Chapter 60

Giving one last careful look at the kundalis, Pandit ji adjusted his spectacles and spoke in a calm yet firm tone.
“Aaj se thik 45 din baad… sham ke 7:40 minute par in dono ki shaadi hokar rahegi… isse koi badal nahi sakta…”

The room instantly lit up with joy. Both families smiled widely, exchanging glances that spoke of relief and contentment. There was a certain sparkle in everyone’s eyes – the kind that comes when dreams begin to feel real. After all the ups and downs, it felt like their children’s happiness was finally within reach.

But then… Pandit ji’s voice changed.
“Lekin…”

The single word hit like a cold wave, wiping away the smiles in an instant. Rita ji’s heart skipped a beat, and Jasbeera ji’s face stiffened. Both exchanged a nervous glance, the fear settling in without warning.

Rajender ji leaned forward, his voice urgent.
“Lekin matlab… baat kya hai Pandit ji… saaf saaf batayiye…”

Pandit ji sighed heavily, as if weighing each word.
“Dekhiye… ye beech ke 45 din na… ye dono ke liye bahut hi zyada ashubh hain. Aap sabko bahut dhyan rakhna hoga. Dono bachon par koi bahut bada sankat aane ki aashanka hai…”

The air shifted immediately. It felt heavier, colder. The light mood that had filled the room moments ago faded into something tense and unsettling. Jasbeera ji’s eyes welled up instantly as she turned to her husband.

“Suniye ji… ye kya keh rahe hain…” her voice trembled.

Rajender ji reached out and gently wiped her tears. “Beera, Pandit ji se baat ho rahi hai na… unki baat poori hone do…”

On the other side, Rita ji felt her legs weaken. She lowered herself onto the nearby sofa, clutching her saree pallu tightly.
“Kaisa sankat, Pandit ji…?”

Her mind, and everyone else’s, raced back to Baaz’s wedding – Shehnaaz’s sudden kidnapping, the gun, Uttara’s death, Ranbir’s injury, Raghav’s hurtful words. The flashes came like stabs to the heart. They knew how dangerous such times could be.

Pandit ji continued, his voice grave.
“Main thik se nahi bata sakta… lekin… dono mein se ek ke liye jaanleva sabit ho sakte hain ye 45 din…”

“WHAT…?” The word tore out of three mouths at once. They stood frozen, eyes wide with fear.

Pandit ji kept his composure.
“Agar aapko mujhpar vishwas nahi, toh kisi bhi pandit ji se puchh sakte hain jinhain in sab ka gyaan ho. Aaj tak meri koi bhi bhavishya-vani jhooth nahi sabit hui…”

He looked down at the kundalis again, tracing his fingers over the lines before speaking further.
“Ye 45 din bahut hi ashubh hain… koi bada toofan inki zindagi mein dastak dene wala hai. Agar ye us toofan se bach gaye… toh 45 din baad, yani ke shubh din Guruvaar ko sham ke 7:40 minute par, inki shaadi hone se koi nahi rok sakta.”

When his words ended, silence swallowed the room. Their hearts were restless. Why did these two innocent souls, who had never wished harm upon anyone, have to face another test? Why couldn’t they simply be allowed to live in peace and love?

Jasbeera ji joined her trembling hands, eyes closing tightly as tears rolled down.
“Heyy Wahe Guru ji… dono bachon par aapki meher rakhna… unki raksha karna… Wahe Guruji da Khalsa… Wahe Guruji di Fateh…”

Rajender ji pulled his wife gently into his arms, his own heart heavy. His eyes met Rita ji’s, both reflecting the same unspoken fear. The future, which moments ago had seemed so bright, now appeared clouded.

Trying to gather her voice, Rita ji looked at Pandit ji.
“Pandit ji… iske liye kuch toh upay hoga. Aap jo upay batayenge, hum karenge. Bas hamare bachon ke sar se ye bala hat jaye…”

Pandit ji’s eyes softened.
“Chachi ji, main aapki takleef samajhta hoon… par is par koi upay nahi hai. Ye sara khel kismat ka hai. Jiske naseeb mein jo likha hai, woh hokar rahega. In 45 dino mein ye dono apni zindagi kaise nibhate hain… isi par sab nirbhar karta hai…”

Jasbeera ji’s voice cracked, full of desperation.
“Please Pandit ji… koi toh rasta hoga… hum haath par haath rakhkar toh nahi baith sakte jab hamare bachon ki zindagi khatre mein ho…”

Pandit ji gave a faint smile of understanding.
“Mere haath mein kuch hota toh main zaroor karta. Agar unka rishta hi is musibat se unhe bacha sakta hai… unka rishta agar saccha hai, pakka hai… toh bhagwan unke rishte ki raksha zaroor karenge. Par phir bhi main aap sabko satark rehne ke liye kahunga… baaki aapki marzi.”

