Chapter 53

Startled, Shehnaaz quickly tried to get off Sidharth’s lap, her heart skipping a beat in nervousness. But before she could move, Sidharth tightened his arms around her, not ready to let go yet. He gently pulled her back into him, as if he wasn’t done holding her close.

Shehnaaz sighed and made a cute baby face at him, silently asking him to let her go now. Sidharth let out a disappointed breath. He didn’t want the moment to end either, but he slowly loosened his hold and allowed her to leave.

Shehnaaz quickly adjusted herself and went to sit on the couch, trying to look casual, while Sidharth, clearly annoyed at being disturbed, said in a frustrated voice, “Come in…”

Ritika stepped inside the cabin. As soon as her eyes landed on the girl sitting on the sofa, she froze for a moment, her expression showing a flicker of surprise.

Her eyes instinctively scanned Shehnaaz from head to toe. There was something very graceful and pure about the girl. Her presence was calming. She was dressed simply, yet her clothes screamed elegance—the rich fabric and fine stitching made it clear she wasn’t just anyone.

Ritika observed further. There was almost no makeup on her face—just a soft nude pink lipstick that highlighted her natural beauty. No loud jewelry either, just a pair of delicate earrings and a sleek watch. She was so effortlessly beautiful.

The way Shehnaaz sat, calm and composed, with a genuine smile playing on her lips, showed confidence and kindness. Ritika could sense she wasn’t a girl who came from a bar or club trying to impress Sidharth Shukla with charm or fake confidence. No, she was different. She belonged to a different world altogether. Ritika could feel it in her bones.

As Ritika kept glancing at her from the corner of her eyes, Shehnaaz noticed it and gave her a soft, friendly smile in return. That smile, so gentle and real, made Ritika even more curious.

Sidharth, on the other hand, was still angry that someone had interrupted their moment. Unable to hold it in, he snapped, “Are you going to stand there like a ghost or will you give me the file?”

His voice was sharp and cold.

Shehnaaz was shocked. Her eyes widened slightly. She had never seen Sidharth this angry over such a small thing. But she knew… she knew how precious their moments were for him. Whenever someone interrupted them, it irritated him deeply.

She turned to look at him, her eyes silently pleading with him to calm down. There was no need for such harshness.

Sidharth looked at her innocent, pleading eyes. His heart instantly softened. How could he stay angry when she looked at him like that? Without even realizing, he nodded at her, silently agreeing to her unspoken request.

Ritika quickly placed the file on his desk, but in those few seconds, she saw something that left her speechless—a silent exchange between the two. A connection. It wasn’t just a look; it was something deeper. Unspoken understanding. She could feel it.

Who was this girl?

She wasn’t just anyone. Ritika’s mind started running in every direction. Was she a friend? A relative? No… Sidharth sir was not like that. He never entertained girls, never gave them space in his personal life. Then who was she? And how did she manage to calm Sidharth Shukla with just a look?

That thought unsettled Ritika deeply. Her heart suddenly felt heavy, like a weight had settled there. She didn’t understand the discomfort, but it was strong—overwhelming.

She mumbled, “Sorry sir…” and quickly rushed out of the cabin, her feet moving faster than her thoughts. It felt suffocating in there, like she couldn’t breathe anymore.

Back at her desk, Ritika sat down and took deep breaths, trying to control the odd restlessness building inside her.

Maybe she’s just a friend… or someone from his family… she told herself, trying to sound rational. But the more she thought, the worse she felt.

Why did I feel like I came between them? Like I disturbed something special?* She clutched the edge of the desk.

That girl didn’t look like someone who’s behind Sidharth sir for fame or money… She looked simple. Real. And yet… so close to him.

And it hit her again—what if she really is someone close to Sidharth sir? Someone special?

Ritika shook her head to clear her thoughts. No. Even if she is… I have no right to feel like this. Sidharth sir and I—there’s nothing between us. Their worlds were too far apart. She was just an employee. He was… Sidharth Shukla.

But even then, even knowing that truth, why did it hurt so much?

Why do I feel this emptiness?* she thought, tears prickling the corners of her eyes.

She tried to busy herself but it wasn’t working.. why was she thinking so much.. just who is she to think of Sidharth sir or his personal life.. agar Sidharth sir ko pata chala.. toh mujhe office se bahar fek denge.. and she can never forget what he did for her family.. agar Sidharth sir nahi hote to aaj uski family kahan hoti..

