Chapter 45

Love had to happen between Sidharth and Shehnaaz—it was destined. When emotions are genuine and pure, love blossoms naturally, without force or pretense. It was as though the universe itself had conspired to bring them together, creating moments that deepened their bond.

Shehnaaz, with all her affection, slowly leaned in to press a gentle kiss on his chin, a gesture full of tenderness. Sidharth, in return, continued to plant soft kisses on her forehead, his lips lingering as though he could communicate the depth of his emotions through that simple touch. His heart felt at peace when she softly whispered, “Aap meri puri duniya ho…” Her words weren’t just a confession but a declaration of what he meant to her—a world, a sanctuary, everything. And in that moment, he sighed, feeling the warmth of her love wash over him, calming his restless soul.

Her arms encircled his neck, pulling him closer, as if she was promising never to let go. There was a sense of security in the way she held him, letting him lean into her embrace, allowing him to let go of everything weighing on him. His head rested against her, and in that closeness, she felt the subtle shift in his breathing, the way his body relaxed into hers. It was as if he had finally found the peace he had been searching for, and she was more than willing to be his safe haven.

Shehnaaz’s voice, filled with love and unwavering devotion, whispered sweetly into the quiet, “Aap ko pyar karne ke liye… apki care karne ke liye… aap ko hasane ke liye aur satane ke liye bhi… aap ko khana khilane ke liye… aap ka har sapna pura karne ke liye… aap ko apni bahon me sulane ke liye… me humesha rahungi… humesha…” Her words flowed from her heart, each promise carrying the weight of her love and commitment. She wasn’t just speaking out of impulse; she meant every single word. She wanted to be there for him in every possible way—to care for him, to make him laugh, to annoy him playfully, to feed him with love, to fulfill every dream he ever had, and to hold him close until he drifted into peaceful sleep in her arms. She was pledging to be his constant, his forever.

As she finished speaking, there was a sense of finality in her tone, like she was sealing a vow. Her words hung in the air, full of promise and affection. In the stillness of the moment, she heard him whisper something so soft that it almost blended with the silence, “Promise…?”

His voice, although barely audible, was laced with vulnerability. It wasn’t just a question; it was a plea. He needed reassurance, a confirmation that the love she had just confessed was as strong and as eternal as she claimed. Sidharth, despite his tough exterior, was baring his soul in that one word, asking for the one thing he feared the most—abandonment from her.

Shehnaaz felt her heart swell at his question, and without hesitation, she responded, “I promise Jana…” Her voice was steady, filled with certainty, and with that, she tightened her embrace. She could feel his arms wrap around her, holding her as if his life depended on it. It wasn’t just a hug; it was more than that. It was a silent acknowledgment of the love they shared, a love that was pure, deep, and unbreakable.

In that embrace, they found solace in each other. Sidharth clung to her as if she was the anchor keeping him grounded, and Shehnaaz held him just as tightly, silently vowing to never let him go. Their love wasn’t built on grand gestures or extraordinary words—it was in the small moments like these, where the world faded away and all that was left was the two of them, wrapped in each other’s arms, breathing in the same air, sharing the same heartbeat.

Shehnaaz’s gentle hands cupped his face, her touch soft yet full of emotion. Slowly, with a tenderness only she could give, she brushed her lips across his skin, starting from his forehead and trailing down to his chin. Every inch of his face was touched by her love—each peck fueling the fire in his chest, driving him wild. Her kisses were soft, but they carried the depth of her emotions, filling his heart with a warmth that only her love could provide.

Shehnaaz was the one who had the power to unravel him, to push him to the brink of madness with just her presence. But she was also the one who could calm him, to tame the wild, passionate storm inside Sidharth Shukla. No one else had that power over him. Only his Naaz.

A wave of intense passion surged through him, and before he knew it, he pulled her closer, possessively. His hands gripped her tightly, bringing her delicate form crashing into his strong chest. She looked up at him, surprised by the sudden force, her wide eyes blinking. But before she could react, he grabbed the back of her neck and claimed her lips in a kiss that was urgent, filled with possessiveness.

This time, though, something was different. Sidharth didn’t demand more from her as he usually did. He didn’t push for her to part her lips. Instead, he simply enjoyed the feel of her soft, wrinkled lips beneath his. They were slightly sore from the onslaught of his previous kisses, but he lingered there, savoring the taste of her. He kissed her slowly, deeply, losing himself in the moment until she had to pull back, gasping for air.

He watched her as she panted, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her face flushed from their kiss. His eyes darkened with passion as he took in the sight of her, loving how breathless he had made her, loving that he had the power to leave her so undone. She was his—this innocent temptress who drove him wild and yet calmed his soul. She belonged to him in every way.

Sidharth couldn’t imagine his life without her. If Shehnaaz hadn’t come into his world, he didn’t know how he would have survived. She had become everything to him. Without her, he was nothing. And the thought of why he hadn’t found her sooner haunted him, creeping into his mind and making his grip on her tighten with a newfound possessiveness. How could he have lived so long without her in his life?

They remained in each other’s arms for what felt like an eternity, neither willing to let go. There was a comfort in their closeness, a silent understanding of just how much they meant to one another. Sidharth couldn’t stop smiling as he looked at her flushed face, both of them laughing softly at their breathless condition, lost in the warmth of the moment.

With a soft chuckle, Sidharth nuzzled his nose against her rosy cheek, savoring the blush that spread across her skin, a blush he had caused. He loved the way her face glowed when she was embarrassed, and it filled him with a strange joy to know that he was the reason for that. “I had called you, right?” he mumbled, his voice teasing.

Shehnaaz frowned slightly, confusion flashing in her eyes as she raised her brows in question. Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable pout on her lips, her face showing a mix of curiosity and frustration. His voice dropped lower, turning husky as he teased her again, “You’re my red tomato sauce… You’re all red right now.”

At that, Shehnaaz’s lips parted into an ‘O’ of surprise, but her expression quickly shifted into a smile, bright and full of love. She playfully swatted his chest in mock annoyance, but Sidharth was quicker. He grabbed her wrist mid-air and pressed a firm kiss to it, his lips lingering longer than necessary. Her soft moan escaped before she could stop it, and that sound—it drove him wild.

That tiny sound of pleasure set something off in him, igniting the passion that always simmered just below the surface. “I love the way you blush,” he whispered, his voice rough with desire. He couldn’t stop himself as he leaned in, brushing his lips against her cheek before giving her a playful, soft bite. She winced slightly, her eyes widening in surprise at the sudden action, but before she could react, he mumbled against her skin, almost to himself, “Mera bachha…”

Sidharth was lost in her, in the feeling of her warmth, her presence, her love. Every part of her was precious to him. And as they held each other, he knew, without a doubt, that this—her, them—was everything he needed. Shehnaaz had become the center of his world, and he would do anything to keep her there, in his arms, forever.

Shehnaaz flushed red, feeling the heat creep up her cheeks as she pulled away from Sidharth’s embrace. She made a baby angry face, her lips pouting in the most adorable way, silently declaring she wasn’t talking to him anymore. It was her way of showing her displeasure whenever he teased her, but it only made her look more endearing.

Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle at her cute pout. he moved closer to her, and to her surprise, he held his ears in an exaggerated gesture of apology. It was such an unusual sight—Sidharth Shukla, the strong and serious man, holding his ears like a child asking for forgiveness. But when it came to Shehnaaz, he didn’t mind letting his guard down. She had this unique ability to bring out the childlike side of him, a side that no one else ever saw.

Shehnaaz peeked at him from the corner of her eye, but quickly turned away, maintaining her pretend anger. Amused, Sidharth shook his head and moved even closer, holding his ears once again, this time making the cutest face he could muster. He was relentless in his attempt to win her over, knowing just how much she adored these moments.

Despite herself, Shehnaaz couldn’t help but stare at his handsome face, so close to hers. Her heart skipped a beat. He looked like a piece of art—his strong, muscular frame contrasted with the softness of his expression. Sidharth was a big, imposing figure, yet there was something so pure and innocent in his face, almost like a child. She felt her resolve crumbling under his gaze.

Sidharth noticed the blush spreading across her cheeks, and he chuckled softly, realizing she had been admiring him. Shehnaaz couldn’t hide it anymore.

His hands wrapped tightly around her waist, sending a shiver down her spine as their bodies pressed together. The air around them thickened with the unspoken heat of desire, and Shehnaaz found herself getting lost in the moment. She mumbled softly into his embrace, her voice barely audible, “Main jab bhi ruthungi… aap mujhe aise hi manaoge?”

Sidharth smirked, his face dipping into the curve of her neck as his fingers gently brushed her skin, sending more shivers through her body. “Tum jab jab mujhse ruthogi… I will kiss you breathless,” he whispered against her skin, his voice low and full of promise.

She giggled at his playful words, but the laughter quickly faded as he began kissing her neck, each kiss deeper than the last. His lips moved slowly, deliberately, leaving marks of his love behind. She felt his teeth graze her skin as he left a gentle bite, marking her in a way that made her heart race.

Her breath hitched, her body bathed in the warmth of his love. Just as she was getting lost in the sensations, she instinctively slapped his arm with her palm, trying to regain some control over her fluttering heart.

Sidharth chuckled at her reaction, pausing for a moment to take in the sight of her blushing furiously in his arms. There was nothing he loved more than seeing her like this—so vulnerable, so beautiful, and all his.

Shehnaaz, unable to meet his eyes, mumbled shyly, “Aap din b din… besharam bante ja rahe hai… pata hai aapko…”

Her voice was soft, but her rosy cheeks said everything she couldn’t. Sidharth’s grin widened, loving the way she melted under his touch. To him, she was perfect in every way, and nothing made him happier than knowing she was his, just as much as he was hers.

Giggling softly, Sidharth lifted her chin and placed a tender kiss on her lips, whispering playfully, “All your fault… you shouldn’t have worn a saree.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes in that adorable way that always made him grin. “Eise pehle ke kuch siyappa ho jaye… maa, mumma aur papaji hum dono ko ghar se bahar phek dein… main jaati hoon,” she declared, her tone light but with a hint of mischief.

Sidharth sighed, knowing she was right, but not ready to let go of this moment. “Bas 10 minutes…” he murmured, pulling her gently closer before capturing her lips again in a soft, lingering kiss. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down, the world outside fading as their closeness grew deeper.

Their kiss, though meant to be brief, soon intensified, their emotions heightening as they melted into each other’s warmth. What started as a soft touch of lips soon turned into a series of tender kisses, one after another, as they lost track of everything but each other.

Sidharth couldn’t help but get caught up in the overwhelming emotion that Shehnaaz stirred within him. Her touch, her presence—it was everything. He cupped her face, his fingers brushing against her skin as his lips sought hers with renewed passion. Her breath hitched in response, and he could feel her heartbeat quicken just as his own did. The connection between them was undeniable, and it filled him with a sense of possessive affection, the need to hold her close, to feel her near.

In between kisses, Shehnaaz gasped softly, pulling back just enough to look at him, her cheeks flushed. The way she said his name, the way she looked at him with trust and love, made him want to lose himself completely in her. But then, she whispered, “Ho gaya siyappa…”

Sidharth groaned, half in frustration and half in amusement, resting his forehead against hers. “Jaan… you’re impossible,” he whispered, his voice full of affection, though his heart was racing. He took a deep breath, his hand slipping down to her waist, feeling the warmth of her presence grounding him.

As Shehnaaz shifted slightly, Sidharth couldn’t help but stare at her flushed face, a warm smile spreading across his lips. He burst into laughter, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as if he never wanted to let go. “Baby… you’re not supposed to make me laugh when I’m trying to be romantic, jaan,” he said, his voice teasing yet filled with affection.

Her laughter bubbled up in response, filling the space between them with joy. “Mera pyara golu molu motto…” he mumbled fondly, planting a soft kiss on her temple. He then reluctantly shifted away from her, burying his face into the pillow with a playful sigh. “Tie those knots fast,” 

Shehnaaz attempted to reach behind her to tie the knots of her saree but found it nearly impossible to maneuver her hands in the way she needed. Frustrated but determined, she struggled, her cheeks warming even more as she realized how close they were to each other.

Sidharth turned back, hoping to see her done, only to find her still grappling with the fabric. A possessiveness  spread across his face as he circled his hands around her waist. With deft fingers, he tied the knots for her, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his hands. Shehnaaz’s gaze dropped shyly, unable to meet his eyes, her cheeks nearly as red as the fabric she wore.

Sidharth’s heart raced as he registered the intimate moment, realizing just how close they were—both emotionally and physically. “Me moti nahi hun…” she protested cutely from within his embrace, her voice soft yet firm.

He chuckled at her adorable defiance, leaning in to place a tender kiss on her scrunched nose. “I know, mera bachha,” he replied, his heart swelling with love for her.

101

Just then, the sudden sound of a phone ringing broke through their moment. Shehnaaz glanced over at the study table and saw Anu’s name flashing on the screen. A pang of reality hit her as she realized it was past midnight. She needed to leave; if Anu was calling her, it likely meant she was back.

Sidharth observed Shehnaaz, who seemed lost in her thoughts, her brow slightly furrowed. The peaceful moment was interrupted when her phone rang again. “Shehnaaz… who is it?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Shehnaaz looked up at him with a playful baby face. “Anu,” she replied, her voice light but her eyes betrayed a hint of mischief.

Sidharth raised an eyebrow in confusion, sensing something was off. “Tu isme etna pareshan hone ki kya baat hai? Is all ok?” His tone was both concerned and teasing, wanting to know what was on her mind.

Shehnaaz nodded her head, but the mischievous glint in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by him. Intrigued, he raised her chin, looking deep into her eyes. “Kya hua? Ab kya gadbad hai?” he inquired, genuinely wanting to understand her feelings.

Shehnaaz scratched her head like a playful child, her cute, naughty expression almost melting Sidharth’s heart. He couldn’t help but smile at her innocence. “Kya hua Jaan… bolo toh sahi,” he urged, wanting her to open up.

Clearing her throat, she finally spoke, “Woh, mene… nahi, humne… I mean, Nisha aur mene milke Anu ko ullu banaya tha. Par ab lagta hai usse yeh sara plan pata chal gaya hai, thanks to that idiot Karan. Aur woh mujhe chhodegi nahi…” The way she confessed her mischief was adorably candid.

He chuckled softly at her antics but kept his expression straight to tease her. “Basically… you made my sister a fool,” he said, trying to suppress a grin.

However, Shehnaaz looked at him with sudden seriousness, and the realization that he might not approve of her antics struck her. Guilt washed over her, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she murmured, “I am sorry…”

Sidharth was taken aback by how deeply she took his words to heart. Instinctively, he pulled her into his strong arms, wrapping them around her protectively. “Arree… I was just teasing you baby. Please don’t cry, please love… I’m sorry,” he reassured her, his voice soft and comforting.

Feeling his warmth envelop her, Shehnaaz leaned into him, the weight of her guilt lifting just a little. His embrace was a safe haven, a reminder that no matter how mischievous she could be, he would always be there to hold her close and comfort her. In that moment, everything felt right again, and she was grateful for his understanding and love.

Shehnaaz shook her head gently, signaling Sidharth not to say sorry, but her expression morphed into an adorable “sorry” face that made his heart melt. In response, Sidharth couldn’t resist kissing her tiny red nose again and again, his soft kisses a soothing balm for her frazzled feelings. He enveloped her in a warm bear hug, holding her close as if to shield her from the world outside.

Shehnaaz rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It felt like a comforting lullaby, grounding her and making her feel safe. She kept gazing into his eyes, searching for reassurance, and he met her gaze with warmth and understanding.

As he waited patiently for her to calm down, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly, breaking the lingering tension. “Aapki behen bhi aap ke jaise ghoorti hai…” she teased, her playful tone bringing a smile to his lips.

Sidharth’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he held her, grateful for these little moments that strengthened their connection. With every kiss, every hug, he felt more certain that they were meant to be together, navigating life’s ups and downs side by side.

“Mene kab ghura?” Sidharth asked defensively, his eyes widening with mock innocence. This only made Shehnaaz roll her eyes, a playful smile breaking across her face. “Aahahaha, dekho toh kitne bhole ban rahe hai… mene kab ghura?” she mimicked him cutely, causing Sidharth to chuckle again, the sound filling the room with warmth.

She playfully slapped his chest, a soft gesture that spoke volumes of their comfort with each other. “Waise toh mujhe dar nahi lagta… par aap jab aankhe aisi badi badi karke dekhte ho… whenever you are angry… tab dar jati hun me,” she exaggerated each word, her voice dripping with mock fear. “Hayy rabba, bhoot lagte ho ekdum!”

Sidharth leaned in closer, his expression shifting dramatically as he replied, “Kaise ghurta hun… aise…” He stared at her motionless, his eyes wide and exaggeratedly scary, like a child playing dress-up.

Shehnaaz’s heart raced at the sight, and the realization that she was alone with him while he gave her that big-eyed glare sent a jolt of fear through her. “Ammmaaaa, bhoooott!” she screamed, her instinct kicking in as she tried to run away from him. But he was too quick; he caught her just in time, pulling her back into his arms, laughter erupting from him like music.

His hearty laughter only intensified her fear, and she found herself crying and laughing simultaneously. “Waheguru bolo…” she mumbled, her face a mixture of terror and joy.

“Why…” he laughed harder, enjoying her playful antics. She squirmed in his hold, desperately trying to escape, but Sidharth held her tightly.

“Dekha… pura bhi nahi bol rahe hai…” she said, her voice a melodious blend of mock annoyance and fear, her eyes turning into watery orbs.

He laughed even harder, planting a playful, forceful kiss on her cheek. “Pagal hai mera bachha bilkul…” he chuckled, following up with a soft kiss on her forehead to soothe her. “Waheguru… bass.”

Finally feeling some relief, Shehnaaz sighed and adopted a baby face as her phone rang again, the loud noise cutting through the air like a sharp knife. It was Anu, and she knew what that meant.

“I should go… before Anu comes here with a knife,” Shehnaaz said seriously, her eyes wide with mock horror. Sidharth couldn’t help but roll his head at her exaggerated words, the amusement in his gaze evident.

He cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks as he planted a sweet kiss on her forehead. “Thank you for the surprise, love,” he said, his voice tender, filled with appreciation.

She smiled brightly, her cheeks flushing with happiness. “You’ve welcome, Mr. Shukla… waise aap ko yaad hai na kal ka din mera… iska matlab ye nahi ke aap subah sunaah mujhe uthao… me bahot sara sone wali hun.”

Sidharth nodded obediently, mimicking a dutiful husband, “Okay, madame… done.”

Shehnaaz giggled cheekily at his words, her laughter ringing like music in the air, and she started to run when her phone rang again, its persistent tone pulling her back to reality.

“Jaan, don’t run…” he shouted, but she was already out of his reach, a playful whirlwind disappearing.

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