Chapter 50

Shehnaaz kept speaking without a pause, almost like she was in a trance, pouring out her heart to him. But before she could finish, Sidharth leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, cutting off her words completely. The intensity of his kiss left her breathless, and she moaned softly as he devoured her lips with passion.

When they finally broke apart, Shehnaaz cupped his face in her small hands. She kept her lips just a breath away from his, her soft voice filled with emotion, “kuchh bhi na man kare.. toh bhi aap paas hai ye ek ehssas hi kafi hota hai..”

Sidharth nodded, his eyes telling her that he understood everything she said—and even the things she didn’t. He could feel her desperation to show him how deeply she loved him, and the way her heartbeat was racing made his own heart clench with overwhelming emotions. “Come here..”

Shehnaaz ran her thumbs along his lower lip tenderly, her eyes searching his face like she wanted to memorize it. “mujhe ye nahi pata ke me aapse kitna pyar karti hun.. me usse gin nahi sakti..”

He pulled her a little closer, his own voice full of tenderness and care. “I know mera bachha.. I know.. come here please..” She let him gather her in his strong arms, letting herself melt into the safety and warmth of his embrace. Her voice was trembling, but she kept speaking softly, “par jitna bhi karti hun.. mujhe yakin hai kisine kisise aaj tak etna pyar na kiya hoga..”

She ended her words, and their eyes locked in a gaze that neither of them could break. It felt like the whole world had paused around them. Sidharth’s heart was so full of love that it spilled over, and suddenly, tears of joy started to roll down his cheeks.

Shehnaaz was stunned. Her small hands rushed up to wipe away his tears with her thumbs, her own eyes starting to fill too. “Jana aap.. are you crying..? Mene hurt kiya aapko..?”

Sidharth leaned in closer, whispering against her lips, “Shh..” His hands moved around her neck, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go.

Shehnaaz shook her head again and again, denying that she could ever want to hurt him, even though tears were still streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m fine mera bachhaa.. I wasn’t crying..” he said softly, his lips brushing over her eyes gently, one after the other. “Relax sweetheart. I just got overwhelmed.. I don’t cry..”

Shehnaaz sniffed and buried her face into his throat, letting herself hide in his warmth. Sidharth’s hands found their way deep into her soft hair as he held her even tighter.

He didn’t even understand it himself—how her every word and her every touch could touch his heart so deeply. It was like she had given him her whole heart, her whole world, without asking for anything in return. That made his tears unstoppable.

He wasn’t the type of man who cried easily. But this was different. She was different. Her love was so pure, so innocent, that it made him feel like he didn’t even deserve it. Yet here she was, loving him more than he ever thought possible.

His mishty, his sweet girl, loved him with a love so strong that it felt like nothing else in the world mattered. Holding her tightly in his arms, he walked out of the room, still wrapped around her protectively. When she locked the door and handed him the key, he just shook his head and whispered, “I belong to you girl.. this is just a house..”

By the time they reached back to the hotel, Shehnaaz had fallen fast asleep in his arms. Sidharth gently placed her down on the bed, tucking her in under the duvet with a tenderness that spoke of his deep care for her. He went to the washroom quickly, then returned and settled himself beside her, wrapping her back in his embrace as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

He ran his fingers through her soft hair, watching her sleep with such a cute pout on her lips that he couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you for coming in my life.. thank you for being mine..” he whispered softly so he wouldn’t wake her up.

A small smile appeared on her face even in her sleep, and in the dim moonlight filtering through the window, her face glowed like an angel’s. Sidharth’s heart swelled with love. “I love you mera bachhaa.. more than I would ever be able to express..”

He couldn’t hold back anymore. He started planting tiny kisses all over her face, from her forehead to her cheeks, until she let out a small groan and snuggled even closer to him, burying her face in his chest to escape his teasing.