Sidharth sir ke ehsano ko me ya papa kabhi nahi chuka sakte, she reminded herself.. akhir mere dil me Sidharth sir ke liye ye ehssas jage hi kyun..? kyu unki achhayi ne mujhe majboor kar diya unse pyar karne ke liye.. jab ke me janti hun ke wo asaman ke sitare hai.. aur me.. mere dust…

Tears rolled down from her eyes furiously but she wiped it instantly..
may be…

Just then, another knock came on the door, snapping her out of her storm of thoughts. She hurriedly wiped her face and composed herself. Aadi walked in, smiling at her.

“Ritika… mujhe wo RM project ki accounts file chahiye thi… kal sir ko us project pe brief dena hai.”

Ritika nodded, her face still dull. She handed him the file silently.

Aadi looked at her carefully. “Kya hua? You look upset.”

Ritika forced a smile and shook her head. “No no… I’m just fine… bas thoda sa headache hai.”

Aadi smiled softly. “Ohh… take care of yourself.”

He was about to leave when Ritika hesitated and then called out, “Uh… Aadi sir…”

He turned, “Haan?”

She gave a small, hesitant smile. “Sir… abhi main Sidharth sir ke cabin gayi thi… wahan par koi ladki baithi thi… I mean… we never see any girl in Sidharth sir’s cabin… it felt a little odd…”

Aadi chuckled lightly, immediately guessing who she was referring to. “Yaah… I also met that girl sometime back. She was bringing coffee for Sidharth sir. And the most surprising part—she called him by his name.”

“Whattt…” Ritika gasped, stunned.

No one—absolutely no one—calls Sidharth sir by his name in this office. Only his mother does. And he absolutely hates it when anyone else does. Then who is this girl? How could she?

Aadi smiled knowingly at her shocked expression. “I was surprised too. But she seemed really sweet… and definitely someone close to Sidharth sir. Like family.”

Ritika’s smile faded slowly as Aadi left. She quietly picked up a pen and flung it away, her heart aching.

Someone close? Someone special?

those words echoed in her head like a sharp blade cutting through her thoughts.

Back in the cabin, the moment Ritika left, Shehnaaz stormed toward Sidharth. She placed her hands on her waist and glared at him for shouting like that.

Sidharth stared at her cute, fake angry expression and the way she had placed her hands on her hips. Trying to act tough, but looking incredibly adorable doing it.

He couldn’t resist. He pulled her roughly into his arms, catching her by surprise.

“Aah!” Shehnaaz let out a little squeal as she fell back into his lap. She hit his chest lightly in mock anger, but laughed at the same time.

Sidharth stood up with her still in his arms and walked to the other side of the cabin. He sat down heavily on the couch, keeping her cocooned in his embrace.

Shehnaaz planted a soft, loving kiss on his forehead. Sidharth, still holding her close, wrapped his arms around her.

She spoke softly, “Aap ko aise gussa nahi karna chahiye tha…”

Sidharth nodded, making a baby face, “Sorry…”

Shehnaaz smiled and gently cupped his face, making him look at her. “Mujhe sorry kyu keh rahe hai aap?” Her fingers lovingly slid into his hair as she brushed them back.

“Gussa karna achha nahi hota… Mumma kehti hain jo jyada gussa karta hai, uske hair bahot jaldi white ho jaate hai…”

Sidharth stared at her serious face, then suddenly burst into a small chuckle. He shook his head, a smile creeping onto his lips. This girl… she had the magic to melt his anger in seconds.

Shehnaaz pouted at him, “Arre sachhi… aap hasiye mat… sachhi mein white ho jaate hai…”

“Achha…” Sidharth mumbled with a cute expression, rubbing his nose against her cheek. “Toh tumhe black hair chahiye… aur agar mere hair jaldi white ho gaye toh tum kya karogi?”

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened as she started thinking seriously. Oh god, how could someone be this cute? He wanted to just gobble her up right then.

Then her eyes lit up. “Aap jab bhi gussa karenge… toh main aapke hair mein oil laga dungi… fir hair white nahi honge…”

Sidharth grinned and kissed her nose, “Hmm nice idea… but that oil will be all stuck into your neck when I will hide my face there…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes turned gol-gappa round as she dug her face into his chest, blushing furiously. “Aap na ekdum besharam ho gaye ho… pata hai aapko…”

“Pata hai…” Sidharth whispered cheekily and pulled her even closer, his hand clenching the fabric of her kurti near his chest, refusing to let her go.

Shehnaaz giggled sweetly, nestled in Sidharth’s lap as he nuzzled his nose gently against her earlobe, holding her tightly against his chest.

“Mujhe bhook lagi hai…” she whispered softly, her fingers curling slightly on his shirt.

