Chapter 19

His arm around her neck worked as a dupatta for her.

 “Sidharth…” Her soft mumble made him fall for her allover again, “Mere hote hue, tumhe dupatte ki kya jarurat hai… mujhe odh lo khud par.”

As his words reached her ears, a familiar blush ran through her cheeks, turning them a deeper shade of red.

Seeing the color rise on her cheeks, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “You are my personal tomato sauce,” he teased, his laughter a gentle caress against the backdrop of their charged moment. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he took in her reaction.

Overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions and desperate to escape his teasing, Shehnaaz bit down hard on the hand that encircled her neck. The sharp sting of her teeth made Sidharth wince, and he pulled his arm back with a surprise. Shehnaaz seized the moment, her movements swift and determined. She snatched the dupatta from the bed and dashed out of the room, her heart pounding with both excitement and relief.

Sidharth’s smirk grew as he watched her flee, his amusement clear as he observed the red mark left by her bite. He couldn’t resist pressing a tender kiss to the spot where she had bitten him. Shaking his head, he allowed himself to fall onto the bed with a contented thud. Every moment of their playful exchange filled him with a profound sense of joy, and he savored the happiness it brought.

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As Shehnaaz ran through the corridors and made her way downstairs, a mischievous smile played on her lips. The warm rush of excitement still lingered as she entered the living area. The puzzled looks from everyone, contrasted by Rita ji’s amused chuckle, only made her smile wider. Her heart felt light, and she quickly zipped her lips, taking a seat and grabbing her chocolate shake to cool her flushed cheeks.

Anu’s voice cut through the lighthearted chatter, her tone playful yet firm, “Achha ab tum sabki party khatam ho gayi ho toh chale… shopping baki hai abhi…”

Rita ji’s eyebrows arched in surprise, “Very bad, Anu beta… aise mehmano ko bhagate thodi hai…” Her concern was evident, but it was tempered with a hint of amusement.

Ankita’s laughter rang out, “Nahi aunty, ye sahi hai… shadi ke baad ayenge na hum vapas… relax day manayenge… pichhe garden area me… kitna bada lawn hai…” Her words were a promise of future gatherings and relaxation.

Mayank’s exasperation was palpable as he rolled his eyes, “Pagal hai tu… kuch bhi bolti hai bina soche…” His frustration was good-natured, and his smile belied his irritation.

Ankita’s pout only elicited more smiles, and Rita ji’s amusement was clear as she addressed everyone. “Achha… tum sab achhe se shopping karna,” she instructed with a touch of motherly affection. Her gaze shifted to Shehnaaz with a twinkle in her eye, “Apka woh Nisha ka rishta bhagane ka idea kafi damdar tha…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened in surprise, her face forming a babyish pout as she exclaimed, “Hayy rabba… aapko kaise pata…?”

Anu’s voice, filled with playful pride, answered, “Mene bataya…” Shehnaaz’s mock glare was followed by a playful chase, Anu’s laughter ringing out as she ran.

Rita ji watched the playful exchange with a fond smile, appreciating the bond between Shehnaaz and Anu. From his vantage point upstairs, Sidharth observed the scene with a contented smile. The thought of having Shehnaaz in his life forever was a comforting dream he looked forward to.

As the guests began to leave, Shehnaaz’s gaze drifted upstairs, her heart fluttering as she met Sidharth’s unwavering stare. His eyes conveyed his reluctance to see her go, and her own heart felt heavy as she walked out the door, his image fading from view.

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The shopping spree had been a whirlwind of joy for Shehnaaz. She marveled at how her heart felt lighter, a constant smile gracing her lips. The people around her couldn’t help but notice her newfound happiness.

Ranbir’s eyes never strayed from Shehnaaz, his heart silently wishing for her affection. Nisha, though happy for Ranbir, couldn’t ignore the pang of discomfort seeing him so engrossed in Shehnaaz. Her love for Ranbir was genuine, but Shehnaaz’s presence stirred a protective instinct within her. Shehnaaz, though the same age as Nisha, felt like a younger sister who needed protection.

As Shehnaaz observed Anu, she saw many similarities between Anu and Sidharth. Realizing her oversight about Anu’s surname, she felt a bit foolish, but acknowledged that it wasn’t a glaring hint. It dawned on her that sharing a surname wasn’t an uncommon thing.

Rita ji’s presence brought a warm smile to Shehnaaz’s face. The image Sidharth had painted of Rita ji paled in comparison to the reality Shehnaaz experienced. Rita ji’s aura, filled with love and care, made Shehnaaz feel as though she had found a second mother. The affection and acceptance Rita ji extended made her heart flutter with joy.

