Chapter 2

Closing his eyes, Sidharth thought of her. He could feel her nearby, but he couldn’t figure out where she was. Shehnaaz, lost in her own world, sighed in relief that she had caught the lift. Her heavy breaths reached his ears, and in that instant, he realized—she was there, right behind him, so close that he could almost feel her presence without turning around. His heart raced, and his grip tightened on the earring as if it were a lifeline connecting them.

She felt it too—the same restlessness, the same feelings, a sense of affection, a sense of possession. Her heart pounded wildly, making her take deep breaths. What was happening? She had never felt this way before in her life. It was as if an invisible force was pulling her towards him, like he had taken control over her very being. Every step she took felt guided by a presence she couldn’t explain, something far beyond her understanding, almost as if someone was possessing her completely. Her stranger, whom she didn’t even know—who, how, when?

Restless, he turned around, but a loud bang echoed, and the lift stopped suddenly as all the lights went out. It seemed like a major short circuit had occurred, plunging the entire place into darkness, cutting off all the power. The sudden stillness that followed only heightened the tension, making everything feel even more uncertain.

There was nothing but darkness in the lift, wrapping them in an unsettling silence. The only sounds were their breaths, echoing in the enclosed space. Time seemed to stretch as the weight of the moment pressed down on them, intensifying the strange connection they both felt yet couldn’t fully comprehend.

“Mummmaaaaaa…” Shehnaaz screamed, terrified, and ran to the only person in the lift, clinging to him tightly.

Her arms encircled his large frame, her face buried in his chest, and her eyes squeezed shut. A sense of protectiveness surged through her entire being as she felt his strong arms wrap around her instantly. It was as though his embrace shielded her from the darkness, grounding her in a way she had never experienced before. She found herself relaxing, her fears slowly fading, as if this stranger had the power to ward off all her anxieties just by holding her close. Not even once did she feel like she was hugging a stranger. It felt like someone who was her own, someone she could trust without question.

Sidharth stood frozen in shock as he felt her mold perfectly into his embrace. His body shuddered with her touch. He was mesmerized by how perfectly she fit within his embrace, as if she had always belonged there. His arms instinctively tightened around her, drawing her even closer, and in that moment, he knew with unwavering certainty—it was her. The one who had haunted his thoughts, the one he had longed for without even realizing. She was here, in his arms, and everything finally made sense. His heart recognized her instantly—the very person who had driven him mad with just one glance, the one he didn’t fully know yet felt a deep connection to, the one who never left his thoughts, the one he was desperate to see again.

Her rapid breaths brushed against his chest through his shirt, causing his heart to race. She didn’t even notice when her hands tightened around his waist.

Scared, she whispered into his chest, “Mujhe darr lag raha hai…”

Her words fell right on his chest, melting his heart.

“Main hoon na…” he murmured softly against her hair, his voice filled with an unspoken promise, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to protect her, to care for her. His words wrapped around her like a blanket of warmth and safety, and for the first time in a long while, she felt secure—like she had found the one place where she truly belonged.

And she believed him. Wasn’t it crazy, trusting someone she had never seen before, never met, not knowing his name or what he looked like?

His hands automatically moved towards her. Neither considered the idea of calling for emergency help or ringing the emergency bell.It was as if time had slowed down just for them, and in that intimate space, nothing else mattered. They were lost in the moment, in each other, and neither wanted it to end. The outside world ceased to exist, and the only thing they felt was the warmth and comfort of being together, wrapped in an unspoken connection that seemed to transcend all logic. They wished this moment could last forever, where everything felt right, and they didn’t have to let go.

His arms gripped tighter around her waist as his fingers dug into her skin through her crop top. Her skin felt as soft as a rose petal against his rough, masculine texture. He could tell she was still wearing the clothes from earlier on the ground floor.. Her t-shirt was still slightly damp. He worried she would catch a cold. How natural yet special it was for him to worry about her like she belonged to him, like she was always his.

He sighed in satisfaction as her soft fingers grasped tightly at the back of his shirt.

