Chapter 26

The room was filled with a tension that seemed to grow heavier with each passing second. Shehnaaz stood tall, her heart pounding but her face determined. She had to do this. She couldn’t back down now. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her voice, willing herself not to falter.

“Dadi maa… I need to talk about something important,” Shehnaaz began, her words calm but carrying an undertone of something much deeper. She had always been strong, but there was a vulnerability in her voice, a hint of nervousness that she was trying hard to suppress.

Sidharth’s reaction was immediate. His head snapped up, and his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that took her by surprise. It had been days since he had truly looked at her, and now, the weight of his gaze felt overwhelming. For a brief moment, the world around her blurred, and it was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of something that could change everything.

Dadi maa, unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface, looked concerned. “Kya baat hai sana..?” she asked gently, her eyes full of worry.

Shehnaaz swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on her. But she wasn’t one to shy away, even if this conversation was going to be difficult. Her fingers fidgeted under the table, but her voice remained steady. “Umm… it’s about Sameer,” she said carefully, her eyes briefly flickering toward Sidharth, anticipating his reaction.

And just like that, the room froze. It was as though the very air had thickened, making it hard to breathe. Uttara and Hameer exchanged glances of disbelief, while Simran’s confusion deepened. But it was Sidharth’s reaction that struck Shehnaaz the hardest. His expression darkened, and his features tightened as if he were bracing himself for a blow. The anger that flashed in his eyes was unmistakable, and Shehnaaz could feel it—hot and suffocating. His jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. She knew this was coming, but even then, the intensity of his reaction shook her.

“I… I like Sameer,” she continued, her voice firmer this time, as though daring anyone to challenge her. The words hung in the air, each one landing like a weight in the room.

The collective silence that followed was almost painful. Uttara and Hameer looked at her as if they couldn’t believe what they had just heard. Simran’s eyes flickered between Shehnaaz and Sidharth, trying to make sense of the situation. But none of them mattered at that moment. It was Sidharth she was focused on. His reaction was the one she had prepared herself for, and yet nothing could have truly prepared her for the raw emotion that flashed across his face.

He looked like he had been punched in the gut, his eyes widening in shock before narrowing in anger. His chest rose and fell heavily, and for a split second, Shehnaaz saw the hurt beneath the rage. But it was quickly masked by his anger. Without a word, he slammed his spoon onto the table, the sound echoing through the room, and stormed out. His exit was as dramatic as his silence had been, leaving everyone staring after him in stunned silence. Simran watched him go, her lips pressed into a thin line as she realized this was only the beginning.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes for a moment, her heart aching. She hadn’t wanted to hurt him, but she had to do this. With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and followed him. She wasn’t going to back down now, not after everything.

“Sidharth!” she called out as she hurried after him, her voice carrying the strength of someone who wasn’t afraid of confrontation. “Sidharth, meri baat toh suno,” she pleaded, her words firm yet filled with a plea for understanding.

She found him in his room, his back turned to her, his shoulders rigid with tension. He was gripping the edge of the table so hard his knuckles were white, and the air around him seemed thick with anger. She knew this wasn’t going to be easy.

“What’s left to talk about, Shehnaaz?” he asked, his voice low and filled with a bitterness that cut through her. He turned around, his eyes bloodshot and filled with emotions he was struggling to control. “It seems like you’ve already made your decision.”

Shehnaaz stood there, staring into Sidharth’s bloodshot eyes. She could feel the storm brewing inside him, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. Her heart ached as she watched him, knowing how much her words had hurt him, yet she couldn’t take them back. This was something that needed to be said, even if it shattered the fragile peace between them.

She reached out, trying to hold his hand, to calm him down. But before her fingers could even brush his, he pulled away sharply, snapping in frustration. The distance between them wasn’t just physical anymore. It was like a chasm, deepening with each passing second, filled with unsaid words and unspoken emotions.

“Don’t, Shehnaaz… ja yaha se… just leave,” Sidharth muttered, his voice strained, as if he was barely holding it together. His head was pounding, and he felt like it would explode any second. The very thought of her liking Sameer was like a dagger to his chest, twisting deeper with every breath. How could she? How could she say something like that so casually?