The weight in the room grew heavier. Jasbeera ji and Rita ji were too stunned to speak. Rajender ji forced a small nod. “Shukriya Pandit ji… hum dhyan rakhenge.”

“Aap jis bhi shakti mein vishwas rakhte hain, unse apne bachon ke liye dua maangiye. Bhakti mein bahut shakti hoti hai.” With those words, Pandit ji gathered his things and left, leaving behind two silent, worried families.

It was Vicky’s first day at the office, and Tara entered with excitement, ready to surprise him. But the moment her eyes landed on Shehnaaz, her steps faltered. The smile on her lips faded as curiosity and a sharp sting of jealousy crept in.

Shehnaaz’s face lit up on seeing her.
“Hey Tara… long time yaar… kaisi ho tum?”

Tara returned a polite smile.”Main thik hoon bhabhi… aap kaise hain? Aap yahan office mein…?”

Unaware of the thoughts in Tara’s mind, Shehnaaz replied cheerfully,
“Main ekdum changi… actually I’m working here as trainee.”

Tara blinked, surprised.
“Ohhh congratulations… but why trainee? You are a Shukla now…”

“Haa toh…?” Shehnaaz shook her head playfully. “Jo maza mehnat se kamane mein hai… woh free mein nahi aata.” She was about to continue when a voice called her. “Uff kitna karwayenge ye log mere se hayy amma… main free hoke tumhe milti hoon… tu hona thodi der.”

Tara nodded with a smile, and Shehnaaz hurried away. But the thought stayed with Tara – why trainee?

She went straight to Vicky’s cabin. His face lit up when he saw her, and he immediately pulled her into a hug. “So are you happy now… your boyfriend is all set to be a successful businessman.”

Tara hugged him back but her curiosity got the better of her.
“Umm I just saw… Shehnaaz bhabhi… why is she working as trainee here… I mean Sidharth veerji…”

Vicky smirked, catching her tone. “Shehnaaz bhabhi is selected from college interviews, that’s why she is working here as trainee till her internship period. Sidharth bhai never mixes his personal and professional life… so like every other candidate, she will also work as trainee only.”

“Ohhk…” Tara nodded slowly, but the surprise lingered. She always imagined Sidharth would give Shehnaaz an important post, not a trainee position. Strange.

Vicky read her face easily.
“Yahi soch rahi ho na… that how come Sidharth bhai gave Shehnaaz a trainee post? Well, even Anu is working here as trainee… that’s just how my brother is.”

They chatted for a while, but Tara’s mind kept circling back to Shehnaaz. Why hadn’t she asked for a better position? And she didn’t seem upset either – in fact, she looked happy. Shaking her head, Tara decided she would ask Shehnaaz directly.

As Tara stepped out of Vicky’s cabin, she bumped into a woman.
“Heyy, watch yourself…” she began, but stopped when she saw tears in the woman’s eyes.

Ritika quickly turned away. “I’m extremely sorry…”

Tara looked at her with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Yaah, I’m fine… I’m alright… and sorry once again.” Without waiting, Ritika began walking away.

“Heyy, have you seen Shehnaaz?” Tara called after her.

Ritika kept her face turned, not wanting Tara to see her tear-streaked cheeks. “She is in… Sidharth sir’s cabin…” she muttered before leaving.

Inside Sidharth’s cabin, his tone carried quiet anger. “Now will you tell me Ms. Shehnaaz… why didn’t you have lunch yet?”

Shehnaaz made a baby face. “Offooo Jana main…”

“Right now, I’m your boss,” he cut in sternly.

Her eyes dropped, a small frown forming. “Sorry sir… wo last minute changes the slide pe… toh maine socha finish karke kha lungi…”

He had been out for a meeting, and on returning, Anu told him she hadn’t eaten. It was past 3. His chest tightened – she could be careless about anything but not her health.

“Come here,” his voice softened but still carried authority. She walked to him, still pouting. The moment she reached, he pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

“Why didn’t you eat lunch?” he murmured.

