Chapter 25

Baaz clasped Leher’s father’s hands gently, his voice filled with sincerity. “I promise to take care of her forever and keep her happy,” he said, his eyes reflecting the depth of his commitment.

Leher’s father looked at his son-in-law with pride, his heart swelling with emotion. “Thank you, beta,” he responded, his voice tinged with gratitude. It was a moment of mutual respect and trust, as the father entrusted his daughter into Baaz’s care.

The Gill family, too, beamed with pride at their son. Their happiness was evident, and Leher, glowing with a mixture of joy and nervousness, shared their pride.

Shehnaaz’s eyes softened as she watched Leher hugging her mother tightly, her tears soaking into her mother’s neck. The sight stirred a deep empathy within Shehnaaz. She felt a twinge of sadness, understanding the emotional weight of such moments, where old ties are both cherished and painfully severed.

Sidharth watched from a distance, his stomach churning at the sight of shehnaaz’s teary face. he sadness tugged at his heartstrings, making him wish he could be there to offer comfort. He hated seeing her upset and felt an overwhelming urge to draw her close, to shield her from the pain.

As the reception drew nearer, many guests gravitated towards the food section, buzzing with lively conversation. Meanwhile, the bride and groom were escorted to prepare for the evening’s festivities.

Shehnaaz pouted playfully as her friends gently but insistently guided her towards her room to get ready for the reception. Her gaze briefly met Sidharth’s, noticing the frown etched on his face. She could sense his longing to be near her, his desire to share in the moments of the celebration. It warmed her heart to know that he missed her and wanted to be close.

Sidharth, though preferring to stay with his mother, found himself caught up in the whirlwind of social obligations. Familiar faces from his industry kept approaching him, leading to one discussion after another. Despite his desire to be by Shehnaaz’s side, the demands of his social circles kept him occupied, leaving him to navigate the complexities of both personal and professional interactions.

Shehnaaz was lost in Sidharth’s restless eyes as she quickly got ready for the reception. Despite her preoccupation, her friends continued their lively chatter, not missing a beat.

Anu, with excitement bubbling over, said, “Seriously, man, the function was so beautiful! The preparations were spot on.”

Ankita, with a mischievous grin, nudged Anu playfully and teased, “Kyu na ho, tere karan ne jo kiya hai.”

Anu looked puzzled and asked, “Mera karan? Ye kab hua?”

Nisha, catching on to the playful exchange, added with a laugh, “Yeah right, aaj jaise tuze ghur raha tha, uska has chale toh aaj hi shadi kar le tere se.”

The room erupted in laughter at the teasing, while Anu rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. The playful banter was a welcome distraction from the excitement of the evening.

As the reception time approached, Shehnaaz, now ready, made her way to the venue with a sense of urgency. Her eyes quickly found Sidharth, who was engrossed in a conversation with a delegate, casually sipping on a soft drink.

Determined to catch his attention, Shehnaaz took deliberate steps around the room, pretending to check on the arrangements. Her movements were purposeful, each step aimed at drawing Sidharth’s gaze. She hoped her subtle actions would make him notice her, and that he would feel the same longing she felt to be close to him.

Shehnaaz succeeded in catching Sidharth’s attention as she gracefully moved through the venue. The moment he saw her, his jaw dropped in awe. The sight of her took his breath away. She looked absolutely stunning, and the bottle green of her lavish gown complemented her pink skin perfectly, making her appear almost ethereal. The admiration she received from others seemed to intensify his irritation. Every appreciative glance directed her way felt like a personal affront, and he found himself glaring at anyone who dared to look.

Shehnaaz, noticing his intense reaction, couldn’t help but chuckle. It dawned on her that Sidharth’s anger was partly because a relative had complimented her. His displeasure was palpable as his eyes darkened with each appreciative remark from the crowd.

The person accompanying Sidharth noticed his distraction and waved his fingers to bring him back to the conversation. Sidharth shook himself out of his reverie and refocused on the discussion at hand. Yet, his eyes remained vigilant, darting over to Shehnaaz frequently. He observed every glance and every admiring eye that dared to settle on her. The thought of whisking her away, away from the admiring eyes, crossed his mind more than once.