Sidharth’s hand gently brushed her hair, his fingers grazing her earlobe as he nuzzled closer, sending shivers down Shehnaaz’s spine. His touch was both careful and intense, as if every movement was a silent declaration of the emotions neither of them had yet spoken. He tilted her face upwards, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Her heart pounded wildly, and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin as their faces inched closer, lost in the gravity of the moment that was pulling them together, closer than ever before.

She gave in to his every demand, like this was the way it was supposed to be, like there was nothing to complain about, like this was the most correct thing in the world.

The darkness no longer frightened her; instead, it became a comforting backdrop to the safety she felt in his arms. Despite being a stranger, there was an undeniable sense of belonging that wrapped around her like a warm embrace. In that moment, the world outside faded away, and all that mattered was the protective hold of the man who seemed to understand her in a way no one else ever had. She felt secure, cherished, and inexplicably connected to him, as if their souls recognized each other even in the shadows.

His chin rested on her head as her nose touched his throat, finding a comfortable spot to rest.

His eyes closed. It was the most beautiful and precious moment of his life. He was the kind of guy who had always prided himself on his independence, never falling for anyone or needing anyone by his side. His life had been a solitary journey, filled with self-sufficiency and a sense of control that he cherished. Yet, standing here with her, everything felt different. The walls he had built around himself began to crumble, and for the first time, he found himself yearning for something more—something that came with vulnerability and connection. His small world revolved around his mother, Anu, and Vikas.

Today, he came to a profound realization of how hollow his existence felt without her. The emptiness in his heart mirrored the void in his arms, which longed for her warmth and presence. It struck him that all his previous bravado had masked a deep yearning for connection, for someone to fill that space he hadn’t even acknowledged until now. She was the missing piece he never knew he needed, and without her, everything felt incomplete.

He wanted to feel every moment of it. He wanted to feel her more. He knew it was her. He didn’t need to see her face to understand her essence. Every emotion, every whisper of her soul resonated with him on a deeper level. He felt her presence in the way she made his heart race, and in the warmth of her breath against his skin. It was as if they had known each other forever, connected by an invisible thread that defied logic and reason, binding their hearts together in a way that felt undeniably real. His heart pounded for her, and his heartbeat grew more intense.

Shehnaaz sighed in peace. Her heartbeat gradually began to return to normal, soothed by his warmth. She felt secure. She felt at home.

He smiled peacefully, feeling her cheek nuzzle against his chest like a child seeking comfort. It was as if she instinctively recognized him, as if they shared a history that transcended time. In that tender moment, he could sense the depth of their connection—a familiarity that made everything else fade away. It felt natural and right, like she had always belonged there, nestled safely in his embrace.

She whispered again, “Mujhe andhere se dar lagta hai.”

Sidharth tightened his arm around her, his other hand cradling her neck, pulling her fully into his broad chest. “Main hoon na, mera bachha…”

Her grip tightened with those words.

It was both crazy and magical, a whirlwind of emotions that felt perfectly aligned with destiny. Despite the whirlwind of uncertainties, there was a sense of inevitability in their connection, as if everything had led to this moment. It felt like the universe conspired to bring them together, affirming that this was exactly how it was meant to be. In the chaos of their feelings, there was an undeniable certainty that made it all feel right.

It was as if life had orchestrated it—him calling her “mera bachha” despite not knowing her, and her trusting him completely without knowing anything about him.

He had never felt so calm before. She had never experienced such a profound sense of completeness before. It was as if all the pieces of her life had finally fallen into place, filling the voids she hadn’t even realized existed. In his presence, she felt whole, embraced by a warmth and understanding that resonated deep within her. It was a sensation of belonging, as if she had found the missing part of herself that had been searching for a long time.

Suddenly, reality jolted her, and she pulled away in an instant, the warmth between them dissipating.

Sidharth was momentarily caught off guard, a chill creeping into his chest as he sensed her absence. Shehnaaz shivered, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. “Woh, main…” she stammered, struggling to find the words amid the suffocating darkness that enveloped them, obscuring their faces and deepening the tension between them.

The air felt heavy with unspoken thoughts, and uncertainty filled the space where their connection had just thrived. She was frightened—first by the darkness, then by the embrace, and finally by the strange emotions she was experiencing. Her eyes filled with tears.

