Chapter 4

Image by Freepik

As the pairing started, all the men were on one side, and the women were on the other.

The guys looked so similar that the girls couldn’t even recognise their friends. Mayank tried to signal to Ankita, but she ended up picking a different guy, thinking he was Mayank. Anu accidentally chose Mayank. Nisha chose Vikas, upsetting Tara, who then selected a random guy. Nisha smiled lightly at Vikas but couldn’t choose Ranbir, knowing he wanted someone else to pick him.

Ranbir hoped Shehnaaz would pick him as he couldn’t take his eyes off her. It was Shehnaaz’s turn now, and she was scared. How could she pair up with anyone other than him? He would never like it. There was a huge crowd, and she hoped he was still there. She looked around but couldn’t see him. She hated her idea of this blind date. What if she picked another guy? What if he didn’t like someone else touching her? She despised the very thought of it.

But they didn’t know each other well. How could they be possessive? All she knew was his name: Sidharth Shukla. Just saying his name warmed her heart. If he had left, she would have to pick a random guy.

Unknown to her, Sidharth was sitting in a corner, sipping his drink, watching her restlessness. He hated the way the other guys looked at her. He would be damned if he let anyone get close to her. Her searching eyes filled him with satisfaction and affection. She was the cutest thing in the world.

Karan spoke up, watching Shehnaaz lost in thought, “We are waiting, Shehnaaz…”

Startled, Shehnaaz looked around more carefully. Her eyes twinkled like stars when she finally saw those familiar eyes in the corner staring intensely at her. Sidharth was surprised she recognised him just by his eyes. His heart pounded as he saw her walk towards him.

Ranbir felt confused and sad as he saw Shehnaaz moving towards the corner. Shehnaaz’s eyes widened, and she sighed in relief as she stood in front of Sidharth. She remembered his clothes from when she hugged him a few minutes ago, and her cheeks turned rosy.

Sidharth watched her stand in front of him and groaned, knowing her cheeks would be red with a blush. He wanted to touch her cheeks and hug her. They moved closer like magnets. His arms wrapped around her back, and her hands reached for his chest. It was never planned or thought about. Shehnaaz didn’t realise she was hugging him until she heard Karan say, “Alright, next girl…”

Peace. That’s what she felt when his arms tightened around her, as if they were meant to protect her. She rested her head on his chest and softly mumbled, “Me dar gayi thi…” hoping he would hear her.

How could he not? He was thrilled and in awe of her. He knew how she looked and had fallen for her, but her love was pure and selfless. She had given herself to him without even seeing him. She never asked for anything, not even his name; he told her himself.

He had seen many girls trying to impress him for his looks or money, but Shehnaaz was different. She loved him unconditionally, without any expectations or fear. Her touch told him he was her first. This realisation made him feel special and more possessive.

“Meri bahon me tum mehfooz ho.. zindagi bhar ke liye..” he promised her.

Ranbir sighed, thinking she must have picked a random guy, as he couldn’t see her amidst the crowd. Another girl picked Ranbir, and Nisha felt upset seeing the sadness in his eyes.

Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz close, holding her waist. Her almond eyes widened in surprise. She smiled, and her eyes shined. He bent down and kissed her forehead, unable to control himself. The sweet kiss said it all. She had lost her heart to the man in front of her.

She lost herself in his intense eyes, his aura of respect and dominance. She circled her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Her move shocked and surprised him. He drew her in closer, making her feel as if she were floating. She stood on his feet, oblivious to everything else, unable to meet his gaze.

He couldn’t believe she was in his arms. She couldn’t believe he was really in her life. It felt like a dream. The music began gently, and he shifted his feet slowly, guiding her to dance with him. As he looked into her eyes, it felt as though he was seeing her for the very first time. She still resembled the girl he had watched joyfully playing and dancing in the rain. She drove him crazy to the point that he almost stalked her. Now, he wore a mask because his brother and sister were at the party. He wasn’t afraid of anyone, but he relished this game of hide-and-seek. He loved that she fell for him without knowing him. He longed to lose himself in her embrace.

