Chapter 8

Shehnaaz snapped out of her thoughts and asked, “Nishu… Uncle aunty me se koi heart patient to nahi hai na?”

Her question caught everyone’s attention, leaving them confused.

Nisha, worried, replied, “What…? I mean… no… why are you asking?”

Shehnaaz smirked while Anu rolled her eyes. “Jarur iski dimag me kuchh fishy chal raha hai.”

Ranbir gaped at her. “No way… Shehnaaz, tu karne kya wali hai?”

Shehnaaz started smiling like she had an evil plan, making it clear that something was definitely cooking in her mind. “Get ready for tomorrow.”

Nisha sighed, “What am I supposed to do?”

Shehnaaz looked at her intently. “Check out all information about them. I mean… when will they come, how they will come… every small detail. I want details.”

Mayank, not trusting her at all, said, “Shehnaaz, mujhe tujhpe bilkul bharosa nahi hai.”

Shehnaaz chuckled. “Mayank and Ranbir, you both are in. You are the main leads of the plan.”

Ankita got excited. “Mera role kya hai… hayyyee… mujhe na natak karne me bada maza aata hai.”

Shehnaaz giggled. “Tu audience hai baby… ab chup beth.”

Ankita made a grumpy face and followed Shehnaaz along with everyone, while Nisha stood there with a worried expression. She felt like something dangerous was going to happen tomorrow. “Ohh Goddddd… how can she say yes to Shehnaaz’s plan… wait… when did she say yes… ohh Godd… this is for her… at least she should know what is happening… Sanaaaaaaaaaa…”

________________

By the time Sidharth woke up, it was afternoon. He didn’t realize the time and rolled on the bed, feeling a headache. Rita ji came in with black coffee and sat beside him. Sidharth placed his head on Rita ji’s lap with a sleepy smile. Rita ji was delighted to see a smile on his face.

Sidharth closed his eyes. “Good morning, maa.”

Rita ji chuckled. “Morning…? Do you really think it’s morning?”

Sidharth looked at her curiously and then jumped to a sitting position as he checked the time. “Main itni der tak kaise so raha tha?”

Rita ji shook her head. “Koi baat nahi beta… kitne odd time pe aaya tu… you needed rest.”

Sidharth sighed. “Par maa… I had an important meeting today… ohh no…”

Rita ji brushed his hair. “Humne meeting postpone kar di subah me.”

Sidharth made a face at his mother. “Par maa, aap mujhe utha bhi sakti thi ek baar.”

Rita ji smiled. “Beta, tum so rahe the… dekh abhi bhi tired lag rahe ho.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes and lay down on Rita ji’s lap again. “I am feeling a headache, maa.”

Rita ji pressed his head softly. “Galat time par sone aur uthne ki wajah se ye ho raha hai… you will be fine in some time.”

Sidharth felt better with the way she pressed his head. “Anu aur Vicky aa gaye?”

Rita ji shook her head. “Vicky jab aaya hai tumse pehle ghar… aur Anu… jab se uski woh nayi dost bani hai na… Shehnaaz… tab se usi ke sath rehti hai… ussi ki baatein karti rehti hai…”

Sidharth chuckled, realizing his sister was also mesmerized by his girl.

He asked further, “Meeting kab hai?” to which Rita ji replied, “Sunday ko.”

Sidharth again jerked up to a sitting position on the bed, confusing Rita ji. “Ab kya hua?”

Sidharth came out of bed, calling Adi instantly.

“Adi?” he said.

“Yes, sir?” Adi replied.

“Sunday ki meeting prepond karke Saturday ko kar do,” Sidharth instructed.

Adi was confused. “But sir… kal apki already meeting hai… woh zameen ke silsile me…”

Sidharth cut him off. “Do as told, Adi… adjust both meetings for tomorrow.”

“Right, sir,” Adi responded.

