Chapter 31

Shehnaaz clung to Sidharth, burying her face in his chest as she began to sob uncontrollably. Her small frame trembled as she spoke through her tears, “Pata hai me kitna dar gayi thi…” Her voice was fragile, a mix of fear and relief, as though she had been holding onto her emotions for too long, and now, in Sidharth’s arms, she could finally let go.

Sidharth’s heart ached seeing her like this, so vulnerable and afraid. He gently stroked her back, holding her close as though he could shield her from all the pain and fear she had endured. “Shhh… bas… bas mera bachha… I am here na…” he whispered, his voice tender and soothing, trying to calm her down. The desperation in his tone was clear; he couldn’t bear to see her in this state. “Stop crying, Jaan… please… for me…” His plea was filled with love, a deep yearning to see her smile again, to see her safe and happy.

But Shehnaaz’s fear was too overwhelming. She hugged him tighter, her body pressing into his as if she feared he might disappear if she let go. “He slapped me, Sidharth…” she said, her voice breaking, each word heavy with pain. The sheer vulnerability in her confession shattered something inside Sidharth. The image of someone hurting his Shehnaaz, his precious Shehnaaz, was too much to bear.

At that moment, something snapped inside Sidharth. His entire body went rigid, his muscles tensing with a fury that seemed to rise from the depths of his soul. His eyes darkened with rage, and he let out a roar, primal and fierce, like that of a wounded lion ready to pounce. The sound echoed through the room, filled with a promise of vengeance.

Without a second thought, Sidharth stood up, gently guiding Shehnaaz to her feet. He wanted her to stay close, but his anger was boiling over. His furious gaze locked onto Shikhar, who was standing nearby with a smug expression. The danger in Sidharth’s eyes was unmistakable, and for a moment, it seemed as if the entire room held its breath, waiting for what would happen next.

Shikhar, unfazed, chuckled and casually moved to stand behind Shehnaaz, using her as a shield. The audacity of it made Sidharth’s blood boil. He was ready to launch himself at Shikhar, his fists clenched and trembling with the need to protect Shehnaaz and make Shikhar pay for what he had done. But before he could take a step, Shehnaaz wobbled, her legs giving way as dizziness took over. The drugs Shikhar had used to make her unconscious were still in her system, weakening her.

“Baby…” Sidharth gasped, his anger momentarily replaced by concern as he caught her just in time. He cradled her protectively in his arms, his heart pounding with fear at the thought of losing her. He glared at Shikhar over her head, his voice cold and deadly as he commanded, “Arrest this man before I kill him… I would like to meet him behind bars.” There was no mistaking the lethal intent in his words; he was barely holding himself back.

As Mr. Dixit moved forward with his team, Uttara suddenly stormed towards Shikhar. Her eyes were blazing with anger and betrayal as she grabbed his collar, shaking him violently. “Why did you do this, Shikhar… just why…?” she demanded, her voice trembling with the emotions she had been holding back. She couldn’t understand how could he do something so terrible.

Shikhar, however, didn’t flinch. He looked at her with cold detachment, his voice calm as he replied, “Because Shehnaaz is mine.” There was no remorse, no regret in his words. He truly believed what he was saying, and that made it all the more horrifying.

Shikhar’s father tried to intervene, desperation written all over his face as he pushed past the police to reach his son. “Beta, ye kya bakwas hai… Sidharth ji se maafi mang lo… please, beta… don’t ruin your life like this…” His voice cracked, pleading with Shikhar to come to his senses, to undo the damage he had done. But Shikhar looked away, refusing to acknowledge his parents’ pleas. His mother stood nearby, crying silently, her world collapsing around her as her son’s actions tore the family apart.

When Shikhar finally turned his gaze towards Sidharth, it was met with an icy stare that could freeze anyone in their tracks. Shehnaaz, still in Sidharth’s arms, felt a wave of fear crash over her as she looked at Shikhar. She clung to Sidharth’s chest even tighter, her heart racing with panic. His presence was the only thing that made her feel safe, but the intensity in his eyes frightened her.

Sidharth felt her fear, and his protective instincts surged. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer as if to shield her from Shikhar’s gaze. “Meri Shehnaaz ko chhune ki koshish ki tumne…?” he roared, his voice filled with such venom that it sent chills down the spines of everyone present. The thought of Shikhar even attempting to touch Shehnaaz was unbearable.

He tried to pull Shehnaaz behind him, wanting to put her out of harm’s way so he could deal with Shikhar once and for all. His hands trembled with the need for retribution, his mind consumed with thoughts of what he would do to Shikhar. But Shehnaaz refused to let go of him, holding on with all her might. She knew Sidharth was furious, and she feared what might happen if he confronted Shikhar directly.

“Baby, please…” Sidharth’s voice softened as he tried to persuade her. His eyes, though still blazing with anger, showed a flicker of desperation. He didn’t want her to see the violence that he was capable of, didn’t want her to be part of this ugly confrontation.

But Shehnaaz shook her head, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed, “Nahi… woh aapko hurt karega…” Her voice was barely a whisper, but the fear in it was unmistakable. She was terrified that Sidharth would get hurt, that he might lose control and do something he couldn’t take back.

Sidharth tried to calm Shehnaaz, gently whispering, “Kuch nahi hoga mera bachha… main hoon na,” as he attempted to pull her behind him. But she clung to him, refusing to let go, her fear palpable. Sighing, Sidharth hugged her closer, not wanting to scare her further. But then, a loud scream shattered the tense silence.

Sidharth tried to calm Shehnaaz, gently whispering, “Kuch nahi hoga mera bachha… main hoon na,” as he attempted to pull her behind him. But she clung to him, refusing to let go, her fear palpable. Sighing, Sidharth hugged her closer, not wanting to scare her further. But then, a loud scream shattered the tense silence.

Both of them turned to look at Shikhar, their eyes widening in shock. Shikhar’s arm was wrapped tightly around Uttara, a gun in his hand.

“Uttara!” Leher screamed, and her parents did the same, trying to rush forward. But they froze when Shikhar shouted, “Ek aur kadam aage badhaya toh… I’ll empty this gun right in her head!”

Uttara struggled, trying to free herself. “Tum mujhe kabhi nahi maar sakte,” she said, her voice trembling. She believed he wouldn’t hurt her—she was too important to him.

Shikhar chuckled darkly, tightening his grip on her neck, making her whimper in pain. “Ohh, trust me, baby… I can do anything to get what is mine.”

Shikhar’s father was aghast, his voice shaking as he tried to reason with him. “What is wrong with you, Shikhar? Leave her… We can talk about it, okay?”

The moment Sidharth saw Shikhar’s demeanor, he pushed Shehnaaz behind him harshly, his hand gripping her tightly as he shielded her with his body, protecting her.

“Dixit, consider your job gone, buddy! I bloody asked you to arrest him! What on earth were you doing?” Sidharth shouted, his voice filled with rage, his eyes never leaving Shikhar’s, who stared back with equal intensity. “Let her go, Shikhar!”

Mr. Dixit, trembling with fear after Sidharth’s threat, hesitated as he tried to make a move. But the moment he did, Shikhar’s voice cut through the tension like a knife, “Don’t try that, sir… or this girl will be danger.”

Uttara, desperate to escape Shikhar’s grip, pleaded, “No… he won’t hurt me… I know it… please, do your work, sir.” Her voice was filled with both fear and determination, believing that Shikhar wouldn’t truly harm her.

Leher’s father, his voice filled with panic, shouted, “Uttara, just shut up!” while her mother was already in tears, crying uncontrollably for her daughter. They had never imagined that the day would take such a terrifying turn.

Jasbeera ji and Rajender ji stood frozen, shocked and terrified for their daughter and Uttara, while Rita ji’s voice trembled with worry, “Sid, careful beta, please…”

Shehnaaz, her heart breaking, peeked through Sidharth’s protective stance, tears streaming down her face. “Please, Shikhar… usse chhod do… usne kya bighada hai tumhara?” Her voice quivered with guilt, knowing that Uttara’s life was in danger because of her.

But Sidharth, sensing Shehnaaz’s intention to move, tightened his hold on her and commanded firmly, “Baby… keep quiet and don’t you dare move.” He knew Shehnaaz too well—she would do anything to save Uttara, even if it meant putting herself in harm’s way.

Shikhar let out a dark chuckle, his eyes glinting with malice. “Toh fir tum aa jao… bacha lo Uttara ki zindagi…”

Sidharth’s eyes blazed with fury as he held Shehnaaz even tighter behind him, his gaze locked onto Shikhar with a murderous intensity. “Consider yourself dead, Shikhar…”

But Shikhar, unfazed by the threat, responded with a cold, sinister tone, “Not before I punish you, Shukla, for touching my Shehnaaz…” He then turned his attention back to Shehnaaz, his voice dripping with manipulation. “Shehnaaz, you don’t have much time, baby… come… save Uttara…”

Shehnaaz’s grip on Sidharth’s kurta loosened as fear coursed through her. Sidharth, feeling a surge of panic, immediately turned to face her, cupping her face with both hands. “Baby… hold me… don’t you dare go against my words,” he urged, his voice trembling with desperation.

Shehnaaz’s eyes, filled with defeat, met his. “Her life is in danger because of me,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. Sidharth felt a wave of helplessness wash over him as he groaned in response, “I will save her, jaan… please… let me do this.”

Uttara, still struggling against Shikhar’s hold, shouted out, “Shehnaaz, don’t be stupid… he’s fooling you. He won’t hurt me.”

Shehnaaz’s gaze shifted from Sidharth to Shikhar, breaking the connection that had brought them some solace. Sidharth’s heart ached seeing the determination in her eyes, and he felt a sharp pang of pain as she glared at Shikhar. “Wada karo tum Sidharth ko kuch nahi hoga… promise me,” she demanded, her voice filled with urgency.

Shikhar, with a sinister grin, seemed to accept her demand, which only fueled Sidharth’s anger. He grabbed her shoulders, shaking her slightly, “Are you out of your mind, Shehnaaz? I said shut up!”

Jasbeera ji was crying openly, her tears mixing with Rajender ji’s anger. Baaz, holding his forehead in frustration, pleaded with Shehnaaz, “Sana, please, do what Sidharth is telling you… try to understand, beta.”

Leher, her voice laced with anger, snapped at Baaz, “Aur meri behen ka kya?” Her eyes were blazing with fury as she continued, “Shehnaaz ki wajah se uski zindagi khatare mein hai…”

Shehnaaz, closing her eyes tightly, attempted to free herself from Sidharth’s grasp. His frustration and helplessness were palpable as he groaned, “Sidharth… mujhe jana hoga…” Her determination to help Uttara was overpowering her need for safety.

Sidharth’s eyes were filled with desperation as he pleaded with Shehnaaz, his voice breaking, “I won’t let that happen. Samajhi tum?” His gaze was filled with tears, reflecting his anguish and determination. The thought of her being taken by Shikhar was unbearable. How could she expect him to let her be hurt?

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and looked at Sidharth, who was almost glaring at her with a mix of pain and helplessness. “Aap ko meri kasam hai,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the fear.

Sidharth’s face showed a mix of betrayal and despair as he watched Shehnaaz move away. His hands shook as he felt the life he wanted slipping away. Just then, Shikhar pushed Uttara aside and grabbed Shehnaaz, causing her to scream in shock. Sidharth’s heart pounded with fury as he rushed toward them. “You monster!” he shouted, but the police hesitated, unable to act because Shehnaaz was caught in the middle.

Sidharth’s breath caught in his throat as he saw Shikhar aiming a threatening object at Shehnaaz’s head. “Let her go! I swear I’ll make you pay!” Sidharth shouted, his voice trembling with both rage and fear. Shikhar responded with a cold, mocking laugh.

Jasbeera ji, Rajender ji, and Baaz cried out in desperation, their voices filled with helplessness. “Shehnaaz!”

Uttara glared at Shikhar with a mix of anger and fear. “Shikhar, apne pagal pan ka shikar us masum ladki ko mat babano.. leave her..”

Anger coursed through Shikhar, his grip around Shehnaaz’s neck tightening painfully, causing her to cough and gasp for breath. Sidharth’s heart raced as he moved towards them, but he halted abruptly when Shikhar’s fierce gaze met his. In a split second, Shikhar aimed his gun and fired. The shot rang out, hitting Uttara, who fell to the floor with a thud.

Shehnaaz’s scream of horror filled the room, echoed by gasps and cries from everyone around. “Uttara!” Leher’s parents rushed to her, their faces etched with shock and despair as they reached Uttara’s lifeless form. Leher stood paralyzed, unable to process the scene before her.

Uttara’s gaze, filled with a mix of sadness and resignation, settled on Shikhar as she whispered, “This is my punishment for loving someone who never cared.” Her words were faint as she took her last breaths.

Leher’s parents were engulfed in grief, their shock making it hard for them to react as they stared at Uttara’s unmoving body.

Shehnaaz, overwhelmed with fear and sorrow, cried uncontrollably, her eyes meeting Sidharth’s. Both of them were locked in a moment of shared pain and fear.

Shikhar, still holding Shehnaaz, turned the gun towards Sidharth. Rita ji screamed in horror as the police, trying to defuse the situation, urged Shikhar to lower the gun. Jasbeera ji and Rajender ji were paralyzed with fear for both their daughter and Sidharth.

Seeing the gun aimed at Sidharth, Shehnaaz’s terror reached its peak. “Nahiiii! Sidharth ko kuchh mat karna… Tumne wada kiya!” she cried out, her voice breaking with desperation as she struggled against Shikhar’s hold.

Sidharth’s eyes were filled with a mix of dread and determination, his focus solely on Shehnaaz, as he tried to think of a way to protect her, glaring at Shikhar with a fierce determination. His protective instincts were on high alert, unwilling to let anything happen to her.

Shikhar’s face twisted into a cruel smile. “Agar tumhe lagta hai… ke main Shehnaaz ko tumhare liye chhod dunga, toh tum bilkul galat ho, Sidharth Shukla,” he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

Despite the danger, Sidharth’s expression remained steely, his resolve unwavering. Shehnaaz struggled against Shikhar’s grip, trying desperately to free herself from the tightening hold that was cutting off her air.

“Leave her Shikhar.. Dare you hurt her.. I am warning you for the last time.. you are gonna regret your existance., Sidharth roared, his voice filled with a primal rage. He watched helplessly as Shehnaaz gasped for breath, his heart breaking with each of her pained breaths.

Shikhar’s response was chilling. “Agar Shehnaaz ke saath zindagi basani hoti, toh main use kidnap karke yahan nahi chhupata. Main toh sab kuch khatam karna chahta hoon. Shehnaaz agar mujhe nahi mili, toh tumhe bhi nahi milegi. Aur yeh zindagi usne tumhare naam kar di hai. Wo mujhe kabhi pyar nahi karegi, aur yeh main bardasht nahi kar sakta. Toh kyun na ek kaam kiya jaye? Main tumhe, Shehnaaz ko, aur khud ko khatam kar deta hoon. Total end… Kaise hai yeh idea?” Shikhar asked casually, his demeanor making the threat even more terrifying.

The gravity of the situation hit Shikhar’s parents like a ton of bricks. They had thought bringing him back from London and having him treated by Dr. Uttara would help. They were wrong. They now saw the immense mistake they had made.

Even the police, though present, found themselves paralyzed. Any wrong move could endanger both Sidharth and Shehnaaz, leaving them with few options but to watch and wait.

Sidharth stared at Shehnaaz, her eyes brimming with tears as she trembled in fear for his safety. His heart ached seeing her like this, and he softened his voice, trying to comfort her amidst the chaos. “Stop crying, baby please… main yahin hoon na,” he whispered, his tone gentle yet firm, as if his words alone could shield her from all the danger.

Sidharth stared at Shehnaaz, her tears flowing as fear gripped her heart for his safety. “Stop crying, mera bachha… main yahin hoon na,” he whispered, trying to comfort her.

The sight of Uttara’s lifeless body, smeared with blood, made Shehnaaz feel nauseous, her mind spinning with fear and dread. All she wanted was for Sidharth to be safe.

“Sidharth… aap jao na… he will hurt you…” Shehnaaz pleaded, her voice trembling as she shook with fear. She closed her eyes, terrified, as the police tried to move Uttara’s body away. The sound of Leher and her family crying filled the atmosphere with a sense of overwhelming despair.

Sidharth’s eyes welled up as he looked at his angel, seeing her so scared tore him apart. He hated the thought of letting her go, but he couldn’t break the promise he’d made. “Shehnaaz aur Sidharth ka pyar koi nahi samajh sakta… kyunki Shehnaaz aur Sidharth ka pyar kisi bhi hadd se badhkar hai… beyond any damn limit possible. Sidharth Shehnaaz ka hai… aur Shehnaaz Sidharth ki… hai na, mera bachha?” His voice was full of love and reassurance, hoping his words would reach her heart.

Shehnaaz, lost in his confession, felt the fear begin to fade, replaced by the strength of their love. “Shehnaaz aur Sidharth se unki zindagi chhini ja sakti hai… par unka pyar unse koi nahi chhin sakta…” she cried, still pleading with him to leave and save himself.

Sidharth gave her a reassuring smile, “Bhale humari jaan le li jaye… par hume ek dusre se alag kaise kar sakta koi… ye haqq toh mere Khuda ko bhi nahi hai.” His words were a promise, a vow that nothing, not even death, could separate their love.

Shehnaaz coughed, struggling for breath, but her love for Sidharth remained unshaken—no one could take that away from her.

“Humare pyar ke liye ek zindagi kafi nahi hai…” Her heart ached with the fear of losing the dream of growing old with him.

Sidharth nodded, trying to keep her focused on him, “Par fir bhi… is ek zindagi mein, humne hadd se zyada pyar kar liya.” His words were a reminder of their deep connection, one that transcended even the limits of life itself.

Neither Shikhar nor anyone else noticed Ranbir quietly making his way toward Shikhar from the corner. Shikhar, consumed by his inability to accept the boundless love between Shehnaaz and Sidharth, failed to see what was happening.

Sidharth placed his hand over his heart, “Jab tak Shehnaaz ki saansein chal rahi hain, tab tak Sidharth zinda hai.”

Shehnaaz smiled through her tears, “Aur Sidharth ki saanson ke bina Shehnaaz saansein nahi le sakti.”

Unable to bear their declarations of love any longer, Shikhar shouted, “Shut up! Jhuth hai yeh tumhara pyar!” His voice echoed in the room, filled with frustration and disbelief.

The Gill family stood frozen, witnessing the profound connection between Sidharth and Shehnaaz. Rita ji, tears in her eyes, smiled softly as Vicky and Anu embraced her. Ankita and Mayank wept for the love they saw, while Nisha’s heart pounded as she noticed what Ranbir was doing.

Sidharth ignored Shikhar’s words and focused on Shehnaaz, saying, “Sidharth ka har sukh… har dukh… Shehnaaz se.” He wanted to keep her mind off the fear and tension.

Shehnaaz, equally immersed in their bond, responded, “Shehnaaz ki khushiyan… Shehnaaz ke gham… sab Sidharth se hai.”

Frustrated, Shikhar shouted at them to stop, his anger boiling over as he aimed his weapon at Sidharth. Just then, he felt someone grab his hand.

His hold on Shehnaaz weakened, and she quickly moved away. Sidharth instantly pulled her behind him and stepped forward to assist Ranbir, who was trying to disarm Shikhar.

In the ensuing struggle, Shikhar lost control and the weapon discharged, causing chaos. Ranbir stumbled back, clutching his side, as pain shot through him.

Nisha, Mayank, and Ankita rushed to Ranbir, calling his name in distress as they supported him.

Sidharth, filled with determination, struck Shikhar hard, causing him to lose his grip on the weapon. Shikhar, overwhelmed by the blow, reacted with a pained expression as he realized his defeat.

Sidharth’s heart raced with a mix of fury and anguish as he locked eyes with Shikhar. Every ounce of rage he had suppressed now surged to the surface. His hand shot out, gripping Shikhar’s shirt collar with a force that spoke of his intense anger. “You bloody bastard… how dare you?” Sidharth’s voice, usually so composed, was now filled with a ferocity that made everyone around tremble. Without hesitation, he slapped Shikhar hard across the face, the sound of the impact echoing through the room. The force was so brutal that the corner of Shikhar’s lips tore, and blood began to flow from the wound, dripping down in a steady stream.

Jasbeera ji, panic-stricken, ran to Shehnaaz, her maternal instincts kicking in as she tried to shield her daughter from the chaos around them. Shehnaaz was trembling, her fear evident in the way her body shook uncontrollably. Meanwhile, Rajender ji and Baaz rushed over to Ranbir, who was lying on the ground, blood seeping from the gunshot wound in his stomach. His health was deteriorating rapidly, and the sight of his pale face made Nisha break down into uncontrollable sobs. She clung to him, her tears falling like rain as she begged him to stay strong, to hold on.

The police officers, who had been ready to take Shikhar into custody, hesitated when they saw the murderous rage in Sidharth’s eyes. It was a rage that warned them to stay back, to not interfere. Sidharth’s fists tightened as he pulled Shikhar closer, his mind consumed with thoughts of vengeance. He began to throw hard punches, each one more powerful than the last. Despite the pain, Shikhar laughed, a hollow, eerie sound that sent chills down the spines of everyone present. Blood bubbled at the corners of his mouth as he managed to speak, “Jante ho mene Shehnaaz ko kyu kidnap kiya tha?”

Sidharth’s frustration reached its peak. The mere thought of what Shikhar had done to Shehnaaz, the woman he loved more than anything in the world, made his blood boil. Unable to contain his rage, Sidharth drove his knee into Shikhar’s stomach, a move that made Shehnaaz scream in fear. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest as she watched the man she loved so dearly being dragged into this nightmare. Shikhar’s parents, witnessing their son’s suffering, pleaded desperately for his release, their voices filled with a mixture of fear and helplessness.

But Shikhar was beyond reason. His laughter, now interspersed with painful coughs, filled the room as he spat out blood. “Kyunki… main tumhe ussi dard mein dekhna chahta tha… jis dard ke sath maine apni aadhi zindagi guzar di,” he confessed, his voice laced with bitterness. The weight of his words hung in the air, making Sidharth’s anger flare even more. How could this man, who once was part of their lives, harbor such venomous hatred?

Shehnaaz’s heart shattered as she saw Ranbir being carried away by the medics. The sight of his blood-soaked shirt and his lifeless form made her feel like she was drowning in despair. Breaking free from her mother’s protective embrace, she turned towards Shikhar, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and sorrow. “Maine kya bigada hai tumhara… kyu kar rahe ho ye sab… Uttara ne kya bigada tha tumhara… You are bad!” Her words, filled with a child’s innocence yet a woman’s pain, pierced through the tension in the room.

Sidharth, unable to bear the pain in Shehnaaz’s voice, lost all control. He lunged at Shikhar, his hands wrapping around his throat in a grip so tight that it threatened to choke the life out of him. “Tumne kya bigada? Tumhari galti ye hai ke tum mujhe bhool gayi… Tumhari galti ye hai ke pehle tumne mujhe khwab dikhaye aur phir unhi khwabon ko tod diya… Tumhari galti ye hai ke tumne apna wada tod kar is Sidharth se pyar kar liya,” Shikhar gasped, his voice strained as he struggled for breath. His face was turning a ghastly shade of blue as he fought against the suffocating grip of Sidharth’s hands.

Shikhar was gasping for breath, struggling to stay upright. Mr. Dixit, recognizing the need to intervene, said urgently, “Sir, guests hain… please let us handle this… you will be questioned…” He tried to pull Sidharth away from Shikhar, but Sidharth was resolute.

Sidharth’s grip on Shikhar’s collar remained unyielding, his anger palpable. Shehnaaz, standing nearby, was horrified by the scene. Shikhar, despite his critical state, continued to speak with a sense of twisted justification. “Tumne mujhse kaha tha na… jisse bhagwan ne mere liye banaya hai woh mujhe jarur milega… woh tum thi… isme meri kya galti hai… ke us pal ke baad mujhe tumse pyar ho gaya… us chhoti si umra me mujhe sirf tum hi apni lagi… to fir ab tum mujhse pyar kyun nahi karti… tum apni hi baton se mukar gayi…”

The police intervened, pulling Sidharth away from Shikhar before the situation could escalate further. Shehnaaz, overwhelmed by a mix of fear and frustration, cried out, “Tum kisi se pyar nahi kar sakte… jo kisi aur ke pyar ki izzat nahi karta… jo kisi ki zindagi ki kimat nahi kar sakta… woh pyar ke kabil nahi…” Her words were filled with pain and disappointment, reflecting her feelings towards Shikhar’s distorted view of love.

Shikhar, barely able to stand and covered in injuries, looked at Shehnaaz with pained eyes as the police took him into custody. He was in a dire state, with visible wounds and blood staining his clothes.

Sidharth, feeling a surge of protectiveness, ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He then moved towards Shehnaaz, pulling her into a tight embrace. As he held her close, she continued to look at Shikhar with a mixture of fear and anger. Sidharth, noticing how fast her heart was beating against his chest, whispered gently, “Bas… bas… jaan…” His voice was soothing, a contrast to the chaos surrounding them. He patted her back to comfort her, trying to bring her some solace amid the turmoil.

Here’s the revised chapter with the name changed to Shikhar and within policy guidelines:

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Shikhar looked away from Shehnaaz as the police began escorting him away. His refusal to meet her gaze only fueled Shehnaaz’s anger further. She yelled at him with a mix of frustration and hurt, “Muh fer lene se sach badal nahi jayega… kyunki ye wohi insan thi jo tumhare liye bani thi… aur tumne apne humsafar ki jaan le li… Pyar wo hota hai jo ek dusre ke liye jaan de sake, jis tarah Uttara ne kiya, na ki jaan le, jo tumne kiya… Arre tum kya samjhoge, sachha pyar kya hota hai… Sachha pyar toh us ladki ne kiya tha tumse… par tumne usi ki jaan le li… Sachha pyar tumhari zindagi me aaya tha Shikhar, par tum pehchan nahi paye aur kho diya usse…”

The police took Shikhar away, his body sagging with each step he took. Sidharth moved to Shehnaaz and enveloped her in a tight hug. Shehnaaz’s emotions overwhelmed her, and she burst into a heartfelt cry of frustration and guilt. The weight of Uttara’s death was crushing, and she felt deeply responsible for the loss.

Sidharth held her close, trying to be a pillar of strength as Shehnaaz’s sobs shook her body. Fear gripped Sidharth as he felt her loose her control and and sleep into darkness..

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