The formidable Sidharth Shukla, who had never backed down from anyone, now sought refuge in the presence of this fragile girl. He held her waist firmly with one hand while the other grasped her hand, pressing soft kisses on each finger, causing her to shiver.. She saw nail marks on his wrist and remembered holding his hand too tightly. She felt guilty.

Noticing the tears in her eyes, Sidharth cupped her face gently, “Kya huva mera bachha…”

She gently traced the marks, feeling a rush of emotion at his small injury. It was a strange but beautiful feeling—his pain seemed to echo in her heart. Was love this beautiful?

“Chhotisi si kharoch hai na.. isme rone jaisi kya baat hai baby..?” he chided softly.

She was still upset and shook her head. He smiled, “Tumhe haqq hai..”

Her gaze locked onto his deep eyes, filled with such intense emotions that it stirred something profound within him. Smiling amidst tears, she kissed his palm multiple times, holding his hand with her delicate fingers.

With each kiss, he found himself falling deeper for her. Aside from his mother, no one had ever shown him such genuine care.. No one loved him unconditionally. What was she made of? Didn’t she want to ask anything?

They didn’t need to explain their feelings. They both knew each other’s emotions well. Their touch conveyed everything, making words needless.

The party continued in the background as the pairs danced. Unable to restrain himself, Sidharth took off her mask, eager to see her face. His heart raced at the sight of her innocent expression.. She looked at him, surprised. Her face shone like a star. He groaned mentally at her beautiful features. Her rosy cheeks and lips urged him to claim them as his.

She bit her lower lip and looked down, putting her hand on his neck. His fingers gently released her lip from her teeth, causing her to wobble slightly, then returned to their previous position. She noticed she was still standing on his feet and tried to step off, worried he might be in pain, but he tugged her back into place.

Sidharth loved the pink glow of her cheeks when she blushed. As many took off their masks, the party was filled with surprises and shocks.

Ankita and her partner removed their masks. She almost fainted, seeing it wasn’t Mayank. “Tum kaun ho?” she asked.

Her partner replied, “Tum mere pichhe kyu padi ho?” and wore his mask again.

Ankita made a baby face, seeing Mayank with Anu.

The partner said, “Mujhe dance nahi aata.”

Ankita was irritated, “Dance nahi aata? Teri toh mein…? Toh yahan kya muft ki bhajjiya khane aaya hai? Gadha kahin ka.”

The partner was offended, “Oye, jasi ki rani, mene nahi kaha tha… mujhe chhunne ke liye.”

Ankita twisted her lips, “Agar Mayank ko pata chalega na, ke tum mere sath etna rudely behave kar rahe ho, to tumhari khair nahi.”

The partner said, “Oh, I’m scared. Mayank kon hai? Tumhara bodyguard?”

Ankita gaped angrily, “Wo mere hone wale patidev hai.”

The partner shrugged, “Toh phir usse kyun nahi chuna?”Why me?”

Ankita pouted cutely, “Galti se, mujhe laga tum Mayank ho.”

The partner rolled his eyes.

Anu was surprised to see Mayank as her partner. “Tum aur Ankita kab se ek dusre ko date kar rahe ho?” she asked.

Mayank smiled, “More than two years now.”

Anu smiled back, “That’s great. She’s very sweet.”

Mayank chuckled, “You’ll soon realise she’s totally crazy.”

Anu chuckled as they continued to chat.

Nisha was surprised to see Vicky . “Oh, sorry Vicky. Will Tara be mad?” she asked.

Vicky laughed, “She’s got a bit of a fiery spirit, but don’t worry about it.”

Nisha sighed, “I’m really sorry.”

Vicky chuckled, “Relax, Nisha. You look upset. Did your partner end up with someone else?” he winked.

Nisha smiled a little, “I don’t have a partner.”

Vicky looked puzzled, “Have you never been in love before?”

Nisha smiled sadly.

Vikas observed her face, “You do love someone. What’s wrong?”

Nisha let out a sigh, “The one I love is in love with someone else.”

Vikas said, “Ouch…”

Nisha chuckled at his antics, “Shut up.”

Vicky chuckled, his mood lifted by her smile, while Tara shot them a frustrated glare.

Moving closer to her ear, Sidharth whispered, “dance with me..”

The party carried on in the background while the couples swayed to the music.

