Chapter 20

Sidharth saw her looking at him like a statue and chuckled softly. His heart ached to feel her close, his arms yearning to wrap her in his embrace. The wait had been agonizingly long, but they were surrounded by so many people.

He watched as she began walking toward him in a daze, a gentle smile playing on his lips. But then, Nisha held her hand, saying, “Tu yahan kya kar rahi hai.. chal..” and pulled her away, snapping her back to reality.

Shehnaaz let Nisha drag her away, but her face turned back, and her eyes kept staring at Sidharth. He watched with a small smile as Shehnaaz’s friends smudged the haldi all over her cheeks. She struggled to free herself, her face scrunched up in a cute protest, but they didn’t let her go. By the time they were done, her baby face was covered in haldi. She looked at him with a grumpy face, silently begging him to scold her friends for their little mischief.

Not that he could do that, but his heart felt at peace knowing that amidst her family, her friends, and her happiness, she only looked for him. He mattered to her more than anyone else, and that mere thought was heartwarming.

Sidharth watched curiously as she took more haldi in her hands and walked towards him. He cleared his throat, anticipating her move, wondering if she would dare to apply haldi on him in front of everyone. There was a mischievous smile on her face that made him want to help her with her little prank, just to keep that smile on her face. He shook his head at the extent of his madness towards her.

Shehnaaz faked ignorance as she walked past him and pretended to stumble. Worried, he bent to catch her from falling, and she seized the opportunity to apply haldi on his cheek, taking him by surprise.

Their eyes met. He stared at her with fake anger and glowing eyes while she stuck her tongue out and grinned at him. Could he ever truly be angry with her? She was the cutest thing in the world.

“Jaan.. tum bhi na..” he whispered as they both stood up, his cheek now smudged with haldi.

She held her ears and wiped his cheek slowly, making him stare at her possessively. Her care was out of this world. She was right in front of him, and he couldn’t even kiss her forehead. Why couldn’t he? She was his.

“OMG.. Shehnaaz..” Shehnaaz heard and closed her eyes while Sidharth cleared his throat and looked away as his sister approached them.

Anu was shocked to see haldi on her brother’s cheek, “Shehnaaz, kya kiya tumne..? bhai kabhi haldi nahi lagate..”

Shehnaaz instantly looked at Sidharth, worried if he was angry with her, but he blinked his eyes softly at her to relax.

Shehnaaz made a baby face at Anu, “Sorry Anu.. main girne wali thi na.. inhone bachaya mujhe.. tab galti se lag gayi.. hai na Mr. Shukla..?”

Sidharth stared at her, curious about the sudden formal address, and spoke in an unsure tone, “Umm.. yeah.. that’s ok Anu..”

Anu looked at Shehnaaz, confused, “Tu bhai ko Mr. Shukla kyu bol rahi hai.. kitna weird sound karta hai.. Sidharth bol.. ya bhai.. jaise main Baaz bhayya ko bulati hun..”

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened at the suggestion while Sidharth almost glared at his sister for ruining his love life.

Shehnaaz giggled nervously, “Pagal hai Anu.. main inhe kaise woh bula sakti hun..”

Anu scratched her head, “Woh..?” to which Sidharth rolled his eyes, “Sidharth is fine.. Anu.. Shehnaaz.. Sidharth is fine..”

Anu bit her lip at her brother’s angry tone and pulled Shehnaaz away, thinking her brother was angry at both of them.

Shehnaaz turned towards Sidharth while being pulled by Anu and smiled cutely at him, making him shake his head.

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As the haldi function came to an end, the lights changed colors, and all spotlights focused on the people who began dancing slowly to the music.

Roshan hai ye zami.. asaman sab.. ishq ke dam se..

Mayank joined the dance floor with Ankita, while Ranbir paired up with Nisha. Ankita’s father, present at the function, became angry noticing Ankita and Mayank dancing.

Mahi pulled her brother to the dance floor, who rolled his eyes but danced in his weird way, making many clap for his sportiness while Mahi danced cutely at the center.

Sidharth’s eyes looked around, searching for Shehnaaz, wondering if she would dance too. He guessed she might, as all her friends were dancing beautifully. He saw Anu dancing too and shared a glance with Rita ji as they both shook their heads at her excitement. She seemed to have mingled well with Shehnaaz’s family.

