Chapter 3

Ritaji patted Shehnaaz’s cheek lovingly, “Sastriy kaal beta, kaisa ho aap?”

Shehnaaz smiled cutely, “Hayy kasam lage mujhe agar jhoot bolu me aunty ji… but etna bada ghar dekha toh me dar hi gayi….”

Ritaji looked at Sana in amusement as she asked, “Kyu…?”

Shehnaaz continued her blabbering, “Toh fir… jitna humara ghar hai… usse bada aap ka bedroom lag raha hai mujhe… sachhi.. par abhi me aap se baat ki… abhi me relax ho gayi….” Sana finished sweetly while Ritaji looked at both girls lovingly. “Anu, ye toh carbon copy hai tumhari… bate karne me…”

Anu made a face while Sana bit her lip for having blabbered like an idiot.

Kajal, who was listening to them, walked in, “Are bhabhi ji, ye ladki kaun hai…?”

Everyone turned around to look at Kajal.

Shehnaaz looked at her unsure.

Anu informed, “Aunty, that’s my friend Shehnaaz.”

“Ohhh…” Kajal laughed, rolling herself, “Mujhe laga koi nayi ladki ayi hai kaam pe….”

Color drained from Sana’s face at the comment.

“Kajal…” Rita ji sounded sterner than usual, a voice they hardly heard from her, “There is a way to talk to guests. I believe you haven’t forgotten. Shehnaaz is like a daughter to me, and I will not bear anybody insulting her.”

“Bhabhijiii… me…” Kajal fumbled as she had never heard Rita ji so strict, “Me bas mazak kar rahi thi…” She immediately turned to Sana, whose eyes were filled, moved by Rita Ji’s words. What did she ever do to deserve such love… jahan apno ne dhokha diya… wahan paraye apno se bhi jyada apne ban gaye…

Kajal apologized to Sana and left sulking. Rita ji sighed, “Kajal ki taraf se hum mafi mangte hai beta…”

Shehnaaz cut her immediately, “Aunty ji… please aap mafi mat mangiye… me bilkul hurt nahi hu… sachii… kasam se.”

As they chatted, Anu was literally force-feeding Sana.

Sana held her tummy, “Anu, tu etna jalati hai mere se.”

Anu looked at her in shock along with Rita ji, who didn’t expect that from her.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Aur nahi toh kya… kha kha ke mujhe mota karne ka plan hai na tera… taki tu mujhse jyada sexy dikhe…”

Anu burst into laughter at that while Rita ji couldn’t take her eyes off Sana. She was such a cutie, her face filled with innocence.

Rita ji held her hands lovingly, “Beta… even if you are away from family… khud ko akela nahi samajhna, ok? Hum hai tumhare paas…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes filled as Rita ji continued, “Tumhe koi bhi help chahiye ho… hume haqq se batana, ok? Aur hume milne aate rehna… ok?”

“Hayy aunty ji… aap na toh emotional kar diya mujhe…” Shehnaaz said, wiping her eyes while Rita ji giggled.

Later, Anu took Sana to her room and locked the door from inside.

As both girls got comfortable on the sofa, Anu started, “Achha ab sun, Zoya sirf meri friend hi nahi, humari company ki HR bhi hai. Hum pehle tera proper CV banayenge aur usko denge. Agar tera CV kisi bhi post ke liye shortlist hota hai, toh uske baad tere interview basis pe hi tera selection hoga.”

Shehnaaz was listening to her carefully.

Anu continued, “Main tujhe ghar ke hi rakhne wali thi. But mere Bhai, Mr. Khadus CEO, favouritism bilkul accept nahi karta. Usse ye company me kisi ko bhi pata nahi chalna chahiye ke tu aur main friends hai aur tu Zoya ke sath rehti hai. You don’t know me and Zoya. Zoya ko tera CV consultancy through mila hai jo woh shortlist karegi. Ye sab dimag me proper fit kar le, samjhi?”

Shehnaaz was gawking at Anu, trying to remember everything.