Unable to hold himself, Sidharth took off Shehnaaz’s mask, dying to see her face. His heart skipped a beat at her innocent face. Surprised, she looked at him. Her face shone like a star. He sighed internally at her stunning features: her rosy cheeks and lips that seemed to beckon him to claim them as his own.

She bit her lower lip and looked down as her hand went back to his neck.

Realizing she was still on his feet, she attempted to step away, thinking he might be uncomfortable, but he tugged her back, keeping her close.

Sidharth loved the pink glow of her cheeks when she blushed profusely. Moving closer to her ear, Sidharth whispered, “Dance with me.”

Surprised, Shehnaaz looked up at him and heard the change in the music.

Sidharth slipped his hand around her waist more tightly. Shehnaaz was shocked by his dominance but loved that he never asked her—he just did it. He never asked her; he just demanded, considering her as his.

He took her hand in his and made her swirl in his embrace, making her back hit his chest with a thud. She shuddered at the way her back plastered against his, how she perfectly fit in his embrace.

His moves started becoming stronger as the music played. His touch was literally driving her crazy, making her insane. It felt like her body danced to his tune while she was all the way lost in him.

She kept her head resting backward on his shoulder and closed her eyes in peace. A smile erupted through his rosy cheeks when he felt her peck her hair at the back and tightened his hold at her tummy as he almost picked her up backward.

He turned her with a jerk, pulling her closer. Her heart was beating faster with his intense moves. His eyes spoke a different language altogether that conveyed only one thing: Mine.

The couples around them looked at the pair, absolutely mesmerized, and paused their dances.

He made her spin like a Barbie doll under his protective gaze. She smiled and giggled at the way she felt being circled. He pulled her back into his embrace swiftly, making her slam against his toned chest. His palm spread on her back while the other hand took hers as he took steps left and right.

At that moment, he didn’t care about anyone in the world. He was dancing with the woman of his life. That was all he knew. She was totally lost in his moves and dominance.

His heart was throbbing wildly. She bowed her head in front a little, taking deep breaths and closing her eyes with a smile when he placed a lengthy kiss on her forehead, which was now in his neck. She was there to stay forever. He knew that.

Overwhelmed with her love, he raised her high in the air with his palms tight around her waist.

She smiled and felt the heavenly feeling as she raised her face further, making many clap for them.

She felt a deep sense of safety in his embrace, confident that he would always protect her, no matter the circumstances.

Ankita, Mayank, Anu, Tara, and Vikas clapped for Shehnaaz, assuming she was just dancing with her pair, unaware of the face behind the mask.

Ranbir felt very hurt by the scene and walked out while Nisha sighed, watching him go and knowing what he felt because she felt the same when he was dancing with another girl. Love could be unpredictable at times.

As the music softened slowly, Sidharth put her down slowly to embrace her back in his body, and she rested her head on his chest this time, listening to his heartbeat like it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

He just loved her surrender to him. He loved every bit of her.

The way her almond eyes were gazing at his eyes was making him move closer to her, teasing his senses. How would he be able to stay away from her even for a second? The thought of staying away from her even for a second made him wild. He pulled her even closer, decreasing all the barriers between them.

She felt as if her body would be crushed into his strong arms. They were far away from what was going on around them.

Sidharth whispered near her ear, “Tum mujhse kuchh nahi puchhna chahti…?”

Shehnaaz looked up to find her reflection in his and mumbled softly, “Aapki aankhen sab bata deti hain….”

Sidharth almost smiled, but she couldn’t see it because of the mask. She wanted to see him, but then her trust in him was beyond her logical mind. He would remove his mask if he wanted her to see him. He removed her mask because she was his, and she would do what he liked because he was hers.

Sidharth looked into her eyes, and her insane trust in him moved him literally. Kissing her ear, he chuckled, “Waise tumhara naam kya hai, Shehnaaz..??”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Mera naam..” but paused when she realized he knew her name and looked at him with her cute golgappa face, “Hayy raba… apko toh mera naam pata hai.. aur me awehi soch rahi thi ke…”

Sidharth adored her cute face, “Kya soch rahi thi..?”

Shehnaaz had no idea how to answer that, “Wo me.. aap ne mujhe chocolate kyun di..?”