He let out a small laugh and hugged her even tighter, feeling like he had the entire world in his arms. And for the first time in a long time, he drifted off to sleep with a heart completely at peace.

The flight back to India started soon after. Compared to the journey to Sydney, the return was much quieter, the air heavy with unspoken feelings. Everyone wore tired, dull faces, not because they were physically exhausted but because their hearts didn’t want to leave behind those beautiful memories. That’s how life worked, though, and they had to accept it.

After lunch, Sidharth lay on the bed of their temporary home, Shehnaaz resting partly on top of him. Her head was on his broad chest, her small hands wrapped protectively around his torso like he was her entire world.

Sidharth had one hand resting behind his head, his other arm holding her close against him. They had been lying like this for what felt like hours, lost in each other, holding on to these last moments before they had to part ways. She would have to go back to her home, and he to his. Even the thought of it was enough to make them restless.

Shehnaaz pressed her lips lightly against his chest and then smacked it with her palm in a tiny show of her anger. Sidharth turned to her, pulling her closer to him. “kya huva..”

She didn’t answer him right away. Instead, she just snuggled deeper into his neck, her fingers tracing random patterns on his skin like she wanted to memorize every inch of him.

Sidharth shook his head and placed a sweet kiss on her forehead, his voice tender and caring. “kya huva baba.. tell me..”

She let out a tiny huff, “kuchh nahi..” she said, making a small baby face and burying her head back into his neck.

Sidharth could see right through her. He knew she didn’t want to leave any more than he did. “jane ka man nahi hai..?”

She didn’t say it, but she shook her head instantly, her silence speaking louder than words.

“..baby.. come here..” he whispered and pulled her even closer, their bodies pressed so tightly together that he could feel her every breath. Then he flipped them so he was on top of her, trapping her underneath his weight.

She wriggled a little, her cute pout still on her lips as she turned her head to look away, showing him she was still mad.

Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle at her cute antics. He pressed his face into her neck and placed a long, loud kiss at her earlobe. “mishu…” he whispered softly, his voice melting with love.

She was already melting inside, but she wanted him to pamper her even more. Sidharth kept kissing her softly, his hands slipping around her waist, holding her so tight that even he didn’t realize how hard he was gripping her.

“Look at me..” he said, his voice low and husky, still kissing the soft skin of her ear. Shehnaaz just shook her head with a stubborn NO, making adorable faces.

“jaan..” he pleaded again, his voice turning into the softest whisper as he buried his face deeper into her neck.

That little moment of their small fight felt so sweet and so precious. Seeing Sidharth, the strong, confident man, pleading with his shona mishty to just look at him once—it was like a scene from a dream. He was hugging her like he never wanted to let go, and she was sulking, making faces, but still melting in his embrace.

It felt magical—like no matter how much they fought or got upset, it would never change the love they had for each other. Shehnaaz could be angry with him all she wanted, but she could never say no to his touch, never push him away. And Sidharth? He loved how he became weak only for her, how he would beg for a single glance even when she was already in his arms.

Their small nok jhok, their playful kisses, their sweet fights and their making up—it all felt so pure, so adorable, and so full of love.

Shehnaaz again shook her head in stubbornness, still making her grumpy face. Sidharth sighed dramatically, making his own sad little face. His mishty was mad at him—how could he let that be?

“will you not look at me.. haan jaan..” he whispered again, his voice softer than ever as he tried to melt her stubborn little heart.

oughh.. how on the earth he manages to make that cutest face.. Shehnaaz could never understand and now will she stay angry with him.. he is so bad.. so mean.. so cute.. not done…

“aap humesha aise hi karate ho..” Shehnaaz pouted her lips as she blamed him for melting her like that..

Sidharth stared at her cute adorable face and her cheeks which were puffed due to the pout of her face.. lost in her cuteness, he felt like pulling her cheeks and he actually did it this time…

Pulling both of her cheeks which made her frown cutely, he planted a forceful kiss on her nose, “gussa mat karona.. please bachha..”