His heart skipped a beat when he heard her sniffle. Damn, he desperately wanted to pull her back into his arms, to shield her from everything that frightened her, but he hesitated. He didn’t want to overwhelm her any further. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her more than she already was. Instead, he stood there, torn between the instinct to protect her and the need to give her space, hoping she would find her way back to him when she was ready. After all, he was nothing but a stranger. The thought frustrated him.

Tears started rolling from her eyes. “I’m sorry. Woh… mujhe andhere se bahot darr lagta hai. Kuchh karo na please… kuchh…”

Sidharth couldn’t stand hearing her sniffle or seeing tears in her eyes. He quickly placed his finger gently on her lips, silencing her anxious words and bringing a moment of calm. It was a soft gesture, meant to reassure her that she didn’t need to explain or apologize. In the quiet that followed, he could feel her heartbeat steadying against his touch, and he hoped she understood that in this darkness, he was there for her—ready to listen and protect, no matter what.

She shivered at his touch. He felt her lips tremble.

Shehnaaz slowly spoke, “Please…”

Her words caused her lips to brush against his finger.

Unable to withstand the distance any longer, he drew her close, enveloping her once again in his protective embrace, pressing her against his strong frame.

She fluttered her eyes, struggling to see in the dim light, but the warmth of his touch ignited a fire within her. They were mere inches apart, the air thick with unspoken words, and in that intimate space, she felt both vulnerable and safe, completely enveloped by his presence..

He pulled out his mobile, turned on the flashlight, and directed it towards her face.

She squeezed her eyes shut against the brightness, but a smile played at her lips in response to his gesture.

Seeing her so close, he was momentarily frozen. It was the first time he could examine every detail of her face up close.

His other hand refused to release her waist or move her away, and she made no effort to distance herself.

His gaze traced her features, from her closed almond-shaped eyes to her rosy, bubbly cheeks, to her lips that resembled pink rose petals, and finally to her damp, slightly less curly hair.

He moved his phone to her hair.

Is that possible? Can something be so delicate in this world? He gently placed his hand on her waist, mindful of being too rough, worried that his firm grip might hurt her.

His soft touch tickled her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, lost in the moment and oblivious to everything around her. The world outside faded away, leaving only the warmth of his embrace and the rhythmic sound of their breathing. In that cocoon of darkness, she let go of her fears, surrendering to the unknown emotions swirling inside her. It was as if time stood still, allowing her to simply be in his arms, feeling both anxious and comforted at once. Isn’t she supposed to be angry with this man who has her in his arms, shining a flashlight on her face and preventing her from opening her eyes?

Sidharth was so absorbed in her that he didn’t notice when his nose brushed against her cheek. She shuddered and quickly turned in his embrace, causing him to groan.

Her sudden movement hit his hand, and the phone fell out of his hand, plunging them into darkness again.

His arms tightened around her waist, pulling her in protectively, knowing she might feel scared again.

She turned her face to one side, resting it against his chest, which made him chuckle. She was just like a little child.

Sidharth whispered near her ear, “Mene kaha na, main hoon tumhare paas.”

“Hmm…” and just like that, she believed.

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, letting the moments linger as they felt their connection grow stronger. The darkness that had once seemed so frightening now felt like a cocoon, a safe haven where they could be together without the world intruding.

Sidharth was lost in her, completely captivated, and he didn’t even notice when his nose nuzzled near her cheeks. Shehnaaz shuddered from the intensity of the moment and turned quickly in his embrace, eliciting a soft groan from him. The sudden shift brought them even closer, and the warmth radiating between them intensified. She could feel his heartbeat echoing in her ears, a reminder of the connection that seemed to transcend the chaos around them. The mix of surprise and familiarity in that instant left them both breathless, caught in a whirlwind of emotions they couldn’t fully comprehend. Her sudden movement hit his hand, and the phone fell from his grip, plunging them into darkness once again.

His arms instinctively tightened around her waist, drawing her protectively against him, knowing the darkness would likely scare her. She turned her face to the side until it came to rest on his chest, making him chuckle softly. She was just like a baby, so innocent and pure.

