Chapter 43

As Sidharth moved closer, it felt like the air around them grew heavier with the weight of unspoken emotions. Every step he took made Shehnaaz’s heart pound harder, and the world outside seemed to disappear entirely, leaving just the two of them in their own universe. It was as if time itself had stopped, allowing them to savor the electricity between them.

The only sounds that broke the silence were the rapid, uneven beats of their hearts and the soft rustle of her dress as he approached. His gaze never wavered, completely captivated by the woman standing before him—the woman who held his heart so completely in her hands, even without realizing it.

Shehnaaz grew more anxious with every passing second. The silence from Sidharth, the way he hadn’t said a word, made her heart race with anticipation. She bit her lower lip, a nervous habit she wasn’t even aware of, but it made him falter. Sidharth, on the other hand, was struggling to maintain control. The sight of her lips, the soft glow of her face under the dim light, captivated him entirely. He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself, mesmerized by every small movement she made.

Time seemed to come to a standstill for them. The world around them faded into the background. Sidharth didn’t notice the delicate rose petals scattered across the floor or the gentle candlelight illuminating the room. Even the red rose on his study table, the neatly made bed—none of it mattered. His focus, his entire universe, was on Shehnaaz—his *mishty*.

She stood just a few steps away, draped in a stunning red outfit, the color mirroring the blush on her cheeks. Her face glowed with a mix of nerves and excitement, her lips trembling softly. The ring on her finger caught the light, symbolizing the love and commitment they shared.

Sidharth’s heart pounded as he finally moved toward her, his gaze fixed on her with a tender intensity. Shehnaaz’s breath hitched as he drew closer, standing just before her. She could barely look at him, shy and hesitant, yet a longing deep within her stirred for the unspoken passion she felt from him.

His presence engulfed her, his scent filling her senses, making her heart flutter uncontrollably. His lips parted slightly, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings, sending a wave of warmth through her.

Gathering her courage, Shehnaaz gently lifted her hand and brushed her fingers through his hair. Her touch was soft, yet it sent a ripple of emotion through them both. Standing on her toes, she pressed a delicate kiss to his cheek. It was a simple gesture, yet it carried the weight of all the love she had for him.

Sidharth closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of her lips against his skin. The peace that washed over him was undeniable. Shehnaaz stepped back, her heart still racing, watching him with a tender smile. He took a deep breath, feeling the lingering warmth of her kiss.

*She’s magic,* he thought to himself. She was his anchor, the one who brought life to his weary soul. Every touch, every glance she gave him made him feel cherished in ways he couldn’t explain.

Sidharth placed his hands gently on either side of the wall behind her, enveloping her in his embrace. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, making her smile softly. It was a reassuring kiss, his way of silently expressing how much he had missed her. Each kiss was filled with unspoken love, reminding her that they were meant to be together, to heal each other’s hearts.

They were from different worlds—Shehnaaz, the playful and carefree spirit, and Sidharth, the serious and reserved businessman. Yet, they were bound by a love so deep, it surpassed all differences. It wasn’t a fleeting romance; it was a love that would endure for a lifetime. They didn’t just love each other—they needed each other.

Sidharth stepped back slightly, his eyes lingering on her face. Her eyes remained closed, still lost in the moment. After what felt like forever, he finally spoke, his voice soft yet filled with emotion. “Pata nahi kya ho jata hai mujhe…” he began, his words heavy with the depth of his feelings.

Shehnaaz opened her eyes slowly, her heart fluttering at the sound of his voice. He was gazing at her with an intensity that made her feel as though he could see into her soul. “Jab tumse door hota hoon na… ek ajeeb si bechaini hoti hai,” he continued, searching for the right words. “I feel empty, jaan… there’s this constant ache in my heart.”

Tears welled up in her eyes at the honesty in his voice. She stepped closer, her fingers gently playing with the buttons of his shirt. “Samajhti hoon me aapko… nahi jiya jata mujhse bhi.. aapke bina,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Sidharth nodded slightly, his vulnerability laid bare. He leaned in, his face brushing softly against hers. That simple touch was enough to begin healing the invisible wounds that had formed between them. They needed this closeness, this tenderness.

Taking her hands in his, Sidharth lifted them to his lips, kissing each fingertip with care. “I don’t have the strength to breathe without you, mishty” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

That simple confession, so heartfelt and raw, was enough to make Shehnaaz’s heart soar. Her smile widened, her eyes lighting up with happiness. In that moment, she felt like she had everything she had ever dreamed of, like she had the entire world in her hands. Because for her, the world was Sidharth Shukla—nothing more, nothing less.

It was a love story that defied all logic. Shehnaaz had fallen in love with him without even knowing what he looked like, without knowing his name. But love, as they say, doesn’t need reasons or explanations. It just needs two honest hearts, and their hearts had found each other, even when the odds were against them.

Their love story had started on a rainy day, a day when the heavens had blessed their first meeting. If it hadn’t rained that day, if Sidharth hadn’t been stuck in traffic, maybe they would never have met. But fate had other plans.

And in that moment, as they stood together, wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew one thing for sure—this was destiny. They were meant to be together.

—

Both of them came back from their thoughts, their eyes locking as if the world outside ceased to exist. Sidharth moved even closer, wrapping his fingers around her bare waist with a possessive tenderness. His touch was filled with passion, and the feel of her delicate skin under his fingers made him groan softly, overwhelmed by her presence. She shuddered in his embrace, feeling the intensity of his need and love.

His other hand gently brushed through her smooth curls before he leaned down to place a light peck on her rosy lips, a smile playing on his own.

“Aap thak gaye honge na, Jana…” Shehnaaz whispered softly, her finger tracing his stubble playfully, her expression making him chuckle.

It was a moment so simple, so natural. No grand gestures or expensive gifts were necessary. Just the two of them, sharing their personal time. In that moment, they needed nothing more—just the warmth of each other’s arms. Life could go on, but all they wanted was to be right there, together.

Sidharth lifted her chin gently with his index finger, guiding her gaze back to his. Her twinkling eyes filled him with a sense of renewal, giving him life once again. He leaned closer to her lips, whispering softly, “Mera bachhaa..”

Shehnaaz smiled as she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes with a deep sense of contentment. She felt whole, complete, now that he was back with her, safe in her arms.

Sidharth closed his eyes as well, enveloping her in his strong embrace, keeping her close and protected. In his arms, she felt safe, cherished, and happy.

___

After what felt like forever in Sidharth’s comforting embrace, Shehnaaz slowly pulled away, her hands gently resting on his chest as she did so. She looked up at him with a soft smile, her voice tender yet playful. “Achha… ab aap jake fresh ho jayiye,” she said, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

Sidharth, feeling the sudden absence of her warmth, made a face, clearly displeased. “Mujhe nahi jana…” he muttered like a stubborn child, pulling her back into his arms, not ready to let her go. The way he held her spoke volumes of how much he didn’t want this moment to end. His embrace wasn’t just possessive—it was filled with longing, like he needed her close to feel at peace.

Shehnaaz, clearly amused by his antics, rolled her eyes playfully. She tried to push him away, her hands gently nudging his chest, but his grip only tightened. “Sidharth, bachhe jaise behave mat kijiye… roz roz mein hoti hun kya yahan aapko kehne ke liye?” she said, her tone soft but filled with that endearing scolding tone she always used on him.

Sidharth chuckled, loving her little complaints. He pulled her even closer, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. “Toh jaldi se aa jao na yahan… humesha ke liye,” he whispered, his voice a soft plea, laced with hope. There was something so pure and genuine in his words, as if all he really wanted was her by his side forever. In his embrace, everything felt right.

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but smile at his words. It was a smile that came straight from her heart—soft, filled with affection, and a little bit shy. She slapped his arm playfully, her face lighting up with that signature Shehnaaz charm. “Baten banana band kijiye… aur jaldi fresh ho jayiye. Aap ke liye surprise hai,” she teased, pulling herself out of his hold this time.

Sidharth’s face immediately shifted from playfulness to curiosity. His eyes sparkled with excitement, like a child hearing about a hidden treasure. “Achha… surprise… mere liye? Batao kya hai?” His voice was filled with eagerness, the childish enthusiasm in his tone making Shehnaaz giggle.

She looked at him, feigning disbelief, like he had just asked the silliest question. “Agar mein bata dungi toh surprise kya reh jayega… Jana, aap bhi na…” she said, shaking her head, her lips curving into a soft smile as she saw the twinkle of curiosity in his eyes.

Sidharth let out a sigh, clearly playing along. He began moving towards the bathroom but at an annoyingly slow pace, intentionally dragging his feet. He knew it would get on Shehnaaz’s nerves. She groaned in frustration, her hands gently pushing him from behind. “Aise dheere dheere chalenge toh reh gaya mera surprise,” she muttered, her tone filled with exasperation.

He turned his head slightly, glancing at her with a teasing grin. He was absolutely loving this. “Arre… dhakka kyun maar rahi ho? Agar itni hi jaldi hai toh help kar do na…” Sidharth winked mischievously, stopping in his tracks, completely enjoying how flustered he was making her.

Shehnaaz narrowed her eyes at his smug expression, and suddenly, an idea struck her. A wicked smile spread across her face, and she moved closer to him, her eyes filled with playful mischief. Sidharth, sensing that something was up, was momentarily taken aback. Her sudden shift in mood startled him.

Without saying a word, Shehnaaz gently placed her hands on his shirt collar, and before he could react, she began unbuttoning his shirt. Sidharth’s breath hitched, completely frozen in place, as he stared at her, his heart racing. What was she up to now? Her innocent expression masked the fact that her touch was anything but. She was fully aware of the effect she was having on him, and the way she casually went about it drove him crazy.

“Jaan… kya kar rahi ho…” he asked, his voice unsure, trying to keep control of the rising heat between them. But even he knew, deep down, that the tension was building, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep his restraint. Did she even realize what she was doing to him? Her innocent act was anything but innocent—it was waking up a storm inside him, one he wasn’t sure he could calm down.

She gave him a casual look, as if she was doing something completely normal, something trivial. “Sidharth… help kar rahi hoon… aap hi ne kaha na,” she replied coolly, continuing with her task, all while pretending nothing unusual was happening. Inside though, she was thoroughly enjoying his reaction.

Sidharth cleared his throat, trying to regain some control over the situation. He took a small step back, his voice faltering as he said, “Jaan… main kar lunga…” His heart was pounding. He knew if she continued like this, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself tonight. Not when she was standing there, looking so breathtaking in her saree, her playful attitude only adding to the fire. And it was almost midnight… in their bedroom. How did she even manage to look this perfect?

As Shehnaaz stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest, she tried to maintain a steady and confident voice, though it was clear her plan was unraveling fast. “Main help kar rahi hoon na… sidhe khade rahiye,” she said, her tone wavering slightly despite her attempt to act casual. Her eyes betrayed her as they took in every inch of him. Each button she unfastened revealed more of his chiseled chest, the smooth, rippling muscles of his torso coming into view. His toned, iron-hard chest seemed to throb with every breath he took. Six packs… No, wait, were those eight? Her fingers trembled slightly as she undid another button, her plan backfiring as she struggled to keep her composure.

With every step she took forward, Sidharth backed up, the intensity between them crackling like a live wire. Finally, his back hit the wall, and his breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling rapidly like a jaguar ready to pounce on its prey. His eyes darkened with desire, but there was a flicker of uncertainty. “Jaan… please, baby…” he mumbled, his voice thick with emotion. He wasn’t even sure what he was asking for anymore—whether he wanted her to stop before he lost control or to keep going until he couldn’t hold back anymore.

Shehnaaz, fueled by her own sense of recklessness, continued to move forward, ignoring the butterflies that danced in her stomach. She came so close that only inches separated them, and Sidharth let out a deep, strong groan when she placed her palms on his bare chest, her fingers resting on his pounding heart. Her eyes were completely lost, mesmerized by the hard lines of his chest, the warmth radiating from his body.

Sidharth’s resolve cracked. With another groan, he reached for her waist, pulling her tightly against him. His fingers dug into her soft skin, causing her to flinch slightly. The intensity of the moment left her breathless, her heart hammering in her chest as she raised her gaze to meet his. His eyes were filled with a storm of emotions—desire, love, and something more raw, something primal. She smiled faintly, sensing his helplessness in her presence.

“Kya socha aapne… aap mujhse help mangenge aur main sharma jaungi?” Shehnaaz teased, her voice hushed, barely audible over the roaring in both their ears. Sidharth didn’t even realize he was nodding, his head moving slowly in agreement, completely captivated by her beauty, her strength, her confidence.

Shehnaaz chuckled softly at his reaction, her fingers tracing the skin of his chest lightly. “Mujhe aapse sharmane ki kya zarurat hai? Aap mere ho aur main aapki…” she declared with quiet confidence, as if this truth was as natural as breathing. Her voice, so steady, held a note of certainty that pierced through the haze of desire between them. She had said it so simply, yet the weight of her words hung in the air. She belonged to him, and he belonged to her, no questions asked. It wasn’t a declaration of possession but rather an acknowledgment of the deep bond they shared.

Sidharth stood motionless, staring at her, his heart swelling with emotions he couldn’t even begin to describe. How easily she gave herself to him, how effortlessly she claimed him as hers. It was as if everything he ever needed was right in front of him, and she had wrapped it up in those simple, powerful words. He smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through him. There was no need to speak, no need to respond. She had said everything he had ever wanted to hear.

After a moment, Sidharth finally found his voice, though it came out as little more than a whisper. “Waise, tumne ye sab kab plan kiya?” he asked, his arms pulling her even closer, their bodies pressed against one another, the heat between them undeniable.

Shehnaaz smiled mischievously as she grabbed hold of his shirt at his chest, tugging gently. Sidharth’s eyes widened in surprise, his pulse quickening at the sight of her boldness. “Damnn baby, you’re driving me crazy…” he blurted out before he could stop himself, and immediately groaned at his own words. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud, and now, he was caught in a wave of passion.

Shehnaaz’s face turned red as she bit her lower lip, trying to hide her blushing face from him. She looked down, focusing on his hands, which were drawing soft, teasing patterns on her skin. The gentle caress was making it hard for her to stay composed, but she managed to mumble, “Please, jaake fresh ho jao na aap…”

Sidharth chuckled softly, amused by how adorable she looked when flustered. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her hair, his warm breath fanning her scalp as he whispered stubbornly, “Nohh…”

Shehnaaz huffed in frustration, knowing how stubborn he could be, but she wasn’t about to give up. In one swift motion, she pulled his shirt off his shoulder, leaving his toned upper body exposed, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight. But she quickly masked her reaction and demanded, “Aap ke kapde maine bed par rakh diye hain… Ab aap jaldi se tayyar hokar terrace par aa jayiye… main aapka wahin intezaar karungi… please jaldi aana,” she finished, her voice soft yet urgent, her cheeks still flushed from the intensity of their closeness.

Before he could respond or tease her further, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on his bare chest. The unexpected touch of her lips on his skin sent a shiver through him, and just like that, she was gone—practically running out of the room before he had a chance to react.

Sidharth stood there, utterly mesmerized, his heart still racing from the sudden kiss. His fingers instinctively reached up to touch the spot where her lips had just been, and he let out a groan, feeling the warmth of her kiss linger on his skin. “uff… my mishty is crazy,” he muttered to himself, a goofy smile spreading across his face as he thought about her.

He couldn’t believe how much he wanted her—no, how much he needed her. She wasn’t just someone he loved; she was the person who brought meaning to everything in his life. He couldn’t wait to have her in their home, forever. He imagined coming home every night, greeted by her smile, her warmth. He wanted to wake up beside her every morning, see her happy face as he walked out of the house, and feel the comfort of knowing she’d be there waiting for him when he returned. The thought of that future filled his heart with so much joy, it was almost overwhelming.

Unable to stay away from her for even a moment longer, Sidharth rushed to freshen up, his mind filled with thoughts of Shehnaaz, her smile, her touch. A silly grin played on his lips, and he couldn’t shake it off. She had that effect on him—making him feel like a lovestruck teenager again. Everything about her, from the way she blushed to the way she teased him, made him fall for her more deeply every day.

As he quickly got ready, all he could think about was joining her on the terrace. He knew she had something special planned, and just the thought of seeing her again, waiting for him, filled him with excitement. He felt alive, energized by her presence, and he couldn’t wait to be with her again.

___________

Shehnaaz stopped near the jhulla, gripping its edge tightly for support as she panted heavily, trying to catch her breath. Her heart raced uncontrollably, pounding so loudly she could almost hear it echo in her ears. She pressed her hand against her burning cheeks, feeling the intense warmth and blush spreading across her skin. Oh God, she thought, her mind swirling in disbelief. Did I really just unbutton Sidharth’s shirt?

Shehnaaz felt utterly embarrassed by her own boldness, and the memory of the moment made her cheeks flare up again. How did she manage to keep her composure in front of him? How had she controlled the overwhelming blush that threatened to expose her feelings?

“Stupid Nish,” she scolded herself mentally, her mind racing as she blamed her friend for filling her with all sorts of playful ideas. It’s all because of her! But… wait… Nish didn’t tell you to go ahead and unbutton his shirt! Why did you have to act so confidently, Shehnaaz?

She groaned inwardly, shaking her head. Why did I try to be so stylish? What if Sidharth teases me about this later? No, no, Shehnaaz, calm down… He didn’t see you blushing, so it’s fine! Phew… Just stop blaming Nish now…

And with that, Shehnaaz continued to mutter to herself, her blabbering a mix of frustration, embarrassment, and a tiny hint of excitement that she wouldn’t admit, not even to herself.

Her thoughts kept running in circles as she nervously swayed on the jhulla, waiting for Sidharth to freshen up and join her.

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Getting freshened up as quickly as possible, Sidharth hurried to the terrace, his heart racing with anticipation. But when he stepped outside, he was left utterly speechless. The entire terrace was transformed into a romantic haven, adorned with vibrant red roses and flickering candles that cast a warm, inviting glow. In the center, a two-chair dining table was draped with a luxurious red silk cloth, creating an atmosphere that was serene, peaceful, and magical—just like her.

Sidharth’s heart swelled with warmth and affection as he took in the beautiful sight before him. She did all this for me, he realized, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She wanted nothing more than to see him smile, and her efforts were beyond appreciation. It thrilled him to know that she put so much thought into this special moment.

But where was she?

“Jaan…” he called out softly, moving forward, scanning the area for her familiar presence. As he looked around, a slight feeling of unease settled in—was she okay?

Just as he was about to turn away, he felt two delicate arms wrap around his waist from behind. A smile broke across his face as he recognized her embrace, the warmth of her body sending a comforting wave through him. Her head rested gently against his back, filling him with a sense of calm.

“Kya hua, mera bachha?” he asked softly, feeling her arms tighten around him. There was a sweetness in her touch that made him feel cherished.

“Kuch nahi…” she mumbled, but Sidharth could hear the sigh that followed. She was clearly wrestling with her emotions. “Main confuse ho gayi thi… I wanted to do something special for you, but I also knew you were tired. Main aapko aur nahi pareshan karna chahti thi… par main chahti bhi thi… matlab…” Her words trailed off, and he could feel her embarrassment as she slapped his back playfully, chuckling at her own blabbering.

Sidharth turned around and pulled her in front of him, wrapping her in his protective embrace. “Pagal hai, mera bachha,” he declared affectionately, a teasing smile dancing on his lips.

She looked up at him, her chin resting on his chest, and pouted her lips like a child seeking attention. *Oh God,* he thought, feeling his heart swell at her adorableness.

Cupping her face in his broad palms, he leaned down and kissed her nose gently. “Tumhe mere liye ya mere saath kuch bhi karne ke liye itna sochne ki kya zarurat hai, jaan.  Do what you like… I am all yours,” he mumbled huskily, his voice filled with sincerity as he closed the distance between them.

With a soft yet passionate kiss on her pouted lips, he added, “And talking about me being tired… You are probably underestimating the strength of your jana, my love.”

As he spoke, he kissed her again, this time with more fervor, pulling her up against his chest until she no longer felt the earth beneath her feet. In that moment, everything around them faded away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in love and warmth, basking in the glow of their shared affection.

Giggling into the kiss, Shehnaaz playfully rested her feet on Sidharth’s, breaking the moment with a teasing smile. “Achha, pata chal gaya mujhe aap ka strength,” she managed to say amid her laughter, trying to pull away from the kiss.

Groaning in playful frustration, he held her close, biting her lower lip just a bit harshly. “You haven’t seen anything yet… trust me, baby,” he murmured, a smirk playing on his lips.

Shehnaaz felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks at his words, her blush deepening as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Sidharth hugged her tightly, wishing he could keep her there forever.

As if the world around them had faded, he placed soft kisses everywhere he could reach—her hair, her cheeks, her earlobe. With each kiss, Shehnaaz’s arms tightened around his neck, feeling herself melting further into his embrace, her heart racing as he consumed her with affection.

Groaning passionately, he nibbled on her earlobe, leaving her breathless. “I love you, Shehnaaz Kaur Gill,” he declared, his voice rich with emotion.

The confession melted in her heart, and she hugged him tighter, overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings. She pressed a soft kiss against the crook of his neck, reveling in the warmth of his arms around her waist. “Mujhe gudgudi ho rahi hai…” she admitted, her voice a mix of bashfulness and laughter.

Shaking his head with a content smile, Sidharth kept her close in his strong arms. “Tumhare sath zindagi ka har lamha khas hai, naaz… mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha ke zindagi itni khubsurat bhi ho sakti hai.” His heartfelt words made her pull back just enough to stare into his eyes.

He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her rosy cheeks. “Me tumse jitna pyar karta hun, usse aur kahin zyada pyar karne ka man karta hai… fanah hona chahta hun.” The depth of his emotions filled the air around them.

Tears of happiness welled in her eyes as she turned her face slightly, placing a soft kiss on his palm. “Jana… hume ek dusre ke pyar mein fanah nahi hona… hume toh ek dusre ke pyar mein jeena hai.” She demanded softly, her voice steady as she made her feelings clear. He sighed, resting his forehead against hers, feeling the weight of her words.

Smiling, Shehnaaz closed her eyes peacefully, embracing the moment. “Kehte hain ke pyar ki kahani kabhi poori nahi hoti… na Heer-Ranjha ki hui, na Laila-Majnu ki, aur na hi Radha-Krishna ki.” Her words made Sidharth open his eyes, a frown creeping onto his face at the thought.

Gently brushing her fingers over the frown lines of his forehead, she smiled. “Par mujhe aap par yakin hai… ke humari kahani jarur puri hogi. Mere Sidharth, humari kahani ko kabhi adhura nahi rehne denge. Aap ke liye, me apni zindagi ka har rang nochhavar kar sakti hun… bas aap ke sang jeena hai… aur aap hi ke sang ek din kho jana hai… bas itni si khwahish hai.” Her words dripped with sincerity, filling his heart with warmth.

Angry at the idea of losing her, he shook his head, silently denying her from speaking such things. He wanted to grow old with her, sitting on a porch with her hand in his, surrounded by their grandchildren, creating memories together.

He rubbed her cheeks gently, wiping away her tears as he stared at her in surprise. “Etna pyar kaise kar sakta hai koi?” he wondered aloud, the realization of her love overwhelming him.

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