Shehnaaz looked at him annoyed for a second but couldn’t help her smile which made its appearance through her lips..

her smile was enough proof for Sidharth to realize.. he had managed to manaofy her god knows for what reason she was angry in the first place.. but that didn’t matter.. oh his mishty had the right to be angry with him without reasons..

Smiling back at her, Sidharth took her lips into his for a serene and peaceful kiss..

their lips tasted each other softly.. relishing each other’s taste.. the taste of their mixed saliva.. it felt sweeter than heaven..

Sidharth’s hand went deep into her waist while Shehnaaz possessively snaked her hands around his neck.. grabbing his hair mercilessly for a painful grip..

Soon the kiss turned from softer to a passionate one.. She was harsh.. demanding.. passionate like always.. and Sidharth gave her all the wanting pleasure with his restless kiss..

Both soothingly pulled out after like ages when they were out of breaths.. however still kept each other close with the satisfaction..

“we are love”

he placed a loving peck on her forehead and rested his head into the crook of her throat.. falling into a peaceful sleep with his love wrapped in his arms..

so magical and unbelievable it was.. Sidharth didn’t even know\.. why his Shehnaaz was angry with him.. but all he knew was his mishty was angry with him and he had to manaofy her.. his mishty needs no reason to get angry on him.. she can get angry on him whenever she want.. he will always do his best to manaofy her at any cost..

He was also aware of the fact that she can’t ever get angry with him in real sense.. it was simply impossible so he adored these cute little nok-jhoks..

love is sometimes really weird.. how can someone enjoy his love getting angry on him for no reason.. but it was Sidnaaz.. they loved to manaofy each other with the cutest and simplest way possible.. she loved it when he would pamper her.. and he would love it when she would be all grumpy into his arms wanting him to pamper her…

Shehnaaz smiled as she observed his sleeping form for a while and her fingers brushed through his hair because she knew he loved it..

her heart churned at the realization that few hours more and they will be back in India.. back to their separate homes.. their separate ways..

She had no idea how she will be able to stay away from him now that she is used to be with him 24/7.. and him.. she knew how much difficult it will be for him.. she knew how restless he gets without her.. she couldn’t see him like this..

She kissed his hair and hugged him to her dear life as endless thoughts captured her mind..

It’s been more than a month since they were back however the memories of the trip were still very much fresh in the minds of all of them..

Sidharth was gone crazy beyond his sanity when he had dropped her at Gill mansion.. leaving there was so hurtful.. it was like he was living a piece of himself behind.. the very pieces that he needed to live..

He had spent the rest of the day in the gym.. working out vigorously.. to soothe the sinful ache in his heart.. he had wanted to hurl her along with him and keep her to himself.. but he couldn’t because it wasn’t right..

He knew her state was no less.. he had almost left few of his late evening meetings when she had cried saying she missed him.. he tried to meet her every now and then through his hectic schedules which was too hectic these few weeks..

He had also been working on the surprise that he had planned in the memory of Uttara and a thanksgiving to Ranbir..

They missed each other every moment of every second of every hour of every day..

Their hands felt empty without each other.. their arms felt empty without the warmth of each other.. their entire being felt so lonely.. the emotional ache was as painful as the physical ache..

They had been sleeping into each other’s arms for so many days.. and now loneliness pierced their hearts.. bleeding pain..

Sidharth was returning to his cabin from the conference room when his phone rang, “uth gaya mera bacha..” spoke Sidharth the moment he received the call..

“Haan Jana..” mumbled Shehnaaz in her sad voice as she had just opened up from her afternoon nap..

Sidharth could feel the pain into her voice.. he sighed and his heart became more restless knowing she wanted to be in his arms, “aise udaas nahi hote.. me yahi hun.. tumhare paas..”

