Chapter 44

Sidharth gently rubbed her cheeks, his fingers soft against her skin as he wiped away her tears. His eyes were filled with surprise, as if he was seeing her in a new light. The depth of her love, the purity of her feelings, left him speechless. “Itna pyaar kaise kar sakta hai koi?” he murmured, more to himself than to her. The realization of her love for him was overwhelming, sinking into his heart in a way that made him feel vulnerable yet cherished.

Shehnaaz, moved by his words, inched closer. Rising on her toes, she frowned as she still couldn’t reach his forehead and pulled him head closer instead, pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. Her touch was filled with tenderness, and her voice, barely above a whisper, held all the emotions she felt for him. “Aap mere Sidharth hai… kya itna kaafi nahi?” she asked, her eyes shimmering with sincerity.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Sidharth looked at her, his heart swelling with a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long time. He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes, and nodded, unable to find the right words. Her simple statement had touched something deep inside him, making him realize just how much he meant to her.

But before he could say anything more, Shehnaaz’s face lit up with sudden excitement, her tears forgotten in an instant. “Arre, surprise toh reh hi gaya… chaliye na,” she exclaimed, grabbing his hand with childlike enthusiasm. Her energy was infectious, and without giving him a chance to respond, she began pulling him towards the dining table.

Sidharth, still caught in the haze of emotions, allowed himself to be dragged along. He was amused by her sudden shift from an emotional moment to this lively excitement. “Aur bhi surprise hai?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, his tone filled with curiosity. She had already done so much—she had decorated the place so beautifully for him, worn a saree just for him. What else could there possibly be?

He couldn’t help but wonder, his heart now feeling lighter than it had all day. Shehnaaz, with her boundless energy and her love for him, had a way of turning even the simplest moments into something special. As he let her guide him, he couldn’t stop the smile that lingered on his face, knowing that whatever the surprise was, it was bound to make him feel even closer to her.

Shehnaaz guided Sidharth to the chair and made him sit down gently, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she uncovered the dishes one by one. The table was filled with a spread that looked both inviting and delicious.

Sidharth stared at the array of food before him, utterly shocked. “Yeh sab…” he trailed off, disbelief clear in his voice as he glanced from the food to her. “Yeh sab tumne banaya hai?” His eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn’t hide the astonishment in his tone.

Shehnaaz’s face lit up with pride and excitement as she began filling his plate. “Ji haan… aaj saara dinner maine banaya hai. Matlab, maa ne jaise bola waise maine try kiya,” she explained with a sheepish smile, knowing she had given it her all. Her happiness radiated through her words, proud of her efforts.

Sidharth chuckled at the sight of her, her cute expression tugging at his heart. Without thinking, he reached for her, pulling her suddenly into his lap. Shehnaaz squealed at the unexpected move, her wide eyes locking with his in surprise. “Yeh kya kar rahe hain aap?” she asked, half-scolding, though her heart was already racing from the closeness.

Sidharth made an exaggeratedly innocent face, his lips curling into a small playful smile. “Tumne itne pyaar se sab banaya hai… toh mujhe laga tum mujhe khana khilaogi,” he said, his voice soft and teasing, as though the idea was the most obvious thing in the world.

Shehnaaz’s heart melted right there. Hayye rabba, how much she loved him. The innocence in his expression, even though she knew he was just being mischievous, was irresistible. She couldn’t deny him, even if she wanted to. Shaking her head with a small smile, she gave in. “aap bhi na..,” she mumbled under her breath.

Shehnaaz picked up the first bite and gently fed it to him. Sidharth took it willingly, savoring the taste, and then, with a smile, picked up a bite himself, bringing it to her lips. She smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with excitement, and ate the bite he offered. “Hayy rabba… yeh toh sach mein tasty bana hai,” she exclaimed, her voice full of surprise and pride.

Sidharth chuckled at her enthusiasm and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Haan, mera bachha… it’s super tasty,” he said, his voice warm and affectionate. The love in his eyes was unmistakable, and his heart swelled seeing how much effort she had put into making this moment special for him.

They continued to feed each other, savoring every bite not just for the food but for the love they shared in that moment. Each bite felt like a connection, a silent promise of their growing bond.

But Sidharth, couldn’t resist his mischievous side. More than once, instead of biting the food, he gently bit her finger. Every time, Shehnaaz winced and pouted, her face turning into a baby-like expression that made him want to tease her more. “Jana, aap jaan bujhkar kar rahe hona..” she complained each time, though she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.

Sidharth, pretending to be sorry, would quickly take her finger into his mouth to soothe the tiny bite, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “nahi baba..” he would say, though it was clear he was enjoying this little game.

In his arms, on his lap, Shehnaaz felt safe, cherished, and loved. And as Sidharth continued to feed her, teasing her with bites and kisses, she knew, deep down, that this was what happiness felt like.

_________

Shehnaaz found herself getting lost in his touch with every passing moment, surrendering to the warmth of his hands, the closeness of his body. She didn’t even realize that Sidharth was doing it on purpose. His playful nibbles on her fingers, the way his tongue gently grazed her skin, it all felt so innocent at first. But as his licking turned more deliberate, more sensual, her senses finally kicked in. Her cheeks flushed, and with her free hand, she gave his arm a light smack, trying to snap herself out of the haze he had drawn her into.

Sidharth couldn’t help but grin, absolutely loving the way her face would scrunch up in that adorable pout. She was irresistible like this—flustered, trying to hold onto her anger but failing every time. And before she could protest further, he leaned in and pressed a quick peck on her pouting lips, stealing the last bit of her fake anger and replacing it with a soft blush. Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she melted under his touch, unable to hold onto her frustration any longer.

Sidharth couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in that red saree, a sight that made his heart swell. She was like a little temptress, innocent yet utterly captivating, and in that moment, he decided he needed to buy her more sarees, in every color imaginable.

As he carefully prepared a bite for her, Shehnaaz watched him, her heart softening with every small action he took. There was so much love in the way he handled the food, making sure it was just the way she liked it, paying attention to every detail. The way this strong, protective man could be so tender and caring made her feel like the luckiest person in the world. He was hers.

And speaking of him—*damnn.* He looked absolutely breathtaking in that black T-shirt and track pants, his broad, muscular chest practically bursting through the thin fabric. His toned arms, with veins popping out against his skin, made him look like a real-life superhero, an updated version of Thor. Her gaze traveled up to his face, so sharp and defined, with those perfectly shaped lips that formed a slight smirk. It hit her hard—he was hers, this perfect, handsome man.

Shehnaaz quickly averted her eyes, biting her lower lip to stop the blush that was threatening to give her away. But Sidharth had already caught her sneaking glances at him. His soft chuckle filled the air as he leaned closer, his nose brushing against her flushed cheek. “My cute, adorable baby girl…” he murmured in that deep, husky voice of his. The sound of his words sent a shiver down her spine, making her tremble ever so slightly in his lap. She could feel her heart race at the huskiness of his voice, but it was the affectionate teasing behind those words that truly undid her.

“I am a woman… not a girl,” Shehnaaz countered instantly, her eyes wide with bewilderment, which made Sidharth pause for a moment, staring at her with amusement. Her innocence, wrapped in her bold correction, melted his heart. “Mera bachha…” he mumbled to himself softly, struggling to find more words in the face of her undeniable cuteness.

As they sat together, the atmosphere was light and joyful, both of them relishing the simplicity of each other’s company. The dinner was filled with their nonsensical banter, laughter, and giggles. They bickered playfully over bites of food, like two carefree souls forgetting the world around them. Their connection wasn’t just in the serious moments, but in these little, silly exchanges that made their bond stronger.

At one point, Sidharth held up a glass of water for her, and Shehnaaz drank from it without hesitation. She reached for a fresh glass to offer him, but before she could, Sidharth casually lifted the same glass she had just used and drank the remaining water.

Shehnaaz froze for a second, staring at him in surprise. It was such a simple act, yet it struck her deeply. There was something intimate about it—something that went beyond words. It wasn’t just about sharing a glass; it was about sharing a life, a bond that had quietly deepened without either of them realizing. That small gesture, so effortless on his part, touched her in ways she couldn’t explain. They were one, intertwined in ways that felt natural and profound.

Lost in these thoughts, she didn’t notice when Sidharth scooped her up into his arms. Her mind snapped back to the present, and she let out a small squeal, startled by his sudden action. Sidharth’s deep chuckle filled the air, and he carried her effortlessly to the wooden swing nearby. Taking a seat, he adjusted her in his lap, making sure she was comfortable. And without even thinking, her arms tightened around his neck, refusing to let go. She felt secure, warm, and content—wrapped up in him, in this moment of peace.

The weather outside mirrored their hearts, calm and serene, a beautiful night that seemed to reflect the quiet joy they shared. Sidharth broke the silence, his voice soft but tinged with a little frustration. “Mujhe laga tha ke tum pakka ruth gayi ho… when your phone was switched off… which reminds me, I had told you to never keep your phone off,” he added, his tone growing slightly firm at the end.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes dramatically, tilting her head up towards the sky as if asking for patience. Blowing the bangs away from her forehead in mock exasperation, she replied, “Offooooo… fir mein surprise kaise deti?”

Sidharth gently brushed aside her bangs, his fingers lingering for a moment as he looked at her with soft eyes. “Haan baba… but please don’t do that again. me pareshan ho jata hun when i fail to reach you..” he said, serious. Then, as if recalling a funny memory, he chuckled, “And I see you’ve bribed the security guards too.”

Shehnaaz giggled in that cute way of hers, and he shook his head at her playfulness. She shifted, pulling her knees closer to her chest and resting them near his thighs on the swing. Her voice turned a little shy as she asked, “Aap ko khana sachhi achha laga?” The question was filled with the insecurity of a new cook, seeking reassurance and praise for her hard work.

Sidharth cupped her face with both hands, tilting her head slightly so their eyes met. He could see the vulnerability in her question, and it made him smile warmly. “Aise kyun puchh rahi ho?” he asked, his voice gentle. “I loved the food… and it tasted even better from your hands,” he added, his tone turning mischievous as his gaze darkened playfully.

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but giggle, and she playfully nudged him with her elbow, landing a light hit on his chest. “Har waqt badmashi,” she mumbled, pretending to be annoyed. “Woh dar asal… jab pehli baar banaya toh jal gaya tha. Fir maa ne firse sikhaya. Maa na hoti toh sab gadbad ho jati!” She made a poor baby face, her lips pouting in mock disappointment.

Sidharth’s heart swelled with affection as he watched her adorable expressions. Beneath her childishness, there was a woman full of love and care. She wasn’t just the cute, bubbly Shehnaaz—she was also the woman who understood his needs, cared for him deeply, and wanted to make his life better in every way. In that moment, he thought to himself, What did I ever do to deserve her?

Without a word, Sidharth took her hands in his, lifting them gently. One by one, he kissed each of her fingers, his lips soft against her skin. As he reached her fourth finger, he noticed a small cut—a result of her efforts in the kitchen, no doubt. His heart tightened seeing the mark, knowing it was from her determination to make the night special for him. He kissed the cut repeatedly, his lips lingering there as if his kisses could erase the pain.

Then, in a quiet, almost reverent gesture, he laid flat on the swing, resting his head in her lap. His strong arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer as he buried his face into her bare tummy. The warmth of her skin, the softness of her embrace—it was everything he needed in that moment. His head rested against her as if her lap was the safest place in the world.

Her heart raced as she felt the warmth of his breath tickling her skin, sending shivers through her entire body. She smiled softly, letting her fingers slide through his hair, caressing it with gentle strokes. Her other hand wrapped around his broad shoulder, as if holding him protectively in her embrace, making sure he was cocooned in her warmth.

“You look absolutely beautiful, jaan,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with awe. His words trailed off as he placed a soft kiss on her torso, making her tummy quiver in response. She instinctively pulled her stomach in, holding her breath as her skin tingled under his passionate touch.

Sidharth was utterly mesmerized by her. She wore no ornaments, except for that one ring on her finger, yet she radiated a beauty that outshone anything he’d ever seen. It was as if she breathed new life into the color red—it had never looked this stunning until she adorned it. She was like the softest petals of a fresh rose, pure and captivating.

As her fingers continued to tenderly brush through his hair, he closed his eyes, savoring the peace that washed over him with her pampering. The tension of the past few days seemed to melt away, leaving him in this perfect moment with her.

“Nind aa rahi hai aapko?” she asked, though it sounded more like a statement. She had noticed how still and silent he had become, resting peacefully in her lap.

He smiled at her question, shifting slightly as he adjusted his weight onto her lap, making himself more comfortable. “Uummhhh…” he hummed softly, signaling a no. Slowly, he opened his eyes and gazed up at her, his eyes full of love. “You have to brush my hair like that every night until I fall asleep with you in my arms,” he said, his voice laced with affection and longing.

Shehnaaz felt a wave of warmth spread through her chest at his words. The simple request, so intimate and sweet, touched her deeply. She knew in that moment that this was what love felt like—not grand gestures, but these quiet, tender moments of just being with each other, feeling safe, cherished, and utterly content.

Shehnaaz leaned down and enveloped Sidharth’s face in the warmth of her chest, pulling him into a gentle embrace. It felt like a cozy cocoon, a safe haven just for him. She knew he was thinking about their future, those small, sweet dreams of what life would look like after their wedding. Her heart brimmed with hope at the thought, each little dream filling her with a sense of endless possibility.

Sidharth sighed contentedly, breathing in her natural fragrance as he nestled against her. The warmth radiating from her body wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. In that moment, words felt unnecessary; their silence spoke volumes, conveying an unspoken understanding that only deepened their bond. He didn’t need to ask her anything; in his heart, he knew she was his, and that was enough.

When she pulled back to look at him, he could see the glow of satisfaction illuminating his face, a sight that filled her with joy. “Kya soch rahe ho aap?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with affection.

He chuckled softly, resting his palm against her jawline and cupping her face gently. “I am glad our kitchen is still alive,” he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Her reaction was priceless. “Haw!!” she pouted dramatically, which made him giggle. The warmth of their laughter filled the space around them, a shared moment of joy. He rubbed his thumb tenderly along her cheek, his touch lingering. “Was just teasing you, mera bachha,” he said, his voice filled with affection.

Shehnaaz smiled brightly, her heart dancing at his words. “Aapko mera surprise kaisa laga?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. “Aap pehle se tired the, aur main aapko aur tired nahi karna chahti thi. Isliye mene sab yahi par arrange kar diya.”

Sidharth gazed at her earnestly, his heart swelling with appreciation. “I love everything you do, baby,” he murmured, wanting her to feel just how much he adored all her efforts on his behalf.

Shehnaaz beamed at the compliment, her heart racing with warmth. “So toh hai… agar main nahi hoti, toh aapka kya hota?” she grinned back, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Sidharth gazed at Shehnaaz with all the love in his heart, lifting himself slightly in her lap. “Agar Shehnaaz nahi hoti, toh Sidharth bhi nahi hota,” he declared, his voice filled with conviction.

Shehnaaz looked at him, captivated by his words. There was a profound honesty in his gaze, a depth that resonated deeply within her. In that moment, she realized just how powerful his love was, capable of making her feel things she had never felt before. It was a whirlwind of emotions, and she knew that one day it might drive her to the brink of madness—if it hadn’t already.

Unknown to her, tears of happiness began to roll down her cheeks, sparkling in the soft light. It was only when she felt his warm thumb gently wiping away the tears that she became aware of them.

“MUSIC…”

Pulling her closer, he settled her halfway on his chest, enveloping her in warmth. She gently rested her lips on his forehead, placing a lingering kiss that spoke volumes of her affection.

Chahane Jab Lagey Dil Kisi Ki Khushi..

Their shared silence wrapped around them like a soft blanket, filled with love and trust. Sidharth smiled, letting his eyes flutter closed, savoring the moment as her warmth radiated against him. He held her firmly, his arms encircling her waist, feeling a sense of completeness wash over him.

As his fingers found their place on her soft waist, Shehnaaz felt a rush of emotion. “Sidharth…” she whispered, her voice trailing off as his palm slid gently against her back. The touch ignited a flutter in her chest, making her heart race.

His fingers brushed against the delicate skin, and she caught her breath, overwhelmed by the tenderness of the moment. Each caress felt like a silent promise, binding their hearts closer together, an unspoken understanding of the love they shared.

“Umm…” he mumbled, lost in the sensations as his fingers pressed gently into her skin, leaving her breathless.

Sidharth clenched his jaw, struggling to maintain his composure as he felt the warmth of her body beneath his touch. Every moment intensified the urge to claim what was undeniably his. “I’m trying, love…” he murmured, fully aware of the silent battle she was waging to keep her own emotions in check. He was fighting just as hard, feeling the electric connection between them grow stronger with each passing second.

The air was thick with unspoken words and lingering touches, their hearts racing in a synchronized rhythm. In that moment, everything else faded away, leaving just the two of them, caught in a whirlwind of desire and affection.

“Aapki hi hun na me…” she whispered softly against his ear, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. The admission made him groan in satisfaction, feeling the warmth of her trust envelop him. Her complete faith in him, her willingness to submit, filled him with a deep sense of joy.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he tightened his hold around her, and the shift in her breath sent a thrill through him. In a swift, playful motion, he flipped her onto the soft mattress of the swing, his weight settling above her.

In that moment, she realized the depth of her feelings—she loved him more than she loved herself. Her eyes brimmed with emotion at the thought. Was it possessive to love someone that deeply? Perhaps it was. But as she looked into his eyes, she felt reassured knowing that he loved her with the same intensity, caring for her more than he did for himself. They were each other’s, bound by a love that was both fierce and tender.

Raising his face slightly, Sidharth allowed the saree to slide down from his eyes, settling comfortably against the back of his neck. “That’s love, jaan,” he said, his voice low and filled with emotion. “Hum jisse pyar karte hai na, woh insan ki di hui har cheez khas hoti hai.” His words held a weight of wisdom that Shehnaaz felt deeply. “That’s something worth learning from our parents. Woh log chizon ki kimat nahi dekhte the; uske pichhe chhupe jazbato ki kadar karte the. Wohi rishton ko majboot banata hai.”

Shehnaaz listened intently, respecting every word he spoke. His insights struck a chord within her, illuminating her understanding of love and relationships. She nodded softly, feeling the sincerity of his words resonate in her heart. “Me bhi ise humesha sambhal kar rakhungi,” she promised, her voice firm but tender, filled with a determination to cherish their love.

Sidharth’s lips curled into a gentle smile, a reflection of his admiration for her. He reached out and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, the warmth of his lips lingering there as if he wanted to hold that moment for as long as possible. He let his lips rest against her skin, savoring the intimacy, letting time stretch out until it felt like eternity. In that simple gesture, they shared a silent promise, a mutual understanding of love that went beyond words.

_________________