Sidharth disconnected the call immediately and looked at his mother, who was watching him curiously. “Beta, Sunday ko waise bhi jyada kaam nahi hota… that’s why I suggested.”

Sidharth sat beside his mother. “I know, maa, but not this Sunday… mujhe shop…” He paused, realizing what he was blabbering.

Rita ji looked at him suspiciously. “Shop…?”

“Nahi, kuchh nahi…” Sidharth took the coffee cup from Rita ji and headed outside. Curious, Rita ji kept staring at him. She knew he was hiding something, but since when? The thought shook her head. Her son had somehow started acting like a typical boy these days.

____________

It was 4 in the evening when the entire gang was on a conference call.

Anu chuckled. “Hum log kar kya rahe hai?”

Ankita grinned. “Mujhe toh aisa lag raha hai ke main detective ban gayi hoon.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Ankita, Anu… shut up.”

Nisha sighed. “Ok… uncle, aunty aur unka beta Nikhil aa rahe hai. They will be coming at approximately 6:30… by xyz road.”

Shehnaaz nodded. “Ok… Mayank, Ranbir… be ready there at 6.”

Mayank and Ranbir rolled their eyes. “Yess boss.”

Shehnaaz chuckled. “Ankita, tujhe role chahiye tha… I have a great role for you.”

Ankita got excited. “Wowwww… kya role hai?”

Shehnaaz smirked. “Pata chal jayega… main aur Anu 5 baje tere ghar aa rahi hain.”

…………….

Ankita looked at herself in the mirror and screamed. “Noooooo…”

Anu and Shehnaaz burst into laughter.

Ankita groaned. “I hate you.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Tune bola tujhe role chahiye… ab chid mat.”

Ankita made a face. “Mujhe nahi ye bakwas role karna… ye kaise stupid phate kapde pehna diye… aur muh pe kaala… ewww…”

Shehnaaz brought Ankita forcefully to the respective road while she held on to everything she found on the way to stop herself from getting dragged.

Shehnaaz got hyped seeing the car. “Ankita, bhag jaldi.”

Ankita rolled her eyes and ran in front of the car, wearing some weird clothes.

The car came to an abrupt halt as she stepped in front of it.

The driver said, “Sir… someone stupid is blocking the road… hey, what do you want?”

Ankita wanted to punch him hard. “Sahab… kuchh khane ko dedo sahab… kal se kuchh nahi khaya… kuchh bhi chalega… burger bhi…”

Ankita bit her lip, blabbering. What rubbish… I’m asking for a burger.

The driver got annoyed. “Move… we are getting late.”

Ankita angrily murmured to herself, “Iski toh main… ye Shehnaaz ko main chhodungi nahi…”

Ankita kept irritating them. By the time Anu and Shehnaaz took out the air from both back tires and gave thumbs up to Ankita, signaling her to leave.

The driver threatened, “Do you want us to call the police… leave now…”

Ankita retorted, “Oye hello… who wants your stupid food… give me a break.” Saying so, she walked off, leaving the driver in shock. Did that weird girl just speak in English to me? Ohh how stupid I am… she was also understanding all English words I spoke to her… ghor kaliyug hai…

As the driver started the car, he realized the tires were flat.

The driver reported, “Sir… dono tires ki hawa chali gayi.”

Nikhil, already annoyed, responded, “Rubbish… I want to meet Nisha, dad.”

The driver explained, “Sir… gadi me ek hi extra tire hai… we have no choice.”

Suddenly, they saw a car stop beside them.

Mayank offered, “Do you need any help, uncle?”

Uncle, aunty, and Nikhil accepted the lift and expressed their gratitude.

Ranbir faked an extra smile. “It’s our pleasure, sir… madat karna to humare khoon me hai.”

Mayank poked Ranbir’s elbow, signaling him to stop overacting.

Nikhil said, “Thank you so much… actually, we are going to meet a girl… that’s why…” He blushed like an idiot.