Sidharth tried to assure her in his sweet voice but he himself was dying for her.. what is it about love.. when one person who himself is in pain, concentrates on soothing the pain of the person he loves..

she knew\.. he was just trying to calm her.. but his sad voice said it all how much he was missing her…

“mujhe miss ho rahe ho aap..” stated Shehnaaz innocent with broken voice.. her words made no sense but her Jana understood her..

Sidharth sighed audibly, “I know bachha.. why didn’t you change before sleeping..?”

“apko kaise pata..?” asked Shehnaaz confused and got out of bed..

Sidharth chuckled at her change in mood, “because you are mine.. achha ab chalo.. jaldi change kar lo..”

She huffed loudly and walked to closet to take out her satin night suit when Sidharth chuckled before commenting, “wear pink one..”

she started at the green dress confused.. how does he know\.. oughh how can she forget he is Mr. Jadugar.. smiling at herself.. she changed into pink one, “I miss you sachhiiiii..”

“I know baba..” he said with a chuckle, “we will meet tomorrow okay..”

Shehnaaz made baby face, “kal..?” Ohh that sounded too long..

“Shehnaaz, jaan do you want me to come now\..?” asked Sidharth earnestly.. like he was dying to hear it from her.. so that he will just get the reason to go to her right now\.. he just couldn’t bear this distance…

“nahi.. mujhe pata hai aap bahot tired hai.. aur office me bhi bahot kaam hoga na..”

Sidharth smiled.. how his Shehnaaz understands and takes care of every fact of him like a good wifey… the word wifey made his heart flutter..

Sidharth smiled, “jab tumhara college me kaam pura ho jaye.. just call me.. I will come to pick you..”

“NO..” Shehnaaz replied instantly..

Sidharth was confused for a second, “jaan kya huva..?”

Shehnaaz calmed herself and her sudden excitement, “me kal college ke baad aapke office aaungi.. Anu ke sath..”

Sidharth was so surprised and excited, “tum aur office..?”

Shehnaaz made a cute face. “Mujhe office dekhna hai… aap kaise kaam karte ho… sab dekhna hai… main kal aaungi and that’s final. Anu ke sath aaungi.”

Sidharth chuckled at her demand. “Ha baba… did I say no?” The thought of her visiting his office brought a smile to his face. Showing his success to his love wasn’t something he’d expected to be so excited about.

Shehnaaz giggled at his defensive tone, making Sidharth shake his head. “I love the sound of that so much,” he said softly, drawn to her lovely giggle.

“Hayy, sachhi? Jana, itni pyari awaaz hai meri?” she asked excitedly, her voice sounding cutely sleepy.

“Don’t sleep again,” Sidharth warned, knowing she was planning to nap again. He didn’t reply to her question, but she understood his unspoken words.

“Achha… maan leti hoon main aapki baat,” she said with a giggle and added, “par mujhe kya milega?”

Sidharth shook his head, sighing just as his intercom rang. It was time for his next meeting, and he hadn’t even gone through the updated details yet. He didn’t have the heart to tell her to end the call.

“Jana…” Shehnaaz said a bit loudly to get his attention, “Aapka intercom baj raha hai. Aap busy honge na… jab free ho jaoge na, toh mujhe call karna, thik hai?” She kept talking while Sidharth was stunned by her understanding.

“Miss karna mujhe… but late ho jaye toh direct ghar jana,” she went on. “Main nahi chahti aap bimar pado.”

Sidharth didn’t even realize when she said bye with an “I love you” and disconnected the call. He lightly tapped the phone on his head with a smile and murmured, “Shehnaaz bhi na… pagal hai mera bachha.”

It was almost 12:30, and Sidharth was growing restless waiting for his Mishty. Most of the staff watched him curiously, wondering what had gotten into their usually calm boss today. None of them dared ask directly.

Ritika peered at Sidharth through the blinds, confused. “Ye Sidharth sir ko kya ho gaya… he’s acting so weird.”

