Chapter 49

Shehnaaz’s lips curled into a soft smile even though her eyes remained shut. The warmth of a gentle kiss on her forehead made her heart flutter, grounding her in the comfort of his presence. His deep, soothing voice whispered close to her ear, filled with affection, “Would you like to take a nap or you want me to run bath for you, jaan..?”

Her reply didn’t match either of his options, but it came straight from her heart, soft yet intense, “I love you…”

Sidharth didn’t say anything right away. Instead, she felt another kiss being placed on her forehead — a silent but powerful response. That small act, that moment, held more emotion than words ever could.

Her hand slowly reached for his, her fingers searching until they found his. She entwined her delicate fingers with his larger, warmer ones and pulled his hand gently against her chest, right over her heart. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and just like that — with the assurance that he was right beside her — Shehnaaz drifted into a peaceful sleep. A sleepy, blissful smile remained on her lips, lingering from the comfort he gave her.

She could barely hear him whisper in return, “I love you too, mera bachha…” but even in her half-asleep state, those words settled in her soul like a lullaby.

Sidharth didn’t even realize when his body relaxed next to hers. Somehow, he ended up lying halfway beside her, pulling the duvet over them gently so she wouldn’t catch a chill. Slowly and carefully, he slid his hand out from her grasp, not wanting to wake her. He lay there, silently, just watching her… admiring her.

His gaze softened as it took in every little detail of her sleeping face. There she was — his *mishty* — curled up next to him like a dream he never wanted to wake up from. She looked so peaceful, so pure, like she belonged to some other, softer world. Sidharth shifted slightly and sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. His hand reached out to tuck away a few loose strands of hair that had fallen across her cheek. He caressed them gently, as if even the wind should be careful around her.

As his fingers brushed near her ear, Shehnaaz frowned ever so slightly — her expression changing in the most adorable way. The ticklish sensation made her turn in her sleep, her back now facing him. Sidharth couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips — a small, loving laugh that came from somewhere deep in his chest.

He leaned closer and gently spooned her, his arm wrapping around her, pulling her closer. He kissed her hair with all the tenderness he held inside. Her familiar coconut-milk scent filled his senses, calming something inside him that only she could reach.

This… this feeling… it was surreal.

The thought of lying beside her like this — not for a night, but every night — made his heart ache in the most beautiful way. It felt magical. Like something he had only imagined in his quietest dreams. The idea that she was his… and he was hers… it was overwhelming in the best possible way.

He couldn’t wait for the day when this would no longer be temporary. When there would be no more goodbyes, no more waiting. He wouldn’t have to walk away from her home anymore, waving at her with a heavy heart. No — instead, he would take her *with him*, hand in hand, to the place that would be *their* home. The home she belonged to. The home they’d build together.

He wanted her presence to fill every part of that home. Every wall, every corner, every cushion should carry her essence. He could already imagine her touch turning a plain room into a warm, loving space. Just like how she had transformed his empty, quiet life into something vibrant — something full of love and meaning.

His eyes softened as he gazed at her sleeping face. Why should he hold back anymore? Why would he hesitate? She was his. All his.

Without another thought, Sidharth gently pulled her even closer and wrapped her securely in his arms. His protective hold surrounded her like a warm cocoon. Shehnaaz instinctively responded — as if her body knew this was where it belonged — resting her head on his chest. Her arms slid around his neck, seeking the comfort and safety of his embrace. She snuggled deeper into him, letting his heartbeat lull her back into her dreams.

And Sidharth… he tightened his hold, his arms around her waist, locking her in as if he never wanted to let go. He took a deep breath, letting her scent — that comforting aroma of coconut milk from her hair — sink deep into him. Her warmth, her softness, her presence… it wrapped around his soul.

Sleep was the last thing on his mind. How could he even think about closing his eyes when his whole world — his jaan — was right here, in his arms?

If it were up to him, he would stay like this forever — awake, just watching her sleep peacefully, knowing she was safe, loved, and his.

