Chapter 27

Naaaz…..

The voice, dripping with anger and authority, was unmistakably Sidharth Shukla’s. His fury was palpable, resonating with a dangerous edge that sent chills through the crowd.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice, their faces registering shock and confusion. The sight that met their eyes was one of sheer astonishment. Sidharth Shukla, usually composed and reserved, was now a tempest of rage. His eyes blazed with a fire that seemed almost otherworldly, and his expression was one of pure, unfiltered fury. He stormed toward the stage with a purpose, each step echoing like thunder in the tense silence.

Sidharth’s presence was commanding, his anger radiating from him like a storm on the horizon. He moved with a sense of urgency and power, his entire demeanor resembling a roaring lion, ready to pounce. The crowd parted instinctively, their faces a mix of fear and bewilderment as they watched him approach.

Jasbeera ji stood frozen, her heart racing as she witnessed the storm that had suddenly descended upon the event. The elegant, composed atmosphere of the evening had been shattered by Sidharth’s explosive entrance, and the once-celebratory room was now thick with tension.

As Sidharth stormed toward her, his anger and desperation were almost palpable. He grabbed her hands with a grip that was both firm and urgent, his eyes—usually so full of confidence—now glistening with unshed tears. The vulnerability in his gaze was a stark contrast to his otherwise furious demeanor, and it struck a deep chord of worry within her.

“Maa… Shehnaaz kaha hai?” His voice, cracked and trembling with emotion, cut through the silence like a knife. The question, filled with raw desperation, sent a shiver down Jasbeera ji’s spine.

The word “maa” echoed in the air, and for a moment, it felt like time itself had stopped. Jasbeera ji’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at Sidharth, her eyes widening in shock. The word didn’t just surprise her; it sent her mind spiraling into a whirlpool of confusion. Nothing made sense anymore—everything suddenly felt chaotic and out of place.

Maa…? Did he just call me maa? Jasbeera ji’s thoughts raced, unable to comprehend why Sidharth Shukla, of all people, would address her in such a way. Why would Sidharth Shukla call me maa…? The thought lingered, gnawing at her, as she tried to piece together the puzzle that had suddenly been thrown at her. She knew there was only one person who called her that. Maa toh mujhe sirf… Her eyes widened even further as the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. Her heart pounded in her chest as two and two finally made four.

Is he the one…? Kya ye wohi hai jisse Sana…? Usne mujhe maa bola… The words barely escaped her lips as she struggled to keep her voice steady. “Sidharth beta…” she said, her tone laced with uncertainty, almost as if she was afraid of what this revelation might mean.

Sidharth’s response was immediate and desperate. He grabbed her shoulders, his grip firm yet not painful, like a frightened child clinging to his mother for reassurance. Jasbeera ji could feel the sheer restlessness emanating from him, the tension in his body palpable. His eyes, usually so composed and strong, were now filled with a mix of anxiety and something that almost looked like fear.

“Maa…” Sidharth groaned, his voice thick with emotion, “mene puchha kaha hai Shehnaaz…?”

His plea was raw and urgent, and it felt as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for her answer. Sidharth’s eyes, now glistening with unshed tears, bore into hers, searching for any hint of the answer he so desperately sought. Jasbeera ji felt her heart break a little at the sight of him—this man who appeared so strong and unyielding, now reduced to such vulnerability.

“Sid…” came a worried call from Rita ji, who hurried towards Sidharth, her face mirroring the concern that everyone around felt. The usually strong-willed woman was now filled with anxiety, seeing the state Sidharth was in.

Tears welled up in Sidharth’s eyes, and Jasbeera ji felt a pang of fear as she looked into them. His pain was almost too much to bear, and she found herself struggling to maintain her composure. Those red, pained eyes were a stark contrast to the Sidharth she had known—a man always in control, always calm. Now, he was anything but.