Anu chuckled, “Ab muh band kar aur aage sun.”

Shehnaaz immediately closed her mouth, making Anu giggle, “Interview tujhe apne dam pe hi crack karna hai, so proper practice karni hai.”

Shehnaaz was a little anxious but nodded in agreement.

Later in the evening, they went to the flat where Zoya had already returned from the office.

Zoya and Anu helped Sana prepare her CV.

Once done, Zoya went through the CV properly, “For your profile, abhi sirf ek hi opening hai which is for the boss’s secretary.”

Shehnaaz nodded like, “Okay…” while Anu’s eyes doubled, “Bhai ki secretary… hayy mar gaye.”

“Kyu…” Sana couldn’t understand her reaction.

Zoya made a face at Sana, “Because boss ne last 4 months me hi 10 se jyada employees terminate kar diye hai… uske pehle Verma unke the who never had the opportunity to work with the boss. In short, boss needs complete perfection and professionalism in the job when it comes to his secretary. One mistake and you are out, baby.”

Shehnaaz looked scared now, while something just struck in Anu’s mind, “Koi na… Sana tu karegi… I trust you.”

Shehnaaz felt her confidence boosting and she smiled widely, “Zoya… main tenu boss vich ek chance bhi nahi dena menu job se nikalne vaste.”

Zoya scratched her head, “Tenu… what?”

Anu giggled, “Hindi, Sana baby… Hindi… we are in Mumbai.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “I mean… main ek chance bhi nahi dungi tere khadus boss ko mujhe job se nikalne ka.”

Zoya went defensive, “Kaun bola boss khadus hai…”

Shehnaaz immediately pointed at Anu, who preferred to concentrate on her chips.

Zoya rolled her eyes at Anu’s antics, “Achha listen… I will shortlist your CV on Monday so your interview will be on Tuesday. There will be two written and two oral rounds and the final round will be taken by me as the boss is out of Mumbai. The interview will be strictly professional, no favouritism because I know you personally, so you prepare well, okay?”

Shehnaaz nodded, “But hum toh ek dusre ko jante hi nahi na in office…”

“Ab ye kaun bola…?”

Shehnaaz again pointed at Anu, who was digging into her chips packets and realized it’s empty.

Annoyed, Zoya snatched it and threw it in the dustbin, to which Anu gave an idiot smile.

Zoya focused back on Shehnaaz, “Boss ke wapas aane pe vapas se interview le sakte hai… just a possibility.”

Shehnaaz nodded again like an obedient kid.

Zoya and Anu couldn’t help but pull her cheeks.

She was a baby.

—

**Bangalore**

The meeting went well and both Sidharth and Mayur returned to the hotel.

Sidharth was in a bad mood. First, his afternoon had gone for a toss due to the restlessness he had felt, which was still a shocker for him. Second, the client had arranged a party and wanted Sidharth and Mayur to join, which Sidharth couldn’t deny directly. He hated parties after… he left the thought angrily and decided to take a small nap when his phone rang. A smile appeared on his face, “Maa….”

“Tu pareshan hai kya, Sid…?” Rita asked worriedly at his voice.

Sidharth smiled, “Aap ko humesha kaise pata chal jata hai, Maa…”

Rita ji smiled, “Abhi tak dinner bhi nahi kiya na time par…”

“Client party, Maa… have to attend…” His voice showed the disinterest.

“Happens beta… everything can’t run as per your wish na…” She knew how to change his mood.

Sidharth nodded, “How was your day, Maa…”

“Well… absolutely amazing,” Rita ji beamed ear to ear.

“And why is that…” Sidharth couldn’t remember the last time she was so happy.

“I met Anu’s friend today. Bohat pyari bachii thi…” Rita ji couldn’t stop smiling.

Sidharth wondered why did it make her so happy, “What’s new in this…”

Rita ji preferred not to answer that. She loved teasing Sid, “Leave that, you… sleep some time and don’t skip dinner, okay?”

Sidharth knew her trick, “Tell me na please….”

“Bye son…” With that, Rita ji disconnected the call, leaving Sidharth puzzled.

