Chapter 48

Sidharth was sitting comfortably in Rita ji’s room, quietly sharing the details of his plan with her. He looked calm but relaxed, going over everything step-by-step like he always did. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. The moment he glanced at the screen and saw the caller’s name, an uncontainable smile stretched across his face—soft, warm, and full of affection. That name, that one name, had the power to light up his entire expression.

Rita ji, sitting right beside him, noticed the drastic shift in his face. A playful chuckle escaped her lips as she teased him gently, “Idhar la phone…”

Sidharth blinked at her, his eyes silently pleading her to be joking. But before he could react, Rita ji had already snatched the phone from his hand with a knowing smile and answered it.

“Jana… main bahut zyada gussa hoon aap se…” Shehnaaz’s voice came through the speaker, full of mock anger and a grumpy tone. But even her annoyance sounded adorably sweet, and Rita ji couldn’t stop herself from laughing softly.

Sidharth, sitting right there, clearly heard her loud voice. His ears turned red with embarrassment as he quickly palmed his face, trying to hide his smile—and his shyness—from his mother. God, she was being loud. And cute. And a little too dramatic.

But when he didn’t reply, Shehnaaz made an even grumpier face on the other side of the call, her voice louder and more dramatic, “Hayy Rabba… ab kuch bol bhi nahi rahe… main na maa se aapki complain karungi…”

That was it—Rita ji couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing, thoroughly enjoying the little drama unfolding between her son and Shehnaaz.

Then came a pause. A moment of silence.

Suddenly realizing that it was *maa* on the other end and not Sidharth, Shehnaaz bit her lower lip hard, her face turning pink with embarrassment. She quickly tried to cover up, “Maa… woh main… I’m sorry maine aise baat ki… par maa aapka shaitaan beta… pata hai kitna tang karte hain mujhe…” She went on, half-apologizing and half-complaining, her voice now soft and embarrassed.

Sidharth’s eyes widened at her boldness—he hadn’t expected her to go on and on like this in front of his mother!

But Rita ji was enjoying every bit of it. She giggled warmly, “Aww\… koi na beta… main usse achhe se daantungi…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes at her words, giving her a look that said, “Really, maa?”

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz’s face turned even paler. “Nahi maa… aap daantna mat unhe… main toh aise hi bakwaas kar rahi thi… sachhi…”

Rita ji smiled with genuine fondness, “Nahi daant rahi main bass… Tell me, how was your exams..?”

And just like that, the conversation changed paths. What started with a scolding turned into a long, flowing chat. They began discussing her exams, then her schedule, then her eating habits—and the words flowed like a river, moving effortlessly from one topic to another. Sidharth sat there quietly, watching them bond. As much as he loved that they got along so well, a tiny bit of jealousy crept up in his heart. *She was his…* Yet here she was, happily chatting away with his maa.

Unable to hold it in any longer, he gently took the phone from Rita ji’s hand. Before walking out, he bent down and placed a quick, loving kiss on her temple. Rita ji laughed at his antics, shaking her head like a mother who had never seen this love-struck side of her son before.

“Hello… maa..? Hello..?” Shehnaaz’s confused voice came from the phone as soon as she noticed the line go quiet.

Sidharth walked into his room and gently closed the door behind him. “Ho gayi meri complaint karke maa se..?” he said with a playful chuckle, settling himself on the bed.

Shehnaaz pouted adorably on the other side, her voice childlike and sweet, “Offoo Jana… main nahi ki complaint… sachhi…”

And right then, she let out a long yawn, the kind that made Sidharth roll his eyes fondly. She continued, still sounding half-asleep, “Aap ne mujhe uthaya kyun nahi…”

“You were sleeping, baby…” Sidharth replied, adjusting himself comfortably on the bed. His tone softened. “When did you get up…? Kuch khaya tumne..?”

She mumbled lazily, her voice trailing sleepily, “Hmm…” Then, out of the blue, she whispered, “I miss you, Jana…”

That one line. So simple. So soft. Yet it hit Sidharth straight in the heart. A strange warmth filled his chest—something he wasn’t used to. This man, who had always functioned like a machine—organized, disciplined, emotionally distant—was now *feeling*. Feeling every tiny emotion that stirred in his heart. And all because of this girl.

“Mera bachha…” he murmured, voice thick with love and an ache he hadn’t known existed.

Shehnaaz smiled through her sleepiness. Her heart melted every time he called her *mera bachha*. It wasn’t that he always said ‘I love you’ or replied back to her ‘I miss you’ in words. No. He wasn’t that kind of man. But she understood him. She had come to love his silences, the way he cared through actions, the way his pauses spoke more than words ever could.

Still holding the phone close, she got up and started walking toward her closet, speaking dreamily, “Jana… where are we going for dinner..?”

Sidharth replied, his tone light and teasing, “Me and Anu will pick you up at 9…”

Then he added with a chuckle, “Before you start wondering what to wear, I already picked a black suit for you. It’s on your bed.”

There was a pause. He could almost hear her slapping her forehead in mock frustration, and it made him smile.

“I got to keep the call now… maa se kaam hai mujhe…”

“Haan… koi na… main bhi fresh ho jaati hoon… warna main fir se so jaungi…” she mumbled, almost rolling on the bed in laziness.

Sidharth shook his head, a soft laugh escaping his lips, and ended the call. His heart still felt full—with her words, her voice, her sleepy smile echoing in his mind.

The rooftop of the hotel shimmered under the warm glow of fairy lights. It was tastefully decorated, yet peaceful—reserved entirely for them.

Ankita looked around, her brows furrowing as she scanned the empty space. Not a single other guest was in sight. She nudged Nisha and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear with suspicion, “Yeh Sidharth jiju toh kitne kanjoos nikle… dekh na, kaisi jagah laye hain… yahaan toh koi bhi nahi hai. Pukka bakwas khana milta hoga idhar. Hotel sirf dikhava hai… customer hi nahi milte inko…”

Nisha shot her an annoyed glance and lightly smacked her arm. “Idiot,” she muttered. “Yeh jagah khaali isliye nahi hai kyunki khana kharab hai… jiju ne poora rooftop book kiya hai. Alag se entry hai iski. Samjhi gadhi?”

Ankita’s jaw dropped. She froze mid-blink, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Nisha smirked smugly, “Shehnaaz ko bataun kya… tu ne jiju ko kanjoos bola?”

Ankita gasped dramatically and shook her head rapidly, mouthing ‘No!’ like her life depended on it.

Meanwhile, Sidharth, seated a little distance away, was listening to Shehnaaz’s excited chatter when he overheard the whole exchange. A slow smirk tugged at his lips. “Waise Ankita,” he called out teasingly, “main itna bhi kanjoos nahi hoon. Aaj toh meri taraf se tum sab ke liye treat hai. Aur haan, by the way… this hotel? Belongs to the Shuklas.”

Shehnaaz blinked in confusion. “Kya baatein ho rahi hain? Kisne aapko kanjoos bola?” Her sharp gaze darted between Ankita and Nisha.

Nisha rolled her eyes and continued eating. Ankita, on the other hand, nearly choked on her words, her face pale with panic. Yeh jiju kya kaan ki machine lagake ghoomte hain kya? Sab sun lete hain!

Mayank, who was leisurely enjoying his meal, glanced at her murmuring self-talk. “Ankita, khud se kya badbada rahi ho?”

Ankita gave a fake smile, trying to save face. “Kuch nahi… bas yunhi…”

Just then, Shehnaaz clapped her hands, excited like a child. “Sidharth! Aap kuch surprise dene wale the na? Bataiye na ab toh!”

Anu, already aware of the plan, giggled. “Wow, surprise… aur wo bhi bhai ke taraf se? Not bad!”

Sidharth playfully smacked Anu’s head, making her wince with laughter, and then turned to Shehnaaz with a soft smile. “Well… we’re going to Sydney. As in, a trip. All of us.”

A collective gasp filled the air. Though Anu had secretly asked everyone to arrange their passports and visas, the confirmation still came as a thrill. For Shehnaaz, it was an absolute shock.

She stared at Sidharth, her eyes round and her mouth open in pure disbelief—before she let out a high-pitched scream and practically leapt into his arms, wrapping him in an excited, tight hug.

Sidharth chuckled and held her close, steadying her, “So… I’m guessing you’re happy?”

“Of course, I’m happy!” She squealed, bouncing in his arms like a kid. “OMGGG! I’m so, so, so happy, Sidharth… I can’t even…” Her words trailed off as she noticed the others giggling and whistling. Blushing furiously, she buried her face in his chest, trying to disappear.

Ranbir watched the scene with a smile playing on his lips. How can they not belong together? No one could love Shehnaaz the way Sidharth did… and no one could ever love Sidharth like Shehnaaz did.

Still grinning, Sidharth tightened his embrace and softly kissed her hair. Gently, he ran his fingers through her locks, coaxing her to look at him. Her eyes slowly met his.

“That makes me really happy too,” he whispered.

Shehnaaz shyly placed her palm over his on her jaw. “Aapne ye sab kab plan kiya?”

“That’s irrelevant,” he replied, brushing his thumb across her cheek with ease. “I just want you to enjoy it to the fullest. And I’ll be with you…”

He gave her a small wink and then motioned with his eyes for her to return to her seat as the waiter approached with steaming platters of food.

The rest of the evening unfolded with endless laughter, playful teasing, and spirited planning. The joy of an upcoming trip mixed with the warmth of friendship and love made the atmosphere almost magical.

Sidharth might not have been a man of many words, but his presence was enough. His calm, protective aura made everyone feel secure and welcomed. And tonight, he made sure to observe Anu’s circle closely—not because he doubted them, but because Shehnaaz and Anu had given them their time, and he wanted to understand them too.

His protective instincts were strong, but more than that—his love for Shehnaaz was becoming deeper with each passing moment.

Shehnaaz sat cross-legged in the middle of her room, a war zone of clothes scattered around her—suits, dresses, jeans, scarves—piled in every direction. Her lips were jutted out in a deep, grumpy pout, her eyebrows scrunched together like a sulking child. The suitcase lay half-open and empty beside her as if mocking her inability to decide.

Sidharth walked into the room, tired from his meetings but instantly amused at the sight that greeted him. His baby was sitting amidst the chaos, looking absolutely lost, her long tresses a bit tousled, her eyes filled with distress over the most serious issue in her world at the moment—what to pack.

A small chuckle escaped him as he leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, silently watching her. When she noticed him, she huffed, turning her head the other way with a baby frown, muttering something under her breath.

Shaking his head at her dramatic flair, Sidharth walked in, rolled up his sleeves, and went straight for the suitcase. Shehnaaz didn’t speak as he began removing the suits she had neatly folded with all her love.

Her brows furrowed. “Par aapko toh pasand nahi…” she said softly, trailing off as he looked up at her with that intense gaze that always managed to hush her completely.

Without saying a word, he walked over and scooped her up in his arms in a smooth bridal lift, making her let out a surprised gasp as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Sambhal ke rakhna padta hai tumhe… kahin kapdon ke dher mein kho jaati toh?” he teased, flashing that boyish smile of his before placing her gently on the bed.

She rolled her eyes at his comment but couldn’t hide her smile.

Then, with calm assurance, he went to her wardrobe and began placing the suits back, while pulling out a few jeans, shrots, t-shirts, shirts, lots of dresses, and even her favourite sunglasses that she had forgotten about. He arranged everything with the precision of someone who knew her—truly knew her.

“It’s true I don’t like sharing you with the world,” he spoke without turning, his voice casual but firm, “but it’s a trip, jaan. I want you to feel free and be yourself. Enjoy every moment. And I’ll be there…”

Her eyes lit up. That line alone could’ve made her pack anything he wanted. She practically bounced off the bed and hugged him tightly from behind, circling her arms around his waist, nuzzling into his back with a wide grin.

“Mela golu molu nona bachha,” she cooed, her voice full of affection as she rubbed her cheek lovingly against his back.

Sidharth paused mid-fold. Her words sank in slowly and his expressions shifted into an odd mixture of disbelief, smirk, amusement, and horror. He tilted his head slightly, raising one brow.

“Nona…?” he repeated to himself with almost a scared thought. “God save me if Anu or Vicky ever hears that….”

But his lips curved into a soft smile as he continued folding her clothes. He loved this version of Shehnaaz—the one who loved without holding back, who made up the weirdest names for him without a care in the world.

“And if any guy even *tries* to look at you the wrong way… well,” he added nonchalantly, “main zimmedar nahi hoon uske halat ke liye.”

She tightened her arms around him, knowing fully well he wasn’t joking. His voice was light, but the intent behind those words was darkly protective.

“Tab toh mujhe suits hi le jaane chahiye,” she replied innocently. “Agar wahan police aapko utha ke le gayi toh…?” Her big eyes blinked against his back as she asked with real concern.

He sighed, turning around to face her, and immediately pulled her into his arms. His jaw clenched softly at her simplicity. She worried about *him* going to jail for being protective of her. This girl.

“Idiot ho tum,” he whispered into her hair, holding her as if the world would collapse if he let go.

Then, without warning, he began peppering her face with soft kisses—on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, and finally, her lips. His mouth captured hers in a deep, aching kiss that stilled her completely.

Shehnaz was startled for a moment, but the warmth of his lips, the honesty in his touch—it pulled her in like a tide. Her hands went to his neck as she kissed him back with equal intensity, her feet rising instinctively to rest on his shoes. It was their unspoken routine—whenever he wanted her closer, he’d make her stand on his feet, carrying her without lifting her.

He kissed her like he was memorizing her—slow and deep—until she pulled back slightly, out of breath. He groaned in frustration at the lost contact, then bit her chin gently in protest, making her giggle with a small wince.

“Pagal hai mera bachha… bilkul pagal,” he muttered, nuzzling her nose playfully.

She looked up at him with questioning eyes, unsure why he was saying that now, but said nothing and just leaned her head against his chest, soaking in his warmth, his scent, his safety.

No words were needed.

In that quiet embrace, amidst half-packed bags and jumbled clothes, the only thing that mattered was *them*. Just them.

And the journey ahead.

The Etihad A380 flight, their dream voyage, was scheduled to take off in just under an hour. Check-in was done, boarding passes in hand, and the group buzzed with excitement as they walked toward their lavish first-class cabins. The grandeur of the plane, the hushed luxury, and the thrill of a long journey ahead only added to their giddiness.

Sidharth, ever the quiet protector and planner, had made sure everyone had first-class seats — comfort was non-negotiable for him when it came to his people. But when it came to Shehnaaz, comfort wasn’t enough. He had booked the Residence — Etihad’s most exclusive suite — just for the two of them. There was no way he was letting her be away from him on a 24-hour flight. Not after all they’d been through. Not when every second with her felt like breathing life again.

Once everyone settled into their suites, Ranbir decided to catch up on sleep, still recovering from fatigue. Nisha walked off to find Anu, while Ankita curled up beside Mayank, already teasing him over the in-flight menu.

Inside the Residence, Sidharth was half-lounging on the luxurious bed, a pile of soft pillows propped behind him, and Shehnaaz snuggled beside him — her back resting against his chest. It was cozy, serene, and achingly perfect. A safe world, high above the clouds.

She flipped through the entertainment console with lazy fingers until she stopped, amused, “Avengers: Endgame.”

Sidharth, eyes closed but ever attuned to her presence, smirked and said in a husky tone, “Don’t tell me you’re actually an Avengers fan…”

A soft giggle escaped her lips, the sound like chimes in the quiet cabin. “Aur nahi toh kya… *waddi wali fan hoon.* Thor mera favorite hai,” she declared with a theatrical flair.

That made Sidharth groan internally. Thor? Seriously? It was ridiculous — utterly juvenile — but jealousy surged through him all the same. His arms tightened protectively around her waist as he muttered, “Why Thor?”

Feeling a little cold, Shehnaaz eased herself down, lying more snugly in his embrace. “Waise toh sab pasand hai,” she murmured dreamily, “but Thor ki baat hi alag hai…”

Sidharth, unimpressed by her superhero swoon, yanked the duvet over them and wrapped her tightly in his arms, effectively hiding her from the screen. “I’m sleepy,” he declared, as if that settled everything.

“Ofooo! I was watching na!” Shehnaaz protested, giggling at his silly behavior.

Without another word, Sidharth shut the TV off with a pointed click and buried his face into her chest like a sulky child needing comfort. “You’re mine,” he mumbled, voice muffled and possessive, “and you’re not watching *that*.”

Shehnaaz stared down at him, completely taken aback by the childish pout and warm possessiveness in his gesture. Her heart clenched with affection. He looked so adorably vulnerable, seeking her warmth like he belonged nowhere else but in her arms.

With a smile, she pulled him closer, wrapping her arms around him tenderly. When he grabbed her hand and tucked it into his hair, she felt a surge of emotion and kissed his head gently before caressing his scalp — slow, rhythmic strokes — until his breathing turned soft and steady. Her man had fallen asleep in her arms.

Neither of them was interested in eating just after boarding. They had shared a hearty dinner before the flight, and now, all they wanted was peace and sleep.

But somewhere around dawn, Shehnaaz stirred restlessly. A faint frown appeared on her sleeping face, and she groaned softly as her stomach protested with hunger. Tossing in the sheets, she finally sat up with a pout.

Sidharth, light sleeper when it came to her, immediately woke up. He reached out instinctively, pulling her back before she could fall off the edge. “Kya hua, mera bacha? Did you have a bad dream?” he asked, still drowsy, brushing her hair away from her face.

Shehnaaz groaned like a grumpy kitten, rubbing her eyes. “Yahan bhukh ke maare… mere pet mein chuhe salsa kar rahe hain… aur aapko sapnon ki padi hai…” she muttered, clearly annoyed but still half-asleep.

Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle. She looked like the prettiest mess in the world — hair tousled, lips pouty, eyes puffy with sleep. Sitting cross-legged in yellow satin shorts and a loose T-shirt, she was chaos and comfort, all in one.

And yet, he remembered the trouble she gave him last night — strutting around in that damn cute outfit, making it near impossible for him to keep his hands to himself. And then had the audacity to drool over Thor.

Still smiling, he called the butler service and ordered a light breakfast and a big glass of chocolate smoothie — her go-to mood lifter.

Hearing that, Shehnaaz gifted him the sweetest, sleepy grin and curled right back into his arms with a content sigh. He held her, brushing her hair gently, heart bursting at how much peace she brought him. He hadn’t slept this soundly in months. Not since her.

He gazed down at her resting form, heart twisting. She’d lost weight — probably from stress, late-night study sessions, skipped meals. Her small frame seemed even more delicate now, and he made a mental note to get her back into a healthy routine. She always fluctuated, but he loved her both ways. He missed those soft cheeks, those sweet curves that fit perfectly in his palms.

“Jaan…” he whispered softly, stroking her cheek, “go and brush. Food will be here soon.”

She stretched with a big yawn, her arms reaching above her head in a sleepy, careless motion — and in that moment, her not-so-generous top slid a little too low. Sidharth inhaled sharply, the sound guttural.

She froze, eyes wide, biting her lower lip. She didn’t have to look to know what happened.

And just like that, he was over her.

Her breath caught as Sidharth hovered, his eyes dark and hooded, locked on hers with an intensity that shook her to the core. He gripped her wrists, pinning them gently but firmly above her head. His other hand moved to her waist, pulling her flush against him.

“Do you have *any* idea how hard it is to control myself around you?” he asked, voice husky, threatening, beautiful.

She blinked, breath trembling, and then — without thinking — lifted her head and kissed him. Hard. Fierce. Needy.

He growled low in his throat and kissed her back, his hunger pouring through his lips as he devoured her mouth. Her wrists strained under his grip, wanting to touch him, to pull him closer, to feel him under her fingertips.

He groaned as he deepened the kiss, teeth grazing her lip until she whimpered softly. His hand caressed her waist, he exhaled sharply, “… baby…”

He lowered himself on top of her, blanketing her small frame with his own. She clutched him with all she had, only to groan loudly in frustration when — *knock knock* — the door interrupted their private world.

Sidharth laughed softly, forehead resting on hers, as he kissed her lips one last time. “Go brush. I’ll get the food.”

She pouted adorably, still breathless and flustered, arms clinging lazily around his neck.

He chuckled again and scooped her up like a feather, carrying her to the bathroom door. After setting her down, he kissed her forehead one more time, heart full, and turned to open the cabin door for breakfast.

Once the flight landed at Sydney Airport, Sidharth and the rest of the group made their way out, their eyes wide with admiration. Sydney Airport, known for its breathtaking architecture and the vibrant energy around, filled them with an instant wave of excitement.

Sidharth sported black joggers paired with a sky-blue T-shirt, while Shehnaaz wore a knee-length dress in a similar shade. She looked so radiant that Sidharth couldn’t take his eyes off her—her beauty stood out even in the crowd.

The sleek black limousines were already waiting outside the airport. Ankita, unable to contain her enthusiasm, let out a dramatic whistle the moment she spotted them.

Mayank covered his face in mock embarrassment as a few bystanders giggled, and some simply stared. Shehnaaz groaned and cutely bumped her head against Sidharth’s biceps, making Ranbir, Nisha, and Anu break into laughter.

Sidharth chuckled at her antics and wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulder before helping her and Anu into the car, followed by the other girls.

“Hayy rabbaa…” Shehnaaz groaned excitedly as she stared through the tinted glass. “Omggg, why didn’t I come here before? This is like *amazinggg*!”

Ankita rolled her eyes. “Last year bola tha maine… but tu sunegi tab na!”

Mayank smiled softly before turning his gaze away. Unlike the others, he didn’t come from a wealthy family. His mother had single-handedly raised him, working tirelessly to provide him with a decent life and good education. She was his reason, his pride.

Sidharth noticed the distant look in Mayank’s eyes and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Hey… all good? What’s bothering you?”

Mayank nodded hesitantly. “This is my first trip outside India… let alone Australia. Maa isn’t used to staying alone. I was honestly unsure about coming.”

Sidharth gave a thoughtful nod. “I’ll get Vicky to check in on her regularly. Don’t worry.”

Mayank looked at him, surprised. “That’s really not—” He trailed off when he saw Sidharth already speaking to Vicky, who instantly agreed.

Shehnaaz stared at Sidharth, her eyes glistening with admiration. She was proud of this man. How could anyone call him heartless? Just because he didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve didn’t mean he lacked them. To her, he was anything but ruthless.

Sidharth caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow, silently asking, *what?*

Startled, Shehnaaz shook her head cutely and leaned closer to whisper in his ear, “Mujhe na… gandi wali kiss karne ka mann kar raha hai.”

His eyes widened in disbelief, making her giggle. He was speechless—unsure if he should laugh, blush, or fulfill her bold wish. Damn, his innocent baby was not so innocent after all.

Desire tightened in his throat, but they were in a car—with five others. Why now, Shehnaaz? Why say that now, when she *knew* he couldn’t kiss her?

Shehnaaz smirked at his frozen face and deliberately let her gaze linger on his lips. He groaned softly—just enough for her to hear.

“Shehnaaz… you—” he began, but Anu cut in, “Bhai, aap aise ghoor kyu rahe ho Sana ko?”

Sidharth shook his head, willing away the overwhelming temptation, while Shehnaaz made a baby face. “Dekhna Anu… yahan bhi gussa karenge mujhpe… main bechari, itni masoom, bholi bhali…”

“Woh tu hai nahi waise,” Nisha added, making Shehnaaz pout while Sidharth gave her a mischievous glare.

Their playful banter continued until none of them noticed the car pulling up outside their hotel. As they stepped out, all of them froze, jaws slack, eyes wide in awe at the towering grandeur before them—**The Westin Sydney**.

“Holy shitt, bhai…!” Anu squealed. The others just stood rooted in stunned silence as she continued, “Are we really staying at *The Westin Sydney*?”

“What’s wrong with your choice of words, Anu?” Sidharth scolded mildly, his voice laced with disappointment.

Anu bit her tongue, sheepishly mumbling, “Sorry, bhai… got a little too excited.”

Sidharth quickly completed the check-in formalities, and the service team escorted them to their luxurious rooms.

Once their bags were delivered, Sidharth tipped the staff and shut the door behind them. The moment it locked, his eyes found Shehnaaz standing in the middle of the beautiful room, still gaping at her surroundings.

Before she could turn, he pinned her gently against the wooden door, crashing his lips onto hers—the kiss he’d been starving to give since she’d whispered those sinful words.

Shehnaaz gasped, eyes fluttering shut as his hands pinned her wrists above her head and his lips ravaged hers hungrily. A deep moan escaped her as she surrendered to his wild, possessive kiss.

She kissed him back with equal passion, though she couldn’t match the intensity of his urgency. His grip was firm, commanding; his kiss, demanding. She melted completely—utterly his.

She hadn’t meant to tease him in the car, but his caring gesture toward Mayank had moved her deeply. How could she not fall for him all over again?

His lips didn’t relent, and when he urged her to part her lips, she obeyed without question, welcoming him deeper. He groaned into her mouth, filled with aching need.

“Sidharth…” she moaned softly, sending a surge of satisfaction through him. He let go of her wrists, one hand sliding to her waist to pull her flush against him, the other cupping her neck to tilt her face just right.

The kiss grew wilder. She wrapped her legs around his waist, breathless, as he groaned, “Damn… baby, don’t…”

He slammed her gently against the door again, trying to ground himself. Her skin, her aroma—everything about her was pushing him over the edge.

But he wouldn’t cross the line. Not yet. Not like this.

He would control his passion, even if it killed him inside. Because he respected her. He respected *them*. And he wouldn’t do anything they might regret—not when so much love was at stake.

Slowing down, he reduced his kisses to gentle pecks. She groaned in protest and bit his lower lip in retaliation, making him wince and chuckle.

“Calm down, meri sherni,” he whispered against her lips.

She kept kissing him, softer now but just as fervently, refusing to let go. He picked her up, still wrapped around him, and gently laid her on the bed. She clung to him, refusing to let him move away, and he didn’t. He stayed there—hovering over her, completely hers.

He didn’t cross any lines, but he allowed her to touch him. Because he *was* hers—to love, to kiss, to hold.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, he gently brushed her hair off her face. She lay there, eyes closed, her breathing still uneven.

She smiled faintly, eyes still shut, as he kissed her forehead. “Would you like to nap,” he asked softly, “or should I run you a bath, *jaan*?”

“I love you…” she whispered instead, a response to neither question—but to everything he was.

He smiled and kissed her forehead again.

She entwined her fingers with his and pulled his hand to her chest, falling asleep within moments—content, safe, and wrapped in his love.

A sleepy smile curved on her lips when she heard him whisper gently, “*I love you too… mera bachha.*”

Author’s Note