The reception was in full swing, with guests continually approaching the newly married couple on stage to offer their congratulations. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with joy and celebration.

As Shehnaaz engaged in conversation with one of the relatives, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the message and read it immediately: “I don’t like anyone watching what is mine.” It was from Sidharth. The message was brief but charged with his possessive affection, making her smile. The playful, yet serious tone of his text reflected his deep-seated feelings and his desire to keep her close, away from the admiring gazes of others.

Shehnaaz’s heart raced at the intensity of Sidharth’s message. She dared a glance in his direction and saw his eyes locked onto her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. The connection between them was palpable, and she felt a flutter of excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness.

Just as she was about to reply to his message, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Uttara, sending a message that read, “Meet me in the room again where we got ready. It’s urgent yaar. I’m waiting…”

With a sigh, Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, excused herself from the conversation, and made her way towards her room. She could sense Sidharth’s gaze following her, a mixture of curiosity and concern evident in his eyes.

Sidharth’s fingers quickly typed out a message to her, “Where are you going again, baby?”

Shehnaaz read the message and smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her at his concern. She replied playfully, “Hayyyee, ye kyu nahi kehte ke mere bina man nahi lag raha apka? Achha, achha, muh mat banayiye, main guest room me ja rahi hun.”

Sidharth chuckled as he read her text. His reply was tinged with genuine affection, “Jaldi aana, kyunki mera sach mein man nahi lagta… tumhare bina.”

As Shehnaaz ascended the stairs towards the corridor, her smile widened as she read his message. She quickly typed back, “Main kahin aur man lagne bhi nahi dungi. Aap sirf mere ho, samajhe aap?”

Sidharth’s face relaxed into a satisfied grin as he read her response. He immediately sent back, “Sirf tumhara hun, jaan. don’t take much time, I need to see you.”

Shehnaaz gently tapped her phone against her forehead, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she crafted her response. With a teasing smile, she replied, “Only 10 minutes… mera intezar karna.”

Sidharth’s heart warmed at her message, and a fond smile tugged at his lips. He typed back, “I love you mera bachhaa,” his words infused with genuine affection.

As he hit send, he wondered if she would respond directly. She had never said “I love you” explicitly, but her actions spoke volumes. He often felt that her gestures and the way she showed her love were more meaningful than words could ever be.

His heart skipped a beat when his phone buzzed. He eagerly checked the message, and his face lit up as he read, “I love you too mera bachha.” Her words were like a sweet melody, and he grinned widely, feeling a rush of joy. He gently brushed his fingers through his hair, feeling a pleasant warmth in his cheeks. She had never called him that before, and he found himself cherishing the new term of endearment. It was moments like these that made him fall in love with her all over again, and he marveled at how she continually made his heart hers.

Sidharth decided to check on his mother, walking over with a thoughtful expression. “Maa, aap ke liye plate banake laoon?”

Rita ji looked up at her son with a warm smile. “Thank you, beta, but I’ve already had. Anu’s friends are really caring.” Her eyes softened with maternal pride, grateful for the kindness and attentiveness of those around her.

Sidharth nodded, appreciating the sentiment. As he moved away, his mind was still on Shehnaaz, her words echoing in his thoughts.

Sidharth’s gaze lingered on his mother as she spoke with Jasbeera ji, his heart brimming with gratitude. “Hume bahot khushi hai ke har rasam me apna ashirwaad bhara hath rakha aap ne,” Jasbeera ji said, her voice carrying warmth and appreciation.

Rita ji responded with equal warmth, her conversation with Jasbeera ji flowing naturally. Meanwhile, Sidharth’s eyes darted around, searching for Shehnaaz. He sighed softly when he couldn’t spot her, feeling a pang of impatience and longing.

Noticing his distraction, Rita ji nudged him gently. Sidharth quickly mouthed a silent apology, his face flushing slightly as he refocused on the conversation at hand.

When Vicky and Tara joined them, Rita ji was eager to introduce Tara to Jasbeera ji. “Yeh hai Tara, hamari chhoti bahu,” she said with a proud smile.