Everyone made a circle, and Shehnaaz came out of nowhere, taking her place at the center and dancing beautifully. She found Sidharth staring at her and continued to dance, a blush softly touching her cheeks.

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat as he saw her taking beautiful steps to the music. That lemon yellow somehow looked serene on her.

His heart urged to hug her as the meaning of those words registered in his mind. She was thanking God for bringing him into her life, for bringing her love into her life.

He wanted to bow his head in front of the love of his life. He so much wanted to take her in his arms, to be in her arms, resting his head on her heart. He wanted to forget the whole world.

She smiled, watching him stare at her endlessly, her eyes filling softly with overwhelming feelings. She wanted to shout that she was his, only his. She wanted to tell him what he meant to her.

The music played in the background as many family members and relatives joined them in dancing while Sidharth’s eyes remained frozen on her.

He smiled at her depth of feelings, knowing every word was meant for him. Those emotions in her eyes kept him captivated in her gaze. He knew her every word was for him.

She wanted to take every pain from his life and fill his life with love and happiness.

Shehnaaz pulled her mother and Rita ji to dance. Rita ji shook her head but did a few steps, surprising Sidharth and Vicky. Shehnaaz could bring out the child in everyone.

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As the music filled the room and everyone danced with abandon, Sidharth’s eyes were drawn to Shehnaaz. She looked at him with a fleeting intensity before slipping away, unnoticed by the others. His heart quickened, sensing something in her gaze, and without hesitation, he followed her. The vibrant dance floor faded behind him as he quietly climbed the stairs, each step filled with anticipation.

He reached her bedroom and, as he opened the door, he found himself instantly pulled inside. The door closed with a soft thud, and before he could process what was happening, Shehnaaz leapt into his arms, wrapping herself tightly around his neck. Her sudden embrace caught him off guard, causing him to stumble and lean against the door for support.

Surprise gave way to a profound sense of relief and longing as his arms instinctively circled her waist, pulling her closer into a bone-crushing hug. Their embrace was a silent communication of all the emotions they had kept bottled up, a testament to how deeply they had missed each other. Their hearts pounded in synchrony, echoing the intensity of their feelings.

Sidharth held Shehnaaz as if he would never let go, his strong arms encasing her as she rested her feet on his. She lifted herself just enough to plant a tender kiss on his forehead, while he buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her familiar scent.

“shhhhhh… main hoon na aapke paas,” she whispered, her voice filled with an urgent need to reassure him. She felt his desperation, the way he clung to her as if trying to merge their beings. She understood his restlessness, the insanity that mirrored her own in his absence. They were each other’s sanctuary.

 “mujhse nahi handle hota, Jaan…” His voice cracked, his arms tightening around her.

She embraced him tighter, her fingers threading through his hair in a soothing gesture. She could feel the turmoil within him, the storm that raged behind his composed exterior. She knew he had been restless the moment she saw him, and the mere thought of his distress made her desperate to calm him.

Sidharth felt himself melting into her warmth, into the embrace of his love, the scent of his Shehnaaz enveloping him.

“Aap ne puri haldi mere neck pe laga di,” she complained playfully, hoping to lighten his mood.

He chuckled softly, planting a sweet peck on her forehead, “Ummm…” His pride in marking her with his love was evident.

Raising his face, he gazed at her, his eyes filled with a longing that words could not convey. He missed her so much that his smile barely reached his eyes as he looked at her possessively. She cupped his cheeks with her delicate hands, wiping the last traces of haldi from his face with her thumb.

Closing the distance, he kissed her forehead, her eyes, her nose, her cupid’s bow, her cheeks, her chin, and finally, he captured her lips. The kiss was deep, soul-connecting, and Shehnaaz’s heart fluttered like a butterfly.  his eyes shut tightly, lost in her essence.

Shehnaaz smiled amidst the kiss, causing him to part with a chuckle and peck her grinning lips, “Mera bachha…”

“Miss kiya aap ne mujhe?” Her innocent question glowed in her eyes as she stared at him.