But Shehnaaz, ever the strong one, wasn’t about to back down. “Sidharth, come on… stop overreacting. It’s fine, alright? Just calm down,” she said, her voice steady, though her heart was racing. She was trying to ease the tension, to pull him back from the edge of his anger, but she knew that wasn’t going to be easy.

Her words, though meant to comfort, seemed to only fuel his anger. Sidharth turned around sharply, his eyes wide with disbelief. His emotions were overwhelming him, a mix of hurt, anger, and confusion swirling in his mind. In one swift movement, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer, forcing her to look into his eyes.

“What did you just say…? It’s fine? How can it be fine, Shehnaaz? For god’s sake… tumne ek baar mujhse puchhna bhi zaroori nahi samjha? Just what the hell were you thinking?” His voice was thick with emotion, his grip on her wrist tight as if he was holding onto the last bit of control he had left.

Shehnaaz met his gaze, unflinching. She wasn’t afraid of him, not of his anger, not of his pain. She had been through too much to be shaken so easily. And in that moment, she decided to speak the one truth that had been lingering in her mind for so long.

“Jab tumne Simran se pyar kiya, toh mujhse puchke kiya tha?” Her voice was cold, almost emotionless, but the weight of those words hit him like a ton of bricks.

Sidharth’s grip on her wrist loosened instantly, and he took a step back, as if her words had physically pushed him away. His face went blank, and for a moment, he couldn’t breathe. The pain in his eyes was unmistakable, raw, and deep. “Ohh… I’m so sorry, Shehnaaz… well, then you did right,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the words themselves were too heavy to speak. He turned away from her, not wanting her to see the vulnerability that had now completely taken over his tough exterior.

The truth was, she was right. He hadn’t asked her when he brought Simran into his life. He hadn’t considered her feelings, her pain. So why was he getting so angry now? Why did the thought of her with someone else hurt so damn much?

But it did. God, it hurt more than anything he had ever experienced. He felt like his insides were tearing apart, mocking him with every thought. She was right. She had every right to make her own choices, just like he had. But still… the idea of someone else taking his place in her life was unbearable. Because no one had ever affected him like she did. No one had ever mattered to him as much as she did. And the thought of sharing her—of someone else being more important to her than him—made him feel like he was losing his mind.

Shehnaaz watched him, her heart heavy with guilt. She knew she had hurt him, but she couldn’t backtrack now. This was something that needed to be said, no matter how much it pained them both. Slowly, she reached out again, gently holding his hand, her touch soft and warm against his cold skin.

“Sidharth… it’s not like that,” she said quietly, her voice softening with understanding. “I just wanted to tell you that Sameer is a nice guy. Why can’t you think of it that way? He’s your friend, right?”

Sidharth turned to look at her, his eyes still filled with hurt. “He can be a nice guy… but he’s not good for you, Shehnaaz. He… he…” He struggled to find the words, his frustration building as he realized he couldn’t say anything bad about Sameer. It wasn’t about Sameer being a bad person. It was about something much deeper, something he couldn’t quite put into words.

Shehnaaz finished his sentence for him, her voice calm but firm. “He what? You can’t say anything because you know he’s good. Then what’s the problem, Sidharth?”

Sidharth ran his hands through his hair in frustration, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a heavy storm he couldn’t escape. His thoughts were tangled, his heart racing faster than his mind could make sense of. He let out a deep, frustrated breath, unable to hold it in any longer.

“Because I don’t like him near you, Shehnaaz!” he finally burst out, his voice trembling with raw emotion. “we have always been the closest.. tu.. tu nahi samajhegi..”

Shehnaaz stood still, his words hitting her like a wave, but she didn’t flinch. A sad smile crept onto her lips, tears brimming in her eyes. She wiped them away quickly, not wanting to seem weak in front of him, but the ache in her heart was undeniable. “Sidharth, you will always be my best friend,” she said softly, her voice breaking just a little. “But… the way you have a life with Simran… I also need someone who will be by my side, always.”

Sidharth’s gaze shot to her, his heart sinking further with every word she spoke. His mind screamed for him to say something, to stop her, to tell her how much he cared, but all that came out was, “So you think I won’t be by your side always? You don’t trust me?”

The hurt in his voice was undeniable, and Shehnaaz felt a pang of guilt stab through her. She shook her head slowly, stepping closer, trying to make him understand. “Sidharth… try and understand,” she whispered, her hand reaching out for him, though she hesitated before touching him. “I need someone… as my life partner. Just like you have Simran. You’re going to marry her… toh kya tum nahi chahte ke meri shadi ho?”