Mayank’s cell rang, and he smirked. “Hi, Nishu…”

Nikhil coughed at the sudden mention of Nisha’s name, while Ranbir tried to hide his laughter.

Mayank faked anger. “What… tumhe koi dekhne aa raha hai?”

Nikhil and his family looked at each other and then at Mayank. Nikhil wanted to ask who this Nisha they were talking about was.

Mayank continued, “Ohh jaan… ye kya stupidity hai…”

Nisha rolled her eyes. “Acting kam kar kamine…”

Mayank chuckled.

“Kya naam bataya… koi Nikhil karke hai kya?”

Mayank to Ranbir: “Koi Nikhil Kajriwal naam ka ladka hai… Raghu bhai ko phone kar… ke koi Nikhil naam ka ladka humari Nishu ko dekhne aa raha hai… aaj sham 6:30 ko… sale ki haddi pasli ek karke rakh denge.”

Nikhil was in shock, and so was his family.

Ranbir took out his phone. “Abhi Raghu bhai ko phone karta hun.”

Nikhil stopped him immediately. “Woh hume vapas jana hoga isi waqt… woh achanak yaad aa gaya ke ek jaruri kaam baki reh gaya hai.”

Mayank replied, “Par aap log to kisi ladki ko…”

Nikhil interrupted, “Nahi… hum usko dekhne nahi ja rahe the… woh to meri behen jaisi hai… hum log to aise hi casual meeting ke liye…”

Ranbir smiled. “Humne kahan na… madat to humare khoon me hai…”

Mrs. Kejriwal said, “Haan beta… aap ko jitni madat ki… uske liye bahot jyada shukriya… par ab hume yahi drop kardo… hume bahot jaruri kaam hai…”

As the car stopped, they got out immediately.

Ranbir added, “Aur ha… agar koi rishta pakka ho… to hume phone jarur kijiye… aap ka number dijiye.”

Nikhil declined, “Nahi… humne kahan na… hum bas aise hi ja rahe the…”

Mayank and Ranbir nodded and left from there.

………..

Nisha responded, “Ji, dad.”

Her father said, “Beta… woh log nahi aa rahe hai… you can carry on with your work.”

Nisha grinned inwardly. “Par achanak…?”

Her father explained, “Pata nahi… woh log keh rahe the… ke unka beta love marriage karna chahta hai… shayad koi ladki ho.”

Nisha nodded her head and left, fighting hard to control her laughter.

……….

On the other hand, Sidharth’s day went like hell after he made his way to the office. Meetings, discussions with clients, their segments, and overall discussions finally led to a decision.

He was hell tired and somewhere uninterested too. Sidharth Shukla getting bored of meetings? That was something unbelievable. He thought and chuckled.

Plus, time without Shehnaaz was killing him. The thought of calling her drove him crazy, but he knew if he called her, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going to meet her, and he had meetings. He didn’t want to completely change her life. He loved her little cute antics with her friends.

He wondered if she was missing him or not. “Main hi hu jo usse miss kar raha hu… aur ek wo hai… pure din me mujhe ek baar bhi yaad nahi kiya hoga… apni koi nayi badmashi me lagi hogi… aur agar nahi toh… to uska most special mouth hai na… jo nonstop baat karne me koi bhi record tod sakta hai…”

He chuckled at his childish thoughts. “What’s wrong with me… iss ladki ne mujhe bhi bakwas karna sikha diya…”

When Sidharth returned in the evening, he noticed Anu chatting with his mother and Vicky, killing herself laughing.

Tired, he was about to move to his room but stopped as he heard the word “Shehnaaz” from Anu’s mouth. Curious, he stood in place and checked his mobile while his ears were completely tuned in to what Anu was saying.

_____

As Anu finished speaking, Sidharth sat there with his mouth wide open. Surprise, shock, and a deep chuckle swept through his mind. He wanted to smile, perhaps even laugh, but then he thought of his family, who rarely saw him in such a state. He was struck by the extent of her naughtiness—had he fallen for an ordinary girl or a bundle of cuteness?