Around them, the atmosphere had shifted. Every person present at the function had been jolted out of their celebration, now enveloped in a thick cloud of confusion and concern. Leher and Baaz, who had been standing nearby, exchanged bewildered glances, their faces reflecting the confusion that gripped the room. No one understood what had just happened or why Sidharth Shukla, of all people, was on the verge of breaking down.

Shehnaaz’s friends came rushing toward the stage, their faces a mix of worry and urgency. They had been searching for her everywhere, growing more frantic with each passing minute. The moment they spotted Sidharth on the stage, a wave of relief washed over them, but it was quickly replaced by confusion when they saw his state.

Rita ji, sensing her son’s turmoil, gently placed a hand on his shoulder. The comforting touch of his mother was all it took for Sidharth to break down further. He turned to her, and without a second thought, wrapped his arms around her in a desperate embrace, holding onto her as if his life depended on it. The sight of the usually strong and composed Sidharth clinging to his mother so tightly was both heart-wrenching and alarming. Tara, standing nearby, narrowed her eyes in confusion, glancing at Vicky, who looked just as bewildered.

Rajender ji, beyond confused and deeply concerned, stepped forward. “Sidharth… are you alright? Aap Shehnaz ko kyu…?” His voice trailed off, unable to finish the question, as he struggled to make sense of the situation.

Sidharth pulled away from his mother and moved toward Rajender ji, his desperation evident in every step. Grabbing Rajender ji’s hand, he pleaded, “Because she is missing. Kahan hai meri Shehnaz… please tell me…”

And that was it.

The room fell into an eerie silence as Sidharth’s words hung in the air. Every person present at the function stood frozen in shock. The claim Sidharth had just made echoed through their minds, refusing to be dismissed. Did Sidharth Shukla just call Shehnaz his…? The very idea seemed impossible, like something out of a dream. Sidharth Shukla, the man known for his aloofness, the man who had never been seen with any woman in a personal way, was now declaring his attachment to a girl? It was almost unthinkable.

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, curiosity bubbling up among those who didn’t know Shehnaaz personally. Who was this girl who had managed to win over Sidharth Shukla’s heart? The curiosity quickly turned into a fervor.

But amidst all the shock and confusion, the people who knew Sidharth and Shehnaaz were in an even deeper state of disbelief. Rajender ji, Jasbeera ji, Baaz, Leher—all of them were struck speechless, their minds reeling from the revelation. How had they missed this? How had none of them seen this coming?

In the midst of the crowd, Ranbir stumbled back a little, his face draining of color at Sidharth’s words. He felt as though the ground had been pulled out from under him, his heart lurching painfully in his chest. Nisha, sensing his distress, quickly reached out and held him, preventing him from falling. She could see the torment in his eyes, the internal battle he was fighting. Does Shehnaaz love him too? The question gnawed at his heart, and with it came an overwhelming wave of pain. Ranbir had never mustered the courage to confess his feelings, but he had always loved Shehnaaz deeply, from the very bottom of his heart. To think that she might belong to someone else, especially Sidharth, was a pain he wasn’t prepared to face.

Anu stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest as the shock of her brother’s words hit her like a tidal wave. Her brother… Sidharth Shukla… just claimed Shehnaaz as his? The thought was almost too much to process. How could this be possible? How could they be in a relationship and she not know about it? Anu’s mind raced as she struggled to make sense of it all.

Her eyes darted to her mother, hoping for some kind of explanation, but instead, she saw a ghost of a smile playing on Rita ji’s lips. That small, barely-there smile spoke volumes, and it told Anu everything she needed to know. Her mother knew. She knew. Anu’s heart sank, disappointment washing over her like a cold wave. Why would her brother hide something like this from her?

It wasn’t just Anu who felt the sting of surprise and hurt. The entire group of friends—their tight-knit gang—stood there in varying degrees of shock and disappointment. They had always shared everything with each other, no secrets, no lies. They were like a family, bound by trust and loyalty. And yet, here they were, blindsided by something so significant. Why would Shehnaaz keep this from them? A part of them wondered if she didn’t trust them enough to share such an important part of her life.