It was almost 7 in the evening when Shehnaaz slowly blinked open her eyes, her lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. A soft yawn escaped her lips, and her stomach gave a gentle protest, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since morning. Still nestled in warmth, she tried to stretch out of habit—but the firm, possessive hold around her waist made her pause.

She smiled sleepily as she felt the soft, steady rhythm of Sidharth’s breath brushing the back of her neck. Even in slumber, he held her as if letting go would shatter something fragile. She had no idea how he had managed to find her skin amidst the mess of her hair, but somehow, his breath warmed the bare nape of her neck, his body cocooned around her like a shield.

Turning gently in his arms, she faced him. His handsome face looked even more peaceful in sleep—serene, almost boyish. That hard, intense exterior he wore around the world melted away when he slept beside her like this. A wave of contentment washed over her, a gentle whisper in her heart reminding her—*he’s mine. This big, incredible man is mine.*

Her fingers moved on their own as she leaned forward and planted a tender kiss on his chin, lingering a moment longer just to feel him. But the hunger was making her feel a little restless. She remembered how they hadn’t had lunch. They had barely checked into the hotel room when she had collapsed into sleep, and knowing Sidharth, he wouldn’t have eaten without her either.

Her heart twisted with guilt. *He must be so hungry… and I didn’t even check.* Her throat tightened, and her eyes welled up. She wanted to wake him up and take care of him, to feed him lovingly, but looking at his calm, sleeping form, she just couldn’t. He looked too peaceful.

But her soft sniffling was enough to disturb him.

He stirred, instantly sensing her distress. His eyes blinked open in alarm, and within seconds, his hands reached for her face. “Jaan..? Kya hua mera bachha..?” His voice was still hoarse from sleep but heavy with concern.

She quickly shook her head, but tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Jana…” she whispered, her voice breaking. Her tears were silent but stabbing him like sharp blades.

Sidharth’s heart clenched painfully. With gentle urgency, he wiped away her tears and pulled her closer, pressing tender kisses on her damp cheeks. “Kis liye baba..? Please… rona band karo,” he whispered, his voice low and pleading. “Come here…”

She immediately snuggled into his embrace, burying her face against his chest. She placed a soft kiss over his heart and then looked up at him with teary eyes. “Aap ne breakfast ke baad se kuch nahi khaya… meri wajah se…” she mumbled, her guilt evident in every word. Then her expression turned adorably annoyed as she added, “Mujhe sone kyun diya…?”

Sidharth stared at her like she was a mystery he could never solve. “And you’re crying for *that*?” he asked, both amused and exasperated. Shaking his head with a fond smile, he added, “I was sleeping too, baba… I wasn’t hungry.”

She wasn’t convinced. “Aise kaise…? Itna bada pahaad jaisa aadmi… kaise bhookh nahi lagi hogi?” Her eyes widened with concern as she patted his chest gently, as if confirming he was still strong and whole.

Chuckling at her innocence, he wrapped one arm firmly around her waist and slid the other under her knees, lifting her in one smooth, effortless motion. “Pagal hai mera bachha bilkul,” he declared with mock resignation, while she gasped in delight and looked around the room properly for the first time.

“Hayy Rabba… yeh toh jannat hai…” she exclaimed, wide-eyed.

Sidharth placed her gently back on the bed, his voice soft but full of conviction, “Meri Sana ki jannat…”

She giggled happily at the compliment, but then blinked at him, surprised. Her eyes sparkled with a different kind of emotion. “Aap ne mujhe *Sana* bulaya…?” she asked, almost whispering.

Sidharth looked into her eyes without hesitation. “Yes, I did… It’s a sweet nickname. But if I start calling you Sana… I won’t like anyone else using it. And that’s not possible, right? So, I have my own endearments for you… and I’ll be damned if anyone else uses *those* for you.”

She stared at him, her heart expanding in her chest. It wasn’t a request—it was a quiet claim, an unspoken vow. She didn’t need to respond with words. Instead, she softly rubbed her palm against his chest in a calming gesture. “Let’s have early dinner please…” she said gently.