Shehnaaz instantly turned her face to meet his eyes, her smile fading. Her brows furrowed in concern.

“Aapne abhi tak lunch kyu nahi kiya…?” she asked, a hint of panic lacing her voice. The disappointment in her eyes was unmistakable — angry, even. Angry at herself.

Sidharth gave her a soft smile, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I was waiting for you, baby…” he murmured.

As soon as those words left his lips, realization hit Shehnaaz like a crashing wave. Her chest tightened, her breath caught. He had skipped lunch… because of her. Because she had kept him waiting with her drama, her sulking. Guilt clenched her heart.

“Hayy rabba… sachhii…?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Tears quickly welled up in her eyes and before she knew it, they began to spill. She sniffled, trying to blink them away.

Sidharth’s expression shifted instantly. Alarmed, his hands moved to her cheeks, gently wiping away the tears with his thumbs.

“heyyy… stop that,” he said with soft urgency. “Isme rone ki kya baat hai, mera bachha? Stop crying, baby…”

Shehnaaz nodded like an obedient child, biting her lip as she leaned into his touch.

“Meri vajah se aapko bhookha rehna pada…” she mumbled guiltily, eyes lowered.

Sidharth chuckled softly and kissed her red-tinted nose. God, she looked so adorably innocent, it tugged at his heart.

He leaned in again and placed a playful kiss on her cupid’s bow. “Toh kya hua…? Iska badla bhi toh main lunga na,” he teased with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Her eyes widened, confused and startled. “Badla…? Aap mujhse badla loge…? Nahi sachi…? Khao kasam…!”

Her tear-streaked, flushed face was too beautiful to look away from. It made Sidharth feel things he wasn’t ready to name just yet.

“Bilkul,” he said with a smirk. “Tum mere liye Karwa Chauth rakhogi na? Toh ho gaya na mera badla poora…”

Shehnaaz’s lips parted into a smile, a soft laugh escaping her. She gently hit his chest with her hand, pretending to pout.

“Woh toh hai… pata hai, Mumma ne bhi vrat rakha hai. Mujhe bhi rakhna tha, but Mumma ne bola shaadi ke baad rakhna hai,” she said, her voice full of innocent excitement as she continued to chatter.

But she suddenly paused, realizing that he was grinning at her — almost laughing. She narrowed her eyes and made a baby face.

“Hayy! Aap chhed rahe ho mujhe! Pagal ho aap!” she said, her pout deepening.

Sidharth shook his head and smiled, before placing a kiss on her forehead, pulling her closer into his embrace. His voice dropped to a husky whisper, “Bas… tumhare liye…”

They were walking together through the corridor, still lost in their little world, completely unaware of their surroundings. So lost, they didn’t even notice someone walking towards them from the opposite direction.

Ritika.

She had come with a file that needed Sidharth’s signature — at least that’s what she told herself. But deep down, the real reason was her restlessness. She had seen someone in his cabin — a girl — and the need to know who she was had eaten away at her since then.

She mentally scolded herself. What right do you have to interfere in his personal life? But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t silence the urge to find out the truth.

And just like that, fate brought her face to face with them.

In the blink of an eye, they collided. The files slipped from Ritika’s hands, and she lost her balance, bumping into Shehnaaz.

But before Shehnaaz could fall, Sidharth’s arms instantly caught her, pulling her protectively against him.

Ritika froze. Her heart stopped at the sight before her. Sidharth holding someone else. Worry written all over his face. Not once did he even glance at her.

It was such a simple moment, yet it felt like a hammer to her chest.

Shehnaaz, startled, hugged Sidharth tightly, her arms wrapping around his waist as if seeking comfort. Sidharth instinctively rubbed her back, trying to calm her.

Ritika’s throat dried up. Her chest tightened. A lump rose in her throat and tears blurred her eyes. Something inside her shattered.

She slowly bent down and gathered her fallen files, trying to compose herself. Her hands trembled.

Still cradling Shehnaaz, Sidharth looked down at her face. “Are you alright? Tumhe chot toh nahi lagi?” His voice was filled with concern.

Ritika stood silently nearby. It was only then that she realized — Sidharth hadn’t even noticed her presence properly.

Then came the snap. His voice turned cold, irritated. “Can’t you watch where you walk?”

The harshness of his tone struck her. Ritika flinched. She wasn’t used to this from him. Not when she had thought they shared something… a soft corner, at least.

“Sidharth…” Shehnaaz called his name softly, trying to stop him. She placed her hand on his chest, urging him to calm down. When he looked at her, she shook her head gently in disapproval.