Sidharth paced around, picking up his phone only to put it back down. Just fifteen minutes ago, he’d spoken to Shehnaaz for the twelfth time that morning. Now, Shehnaaz had ordered him not to call again until she reached the office, and poor Sidharth had to listen to her.

Trying to focus on work, Sidharth called Ritika in.

Ritika was already waiting for a chance to see him. Ever since he’d returned from his trip, he’d been so busy. She walked in with a bright smile. “Yes sir?”

“Ritika, Mehta project ke blueprints ready hain?”

Startled, Ritika quickly tore her gaze from his handsome face. “Yes sir, and we have a meeting with them tomorrow evening.”

“Alright… get me the account file of the Mehta project.” His eyes barely lifted from the laptop to glance at her.

“Alright sir,” Ritika said softly and turned to leave, knowing that was her cue to go.

But Sidharth called her again. “Ritika…” he finally looked up.

Surprised, Ritika turned back. “Yes sir?”

Sidharth stood from his chair and came around to face her. “Woh actually… I look good in office clothes, right?” he asked out of the blue, checking his own outfit.

Ritika nearly fainted but somehow controlled her racing heart. What had he just asked? If he looked good? God, if only she could tell him how heart-stopping he looked in his office clothes. But why was he asking her this suddenly? Could he possibly feel something for her? No, shut up Ritika, she scolded herself. Sidharth sir just asked if he looked good or not—nothing more.

Sidharth looked at her, confused. “I asked a simple question. Is it that hard to answer?” He sounded a little offended by her silence.

Ritika snapped out of her dreamy thoughts and blurted out, “Sir, you look too good and sincere in office clothes.”

“Okay, that’s a good compliment,” Sidharth thought, a small smile playing on his lips.

Seeing him smile, Ritika nearly lost it. She felt weak in the knees.

“You can go now,” he said calmly, then walked out of his own cabin.

Ritika was going crazy. What was wrong with Sidharth sir? He asked for a compliment, then walked away after smiling at her words. She shook her head as she walked back to her cabin. God, this was a great day! Sidharth sir asked for a compliment from her and smiled at her response. His smile, his restlessness, his little gestures… could they really be just coincidences? Please God, give me some sign that Sidharth sir feels something for me too… please…

Sidharth hurried through the corridor, almost bumping into Anu. Shehnaaz stood right beside them with a cute grin.

Sidharth was about to snap but stopped when he saw Anu. “Are you alright?”

Anu grinned cheekily. “Hayye… kash aap meri jagah Shehnaaz se takrate bhai… ek romantic scene dekhne ko milta.”

“Shut up, Anu,” Sidharth and Shehnaaz shouted together, then looked at each other, embarrassed.

Anu rolled her eyes. “So made for each other,” she teased.

Sidharth smiled inwardly and looked at Shehnaaz, who was smirking back at him. Sidharth gave her a look that said, “You’ll have to pay for torturing me like this, sweetheart.”

Back in the cabin, Sidharth sat in his chair while Shehnaaz and Anu settled on the sofa.

Sidharth cleared his throat. “What took you so long?”

Anu and Shehnaaz looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Confused, Sidharth frowned. Were they laughing at him for being so desperate? No, I’m not desperate… well, maybe I am, he admitted to himself.

“Are you both done?”

Anu rolled her eyes. “No need to be grumpy, bhai. I was showing Shehnaaz the office. That’s why we got late.”

Sidharth nearly jumped up in shock while Shehnaaz and Anu tried to stifle their giggles.

He was annoyed. These girls were wandering around the office like it was a park while he’d been waiting restlessly. Ugh!

“Main yahan kab se tum dono ka wait kar raha hoon, aur tum dono popcorn ke sath office tour enjoy kar rahi thi,” he said sarcastically.

Shehnaaz smirked cutely. “Nahi Sidharth, popcorn toh the hi nahi. Humne canteen mein bhi dekha par nahi mile.”