He cupped her face with both hands and pressed a warm kiss on her temple. “Alright. Get freshened up… go. I’ll speak with Maa till then.”

She smiled with that special glow in her eyes and left for the bathroom, while Sidharth picked up his phone and dialed Rita ji.

Everyone had ordered what they wanted, and soon, dinner was served. The table was filled with soft laughter, clinking cutlery, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. The atmosphere was light and warm — just like old times.

Breaking the silence, Anu chirped, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “Bhai, kal ka kya plan hai..?”

Sidharth chuckled softly at her curious tone and baby-like expressions, shaking his head affectionately, “That you will come to know tomorrow, Anu..”

Anu rolled her eyes in playful irritation but couldn’t stop her giggle. Suddenly, a memory popped in her mind, making her giggle even more. “Vicky bhai ki shakal dekhne layak thi waise.. kyunki woh nahi aa paye..”

Everyone around the table burst out laughing, the memory still fresh in their minds. Even Sidharth couldn’t help but laugh, though he remained quieter than usual.

Nisha shook her head at the memory, smiling, “Bichara yaar.. he’s a nice guy.. and his girlfriend.. what’s her name..?”

“Tara..” Shehnaaz answered softly with her usual sweetness, “Tu mili thi na usse bhai ki shaadi ke time..? Bhool gayi..”

Nisha hummed in thought, her brows knitting slightly. “Haan baba.. I didn’t feel the positive vibes somehow..” she said hesitantly, biting her lip the moment the words escaped. Realizing she might’ve come across as rude, she quickly added, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way..”

Shehnaaz gave her a small, reassuring smile, trying not to make her feel bad, “Nahi yaar.. mujhe toh kitni pyari lagi..”

Sidharth quietly shook his head at her innocence, while Anu, who was sitting nearby, rolled her eyes discreetly. Only she knew what was behind Tara’s sweet face. The girl had been shooting invisible daggers at Shehnaaz during bhai’s wedding whenever Rita ji or Anu herself spoke kindly to Shehnaaz.

“Haan pyari hai..” Anu replied, but her voice dripped with sarcasm. Her frustration was clear as she continued, “She drives Vicky bhai insane.. she’s not understanding to start with and demands the most unreasonable things..” It was obvious that Anu had been holding back and now couldn’t anymore.

Ranbir, who had been quietly listening, let out a tired sigh. “How will a relationship work out with such attitude..?” he asked genuinely.

Sidharth still didn’t speak. He was just observing. He knew Anu well — during conversations like these, she always ended up saying more than she had planned. His eyes flickered with concern. He had been noticing Vicky lately — more silent, more distant. Something was definitely troubling him.

Ankita, sitting beside Ranbir, nodded. “True.. aise relations long term mein nahi chalte.. better break than before it’s too late..”

Anu’s emotions were reaching a boiling point. Her voice had a slight tremble now, as she said, “She is over obsessive.. absolutely self-centered.. she doesn’t love bhai.. she is just obsessed with him.. she doesn’t even trust him.. bhai toh itna bhi soch rahe hai ki office join karein to learn from Sid bhai.. par usse woh bhi nahi pasand..”

Nisha’s expression turned sad, clearly feeling bad for Vicky. “Though he tries to act like a playboy.. but honestly, Vicky is a very sweet guy.. and he deserves better..”

Ranbir glanced at Nisha at that moment. Her words stirred something inside him — a pang of guilt maybe, or a realization. All these years, he had been unable to return her feelings. His heart had always quietly, stubbornly, belonged to Shehnaaz. But now, seeing her with Sidharth, understanding their bond, he knew he needed to move on. It wasn’t fair to Shehnaaz… or to Sidharth. They deserved their peace.

And then there was Nisha — the girl who had waited so patiently for him, never pushing, never demanding. Just being there. Maybe now was the time to give that chance.