Sidharth took a deep breath and sighed. “Be careful next time,” he told Ritika, barely glancing at her.

Ritika could barely breathe. It felt like someone had punched her in the chest. Still, she forced a weak smile, hiding the pain behind it.

“Yes, sir… I’m sorry, ma’am…” she said, her voice barely audible.

Shehnaaz smiled faintly, a little awkward now. “No… please don’t be. It was my fault too. I hope you’re okay…?”

Ritika gave a small nod, not trusting herself to speak.

“I just needed your signature, sir…” she said, trying to regain her composure.

“I’m heading out now,” Sidharth replied, voice soft but distant. “Give the file to Mathur uncle. He’ll handle it.”

Without another word, he placed his arm around Shehnaaz and walked away.

Ritika stood there, frozen, watching them disappear down the corridor.

By the time Ritika reached home, her heart was heavy with a thousand emotions. The truth had hit her too hard — Sidharth was in love. With Shehnaaz. It was evident in his eyes.

And worse… she had fallen in love with him.

What she had once brushed off as admiration, maybe a crush, was in fact something deeper. Something real. Something raw.

She buried her face in her hands and cried. She remembered following them, trying to understand their connection. She had never seen Shehnaaz at the office before — or at any formal event with Sidharth. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her.

She had watched them from afar.

Shehnaaz dragging Sidharth through a busy street, his face full of reluctant amusement. They had stopped at a golgappa stall.

“Bhaiyya, do golgappa dena!” Shehnaaz chirped.

Sidharth had looked absolutely horrified. “Mera bachha… jaan, main tumhare liye golgappe ka mall banwa dunga… please don’t eat here…”

*Jaan.* That one word had pierced Ritika like a dagger.

She clutched the pillar beside her, feeling like the ground had slipped beneath her feet.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Offoo… ek aur shabd nahi. Chup chap khade rahiye.”

Ritika stared at them in disbelief. Someone was bossing around *Sidharth*. And he… he was letting her.

And then came the golgappa disaster.

Sidharth took one reluctantly, sent a silent prayer, and popped it into his mouth.

His eyes turned red, tears rolling down his cheeks. Ritika had never seen him like that.

Panicked, Shehnaaz cupped his face. “Jaan… kya hua? Itna tikha nahi tha…!”

He barely managed, “Jaa… jaan… bahot… tikha tha…”

Shehnaaz glared at the stall owner, who quickly handed her water. But Sidharth refused to drink it, muttering about hygiene.

And then, she kissed him to ease his burning mouth.

Ritika stepped back in shock, her world crumbling in that single moment.

She couldn’t take it anymore. She turned and ran, her heart in shambles. She cried and cried, unable to stop. Her tears were not just of pain but of helplessness. Of loss.

Because she had fallen in love with someone who could never be hers.

And worse — he had already given his heart to someone else.

Someone he called *jaan*.

Someone who loved him just as madly.

Ritika had lost her love… before she even had the courage to confess it.

Time passed like a gentle breeze, brushing past them softly, but in their little world, nothing really changed. Shehnaaz and her friends were caught up with their important final-year projects, working late into the nights. And Sidharth… he was there—always.

He helped her with everything, from her studies to managing her daily routine. He supported her in every way possible—quietly, patiently, encouraging her to grow, not just as a student, but as a strong, independent woman. And in the middle of it all, Shehnaaz found herself falling even deeper for him. She started taking care of his meals, urging him to rest when he worked too much, fussing over his health. Their love didn’t fade with time—it only grew stronger, like a garden blooming long after the rains had passed.

The monsoon had ended months ago, but their hearts remained drenched in the rain of love.

Sidharth still came to see her every evening. That hadn’t changed. Except on days when work kept him late or took him out of Mumbai. But even then, his presence was constant in her life.

Being Sidharth, no one dared question him. Not that anyone had any complaints. Rajender ji and Jasbeera ji were more than pleased to see a man like Sidharth so madly in love with their daughter. It warmed their hearts.

Even Leher was slowly healing from her own heartbreak, with Baaz standing by her as a caring and understanding husband. The tension that once clouded the relationship between Leher and Shehnaaz had started to dissolve. They were sisters again—not by blood, but in heart.

And then came the anticipation of something special. There was just a week left for—Shehnaaz’s birthday.

Sidharth’s happiness grew with each passing day. He wanted to celebrate this day in the most beautiful way possible. He wanted to make up for all the 21 birthdays he had missed in her life—when he wasn’t around, when he didn’t even know her.

He never imagined that he would ever feel this excited for someone’s birthday. But this wasn’t just anyone. It was Shehnaaz—his Shehnaaz. And her special day made him feel like the happiest man in the universe.