Avoiding female clients was the biggest task in late-night parties, which was the biggest reason Sidharth avoided such parties. Mayur was amused at his boss, who was bored beyond limits. He always wondered why every girl is at his feet, then why doesn’t he show interest in any girl? What is it about him that he is this way…

___________________________________________

Mayur was lost in thoughts while sipping on his drink when he noticed a woman making her way towards his boss, and the color drained from Sidharth’s face…

**Mumbai**

It was Tuesday, and Shehnaaz was called for her interview in the second half.

Nisha walked into Zoya’s cabin, “Zoya… how’s the file of shortlisted candidates for the secretary post?”

Zoya sighed and continued with her work, “May I know why, Nisha?”

“Excuse me?” Nisha looked at her confused with the question.

“In Sidharth’s absence, I’ll have to take the final interview, so…”

“Wrong…” Zoya closed her file and looked at her, “As HR head, boss has given the responsibility to me.”

Nisha glared at her, “Not possible…”

“Alright…” Zoya knew she wouldn’t listen, “Give me that in writing from the boss, and I’ll do it.”

Nisha continued to glare at her and walked off, not able to reply.

Zoya rolled her eyes and called Shehnaaz, “Hey… where are you?”

“Anu mujhe drop kar rahi hai… 15 min more…”

As Anu dropped her a little far from the office, she asked Sana to go to the 7th floor and said she would join later.

As Shehnaaz reached the entrance, she read the words in bold, “Sidharth Shergil.” The same restlessness… the same sensation passed through again that she had felt at Anu’s house. What is happening to her?

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath… Hey Waheguru ji…

Sidharth, who was having a hot shower, shivered with the sensation… he felt it again… Damn, what is this unknown feeling that is gripping his mind… why is this feeling knocking again… he hated this feeling… he hated love.

Mayur was lost in thoughts while sipping on his drink when he noticed a woman making her way toward his boss. The color drained from Sidharth’s face…

Mumbai

It was Tuesday, and Shehnaz was called for an interview in the second half of the day.

Nisha walked into Zoya’s cabin, “Zoya… how’s the file of shortlisted candidates for the secretary post?”

Zoya sighed and continued with her work, “May I know why, Nisha?”

“Excuse me?” Nisha looked at her, confused by the question.

“In Sidharth’s absence, I’ll have to take the final interview, so…”

“Wrong.” Zoya closed her file and looked at her, “As HR head, boss has given the responsibility to me.”

Nisha glared at her, “Not possible.”

“Alright,” Zoya knew she wouldn’t listen, “give me that in writing from the boss and I’ll do it.”

Nisha continued to glare at her and walked off, unable to reply.

Zoya rolled her eyes and called Shehnaz, “Hey, where are you?”

“Anu mujhe drop kar rahi hai… 15 min more…”

As Anu dropped her a little far from the office, she asked Sana to go to the 7th floor and she would join later.

As Shehnaz reached the entrance, she read the words in bold, “Sidharth Shergill.” The same restlessness… the same sensation passed through her again that she had felt at Anu’s house. What is happening to her?

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath… “Hey Waheguru Ji…”

Sidharth, who was having a hot shower, shivered with the sensation. He felt it again. Damn, what is this unknown feeling that is gripping his mind… why is this feeling knocking at his door again? He hated this feeling. He hated love.

_________________________

There were a total of six candidates shortlisted for the secretary role and a few more for other profiles. Shehnaz’s interview went really well and Zoya happily selected her without any partiality or favoritism. Shehnaz was really happy with the selection and texted the same to Anu.

Zoya tried to be professional, “Congratulations, Ms. Shehnaz. Welcome to Shergils..”

Shehnaz greeted humbly when Nisha walked into the cabin. Nisha didn’t notice Shehnaz yet as she spoke to Zoya, “Selection done for the secretary post?”

Zoya pointed towards Shehnaz dramatically, making her nervous.

Nisha looked at her with great concentration and didn’t fail to notice her beauty. Threat. That was the only thought that came to her mind. Nisha went through her CV and looked at Zoya incredulously, “Are you out of your mind? She is a fresher, Zoya. Experienced nahi tik rahe, how will she?”

Zoya cut her, “Exactly. Experienced nahi kar pa rahe. Why not give a chance to a fresher? She is good and spontaneous.”

“I reject,” Nisha said with finality, throwing the CV on the table.

“Well, I have selected her,” Zoya said with the same finality.

“Oh, please…” Nisha looked at Shehnaz like she was stinking, “Look at her tacky clothes. Who wears such clothes in Mumbai? I am sure ise English bhi nahi ati hogi.”

Shehnaz felt insulted and couldn’t control the sherni within her, “Excuse me for my words, Ms., but it’s not my clothes but my brain that will work here. I hope both the issues are cleared here.” She meant clothes and English.

Nisha glared at her, “First call me ma’am, and how dare you speak rudely to your senior?”

Zoya gawked at Sana in amusement. Oh, she loved this girl.

“Well, the job is not confirmed yet, as it seems from your words, which means I am not an employee yet, which doesn’t give me the right to call you ma’am or respect you.”

Nisha was red in anger while Zoya wanted to laugh out loud. No one ever answered Nisha this way. It was amazing.

“You…” Nisha was cut in mid as Anishka walked in, “What’s happening here? Why so much noise?”

Shehnaz was happy to see Anu while Nisha fumbled, “Ma’am, this candidate is making a scene here and is speaking rudely with me.”

Zoya intervened, “That’s not true, Anu. Nisha wasn’t speaking to her properly. She only replied.” Nisha looked at Zoya with angry eyes.

Anu looked at Shehnaz with no expressions whatsoever, “What profile has she applied for?”

Zoya handed over her CV to Anu, “Sidharth sir’s secretary.”

Nisha tried to fill negativity again, “Ma’am, she is a fresher and blatantly rude… how will she handle Sidharth?”

Anu looked at Nisha with tired eyes, “Nisha, I understand your concern. Let me interview her myself with Zoya. You need to be back in your cabin. Mr. Adwani has come apparently and wants to speak with you or Sidharth.”

Nisha’s hands turned cold as she realized the blueprints weren’t ready yet. If Sidharth finds out… she left hurriedly to her cabin.

Anu looked at Zoya, “How was the interview?”

Zoya’s smile said it all, “She is fantastic.”

Shehnaz smiled, so did Anu.

Zoya looked at Shehnaz, “Congratulations. I will get your confirmation letter done. Also, you will need to provide an address proof which can’t be the same as mine. We will discuss that at home, not here.” Shehnaz nodded while Zoya looked at Anu with a cheeky smile, “I need a party.”

Anu hugged Shehnaz, “Of course, we will party. Sana needs moral support to bear bhai.”

Shehnaz made a baby face, “Darane ke liye thnqqq…”

Anu laughed while Zoya slapped Anu’s head, “Boss is not that bad, okay.”

Anu rolled her eyes like giving up, “Yes, boss ki chamchi.”

And the fight continued.

Shehnaz’s documentation process was done and she was informed to join from Monday.

Nisha couldn’t do anything as everything was under the observation of Anu.

What made Anu spend the entire week in the office was that she had once found her uncle Manish checking out some files in Sidharth’s cabin and had fumbled like a thief caught when she had walked into the cabin. She knew something was terribly wrong. She decided to talk about it with bhai once he is back.

Anu spent a lot of time with Shehnaz, telling her how the office works, all the details she needs to know as a secretary, her bhai’s behavior, what are the things a secretary has to handle, what is to be done in what condition, how to handle pressure, how to handle wrong people like Nisha, how to keep track of work that is done and pending, etc.

They also partied and Anu showed her the city around. Shehnaz found it all so fascinating that she never imagined this type of life. It was so unlike Mohali. She was enjoying every bit of it. She still spoke to her parents every day, letting them be aware of her whereabouts. She thanked her Waheguru Ji every day for his blessings and thanked Anu every day who fought over it.

She also had been trying to call Rajbeer for a week, but he never received any call. She couldn’t understand why he was upset with her but also knew it wouldn’t be long. Life was going smooth.

But… zindagi humesha waisi nahi hoti jaise hum chahte hai… khamoshi ke pichhe kaunsa tufaan chhipa hai… kon janta hai…

A sudden weird thought crossed her mind, making her numb.

Sidharth was supposed to return on Saturday but he decided to have sight visits now that he was here. It was Sunday evening.

Anu had also called Shehnaz to inform her that she couldn’t meet her today as she was going to the airport to receive her cousin Aryan.

The Shergil family brought Aryan home and everyone was happy as he was back after almost a year. The first thing he did was touch badi maa’s feet and hug her dearly, making Kajal jealous. Rita Ji kissed his forehead lovingly, “Ab hum tujhe kahi nahi jane denge firse. Bahot ho gaya.”

“I missed you too, badi maa, and I am not going anywhere now, promise.” Aryan said sweetly.

“Apni mom se bhi mil lo Aryan.” Aryan heard the taunting voice but ignored it and hugged his mother, “I missed you, mom, a lot.”

“Oh, my baby.” kajal wiped her eyes dramatically while Aryan went to his room to keep the stuff.

“Bhai is still not back?” Aryan asked while taking a seat beside Anu.

_________________________________________

Once dinner was done, Anu returned and called her brother, “Bhaiiiii.”

Sidharth held the phone away from his ear at the loud voice, “Anu, why are you shouting?”

“When will you be back?” Anu made a sad face.

Sidharth closed the file that he was reading and got up from the sofa, “Tomorrow morning I will be in the city.”

That made Anu’s day, “Sachhi bhai… omgggg, I love youuuu.”

Sidharth laughed at her antics, “Why are you so happy with my arrival when your fav Aryan bhai has returned?”

Anu fumbled, not knowing how to respond. She didn’t want to mention Shehnaz to Sidharth, “Oof… yeah, I’m missing you a lot.”

“Achha… maa kahan hai?”

“Apne kamre mein hai. Aap unhe call karo. Bye.” Anu disconnected the call before Sidharth could say anything. She then called Shehnaz.

Shehnaz was happy to hear from Anu, “Zoya mujhe market area dikha rahi hai.”

“Achha.” Anu teased, “By the way, bhai kal vapas aa raha hai, toh office mein bhi hoga. Sab thik se karna, darna mat.”

Shehnaz nervously blurted out, “Haye kasam, mujhe laga tha late aayenge. Tab tak thodi aas jayegi.”

Anu laughed, “Chill na yaar, sab thik hoga. Main bhi hoon, aur Zoya bhi hai. Tu tension mat le.”

Anu was interrupted by a knock on the door. Rita Ji walked in, “Anu.”

Anu asked Shehnaz to hold on, “Haan mumma.”

Rita Ji sat beside her, “Sidharth ne mujhe call kiya tha. Keh raha tha Anu pagal ho gayi hai. Tune kya kiya?”

Anu replied on the call, “Shehnaz, main bad me…”

Rita Ji immediately snatched the phone from Anu, shocking her, and put it on speaker, “Shehnaz beta, kaise ho aap?”

Shehnaz smiled hearing Rita Ji’s voice, “Aunty Ji, aap mujhe ‘tum’ kahke bula sakti ho. Main bilkul thik hoon… aap kaise hain?”

Rita Ji loved the affection in her voice, “Sab theek hai. Tum phir se milne nahi aayi… kyun?”

Shehnaz didn’t have an answer, “Maine Anu ko kitna bola mujhe aap se milne le chale, par woh nahi le jati…”

Anu’s eyes widened at the false accusation while Shehnaz giggled, “Nahi nahi… main zarur milne aungi… vaada.”

“Apna khayal rakhna beta. Bye.”

The call ended, and Anu looked accusingly at her mother, “Aakhir kab mujhse itne pyaar se baat ki thi aapne…”

Rita Ji affectionately messed up Anu’s hair and left with a smirk, leaving Anu even more annoyed.

Jokes aside, Anu wanted bhai to be in the office on Sana’s first day. She wondered how their first encounter would be. Dono mein aag hai… kaun pehle jalega?

Anu chuckled at the thought and then closed her eyes. Shehnaz aur Siddharth… OMG!!!

___________________________________
A new day had begun, marking the start of a new life. Shehnaaz woke up early, informing Zoya that she was going to the Gurudwara and would be back soon so they could leave for the office.

She prayed to her Waheguru Ji, thanking him for everything, and then stepped out into the fresh morning air.

Shehnaaz was about to cross the road when she noticed a kid running into the street, oblivious to the speeding car heading towards him. Her heart skipped a beat as fear gripped her. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards the child and scooped him up into her arms. She stood rooted in the middle of the road, her heart pounding, as the car came to a screeching halt just inches from her feet.

The driver managed to stop the car in time, narrowly avoiding a tragic accident. Shehnaaz clutched the child tightly, her body trembling with fear and relief. She continued to hug the kid, trying to steady her racing heart, when a strong hand suddenly gripped her shoulder and a loud voice demanded, “Have you lost your mind?”

The turn was so abrupt that she lost her balance, the weight of the child making her stumble. She fell into the arms of the man who had turned her around.

Love

There is no definition of love… if you care for someone, it’s love. If the person makes you smile, it’s love. If you want to be with someone despite them hurting you, it’s love. There is no right or wrong in love… it’s just Love.

His breath caught in his throat as he felt her crash into his arms. Satisfaction. That’s what it felt like. He couldn’t see her, but she paused his life. Her breaths falling on his chest sent shivers through him. What was happening? His palm still gripped her wrist tightly, like he never wanted to let go.

When she fell into his arms, she knew it was her  home. It was where she belonged. Her head rested on his heart, and his steady heartbeat gave her life. Blood rushed to her cheeks, making them red instantly. The painful grip on her wrist didn’t bother her. What was this feeling?

What was this feeling that tied them together in that moment, making them want it to last forever?

The loud sound of horns brought them back to reality. They separated from each other as if they might burn each other.

Sidharth looked at her.

Shehnaz looked at him.

And it happened—the magic happened.

Sidharth couldn’t take his eyes off her. Beautiful, he breathed within. Her straight hair falling on her face, her almond eyes with kohl smudged at the corners, her skin a perfect combination of pink and white, her cheeks almost red, her lips… He felt it difficult to breathe and looked away. What the hell? He was checking out a girl who was a mother of a kid. What is wrong with you, Sidharth?

The moment Shehnaz’s eyes fell on the man in front of her, she knew she had lost her heart forever. The man, clad in a black suit that hugged every curve of his toned body, had eyes so intense that it felt like they could see straight through her to her heart. He was beyond handsome, and there was something about him that connected her to him. Then he looked away, and startled, she was brought back to reality. What the hell is she thinking?

The kid’s mother came running to them and took her child into her arms. “Mera bachha, tu thik hai na? Aisa koi bhagta hai kya road pe…haan?”

The kid is not hers, Sidharth thought, but then got angry with himself for thinking about it.

Shehnaz tried to ease out the woman. “Didi, relax kijiye…isme bachhe ki kya galti…galati toh ye mahashay ki hai.” With that, Shehnaz looked at Sidharth angrily. Sidharth was already angry at her carelessness in walking on the road like that, but her blaming him added fuel to the fire. “What…it’s my fault?”

Shehnaz took two steps back under his angry gaze but couldn’t control her anger. “Aur nahi toh kya…car chala rahe the ke hawai jahaj? Road pe bachhe aa sakte hai…bujh sakte hai…car dhire chalani chahiye…etna bhi nahi pata?”

“Ek toh galti karti ho aur upar se mujhpe ilzam lagati ho…” Sidharth replied back in the same anger.

Shehnaz’s mouth opened in shock, forming a wide “O” shape. “Hayy rabba…meri galati? Ek toh chori, upar se sina jori!”

Sidharth was momentarily lost in her cute, indignant face but quickly snapped out of it. “Shut up…do you even know who you are talking to?”

Shehnaz fanned her face. “Mujhe janna bhi nahi hai…galati hai toh hai.”

Sidharth closed his eyes, thinking about where the hell he had landed.

“Ankhen band kar lene se galati kam nahi ho jayegi,” Shehnaz said, making him more angry. “Sorry bol do, kissa khatam karo.”

“Me and sorry?” He couldn’t believe she was real. “Apni hadd me raho tum. Main tum jaisi ladkiyon ko achi tarah janta hoon. Tum sab paise ugalwane wale kaam karti ho.”

She was shocked at his baseless allegation. “Lagta hai aaj tak isi tarah ke logon se hi pala pada hai aapka.”

Hurt by his words, she was about to retort further when her phone rang. She saw Zoya was calling her, and she realized she was getting late for her job on her first day. That’s not good.

She closed her eyes to calm her anger down, while Sidharth went silent, noticing the sadness on her face. Maybe he had gone overboard, but then his thoughts angered him more. Sidharth Shergill is not bothered about a mere girl’s emotions, but he still couldn’t stop himself from looking at her. She looked serene with her eyes closed.

As Shehnaz opened her eyes, he immediately looked away, trying to remain angry.

Shehnaz gave him a cold smile. “Bye. Let’s never meet again.”

Something stabbed within him at those words, but brushing aside his thoughts, he gave the same cold smile. “That’s all I can say. Good.”

With that, they turned away from each other and walked toward their destinations.

As Shehnaz returned to her flat, Zoya noticed she was upset and asked for the reason.

Shehnaz recounted what happened, to which Zoya suggested she not get into such fights in Mumbai. Shehnaz nodded in agreement, and they both left for the office.

_______________

When Sidharth returned, he was seething with anger. How dare that girl talk to him so rudely? Who does she think she is? No one talks to Sidharth Shergill like that. Rita Ji walked into his room, noticing his off mood. “Sid, tu thik hai?”

“Maa, that girl…who does she think she is?” Sidharth couldn’t get her out of his mind, which irritated him even more. All he could remember was her in his arms when he had pulled her. Hell, hell, hell. What is wrong with you, Sidharth?

“Which girl? Will you tell me properly what happened?”

Sid told her the entire incident, and Rita Ji broke into giggles.

Sidharth made a face and hid his face in a pillow.

Rita Ji shook her head. “Chalo, at least kisi me toh dam hai tere se aankhon me dekh kar ladne ka.”

“Maa, apko mazak sujh raha hai?” Sidharth turned around to rest his head in his mother’s lap.

“It’s okay, Sid. You both were right, and you both were wrong. Let it go, beta.”

Sidharth knew his mother was right, but that’s what he was not able to do. He couldn’t take her out of his mind. Shut up, shut up, shut up.

__________________

Later, Aryan met Sidharth at the breakfast table, and they chatted for a long time. Anu joined them all ready. “Bhai, you are still not ready?”

Sidharth put his hand around his sister lovingly. “Ready for what?”

Anu looked at him incredulously. “Office, bhai…aur kahan?”

“Well, I am not coming to the office today,” Sidharth said matter-of-factly.

Anu looked at him like he had grown horns on his head. “What? Why, bhai? You have to.”

“Why do I have to?” Now it was Sidharth’s turn to be confused.

Anu fumbled, thinking of an excuse. “What I meant is…you were on a trip for a long time, na bhai? So I thought you would join back today.”

Sidharth gave it a thought. “Fair, but if you remember what I had told you, I am going camping.”

“Oh no,” Anu thought. Bhai will meet Sana today. “Kuchh din baad chale jana, bhai.”

“I wish,” Sidharth sighed, “but I am in a very bad state of mind, Anu. I need it badly.” Only Sidharth knew how badly he needed a distraction to get the girl out of his mind, the girl clad in a yellow chudidaar. Sidharth, forget her.