Sidharth whispered near her ear, his voice filled with a promise, “I will never let anything happen to you…”

“Hmm…” she murmured, and just like that, she fully trusted him.

Shehnaaz was at a loss for words. How could she articulate her feelings to a man she had never truly met?

But Sidharth didn’t need her to say anything. He understood her every breath, every move, every unspoken word.

The lights flickered on suddenly, jolting her back to reality as the elevator doors opened with a loud thud.
She opened her eyes, turned towards the door, and ran out, leaving him standing there, rooted to the spot, watching her go. He felt lifeless again. He stared at his empty arms, a sudden restlessness washing over him. He realized that this was where she belonged—in his arms, his mysterious stranger.

His eyes refused to blink as he could still smell her natural scent mingling with his own. Her warm breaths that had touched his chest, her strong grip on his shirt, her shivering lips, her little nose, her messed-up hair, and her little smile—everything about her lingered in his mind.

His mobile rang, bringing him back to reality. “Haan… haan… Maa…” he answered.

Rita ji spoke worriedly, “Sid, kahan hai tu? Tu ghar aaya tha na beta, phir kahan chala gaya?”

Sidharth sighed, “Maa, aap pareshan na ho. “I’ll be there shortly.” With that, he ended the call, uncertain whether she was truly there or if it had all been a dream.

Feeling restless, he was about to leave when his eyes caught sight of a small earring on the lift floor. Bending down, he picked it up and examined it closely. It was hers, which meant she was really here, and he wasn’t just imagining things.

A smile teased his lips instantly as he remembered what had transpired between them. He looked at the earring again; it was as delicate as she was. Unable to control himself, he pecked it softly and smiled to himself for the stupid act, something he would have never imagined doing before.

People called him heartless and practical, and he had believed that too, until she came like a storm in his life and turned everything upside down.

He gazed at the earring again, remembering her in his arms. He was a little confused. What should be his reaction?

Should he be happy that he saw her face again, something he had been craving unknowingly?

Should he be delighted that he touched her, felt her close in his embrace?

Should he be sad that she left again without even seeing his face, that she just ran away?

He wanted to see her. Restlessly, he looked at the earring closely and mumbled, “Please… mat karo aisa mere saath… warna… main pagal ho jaunga…”

He was brought back to reality when someone walked into the lift, prompting him to walk out immediately, putting the earring in his pocket.

Shehnaaz ran with her heart pounding like a butterfly. She stopped near a sitting area and slumped into a chair, taking deep breaths. She had no idea what had happened to her a few minutes ago.

She couldn’t understand the connection she felt towards that man, that stranger, like he was pulling her entire existence towards him. All she remembered was the darkness and the strange warmth she felt in his embrace.

He had held her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. She had clung to him like she couldn’t survive without him. She felt his heartbeat as her own; she felt his hold protective.

Unconsciously, a smile teased her lips. She didn’t even see his face. How stupid of her, yet the warmth she felt with that stranger…

She wasn’t in a state to understand her feelings. She was scared that she was in a stranger’s arms. She was eager to know who that person was. She was nervous because she had never felt this way for anyone in her life.

“Main hoon na mera bachha,” his words echoed in her ears, and she closed her eyes tightly as her cheeks burned with a blush. He called her his bachha. Who was he? Did he feel the same way for her as she felt for him? Why did she feel so protected in his embrace? He said he would never let anything happen to her, and she believed him. She believed her stranger. Why didn’t she see his face, she wondered. The need never occurred.

He was not a stranger anymore but a part of her unfelt feelings, the part of her unspoken words, the part of her unheard words…

Lost in her thoughts, she went to where Mahi was waiting for her, who glared at her.

Shehnaaz looked at her, “What?”

Mahi mocked, “Di, itni jaldi aagayi aap saree try karke…?”

Shehnaaz was still lost. “Jaldi? Matlab…” she narrowed her eyebrows.

Mahi mocked, “Mujhe laga tha veerji ki shaadi ke baad hi aogi aap.”

Shehnaaz slapped her head, making Mahi wince.