He kept it a secret from her. Shehnaaz, in her usual careless way, hadn’t even remembered her own birthday. And Sidharth made sure her friends didn’t bring it up either. He had planned several things—gifts, surprises, gestures—but his heart still longed to do more, something that truly meant something.

Restless, and unable to settle on the perfect idea, he did what he always did when his heart was full—he went to the one person who always had the answers. His mother.

Rita ji had a knowing smile on her face the moment he walked in. “Sid, seriously, tu chhote se bachhe jaisa lag raha hai. Aise sad sad face kyun banaya hai?”

Sidharth let out a soft sigh and dropped onto the floor, resting his head in her lap. Without even asking, he gently placed her hand over his hair, silently asking for a scalp massage like she used to do when he was younger. “Toh kya karu maa? Kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai. I want to do something special… something different.”

Her fingers moved gently through his hair, calming his nerves. “Beta… jahan pyaar hota hai, wahan har chiz special ho jaati hai apne aap. Aap unhe ek simple rose bhi de denge, toh bhi woh unke liye special ban jaayega. Special ki koi definition nahi hoti, Sid.”

He nodded slowly. “Main samajh raha hoon maa, aap kya keh rahi hain… par mujhe lagta hai mujhe kuch special karna aata hi nahi. I wonder main ye business kaise handle kar leta hoon…”

Rita ji laughed softly. “Kyuki business dimaag se hota hai… aur pyaar dil se. Aur ye jo aapka dil hai na… woh bahut masoom hai.” She placed a kiss on his temple and then playfully slapped the same spot. “Aur bahut shaitaan bhi.”

He made a face. “Shaitaan aur main? Kya kiya maine?”

She gave him an exasperated look. “Kyuki ye aapko hamesha sataata rehta hai. Isliye. Wo sab chhodiye… ye batayiye ki kya kya socha hai humari bahu ke liye?”

He rolled his eyes at her theatrics. “Party to hogi hi… par uske alawa, main Ranbir aur Uttara ke naam pe jo foundation bana raha hoon… uski opening bhi usi din hogi. Shehnaaz ke haathon.”

Her eyes lit up with happiness. “Wah! Ye toh bahut acchi baat hai. Shehnaaz kitni khush ho jaayegi.”

Sidharth smiled but there was still a flicker of something missing. “Haan maa… lekin… fir bhi kuch missing sa lag raha hai.”

Rita ji gently held his hands to get his attention. “Toh uske birthday ke din usse apna naam kyun nahi de dete?”

He blinked at her in confusion. “Kya matlab?”

She chuckled, ruffling his hair again like she used to when he was a child. He pouted at the sudden affection, but before he could say anything, she walked to the cupboard, unlocked a drawer, and returned with a small box.

She handed it to him silently.

He stood up, curiosity building in his eyes, and opened the box slowly.

His breath caught the moment he saw it. The family ring.

“Maa… ye…” his words trailed off as he stared at the beautiful ring, realization dawning on him.

She chuckled at his fumble. “Yes, I mean… engagement ke liye. Isse accha din ho hi nahi sakta.”

“Oh my God…” he gasped, running a hand through his hair, almost like he’d been hit by a jolt of lightning. He couldn’t believe what she was suggesting.

She giggled at his stunned expression and cupped his face lovingly. To the world, he might be Sidharth —the sharp, successful businessman. But to her, he was still her soft-hearted son, who had sacrificed his youth to support her. The same boy his late father had seen countless dreams for.

“We’ve already spoken to Rajender and Jasbeera ji. They’re more than happy,” she added with a knowing smile.

That stunned him even more. Overwhelmed, he hugged her tight. “You are the best maa. I love you so much. Oh my God… I’m so happy. This is the perfect gift.”

She patted his back tenderly. “Love you too, son. Now go and plan everything the way you want.”

With a wide, glowing smile, Sidharth rushed out of the room, the ring box clutched tightly in his hand, whispering a good night as he left.

Rita ji watched her son with pride and affection. She still couldn’t believe this was the same Sidharth people once called heartless. But Shehnaaz had touched the part of him that no one else ever could. She had found the version of Sidharth only his family had known.

Even if he wasn’t expressive with the world, Shehnaaz had seen the real man behind the mask. The gentle soul, the warm heart, the emotional boy hidden within.

Wiping away the tears of joy that spilled from her eyes, Rita ji looked toward the heavens and whispered a prayer, “Mata rani… in dono ko kabhi kisi ki nazar na lage…”

Author’s Note