His thoughts broke when Shehnaaz softly spoke, her words thoughtful and kind, “Mera aisa manna hai ki har insaan mein achhayi aur burayi hoti hai.. agar kisi insaan mein koi burayi hai toh us insaan ko door nahi kar sakte na.. uski burayi ki wajah jaan kar use badalne ki koshish kar sakte hain.. at least ek mauka deserve karti hai woh..” She ended her words with a gentle smile, though her eyes were distant.

Her voice held no judgment, no bitterness — just quiet belief in change. Everyone at the table fell silent, trying to absorb her words. It was true. How quick we were to judge others, to label them based on their flaws, forgetting we too were imperfect.

Shehnaaz suddenly grew conscious, realizing maybe she had spoken too much. What if they disagreed? What if they thought she was being too soft?

But before such fears could grow inside her, she felt a familiar touch — Sidharth’s warm palm gently ruffling her hair, his fingers threading softly through her strands.

She looked up at him in surprise. His smile was soft, warm, full of admiration.

“Very well said baby..” he whispered for her ears only, his voice a sweet, husky caress.

Her heart fluttered at his words. His little gesture meant more than a thousand praises. For a moment, everything else melted away — the world, the voices, the chatter — it was just him and her.

Anu sighed and nodded, her anger mellowing down. “I think I can’t agree more with you Shehnaaz.. it’s not fair for me to judge her.. I must try to understand what’s wrong with her.. if Vicky bhai is unable.. we will definitely try to change her for better..”

Mayank, who had been quiet so far, lifted his wine glass. “That’s the spirit..” he said, smiling.

The mood lightened, and everyone went back to enjoying dinner. Conversations flowed again, laughter returned, and soon they were all ordering dessert.

The waiter came to serve dessert and was placing the dish in front of Shehnaaz when his eyes lingered — too long — on her legs. She was wearing a simple, knee-length dress, and his words came out shamelessly:

“Sexy legs you have got miss..”

Shehnaaz froze, her cheeks turning red in pure embarrassment. Her smile vanished as she looked down awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

But before she could even react, Sidharth stood up with a fury that shook everyone at the table. His jaw was clenched, eyes blazing, and his grip tightened on the waiter’s collar.

“What the fuck..? How dare you..?” he growled, his voice dangerously low.

Everyone stood in shock. The girls rushed to Shehnaaz’s side, while Shehnaaz herself took a step toward Sidharth, her heart racing, “Sidharth.. please.. chhodo..”

The waiter tried to brush it off with a smirk, “Yoo relax dude.. is that your girlfriend..? Look, I just complimented her okay.. I didn’t touch..”

Before the words fully left his mouth, Sidharth’s fist collided with the waiter’s face with a loud *crack*. Blood trickled from his nose as he stumbled back, groaning.

“You bloody bastard..” Sidharth shouted. “How dare you even look at my girl.. what’s your name..?”

The entire restaurant had turned silent, eyes turning to the commotion. Sidharth’s voice roared again, “Manager..! Where the hell is your manager..?!”

The waiter, still holding his bloody nose, muttered in disbelief, “Are you really gonna complain because I complimented your girl..? Chill man.. girls like these deserve compliments..”

That was it.

The manager rushed in, sweating. “Sir, please tell me what happened.. what did the waiter do..?”

Sidharth explained everything in an angry tone, barely holding back. The manager, horrified, turned to the waiter, “Aaron, this is absolutely not professional behavior.. meet me at my desk right away..”

He turned back and began apologizing repeatedly to Sidharth, trying to calm him. But Sidharth was livid, his hands clenched, his breath ragged.

Shehnaaz gently took his hand, softly rubbing it, trying to soothe him. His fingers were shaking. She could see how deeply hurt and angry he was — not just because of the comment, but because someone had dared to disrespect her.

Without saying a word, he held her hand tightly and walked out of the restaurant, straight to their room.

As soon as they entered, he walked straight to the balcony. His fingers gripped the iron railing so hard, the veins in his hands and neck bulged. His jaw was clenched, his chest rising and falling with each heavy breath.

