Chapter 34

“Meri vajah se kisi ki jaan gayi, Sidharth… Ranbir ki zindagi khatre mein thi… kaise maaf karu khudko?” Shehnaaz’s voice trembled as she spoke, her words more a whispered torment to herself than a question to him. Her eyes were distant, filled with guilt and pain, as if she was lost in the haunting memories of what had happened. She looked down, unable to meet his gaze, her heart weighed down by the burden of her thoughts.

Sidharth couldn’t stand seeing her like this — so broken, so consumed by self-blame. He gently cupped her face, tilting it upward, forcing her to meet his eyes. His touch was firm yet tender, his gaze intense with emotion. “Not because of you, Shehnaaz,” he said softly but firmly. “You wouldn’t have known what was in the mind of that monster… Uttara and Ranbir involved themselves with their wish… tumne unhe nahi kaha tha… I will have gratitude for them for my entire life, but that doesn’t mean I will let you suffer for something which is not your fault.”

His words were like a balm to her wounded soul, but the pain in her eyes did not fade completely. She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping slightly, and fell silent. She felt the warmth of his hand patting her back gently, trying to comfort her in the way he knew best. His touch was reassuring, like an anchor keeping her from drifting into the sea of her sorrow.

He knew she needed a distraction, something to take her mind away from the dark thoughts that were consuming her. He had brought a dress for her, something light and comfortable.

They decided to head out to a nearby lake, hoping the fresh air and the beauty of nature would help her heal, even if just a little. As they walked together, Sidharth held her hand, refusing to let go. He needed her to feel his presence, to know he was there, always there, no matter what.

When they reached the lake, the view took their breath away. The rain had painted the entire place in lush shades of green, and the gentle ripples on the water reflected the overcast sky. It was a serene, almost magical scene — the kind that could make you believe in the beauty of the world, even when your heart was heavy. The cool breeze brushed against their faces, carrying with it the scent of fresh rain and earth.

Shehnaaz tilted her head back, feeling his arms wrap around her waist from behind, his grip possessive and protective. His hands slipped around her stomach, pulling her closer into the comforting warmth of his embrace. She felt his chest rise and fall against her back, and his heavy breathing brushed against the sensitive skin on her neck, sending tiny shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and opened them to stare at the calm, soothing waters in front of them.

“Cottage bahot pyara hai… mujhe wooden house pasand hai…” she murmured softly, a small smile forming on her lips as he kissed her cheek tenderly. “You build it?” she asked, her voice a little nervous as she tried to regain her composure, feeling his warm presence enveloping her.

“Nahi… It was built by Papa,” Sidharth replied, his voice tight with emotion. Shehnaaz immediately placed her hands over his, squeezing them gently, sensing the depth of feelings in his words. “Maa ke liye surprise gift tha Papa ka when I was around 10,” he continued, his voice softening as he relived a cherished memory. He rested his chin on her shoulder, a sad smile playing on his lips as his eyes seemed to drift back in time.

She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of his face. For the first time, she saw the cracks in his tough exterior — the vulnerability that lay beneath. Everyone has cracks in their frame, she thought; some bad memories mixed with the good, and they learn to live with them. This simple realization dawned on her with a clarity she hadn’t felt before — that she needed to pull herself out of this dark place, not just for herself, but for Sidharth, for their family. Her tears and regrets were hurting those she loved, and she couldn’t allow that anymore. She knew she couldn’t change what had happened, but she could choose how to move forward, how to heal and be more careful in the future.

With that thought, Shehnaaz turned around slowly in his arms, her face now resting against his chest. She buried her head in the crook of his neck, finding solace in the warmth of his skin, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong against her. His arms tightened around her, holding her close, as if shielding her from all the pain that had been consuming her. She wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment, in this quiet peace with him, letting the world and all its troubles fade away.

For a while, they stood there in silence, wrapped in each other’s arms, drawing strength from their closeness. Shehnaaz felt the weight on her heart lift just a little, the tightness in her chest easing. She knew the road ahead would not be easy, but with Sidharth by her side, she felt like she could take the first step towards healing.

Shehnaaz tilted her head back, feeling his arms wrap around her waist from behind, his grip possessive and protective. His hands slipped around her stomach, pulling her closer into the comforting warmth of his embrace. She felt his chest rise and fall against her back, and his heavy breathing brushed against the sensitive skin on her neck, sending tiny shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and opened them to stare at the calm, soothing waters in front of them.

“Cottage bahot pyara hai… mujhe wooden house pasand hai…” she murmured softly, a small smile forming on her lips as he kissed her cheek tenderly. “You built it?” she asked, her voice a little shaky as she regained her composure, feeling his steady presence enveloping her.

“Nahi… It was built by Papa,” Sidharth replied, his voice tight with emotion. Shehnaaz immediately placed her hands over his, squeezing them gently, sensing the depth of feelings in his words. “Maa ke liye surprise gift tha Papa ka when I was around 10,” he continued, his voice softening as he relived a cherished memory. He rested his chin on her shoulder, a sad smile playing on his lips as his eyes seemed to drift back in time.

She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of his face. For the first time, she saw the cracks in his tough exterior — the vulnerability that lay beneath. Everyone has cracks in their frame, she thought; some bad memories mixed with the good, and they learn to live with them. This simple realization dawned on her with a clarity she hadn’t felt before — that she needed to pull herself out of this dark place, not just for herself, but for Sidharth, for their family. Her tears and regrets were hurting those she loved, and she couldn’t allow that anymore. She knew she couldn’t change what had happened, but she could choose how to move forward, how to heal and be more careful in the future.

With that thought, Shehnaaz turned around slowly in his arms, her face now resting against his chest. She buried her head in the crook of his neck, finding solace in the warmth of his skin, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong against her. His arms tightened around her, holding her close, as if shielding her from all the pain that had been consuming her. She wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment, in this quiet peace with him, letting the world and all its troubles fade away.

For a while, they stood there in silence, wrapped in each other’s arms, drawing strength from their closeness. Shehnaaz felt the weight on her heart lift just a little, the tightness in her chest easing. She knew the road ahead would not be easy, but with Sidharth by her side, she felt like she could take the first step towards healing.
Sidharth watched her, letting her take her time, and then, as if on cue, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small chocolate bar. He knew it was something that always managed to make her smile, no matter how down she was. When she noticed the familiar treat, a soft smile spread across her face. He unwrapped the chocolate and gently brought it to her mouth, inviting her to take a bite. She did so instantly, her face lighting up even more as she mischievously leaned in to place a quick, playful kiss on his lips, her mouth still filled with chocolate. Sidharth chuckled at her antics, feeling warmth spread in his chest.

He pressed a tender kiss on her hair and continued to feed her the rest of the chocolate, bit by bit. She, in turn, made sure to feed him the last piece, playfully insisting he take it. It was their little ritual, their own way of finding healing and comfort in each other’s presence. Sidharth was determined to do whatever it took to keep that smile on her face, to see her happy, to show her that he was there — always there — to care for her, love her, and spoil her with his affection.

“Life is not a fairy tale, mera bachha,” he murmured softly, his tone filled with understanding and a hint of sadness. “It’s just that we fail to realize that there are so many people out there facing far worse life than us…”

Shehnaaz listened in silence, her head nodding gently against his neck as she took in his words. “Zindagi me chize hone se hum rok nahi sakte… par us chiz se kaise age badhna hai, woh humare hathon me hai,” he continued, his grip around her tightening with a possessive protectiveness. “Main wada karta hun… koi taklif tumhare kareeb nahi ayegi… mera pyara bachha ho na tum… tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga main… bas…” His voice trembled with emotion, and she felt it in her very soul.

“Sidharth…” she whispered softly, her own eyes misting over as she sensed the pain in his words, the vulnerability he was rarely willing to show.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. “Tumhe khush dekhna chahta hun main… meri purani jaan wapas dedo… tumhari udasi nahi bardasht hoti mujhse… aur maa… maa ko bhi taklif ho rahi hai na, meri Jaan…”

Shehnaaz nodded like a little child, feeling the weight of his love and concern. She buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort in his warmth and strength. He gently lifted her up in his arms, standing up as the first drops of rain began to fall. The cool drizzle was light, but it brought a freshness to the air. Sidharth walked over to his car, carefully placing her in the passenger seat. His fingers brushed her damp hair away from her face, and in doing so, his touch grazed her lips ever so slightly. She inhaled sharply at the contact, a fluttering feeling stirring inside her.

Sidharth let out a low, rumbling groan, a sound deep and primal, like a lion’s growl. He moved to his side, taking his seat, but not before sending her a heated glance. Her dress, now slightly damp from the light rain, clung to her curves in a way that made his heart race. The soft peach color seemed to perfectly complement the flush on her cheeks. “You will be my death one day… I swear…” he muttered, almost as if complaining.

But before she could respond, her lips found his.

A deep, powerful emotion flowed between them, one that was impossible to ignore. Shehnaaz’s heart pounded in her chest as Sidharth gently drew her closer, wrapping her in his warm embrace. His hand rested at her waist, holding her securely, while the other cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin with a protective care that made her feel safe.

“Sidharth…” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper as his lips met hers in a passionate, heartfelt kiss. It was filled with everything he couldn’t say in words — his love, his worry, his promise to always be there. She kissed him back with all her love, her fingers moving up to brush his hair, feeling the comfort of his closeness. He kissed her with a passion that was both gentle and intense, pouring his feelings into the connection between them.

“never do that to me again, please love..” his voice was a soft plea as he gazed into her eyes, his own filled with emotion. She nodded, feeling the weight of his words and the depth of his feelings. His lips pressed a light kiss on her forehead, as if sealing his promise, and she sighed, feeling the warmth of his love wrap around her like a comforting blanket.

He kissed the side of her face, his lips moving to her temple, and then down to her cheek. Every touch was filled with a deep care, a silent reassurance that he was with her, and always would be. She felt herself relax, the tension in her shoulders easing as his presence brought her comfort.

The rain outside tapped softly against the windows, a soothing background to the quiet moments they shared. In this small, peaceful bubble, nothing else seemed to matter. All she could feel was his love, strong and unwavering, a love that she knew would  heal her.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, leaning into him, feeling a calmness she hadn’t felt in a long time. They were here, together, and that was enough.

Shehnaaz’s palm slipped under the collar of his shirt, her touch warm against his skin as she rested her hand on his shoulder. He inhaled sharply, feeling a wave of emotion surge through him. Instinctively, he pulled her closer, and she found herself sitting in his lap, her heart beating fast against his chest.

The heat between them was undeniable; their connection, a mix of intense passion and profound tenderness. Sidharth’s breath grew heavy as he pressed his forehead to her shoulder, fighting to steady himself. He knew that if he didn’t step back now, he might lose control, and he wasn’t sure where that would lead them.

Yet, the way she held him, the way she stayed so close, only fueled his feelings. He felt a wave of frustration at his own desire, but it was coupled with a deep need to protect and cherish her. Shehnaaz didn’t resist him — she trusted him completely — and that trust was everything to him.

He could feel her leaning into him, her breathing slowing, as his lips softened their touch against her skin. The intensity that had surged between them moments ago began to settle into something calmer, something deeper. She rested quietly in his arms, her exhaustion mixing with the comfort of being so close to him. Sidharth sensed her need for reassurance, the security she found in his presence.

He brushed a soft kiss against her ear and whispered gently, “Ghar chale, baby?” His words were tender, filled with promise. He loved the sound of those words on his lips; they felt like a quiet vow, a future he desperately wanted to build with her.

He couldn’t wait for the day when she would be his, truly his, in every way. When their home would be their sanctuary, filled with moments just like this — quiet, loving, and filled with a sense of belonging. His heart swelled with the thought, and he knew that as long as they were together, everything would fall into place.

Shehnaaz blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she nodded against his neck. The realization of what lay ahead—spending their first entire night together—filled her with both excitement and nervousness. Her heart raced at the thought that her entire family knew about her relationship with Sidharth now. Her parents, her brother, her friends—they were all aware of her love for Sidharth Shukla, and it was no longer a secret. Although they had never intended to keep their feelings hidden, the circumstances had led them to this moment of openness.

A smile played at the corners of her lips as Sidharth gently placed her back in the passenger seat of the car and drove them back to the cottage. Even though he was driving, he kept his arm wrapped around her, a comforting presence by her side. “Would you like to get takeout, or should we eat out?” he asked, his voice warm and considerate.

Shehnaaz looked up at him from his embrace, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “Takeout,” she replied with a playful grin. “I want McFlurry.” Her demand was accompanied by a grin that made Sidharth chuckle softly, shaking his head in amusement as he drove through the city, determined to find the nearest McDonald’s for her.

Once they were back at the cottage, Shehnaaz eagerly took the food parcels and headed to the kitchen. She busily emptied the packets into bowls and placed the McFlurry in the fridge, her anticipation growing. Sidharth had made it clear that she would only get the dessert if she finished her proper dinner, a condition she was more than willing to accept.

In the kitchen, Sidharth had changed into a simple t-shirt and shorts. His casual attire only seemed to enhance his already impressive presence. As he walked into the kitchen, Shehnaaz’s gaze fell on him, and she couldn’t help but feel her cheeks flush with a deep shade of red. She tried to focus on the food, but her eyes kept drifting back to him. He looked effortlessly attractive, his aura exuding a genuine, masculine charm that was both compelling and reassuring. He was a real Man.

Every muscle in Sidharth’s thin t-shirt seemed to define his physique, making Shehnaaz’s heart flutter uncontrollably. The sight of his firm, iron-like chest pressing against the fabric stirred a strange, intense craving within her to touch him. Her cheeks, already flushed, turned an even deeper shade of red as she tried to ignore the powerful effect he had on her.

Sidharth noticed her reaction immediately. With a knowing smile, he moved closer, standing right behind her. The proximity was almost overwhelming, and Shehnaaz felt a shiver run down her spine when his lips brushed against her ear and his chin rested gently on her shoulder. His presence, so much larger and more imposing compared to her small frame, made her feel a bit intimidated but also comforted.

“Need me to help you, jaan?” he asked in his baritone voice, his breath warm against her skin.

The sudden closeness made her shudder slightly. “Woh… um… nahi,” she stammered, her words barely audible as she tried to steady herself. She swallowed uneasily, feeling a sudden lump in her throat. “Aap betho na… I’ll get the plates.”

Sidharth chuckled softly at her flustered state. He wrapped his arms around her in a sudden, surprising hug, pressing a gentle kiss to her flushed cheek before stepping back to help her. He didn’t push her any further, allowing her the time she needed to adjust to his presence.

As they ate, Shehnaaz took special care of him, which made Sidharth’s heart swell with affection. After dinner, he watched with amusement as she hurried to the fridge to retrieve the McFlurry. Her wide, delighted eyes as she held the dessert made him smile warmly.

With a playful shake of his head, Sidharth lifted her into his arms, her precious dessert clutched tightly to her chest. He carried her upstairs to the rooftop, which had been beautifully decorated. The sight left Shehnaaz awestruck, and her smile widened as she looked at Sidharth with gratitude.

He placed her gently on the big, fluffy bed and settled beside her, resting against a mound of pillows. Shehnaaz nestled her back against his chest, enjoying the warmth and security of his embrace.

As they relaxed together, Shehnaaz commented, “Papa ki choice kitni classic hai na… Ek ajeeb sa apna pan hai is jagah mein.”

Sidharth nodded, gently caressing her hair, a habit of his that seemed to comfort them both. “Papa ke jaane ke baad… Maa yahan kabhi nahi aayi. She finds it a bit difficult.” His voice grew sad, and Shehnaaz looked up at him through his chest, her eyes filled with concern. “Hum ek din sab milke aayenge yahan pe… Maa ko bhi layenge.”

Sidharth’s words hung in the air, and Shehnaaz nodded, her heart aching at the thought of the past and the future. Together, they embraced the peaceful moment, finding solace in each other’s presence.

Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz close until she was comfortably nestled in his lap. He smiled warmly and kissed her gently on her cupid’s bow. “Your delicious flurry is melting, bachha,” he said with a soft chuckle as she pouted playfully and immediately reached for the dessert.

Shehnaaz eagerly dipped her spoon into the McFlurry and took a quick bite, savoring the treat with a sense of delight. Sidharth watched her with affection, his heart warmed by her enjoyment. He felt a rush of tenderness but chose to keep his feelings in check, wanting to let her enjoy the moment.

Shehnaaz suddenly offered him a spoonful of the flurry, jolting him from his thoughts. A bit of the dessert spilled onto his shirt, and she bit her lip, smiling as she handed him the bowl and started to clean the mess.

Sidharth, touched by her gesture, continued to feed her with care. Her cheerful chatter, which had initially seemed like background noise, now felt comforting and familiar. Feeling a surge of affection, he leaned in and kissed her gently, pausing her words and deepening their connection.

Shehnaaz responded warmly, wrapping her arms around his neck and settling comfortably against him. Their kiss was tender and loving, and the spilled McFlurry was soon forgotten.

Sidharth didn’t mind that the McFlurry had spilled over the sheets; his focus was on Shehnaaz. He continued to hold her close, enjoying the warmth of her presence. The dessert was a minor distraction compared to the joy he felt being so close to her.

Shehnaaz let out a surprised shriek when some of the cold flurry dripped onto her skin. Her laughter was infectious, and she quickly took the bowl from his hand to finish the dessert. Sidharth, still holding her in his embrace, watched her with a fond smile.

As they lay together, Shehnaaz nestled comfortably against his chest, enjoying the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the strength of his arms around her. After a few moments of silence, she looked up at him and asked, “Hum yahan wapas ayenge na, hum dono?”

Sidharth opened his eyes slowly and saw her gazing at him. “You liked this place?” he asked softly. She nodded sweetly, which made him smile. “Whenever you want to come here, we will. Just say the word.”

Satisfied with his answer, Shehnaaz seemed to relax further. Then she mentioned, “Pata hai, us din main upset thi, lekin jab aap ja rahe the, mujhe itna bura feel ho raha tha. Aisa kyu?”

Sidharth noticed that she was getting cold and gently rubbed her arms to warm her up. “Andar chalein, meri bachha. You’re cold and still haven’t changed,” he said, picking her up effortlessly.

With a soft chuckle, he carried her to the bedroom. Shehnaaz, curled up in his arms, felt a mix of anticipation and contentment as they moved inside.

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