It wasn’t that they weren’t happy for her. Shehnaaz and Sidharth Shukla—it was a match beyond their wildest dreams. What more could anyone ask for? But the pain of being kept in the dark overshadowed their happiness. They never expected her to hide something so big, something that clearly meant so much to her.

As these thoughts swirled through Anu’s mind, Jasbeera ji’s eyes filled with tears—not of sadness, but of overwhelming happiness. Finally, she had met the person who had captured her daughter’s heart. She couldn’t believe it, couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that her daughter was in love with Sidharth Shukla. The mere thought filled her with pride and joy. Her daughter, in love with a man like Sidharth Shukla—how could she ask for anything more?

On the other hand, Rajender ji was frozen in place, Sidharth’s declaration echoing in his mind. His Shehnaaz… and Sidharth Shukla? The two names together seemed almost surreal, like something out of a dream. Could it really be true? Were they in a relationship? His mind buzzed with questions—where did they meet? When did this happen?—but amidst all the confusion, a strange sense of satisfaction settled in his heart. Sidharth Shukla—a man known for his integrity, his strong will, his excellence in business, and above all, his pure, honest nature—was in love with his precious gudiya. What more could a father ask for his daughter?

Trying to steady himself, Rajender ji reached out to calm the agitated Sidharth. He could see the storm of emotions swirling in the young man’s eyes—fear, desperation, love—all clashing within him. “Sidharth… aap please shant ho jayiye… hum reception ke baad…” Rajender ji’s voice was gentle, his intention clear—he wanted to ease Sidharth’s turmoil, to give him some semblance of peace, if only for a moment.

Sidharth couldn’t hold back anymore. The frustration and fear that had been building inside him finally erupted, like a dam bursting under pressure. His voice cracked with pain and desperation as he shouted, “Shehnaaz nahi mil rahi hai… aur aap chahte hai ke main reception khatam hone ka wait karu?!” The anguish in his words hung heavy in the air, leaving everyone stunned.

How could they not understand the gravity of the situation? Shehnaaz was missing—the woman he loved more than anything in this world was nowhere to be found, and yet they were worried about a reception? The very thought made his blood boil. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest that it hurt, and his mind was racing with terrifying thoughts of what could have happened to her.

Jasbeera ji, seeing the raw pain in Sidharth’s eyes, gently patted his back, trying to offer some comfort, “Beta, aap yuhi pareshan ho rahe hain… Sana yahi kahin hogi.” Her voice was calm, filled with the soothing reassurance of a mother. But Sidharth couldn’t find solace in her words. Not this time. The fear of losing Shehnaaz, even for a moment, was too overwhelming to be eased by mere words.

Rajender ji, sensing that his wife might know more than she was letting on, asked with a frown, “Jasbeera, kya ho raha hai ye sab?” There was confusion in his voice, but also an undercurrent of concern. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding right before his eyes, something he was not entirely aware of.

But Sidharth didn’t care about the whispers or the concerned looks. He didn’t care about the guests or the fact that everyone was staring at them. All that mattered to him was finding Shehnaaz. He needed her—her presence, her warmth, her love—like he needed air to breathe. His entire body was trembling with the need to hold her close, to feel her in his arms again. The thought of her being out there, alone, possibly scared, was more than he could bear. He cursed himself for losing track of her, for letting his guard down, even for a second. How could he have been so careless? The guilt gnawed at him, making him hate himself for not protecting her.

Jasbeera ji, sensing that the truth could no longer be hidden, decided to speak plainly. In a voice that was steady but full of meaning, she said, “Sidharth aur Shehnaaz pyar karte hain.” There was no hesitation in her words, no attempt to sugarcoat the reality. She stated it as it was—a fact that could no longer be denied or ignored.