Sidharth chuckled, “Kyun, tumhe acchhee nahi lagi..? lao wapas karo..”

Shehnaaz innocently replied, “Par woh to mene kha li…?”

Sidharth held his self-control, trying to stop himself from eating her up, “Hmm.. toh ab…?”

Shehnaaz twisted her lip, “Me apko apki chocolate wapas kar dungi..”

Sidharth smiled, “Thik hai.. mujhe abhi chahiye,” looking at her lips.

Shehnaaz noticed his gaze on her lips and blinked rapidly like a kid as a blush erupted through her cheeks, making them turn rosy.

He was so confident with his love in his arms. He never asked for anything. He knew only one thing: he had every right over her. Being the owner of her, she loved that too. She found her tongue tied in his intense gaze, but she found herself again lost in her thoughts. She loved his dominance—no, his haqq jatana—no, his strong body—no, his soft nature—no, his rough yet caring touch. She was puzzled. Everything about him was the best.

He gently mumbled in her ear, reading her eyes, “The best part about me is having my bachha in my arms.”

She was shocked. How did he know what was going on in her mind? Ye such me magic man hai…I am sure.. she thought, getting scared.

Toh kya inhone meri sari baatein sun li.. ohh godd… me kitni duffer hu… kab se man me badbada rahi hu..

Sidharth chuckled and whispered in her ear yet again, “I love that too..”

She closed her eyes tightly in disbelief. He can read my mind… is he human or ghost… vampire maybe… she remembered Edward could listen to humans’ minds in Twilight, but he couldn’t read Bella’s mind. Her masked man seemed to have more power than Edward. Will he bite her neck too and convert her into a vampire? That sounds cool though… she thought and smiled excitedly at him.

He was blown away by her beautiful smile. Whatever she was thinking, he was ready to be that if it made her smile this much. Sighing at his weak heart for her, he pressed his lips on her forehead and allowed them to rest there for a while, making her close her eyes in contentment and blush at her stupid thought.

Did he hear that too? He will think she is mad… suchDid he hear that too? He’ll think I’m mad. What a bad impression.

Her smile never left her lips as she felt him all around her. Suddenly, a sense of coldness touched her when his presence vanished—his touch missing from her forehead, from her waist.

Confused, she opened her eyes to find herself standing alone. Startled, she turned around, searching for him, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“Shehnaaz,” she heard, and saw Anu making her way towards her.

Restless, she kept looking for him until Anu said something that hardly reached her ears and dragged Shehnaaz towards the group.

Sadness consumed her face as she felt lonely all of a sudden. She didn’t appreciate the way he had left her alone without a word. She had so much to ask him. All she knew now was his name because he said it—she never asked. She was completely unaware of what happened to her whenever she stood in front of him. She lost herself completely; her mind stopped working.

She was angry—angry at him, at herself for not asking anything about him.

Jab agli baar milenge na, main baat hi nahi karungi… haan… she decided, pouting her lips, unaware that he was still watching her from afar with his ears held by his fingers, silently apologizing for upsetting his baby.

Par hum kal hi pehli baar mile the… agar wo dobara mujhse nahi mile toh… mene to kuchh puchha bhi nahi… she got scared with the thought.

Ek kaam karti hu… jab ghar jaungi na… to sawalon ki ek list bana dungi… matlab mujhe aage problem nahi hogi right… she again decided.

Par mujhe kab pata hoga wo mujhe kab milenge… iska matlab mujhe har waqt wo list apne sath rakhni hogi… she wondered.

They were almost in the parking lot, but she was lost in herself when Ranbir pinched her ear hard, making her wince. He laughed and started running for his life as Shehnaaz ran behind him, all angry.

She was running slowly, looking for Ranbir, when she felt an arm wrap around her waist and slam her against a car as he hugged her from behind.

She knew it was him. The idea of getting angry at him never crossed her mind as she closed her eyes when his hold tightened around her and his lips nuzzled her earlobe.

Soon, his fingers ran from her cheek to her lips, smudging her lipstick at the corners. Shehnaaz shivered from his raw touch.

His fingers rubbed her lips, totally smudging her lipstick. He wanted her to open her eyes.

She slowly opened her eyes, blushing from his touch. “Mujhe laga aap chale gaye..?”