Shehnaaz said, “Oye hello… kya haan… main lift mein atak gayi thi.”

She immediately remembered him and became conscious.

Mahi was worried now, “Kya…? Aap darr gayi hongi na andhere mein…?”

Shehnaaz made a face, “Main Shehnaaz Gill hoon… main aur darr… kabhi nahi…”

If that was just an accident, then why couldn’t she tell Mahi about him, she wondered.

Mahi mocked with a giggle, “Haan haan… woh toh mujhe pata hi hai ke aapko andhere se bilkul darr nahi lagta…”

Shehnaaz made a face.

Fighting and giggling, they were walking when Shehnaaz bumped into a girl.

Shehnaaz shouted a little, “Ouchh… sorry.”

Anu glanced up immediately and bit her lip for checking her mobile while walking, “Ohh… I am sorry, mera….”

Shehnaaz’s bag had fallen from her hand, and a saree came out, catching Anu’s attention. “OMG, what a saree… It’s simply amazing.”

Shehnaaz was delighted. “Thank you…”

Anu thought she had seen it before. “I think I also saw this saree while I was checking out in a shop upstairs…”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Yes, I got it from the same shop… If you want, they will be having the same piece.”

Anu giggled, making a baby face, “Nah… actually, ye saree tumse jyada achhi kisi par lag hi nahi sakti… you are so pretty that ye saree ab koi aur pehane toh uspe suit nahi karegi…”

Mahi gave a wide smile while Shehnaaz almost blushed, “Thank you so much… By the way, I am Shehnaaz.”

Anu shook her hand immediately, “I am Anishka… you can call me Anu.”

They seemed to get along immediately for some weird reason, like an instant connection was felt from both sides.

Sidharth knew he had gone crazy. He looked for her everywhere in the mall and realized she must have left. He couldn’t stop thinking about her throughout the drive home. A smile refused to leave his lips.

He had no idea what this day had brought for him. He saw a girl twice, had her in his arms, saw her, held her like she was his, called her his bachha, and had her earring in his pocket. He knew he need her in his life under any circumstances.

He didn’t know how he was alive until now, but he couldn’t survive anymore without her in his life. He had no idea why his heart still took her name. Naaz…

How weird it may sound, but he could feel himself changing. She was changing him, his stranger. He wondered what he would say to his maa.

He needed to get a grip over his mind. He needed peace and to think about what was wrong with him before speaking to his maa. He knew she would be on cloud nine if he told her he saw a girl. Agar maa ka bas chale toh kal hi meri shaadi karwa de. His maa had almost given up hope that he would ever marry. He let out a sigh, reflecting on the irony of the situation

When he reached home, Rita ji noticed the instant change in his facial expression, which he tried hard to hide.

He hugged her more than often. She kept staring at him curiously through dinner while Anu had informed them that she was dining out with her friends.

Rita ji chuckled, “Tu kuch mujhse chhupa raha hai na…”

Sidharth smiled, knowing that was impossible. She always understood him as if he were an open book, effortlessly deciphering the thoughts and emotions hidden beneath his surface.. “Nahi maa… just bit happy today that Anu is back.”

Rita ji couldn’t buy that excuse, “Sid, it’s been two months since Anu is back, you realized it today…”

Sidharth chuckled at her taunt, “Maa… kuch nahi hua hai… kuch hoga toh you will be the first to know…”

Rita ji smiled excitedly. This was the first time he spoke something that gave her positive vibes, “Promise kar…”

Sidharth chuckled. His mother was just like a replica of Anu, or vice versa, “Promise meri pyari maa… promise…”

He kissed her forehead and left for his bedroom.

________________

Shehnaaz, Anu, and Mahi decided to dine together.

Anu asked, “Waise tum karti kya ho…?”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Main… main MBA ke liye admission liya hai… aur tum…?”

Anu was impressed, “Actually main last month hi yahan aayi hoon… just finished my degree like you.”

Shehnaaz was excited to hear this, “Why don’t you join the same college… it will be fun… aur tumhe safe bhi lagega… as now you know me…”

Anu actually liked the idea. She found Shehnaaz too cute, “I will have to talk to my brother.”