Her words hung in the air between them, heavy and heartbreaking. Sidharth looked at her, his mind whirling, his heart pounding so hard in his chest he thought it might explode. He had no answer. He didn’t know what he wanted. He didn’t even know what was bothering him so much. Of course, he wasn’t oblivious. He understood exactly what she meant when she said she needed someone by her side—someone who could be more than a friend, more than what he had been to her.

But why couldn’t he accept it? Why did the thought of anyone being close to her—anyone touching her, holding her, being with her—drive him absolutely crazy? The more he thought about it, the more restless he became. His emotions were in complete chaos, and he had no idea why. He knew he should be happy for her, supportive, but instead, he felt like his entire world was slipping away, like he was losing something precious.

CLOSE…

That word hit him like a truck, crashing into his thoughts with brutal force. Close. She was talking about being close to someone else—physically, emotionally. Someone else would have the place that he held in her life. And suddenly, everything became clear. It wasn’t just about Sameer. It was about what Sameer represented.

He wanted to be that person for her. He wanted to be the one she turned to, the one she relied on, the one who held her when things got tough. The mere thought of someone else stepping into that role, someone else getting the chance to be that close to her… it tore him apart.

Sidharth took a step back, his hands dropping to his sides helplessly. His throat was dry, his mind racing. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He was frozen, his emotions swirling around him like a whirlwind, leaving him breathless and confused.

Sidharth’s eyes widened as the realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. **This** was the reason behind his restlessness, the inexplicable torment gnawing at him. He couldn’t bear the idea of anyone coming close to her—that was what was torturing him. But why? Why couldn’t he accept it? One day, someone would come into Shehnaaz’s life, whether it was Sameer or someone else. She would eventually marry, fall in love.

No… she just can’t give herself to someone else. She is mine…

But then the harsh reality of his thoughts struck him like a bitter truth he wasn’t ready to confront.

Mine? My what…? His best friend? His companion? But no, this feeling he had… it was far deeper, far more consuming than simple friendship. What was he even going through right now? Could a friend feel such possessiveness, such suffocating jealousy, over another friend? Every thought only confused him more, pulling him further into a tangled web of emotions he couldn’t unravel.

He had no clue where all of this was leading. The more he tried to make sense of it, the more lost he felt.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz watched him, misreading the turmoil in his eyes as understanding. She mistook his silence for acceptance, a sign that he was beginning to comprehend the reality she was trying to convey.

She smiled softly, relief evident in her voice, “That’s like a good boy… now come down, I have an announcement to make.” She left him standing there, her footsteps echoing as she walked out.

The moment she shut the door behind her, the weight of the situation crushed her. Tears, hot and full of pain, spilled down her cheeks uncontrollably. Her heart twisted in guilt, her breath catching as she whispered to herself, “I’m sorry for lying to you… I’m so sorry, Sidharth…”

Shehnaaz wiped her tears quickly, forcing herself to regain composure. She had to push through the emotions, no matter how much it hurt her. Taking a deep breath, she made her way downstairs, leaving behind the storm of emotions swirling in the room she had just exited.

_______________

Sidharth thumped down on the bed, his eyes wide and bright red, as the sudden realization hit him with full force. His whole body went cold, a shock so deep that he couldn’t move. His hands trembled in an unfamiliar fear, and his mind raced uncontrollably.

What was happening to him?

The image of Shehnaaz close to someone else gnawed at his insides. He had never liked it—seeing her smile at someone else, seeing anyone touch her, be near her. But why? Why was it so unpredictable, this surge of possessiveness, when it came to Shehnaaz? He was her best friend.

Just a best friend.

But now, the word “just” suddenly stung. When had his role in her life become reduced to “just” her best friend? Till now, that title had been enough for him. In fact, it had been the closest relationship he cherished. But now… now it felt like he was losing something vital.

His legs moved on their own, pacing across the room, restlessly. Sweat beaded on his forehead as his thoughts spiraled out of control. He felt himself getting engulfed by a wave of emotions he couldn’t name, let alone understand.