Sidharth was lost in her soft lips. “Bina tumhari izaazat..?”

She blushed more, loving the way he made her feel special.

He whispered in her ear with a strangely authoritative tone, “Tumhe satane ka haqq sirf mujhe hai… samjhi tum?”

His tone sent a chill down her spine. She knew he didn’t like it. She nodded her head like a baby and smiled softly when he kissed the back of her hair.

His touch soon disappeared, and she softly hit her head on the window of the car, realizing he had left.

Ohh God… she was blushing. She becomes such a puppy in front of him.

Lost in thought, she left with her friends.

___________________________

By the time Sidharth reached home, he was in a different state of mind. While walking, he never realized when he bumped into his mother.

Rita ji looked at him surprised, “Sambhal ke Sid… tera dhyan kahan hai beta…”

Lost, Sidharth hugged his mother, kissed her cheek, and walked off to his room.

Rita ji stood rooted in her place, staring at her son who was smiling. Isse kya hua, she thought as a contentment filled her heart watching him smile.

Sidharth walked into his bedroom and just dropped himself on the bed. He didn’t want to change. He didn’t want to check any files. His mind, his brain, and his heart were filled with a weird happiness, and he felt at peace. Life felt complete now. He had found what he had been unintentionally searching for all his life.

His arms spread wide on the bed and he chuckled when he imagined her head resting on his arm. He knew it was a dream and couldn’t wait to make it a reality.

He needed her for a lifetime.

He mumbled to himself, realizing how pure, innocent, and loving she was. “Pehle mujhe usse samajhna hoga… usse jaanana hoga… uske jazbaaton ko… uske rishton ko… uski aadaton ko samajhna hoga… uske dil ko apna banana hoga… usse mujhse koi door nahi kar sakta… khud wo bhi nahi.” The intensity and depth of his feelings for her left him in shock.

Turning towards her illustrative image, he kept staring endlessly and never realized when sleep took over.

—

Sidharth slowly slipped his hand further around her waist, but Shehnaaz snapped it away, making a baby face.

She snapped it away again, making a face.

Sidharth moved closer to her from behind, not touching her but still close enough to whisper in her ear, “Naraz ho?”

She nodded her head yes, maintaining her baby angry face.

Sidharth smiled, shaking his head, absolutely loving her cute anger. He whispered again, craving to take her in his embrace, “Bilkul nahi manogi?”

Shehnaaz shook her head no, and a slight blush on her cheek told him how his deep voice affected her.

Sidharth hugged her, unable to control himself. He held her hands tightly as they wriggled softly. “Bina bataye chala gaya… isliye naraz ho?”

Shehnaaz looked at him in shock, thinking, Aye lo… ek main hoon… na mujhe pata hai ke ye dikhte kaise hain… aur ye meri har baat kaise jaan leta hai. She was puzzled.

She just blabbered, “Aap jadugar ho?” Her innocent question made him chuckle.

Shehnaaz realized what she had blabbered and looked away, murmuring to herself, “Har waqt patar patar karti hai… aur unke samne ek shabd bhi nahi nikalta muh se… kaisi gadhi hai tu, Sana.”

Her blabbering was paused as she sucked in a deep breath when his nose nuzzled against her earlobe. “Tumhare bina meri duniya bilkul adhoori hai, mera bachhaa..”

His words would be her death one day. The way he held her dear melted her heart instantly. Turning, she submitted herself into his strong arms. “Aur meri duniya hi aap se hai.”

“Di…”

Shehnaaz made a weird face, thinking why is he calling her ‘di’? “Aap mujhe sata rahe ho na?”

She was shaken harshly this time, which made her open her eyes in a jerk. She found her sister looking at her with a suspicious look. “Kya hai, Mahi?” she asked rather irritated as she realized she was dreaming and her sister spoiled such a beautiful dream.

Mahi rolled her eyes. “Maa ne bola uthane.”

Shehnaaz hid her face back in the spread, which was pulled off by her sister. “Naaz di, please… firse mat so… mumma gussa karenge.”