Shehnaaz nodded her head, “Sure, I understand.”

Anu smiled, “Tum bahot pyari baatein karti ho…”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Hai na…”

Mahi funnily added, “Bahot pyari nahi… bahot saari baatein karti hai ye…”

Anu started laughing.

Shehnaaz made a face at Mahi, “Aur haan… mere veerji ki shaadi hai… tum zaroor aana…”

Anu was unsure, “Shehnaaz, woh…”

Shehnaaz cut her off, “Main puchh nahi rahi hoon… bata rahi hoon… aana hai to hai…”

Anu smiled, “Achha baba… I will come… tum bhi na… ekdum mere bhai ki tarah ho… sirf tumhari manmani…”

Shehnaaz smiled cutely.

Mahi said, “Absolutely… Anu di, aapko pata hai, ghar mein even papaji bhi wohi kapde pehente hain jo isse pasand hain… warna un kapdo ka ye kya haal kar de… hey wahe guru ji…”

Shehnaaz made a baby face.

Mahi continued, “Khana to iski pasand ka banna hai… isse roz chocolate toh chahiye hi chahiye… warna kisi ko chain se jeene nahi deti…”

Anu was eagerly listening.

Before Mahi could say further, Shehnaaz grabbed her mouth with her hand, “Mahi… chup kar… aaj hi meri saari pol kholegi… aage ke liye toh kuchh bachake rakh…”

Mahi stopped, still smiling naughtily.

Anu just loved their bonding. “Achha, ab main chalti hoon… kal Sunday hai na… are you busy or we can plan something…”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Pakka… aur haan… ghar zaroor aana… mumma bahot khush hongi tumse milke…”

Anu and Shehnaaz exchanged their numbers and bid each other goodbye with warm smiles.

___________________

Sidharth lay on his bed, feeling emptier and lonelier than ever before. The unending space of his bed seemed to mock his solitude. He closed his eyes, trying to seek solace in his memories, and a small smile played on his lips as he remembered the way she had clung to him, hiding herself in his embrace. The darkness had scared her, and he made a mental note never to let her be afraid of the dark again.

But what was he thinking? He was behaving as if she was already a part of his life. They were strangers to each other, unfamiliar with one another’s lives or names.

Feeling restless, he picked up the earring he had placed on his bedside table and stared at it. An illusion flashed before his eyes—she was lying beside him, smiling at him, still in her damp clothes. The sight made him move closer, as if he could protect her from the cold.

“Tum apna khayal kyun nahi rakhti… bimar pad gayi toh?” he whispered, his voice filled with concern.

Shehnaaz’s voice, soft and sweet, replied, “Aap humesha mera khayal rakhoge?”

Sidharth brushed his fingers through her damp hair, treating her like she was the most delicate thing in the world. “Haan, mera bachha… zindagi bhar,” he promised.

She smiled broadly, and then the vision vanished, leaving Sidharth feeling more restless than ever. He thumped the bed in frustration. How was it possible to miss someone he had only met once? She occupied his thoughts constantly, and it was slowly driving him insane.

Determined, he picked up his phone and called a detective agency. He only knew her name, but that would be enough. There could be a million girls named Naaz in the city, but Sidharth Shukla would find his Naaz. He would turn the city upside down if he had to, determined to find her

________________

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz found herself adrift in her thoughts during the drive home. The world outside blurred as her mind replayed the moments from earlier, emotions swirling within her like a storm. Each memory seemed to deepen her feelings, leaving her both exhilarated and bewildered. The lift incident replayed in her mind over and over. Mahi noticed her unusual behavior but decided to let it go for now.

Upon reaching home, Shehnaaz hugged her mother and excitedly showed her the saree she had selected.

With a baby face, she pleaded, “Mumma, mujhe bhook lagi hai…”

Mahi, rolling her eyes, headed to her room, knowing exactly what her sister was really hungry for. They had already had dinner, but she knew her di’s real craving.