“Main kattii hoon aap se…” she muttered. He kissed the side of her head. “Kyun mera bachha…”

“Maine lunch nahi kiya kyunki mujhe pata tha aap ne bhi nahi khaya hoga… aur ab mujhe hi daat rahe ho…” She kept talking until his lips met hers, silencing her.

The kiss deepened quickly. Her arms curled around his neck. He bit and soothed her lips, his heart racing. When they broke apart for air, he whispered, “You’re not allowed to take kattii with your Jana love… absolutely not.”

They shared lunch from his tiffin, feeding each other. She held his cheeks. “Aap late khaoge toh main bhi late khaungi.”

He sighed, brushing her hair. “Maa ek do din se pareshan lag rahi hai…”

Her eyes widened. “Sachhii… mumma bhi upset hai… agar kuch problem hui toh mujhe bhaga ke le jana…”

“Deal,” he chuckled.

That night, Jasbeera ji tossed and turned. It was almost 2 a.m., but sleep wouldn’t come. Rajender ji noticed.

“Kya hua, itni pareshan kyu ho?”

“Aap mujhse poochh rahe hai? Aapko bachon ki fikar hai bhi ya nahi…” she burst out.

He sighed. “Tum Pandit ji ki baat ko lekar pareshan ho… abhi tak kuch hua hai kya?”

“Sirf 3 din hue hain… abhi 42 din baaki hain,” she cried.

He cupped her face. “Aur rone se kya hoga…”

She hugged him, sobbing. “Mujhe bahut dar lag raha hai bachon ke liye…”

“Chinta mat karo… tumhe Wahe Guruji par vishwas hai na…” he whispered, holding her until they both drifted into an uneasy sleep.

“Haan mera bachha… breakfast kiya hai maine,” Sidharth replied with a soft chuckle, his voice warm and teasing. Then he continued, “I’ll be coming to the office late today because I am on the way to a site… our legal team is involved.”

Lazily rolling on her bed, Shehnaaz let out a sleepy sigh. “Achha thik hai… aap khayal rakhna apna please… koi aur hai aapke saath?” Her voice was still heavy with drowsiness, but the concern in her tone was unmistakable.

For a moment, Sidharth’s heart tugged with the urge to skip the visit altogether. All he could picture was walking into her room right now, pulling her into his arms, and falling asleep with her in that warm bed of hers. But reality tugged him back. “Yes… Ritika will join me there directly along with the legal team. You sleep some time, but don’t be late in office.”

“Yes sir…” Shehnaaz said with a sleepy giggle, giving a small salute like he could actually see her through the phone.

Sidharth’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. “Don’t get cheeky with me, girl.”

“Main Jana hoon na aapko…” she whined softly, as if that one line was enough to explain her audacity, before letting out a big yawn.

“Mera bachha…” his voice softened again, his chest feeling warm. God, every little thing she did was so adorable. “Now you sleep… I’ll speak with you later.”

He waited for her reply, but the line stayed quiet. He chuckled when he realised she had already drifted off mid-call. Disconnecting with a smile, he thought fondly—she really was his sleepy baby.

Once the site meeting wrapped up, Sidharth made his way to his car. Ritika followed behind quietly, her silence enough to make him glance over in mild confusion.

“Where is your car?” he asked, looking around but finding no sign of the office vehicle. He always made sure office cars were available for such visits.

Ritika’s fingers fiddled nervously with her file. “I… sent it back… woh sir…”

“What? How will you go to the office now?” His voice carried disbelief.

A nervous shiver ran down her spine; she could almost feel the scolding on its way. She hadn’t planned to upset him—it was just that they were both headed to the office, so she thought… why take two cars? A small, selfish thought had also crossed her mind: maybe she’d get to spend a little time alone with him, moments that she knew were rare.

“Woh actually… I thought… we both going office… so why…” Her voice trailed off when she caught the flash of anger in his eyes.

Sidharth closed his eyes briefly, running a frustrated hand through his hair. What a senseless thing to do. He didn’t like travelling with anyone except his family. But now, he couldn’t leave a female employee stranded in such a place either.

“The last I remember, I am the owner of the company and I take decisions. I do not travel with employees in my car, so don’t repeat this stupidity again. Get in the car.”

With that, he opened the door and slid in from the other side.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation, though she knew she had invited this response. Still, the reality stung—he would never see her as anything more than an employee. Silently, she sat beside him, keeping as much distance as possible.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when something slammed into the car from the side.