Rolling her eyes, Shehnaaz looked at her half-eaten chocolate on the table and smiled cutely. She had lied to him that she had eaten the chocolate. She didn’t want to return it. It was his first gift. Chocolate… so cute. She remembered the way he had left that man crying in pain on the floor with just one hold and gulped her saliva. He is so strong… so big. She looked like a kitten in front of him.

Cutely scared, she hid her face back in the duvet and groaned in excitement.

_______________________________

Sidharth was in the gym, working out vigorously when he realized it was past 7. Sidharth quickly headed toward Anu’s room.

Anu was still rolling on the bed, smiling in her sleep, thinking of the dance she shared with Mayank.

Sidharth shook her. “Anu… get up… fast.”

Anu was in half sleep. “Bhai, please sone do na…”

Sidharth would never let her sleep today. No way.

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Anu… it’s already 7:30… get up fast… tumhe college jana hai na admission ke liye?”

Anu got up in a jerk as she remembered that and murmured to herself, “Mayank se bhi milna hai… ye main kya soch rahi hoon… sab pahunch jayenge mujhse pehle.” She immediately ran to the washroom.

Sidharth chuckled from outside. “Get ready fast. I will come with you.”

Anu called out from the washroom, “Thank you, bhai… I love you!”

Sidharth shook his head and went to his room to get ready.

He had his shower and came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked through his wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear. Aaj tak usne mujhe dekha nahi hai. He hoped she would finally see him today.

By the time Anu came out all ready, he was still checking through clothes. “Bhai, I am ready.”

She was taken aback to find clothes strewn all over the bed. This was so unlike her brother.

Anu said, “Bhai… mera first day hai… aapka nahi.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Whatever…! Help me,, will you” Anu selected a nice combo of clothes. Sidharth got ready and they left.

On their way to college, Anu was trying to call her mother, who she didn’t see in the morning.

Sidharth looked at her. “Maa call nahi uthayengi, Anu. She will be busy.”

Anu sighed and kept the phone in her bag.

________________________________

Shehnaaz was literally gobbling down parathas as her mother glared at her. “Mumma, mujhe jaldi nahi utha sakti thi?”

Jasbeer ji rolled her eyes. “Dekha Baaz… isse uthate uthate toh mera aadha wazan kam ho jata hai… aur ye…”

Shehbaaz chuckled. “Maa… usse kyun daat rahi ho? Bachhi… mera credit card de.”

Shehnaaz pouted like a little kid, and Shehbaaz just shook his head. “Jab shopping puri ho jayegi to yaad se lauta dena… aur please meri maa… is baar mat guma dena.”

Shehnaaz hugged him. “Thank you, veera… you are the best.”

Mahi twisted her lips. “Baaki pyar shaam mein kar lena… it’s 8:40.”

Shehnaaz said goodbye and left hurriedly.

____________________________

As Sidharth and Anu arrived at college, Sidharth scanned the crowd for Shehnaaz, while Anu found herself unintentionally searching for Mayank.

Ankita tapped on Anu’s shoulder, startling her, making her feel caught doing a sin. Anu felt guilty for thinking about Mayank.

Ankita smiled. “Kise dhoond rahi ho? Shehnaaz ko?”

Sidharth cleared his throat at the name, catching attention.

Anu held his arm. “Ankita… ye mere veerji hai… Sidharth Shukla.”

Sidharth smiled lightly. “Hello, Ms. Ankita.”

Ankita looked at him with wide eyes.”Haila… aapke dolle-sholle to kamaal ke hain na!”

Anu giggled while Sidharth was at a loss for words. “Actually…”

Ankita continued, cutting him off. “Par ye kya pehen rakha hai… thoda casual pehenna chahiye tha na… usse muscles aur achhe se dikhte hain…”

Sidharth had no idea what to reply. This was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

Anu rolled her eyes. “Ankita… woh bhai aise hi kapde pehente hain…”

Anu signaled Ankita to shut up before her brother left. “Ankita… baaki sab kahan hai?”

Ranbir and Nisha joined the group, and Anu introduced them to Sidharth. Sidharth observed Ranbir a little, reminded of how he had pulled Shehnaaz’s cheek yesterday in the parking lot.

Anu knew her brother was getting late. “Hey guys… Mayank aur Shehnaaz kahan hain?”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat when he heard her name.