He recalled the memory of Sameer dancing with Shehnaaz, and a flash of fury surged through him. He clenched his teeth as he relived the image of Sameer’s hand on Shehnaaz’s waist, her radiant smile directed at someone else. The song that played as they hugged… that hug. It shattered something inside of him, and a searing pain shot through his heart.

Hell no

He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. His blood pounded in his ears, his pulse racing. He couldn’t bear it. The idea of someone else holding her, touching her, being close to her—it was suffocating him.

Why? What was this feeling?

He loved Simran, didn’t he? His father had introduced them. He remembered his father’s words clearly, “Here is your future, Sidharth. I’ve chosen her for you.” He had found Simran sweet, agreeable, and had gone along with his father’s wishes. He believed that liking her was enough.

Wasn’t that love?

Then why, despite all these years, had he never felt that overwhelming urge to be closer to Simran? Why had he never crossed any limits with her? Why had there been no possessiveness, no restlessness, no… fire? There had been no passion, no intense need to claim her. It dawned on him now: what he had with Simran wasn’t love. It was admiration, perhaps infatuation, and a desire to please his father.

But with Shehnaaz…

With Shehnaaz, the very thought of anyone else being close to her drove him mad. He still remembered how, in school and college, he had always refused to let her dance with anyone else during competitions. He had never voiced why, but deep down, it had always been there.

And that kiss…

The kiss that had rocked him to his core. He had never dared to admit to himself how much that kiss had shaken him. The moment their lips had touched, his heart had pounded so wildly that it had felt like it would burst. He had lost control, felt an inexplicable urge to dominate her when she had resisted. He had wanted her—needed her—like he had never wanted anyone else.

Later, guilt had eaten away at him for days. He had scolded himself for crossing that line, for betraying her trust as a loyal friend. But he had also craved to kiss her again, and that longing had tormented him more than it should have. Her scent had lingered in his arms, her taste had lingered on his lips, and even in his sleep, he had found himself kissing her again, losing himself in the memory of her touch.

But all along, he had been possessive of her—ever since their school days, through college.

College…

Suddenly, his thoughts screeched to a halt.

What happened to Shehnaaz’s college?

When had she moved to Mumbai? How had she shifted her life, with her studies still going on? Did she finish college? And that’s when a new wave of guilt hit him like a sledgehammer. He realized how little he truly knew about her life now, about her struggles, about the things she had faced while he had been so wrapped up in his own world.

Why couldn’t he say the word “friendship” anymore? Why was it becoming harder to define what they had?

And then, another name surfaced in his mind, one that made his blood boil instantly—Balraj.

That disgusting piece of filth had tried to harm Shehnaaz. His fists clenched, his entire body trembling with disgust at the memory of Balraj’s attempt to violate her. Sidharth’s vision darkened, and rage surged through him, vowing that he would choke the life out of Balraj if he ever saw him again.

But then a terrifying realization hit him.

What happened after that encounter? Where had Shehnaaz stayed? How had she managed to survive? How had she finished her college?*

His head pounded with a thousand questions, each one like a hammer blow to his already guilt-ridden heart. His mind was drowning in chaos, overwhelmed with more questions than answers.

Why hadn’t he been there for her? Why had he been so blind to her pain, to everything she had gone through?

His head throbbed with the weight of it all, his heart on the verge of exploding from the pressure. What was wrong with him?

And what had he done to her?

Sidharth’s mind was spinning with questions he could no longer ignore. His thoughts, which had been racing chaotically, finally slowed down enough for him to make a decision.

Sam.
She would have the answers he desperately needed. She had always been close to Shehnaaz, and maybe, just maybe, she could help him make sense of this storm raging inside him.

Without wasting a second, Sidharth rushed towards Sam’s room, his footsteps quick and purposeful, as if the answers he sought were right within his grasp. The urgency in his movements reflected the turmoil brewing within him.

—

Sam’s Room

Sam was sitting quietly in her room when she heard the door slam open. Startled, she looked up to see a clearly distressed Sidharth storming in. His face was flushed, his eyes wild with frustration and confusion.

Confused, Sam stood up immediately.
“What’s wrong, Sidharth?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. But Sidharth didn’t respond. Instead, he closed the door behind him with a sense of finality.

She took a step closer to him, worry now evident on her face.
“Are you alright?” she asked again, but Sidharth just closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm within him.