Jasbeera ji smiled warmly, “Mera shona beta, abhi khana laga deti hoon…”

Shehnaaz made a face, “Mumma, mujhe chocolate ki bhook lagi hai…”

Jasbeera ji chuckled, “Aise bhook ka naam hota hai kya? Chocolate ki bhook… bachha, pehle khana kha lo, fir chocolate kha lena.”

The word “bachha” sent a warm tickle through Shehnaaz. Her mother always used such sweet words, but why did it feel special today? Maybe because he had called her his bachha too.

Making a baby face, she ran to her father, who was having dinner.

Rajender ji looked up with concern, “Kya hua puttar? Kisne meri bachi ka dil dukhaya?”

Before Jasbeera ji could respond, Shehnaaz piped in, “Papaji, mujhe chocolate khani hai…”

Rajender ji left his food midway, took her to the kitchen, and gave her a big chocolate from the fridge. Shehnaaz opened it eagerly and started nibbling on it like a child, while Rajender ji returned to his dinner.

Jasbeera ji rolled her eyes, “Aap hi ne usse ziddi bana diya hai… ab woh khana nahi khayegi…”

Shehnaaz giggled, “Mumma, hum ne bahar khaya tha…”

Rajender ji shook his head, anticipating his wife’s reaction.

Jasbeera ji got upset, “Toh mein hi pagal hoon jo apne hathon se khana banati hoon…”

Rajender ji chuckled, “Oyy soneya, mein hoon na tere hath ka khana khane ke liye…”

Jasbeera ji rolled her eyes at her overly romantic husband.

Shehnaaz changed into her shorts and t-shirt, laying down on her bed. Today, she felt a whirlwind of deep emotions swirling within her, and no matter how hard she tried to push them down, they refused to be ignored. She had always thought of herself almost as a kid or a teenager until now. She had never imagined developing feelings for someone; such a situation had never presented itself in her life before. The idea of being emotionally attached to another person felt foreign, yet here she was, grappling with emotions that seemed to bloom unexpectedly, challenging everything she thought she knew about herself. But today, when it did, it left her in pieces.

She sighed, grappling with the realization that she had developed such intense feelings for someone she barely knew. Who was he? What was his name? How did he look? What did he do? Was he married or unmarried? She knew nothing about him. But it felt as though he had left an imprint on her very soul. The warmth and protectiveness she felt in his embrace—she doubted she could ever feel this way for anybody else.

The thought that she might never see him again hurt her deeply. Lost in her thoughts, her phone rang, and she smiled excitedly at the caller.

“Heyy guys!” Shehnaaz greeted.

Mayank mocked, “Tu zinda hai…????”

Shehnaaz laughed, “Ha ha… joke of the day…”

Nisha made a face, “Tu college kyun nahi ayi aaj?”

Ranbir chimed in, “Agar nahi aana tha, toh batana toh tha… hum bhi nahi jaate na…”

Shehnaaz chuckled, “Actually, main aaj shopping ke liye gayi thi…”

Ankita got excited, “Shopping? Wow! Mayank, mujhe bhi shopping karni hai…”

Shehnaaz giggled while Mayank sighed, “Shehnaaz ki bachi, tu mil… Ankita, uske bhai ki shaadi hai…”

Ankita twisted her lips, making a sad face.

Nisha rolled her eyes at their banter, “Tu bolti toh hum bhi chalte na shopping ke liye… canteen mein baithe baithe pak gaye…”

Shehnaaz was confused, “Kyun? Lecture nahi the kya?”

Ranbir gaped dramatically, “Tere bina lecture… are you serious?”

Mayank was the only angry one, “Tumhari wajah se meri lecture miss ho gayi…”

Ranbir was rather excited, “Kya kya shopping ki?”

Ankita rolled her eyes, “Oye chamche, tu chup kar… puchh toh aise raha hai jaise ladki hai…”

Nisha giggled, “I am sure Shehnaaz ne saree li hogi,” making everyone burst into laughter.

Shehnaaz made a baby face, “Wo mumma… yaar…”

Ankita, “Woh pata hai… isliye kehti hoon… zara ladkiyon wali harkatein kiya kar… taki chachi maa ko jabardasti na karni pade…”

Mayank didn’t agree, “Kyun bigad rahi hai usse… pure group mein ek wohi ladki hai jo normal hai…”

Nisha was rather offended, “Mayank, Monday ke lecture attend karne hai na?”