All day he had been busy with meetings and thoughts of his beloved. He amused himself imagining how life would unfold with her.

In that moment, all he wanted was to pull her into a tight embrace, kiss her, and playfully tease her until she squirmed in his arms. He wanted to cradle her like a soft pillow, marveling at how quickly her moods shifted—from sadness to joy, from anger to love, from expression to denial. One moment, she was a whirlwind of a girl, and the next, she melted in his arms like his mom ki gudiya.

His reverie was interrupted by his mother’s voice…

Rita ji smiled and shook her head, “Humey toh Shehnaaz se ek baar jarur milna hai.”

Anu grinned, “absolutely maa, bahut jyada pyari hai woh.”

Vicky added with a smile, “and also very beautiful mom…”

Sidharth shot Vicky a disapproving look at his choice of words.

Rita ji chuckled, “Hmm, jis tufaan se bhi pyaar karega, usse…”

Anu interrupted excitedly, “Maa, uski toh vaat hi lag jayegi…”

Sidharth was amused by her words. What was this ‘vaat lag jayegi’ Anu was talking about? And what about him—was he the one whose world was about to be turned upside down? He chuckled to himself at the irony of it all.

Absorbed in his thoughts, Sidharth returned to reality when his mother inquired, “Sid, wahan kyun khade ho? Dinner kar liya?”

Sidharth approached his mother and embraced her warmly. “Haan maa, clients ke saath hi khaya.”

Riya ji nodded, “Aur wo zameen ka kya hua?”

Sidharth sighed, “Maa, woh owner thodi problems create kar raha hai… mujhe lagta hai mujhe hi site par jaana hoga.”

Anu made a face, “Can’t you both stop talking about work?”

Sidharth rolled his eyes, “Why are you so happy? Is college that great?” He intentionally asked, eager to hear more about Shehnaaz’s mischief.

Anu grinned, “Bro, I love it. Aur mere friends… woh sab toh ekdum zakkas hai.”

Sidharth stared at her, “Zakkas?”

Anu blushed, embarrassed by her own words, and dashed away, followed by Vicky.

Sidharth smiled as he watched them leave.

Rita ji observed, “Sid, you’re changing.”

Sidharth hugged his mother and sat on the floor, resting his head in her lap.

Rita ji gently stroked his hair, kissing his forehead. She sensed something was different about him—perhaps something wonderfully right.

Sidharth smiled, “Maa, aap toh jaanti ho na ki main kisi ke samne khudko express nahi kar pata… sirf aapke samne.”

Rita ji nodded knowingly, “Janti hun Sid, mujhse behtar tujhe kaun jaan sakta hai?”

Rita ji smiled softly, lost in her thoughts.Sidharth glanced at her and asked, “Why are you smiling?” Kuchh soch rahe the?”

Rita ji’s smile widened, “Sid, main toh bas chahti hun tujhe hamesha khush dekhna, beta. Chahti hun ki tere har sapne poore ho.”

Sidharth kissed his mother’s wrinkled hands and gently helped her lie down. “Mujhe neend nahi aa rahi, maa. Main thodi der bahar jaake thandi hawa lene ja raha hu.”

With those words, Sidharth left his mansion and made his way to where his heart longed to be.

Sidharth felt foolish sneaking in to see her like this, but he couldn’t wait to make her his officially.

It was dark when Sidharth reached her balcony. Only a few spotlights illuminated the area. He walked over to the bed and found his baby fast asleep, wrapped in her duvet.

Sitting beside her, he watched her and realized how much he had missed her all day.

It wasn’t the first time he had watched her like this, but every time he did, a soothing calm washed over him. He felt at peace.

He felt like he owned the world. His lips curled into a smile, his eyes sparkled, and his hands yearned to hold her close.

Why did he lose himself in thoughts and sensations whenever he was near her?