He wished he could explain what he had gone through without her, how every moment felt like an unending punishment. Pulling her closer, he let her rest her head in the crook of his neck as she held onto his kurti collar.

“You’re not doing that to me again. Samajhi tum?” His words were a command, punctuated by a kiss on her forehead. She cocooned herself in his arms, “Mujhe aur hug karo,” she pleaded. His hold tightened around her, “mera bachha..” he murmured.

After what seemed like an eternity, she raised her face to look at him and smiled, “Main neeche jaati hoon… aap thodi der mein aana… koi puchhe toh bol dena haldi clean karne aaye the.”

Trying to step back, he pulled her into his arms again, making her slam against his chest, “Nahi…”

Widening her eyes, she stood on her toes and managed to kiss his temple, making him smile, “Main aapki hi hoon na…”

“Tum sirf meri ho,” he commanded before stealing her lips again, feeling her respond to his love.

His hands loosened their grip, allowing her to leave as he watched her disappear from the room. He shook his head with a soft smile, “I love you, naaz.”

As Shehnaaz descended the stairs, she was surprised to see Uttara running through the main door, pouncing on her.

“pagal hai tu sacchi, shaam ko milne hi wale the na,” Shehnaaz exclaimed, hugging her back excitedly.

Giggling, Uttara hugged her again, “Omg… main soch rahi thi kitna gussa hogi tu.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Woh toh main hoon… ek plan banaya tune. Woh bhi cancel kar di.”

Sidharth descended the stairs and saw Shehnaaz with her friends and a new girl he didn’t recognize, who was clinging to Shehnaaz’s arm. He felt a pang of dismay but knew it was time to leave. Looking around for his mother, he was met by Baaz.

“Thank you so very much for coming, Mr. Shukla,” Baaz said, shaking his hand.

Sidharth smiled slightly, “I’m happy I did. It was amazing, Shehbaaz. And please, call me Sidharth outside work.”

Rita ji joined them with Jasbeera ji, and Sidharth’s eyes kept drifting towards Shehnaaz. He sighed, wanting to tell her he was leaving but seeing she was surrounded by her friends.

“Please do attend the sangeet in the evening. We will be waiting,” Baaz said, bidding them goodbye as they took their leave. Rita ji knew Anu wouldn’t join them, and so did Vicky.

Sidharth sighed, hoping to tell her he was leaving, but she was lost in her friends’ company.

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“Shehnaazzzzzzz…” Shikhar’s scream echoed painfully, bringing a flash of memory,

#Flashback – LONDON

A boy sat alone on the sandy beach, the evening’s quiet enveloping him. His head was buried in his hands when a gentle, warm hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up with tear-filled eyes to see a beautiful angelic girl with almond hazel eyes looking at him with concern.

“Tum ro rahe ho…? Kyu…?” she asked, her voice filled with innocent worry.

Captivated by her beauty and warmth, he stood up, finding comfort in her presence, “Mere rone se kisi ko koi farak nahi padta,” he said, his heart opening to her.

The girl took his hand, her touch sending a wave of calm through him, “Aise sad nahi hote… Bhagwan ji ne sabke liye koi na koi banaya hota hai… tumhe bhi aisa koi mil jayega… jo tumhe bahot pyar karega.”

Her words and touch made him believe in her, “Tum meri dost banogi?”

“Kyu nahi… main ye wada to nahi kar sakti ke zindagi bhar hogi ya nahi… kyunki main yahan nahi rehti… main yahan vacations manane aayi hoon…” she pointed to her parents. “Wo dekho mere mumma papaji.”

The boy’s heart sank again, “Par tum ne toh kaha ke mujhe koi milega… jo mujhe bahot pyar karega… aur ab tum mujhe chhodne ki baat kar rahi ho…”

The girl smiled gently, “Mene kaha koi… ye nahi kaha ke main… wo jahan bhi hoga… tum mil jaoge.”

He didn’t want anyone else. He wanted her. She had touched his heart, filling the void left by others’ departures.

Before he could say more, her mother called her, “Shehnaaz,” and she ran off with a quick goodbye.

He watched her leave, tears filling his eyes. Everyone left him, but she couldn’t leave him like this. He believed she was the one meant for him.