“I want to know the truth,” he said at last, his voice low but full of tension.

The words hit Sam like a wave, and for a brief moment, she froze. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what he meant. What truth was he seeking? Could it be…? A wave of fear washed over her as she realized what he might be asking.

Sam turned away, her heart pounding.
“What truth, Sidharth? You know everything now…” she said, her voice unsteady. But her words only made Sidharth more certain that something was being hidden from him.

He took a step forward and grabbed her by the shoulders, turning her around to face him, his grip firm but not hurtful.
“I know **nothing,** Sam. Do you get that? Nothing! Tell me everything!” His voice was desperate now, almost pleading.

Sam swallowed hard, her throat dry. She could see the turmoil in his eyes—the confusion, the anger, the pain. But could she really tell him? Could she betray Shehnaaz like that? Her mind raced back to the words Shehnaaz had once spoken: **”I like Sameer.”**

Sam had always known the truth about Shehnaaz’s feelings for Sidharth. But now, things were different. Shehnaaz had started moving on, finding solace in Sameer. Would revealing the past ruin everything for her? Would it push her back into the pain she had worked so hard to escape?

“You need to calm down, Sidharth,” she said, her voice soft but steady.

But Sidharth shook his head violently, his hands gripping his hair in frustration.
“I can’t! I can’t calm down! I need to know… please, Sam… tell me.”

Sam closed her eyes, feeling the weight of Shehnaaz’s past crashing down on her shoulders. She hadn’t wanted to tell Sidharth, hadn’t wanted to reopen those old wounds. But she could see he wouldn’t rest until he knew. The tension in the room was suffocating, and the truth was clawing its way to the surface.

Finally, Sam took a deep breath and opened her eyes, looking at Sidharth with a heavy heart.
“What do you want to know?” she asked quietly.

“Everything. From the start,” he said, his voice laced with impatience. He couldn’t stand the suspense any longer.

Sam turned away from him again, walking over to a chair and gripping the back of it for support. She stood there for a moment, gathering her thoughts before she finally began to speak.

“Shehnaaz… Shehnaaz was devastated when you left for London,” Sam started, her voice trembling slightly. She was careful, avoiding any mention of Shehnaaz’s love for him. “She cried a lot, Sidharth. She missed you. And one day, in the middle of that pain, she ran into Balraj…”

Sidharth’s face immediately darkened at the mention of Balraj, but he remained silent, waiting for Sam to continue.

“She was vulnerable, heartbroken. Balraj saw that. He saw her pain, and he used it against her. He took her to his room, manipulated her, played with her emotions…” Sam’s voice began to break as she recounted the events. “When she didn’t respond the way he wanted, he… he tried to force himself on her.”

The room fell into an oppressive silence. Sidharth’s world came crashing down as the weight of Sam’s words sank in. His knees buckled, and he stumbled back, leaning against the wall for support. His mind was a blur, but all he could see was Shehnaaz’s face—her tears, her vulnerability, the pain she must have endured.

Sidharth clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as the emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Guilt, anger, and heartbreak all mixed together in a flood of emotions he could no longer control. Tears streamed down his face as he realized the depth of the pain Shehnaaz had gone through—pain he hadn’t been there to prevent, pain he had been oblivious to.

Sam’s voice trembled as she continued, revealing the part of Shehnaaz’s painful past that Sidharth had never known.

“Shehnaaz… she tried to end her life,” Sam whispered, her voice heavy with sorrow. “She cut her wrist to save herself when Balraj tried to force himself on her. She couldn’t bear the fear, the shame, the helplessness. We rushed her to the hospital… and the doctors said…” Sam hesitated, as though the words themselves were too heavy to speak.

Sidharth’s heart sank. He could feel the weight of each word pulling him deeper into a sea of guilt and rage.

“They said her mental state was fragile. Shehnaaz was traumatized… broken. She had been holding on to so much pain, and that day, everything overwhelmed her.” Sam’s voice cracked, and she paused to compose herself. “But what made it worse was my mother, Malini… instead of protecting Shehnaaz, she asked her to forgive Balraj. And Shehnaaz, being so innocent and lost, agreed. She thought maybe forgiveness would take away the pain.”