As he sat beside her and leaned in closer, she instinctively turned towards him, wrapping her delicate arm around his torso, holding him close. Her duvet was tangled, and a strap of her nightgown slipped from her shoulder.

Bending down, he kissed her hair and gently adjusted the strap back into place. She held onto him tighter. Unable to resist, he lay down beside her, extending his arm so she could snuggle into his embrace, resting her head on his bicep. Her face nestled against his chest, finding comfort in his warmth. He wanted this—her love, her time, her warmth. He wanted her in his arms for the rest of his life. But then he hesitated. Was he rushing things? Was he stealing her youth? She was only 22, and he would be 32 soon soon. The age gap always gnawed at him.

His fingers stroked her curly hair, gently tucking a strand behind her ear. She smiled in her sleep, as if she recognized every touch of his, as if they were so deeply connected that they didn’t need words or eyes to understand each other.

Sidharth chuckled softly, noticing the satin green color of her nightgown today. She looked like a fresh orchid, breathtakingly beautiful and innocently alluring.

He couldn’t resist admiring her beauty. Who would believe that behind those innocent eyes lay a mischievous girl? He smiled at the thought.

She stirred in her sleep, rubbing her nose against his chest. Her little nose always seemed to flare up with anger. He had seen it in the mirror. When she got angry, it turned red on its own. He chuckled softly, careful not to wake her.

Instinctively, he drew her closer in his embrace, her lips brushing against the hollow of his neck. He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms securely around her waist and back. He remembered their kiss and nearly groaned with the desire to experience it again. Her taste lingered on his lips like honey. He felt like a thirsty man, and only her lips could quench his thirst.

He felt possessive of her, as if only he had the right to see her, to love her.

“I want to spoil you, love…” he whispered softly, ensuring that she couldn’t hear him.

Feeling her warmth in his embrace, he felt the stress of the day melt away—the exhaustion, the headache—all vanished into thin air. All that remained was her scent, enveloping him like a warm blanket.

“Jana…” he heard a soft murmur and looked down at her, worried, only to find that she was murmuring in her sleep.

He felt a surge of joy realizing that even in her dreams, she called out his name. Perhaps she was dreaming of him, of them together.

Unable to resist, his fingers snaked around the satin fabric of her nightgown, covering her back completely with his broad palm. She was warm and captivating, and he found himself lost in a trance.

Her gentle breaths tickled his neck, soothing his heart, until sleep overtook him in the embrace of his beloved.

___________

When he woke up, it was still dark. He realized he had fallen asleep with her in his arms and quietly slipped away after kissing her forehead.

In the morning, Shehnaaz woke up, feeling the absence of warmth around her. With sleepy eyes, she searched for him, like a child searching for its mother, and her eyes filled with tears when she didn’t find him. He hadn’t come to see her last night. Perhaps she had dreamed it all.

Sighing, she rolled over and noticed a paper fluttering softly, tucked under the lamp.

Confused, she immediately picked it up and read, “my sleep is incomplete without you, Naaz…”

Shehnaaz blushed, realizing he had come to see her after all. She hadn’t noticed in her deep sleep and lightly smacked her head. Why did she have to sleep like Kumbhakarna? He had come and gone, and she hadn’t even known. She wanted to see him, to hug him. What should she do now? Should she just die?

Groaning, she buried her face in the duvet and tried to go back to sleep.

_____________

It was a typical Sunday morning, and Shehnaaz frowned when she noticed there were no parathas on the breakfast table.

Jasbeera ji shook her head, “Beta, sham ko Leher aur unki family aa rahi hai, yaad hai na? Plz ghar pe rehna.”

Mahi and Shehnaaz nodded obediently, like well-behaved kids. Baaz chimed in, “Mumma, main shaam tak zaroor vapas aa jaunga… mujhe Mr. Shukla ke saath ek sight dekhne jaana hai.”

Jasbeera ji sighed, “Beta, postpone kar le na.”