Shehnaaz vowed to love both of her mothers equally, embracing them as Sidharth would. She understood the importance of maintaining that balance in her life.

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Sidharth found Rita ji on the extended balcony, her eyes lost in the beauty of the surrounding greenery. The serenity of the moment contrasted with the bustling activity below.

“Maa, aap yahan kya kar rahi ho…” Sidharth asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and affection as he offered her a steaming cup of coffee.

Rita ji took the cup, inhaling the rich aroma. “Just perfect as I like,” she said with a satisfied sigh, making Sidharth chuckle as he settled onto the opposite sofa.

“Thank you,” Sidharth replied, taking a sip from his own cup. “My questions remain the same…” he said, his tone hinting at the underlying concern.

Rita ji, understanding his unspoken question, offered her thoughts on Shehnaaz. “Shehnaaz ke bare me soch rahe the…” she said, observing how his hand paused near his lips, his gaze fixed on her.

“Bahot pyari bachhii hai,” Rita ji confessed, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her feelings. “Honestly, mujhe laga tha tum apne like khud ke jaisi koi boring ladki dhundega agar zindagi me tu kabhi shadi ke bare me sochega… jo hope humne chhod diya tha…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes at her playful taunt but couldn’t hide his smile. “Thank you for the compliment, Maa… honestly… bolona…” he said, his tone a blend of gratitude and sincerity.

Rita ji finished her coffee and set the cup down, her expression softening. “I am impressed by your choice to cut the matter short. Mujhe bahot khushi hai ke tujhe aisi ladki se pyar hua jo teri black and white zindagi me saare colors vapas layegi. She is sweet, innocent, and carries a positive vibe around her. Her smiles and giggles are infectious, mind you.”

Sidharth’s smile grew wider, touched by his mother’s words. Rita ji continued, “Manchali hai thodi, but thehrav bhi hai. Masoom hai par confidence oozes out of her personality. Aur bahot pyar karti hai tuze…”

Sidharth chuckled, realizing that even his mother had fallen for Shehnaaz. “I am happy,” he said simply.

Rita ji rolled her eyes playfully, “Maine itna essay bola… and all you have is three words. Achha bata, Rajender ji se kab baat karu… I don’t want to wait long.”

Sidharth placed his cup down and knelt before his mother, taking her hands in his. “Maa, main janta hun ke aap meri zindagi me khushiyan chahti ho… apne robotic bete ko insaan banana chahti ho.”

His heartfelt words made Rita ji chuckle. “Aapka beta already badal raha hai… par main Shehnaaz par koi chiz thopna nahi chahta. Woh Anu jitni hai aa, chhoti hai. Main uska youth usse chhinana nahi chahta. Main usse tab shadi karunga jab wo mentally ready hogi.”

“I am proud of you, son,” Rita ji said, her voice filled with maternal pride as she kissed his forehead.

Sidharth, in turn, kissed her wrinkled hands, his heart swelling with affection.

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The days drifted by in a blur. The Gill mansion bustled with activity, its halls echoing with the chatter of guests and the clinking of glasses. In the midst of all this commotion, Sidharth had remained at a distance, choosing not to visit Shehnaaz’s place. He wanted to avoid adding any unnecessary stress to her already hectic schedule. It had been four days since their last meeting at his house, and since then, she had hardly found a moment for herself.

Shehnaaz had been consumed by her responsibilities, dedicating her time to helping her mother. Every day was a balancing act, ensuring that Jasbeera ji did not overextend herself. Despite her own exhaustion, Shehnaaz remained steadfast in her efforts, constantly reassuring her mother that it was Sidharth’s strict instruction to take it easy. Jasbeera ji was in awe of this man who seemed to bring about a positive change in her daughter, a transformation she had longed for but struggled to achieve on her own.

The longing Shehnaaz felt was palpable. One evening, overwhelmed by the emotional strain, she had called Sidharth, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. “I miss you,” she had whispered, her words tinged with both sadness and a yearning for comfort. Hearing her sweet sobs, Sidharth’s heart ached. It felt as if it was being squeezed tightly, and her plea for him to hold her and comfort her sent a wave of longing crashing over him. The distance between them seemed insurmountable, and his usual sense of calm was replaced by a gnawing emptiness.

Unable to be by her side, Sidharth threw himself into his work, trying to distract himself from the void left by her absence. His heart was restless, craving the small moments of affection they shared. Meanwhile, Shehnaaz found solace in her friends, who rallied around her, offering support and companionship. They helped to lift her spirits, keeping her occupied and her mind diverted from the ache of separation.

