn’t even asked him to get up so she could take the sofa. Her quiet acceptance of the floor caught him off guard.

Would he have stopped her if she had decided to sleep on the bed?

In the depths of his heart, he knew he wouldn’t have been able to. The thought of her choosing the bed made something stir within him, something he didn’t want to admit.

“Usne mujhse ek baar bhi nahi puchha…” The thought gripped his heart tighter, and he didn’t know why it bothered him so much. Maybe it was because she hadn’t challenged him or made any demands. Maybe it was because she had just quietly accepted her fate without a word.

His grip on the edge of his laptop tightened, a reflection of his internal turmoil. He felt a surge of frustration, seeing her lying there in that clumsy fabric, completely uncomfortable. How will she sleep like that? 

Finally, he allowed himself to look at her more freely, knowing her eyes were now closed. She wouldn’t catch him staring. His gaze drifted down to those ridiculous Winnie-the-Pooh slippers beside her, and he wanted to cover his face with his palm in exaggerated disbelief. This woman was driving him mad in ways he couldn’t even explain.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her — the way her long lashes brushed against her cheeks, her face serene yet so innocent even in her discomfort. He felt an unfamiliar pang in his chest, a mix of guilt, longing, and something he dared not name.

A soft smile unknowingly crept up on Sidharth’s lips as he realized Shehnaaz fall asleep almost instantly. It amazed him how she could just drift off anywhere, in any position, as if sleep came to her effortlessly, no matter the circumstances.

He let the back of his head rest against the sofa for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, closing his eyes briefly. Why did every thought he had now seem to start with her and end with her? Why did she occupy his mind like this, filling every empty space he tried to keep clear?

Why did he have to act so stubborn? He could have just told her to sleep on the bed, to let her sweet aroma fill the room with her calm, soothing aura that seemed to engulf both him and Vihaan. It would have been so easy, so natural. But then, wouldn’t that have been wrong? She had no future with him, and he knew it. Eventually, she would come to realize it too. And when she did, she would leave.

The thought of her leaving made his heart ache.

“What about Vihaan?” he wondered. The thought of his son, broken and hurt, was unbearable. Sidharth couldn’t fathom how he would handle seeing his little boy so devastated. Vihaan had already been through so much, and Sidharth feared that losing Shehnaaz would only add to his pain.

But was it only Vihaan’s pain that troubled him? Deep down, Sidharth knew that what he was feeling for Shehnaaz was more than mere attraction. It was something far deeper, a current that ran through his veins and made him feel alive in a way he had never experienced before. The possessiveness he felt was foreign to him, something he had never encountered in his entire life. There was something about her that ignited a desire in him, a need to hold on to her and never let go.

Groaning in frustration, he shut his laptop with a decisive click. He walked over to the bed and gently adjusted the covers around Vihaan, making sure his son was warm and comfortable. As he laid down next to vihaan, his back resting against the bed, he felt the exhaustion of the day catch up with him.

Despite the chaos and tension, there was an odd sense of peace that settled over him. It was as if, after what felt like an eternity, his heart could finally find some solace. And the surprising source of that peace was the sleeping on the floor.

He closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief moment of respite. The day had been draining, but he felt an unexpected calm as he thought about Shehnaaz, lying there with her Winnie-the-Pooh slippers and Mickey Mouse pajamas. Despite his internal struggle, he felt a quiet contentment knowing that, for now, she was close, even if it was only in the most indirect way.

Sidharth’s gaze lingered on Shehnaaz, who had unknowingly captured his heart with her whimsical Winnie-the-Pooh nightwear. There was something disarmingly charming about her—her comfort, her vulnerability, and the way she seemed to fit seamlessly into the fabric of his life, even when she was so different from what he had imagined.

“Agar use thand lag gayi toh..? “The thought of Shehnaaz catching a chill jolted him upright. His heart thudded with sudden anxiety as he bent down, peering at her small form. What was this feeling that gripped him so fiercely? He was baffled by the intensity of his own emotions.

damn what is this feeling . Kaisi kashish hai ye.. 

Hating himself for being so unreasonable, he pushed himself up from the bed with a new sense of determination. Every step he took around the bed was heavy with the weight of his conflicting emotions. His mind was a storm of frustration and regret over his earlier behavior. Why had he been so stubborn?

As he approached her, he moved with a careful, deliberate grace, trying not to disturb her peaceful sleep. 

His brain was shouting at him to stop, but the pull of his emotions was too strong to ignore. With a mixture of resolve and tenderness, he bent down, his movements careful and deliberate. He slipped one arm under her neck, supporting her head gently, while the other arm wrapped around her knees. In a swift, practiced motion, he lifted her into his arms.

The sensation of her warm body against his was electrifying, sending sparks through him. It was as if their skins were melding together, creating a closeness he couldn’t quite comprehend. Her breath against his chest was soothing, and he found himself absorbing the calm and warmth she radiated.

As he looked down at her, he was struck by her unadorned beauty. Her face, free of makeup, was serene and glowing, like a pearl that had been hidden away and now revealed in all its natural splendor. The soft, gentle light of the room highlighted the delicate features that had always captivated him.

She was peaceful in his arms, completely unaware of the tumult she was stirring within him. The sight of her so vulnerable and trusting made his heart ache with a mix of protectiveness and deep affection. Every breath she took was a reminder of how profoundly she had affected him, how her presence had become an inseparable part of his world.

He carefully moved her to the bed, positioning her gently next to Vihaan, ensuring she was comfortable. As he adjusted the duvet around her, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of profound satisfaction. Despite his earlier stubbornness, he was now finding solace in this small act of care.

As he settled into his own space, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his heart had been irrevocably touched. The night had been exhausting, but the sight of Shehnaaz curled up next to his son gave him a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. For now, the comfort of having her near was enough to soothe his restless soul.