Tara’s cheeks flushed with a soft pink as she looked down shyly. Sidharth glanced at Vicky, who wore a confused expression, and he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement at the situation.

Jasbeera ji extended her blessings to Tara with a gracious smile. Rita ji chuckled lightly and added, “Bahot jald humari badi bahu se bhi milayenge apko.”

Sidharth’s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced at his mother, Vicky, and Tara, each of them processing Jasbeera ji’s unexpected remark. Jasbeera ji’s smile was gentle but tinged with a hint of realization; she seemed to have understood that a potential match for Sidharth might have already been selected. The affection she felt for this family and for Sidharth was evident, especially when considering how deeply Sidharth’s respectful address of “Maaji” had touched her. There was something profoundly sincere and powerful in that simple name, something that spoke of genuine connection and respect.

Sidharth offered Jasbeera ji an awkward but genuine smile, his feelings tangled as he looked at his mother. His mother’s amused chuckle in response only deepened his discomfort. It was clear that the conversation was moving faster than he had anticipated.

Jasbeera ji reached out and gently patted Sidharth’s cheek, her touch warm and comforting. “Mujhe yakin hai, jo bhi ladki tumhari zindagi me aayegi, wo bahot khushnaseeb hogi,” she said, her voice filled with maternal affection and confidence.

Sidharth’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions as he looked at this motherly figure. He wanted to tell her that the girl she was referring to was Shehnaaz, and that he considered himself incredibly fortunate to have her in his life. Words of gratitude and love for Shehnaaz bubbled up inside him, but he could only nod and accept the blessing.

He bent down to receive Jasbeera ji’s blessing, feeling the warmth and care in her gesture. Her words were infused with all her love and affection, and he felt a profound sense of reassurance and connection. It was moments like these that reminded him of the deep ties of family and the hopeful future that lay ahead with Shehnaaz by his side.

Tara watched the unfolding scene with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation, rolling her eyes at the drama around her. Vicky, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the fuss, his reaction to Rita ji’s comments about marriage being characteristically nonchalant. Sidharth noticed Vicky’s bewildered expression and chose to ignore it, which made Rita ji chuckle softly at the casual dynamics of her family.

_______________

Meanwhile, Mayank clasped Ankita’s hands in his, his relief palpable. “Thank God, tum maan gayi. Pata hai, mujhe laga tha ke is baar kitne papad belne padenge tumhe manane ke liye,” he said, his tone a mix of gratitude and playful frustration.

Ankita rolled her eyes at him. “Oyye hello, ye sab maine isliye kiya ki mujhe shadi mein apna mood kharab nahi karna. I wanted to enjoy,” she retorted, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Mayank sighed dramatically, prompting Ankita to blow away the stray hair strands that had fallen on her face. Mayank chuckled and said, “You are impossible, you know that, right?”

Ranbir, who had just joined them with Nisha and Anu, chimed in with mock surprise, “You still wonder…”

Ankita shot him a sharp look. “Oyye, tu kehna kya chahta hai?”

Ranbir grinned and sidled up to her, hugging her sideways. “Arre, main to teri side le raha hoon. Oyye, Mayank, meri Ankita ke baare mein kuch mat bol. She is my best friend.”

Ankita playfully nudged Ranbir away. “Keep dreaming. Meri best friend Nisha hai,” she said, wrapping her arms around Nisha in a warm hug.

Ranbir gaped at Ankita in exaggerated shock and turned to Mayank with a hopeful look. Mayank, in response, rolled his eyes at Ranbir’s over-the-top drama.

Karan, who had been observing from a distance, rolled her eyes and asked, “Waise, tum logon ki shaitan gang leader kahan hai?”

Nisha looked around, puzzled. “Haan yaar, Sana kahan hai?”

Shikhar, who had just walked up to them, inquired, “What’s happening, guys?”

Mayank sighed and said, “Kuch nahi yaar, just timepass. Waise, did you see Shehnaaz?”

Shikhar frowned, thinking. “Kuchh der pehle, mene usse bahar jate dekha tha. Par ab pata nahi.”

Ranbir, ever the dramatist, commented, “Kitna makeup karti ho tum ladkiyan.”