“Shittt!” Sidharth shouted, instinctively raising his elbow to shield his face as the window glass shattered. Sharp shards tore into his arm, leaving blood trailing down his skin.

Ritika screamed, grabbing at him in panic, while the driver yanked the wheel, pulling the car sharply to the left. A truck roared past them, far too close.

Sidharth’s personal guard, Vijay, was at his door in seconds, his face pale. The other car carrying the rest of the guards screeched to a halt behind them, men rushing forward.

“Sir, you are hurt!” Ritika’s voice shook, tears springing to her eyes as she tried to hold his bleeding arm, but Sidharth brushed her off impatiently, allowing Vijay to carefully pull out the glass shards embedded in his skin. The sting was sharp enough to make him hiss.

“Sorry sir… main fast nahi tha… ho sakta hai drunk driver ho… aap thik hai sir?” the driver stammered, fear lacing his words.

“I’m fine… and you are hurt too? Are you hurt, Ritika?” Sidharth asked, though a quick glance showed she was physically fine.

She shook her head, still shaken. Watching Vijay clean his wound, her chest ached. She wanted to comfort him, to hold him—but she knew he wouldn’t allow it. The fact that he even flinched from her touch cut deeper than she cared to admit.

They stopped at the nearest medical aid station, where Sidharth’s arm was bandaged. From there, they drove straight to the office.

Everyone who saw him rushed to ask questions, but he shut them down with a simple wave, unwilling to create a scene. His mind was already on Shehnaaz. He knew her—if she saw him like this, she’d cry and refuse to eat.

He went directly to her cabin—empty. Through the glass, he spotted her in his own cabin. Without hesitation, he headed there.

Inside, Shehnaaz was exploring. She’d never really taken a good look around his cabin, but with him busy in a meeting earlier, mischief had won over. Her eyes wandered until they landed on his framed photograph.

“Kyun Sidharth Shukla, aap aise muskura kyun rahe hain?” she murmured at the picture.

Unbeknownst to her, Sidharth had quietly opened the door, moving silently so she wouldn’t notice him. The pain in his arm seemed to vanish the moment he saw her there. Today could have gone very differently—he could have been badly injured, or worse—but somehow, the thought that her love had protected him filled his heart.

He chuckled quietly as she continued, her words wrapping around him like a warm blanket.

“Aap ko pata hai, jab aap aise muskurate hain, toh mere pet mein butterflies dance karne lagte hain,” she said, pinching the cheeks of his photograph playfully.

His grin widened. He knew exactly how much they affected each other—her smile did dangerous things to his heart.

She pouted and warned the photo, “Dekho main aakhri baar bol rahi hoon… muskurana band karo… warna…”

“Warna kya?” came his voice.

“Warna main aapko kiss kar dungi,” she answered proudly—then froze, staring at the picture in shock. “Ae, tu toh bolta bhi hai…”

“Haan, Mrs. Jana…”

Her eyes widened. She turned slowly, her face pale in surprise, catching sight of him standing there with a mischievous smile.

“Ye kaise hua… kya hua aapko? Chot kaise lagi?” She dashed to him, tears springing instantly as she grabbed his injured arm.

Sidharth sighed softly, already expecting this. He reached out with his good hand to wipe her tears. “Stop crying, mera bachha… it’s just a small cut.”

She glared at him through her tears. “Itni chot lagi hai aur aap keh rahe ho just a cut? Kaise lagi aapko?”

“It was a small accident, love…” he murmured, wrapping both arms around her and pulling her into his chest.

She clung to him, sobbing harder. “Bilkul khayal nahi rakhte aap apna… meri koi baat nahi maante… ye bhi nahi samajhte ke jaan nikal jaati hai meri jab aapko takleef hoti hai… na aap waqt pe khana khate ho… aap chahte ho ke main aapki baat maanun aur aap manmaani karo…”

Sidharth kissed her temple, her cheeks, anywhere his lips could reach. “Please meri jaan… aise rote nahi… meri biwi jo bolegi main sab karunga bas… har baat manunga…”

She took his hand gently, pressing soft kisses over the bandaged skin. “Aapne doctor ko dikhaya?”

“Haan… it’s not deep, it will heal quickly. Aur tum ho na mera khayal rakhne.”

She nodded and hugged him again, her tears wetting his shirt. “Aap bilkul careless ho apni health ko leke.”

He pecked her lips lightly. “Ye wala ho gaya na daat ke…”

Her brows drew together. “Maine daanta aapko?”