In one of her messages, Shehnaaz had sent him a picture of her hands, intricately adorned with mehendi. Her excitement was evident as she shared that she had inscribed an “S” in the design. Sidharth’s heart swelled with happiness at this simple yet meaningful gesture. It was a reminder of how deeply she cherished these small, intimate moments. Her happiness wasn’t rooted in material wealth or grand gestures; it was found in these tender exchanges of affection. She cared for him, fussing over his needs, showing a love that was pure and unpretentious.

The four days felt like an eternity to both of them. Each minute without the other stretched out, making their separation seem endless. Their longing for one another was a shared ache, each day dragging on with the weight of their unfulfilled desires.

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The morning of Baaz and Leher’s Haldi ceremony arrived with a vibrant energy. The Gill mansion was alive with the chaos of preparations. Cars filled the parking lots and spilled over into the garden area. The air was alive with the sounds of children’s laughter and playful shouts as they ran around the garden. In true Punjabi fashion, the ladies were in high spirits, their laughter mingling with the tunes of traditional songs, while the teenagers were immersed in the rhythmic dance of bhangra.

The aroma of jalebi wafted through the air, a tantalizing blend of sweetness that made the mouth water. Maharaj, the cook, was diligently transporting the delectable treat to the food section. However, by the time the plate reached its destination, it was already half empty. Maharaj chuckled to himself, his heavy belly shaking with the laughter that accompanied his amusement.

Karan and Shweta bustled around, ensuring every detail of the decor was perfect. Fresh flowers in vibrant hues were artfully arranged, their delicate fragrance mingling with the subtle scent of candles. The lights twinkled softly, casting a warm glow over the entire area, creating an atmosphere of festive elegance.

A special section of the garden had been transformed into a lavish setting for the guests. Tables, draped in fine linens, were laden with exotic dishes that promised a culinary feast. The new curtains, gently swaying in the breeze, added a touch of enchantment to the scene, perfectly complemented by the rhythmic beats of the Dhol and Tasha.

“Beera… jaldi kar puttar,” Jasbeera ji heard the voice as a mixture of exasperation and urgency. She darted around, her hands moving in quick, practiced motions as she checked and rechecked every detail for what felt like the fourth time since morning.

Rajender ji and Sale sahab greeted guests at the entrance, their faces beaming with genuine warmth and respect. Baaz, strolling through the corridor, rolled his eyes playfully as his cousins teased him, their laughter filling the air.

As more guests arrived, the house began to buzz with life. Ankita, Anu, and Nisha burst into Shehnaaz’s room, where she was getting ready with Mahi, their excitement palpable. The beep of Shehnaaz’s phone momentarily caught her attention, but she quickly refocused on the preparations.

Sidharth made his entrance with Rita ji and Vicky, his presence adding a touch of glamour to the event. Rajender ji, almost taken aback by their arrival, had not expected a big personality like him to attend. With a warm smile, he greeted Sidharth, who touched his feet in a gesture of respect and joined his hands to welcome Rita ji, “Beera… Beera… yahan ana jara…”

Beera, already busy amidst the preparations, glanced up and smiled at the Shukla family. “Are… ayiye na… aao beta,” she said warmly, inviting Sidharth and Vicky into the gathering.

Vicky, scanning the room, spotted Mayank and Ranbir with Baaz. “Me hu yahi,” he said hurriedly before making his way over to them.

Rita ji shook her head with a knowing smile. “Mil gaye ise dost,” she remarked, nudging Jasbeera ji. Jasbeera ji, with a loving smile, guided Rita ji to the ladies’ section while Sidharth and Rajender ji engaged in conversation. Soon, others from the industry joined them, their surprise evident at Sidharth’s presence at a family function.

At long last, Shehnaaz descended the stairs, flanked by her friends and Mahi. They led Baaz to the section adorned for the Haldi ceremony. Shehnaaz and her friends, their enthusiasm barely contained, hovered around Baaz. He sighed, rolling his eyes at their over-the-top attention. “Stop it you two… I am not a bride so stop treating me like one.”

Shehnaaz giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Bhai… you look so cute when you are angry.”

Mahi wrapped Baaz in a hug, making him chuckle. The group settled beside him, with Rajender ji and Jasbeera ji joining them.

Sidharth’s gaze finally found the one pair of eyes he had been longing to see. Shehnaaz, draped in a lemon yellow umbrella churidar, looked nothing short of magical. The fresh yellow fabric accentuated her fair, glowing skin, making her look ethereal. He stood frozen, his heart skipping a beat as he took in the sight of her.

Her every movement was accompanied by the soft jingle of her payal, drawing his attention to her intricately designed anklets. Her hair, curled to perfection, framed her face in soft waves. The bangles on her wrists shimmered, enhancing her feminine allure, while the delicate necklace and earrings added a touch of grace.