Shehnaaz watched him from behind, feeling her heart ache. His anger scared her sometimes — not for herself, but for him. It wasn’t healthy to carry so much rage.

Silently, she walked to him and hugged him from behind, placing her soft palms over his chest, rubbing them gently. She rested her cheek on his back, trying to ease his tension.

Sidharth was burning inside. The thought of someone eyeing her, talking about her like that — it made his blood boil.

“I will kill that..” he began, seething.

But she pinched his side, making him jolt in surprise.

“What was that for..?” he asked, turning to face her, confused.

“You didn’t let me relish my dessert..” she said with a pout, trying to lighten the moment.

His lips finally curled into a small smile as he looked at her, his angel. Slowly, his arms wrapped around her, pulling her into his warm embrace.

He bent down to place a soft kiss on her forehead — a silent apology, a promise of protection, a token of love. She smiled into his chest, her hands resting over his heart.

The cold wind kissed their skin, but in that moment, wrapped in his arms, Shehnaaz felt warmer than ever. And Sidharth — for the first time that night — felt at peace.

Sidharth smiled at her playful attempt to get closer and pulled her snugly into his arms. “Did you like the place..?” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear before taking a teasing bite that made her wince and shiver.

Her voice trembled with emotion, “I love it..”

Smirking, Sidharth buried his face deeper into her hair, his breath warm against her skin. “No.. say you *like* it.. Love is only for your *Jana*..”

Shehnaaz smiled at his words and pressed a soft kiss to his chin before resting her cheek in the crook of his neck. “Fine.. I like it.. and I’m insanely in love with you..”

A deep chuckle escaped Sidharth’s throat as he heard her bold confession. His fingers tightened around her waist. “And why insanely..?”

Shehnaaz giggled at his mock-threatening tone, “Because.. when I see you…” she paused deliberately, enjoying the way his eyes fixated on her, craving her next words. “I feel like chewing you off..” she whispered, sensuously.

His eyes widened in amused shock at her audacity. He gently pulled her face out of his neck, locking his intense gaze with hers. The crimson blush on her cheeks told him just how flustered she was.

Brushing his fingers across her flushed skin, he whispered against her lips, barely an inch away, “And do you know what *I* feel like doing when I see you..?”

Blushing even harder, Shehnaaz looked down and shook her head.

Sidharth smiled at her innocence, and without warning, buried his face in her neck and planted a deep, audible kiss at her nape.

“Sidharth..” she gasped, breath catching.

He trailed sensuous kisses along her neck, lips wet and possessive, his tongue teasing her tender skin. She shuddered at the sensation, her body responding to every stroke, every touch.

Pulling her flush against him, Sidharth growled softly, “Jaan.. I can’t bear anyone looking at you. I’m insanely possessive about you and I’m not ashamed of it..”

She met his eyes, and the raw honesty in his gaze made her breath hitch. He cupped her face in his broad palm, voice low and urgent, “Baby.. I can’t wait anymore to have you by my side forever..”

She understood what he meant—his need, his love, his ache—and the depth of it made her feel so treasured, so claimed, so protected. The kind of belonging only true love gives.

“Sidharth…” her voice came out like a soft moan.

He pecked her lips gently, then whispered hoarsely, “I can’t breathe when you’re away from me…” His hand slid around her neck, pulling her closer before planting a desperate kiss at her throat.

“Sidharth..” she gasped again, drowning in him.

“I feel suffocated just thinking you’re far from me when you’re mine,” he groaned, arms tightening around her as he lifted her off the floor, her feet now resting on his. He loved this closeness, this intimacy.

Biting at the spot where her neck met her shoulder, he murmured, *“Mera bachha…”*

“Sidharth…” it was all she could say, completely lost in him.

“It drives me mad that it takes me 30 minutes to reach you when all I want is to see you *now*..” His fingers pushed her hair aside, his mouth finding her shoulder and grazing his teeth across her soft skin.

She moaned again, wanting him to keep going, loving every word of his desperate confession.