#Present

Shikhar sat in the isolated corner of his bedroom, the dim light casting shadows that danced eerily on the walls. His voice trembled with a mixture of longing and madness, “Dekha Shehnaz… mene tumhe dhund liya na… tum mere liye bani ho… isi liye me tumhe dhund paya. Mujhe pata hai ke tum wohi Shehnaz ho… mujhe yakin hai wo tum hi thi… janti ho kitna dhunda mene tumhe us pal ke baad… pagalon ki tarah dhunta raha… par tum kahin kho gayi thi. Mujhe yakin tha ke ek din me tumhe jarur dhund lunga… aur jab college me tumhara naam suna… tumhari ankhen… wo tum hi ho na… meri dost… meri Shehnaz… mujhe aur kisi ke pyar se koi matlab nahi… mujhe bas tumhara pyar chahiye… bhagwan ne tumhe mere liye hi banaya hai… to fir kaise tum ne kisi aur ka hath tham liya…? Us Sidharth Shukla ne kaise tumhe chhuva…? Tum meri ho na…? Tumhe saza to sehani hi padegi na Shehnaz… mujhe kiya wada na nibhane ki… tum apne hi shabdon se mukar gayi… tumne kisi aur ke bare me kaise socha haan…? Kaise socha tumne…? Mujhe jo karna hai wo toh me kar ke hi dum lunga… hum jiyenge bhi sath… aur marenge bhi sath… maza aayega… hai na Shehnaz…”

He continued speaking into the darkness as if Shehnaz were right there in front of him, his expression twisted with an unsettling mix of love and anger. His eyes were wild, his demeanor dangerous and unhinged.

Taking out his cell phone, he dialed a number, his voice cold and demanding, “I want to meet you right now.”

The caller, sensing something was wrong, hesitated, “Why are you so upset?”

Shikhar threw off the sheets and stood up abruptly, “I want the invitation for the wedding… I’m coming for the wedding and yes, for the sangeet function too.” With that, he disconnected the call, leaving the confused caller behind.

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Amidst the family gathering, Shehnaz’s eyes were searching for Sidharth, but she couldn’t find him. She noticed that Rita ji was missing too and wondered if they had left after lunch. A pang of sadness washed over her as she realized she had been so busy that she hadn’t even checked on them. Uttara, her loyal friend, stayed by her side, even though she should have been with her sister at that moment.

“Anu… aunty ji chale gaye kya?” Shehnaz asked, hoping to confirm her doubts.

Anu smiled warmly, “Haan, kab ka… maa aur bhai gaye… Vicky bhai hai Mayank ke sath.”

Shehnaz’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she ran to her room, making an excuse to leave. Once inside, she looked for her mobile and found it in a corner of the bed. She picked it up instantly and saw a text from Sidharth. It read, “Jaan… bina bole nikal raha hun… gussa na hona… tum apne friends ke sath thi toh I couldn’t disturb you… sham ko mera ana thoda mushkil hai… an important meeting is lined up… but maa aa jayegi.”

Shehnaz wiped her tears, a mix of happiness and anger overwhelming her. She was happy because he understood her so well, but she was sad and angry because she wanted him to attend the function. Kaam toh zindagi bhar hota hai na, she thought and called him instantly.

Sidharth was in his study room when his phone rang. A smile spread across his face, and he placed the file on the table as he picked up the phone, “Hello…”

Shehnaz twisted her lips, speaking in a grumpy tone, “Main nahi baat kar rahi.”

Sidharth chuckled at her tone, “Kya kiya maine, bachha?”

Her mouth opened wide in shock, “Ek toh aap mujhe bina bole chale gaye… aur sangeet mein kyun nahi aa rahe… I don’t like your stupid meeting.”

Rolling his eyes, Sidharth walked into his bedroom and lay on his bed, “I didn’t want you to feel awkward, baby, isliye nahi bola… aur sangeet mein kya karunga main…? Important meeting is lined up baby…”

Making a face, Shehnaz buried her face in the pillow, refusing to speak.

Sidharth sighed, knowing he couldn’t handle her silence. He wouldn’t mind her anger, but her silence was unbearable.

“Mera bachha… you want me to come?” he asked, wanting to hear her melodious voice.