Ankita rolled her eyes. “Baba Mayank ji hamesha library mein hi paye jaate hain.”

Sidharth was certain she was just as crazy as his Shehnaaz…

All laughed at Ankita’s antics. Ranbir shook his head, “Aur Shehnaaz hamesha ki tarah late… wait, I will call her…”

Sidharth tried his best to maintain a normal look.

Ranbir, “Kahan hai tu…?”

Shehnaaz spoke on the other end, “I’m coming… just 15 more minutes…”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat. He wanted to hear her voice, growing more impatient with each passing moment.

Nisha snatched the phone, “Sun, tu aati hai tab tak hum Anu ka admission form bhar dete hai.. we will catch you in the lecture directly… don’t be late.”

Sidharth didn’t like it. He came to meet her, eager for her to notice him, to feel their connection. His expression grew somber at the thought of not getting the chance to meet her. But there was nothing he could do, thanks to his hide-and-seek game.

Ankita called Mayank, “Baba, aapki padhai khatam ho gayi ho, toh Admin office me aa jaiyega.. hum sab wohi hai…”

Anu was curiously listening to his reply. Mayank, unaware of the phone being on speaker mode, said, “I’ll meet you in 5 min jaan… love u…”

Ranbir and Nisha giggled at Ankita’s red face, while Anu’s expression was unlike her… but she ignored it.

Through their walk to the principal’s office, Sidharth kept glancing around for any sign of her.

Principal was surprised, “Mr. Shukla, I am really glad to meet you… How come you are here?”

All were shocked to see the principal respecting Sidharth so much, while Anu rolled her eyes. There was no one in the city who didn’t know her brother. Sidharth did a quick handshake with the principal, “Well, I am here for my sister’s admission.”

The principal was thrilled, “Ms. Anishka, you can join classes from today itself… I will speak with staff to help you with the missed out portion.”

By the time they walked out of the principal’s office, the group was pretty impressed.

Ankita smiled excitedly, “Kya baat hai… aap ki to badi chalti hai…”

Sidharth was still confused about what to reply to her.

Mayank shook his head, “Sidharth, aap uski baaton ko seriously mat lijiye… she is just kidding. Well, thanks for trusting us… we all will take good care of Anu.” Anu was delighted with the sweetness of Mayank.

Ranbir and Nisha, “Ab class chale…?”

Sidharth started immediately, “Par Shehnaaz….” Oh my God… Sidharth bit his lips instantly and went silent as he realized what he just said.

Ankita was confused, “Aap Shehnaaz ko jaante hai…? Wow…”

Anu herself was confused, “Nahi bhai nahi jaante… han woh mene kal bataya tha na… isliye poochh rahe hai…”

Sidharth sighed in relief.

Anu realized he must be getting late, “Bhai, me class me ja rahi hu… aap office jao… will catch you in the evening.”

Sidharth grimaced at Anu’s words and half-heartedly nodded in yes. Annoyed, he left.

Shehnaaz just reached the college gates, almost running in her typical knee-length jeans and crop top. “Hey Waheguruji, aaj to sir mera bharta hi bana denge… hamesha der ho jati hai… bacha lena…”

Sidharth was walking through the corridor when he felt her presence. Restless, he looked around for any sign of her but she was nowhere. He smiled because he knew… it’s her presence that always makes him restless.

He started searching for her.

She was in such a hurry, she didn’t even think of him, because expecting him in college was next to impossible. She noticed that there was no crowd anywhere and realized lectures must have started.

She took a deep breath and almost ran up the stairs, lost in herself. “Ohh God… lectures start ho gaya hoga… main to aaj mar gayi… main…”

“Ohh Goddd…” came a sharp voice.

___________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

I hope you enjoyed the latest chapters of our story. These chapters explore the deepening bond between Shehnaaz and Sidharth, capturing their intense emotions, possessive love, and unspoken connection. From their electric touch to their protective instincts, each moment brings them closer together.

How did you feel about Shehnaaz’s growing attachment and Sidharth’s fierce protectiveness? Did their mysterious bond captivate you? Your feedback and thoughts are incredibly important to me, so please share your impressions in the comments below!

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more of this journey with you all!

Also, stay tuned for Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

Don’t forget to follow me on Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka