Chapter 11

It was midway through the lectures when the door swung open, and a senior lecturer walked in with a new student.

Shehnaaz, along with the rest of the class, stood up and then sat back down.

The lecturer began, “Students, this is Shikhar… Shikhar Singhaniya…”

Shikhar offered a faint smile to everyone. The lecturer spoke further, “He has joined us today. I know it’s quite late in the term, but I hope all of you will cooperate with him and help him catch up on the missed syllabus…”

The students responded with various degrees of enthusiasm—some genuinely welcoming, others less so. Shikhar made his way to an empty seat, settling in quietly.

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After the lectures, Shehnaaz and her friends headed to the canteen. As they chatted, Shikhar approached them.

Everyone greeted him, but he barely acknowledged them. Instead, he sat down next to Shehnaaz, “Hey… I’m Shikhar… you…?”

The group exchanged puzzled glances, and Shehnaaz offered a polite smile, “Umm… I’m Shehnaaz… hi…”

Ranbir, trying to make conversation, asked, “Hi… this is Ranbir… why did you take admission so late…?”

Shikhar barely glanced at Ranbir, focusing instead on Shehnaaz with a smile, “Nice name, Shehnaaz… I’m throwing a party tonight at Ville Disc… Would you like to join?”

Ranbir and the group were taken aback by Shikhar’s attitude. Shehnaaz felt uneasy under his intense gaze, which seemed to hold a hint of something unwanted. Clearing her throat, she responded,

“Umm… I really can’t. I have other plans… maybe some other time.”

Shikhar didn’t take kindly to her refusal. He leaned in a bit closer, “Come on… I mean, you can come with your friends… you’re all invited. Don’t spoil the mood…”

Mayank interjected, “We really can’t, Shikhar… By the way, nice to meet you. We should be heading out now…”

Shikhar persisted, “Come on, Shehnaaz… We’re classmates now… It’s just a party… Come on, guys, okay… I’ll host it at home if that’s better. Please, don’t say no… for me, please…”

The group stared at him, confused by his insistence. Ranbir’s gaze was sharp as he watched Shikhar’s unwanted attention on Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, thinking to herself, *“Is he crazy? Koi baat samajh nahi aati kya isse? Ten times we’ve said we can’t, and he still insists…”*

Shikhar, misinterpreting their silence as consent, quickly handed six invitation cards to Shehnaaz. His fingers brushed hers as he placed the cards in her hand. Without waiting for a response, he walked away.

Shehnaaz recoiled from his touch, feeling an odd discomfort she couldn’t quite name. The group exchanged uncomfortable glances before heading out.

—

Shikhar watched them leave with a peculiar smile, his gaze lingering on Shehnaaz. *You have to, Shehnaaz… you have to…* With that thought, he turned and walked away.

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As soon as Shehnaaz reached her room, her phone rang. Excited, she answered quickly, “Kahiye…”

Sidharth’s chuckle came through, “Pehle darwaza to band kar lo…”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, thinking, *How did he know I was in my room? He’s impossible.* She locked the door and made her way to the bed, lounging lazily.

Sidharth’s voice teased, “Blue dress mein achi lag rahi ho…”

Surprised, Shehnaaz jumped up, “Aap kaha ho…?”

Sidharth’s smile was evident in his voice, “Har jagah…”

Shehnaaz pouted, “Mujhe milna hai aap se…”

Sidharth’s tone was playful, “Kyu…”

Shehnaaz made a face at his teasing, “You are bad, Jana… I hate—”

Before she could finish, she felt herself being lifted into the air, cradled in strong arms. The familiar scent enveloped her. Her eyes flew open, and she smiled, excited to be in her man’s embrace.

She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his face repeatedly, leaving traces of lipstick everywhere.

Sidharth beamed as he let her shower him with affection. Realizing what she had done, Shehnaaz blushed deeply and buried her face in his neck. He chuckled softly and kissed her hair, tightening his hold around her, “Mera bachha…”

Her cheeks flushed even more as her fingers gently ran through his hair, “Aap kab aaye…”

“When you were planning to sleep… like always…” he teased, and she looked up at him with a pout, “Aapko ko main lazy bum lagti hun…?”

“Of course not, baby…” he said with a chuckle, lowering her closer and pecking her scrunched nose.

Shehnaaz playfully complained, “Pata hai, sab mujhe college mein puchh rahe the… meri dressing sense kaise change ho gayi…” She looked at him as if to show her frustration, like a child.

Pulling her closer, Sidharth walked towards the balcony, holding her securely in his arms. They didn’t care about anyone else; they were lost in their own world.

He set her down, his arms still wrapped around her waist, “Toh unse keh dena… ye tumhare jana ki pasand hai ye…”

Shehnaaz laughed, “Aahahaha… bahot easy hai na aapke liye bolna… They will bombard me with questions… Mere friends pata nahi hai aapko kitne weird hain…”

“Tell me about it…” he murmured, recalling one of her friends’ questions about his “dolle sholle” 

Noticing him mumbling to himself, Shehnaaz asked, “Khud se kya batein ho rahi hain… Meri complaint kar rahe hain aap…”

Shaking his head, Sidharth kissed her lips softly, his kiss lingering to melt her irritation. It worked; she melted into his embrace, almost as if she would fall if he didn’t hold her.

Breaking the kiss reluctantly, Sidharth turned her around abruptly. She leaned back against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat against her back. His breath was warm against her ear as he asked softly, “Tum waqt pe khana kyu nahi khati…?”

Goosebumps spread across her neck as his face nestled into the curve. 

“Sidharth…” she moaned as her body began to melt in his embrace. He growled in frustration, “Kuch puchha maine Naaz…?”

She smiled, savoring his unique way of showing care, “Aap ne kyu nahi khaya…?”

Sidharth’s voice was filled with tenderness, “I will not tolerate this carelessness behavior towards food…”

Shehnaaz loved his words. Every time she saw him, she found a new facet of Sidharth—sometimes angry, sometimes romantic, sometimes possessive, sometimes mature.

Sidharth stood close behind her, and Shehnaaz rested comfortably against his chest. They were completely absorbed in each other as they gazed up at the sky. Black clouds were slowly covering the heavens, and a drop of rain fell onto Shehnaaz’s lower lip. Sidharth’s eyes were fixed on that drop, a protective intensity in his gaze. He felt a surge of possessiveness—no one else had the right to touch her but him.

As the rain began to pour more heavily, they were drenched. The downpour seemed to celebrate their love, as if nature itself was rejoicing in their connection. The raindrops danced around them, mingling with their passion.

Shehnaaz shivered as Sidharth’s arms tightened around her. Seeing her shivering, lifted her into his arms, taking her inside. He placed her on the bedside table and wrapped her in a warm embrace, his hands rubbing her back soothingly.

With the storm raging outside, he murmured, “Me hun na mera bachha…” His soothing words were meant to comfort her. She was his world, and he was determined to keep her safe and warm.

Sidharth’s gaze was possessive as he studied her damp, smudged makeup—her kohl smeared, lipstick faded, perhaps due to the rain or his kisses. He could still taste her strawberry lipstick on his lips.

“Baby…” he mumbled softly, unsure if she even heard him. Her grip tightened on his shirt, and his fingers gripped the end of the table, not trusting himself in the moment. He didn’t want to shatter her dreams; the thought of her regretting anything between them was unbearable. She was more special than she could ever know.

She took his hands and pulled them around herself, seeking his embrace. He surrendered to her need, pulling her closer and resting his chin on her head as she took deep breaths, savoring his warmth.

“Jake, change karlo, you will catch cold, baby…” he said, rubbing her back gently to keep her warm.

She clung to him tighter, not ready to let go. He chuckled softly when she wrapped her arms around his neck, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. Her nose nuzzled against him, revealing how much she cherished the moment. What could be more perfect than this?

“Change karlo, Shehnaaz…” he mumbled again, feeling desires stir within him.

Smiling, she went to her closet and fetched a towel. He extended his hand to take it, but she firmly guided him to the bed, placing the towel on his head. As he wiped the traces of water from his hair, neck, and shoulders, she said softly, “Aap please thodi der shirt nikal dijiye, it’s soaked in water…”

“Go and change, baby…” he said sternly this time, and she made her way to the washroom.

When she emerged, he was clad only in his vest, his eyes admiring her in the blue satin wrap. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from his toned, muscular physique. She fumbled, realizing what she was doing, and said, “Aap jana nahi, me lunch leke aati hun…” before quickly leaving, closing the door behind her.

He sighed and settled back on the bed, thinking about the call from the bodyguard he had hired for Shehnaaz. The guard reported a new guy constantly sitting beside Shehnaaz today. Sidharth needed to ensure she was safe.

His thoughts were interrupted when she returned with a plate of food. She sat beside him, feeding him first before eating herself.

“Tumhe aaj kisine pareshan kiya college me?” he asked suddenly, causing her hand to pause mid-air. He bent forward, eating from her fingers, “Aap ko kaise pata?”

His eyes flashed with concern and anger. “Tumne mujhe bataya kyu nahi? What did he do?”

Shehnaaz realized her admission had been understood as a statement. “Offo, pareshan nahi kiya. New admission hai class me. Woh just hume aaj sham ko party ke liye invite kar raha tha…”

Sidharth’s tone was firm. “Tum party me nahi jaogi…”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Me kya, koi bhi nahi jane wala…”

Sidharth sighed. “Agar koi tumhe pareshan karne ki koshish bhi karega, you will straight away call me…”

Shehnaaz nodded, continuing to feed him until they were both done. He loved being pampered by her. She went to the washroom to clean her hands and returned to find him in a shirt. “Aap ja rahe hai?” Her voice was laced with sadness.

He pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. “Office me kaam hai na bachha…”

She nodded and rested her head on his chest. He held her close until she felt better and then left, ensuring she was fast asleep, wrapped in her duvet.

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The group was on a conference call, discussing the party. Shehnaaz had already declined the invitation, and no one was interested anyway.

Anu was jolted by an index finger poking her shoulder. Surprised, she saw Karan and excused herself from the call. They embraced, and Karan said, “Tere paas 10 min hai tayyar hone ke liye…”

Anu looked puzzled. “Tayyar par kyu? Shweta nahi aayi tere sath…”

Karan rolled his eyes. “Shweta is in London. Uski engagement ki date fix ho rahi hai…”

Anu was taken aback. “Engagement? Mujhe laga you and her…” she trailed off, and Karan laughed. “Are you mad? You know me. Etni asani se tera pichha nahi chhodunga…”*

Anu smiled, feeling guilty. “You know what, now I can understand what you would have felt when I denied your proposal…”

Karan shook his head. “Anu, I respected your decision. But at the same time, I tried enough but still couldn’t control this heart…”

Anu sighed. “Why is love so complicated?”

Karan chuckled. “Pyar ka matlab ye toh nahi ke usse paya hi jaye. Pyar pane ke liye nahi hota Anu. Agar humne usse nahi paya toh kya hum usse pyar karna bhi chhod de? Koi jabardasti hai kya? Awehi bhi toh pyar kar sakte hai…”

Anu stared at him, absorbing his words, and their conversation continued, filled with unresolved feelings.

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Rita ji overheard their conversation and retreated to her room, deep in thought. She was shocked to learn about Karan and Anu’s discussion. Hamari bachee kisi se pyar karti hai, aur hume is bare me kuchh bhi nahi pata. Sidharth, despite being reserved, could share his heart with them, so why was Anu so closed off? Aisa kya huva hai ke Anu apni zindagi ka koi hissa apni maa se share nahi karna chahti? Her eyes filled with tears as she realized Anu was unhappy and she hadn’t noticed. Hume Anu se baat karni hogi. Uske ye naye dost, hum unme se kisi ko jante tak nahi. Waqt badal raha hai, humare bache bhi badal rahe hai. Hume aur humare vicharon ko Sidharth samajhate hai, par Anu abhi bhi bachee hai. Kahin wo ye na soche ke hum uski zindagi me dakhal de rahe hai. Aur Karan… Karan ko hum jante hai. Agar Anu dukhi hai to wo use jarur is sab se bahar layega. Hume Anu ko thoda waqt dena chahiye…

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Sidharth was seated with his mother, discussing a project when Vicky entered the living room.

Sidharth looked at him. “Vicky, come here…”

Vicky stopped, a bit scared of the stern tone. “Ji bhai…”

Sidharth rose from his seat. “Maa ki reports kya aayi?”

Vicky looked down, anxious. “Wo bhai, actually… pata nahi kaise… me…”

Sidharth cut him off sarcastically. “Me bhul gaya, is it?”

Rita ji sighed. “Sid, chhod na…”

Sidharth continued. “Doctor uncle ne tumhe reports collect karne ke liye kaha tha. Tum bhul gaye. Jis din reports milne wali thi, maine usi din collect kar li thi. Maa ki sugar level down hai aur medicines changes kar diye hai. Agar reports aur medication time par change nahi hota, toh maa ki tabiyat aur kharab ho sakti thi…”

Vicky looked down, and Rita ji signaled Sidharth to be quiet. Sidharth turned away. “Maa, aap jakar aaram kijiye…”

Rita ji tried again.*“Sidharth…” but Sidharth cut her off. “Nahi maa, aap ki taraf koi ignorant behaviour bardasht nahi karunga, me. Be it anyone…”

Rita ji shook her head and left.

Sidharth turned to Vicky. “Vicky, kyu pareshan hai itna?”

Vicky sighed. “Bhai, I had enough connections, time pass types. But this is not any time pass relation. I love her a lot, and I’m certain she loves me too. Jab hum kisi se pyar karte hai, to itne demanding kyu ban jate hai? Wo insan humse kaise expect kar sakta hai ke jo wo kahe hum wohi kare? Tara… wo jo kahegi me wohi karugi. She loves me, but she has not owned me.”

Sidharth listened intently. In some ways, Vicky was right, but in others, he was wrong. “Me bhi Shehnaaz se keh ta hu, ye karo, ye mat karo, par wo bina ek lafz kahe maan leti hai. It’s not demand, it’s right that I have on her. It’s trust that she sees in me. She knows I can never do something which is wrong for her…”

Sidharth patted Vicky’s cheek. “Vicky, tumne khud hi apne sawalon ke jawab de diye. Tumne hi kaha, she loves me but she has not owned me. Jab hum kisi se pyar karte hai, tab hum usi ke ho jate hai. Hum are har hisse par uska haq ho jata hai. Agar tumhare andar ye feeling nahi hai that she owns you, give yourself and her some space, some time to understand each other. Wait till you get that feeling for each other, that you own each other. If you still don’t get the feeling, you both have to understand that you are not made for each other. There will be someone made by God who will listen to you without asking a single question, and you yourself will feel that you can change for her…”

Vicky listened carefully, trying to understand his brother’s deep words.

Sidharth continued. “Apni zindagi me itne bhi ulajhe mat raho, ke apno ka bhi khayal na rahe. Me samjhta hu ke tum pareshan ho apne future ko lekar, par tum unhe to nahi bhul sakte jo tumhara past bhi the aur future bhi honge. Maa ko lekar… tum itne careless kaise ho sakte ho Vicky? Aur Anu… Anu ke karib tum mujhse zyada ho. Kaun use milta hai, wo kya karti hai, kya nahi, tumhe usse bhi waqt dena chahiye. Vicky, tum ab bache nahi ho. Tum ghar ki taraf bhi dhyan dena sikhna hoga…”*

Vicky looked down, feeling immense guilt. He felt his brother hug him. “Me apni zimmedariyon ko achhe se nibhaunga bhai. Aur aap dekhna, ab apki, maa ki aur Anu ki taraf se koi shikayat nahi aayegi…”

Sidharth smiled with pride and left the room.

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Back in his room, Sidharth dialed Shehnaaz’s number, his fingers trembling slightly as he waited for her to pick up.

Shehnaaz answered with her usual lively tone, “Haan ji, boliye…” The cheerful lilt in her voice momentarily eased the tension in Sidharth’s chest. He smiled, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, “Kuch nahi, mera bachha, bas yuhi call kiya…”

Shehnaaz’s keen sense of perception picked up on the subtle shift in his tone. “Aap pareshan lag rahe ho… kya baat hai?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sidharth was taken aback by how effortlessly she sensed his unease. He tried to reassure her, “Kuch nahi, naaz…”

But Shehnaaz wasn’t convinced. She had always shared every fragment of her life with him, trusting him with her innermost thoughts and feelings. It hurt her to think he couldn’t do the same.

Sidharth noticed the abrupt silence on the other end of the line. “Kya hua? Chhup kyun ho gayi?” His voice carried a blend of concern and frustration.

Shehnaaz mumbled softly, “Kuch nahi…” The quietness in her voice struck Sidharth like a dagger. “Kya baat hai jaan? Tum udas lag rahi ho… Kisine tumse kuch kaha?” he inquired, his voice filled with worry.

Shehnaaz didn’t respond, and Sidharth’s frustration grew. “Shehnaaz, tum kuch bologi?”

With a sigh, Shehnaaz replied, “Nahi, Sidharth… Kuch bhi to nahi… Wo mujhe nind aa rahi hai bas…”

Sidharth’s frustration flared. “Jaan, tum jhoot kyun bol rahi ho? Aur wo bhi mujhse?”

Shehnaaz shook her head. “Aisa kuch nahi hai…”

Sidharth’s heart ached. His Shehnaaz was upset about something, and she wasn’t opening up to him. It felt like a betrayal that she wouldn’t confide her troubles, particularly since she had always been an open book with him.

His voice grew stern, tinged with possessiveness. “Mera bachha, aise kuch bhi nahi… Aise koi baat nahi hai jo tum mujhse share na kar sako. Hum dono ke beech koi aisi baat nahi honi chahiye jo hum ek dusre se chhupayein. Main bardasht nahi kar sakta ke tum mujhse kuch na batao…”

Her silence only deepened his frustration. Why was she quiet? Why was Shehnaaz sad?

Shehnaaz, almost resigned, whispered, “Agar yahi ummeed mein aapse rakhu toh…?”

The words hung heavily in the air, and Sidharth felt a sharp pang of guilt. He realized how his reticence had hurt her. Her voice, so soft and vulnerable, was a painful reminder of his own failure. He had never meant to make her feel this way. It dawned on him that he had been unfair, keeping her in the dark about his own troubles while she had always been an open book for him.

Before Sidharth could respond, Shehnaaz continued, “Sidharth… mujhe haqq hai. Aur agar aapne mujhe nahi bataya, toh main wahan aakar aapke sir pe baith kar puchhungi. Phir dekhti hoon aap kaise nahi batate…”

Sidharth’s lips curved into a smile, and he closed his eyes, surrendering to her once again. Who could dare call her childish? He knew she didn’t want him to apologize; she just wanted him to be honest. His love for her deepened with every passing moment.

Sidharth murmured, “Mera bachha…”

Shehnaaz’s giggle, soft and melodious, was like a balm to his restless heart. Her laughter lifted him from his worries, taking him to a place where only love mattered.

Shehnaaz teased, “Mujhe haqq hai, main aapse kuch bhi puchh sakti hoon, aur aapko jawab dena hoga…”

Sidharth chuckled, “Haan baby…”

Shehnaaz’s grin widened. “Jab hum saath honge, aur aapne mere kisi sawal ka jawab nahi diya, toh… toh haan, aap mujhe ek pura din kiss nahi karenge.”

Sidharth was taken aback. “No…” The thought of such a consequences shocked him.

Shehnaaz’s grin only grew. “Yes…”

Sidharth shook his head, marveling at how she could make him discuss the most nonsensical things. Only his Shehnaaz could make him do that, and he loved her for it.

Shehnaaz’s smile warmed his heart. “Achha, ab batayiye, aap pareshan kyun lag rahe the?”

Sidharth sighed deeply, missing her warmth. “Maa ki tabiyat ko lekar… I just want you here, to hold me and ease my worries.”

Shehnaaz made a baby face. “Bas kuch din unka achhe se khayal rakhiye. Ek baar main aa jaungi na, fir maa ka khayal rakhne ki zimmedari meri…”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat. The casual mention of their future together made him smile like never before. Marriage! The thought filled him with an indescribable joy.

As Shehnaaz disconnected the call out of blush, Sidharth found himself grinning widely. His cheeks ached from the smile that wouldn’t fade. “Bilkul pagal hai mera bachha,” he murmured to himself, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and longing.

He hugged the duvet tightly, pulling a pillow close as he prepared for sleep. A smile lingered on his lips, his heart brimming with affection for the woman who had, without realizing it, become his entire world.

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Meanwhile, in a quiet corridor of the college, Shikhar seethed with anger. His frustration stemmed from Shehnaaz’s absence from the party he had organized solely for her. Despite his multiple attempts to contact her, she had not shown up. His eyes blazed with fury as he thought about how Shehnaaz had ignored his repeated requests.

He waited for her until the party ended, a sense of betrayal settling over him. “How dare you not listen to me, Shehnaaz? How dare you?” His anger surged with each passing moment. 

Shikhar’s thoughts darkened as he considered the consequences of her actions. “Toh kya hua ke hum itne saal door rahe hain? Use pata hai na ke wo mere liye kitni important hai. Fir bhi, wo aise kaise kar sakti hai? Aur agar main uspar chillaunga, toh uski pyari si ankhon me aansoon aa jayenge. Wo rote huye achhi nahi lagti, par use daatna to hoga na, warna agle baar meri baat kaise maane gi?” His thoughts grew more menacing, his eyes locked on the corridor as he awaited her arrival.

In class, Shikhar’s anger simmered as he saw Nisha and Anu enter. He put on a façade of calm, though his heart was still burning with frustration. He greeted them with a strained smile, “Baki sab kahan hain? Mayank, Shehnaaz…?”

Nisha responded with a polite smile, “Wo sab bhi aate hi honge. Lecture ke liye abhi time hai na…”

Shikhar sighed. “Ohh, how was your day yesterday? You guys didn’t come for the party. I was a little disappointed.”

Anu quickly offered an excuse. “Actually, I went to dinner with a friend of mine. So baki sab bhi nahi aaye…”

Shikhar’s eyes narrowed slightly, his displeasure evident. “”Oh, so Anu is the reason… It seems Shehnaaz has gotten involved with the wrong crowd.” I don’t like it. Shehnaaz ko unse dosti todni hogi.”

As Nisha and Anu chatted, Shikhar’s gaze fixed on the door. Shehnaaz entered with Ranbir, Mayank, and Ankita, and Shikhar’s eyes lit up with an unexpected happiness that did not go unnoticed by Anu. She sensed something different in Shikhar’s demeanor, particularly in his eyes.

Shehnaaz was caught in a squabble between Ranbir and Ankita. She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Kaunse bure waqt pe ye log mujhe gate ke idhar mile… wahan se jhagad rahe hain…”

Ankita groaned, “Ye sab Ranbir ka fault hai…”

Ranbir retorted, “Apni galti to tujhe kabhi dikhati nahi…”

Shikhar’s smile faltered as he watched Shehnaaz take her seat. He greeted her with forced cheerfulness, “Hi Shehnaaz. Tum kal party me nahi aayi. I waited for you.”

Shehnaaz looked confused. “Sorry, Shikhar. I was a little busy yesterday…”

Shikhar’s anger flared. “Busy… with whom?”

Shehnaaz was taken aback. “Sorry?”

Ranbir interrupted, “Me and Shehnaaz went shopping…”

Shikhar’s face darkened with anger and a trace of hatred towards Ranbir. His frustration was palpable, and he felt a burning

resentment towards Shehnaaz for aligning with Ranbir and not taking his side.

Shehnaaz didn’t deny the shopping trip, but she felt cornered as Ranbir spoke on her behalf. She smiled anxiously, “Yes, we went shopping.”

Shikhar’s temper flared. He was displeased with Ranbir’s proximity to Shehnaaz and felt betrayed that she had not sided with him. He resolved to reprimand her for her disregard and ignorance

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