Sidharth’s fingers curled into tight fists, his anger building as the cruel reality sank in. They used her. They used Shehnaaz, his pure and innocent Sana, for their twisted gains. His mind was spinning with rage, with disbelief at the cruelty of the people who were supposed to care for her.

Sam continued, her eyes filled with tears. “Dadi maa and I were taking Shehnaaz back to Gill haveli just to gather her clothes, because Dadi maa had decided Shehnaaz would stay with her at the Shukla mansion. But when we reached our haveli… we heard something that destroyed everything.”

Flashback..

Dadi maa and Sam were supporting a fragile Shehnaaz as they made their way to Gill’s haveli, intending only to pack her belongings. They were about to enter when the sound of raised voices caught their attention. The door was half open, and instinctively, they stopped to listen. What they heard was worse than they could have ever imagined.

From behind the door, Malini and Balraj’s voices echoed through the hall, their words dripping with malice and cruelty.

“We killed Rajender bhai sahab and Jasbeera bhabhi,” Malini sneered, her voice full of pride. “And we did it for the property. Shehnaaz was just a pawn, a stupid little girl who didn’t know any better. We kept her alive only because of those damn property papers.”

At those words, the ground seemed to disappear from beneath Shehnaaz’s feet. Her parents were murdered. Her father and mother… killed by the very people who were supposed to care for her. Why? Why did they kill them? If it was for money, they could have asked her father… Papaji would have given it without hesitation!

The realization hit Shehnaaz with the force of a thousand knives. She could barely breathe, her mind numb with disbelief. They killed her parents. They had taken away the people she loved most in the world.

Behind her, Dadi maa’s face had paled, but she forced herself to stay calm for Shehnaaz’s sake. Sam, on the other hand, was frozen in shock, unable to believe that her family—the people she grew up with—were capable of such cruelty. How could they do this to Shehnaaz? How could they live with themselves?

As the truth sank in, another voice pierced through the air—Mohinder’s, cold and cruel.

“I hated Rajender bhaisahab,” he spat. “I hated Darji, I hated that old man for favoring my brother over me. And Shehnaaz? I hated her too. She was always his little princess, the perfect grand daughter. I let Rajender bhai sahab die for money… for power. And I’d do it again.”

Shehnaaz stood paralyzed, her world collapsing around her. The words, the poison in their voices—it was too much. Her mind couldn’t process it all. Her uncle, her own blood, had let her father die for money. The sheer hatred in Mohinder’s voice was terrifying.

And then came the part that left them all rooted to the spot in confusion.

“You never told papaji the truth about that evening,” Balraj sneered, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “He still doesn’t know what really happened that night, does he?”

At this, Malini’s voice flared with anger. “Don’t you dare bring that up!”

What evening were they talking about? Shehnaaz’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. What could they mean? What truth was still hidden from them?

But the weight of the revelations already laid before them was too much for Shehnaaz to bear. The truth of her parents’ murder, the betrayal of her family, and the twisted game of power and greed that had consumed them all—it jammed her senses, leaving her unable to think or feel.

Everything… everything she had believed in was destroyed beyond repair.

It was in that moment—standing there, silent and shattered—that Shehnaaz made a decision. Her mind was racing with the weight of the truth she had just discovered. The betrayal of her family, the murder of her parents, the cruel deception she had lived under all these years—everything was spinning in her head. But amidst the chaos, one thought anchored her: she had to get justice. No matter the cost, she wouldn’t let these cruel people get away with what they had done. She owed it to her parents. She had to be strong for them, for their memory, and for the justice they deserved.

Tears streamed down her face, but they weren’t tears of helplessness anymore. No, these were the last tears she would ever shed for her lost innocence. From this moment forward, Shehnaaz resolved to be strong and independent. There was no one left for her now. Her parents were gone, her family had betrayed her, and the only people she could trust were Dadi maa and Sam, standing beside her. She had to gather all her strength, for she knew the road ahead was filled with obstacles, but she was ready to face them. She would no longer be the naive, innocent girl they thought they could manipulate.

Dadi maa, sensing the storm brewing inside Shehnaaz, gently took her hand, trying to lead her away. “Chalo beta, chalte hain. Shukla mansion chalna chahiye,” Dadi maa whispered, her voice filled with worry and love, trying to protect Shehnaaz from further heartache. But Shehnaaz shook her head. She wasn’t leaving just yet. She had to confront them. Her decision was final. She let go of Dadi maa’s hand and, with a resolute step, walked into the house, the sound of her foot hitting the floor echoing in the room.