“Aur nahi toh kya… meri biwi jab aise daanti hai mujhe, main dar jaata hoon.”

“Aahaha… dar jaata hoon… aap na Jana, aise hi jhoothe ilzaam lagate ho,” she mumbled, half-grinning through her tears.

Sidharth wiped her cheeks again, his voice gentle but firm. “Ab bas… enough of tears now.”

“So… kya keh rahi thi tum meri tasveer se?” he teased, making her bite her lower lip in an attempt to hide her blush.

“Umm… Sidharth… woh…”

“Sidharth?” he repeated, faking a stern tone as he stepped closer. She took a small step back.

“Sorry sir… woh…”

“Sir??” he interrupted again, still advancing, his tall frame shadowing hers until her back met the wall.

His palms pressed to either side of her, caging her in without touching, yet she felt her skin shiver under the intensity of his presence.

“Look at me,” he ordered softly.

Shehnaaz instantly looked up, and in that sudden movement, her nose brushed against his lips. The accidental contact made her freeze, her heart skipping a beat as she realised just how dangerously close their faces were. Surprised and a little dazed, her eyes lifted to meet his. Her lips were so close to his now that even a single breath could close the gap.

She felt trapped in the most deliciously dangerous way — caught in his gaze, in his presence. She didn’t dare whisper or even move, because she knew… the moment she did, her lips would touch his.

Sidharth’s intense eyes dropped to her plump lips, coated in that soft pink shade he knew so well. His chest rose sharply as he took in a deep breath, struggling to control the almost primal urge to taste them — to bite, to devour. A low, deep sound escaped his throat, the kind of groan that sent a shiver down her spine and left her trembling under his gaze.

“Kya keh rahi thi tum…?” he murmured huskily. Each word was slow, deliberate… and every time his lips moved, they brushed against hers. The lightest contact, yet enough to make her chest flutter wildly like a trapped butterfly. His eyes watched her every tiny reaction — the way her breath came in short bursts, the way her chest rose faster, the way her lashes fluttered in nervousness.

His bandaged hand came closer. The back of his knuckles brushed over the soft skin just below her collarbone, right where the first button of her shirt rested. Even through the light touch, heat shot through her, making her tremble. His groan deepened at her reaction, the sound vibrating through both of them.

“Aap ka haath… Jana…” Shehnaaz whispered softly, the worry evident in her tone. But her voice faltered when their lips brushed again in the process. The sheer authority in his stance, the way his presence consumed her… it made her want to surrender completely, to let him take control.

“That’s your problem… and you are mine,” he declared, his tone passionate and possessive, as if her looking after his bandaged hand was her duty — because he was hers, and she was his.

Her heart softened at his words. She gently took his injured hand into hers, her fingers caressing over the bandage with such tenderness that his eyes softened, yet filled with possessiveness. He loved the way she cared for him. It made something deep inside him feel anchored, satisfied.

“Aap ko kya zarurat thi jaane ki waha subah subah…? Mujhe daulat nahi chahiye… aap chahiye ho… aapki salaamati chahiye… mera sab kuch aap se hai… aap thik toh bass…” her voice cracked, soft tears falling onto his bandaged hand.

He bent his head and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. The touch was gentle, but the emotion behind it was heavy.

She raised her gaze to meet his, her sad eyes pulling at his heart. “Please… aap dobara mujhse aise door nahi jaana…”

“Aur agar kisi client ne bulaya toh…?” His voice was quieter now, as if matching her vulnerability.

“Toh keh dena Shehnaaz ne mana kiya hai,” she replied with mock authority through her tears, then let out a small giggle at her own silly logic. His chuckle was soft, affectionate. He pressed a kiss right between her brows, making her eyes flutter shut. “Mera bachha…”

When she opened them again, she kept glancing between his eyes and his lips. He noticed. They were both caught in that thick, magnetic pull — neither wanting to step back. He had wanted to wait, to make their first night special, but the way she looked right now was testing every bit of his restraint.

His gaze dropped to her lips again, the pink shade making them look all the more tempting. And that baby pink shirt she wore, neatly tucked into her white cotton pants, clung to her like it belonged to her skin. To him, she looked edible, untouchable… and his alone.

He was well aware of the way other men had dared to glance at her in the office. Those glances had cost some of them their jobs — because no one had the right to look at his woman like that.

He took her palm into his hand, wrapping his fingers around it, then slowly brushed each of her fingers over his lips, feeling her softness. Her breath caught. When he drew her index finger into his mouth, sucking gently, she gasped, the sound breaking into a soft moan when he grazed it with his teeth, only to soothe it with his tongue.