Her giggles, with her pink lips curving into a luscious pout, made her even more captivating. Her almond eyes, accentuated with a hint of makeup, revealed a natural beauty that left Sidharth breathless. It felt as though his angel had descended into the room, and he found himself struggling to swallow, his throat tight with emotion.

Rita ji, noticing Sidharth’s rapt attention, gave him a gentle nudge. “Beta, tujhe aise dekhne ki aadat nahi hai mujhe… kahin khushi ke mare pagal na ho jau me,” she teased, though her own eyes twinkled with affection.

Unaware of Sidharth’s presence, Shehnaaz remained engrossed in the festivities. Her impatience grew as she waited for the elder women to complete their part of the ritual. Jasbeera ji, with a loving touch, applied a bit of haldi to Baaz’s cheek, her gesture full of care.

When the women finally stepped aside, Shehnaaz seized the opportunity. She scooped a generous amount of haldi into her hands and smirked playfully at Baaz. “What will you do now, veerji… you are so gone.”

Baaz made a pleading face at Jasbeera ji. “Mumma, ise kaho na kare… offo please yaar Sana…”

Jasbeera ji shook her head with a wink at Shehnaaz, signaling her to proceed. Baaz’s eyes widened in mock horror as the haldi session began in earnest.

Sidharth chuckled, his heart swelling with affection as he watched Shehnaaz’s playful antics. He knew she was up to her usual mischief. But his amusement turned to shock when he saw MAA wink at Shehnaaz. He shook his head, realizing that Shehnaaz’s mischievous nature was rather inherited.

Sidharth could see that Shehnaaz had yet to notice him. As he took in her joyful energy, his heart ached to pull her into his arms. The crowd around him made it impossible for him to approach her directly.  

Shehnaaz’s face lit up with a playful grin as she seized a generous handful of haldi and, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, pressed both her palms firmly against Baaz’s face. The golden paste smeared across his cheeks, forehead, and chin, leaving no part of his skin untouched. Baaz, caught off guard, tried to shield himself from her exuberant assault, but Shehnaaz was relentless. Her laughter rang out, a high, joyous sound, as she continued to apply haldi with abandon. Her giggles were infectious, drawing in Mahi, Ankita, Nisha, Mayank, and Ranbir, who soon joined in, their own laughter mingling with hers in a symphony of delight.

Rajender ji, watching the scene unfold, shook his head with a bemused smile. Jasbeera ji, meanwhile, made a playful pout at Baaz, who was glaring at her in mock indignation. The playful chaos of the haldi ceremony created a warm, festive atmosphere, with everyone’s spirits running high.

As the ceremony progressed, more people joined in, their hands covered in the vibrant haldi paste. Shehnaaz, not one to be left out, gathered another handful of the golden substance and darted from one person to another, applying haldi with gleeful abandon. Her attention soon fell on Rita ji. Her smile widened, radiating pure happiness, as she stood before Rita and gently dabbed haldi onto her cheeks. Rita ji’s eyes twinkled with affection as she giggled at Shehnaaz’s endearing antics, reaching out to pat her cheek lovingly. “Bahot pyari lag rahi beta,” she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Shehnaaz giggled, her voice carrying a note of gratitude. “Thank you, Maa… aap kaise ho?”

Rita ji’s heart swelled with maternal affection as she looked at Shehnaaz. “Ekdum thik beta… go enjoy with your friends… hum hai yahan.”

Shehnaaz nodded, her eyes scanning the room. Amidst the sea of faces, she finally spotted Sidharth. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in his appearance from a distance. Dressed in a plain yet elegant pearl kurta paired with white pajama, he exuded an understated sophistication. His presence was a blend of class and grace, a subtle luxury that made him stand out even in a crowd.

Sidharth, observing Shehnaaz’s intense gaze, couldn’t help but chuckle softly. His heart ached with a deep, yearning desire to pull her into his arms, to hold her close. The anticipation had been long and drawn out, and though he was surrounded by many people, his focus remained solely on her.

Shehnaaz, lost in her own world, started to walk towards him, her steps almost dreamlike. Sidharth’s chuckle turned into a warm, affectionate laugh when Nisha, noticing Shehnaaz’s dazed state, took her hand and said, “Tu yahan kya kar rahi hai… chal,” guiding her gently back to reality.

Shehnaaz allowed Nisha to lead her away, but her gaze remained locked on Sidharth. Her eyes, wide and filled with a mixture of admiration and longing, continued to search for him even as she was pulled back into the lively scene around her.

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