Startled by the sudden noise, Malini spun around. Her eyes widened as she saw Dadi maa, Shehnaaz, and Sam standing at the door, their expressions grim and telling her everything she needed to know. They had heard it all. The truth was out.

Malini, always quick on her feet, tried to mask her fear with a fake smile. “Arre, Shehnaaz beta… aap aagayi,” she said, her voice unnaturally sweet as she approached them. “Dadi maa, achha kiya jo aap ise le aayi… ghar par aaram karegi toh jaldi theek ho jayegi,” she continued, trying to sound casual, as if nothing had happened. Turning to Sam, she added, “Sam, tum bhi jakar apne kamre mein aaram karo.”

Shehnaaz’s eyes were filled with a fury Malini had never seen before. As Malini reached out to touch her, Shehnaaz raised her hand abruptly, stopping her in her tracks. Her bloodshot eyes bore into Malini’s, and for a moment, Malini faltered, sensing that they had heard something they weren’t supposed to.

“Kya hua beta…?” Malini tried to play along, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

But Shehnaaz wasn’t the same person she had been just moments before. She had wiped away her tears, once and for all. There was no more innocence in her gaze—only anger and betrayal. “Kyun…?” Shehnaaz finally spoke, her voice trembling with hatred. That was all she could manage to say as the wave of emotions began to take over her completely. Why had Malini done this? Why had they killed her parents? Why had they destroyed everything?

Malini nervously wiped the sweat from her brow, trying to play innocent. “Kyun… matlab… Shehnaaz beta…”

“Don’t!” Shehnaaz’s sudden scream echoed through the room, startling everyone. It was a scream filled with pain, anger, and a determination to seek justice. Dadi maa and Sam looked at her in shock, unable to comprehend the depth of her rage. Even Malini, who had always thought of Shehnaaz as weak and obedient, was taken aback by the ferocity in her voice.

Shehnaaz raised a trembling finger and pointed it at Malini, her voice deadly calm now, but her eyes still burning with anger. “Don’t even dare to call me ‘beta’… aap ne jo kiya… I will make you pay for it.” Her words were filled with venom, and Malini knew, in that moment, that Shehnaaz meant every word.

For a second, Malini just stared at Shehnaaz, processing what was happening. And then, suddenly, she burst into laughter. The sound was eerie and hollow, confusing Dadi maa and Sam even more. They didn’t understand how she could laugh at a moment like this, but Shehnaaz—she stood there, unmoved, her expression as cold and as hard as stone. Malini’s laughter had no effect on her anymore.

“Sachh beta… tum mujhse badla logi? Main toh dar gayi,” Malini mocked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Sam, who had been silent until now, couldn’t take it anymore. Tears welled up in her eyes as she cried out, “How could you, Mom… aap kitni buri ho…?” Her voice broke with the weight of her disbelief. She had never imagined her mother could be so heartless.

But Malini’s response was swift and brutal. She slapped Sam hard across the face, the sound echoing in the room. “Bakwas band karo aur apne kamre mein jao,” she ordered, her voice filled with fury. Sam, with tears streaming down her face, turned away, too heartbroken to fight back.

Dadi maa, who had been silent so far, could no longer contain her rage. “Shut up, Malini! Just stop it!” she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. “Mujhe nahi pata tha ke tum itni ghatiya ho…” She looked at Malini with disgust, unable to believe what she was witnessing.

But Malini just rolled her eyes, as if none of this mattered. “Ab pata chal gaya… ab aap jayengi yaha se? Humara family matter hai, hum dekh lenge.” Her tone was dismissive, as if she had already won.

Dadi maa, however, wasn’t going to back down. She smiled wickedly, her eyes gleaming with defiance. “Itni aasani nahi, Malini… believe my words. I am with Shehnaaz. Aur main tumhe nahi chhodungi.” Her words were a promise, a vow to stand by Shehnaaz no matter what.

Malini smirked at the challenge and turned her attention back to Shehnaaz. “Shehnaaz… hum akele mein baat kar sakte hain, beta?” she asked, trying once again to manipulate her.