Poor Sidharth was even more annoyed. They’d gone to the canteen too? Enjoyed their food? And here he was, going mad waiting for them!

Anu stood up excitedly. “Bhai, maine Shehnaaz ka poora office ghumaya. Par aap toh raste mein mile hi nahi.”

Sidharth mocked, “Really? Main toh yahan tum dono ka wait kar raha tha.”

Anu giggled. “Bhai, aapko pata hai… gusse mein kitne cute lagte ho aap.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes while Shehnaaz giggled along with Anu. He knew Anu was only teasing him because Shehnaaz was there.

“Ha ha… so very funny,” Sidharth said with a face, pretending to be busy on his laptop.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes and signaled Anu to go. Anu winked at Shehnaaz and left.         

 Sidharth noticed Anu leaving from the corner of his eyes and couldn’t help but smile inwardly, though he pretended to be focused on his laptop, tapping keys idly.

Shehnaaz, with a soft sigh, walked to his chair and slipped her arms around his neck from behind. Her tender voice, laced with a gentle plea, filled his ears as she whispered, “Gussa mat kijiye na…” She sealed her apology with a delicate kiss on his hair.

Ah… there she was, using her sweetest tactic to melt his anger. How could he even pretend to be upset after this? But no… he wanted her to pamper him even more.

He didn’t remove her hands or push her away—he could never bring himself to do that. But he stayed silent, letting her know she hadn’t fully won him over yet.

Shehnaaz bent closer, resting her cheek against his. “Wo Anu ka plan tha aapko satane ka… sachi… maine kuch nahi kiya…”

Sidharth chuckled inwardly—liar! He knew her mischievous brain too well to fall for those sweet words. Besides, her pink cheeks said it all.

Shehnaaz made a cute face. “Wo aap itne phone kar rahe the… toh mera aapko satane ka mann kiya… isliye maine Anu se… nahi matlab Anu ne mujhe…” She trailed off when his lips curved into a big grin and pouted in protest. “Aap hasiye mat… okay?”

Sidharth instantly wiped the smile from his lips.

Coming around to face him, Shehnaaz sat down on his lap, snaking her palms around his jaw to make him look at her. “Please na baba…” she coaxed in the softest voice.

Lost in that moment, Sidharth could’ve stayed there forever. She looked so beautiful in that washed-blue salwar dress—like an angel. He felt a surge of jealousy at the thought of anyone else seeing her like this. Her sitting so cutely on his lap, pleading with those innocent eyes, how could he not fall for her over and over again?

Leaning in, he pressed a sweet kiss to her nose. “Agar tum har baar mujhe aise hi manaogi, toh tumhara har roz satana bhi manzoor hai…”

Shehnaaz bit her lower lip, trying to hide her blush, and smiled brightly. “Iska matlab… aap gussa nahi ho…?”

Rubbing his nose against hers lazily, Sidharth smiled. “Meri itni himmat…”

Shehnaaz giggled softly, “Aap bhi na…” She trailed off and buried her face in his chest, nestling close to him.

Sidharth wrapped her up lovingly. “Main bhi na kya…? Haan, jaan…”

Shehnaaz turned bright pink at his playful tone. She mumbled to change the topic. “Main aapke liye coffee banake laau…?”

Sidharth smiled, pulling slightly away to face her. “Hmm…” he let her have her distraction, but his thumb still couldn’t resist brushing over her soft, rosy cheek.

Smiling with relief, Shehnaaz moved to stand up from his lap, but he pulled her back, and she landed right on him again.

She blinked at him, startled and confused, while he smirked mischievously and captured her lips in a sudden kiss.

Surprised, she instantly wrapped her arms around his neck, while his hands tightened possessively around her waist, pulling her even closer.