Anu thought about it. If Bhai joins the office in a bad mood, it’s not good for Sana. “Fine, but be back soon.” With that, she hugged both brothers and left for the office.

Aryan then looked at Sidharth. “Bhai, even I wanted to talk. I need a suggestion. Should I apply for a job before results or wait for results?”

Sidharth patted his back lovingly. “Let your results come first. Enjoy these few days of freedom, fir zindagi bhar kaam hi karna hai tujhe.”

Aryan nodded with a smile while Sidharth left for his room.

____________________

Zoya made Sana comfortable in a small cabin which was just beside Sidharth’s, with a glass partition in between. “Ye raha apka cabin, Sana Ji.”

Shehnaz looked around the cabin in excitement. “Hayy rabba, kitna achha hai!”

Zoya informed her about the tasks she needed to do once the IT department arrived and then left for her own cabin.

Shehnaaz made herself comfortable and arranged the basic stuff she had brought with her. She watched through the glass partition, noting that her boss hadn’t arrived yet.

She was waiting for Anu and the IT department when Nisha walked in. “Enjoying your new office, Ms. Shehnaz?”

Shehnaaz stood up from her seat and smiled humbly. Anu had

suggested she not get into silly fights with Nisha. “Good morning, ma’am.”

Nisha smirked and thumped three files on her desk loudly. “Go through them and get the documentation done.” With that, she left with a cunning smile, thinking Sana would never be able to do it on her own on her first day.

Shehnaaz sighed and took the files in her hand. “Wahe Guru Ji, meher rakhna apni bachhi pe.”

She started checking the first file when the door was knocked and Anu walked in. “Yoo, someone is busy.”

Shehnaaz was so happy to see Anu that she immediately went and hugged her tight.

Anu hugged her back, worried. “Kya hua baby?”

“Kuch nahi…just…” Shehnaaz finally came out of the hug.

Anu understood she was a bit scared. “Me hun na tere sath. Relax kar…waise bhi Bhai is not coming to the office.”

“Why?” Shehnaaz was relieved but wasn’t at peace.

She couldn’t understand what was happening to her. She was thinking about the man from the morning fight. The way she was wrapped in his arms, she never felt this way for anybody before. His eyes were so intense, his height, his toned body, his painful hold on her wrist…it still had its imprint, like a memory. “Shehnaaz, kya ho gaya hai tujhe…bhulja usse. He was just a stranger.”

Anu noticed her lost in her own world and shook her lightly. “Kahan khoyi hai tu?”

Shehnaaz looked at her, startled. “Haan…kya? Kuch nahi…woh…Nisha ma’am ne files diye hain documentation banane ke liye.”

Anu sighed, not understanding what was wrong with Nisha. “Koi na, I’ll help you. Tu sad na ho.”

Shehnaaz felt lonely all of a sudden. “Tere bhai kyu nahi aa rahe?”

Anu looked at her with concentration and a soft smile appeared on her face. “Kyu…tuze milna tha Bhai se?”

Meanwhile, Sidharth packed his stuff for the outing, met his mother, and left immediately.

Shehnaaz couldn’t understand what was happening to her. She never felt so weird, like someone dear was going far away. Tears formed in her eyes.

Shocked, Anu immediately hugged her. “Kyu pareshan hai, Sana? Bata mujhe.”

Sana hugged her back. “Aisa feel ho raha hai…ke koi apna mujhse door ja raha hai.”

________________________

I hope you enjoyed this chapter of our story. This chapter dives into the emotional and unexpected encounter between Shehnaz and Sidharth, exploring the immediate, intense connection they share. Their clash, combined with tender moments, sets the stage for a complex and heartfelt relationship.

How did you feel about their first meeting and the emotions it stirred? Were you able to connect with Shehnaz’s innocence and Sidharth’s conflicting feelings? What did you think of the vibrant supporting characters like Zoya and Anu? Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so please let me know in the comments below!

Looking forward to hearing from you and excited to share more of this journey with you all!

Also, stay tuned for “Baarish,”  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