Ankita supported her, “Nishu, Monday ko iska aisa band bajayenge na ke…”

Shehnaaz giggled, “Ankita, teri daat mein bhi shaadi hi hoti hai na… band and all…” Mayank started laughing.

Ranbir chuckled, “Kyun meri Ankita ko paka rahe ho?”

Ankita smiled, “I love you, Ranbir… ek tu hi hai…”

Nisha shook her head with a cute smile.

Mayank made a fake hurt face, “Dekh rahi hai na Nishu… hum dono toh ho gaye paraye…”

Shehnaaz, “Main hoon na…”

Ranbir, “Aur main bhi…”

Ankita, “Aur main bhi… ye Ranbir toh pagal hai…”

Shehnaaz gaped, “Aye lo, abhi toh…”

Mayank mocked, “Shehnaaz, tu kab se Ankita ki baaton par yakeen karne lagi?”

Ankita was baffled, “Achha ji, tum milo mujhe… ek kiss bhi nahi…” She paused, realizing what she had blurted out.

Ankita blushed hard while Mayank hit his head at her big mouth as everyone started hooting.

Ankita tried to cover up, “I mean woh…” Mayank kept quiet.

Shehnaaz chuckled, “Mayank, isliye zyada bol mat… warna tujhe… kisssssssssss nahi milegi!” and started laughing again.

Mayank, “Bye…”
All shouted, “Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye…”
Mayank rolled his eyes, “Oye… main sach mein nahi ja raha…”

Shehnaaz, reminded of something, “Heyy guys… aaj meri ek ladki se dosti ho gayi… she is new in the city.”

Mayank and Ranbir, “OMG… kaun hai woh? Kya naam hai?”

Ankita and Nisha, “Muh band karo… laal tapak rahi hai…”

Shehnaaz laughed, “Actually, woh last month hi India aayi hai… her name is Anishka… as in Anu.”

Ranbir, “Nice… waise kal ka kya planning hai? Teri wajah se aaj ka din pura flop ho gaya… we were bored like hell…”

Shehnaaz thought for a while, “Kal hum ghoomne chalte hain… Anu ko tum sab se bhi mila dungi…”

Nisha, “

Par woh aayegi kya?”

Shehnaaz, “Actually, ussi ne kaha ke kal ke liye kuch plan karte hain…”

Ranbir liked the idea, “Lunch bhi bahar karenge… it will be fun…”

Ankita giggled, “Haan, aur Ranbir ki taraf se sabke liye party raat mein…”

Ranbir rolled his eyes. With their chit-chat, the call finally ended.

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Back at Shukla’s home, it was midnight, but Sidharth was unable to sleep. He finally decided to hit the gym, practicing his punches with a vigor that he had never shown before. His muscles were perfectly shaped, his sweating body was made to kill, and his biceps throbbed with each hard punch. His chest was toned, and a layer of sweat made its way toward his flat torso.

Getting so affected by someone wasn’t something easy for Sidharth Shukla to accept. He stopped his vigorous punches, held the punching bag tight in his strong hands, closed his eyes, and tried his best not to think of her. But every second, images of her jumping in the rain, holding onto his shirt in the lift, and accepting his demanding hold flashed before his eyes.

Annoyed, he had a cold shower, trying to calm his muscles down when his phone rang. Relief washed over him as he saw it was from the detective agency. He listened patiently to the caller who spoke, “Shehnaaz Gill, daughter of businessman Mr. Rajender Gill, 21 years old, and has applied for an MBA this year at ABC College. Unmarried. Mobile number is 1234567890.”

Finally, he had something to hold on to..

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Dear Readers,

In this chapter, Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s feelings deepen. Sidharth can’t stop thinking about Shehnaaz and even hires a detective to find her. Shehnaaz, confused but captivated, keeps remembering their brief encounter.

Their growing emotions and the sense of destiny pulling them together make this a touching and romantic read. Stay tuned for more of their unfolding story.

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