Ankita smacked his head lightly, causing him to wince. Anu shook her head, her tone impatient. “Guys, koi jaake Shehnaaz ko bulao. Surprise performance ka time ho gaya hai.”

Shikhar smiled at the excitement in the air. “Sounds interesting. Then where is Shehnaaz? She’s the one who will announce, right?”

Nisha, catching Shikhar’s inquiry, glanced at him with a hint of determination. “Main aur Ankita dekhte hain jake,” she said before the two girls headed off, leaving Anu to approach her mother, who was standing with Sidharth.

Sidharth’s eyes continued to search for Shehnaaz, but she was still nowhere to be seen. He noticed that no one from Shehnaaz’s group was around, which made him wonder where they had disappeared. Just then, he saw Anu walking towards him.

Anu noticed Sidharth’s restless glances and raised an eyebrow. “Bhai, are you looking for someone?”

Startled, Sidharth raked his fingers through his hair, trying to appear nonchalant. “Umm, no one in particular…”

Rita ji, observing the exchange with a knowing smile, added, “By the way, Anu, Shehnaaz kahi dikhayi nahi de rahi…”

Anu sighed in response. “Haan, woh shayad guest room mein hai. Nishu aur Ankita gaye hain usse dekhne…”

Sidharth listened intently to their conversation, his concern growing with each word. He noticed Nisha and Ankita returning, but Shehnaaz was nowhere in sight. A frown settled on his face as he wondered anxiously, Where are you, baby? His insides twisted with a mix of worry and impatience as he continued to search for her.

Anu spotted Nisha and Ankita and rushed towards them with a sense of urgency. “Arre, Shehnaaz kahan hai?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Nisha sighed heavily. “Guest room mein toh nahi thi Shehnaaz. Humne use kahin bhi nahi paaya.”

Ankita grimaced, “Yaar, performance ka time ho raha hai. Pata nahi usne phone carry bhi kiya hai ya nahi.”

Anu glanced around, her anxiety growing. “Shayad Uttara ke saath hogi. Lekin woh bhi nahi dikhayi de rahi…”

Nisha, clearly frustrated, smacked her forehead. “Abbe andhi, stage pe dekh. Uttara bethi toh hai. Ruk, main call karke dekhti hoon.” Saying that, she started dialing Shehnaaz’s number.

Sidharth, who had been trying to call Shehnaaz repeatedly, heard the voicemail message for the tenth time. “The number you have called is currently switched off. Please try again later…”

His frustration mounted as he muttered to himself, “Switch off… phir se switch off. Ab kahan dhundu isse? Yeh ladki ek jagah kyu nahi ruk sakti? Kahan tha ‘10 minute mein aayegi’? Adha ghanta hone ko aaya hai, sab yahan hai. Aisa kya kaam aa gaya ise? Aur phone bhi off aa raha hai. Battery charge karna toh yaad nahi raha hoga. If I scold her, toh baby face banayegi. Uff, kya karoon main iss ladki ka…”

Determined to find her, Sidharth made his way towards the direction where he last knew Shehnaaz had gone, his mind racing with worry and frustration.

“Sana… Sana… Are you in there?” Nisha called out loudly as the girls entered the guest room once more, her voice tinged with frustration.

Ankita immediately started checking the bathroom, while Anu scanned the corridor, but there was no sign of Shehnaaz.

The girls searched the room thoroughly but found no trace of Shehnaaz. Sidharth, who had been hidden behind the curtains, held his breath, trying to stay as silent as possible. He had come to check on Shehnaaz when he saw the door open and quickly hid, not wanting to create an awkward situation for her.

As soon as he heard the girls leave, Sidharth emerged from his hiding spot. His gaze fell on Shehnaaz’s phone, which was left on the dressing table.

He picked up the phone, his mind racing. *This is Shehnaaz’s phone… What is she doing? Where could she be?* The worry that had been nagging him intensified as he stared at the phone, feeling a sense of fear. The absence of Shehnaaz and her switched-off phone only deepened his concern. He couldn’t shake the nagging question in his mind:

Where is Shehnaaz?