Rajender ji’s eyes widened, and for a moment, it seemed like he was going to reprimand his wife for making such a bold statement in front of all the guests. But it wasn’t anger that flashed in his eyes—it was shock. The revelation hit him hard. Sidharth Shukla, the biggest name in Mumbai, the man who was known for his strict, no-nonsense attitude and his focus on business—he was in love with Shehnaaz.

It was almost too much to take in. Rajender ji’s mind swirled with questions, and he could barely keep up with his own thoughts. The implications of what he had just heard were immense. He had always admired Sidharth from a distance, respected him for his integrity and strong moral code. But to think that this same man was in love with his gudiya, his precious daughter—it was both surprising and oddly satisfying.

Ranbir felt his world shattering around him. As the realization sank in, he tightened his grip on Nisha’s hand, seeking comfort in her touch. His heart ached with the bitter truth—he had lost Shehnaaz. The woman he had silently loved for so long, the one he had dreamed of being with, was no longer within his reach. The pain of unrequited love was unbearable, a deep, gnawing sorrow that threatened to consume him.

Nisha, sensing the turmoil within him, held him even tighter. She understood all too well what he was going through. She had experienced the same agony, the same crushing disappointment when she had lost her own love. Her heart ached for Ranbir, knowing that no words could truly ease the pain he was feeling. All she could do was be there for him, offering silent support as he grappled with his emotions.

Rajender ji was no less shaken. “Why wasn’t I aware of this?” he muttered, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of hurt. How could something so significant be kept from him? He was her father, after all. The curious glances of the guests only added to his discomfort, making him feel exposed and vulnerable in a way he hadn’t expected.

Jasbeera ji sighed, ready to offer some kind of explanation, but before she could speak, they were all interrupted by the sound of Sidharth’s voice. He was speaking into his phone, his tone urgent and commanding, “Hello, Saxena uncle, I want you here at Hotel Paradise with your entire team immediately. My fiancée is missing.”

The word “fiancée” hit everyone like a bolt of lightning.

Sidharth’s declaration was not just a revelation; it was a bombshell. For the Gill family, it was a double shock. Their daughter, Shehnaaz, was not only in love with Sidharth Shukla, but she was engaged to him—and they hadn’t known a thing about it. The room seemed to spin as they tried to process this information, their minds racing with a thousand questions.

Sidharth, however, had no time for the stunned reactions around him. This wasn’t the moment for explanations or apologies. Shehnaaz was missing, and that was the only thing that mattered. He couldn’t afford to waste another second on anything else. 

Sidharth barely registered the luxury of the five-star hotel as he hastily shared the address, his mind too consumed by panic to care about the formality of details. When he disconnected the call, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him, each gaze filled with shock, confusion, and judgment. But none of it mattered to him—not the whispers, not the stares. All that mattered was Shehnaaz. She was missing, and the thought of it was tearing him apart. His mother’s eyes, however, were different. They didn’t hold shock or judgment; instead, they pleaded silently, begging him to show some mercy, to consider the Gill family in this delicate situation.

Sidharth groaned, closing his eyes tightly as if that simple action could somehow silence the storm raging in his mind. The thought of losing Shehnaaz—his heart, his soul, his very reason for existing—was unbearable. How could this have happened? How could he have been so careless? Where are you, Jaan? please come back to your Jana.. I’m sorry love for being careless towards you.. ohh God..  how could he..

His thoughts spiraled, filled with desperation. He cursed himself for not being more vigilant, for not protecting her like he should have. The pain in his chest was overwhelming, a physical ache that threatened to consume him whole. All he wanted, all he needed, was to have Shehnaaz back in his arms, safe and sound.

Rita ji watched her son with a growing sense of dread. She knew Sidharth better than anyone—he was a man of action, a man who would stop at nothing to protect those he loved. If he didn’t find Shehnaaz soon, she had no doubt he would turn the entire hotel upside down in his search. The fact that he was making such a scene in front of everyone only confirmed her fears—Sidharth must have already checked everywhere and was coming up empty. The thought chilled her.

Her son’s face was etched with pain, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, and it broke her heart to see him like this. He was always so strong, so unyielding, but now—now he looked like a man on the verge of collapse. Rita ji sighed deeply, cupping his face in her hands to bring his gaze to hers. “Kuch nahi hoga usse, beta,” she whispered, her voice trembling with the effort to stay calm. “Shayad yahi kahin ho… shant hoja, Sid…” She tried to soothe him, to bring him back from the edge, but she knew her words were a fragile balm against the raw wound in his heart.

Meanwhile, Leher’s father stood nearby, growing increasingly uncomfortable with the curious glances from the guests. He was angry, but more than that, he was anxious. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion, a wedding, and now there was talk of police involvement. It was unthinkable. But no matter how much his frustration grew, he knew better than to confront Sidharth Shukla directly. Instead, he turned to Rajender ji, his tone stern but cautious. “Bhai sahab… ye kya hai? Bachhon ki shaadi mein police ayegi toh… kaisa lagega?” He voiced his concern, knowing full well the kind of scandal this could bring if it wasn’t handled carefully.

Jasbeera ji exchanged a tense glance with Rita ji, silently pleading for her to help handle the rapidly escalating situation. Trying to stay composed, “jarur kuch galat faimi hui hai.. me abhi call karti hun usse..” she quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Shehnaaz’s number, hoping against hope that this was all just a misunderstanding. But as the call failed to connect, a deep frown creased her forehead, her worry intensifying. She turned to Rajender ji, who had gone pale, his expression mirroring the dread that had taken hold of her.

Sidharth, his eyes red with fury and tears, made everyone around him tense with fear. He stepped towards Jasbeera ji, who was still trying to reach Shehnaaz, and gently but firmly took her hand, stopping her efforts. “Maa…” His voice was laced with a painful desperation. “I’ve checked the entire lawn, the reception, the guest rooms… wo kahin nahi hai.. uska phone mujhe kamre me mila jiski battery bhi missing hai.. is it normal?”

He thrust the lifeless phone into Jasbeera ji’s hands, causing a ripple of shock to pass through the crowd. Rajender ji’s eyes widened in disbelief as he took the phone from his wife, staring at it as if it could somehow provide answers. Baaz, who had been standing silently, felt a wave of panic wash over him. Without a second thought, he hurried over to his father, the gravity of Shehnaaz’s disappearance hitting the Gill family hard.

Sidharth groaned in agony, his frustration boiling over as he angrily wiped the tears from his face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring he had found in the guest room, holding it up for everyone to see. “I made her wear this ring today…” His voice cracked with emotion, barely able to get the words out. “usne wada kiya tha ki woh is ring ko kabhi khudse door nahi karegi….”

“ye ring guest room me Farsh par giri thi.. kya meri Shehnaz aisa kar sakti hai.. nahi na maa..” He shook Jasbeera ji, who was already trembling with fear, and she instantly nodded, her heart breaking for her daughter.

Sidharth’s own fear was palpable as he clutched the ring close to his heart. “mujhe meri naaz chahiye abhi isi waqt..” he demanded, his voice low but filled with a terrifying intensity. “chahiye iske liye mujhe puri duniya talashni pade”  His tone was so filled with anger and determination that it sent chills down the spines of everyone present, including the hotel management team, who had arrived to see what the commotion was about. They knew Sidharth Shukla’s reputation all too well and were aware that he was more than capable of tearing the hotel apart if he didn’t find Shehnaaz soon.

Sidharth’s gaze was intense, almost challenging everyone present. His voice, low and filled with an unyielding resolve, echoed in the room, “Sidharth Shukla apni Shehnaaz ko dhoondh ke rahega… koi door nahi kar sakta usse mujhse… koi bhi nahi.” The determination in his words left no room for doubt—nothing and no one would stop him from finding Shehnaaz.