“I hate that I can’t touch you when I want to… the way I want to.. when you’re mine.. completely mine..” His voice was raw as he kissed and bit her shoulder, needing her in every sense.

Every touch left a mark—his mark. She loved being claimed by him, loved knowing she was his.

“It’s like needles to my heart, Shehnaaz… when I have to say goodbye to you every night instead of holding you through my darkness…” His kisses turned ferocious, lips roaming every inch of her neck.

“Sidharth..” she whispered, barely able to stay composed.

“It kills me not waking up to your face each morning,” he groaned, pulling her to him and slamming her gently against the wall.

Her eyes shut tight as she tried to breathe, letting him love her, letting him bare his soul.

“You are mine, Shehnaaz.. only mine.. just mine..” His voice was thick with emotion, his grip unrelenting. “Why can’t I keep you with me forever.. I’m losing my sanity, jaan..”

She reached up and cupped his face, trying to calm him, understanding his pain, his turmoil.

“I’m going insane..” His eyes bored into hers. The memory of the waiter’s inappropriate gaze flashed in his mind, reigniting his rage. “I swear baby, I will not let–”

“Shaadi kar le, Jana…” Shehnaaz cut him off.

Sidharth froze.

Her words hit him like a wave, leaving him stunned. His wide eyes blinked in disbelief as she smiled radiantly.

She reached up, cradled his face in her hands, and softly pecked his nose. “*Jana ji.. please apni Jana se shaadi kar lo..*”

It struck his heart like magic.

Still shocked, he picked her up in his arms and sat down on the bed, settling her in his lap. “Do you even realize what you’re saying, *mera bachha*..?” he asked, staring at her glowing eyes.

Shehnaaz nodded sweetly, “I do.. *Pyar karti hoon main aapse.. shaadi karna chahti hoon. Isme kya problem hai?*”

Sidharth’s heart melted. Her sincerity, her raw truth—it undid him.

He rested his forehead against hers and exhaled deeply. “You’re just 22, baby.. I don’t want to steal your youth from you…” He hesitated, then added softly, “I don’t want you to ever regret choosing me…”

Shehnaaz took a calming breath and kissed the spot over his heart. “*Aapki banna mera sapna bhi hai, haqeeqat bhi.. khwahish bhi hai aur zarurat bhi.. fir main kaise regret kar sakti hoon..*”

Her words shattered his restraint. The overwhelming love in her voice… he didn’t even realize when she got on her knees and straddled him, pushing him back with her adorable assertiveness.

“And about my age..” she said sassily, “I’m a grown up woman, not some teenager.”

Sidharth chuckled at her fierce tone, amused at her transformation into a cute lioness.

“If you refuse to marry me, I’ll kidnap you and force you into marriage! Samjhe, *Shukla ji*?”

Sidharth bit his lower lip to hide the grin, but it was hopeless. Laughing, he pulled her tighter. “Please do..”

She rolled her eyes at his mischievous response. “Shaadi karoge ke nahi?” she pouted, twisting her lips adorably.

Groaning with emotion, Sidharth suddenly flipped her onto the bed, hovering over her petite frame. She blinked in surprise, breath caught.

“Sidharth…”

He cut her off by crushing his lips to hers in a kiss that took her breath away. It was a kiss that screamed love, devotion, and the promise of forever.

It was a kiss that sealed their fate.

“We’re getting married, jaan.. you’re mine. I love you so much, *mera bachha*, so damn much..” he whispered again and again, in between desperate kisses.

His lips moved over hers till she forgot her own name. All that remained was his touch—his overwhelming love.

His fingers dug into her waist while her hands gripped his hair tightly. His body blanketed hers, and the dress she wore only fanned the flames of their desire.

When she finally broke the kiss for air, he didn’t stop. His mouth moved to her throat.

“Oh damnn.. we’re actually marrying..” he groaned, still stunned by the reality.

Shehnaaz laughed breathlessly at his reaction—until his teeth sunk into her skin again, making her yelp.

Sidharth chuckled at her dramatic wince, kissed the same spot, and finally rested against her, utterly at peace.