She nodded her head in the pillow and scrunched her nose as she felt it stink.

“How will I see you nodding from here, baby?” he asked, knowing her talent to speak without words.

Grinning, Shehnaz sat up on the bed, the beautiful sound of her bangles making Sidharth smile, “Aapko ana hai… ye aapki Jana ka order hai.”

Shaking his head, Sidharth closed his eyes and clutched the phone closer, “Thik hai, bas…” he said, knowing that little needed to make her smile. He chuckled, “Manmani karti ho tum…”

Her smile turned into a cute frown, “Hayy… kitne papi ho aap… hamesha aap karte ho manmani…”

“Papi…?” he said, almost surprised at the choice of word.

Shehnaz giggled at his reaction, and a knock on her door grabbed her attention, “Koi aaya hai… bye,” she said hurriedly and disconnected the call.

Sidharth saw his phone and shook his head, walking back to his study room.

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Shehnaz was the first to get ready with minimal makeup, followed by Anu. They sat patiently for more than 30 minutes, but Ankita and Nisha didn’t seem to finish.

Anu chuckled while Shehnaz’s phone beeped. She read the text instantly, which said, “Stay in the bedroom only. I need to see you..” It was Sidharth.

She blushed cutely and noticed that Nisha and Ankita were finally done.

“Tum log pehle jao… main yahin hoon,” said Shehnaz, feigning innocence.

Anu rolled her eyes, “Kya yaar… kab se veli baithi thi…”

Ankita shook her head and spoke to Anu and Nisha, “Tum log jao… main aati hoon iske sath…”

Shehnaz rolled her eyes at Ankita’s overflowing love and chuckled as an idea came to her mind, “Yaar… kaise friends hain… niche mumma ko help chahiye hoga… jao jaldi… tu bhi ja Ankita… main bas aa rahi hoon 5 minute mein.”

The girls rolled their eyes and walked out of the bedroom. Shehnaz locked the door instantly and dialed Sidharth’s number. Before she could speak, she felt herself being embraced from behind.

She didn’t need her eyes to know it was him. She just knew… his warmth, his touch, his scent, his breaths… everything was familiar to her.

Sidharth turned her in his embrace and stared at her motionless. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in her green lehenga, her pinkish skin glowing more than usual. Her red lips caught his attention, and a groan escaped his lips.

Her angelic face and her beautiful hazel eyes made his heart throb wildly. She was the most beautiful girl in the world, without a doubt.

Shehnaz was lost in his eyes as he stared at her. He looked incredibly handsome in his indo-western attire. Her hands rested on his chest, feeling his heart beat as fast as hers, “Sidharth…” she whispered, not knowing why she said his name, but she knew she had to. She wanted to feel his name on her lips and hear how beautiful it sounded.

“Umm…” his throat went dry as he bent towards her face to take her lips. He knew he was going to ruin her lipstick, and he honestly wanted to. She wasn’t allowed to look this beautiful when everyone would be seeing her.

Shehnaz’s breaths hitched as she felt him move closer to her lips. She turned around cutely, sensing his intention

He felt her turn, and his possessiveness took over. He pulled her to himself with a sudden jerk, slamming her against his chest with a thud.

“Aap mujhe aise hi dekhte rahenge…” she said, closing her eyes as he continued to watch her.

“haa…,” he replied, kissing the back of her head as he inhaled the fresh aroma of her hair.

Sidharth chuckled at what he had just agreed to and heard her giggle cutely. He cocooned her closer in his embrace, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Shehnaz turned around excitedly, “Main kaisi lag rahi hoon?”

Smiling, Sidharth playfully hit her forehead with his, “Ekdum mishti doi,” he said and kissed her forehead.

“Mishti doi?” she asked in confusion, knowing it was a Bengali sweet dish.

Sidharth tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek lovingly, his eyes boring into hers, “Haan… mishti doi jaise sweet… meethi meethi…”

Shehnaz slapped her forehead, “Aye lo… main meethi kaise lag sakti hoon?” she asked, rolling her eyes. “Aap ne mujhe chakh kar dekha hai kya?”

Sidharth hissed, and Shehnaz quickly covered her face with her hands.