As he spoke, a pair of eyes in the crowd smirked, taking in the sight of Sidharth Shukla’s tears and the fire in his eyes. It was a cruel satisfaction, watching the usually composed and powerful man brought to his knees by fear and desperation.

Rajender ji, consumed by worry, was shaking as he turned his frustration on Shehnaaz’s friends. His voice was sharp and filled with panic as he demanded, “She was with you guys… what the hell happened?”

The group of friends looked at each other, guilt and helplessness etched on their faces. They had no answers, only regret for not paying closer attention. The weight of the situation was pressing down on them, and it was Ankita who finally broke the silence. “Hum sab saath mein hi the… par usne kaha ke usse kuch kaam hai… aur woh chali gayi… uske baad se maine abhi tak use nahi dekha.”

Anu, trying to make sense of the situation and find some clarity in her own confusion, started to speak, “Bhai…” But before she could say more, Sidharth cut her off with a groan, “Not now, Anu.” The finality in his voice was enough to make her stop immediately, her questions dying in her throat.

Jasbeera ji’s fear only grew as she took in Ankita’s words. “Nahi dekha matlab… kaha hai Shehnaaz?” Her voice was trembling, and tears began to stream down her face. The possibility that something terrible had happened to her daughter was becoming more real by the second, and she was overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown.

Rajender ji, despite his efforts to remain calm, was at a loss. He had no idea where Shehnaaz could have disappeared to. He wasn’t on bad terms with many people, so the idea that someone might have taken her didn’t make sense to him. But as much as he wanted to believe that she had just gone somewhere and would return soon, the growing tension and fear in the room made it harder for him to hold on to that hope.

Baaz, seeing his mother break down in tears, instinctively wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting hug. “Mumma, kuch nahi hoga Sana ko… hum sab hai na,” he whispered, trying to reassure her even as his own heart raced with fear. His gaze drifted to Sidharth, the man who was known for his intimidating presence and strong personality. Baaz had met Sidharth before, and he had been impressed by him. Yet, it was hard for him to reconcile the image of this powerful man with the fact that he had fallen for his carefree, jhalli sister, Shehnaaz.

Sidharth, on the other hand, was a storm of emotions. He watched as his bodyguards approached him, their empty hands and downcast expressions telling him everything he needed to know—Shehnaaz wasn’t with them. The disappointment and frustration clawed at his insides, but he didn’t let it show. He knew he couldn’t afford to lose control now, not when every second counted.

Then, a thought struck him like lightning. Without wasting a moment, Sidharth pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number. “Adi, I need a battery for a BlackBerry XYZ phone immediately. Get it to this address right now,” he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding as he gave the hotel address before disconnecting the call.

He knew that getting the phone working again might provide some crucial information or a clue about Shehnaaz’s whereabouts. Every second mattered, and Sidharth was determined to use every resource at his disposal to find her. The thought of Shehnaaz out there, possibly in danger, gnawed at his insides, but he steeled himself, focusing on the task at hand. This was no time for fear—he needed to act.

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Her wrists were painfully bound behind the chair, her legs secured tightly at the bottom, and a cloth covered her mouth, muffling her cries. There she was—the love of Sidharth Shukla, Sid ki Naaz—lying in a dimly lit, decrepit room, barely conscious.

Shehnaaz stirred slightly, the haze of unconsciousness lifting just enough for her to open her eyes. But as she blinked through the disorientation, the world around her remained a blur. The room was filled with dust-laden tables, broken chairs, and old files strewn haphazardly. Ripped curtains hung in tatters, and the feeble light barely pierced through the gloom, making the space look like something out of a nightmare. The eerie silence and disarray filled her with dread.

She attempted to move, but the sharp pain that shot through her wrists and legs made her wince. The reality of her situation hit her like a sledgehammer—she was bound, trapped in what looked like an abandoned storeroom. The dust was so thick it was evident that no one had set foot in this place for years.

Her heart raced with fear as tears welled up in her eyes. The unsetting, dark space seemed to close in on her. She tried to recall how she ended up here, her breaths coming in shallow, ragged gasps as panic began to seep in.

She remembered leaving her guest room after receiving a call from Uttara. She had been puzzled to find no one there. In her confusion, she began calling Uttara’s number, but instead of a response, something suddenly covered her face. The cloth was rough, and the unfamiliar, pungent smell overwhelmed her senses. Her breathing became labored, and before she could react, dizziness and unconsciousness claimed her.

Now, as Shehnaaz lay there, bound and terrified, the reality of her abduction began to set in. Her mind raced with questions. Why was she here? Who would do this to her? The fear of the unknown was paralyzing. She tried to make sense of the situation, but the more she thought, the more panic tightened its grip on her.

Shehnaaz’s breaths became choked sobs, her tears mingling with the dust on her cheeks. She was alone, helpless, and utterly bewildered. The thought of Sidharth, her love, was the only thing that pierced through her fear. Would he find her in time? The very idea of him, so concerned and frantic for her safety, was both a comfort and a source of greater anguish. She was desperate to escape this nightmare and return to the safety of his arms.

Shehnaaz’s muffled cries and frantic attempts to free herself were in vain. The tight cloth covering her mouth stifled her cries for help, leaving her feeling increasingly helpless and overwhelmed. The panic and despair she felt seemed to engulf her as she lay there, struggling against her bonds.

Her thoughts were consumed by Sidharth. She couldn’t bear the idea of him being distressed without her. She knew he would be searching for her with all his might, but the thought of how much he must be suffering in her absence was unbearable. Shehnaaz’s heart ached with the realization that he was likely in pain, worried, and frantic, while she was here, bound and alone.

Desperate to escape and make things right, Shehnaaz tried to survey the room for anything that could help her. Her eyes darted around the dimly lit space, but there was nothing in sight—no phone, no tools, nothing that could aid her escape. The room seemed barren, adding to her sense of hopelessness.

As she struggled against the ropes binding her, the rough fibers dug painfully into her skin, causing her to wince with every movement. Her wrists and legs ached from the relentless pressure, the ropes cutting into her flesh and leaving bruises.

In the midst of her frantic efforts, Shehnaaz’s fingers brushed against each other behind her back, and she felt something missing. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized—the ring that Sidharth had given her was no longer on her finger. Her eyes widened in shock and horror. The ring had been a symbol of their bond, a promise she had made to never remove it.

The realization hit her like a blow. Her precious ring, the one Sidharth had given her, was gone. She recalled the promise she had made to Sidharth—that she would always wear it. Now, the ring was missing, and she had no idea where it had gone or who had taken it.

Her tears flowed freely as she imagined how devastated Sidharth would be. How could she face him knowing that she had lost such a significant token of his love? The thought of explaining this to him, of admitting that she couldn’t even hold on to the precious gift he had given her, was almost too much to bear.

Tears streamed down Shehnaaz’s cheeks, mingling with the dirt and sweat on her face as the weight of her situation pressed heavily upon her. The fear and despair she felt were overwhelming, clouding her thoughts and intensifying her sense of helplessness.

In her heart, a desperate cry echoed for Sidharth. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of him—his face, his voice, his touch. She could almost feel his presence, his concern for her, and the depth of his love. Her heart ached at the thought of him being tormented by her absence and the uncertainty of her condition.

She tried to focus on the memories of his comforting words and reassuring embraces, hoping they would give her the strength she needed to endure this ordeal. Her only solace was the hope that Sidharth would find her soon, that he would overcome this nightmare and come to her rescue.

Her heart cried out for him, longing for the safety and warmth of his arms. As the tears continued to flow, she whispered a silent prayer for his swift arrival and for the strength to hold on until he could save her. In the midst of her tears and the oppressive darkness, the thought of Sidharth was her only beacon of hope.

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