It wasn’t a kiss of passion alone—it was their way of reconnecting, of telling each other how much they’d missed one another. How much they missed sleeping in each other’s arms. How much they missed their home…

His lips moved with slow deliberation, turning her lips red as he traced them with his own. When he lightly teased the inner lining of her lower lip, she squirmed in his embrace, worried someone might walk in. But that only made him groan and deepen the kiss, claiming her lips fully—no hurry, just relishing the sweetness of her mouth.

Minutes later, he slowly pulled back, feeling her breathing hard against his chest.

“This… for satane ke liye…” he murmured, his voice husky, noting how her lips were now a deep, tempting red.

Shehnaaz, eyes closed and smiling softly, whispered, “Hayy rabba… itni pyari saja…”

“Kya…?” Sidharth blinked, surprised by her response. Before he could react further, Shehnaaz’s cheeks turned bright crimson, and she wriggled out of his hold, bolting out of the room and slamming the door shut behind her.

Sidharth leaned back in his chair, chuckling at her adorable escape. He could imagine how hard she must be blushing right now…

Shehnaaz hurried out of his cabin, heart racing, and bumped straight into Aadi. She collided with him with a thud, sending files scattering all over the floor.

Shehnaaz looked at the stranger, a little nervous, but Aadi offered her a reassuring smile and bent down to pick up the papers.

Shehnaaz helped him and both stood up again. “I’m really sorry…” she said sheepishly.

Aadi smiled kindly. “Koi baat nahi…”

Shehnaaz gave him a small smile and was about to leave when Aadi asked, “Woh… aap is office mein nayi lag rahi hain…? Kisi project se ya interview ke liye…?” He didn’t recognize her as the girl Sidharth had moved heaven and earth for at Baaz’s wedding.

Shehnaaz shook her head, smiling. “Nahi nahi… main to bas Sidharth se milne aayi hoon…”

“Sidharth se…” Aadi murmured, surprised. His eyes widened as he realized he’d just called his boss by name. “Sidharth sir se…!”

Shehnaaz smiled again, “Ji… woh pantry kis taraf hai? Mujhe unke liye coffee le jani hai…”

Aadi pointed to the side with a polite smile. “This way, ma’am…”

Shehnaaz giggled softly. “I’m Shehnaaz… not ma’am, please.”

Aadi smiled back. “Myself Aaditya…”

“Okay. Nice to meet you…” Shehnaaz said sweetly before heading in the direction he’d pointed out. Aadi watched her go, thinking she was such a sweet girl—so different from Sidharth sir’s usual strict presence. “Omg… did I just call Sidharth sir akdoo? God… forgive me,” he mumbled and hurried back to his own cabin.

Shehnaaz made the coffee and went back to Sidharth’s cabin. He was still pretending to be busy when he heard the door click shut.

Shehnaaz let out a small sigh of relief, seeing him not looking up. She placed the coffee cup on his table, but her relief was short-lived when he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her straight onto his lap.

She stared at him, wide-eyed, while he smirked down at her. “Tumhe lagta hai koi kaam mujhe tumhare hone se zyada important lagta hai…?”

Blushing, she looked down and mumbled, “Woh… aapki coffee…”

“Hmmm…” he hummed, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. One hand stayed locked around her waist while he picked up the cup with the other, never taking his eyes off her.

He took the first sip, his intense gaze making her breathless. Then he brought the cup to her lips, letting her drink from it too.

It was an unexpectedly intimate moment—one she couldn’t help but think of as a quiet, loving gesture… almost like a small Karwa Chauth ritual. one day, she would fast for him, and he would feed her with the same tenderness…

They didn’t speak a word—no words were needed. In his lap, in his arms, feeling his heartbeat against hers… it was enough.

A sudden knock on the door made Shehnaaz jump. She tried to stand, but he held her firmly in place. She made a small, pleading face, and with a sigh, he finally let her go.

Shehnaaz quickly moved to the couch, cheeks still pink, while Sidharth turned to the door with mild annoyance. “Come in…”

Ritika entered, surprised to see Shehnaaz sitting there on the couch.

Author’s Note