“I hate to control…” he confessed, his voice low and rough, before burying his face in the curve of her neck. He bit her earlobe sharply, making her flinch and clutch his shirt.

“Then don’t…” she breathed, the moan slipping out when his lips moved to where her neck met her shoulder. His mouth stayed there, open and claiming, until she knew without doubt he’d leave a mark.

Her words only pushed him further to the edge. He caught her hand and guided it to the back of his neck, urging her fingers into his hair. She understood — he wanted her to tame him, to calm the storm he was becoming.

She stroked his hair gently, massaging his scalp in slow, soothing circles. She wanted to quieten him, to bring her wild Sidharth back from the brink. The thought made her blush, but she kept her touch steady.

The sight of her pink cheeks, that soft submission, made the beast inside him growl again. He crushed his lips against hers, pulling her lower lip into his mouth, biting until she let out a restless groan. “Quiet,” he demanded against her lips, his voice almost a growl.

“Jana…” she almost pleaded, her voice desperate.

In a sharp movement, he dipped back into her neck, biting harder this time, leaving another deep mark. Her moan was louder now, her fingers twisting in his hair as if to anchor herself.

She knew what was coming, and her blush deepened, but before the next button gave way, a sharp knock broke the moment.

His jaw clenched. He pulled back just enough to glare at the door in irritation. Shehnaaz cupped his face, sensing his temper.

He kissed her hard once more, holding her tightly. “I’m going out… you come later,” he murmured against her mouth, stealing another kiss before leaving the room.

“Come in,” Sidharth said, his tone edged with frustration at being interrupted. His body still felt hot, restless, needy from the moment they had just shared. In truth, a part of him was grateful for the knock — if it hadn’t come, God knows how far he would have gone today.

Adi stepped inside briskly, holding a file. “Sir, woh Mr. Bhardwaj ke sath aapki appointment day after tomorrow ke liye fix hui hai. I just received update from Ritika and I’m already getting in touch with accounts team for further process.”

Sidharth gave a short nod. “That’s good, Adi. Mail Mr. Mehta to review the design by tomorrow evening by getting in touch with Shehnaaz and rest of the team. Keep me in cc if required. I don’t want any complaints at the time of meeting.”

“Right, sir.” Adi nodded again, but lingered for a second too long, earning a sharp look from Sidharth.

“Then go… what you waiting for?” Sidharth’s voice carried that quiet authority that left no room for argument.

Adi laughed nervously, then stammered out an apology under the weight of Sidharth’s glare. Just as he was about to leave, Sidharth’s voice stopped him.

“Inform Mehta to check if Shehnaaz and Anu need help. It will be their first official design… and I want no mistake.”

“Right, sir,” Adi replied quickly before making his exit.

A few moments later, Shehnaaz emerged from the room, still flushed crimson. Her skin held the afterglow of their earlier closeness, her lips slightly swollen from his kisses. She kept her gaze down, unable to look directly at him.

Sidharth noticed instantly — the way she was avoiding his eyes, the way her steps were quicker as if to escape him. A soft chuckle escaped him before he masked it with a calm expression. He was still surprised by the wildness she drew out in him… it wasn’t like him to lose control so easily. But when it came to her, all his careful restraint burned away in seconds.

Shehnaaz passed by his chair, almost making it to the door. But before she could take another step, his hand shot out, fingers curling gently but firmly around her wrist.

The pull was enough to bring her back against him. Startled, she turned, finding herself caught in the heat of his mischievous eyes. Her lashes fluttered unconsciously, her lips parting slightly as she stared up at him.

“Jaan, you know… I don’t leave any task incomplete,” Sidharth said, his voice rich with meaning, a slow, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Her brows knitted slightly in confusion — until the realisation hit her. Her eyes widened in shock, but before she could react, he moved.

In a swift motion, he closed the gap, his face dipping into the crook of her neck. The warmth of his breath hit her skin a second before his lips did, and her eyes fell shut with a helpless moan.

Everything around her blurred. The only thing she felt was his mouth moving against her skin, the faint graze of his teeth, the intoxicating scent of his cologne mixing with the rapid beat of her own heart.

Before she knew it, she was back in the privacy of the room again — his room — her back against the door as his arms caged her in. Her breaths came fast, mingling with his as she found herself once more caught in the wildness of her man.

Author’s Note