Chapter 47

The entire day felt like a dream that refused to end—a magical bubble Shehnaaz never wanted to burst. A whole day with Sidharth, just the two of them, tucked away in their little world of books, glances, and silent emotions. For Shehnaaz, it wasn’t just a study session—it was a memory she knew would stay etched in her heart forever.

Sidharth had tried to go through her syllabus with utmost seriousness, but Shehnaaz… her eyes had a mind of their own. They danced across his face, lingered on his expressions, traced the curve of his smile, and drank in the sheer beauty that was him. It was as if she was falling for him all over again—deeper, harder, and more helplessly.

Sidharth, catching her dreamy gaze too often, glared at her, trying to snap her out of her trance. But even that intense look of his only added to her fluttering heartbeats. She was staring at him like some cartoon character with red heart eyes—hopelessly love-struck. With a mix of frustration and affection, he slapped her head lightly, multiple times, bringing her back to reality in the most Sidharth-like way.

Pouting, she shifted her focus to the books, but her mind kept playing games. She tried, really tried, to focus on the theories, formulas, and concepts, but how could she? He was sitting so close, his light-washed jeans and black t-shirt fitting him so perfectly that it almost seemed unfair. Every muscle, every contour of his body was outlined in that snug t-shirt, making it almost impossible for her to look away.

Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle every time he caught her stealing glances. Though he scolded her a few more times for not paying attention, he secretly enjoyed every second of it—the way her eyes followed him, the way she bit her lower lip when trying not to smile, the way her cheeks turned red when he caught her.

When she got tired of reading, he didn’t let her pause. Instead, he made her sit on his lap—firm, warm, comforting—and started reading the important theories aloud for her. She nestled into him, absorbing both the content and the warmth of his embrace. Her heart thudded in contentment as she thought, *the study couldn’t be more romantic*. Soft kisses stolen between page turns, giggles in between serious explanations, playful fights over wrong answers, and then those long pauses where they’d just stare at each other, lost in the world their eyes created.

But amidst all the laughter and stolen kisses, Sidharth had made sure to explain the crucial topics thoroughly. He was serious when it mattered, patient when she struggled, and reassuring when she doubted herself. Eventually, the magical day came to an end.

Yet when he left, a strange heaviness clung to his chest. His heart wasn’t at peace. He had tried to help her, but deep inside, he knew she hadn’t studied with the focus she should’ve. Her mind, her attention—it was entirely on him. And if this continued, she would be the one to regret it after the exams.

He sat in his car for a few minutes, staring into the quiet night, sighing deeply. The ache in his chest grew louder. He realized that if he truly wanted her to do well, he would have to stay away, even if it tore him apart. He knew it would hurt her, too. She wouldn’t say it, but he could feel it. But he couldn’t let her studies suffer—not because of him. Not even if it meant watching her sad, missing him, craving him.

That night, after reaching home, he called her—just once. Calmly, he asked how much syllabus she had completed. Then, like a responsible guide, he instructed her not to sleep too early and to avoid waking up too early too—advice she quietly obeyed, even though she sensed the growing distance.

The next day was Sunday. He didn’t call much. Only when she called, he picked up and asked about the portions she’d covered. She sounded sad—her voice carrying a quiet pain—but she never complained. That’s what hurt him the most. She never got angry with him. Not even a little. And somewhere in his heart, he wondered… *Will she ever be angry with me?* A faint smile tugged at his lips. *She would look so damn cute if she did.* And with that silly thought, he chuckled, shaking his head.

God, he already missed her.

Later that evening, he sat with Anu for a while. They made notes and prepared a presentation, which he asked her to share with all their friends—including Shehnaaz. It was his way of helping her, even if from a distance.

The entire month passed in this rhythm. Sidharth did everything he could to support Shehnaaz’s studies—sending notes, explaining concepts over phone calls—but he resisted every urge to meet her. Except that one Sunday evening when she cried on the phone.

That night had shattered him. Hearing her sob, hearing her break like that, he just couldn’t stay away. He had rushed to her, barely able to contain the guilt of making his love cry. And once he reached, she had clung to him like a lifeline, refusing to let go, curling up in his arms like she belonged there. They hadn’t said much that night. They didn’t need to. Their hearts spoke louder than any words could.

In those few weeks, their friendship bloomed in a new way—soft, understanding, selfless. And Sidharth realized the truth he had been avoiding: he missed her like crazy. He couldn’t live without her.

There were nights he couldn’t sleep, haunted by the longing. And on those nights, he found himself in her bedroom. Shehnaaz, always fast asleep, with a book lying open on her chest or covering her face. He would gently remove it, pull the duvet up to her chin, brush her hair aside, and press a silent kiss on her lips. Then, he would slip away—just like old times—through the balcony.

Those were the nights he couldn’t handle the separation.

This exam period was anything but easy. For Sidharth, every phone call with her was a test of strength. He tried to sound calm, normal, fine—but inside, he was burning. Burning with the ache of not seeing her, not touching her, not being around her. But he held it all in. All his anger, his frustration, his longing—he swallowed it. For her.

Because he knew her. If she found out what he was going through, she would drop everything and come running to him. She would ignore her books, her goals, her future—just for him. And he couldn’t let that happen.

But the cost was high.

At the office, he was fire. Explosive. The staff walked on eggshells, unsure what would trigger his next outburst.

Ritika had noticed. She had watched him, confused and worried. He wasn’t the same Sidharth she had come to know in recent weeks. That calmness, that slight smile, the relaxed aura—it had all vanished. And seeing him return to his stern, angry self unsettled her. She had wanted to talk to him, to ask, to comfort—but he never gave her the chance.

Shehnaaz wasn’t doing any better. She missed him terribly. And even though her heart understood why he was staying away, it didn’t make the ache any less. She couldn’t help herself. Her weak heart craved him—his presence, his warmth, his voice. She had cried once on the phone, when the longing became unbearable. And that night, he had come for her. She had held on to him like a child, refusing to let go, finding peace only in his arms.

There was so much they wanted to say to each other. So many unspoken words trapped behind trembling lips. But they couldn’t. Not yet. All they could do was listen to each other’s breaths over the phone, letting the silence speak.

Even the air felt like music when they were together.

Their hearts throbbed with pain, with longing. They missed the warmth of hugs that felt like home, the passionate kisses that made time freeze, the gentle pecks that spoke volumes.

*Is this the pain of missing you?*

Sidharth’s fury exploded during a meeting that didn’t go as planned. His patience snapped. He dismissed everyone, slammed his fist against the conference table, and stood still—his chest heaving, his eyes clouded with pain.

He missed her.

Damn, he missed her.

Hell, he missed her.

He couldn’t believe he was still surviving without her. He missed her smile, her giggles, her endless complaints, her dramatic expressions. He even missed her satin shorts and top.

God, he was a mess.

Shehnaaz tried to study as hard as she possibly could—for Sidharth. For the fact that *he* wanted her to do well. For the fact that *he* wanted her to concentrate on the exams that would shape her future, lay the foundation for her career. And how could she ever refuse him anything? Not a wish, not even a fleeting thought. His desires had slowly become her silent prayers. His unspoken words had become her personal motivation.

With every late night, every cup of chai, every equation solved and page turned, she reminded herself—*this is for him.* For the one who believed in her more than she believed in herself.

Sidharth made it a ritual to call her before and after every exam. His voice, steady yet soft, was like a balm to her anxiety—even when she pretended not to be nervous. He called to check on her, to calm her, to simply be there—even if just through a voice on the line.

He ached to be beside her, to walk into the examination hall with her, to wait outside until she was done… to hand her a chocolate maybe, just like those silly, comforting things teenagers do. But he wasn’t a teenager anymore. He had responsibilities, deadlines, deals, a company to run. He had to let her be strong on her own.

And yet, the contradiction of love—he wanted her to lean on him, but not become dependent. He wanted her to know she could always rely on him, but he wouldn’t let her lose her independence. He knew the world wouldn’t always be kind, and she needed to know her own strength.

But Shehnaaz… she understood him. Always had. With every word spoken, and even more so with the ones left unsaid. She smiled often at the depth of his love. It was quiet, solid and all-consuming. She could always feel the worry in his voice even when he tried to mask it behind humour or a stern tone. And every time she did, she’d reassure him. With that mischievous smile of hers, she’d tug at his heartstrings, try to emotionally blackmail him into visiting her. But he knew her too well to fall for that.

Through the silly arguments, the shared dreams, her focus on studies and the growing ache of missing each other, time had flown. The exams were finally coming to an end. Today was her last paper.

And Shehnaaz? She was practically bouncing. Her excitement was so vivid that she’d rolled her eyes more than necessary and at one point actually feared they’d get stuck. Because Sidharth kept telling her again and again to relax, to not panic.

But she wasn’t panicked. No, she was ready to dance in joy.

“Offo nahi hun me panicked.. kon gadha exam ki tension leta hai bhala..” she chirped over the phone.

Sidharth shook his head, a fond smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, it’s time you should switch your phone off and please switch it on after exam without forgetting..

”

Shehnaaz bit her lip, embarrassed. She *had* forgotten during almost every exam, and each time, she’d received a lecture from him for it.

“Haan baba, ab me jau..” she huffed, her voice laced with impatience. She was itching to get inside and *rock* that paper.

“Fine, I understand it’s a sweet way to say bye..” he chuckled at her reaction, hearing her giggle in return. With a soft, caring “bye,” he ended the call.

As the line went dead, Sidharth leaned back in his chair, letting his head fall slightly against the headrest. He exhaled deeply, loosening his tie. Just a few more hours. That’s all. And then, he could go see her. Hold her. Breathe her in. It wasn’t that anyone had stopped him before—but it felt different today. He couldn’t wait. He wanted to run to her and crush her in his arms. Lose himself in her warmth.

He smiled to himself, eyes sparkling with anticipation. He could already picture the way he’d tell her what he had been planning. How her eyes would widen, how her lips would stretch into that glowing smile, how her cheeks would flush a deep shade of pink.

His reverie was broken by a knock on the door.

He straightened, adjusted his tie back in place. “Come in,” he said, watching as Ritika entered holding a file.

She stepped forward, placing the file neatly on the desk, her eyes noting the slight weariness on his face. “Sir, are you alright..?” she asked softly, concerned.

Sidharth picked up the file without looking up. “Yes. I want all the meetings to be rescheduled which are post lunch today.”

Ritika hesitated. His tone sounded off. Was he unwell?

“You have been off since a few days.. do you want me to get your coffee or something..?” she asked, almost in a daze. The moment the words left her lips, her eyes widened. *What did I just say?*

Sidharth looked up, gaze cold and sharp.

“I believe I asked you something to do.. to which I expected a yes sir. I am not paying you to take care of me. I have my family for that.. you can leave..” he said crisply, his tone leaving no space for argument as he returned to the file.

It wasn’t about being rude. It was about boundaries. He had never encouraged any female staff to see him beyond a professional space. He had always been wary of such slips—intentional or not. He didn’t think Ritika meant anything wrong, but it still didn’t sit well with him. Only Shehnaaz was allowed to fuss over him. Only she had the right to worry about him, to offer him warmth and care.

Ritika froze at his words, then blinked rapidly as tears threatened to fall. Her heart ached—his words cut deeper than she’d expected. She hadn’t meant to cross a line… she had only wanted to be kind. Yes, she had feelings for him—ones she’d kept buried for long. But even so, did he have to be so sharp?

Muttering a quick apology, she rushed out of the cabin before the tears could spill. She couldn’t let anyone see her break.

Did it even matter to him? Probably not. Everyone knew Sidharth Shukla for being cold and ruthlessly professional. He never mixed emotion with business. The only people who had access to his heart were his family.

Yet… in the last few months, Ritika had glimpsed something else. A softer Sidharth. A man who smiled at his phone, who looked distant during meetings, who was often lost in thought with a strange tenderness on his face. There *was* someone who had reached that part of him he kept hidden from the world. And she wasn’t that someone.

Still, she didn’t want to dwell. Maybe he was just having a bad day. She wiped her eyes and sent a coffee to his cabin through the service staff.

Meanwhile, Sidharth wrapped up his work, picked up the tiffin lovingly packed by his mother, and made his way to his car. His heart thudded with anticipation, fluttering like a butterfly trapped in a jar. He chuckled at himself. *Since when had he become so restless? So childish?*

*Damn that woman… what had she done to him?* *His* woman.

As he drove, he checked the time. Perfect. He’d reach just as her exam would end.

Suddenly, the sky darkened and rain began to pour heavily. When he’d left the office, it had been a soft drizzle—*rim-jhim*—but now it was a full-blown heavy Baarish..

There was something uncanny about this. *Every* time they met, the rain showed up. It was as if the skies themselves wanted to witness their love.

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed paparazzi trailing behind him. He sighed, remembering that his security cars weren’t with him today—his decision. He didn’t want an entourage, not today. Today, it was just about her.

He made a few sudden turns, swiftly losing the trailing cars. He wasn’t ashamed of his love. But he didn’t want Shehnaaz’s picture splashed across tabloids. He didn’t want the world to stare at her with hungry eyes, didn’t want to steal her simplicity, her freedom. When the right time came, he’d introduce her to the world… on his terms.

Finally, he parked his car outside her university. And waited.

And then he saw her—walking out with her friends, unaware of the eyes that had been dying to see her again.

Impossible it was, yet she still managed to make his heart skip several beats, thought Sidharth with an aching smile, gently rubbing his chest as if trying to soothe the storm she’d unknowingly stirred within him.

Draped in a beautiful knee-length kurti paired with ankle jeans, Shehnaaz looked like a vision. The rain – soft, persistent, heavenly – danced on her as she giggled, flicking her hair off her shoulder when it clung teasingly to her face. Her umbrella struggled against the drizzle, and mid-giggle, she suddenly slapped her forehead, realizing she hadn’t turned her phone back on.

As she fumbled to switch it on, a pair of strong arms suddenly lifted her off the ground, earning a startled squeal from her. Instinctively, she clutched the shirt of her intruder in fright.

Drenched in baarish, Sidharth let out a soft chuckle, watching her blink rapidly in confusion—until her eyes widened in realization. A soft blush bloomed on her already rosy cheeks as the air filled with teasing whistles from her friends.

Flushed red, she immediately buried her face in his soaked neck, trying to hide the embarrassment. Sidharth’s chuckles deepened as he tightened his arms around her and walked towards his car, leaving behind a group of stunned and giggling friends—Anu, who stood frozen, her jaw nearly hitting the ground, and Ranbir, who smiled sadly before turning his face away.

Shehnaaz slowly raised her face to look at him. Her gaze locked with his, and her heart pounded wildly. God, how much she had missed him… Was there any limit to it? She didn’t think so. Once again, she hid her face in the familiar crook of his neck, breathing in his scent, his warmth—the very essence of him she had ached for.

“Open the door,” he murmured gruffly, his hands still occupied with her, and she instantly reached out to unlock his Range Rover.

Though the car was tall, its seat came up to his waist—he was a big man, after all. Sidharth gently placed her on the seat, but his arms refused to leave her. She, too, couldn’t let go—her arms stayed wrapped tightly around his neck.

They just stared at each other, neither speaking a word, yet somehow saying everything. There was so much silence, but it held more emotion than any spoken words could.

“I love you, Jaana,” Shehnaaz whispered, her voice trembling yet sure. She knew what he was going through. She could feel it. Gently, she brushed her thumb against his earlobe.

His breath hitched—as if it were the first time she’d ever said it. Restless and overwhelmed, he rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes, finally feeling a semblance of peace return to him.

He tightened his arms around her again, crushing her against him, allowing their wet clothes to cling together. He kept their foreheads connected, his nose nuzzling hers, wanting to be as close as humanly possible—wanting to feel her breath mix with his.

Then, with a frustrated groan, he suddenly pulled back, slammed the car door shut, and walked around to the driver’s side.

She watched him—his every movement, his heaving chest, his clenched jaw. Something was wrong. He wasn’t okay. And that terrified her. She knew how deeply he felt. She feared this silence of his—the silence that screamed louder than words.

She tried to reach out to him, to move closer, but before she could, he reached over, gripped her waist, and pushed her back into her seat.

She barely had time to react before he leaned over and practically slammed himself against her. She gasped, wincing softly.

Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, pulling him close, as Sidharth buried his face deep into her neck. His grip on her was desperate, almost possessive. Like he was afraid she’d disappear if he let go.

“Aap… bhig kaise gaye?” she asked, voice soft, tender, trying to comfort him while holding him close.

He didn’t answer. He just held on tighter.

Neither of them had any idea how much time passed—was it two minutes or two hours? It didn’t matter. His desperate, uneven breaths against her neck told her everything.

He missed her. God, how he missed her.

And she? She was still. Letting him have his moment. Letting him calm down. Letting him just… breathe.

Sidharth’s hands were tangled in her, his hold fierce and afraid. His face was still buried in her neck. He had missed her so much—so painfully much. And now, having her here like this… it was like life was finally returning to him.

He didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to break this moment. His Mishty… she was back.

Shehnaaz felt her tears flowing silently down her cheeks, but they weren’t tears of pain. No. They were the tears of finally being whole again.

And when his lips began to move against her skin—soft, reverent, needy—she knew. He was okay now. His breathing had steadied. His soul was calming. His touch said it all.

Shehnaaz threaded her fingers into his damp hair, letting him know she was here. She was his. Still his.

“Main yahin hoon… aapke paas,” she whispered lovingly.

Sidharth didn’t respond with words. He simply rubbed his lips deeper into the crook of her neck, like a man starved for comfort.

“I…” he began, voice hoarse, but the words failed him.

There wasn’t an inch left between them, yet he still craved more closeness.

Understanding, Shehnaaz gently kissed his ear, the only part of him she could reach.

“Mujhe pata hai… I know… sshhh…” she whispered again, calming him with every heartbeat.

Sidharth couldn’t express the depth of what he felt. The sheer pain of missing her, of fearing she was gone. That she might not return. He pressed a desperate kiss to her collarbone, then bit it sharply, unable to hold back the storm. She flinched slightly, and he immediately sucked over the spot to soothe it, whispering shakily against her skin—

“*Jaan… I…*”

Shehnaaz clung to him tightly, as if she wanted to melt into him. Her arms wrapped around him with so much affection and need that it felt like she never wanted to let go. Her voice, soft and emotional, cracked as she tried to console the man she loved, “haan Jana… samajhati hun na me apko… mene bhi apko bahot miss kiya… bahot jyada…”

The moment Sidharth heard her voice break, something inside him stirred deeply. His strong hands immediately came up to cup her face gently, holding her with such care, like she was something fragile he had almost lost. His eyes filled with pain, seeing the tears glistening in her eyes. “Mera bachha…” he whispered, almost as if the words hurt him too. His voice trembled, thick with unspoken emotions as he looked at her like she was his entire world.

He leaned forward and began placing soft, tender kisses across her face. Her forehead, her cheeks, the corners of her eyes – he kissed every inch he could reach, as if trying to erase all the pain and make her feel loved again. Then, he pulled her even tighter against him, burying his face into the crook of her neck, breathing her in like she was the only thing keeping him alive. His palm patted the back of her head in reassurance, comforting her like a lost child. “I’m so sorry baby… I promise I won’t stay away like that again…”

Shehnaaz sniffled, her little hiccups sounding like a child trying not to cry. She gently pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her own still glassy with unshed tears. “Offoo… aap sorry kyu bol rahe ho…” she muttered with a small frown on her face, looking adorably grumpy.

Sidharth couldn’t help but smile at that cute expression. He leaned in and kissed her scrunched-up nose with a chuckle.

“Galati toh meri hai na… na me aapko tadati… aur na aapko mujhse dur rehna padta…”

Her innocent and sincere self-blame hit him in the heart. He stared at her sweet, pouty face for a second before bursting into a soft laughter, full of warmth and love. “Bilkul pagal hai mera bachha…” he teased lovingly.

Shehnaaz giggled too, her eyes lighting up with his laughter. She felt her heart bloom with his touch, his smile. He gently wiped away her tears with the pad of his thumb, and her lips reached up to give him a quick peck, full of tenderness, before she rested her head back against the seat.

Sidharth let out a small groan as he adjusted the seat, leaning it back a little. Then he moved closer, not able to stay away from her even for a moment. His eyes held that familiar, intense look as he leaned forward and wrapped himself around her, pulling her into another embrace. She looked at him, slightly surprised by the sudden closeness, but her heart fluttered at his need.

He began running his tongue gently along her chin, playing with her skin, his fingers tangling softly in her hair. She gasped, breath catching as he kissed down her throat, leaving a wet trail of love and care. Then came a gentle bite, followed by his lips trying to soothe it – the contrast sent shivers through her.

His passion was raw. Real. He couldn’t control it anymore. He had been away from her for too long. Her absence had made him restless, almost hollow. Now that she was back in his arms, nothing else mattered. No logic, no reason, no explanation – just her. Just her scent, her skin, her breath. She was like a drug to him, one he had been dying to feel again.

He kissed her more deeply, more fiercely, as if trying to merge their souls. He sucked on her skin with desperate longing, leaving soft bruises that spoke of love more than pain. He rolled over her, his body pressing down gently yet firmly, needing to feel every part of her beneath him.

His lips traveled further down, his teeth grazing her skin, and he bit her neck – a place that always made him lose control. She hissed, a sound of both pain and pleasure. Her fingers clutched his hair, grounding herself while he let himself fall apart in her love.

But somewhere amidst the fire, Shehnaaz felt something. Something unsettled still lingered in him. He wasn’t fully calm. His heart, pressed against hers, still raced irregularly. She could feel his frustration, his longing, his helplessness.

She gently tugged at his hair, bringing his face up to hers. Their eyes locked for a second before she crushed her lips against his in a kiss so wild, so consuming that he gave himself up completely.

Sidharth’s heart roared in response, surrendering all control. He loved this side of her – his bold, fearless sherni who could take charge when he least expected it. It wasn’t his nature to let go, but with her… with her, it felt right.

She kissed him with abandon, biting down on his lower lip, making him groan. He pulled away for a moment, but she didn’t stop. Her lips caught his again, sucking them hard until they felt swollen. She didn’t even realize how wild she was being, and he didn’t care – he loved every second of it.

Her tongue explored his mouth like it was searching for something she had lost, something only he held. He groaned again, the sound echoing into her mouth, and that finally brought her back to reality.

Breathless, she broke the kiss and buried her face in his chest, both of them panting heavily.

Sidharth laid there, arms wrapped around his love, peace finally settling in his chest. She was here. With him. That was all that mattered. His voice was low but teasing, “Thought I love it when you are in charge… don’t get used to it…”

Shehnaaz blushed furiously. Her cheeks warmed as she heard his words. She knew how much he loved control, how he always held the reins. But this – her little moment of dominance – had made him melt, and that gave her heart a special joy. She looked up at him with a soft smile and said simply, “I love you na…”

He closed his eyes for a moment, the words sinking deep. Every time she said them, he felt himself fall for her all over again. Wrapping his arms even more tightly around her, he kissed her forehead. They both smiled, their hearts beating in sync. There was no need for more words now. Just the silence, the warmth, the moment.

After a long while, Sidharth sat up and gently pulled Shehnaaz on top of him. The baarish outside had slowed down. No more loud pouring – just a soft drizzle, leaving little droplets behind like a memory. The air smelled fresh and earthy, and Shehnaaz laid her head against his chest, her fingers playing with his. She traced little patterns, compared her tiny fingers to his bigger ones, giggling softly.

Sidharth brushed her hair back, his fingers gentle and affectionate. He stared at her, and his gaze held a deep, unshakable love. To him, she looked like a dream – the kind you never want to wake up from. “How was the last paper..?” he asked softly.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes with a cute pout, “Pathetic…”

He raised his brows curiously. She chuckled and added, “I mean it went well but it was boring…” She made a funny face that made him shake his head with a smile.

“Right…” he murmured, not knowing what else to say. She was strange, but she was *his* strange. And he loved her just the way she was.

She started talking again – endlessly, excitedly. Telling him how much she missed him, how she studied so hard, what her plans were, how she ate everything her mom made, what she did when she thought of him. She even whispered that she loved his stubble.

Sidharth listened, heart full, eyes fixed on her animated face. Her every word was a melody to him. Every time she giggled, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently. When she shivered from the cold, he rubbed her arms and patted her back, trying to warm her up even though he was soaked himself.

Then suddenly he interrupted, his tone mischievous, “I have a surprise for you…”

Her eyes widened. Her whole face lit up like a child, “Surprise..? Hayy rabba sachhii.. batao na kya hai..?”

Laughing, he gave her a playful tap on the head, making her pout even more. “Surprise hai love..? What’s the point of word surprise if I tell you..?”

She twisted her lips in annoyance and turned her back towards him. He chuckled again, shaking his head, then hugged her from behind and kissed her hair, “Baby…”

She made a cute baby face and said softly, “Batayiyena… pretty pllzz…”

Sidharth sighed deeply. He could never say no to her. Pulling her closer, he whispered, “Achha baba… sham ko bataunga… we all are having dinner together…”

Shehnaaz turned around, confused, “All..?”

“Yes… tum… me… aur tumhare dost…” he said calmly.

Her happiness burst out in full swing as she jumped in his lap, hugging his neck tightly. He chuckled again as she began making him sit properly.

“Jaan kya kar rahi ho..?” he asked, a little confused, letting her adjust him.

“Mujhe godi me bethana hai…” she replied sweetly with a baby face.

He laughed softly and picked her up in his lap, adjusting her like a child. “Happy now..? Ab bolo…”

Shehnaaz grinned. “Hum sab sath me dinner karenge.. wow.. me sabko batati hun…”

And just like that, she began calling everyone one by one, her face glowing with excitement. Sidharth watched her quietly, holding her in his embrace, feeling peace settle deep in his heart. She was his calm, his chaos, and everything in between.

By the time Shehnaaz finally stopped talking, her voice was slower, her words more mumbled—like someone who had poured out everything in her heart. She had been blabbering nonsense for what felt like forever. Sidharth smiled softly, holding her gently in his arms as she rested against his chest. Her breathing had started to slow down.

“Do you want to eat something before we go home baby..?” he asked softly, wrapping his arms around her a little tighter. He could feel her weight relax into him. Her eyes were almost closed now, nestled close to his heart. He understood her too well—she hadn’t slept properly because of the exams. The stress, the pressure, all of it had taken a toll on her.

But Shehnaaz didn’t respond.

Her silence wasn’t out of stubbornness. Her body had gone completely still, and Sidharth smiled to himself, realizing that she had drifted off to sleep—just like that, wrapped safely in his arms. He held her quietly, gently patting her back and rubbing soothing circles to keep her comfortable. Within moments, she was in a deep, peaceful sleep on his lap. His heart softened even more.

He bent down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, full of affection, then carefully shifted her onto the passenger seat. Making sure she was snug and safe, he started the car and drove towards her home—the Gill Mansion.

As soon as he entered the house carrying Shehnaaz in his arms, her small frame cradled against his chest, Mahi came running in excitement. “Mummaa… jiju is here..!” she called out, her voice ringing across the house.

But Sidharth quickly brought a finger to his lips and gestured her to be quiet. “Shhh,” he whispered. He didn’t want Shehnaaz to wake up. She had barely gotten any rest, and she needed sleep more than anything.

Mahi instantly understood and tiptoed away while Sidharth carefully climbed the stairs with Shehnaaz still sleeping in his arms. Every step was slow, gentle, as if even the stairs might disturb her slumber.

In her room, he laid her down on the soft mattress with utmost care, as though she was made of porcelain. Pulling the duvet over her, he tucked her in warmly. Her hand, still moving in her sleep, reached out for something—no, someone. Her fingers searched for the comfort of his presence. Sidharth noticed and quickly grabbed a soft pillow, placing it close to her chest. She hugged it immediately, letting out a soft frown, a little pout forming on her lips in sleep.

He shook his head fondly. This girl—his jhalli. He couldn’t help but smile.

He leaned forward, pressing another soft kiss on her forehead, brushing her hair gently back from her face so it wouldn’t disturb her. Then, he stood up and walked over to her closet, searching for something.

A few moments later, he found what he was looking for and let out a quiet chuckle. Shaking his head fondly, he made his way downstairs.

As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, Jasbeera ji looked up and smiled warmly. “Beta, aaja… main plate laga deti hoon,” she said, already preparing a plate for him.

Sidharth suddenly remembered the tiffin he had left in his car. He quickly handed over his car keys to a male servant and asked him to bring it. When it arrived, he handed the tiffin to Jasbeera ji so she could warm up the food.

For a few seconds, she just looked at him, her eyes soft with admiration. Sidharth didn’t even notice. He was just being himself—simple, responsible, quietly loving.

After the food was heated and served, he sat down beside Jasbeera ji and began eating. Mahi kissed her mom on the cheek before rushing off to her class.

Once they were alone, Sidharth turned to Jasbeera ji with sincerity in his voice. “Maa, I have planned something without asking you or papa..” he began, looking her in the eye. He was never someone who sugarcoated his words or tried to manipulate others. His honesty was one of his strongest qualities.

Jasbeera ji smiled at him, “Hume tumpe pura bharosa hai Sidharth.. teri jhalli se toh bahot jyada..” she teased, giggling at the end.

Sidharth laughed softly, “Maa, aap bhi na..” he said, shaking his head affectionately. “Anyways… so I want to take Shehnaaz and her friends on a trip. I guess she deserves it after studying so hard..”

Jasbeera ji reached out and patted his cheek lovingly, her eyes shining with affection. “Tune hi use sir pe chadha rakhha hai.. aur padhai ki toh tu baat hi mat kar..” she said with a deep sigh, clearly referring to Shehnaaz’s dramatic ways.

Sidharth laughed again. “Main nahi toh aur kaun sir pe chadhayega.. aur ab exams ho gaye na.. use ab kuch nahi bolna maa please.. muh phula ke baith jayegi..” he pleaded playfully.

Jasbeera ji rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips remained. “Haan baba.. jo karna hai karo, lekin mere liye gifts lana mat bhoolna..” she reminded him.

He nodded, chuckling, “Pakka maa…” he promised with all his heart. Then he stood up, brushing imaginary dust off his jeans. “Woh uth jaye toh usse khila dena… woh bina khaye hi so gayi..” His voice dropped with sadness as he said that. He didn’t like the idea of her going to sleep hungry.

Jasbeera ji also stood up, her heart full of warmth. “Tu itni chinta kyun karta hai beta… kya hoga usse tere hote huye..?”

Sidharth didn’t have an immediate answer. He stood there for a second, eyes soft, his hands tucked into his pockets. Then he spoke in a calm voice, the kind that came from the heart, “Bas yahi toh hai na maa.. humari chhotisi duniya jo ek dusre me basati hai.. agar main apne pyaar ki dekhbhaal nahi karunga toh kaun karega… uska dhyan rakhna mera pyaar bhi hai.. zidd bhi hai.. sukoon bhi hai..”

His words made her eyes fill with tears. His love was so pure, so selfless, it touched something deep inside her.

He noticed her eyes and softly wiped her tears with his thumb. “Nahi rehna mujhe calm and relax maa… Shehnaaz ka khayal rakhna meri responsibility bhi hai aur mera right bhi… khushi milti hai mujhe uski care karne se..”

Jasbeera ji could only nod, gently patting his head in silent blessing. There were no words enough to describe what she felt for him in that moment—only pride and deep affection.

After exchanging a few more soft words, Sidharth left. As he walked out, Jasbeera ji kept standing there with a warm smile on her face, her eyes lost in thought. She couldn’t help but wonder—*uski jhalli ne aisa kya kar diya tha… jo itna khubsurat dil wala insaan uska ho gaya…*

_______________