But before Shehnaaz could respond, Dadi maa tightened her grip on Shehnaaz’s hand. “Bilkul bhi nahi… tumhari koi bhi ghatiya chal kamyab nahi hone dungi main,” Dadi maa warned, her voice steady with conviction. She wasn’t going to let Malini hurt Shehnaaz anymore.

Shehnaaz stood there, silent, her gaze fixed on Malini. She could feel something changing inside her, something dark and powerful. Fear—fear of these people, of their lies, of their cruelty—was leaving her. She wasn’t scared anymore. Her heart was hardening, turning into stone. The emotions that once made her weak were slipping away, replaced by a cold, unyielding resolve. She wouldn’t let them break her again.

Malini, sensing the shift in Shehnaaz, smiled once more, but this time, her smile was different. “Shehnaaz beta… it’s about Baaz…” she said softly, knowing the name would catch Shehnaaz’s attention.

And it did. The mention of Baaz stopped Shehnaaz in her tracks. What was Malini talking about?

Dadi maa and Sam exchanged bewildered glances as they stared at Shehnaaz and Malini. “Baaz? Who is Baaz?” The name hung in the air, confusing them both. They couldn’t grasp what this new revelation meant.

Shehnaaz gently withdrew her hand from Dadi maa’s grasp, her expression hardening. Without saying a word, she walked away, her steps steady and determined. Malini followed closely behind, flashing a sly, wicked smile at Dadi maa as she passed.

Dadi maa, still shaken, turned to Sam, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “Sam, yeh Baaz kaun hai? Tumne kabhi suna hai?”

Sam shook her head, just as baffled. “Nahi, Dadi maa… is naam ke kisi bhi insaan ke baare mein maine kabhi nahi suna. Na mom se, na Shehnaaz se… I don’t remember anyone with this name.”

Dadi maa let out a deep sigh, the weight of uncertainty settling heavily on her shoulders. “Kaun ho sakta hai? Humne bhi kabhi Shehnaaz se yeh naam nahi suna… Malini kya karne wali hai? Shayad hume police ki madad leni chahiye…”

Sam’s eyes filled with tears as the helplessness of the situation overwhelmed her. “My entire family… they’re so cruel… so heartless. How could they do this? How could they?”

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Sam’s tears fell freely. Dadi maa pulled her into a comforting embrace, her own heart aching. “Shh… beta, aise mat ro. Hum hai tum dono ke saath… kuchh nahi hoga, sab theek ho jaayega.”

Sam clung to Dadi maa, sobbing louder now, her grief pouring out in waves.

—

Back in the present…

Sam’s sobs echoed in the room, raw and heart-wrenching. Sidharth stood nearby, his heart heavy, his mind tormented by guilt. He closed his eyes as the tears he had been holding back finally spilled over, tracing silent paths down his face. The pain in Sam’s voice shattered him further.

He had known nothing.

All this time, Shehnaaz had suffered alone, battling unimaginable horrors behind his back, and he hadn’t even sensed it. The realization hit him like a blow to the chest — he had not been there for her when she needed him most.

The guilt twisted inside him, sharp and unforgiving, like a hand relentlessly squeezing his heart. He felt as though he were bleeding from within, bleeding from the overwhelming shame and regret that now consumed him.

How could he have missed it? How could he not have known the depth of Shehnaaz’s pain, her silent cries for help? She had been enduring this nightmare, all while he was distracted by his own ambitions, too caught up in his dreams to see the reality she was drowning in.

Sidharth’s hands clenched into fists as a wave of self-loathing washed over him. How could he call himself her best friend? What right did he have to that title when he hadn’t been there during the darkest moments of her life?

He had failed her in every possible way. He had let her suffer alone, and now the thought of her enduring all that pain, all that cruelty, without anyone by her side, made his heart ache in ways he couldn’t describe.

How could he expect her to trust him now? How could she? He had been careless, oblivious to her suffering. He had let her down when she needed him the most, and now, how could he ever hope to make things right?

The guilt weighed heavily on him, suffocating. Why wasn’t he there for her? Why hadn’t he seen through the façade, the brave face she put on? How could he have been so blind, so wrapped up in his own world?

As the questions swirled in his mind, Sidharth felt a deep sense of shame and failure. He wasn’t the friend he thought he was. He wasn’t there for Shehnaaz, and now he feared that it might be too late to make things right.

_______________