Rajender ji interjected, “Bilkul nahi, badi mushkil se mila hai unhe waqt.”

Mahi and Shehnaaz seemed least interested. Shehnaaz hadn’t even heard the name properly and had forgotten about the shopping as well…

Oooooops…

__________

After breakfast, Sidharth made his way directly to the site, but not before informing his mother about Dr. Malhotra’s upcoming visit for her check-up.

Rita ji’s reaction was instant; she banged her head lightly in her palm, while Anu and Vicky exchanged amused glances.

Dr. Malhotra arrived at the Shukla mansion to find Rita ji, Anu, and Vicky in the living room, enjoying a casual moment over coffee. “Bachhee kahan hai?” he inquired, looking around.

Vicky rolled his eyes, “Uncle, aap Maa ke check-up ke liye aaye hain, yaad hai na.”

Dr. Malhotra smiled warmly, “Of course.”

Rita ji gestured graciously, “Aayiye Malhotra ji, kya lenge aap, chai ya coffee?”

Dr. Malhotra declined politely, “I am fine.aur.. aap ke pati kaise hai?”

Anu was taken aback while Rita ji was used to it by now, “aap fir bhul gaye..unhe guzare huye 12 saal ho gaye”

The situation was.. Dr. Malhotra was one of the closest friend of Sidharth’s father. After his death… Dr. Malhotra and his wife stood by the Shukla family in their bad times..

Dr sighed, “ohh i see.. sorry to hear that.. toh batayiye… hmm.. beti tumhara check up karna hai.. kitni baar kaha hai.. ice-cream jyada nahi khate…”

Vicky burst into laughter along with Rita ji while Anu wanted to hit her head somewhere,”uncle, mera nahi… Maa ka check-up karna hai..”

Vicky, a touch exasperated, intervened, “Uncle, Maa ka check-up jaldi kijiyena, aapke aur patients bhi honge.”

Dr. Malhotra, slightly flustered, corrected himself, “Sahi kaha Ajay… Par aap logon ka aaj mere ghar pe kaise aana huva?”

Anu couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, while Rita ji gently intervened, “Dr. Malhotra, yeh hamara ghar hai aur aap yahan hamare check-up ke liye aaye hain.”

Dr. Malhotra chuckled at his oversight, “Oh, I am sorry… Avinash ka phone aaya tha subah me…”

Vicky quickly redirected the conversation before they plan to kill the doctor today, “Uncle, chaliye kamre me chaliye.”

They swiftly ushered Dr. Malhotra into the room for the check-up.

Later, after the examination, Vicky nervously inquired, “Uncle, kuch tension wali baat toh nahi hai na?”

Dr. Malhotra sighed, “Bilkul hai Rajesh… Sangeeta ke daant kharab ho gaye hain…”

Anu scratched her head in confusion, “Sangeeta kaun?”

Dr. Malhotra corrected himself, “Tum Yogita… Aaj se chocolate band.”

Vicky, attempting to keep calm, grabbed his hair in frustration, “Uncle, abhi apne Maa ka BP check kiya… Uske baare me bataiye. Yogita ke daant hum thik karva denge.”

Anu playfully slapped his arm.

Dr. Malhotra, realizing his mistake, nodded, “Oh haan… Uska BP normal hai, par she needs to be more health-conscious… Unka sugar level bahut jaldi gir jata hai. I need to talk to Sagar…”

Rita ji intervened, “Malhotra ji, main theek hoon. Sidharth se kehenge toh woh pareshan ho jayega.”

Dr. Malhotra nodded understandingly, “Thik hai, lekin you kids have to be more careful about her teeth.”

Anu and Vicky exchanged amused glances at being referred to as ‘kids.’

After seeing Dr. Malhotra off, Vicky hurriedly called Sidharth, who was eager to know the details, “Vicky, Dr. Uncle ne kya kaha?”

Vicky chuckled, “Uncle ne kaha ke Yogita ke daant jaldi thik ho jayenge.”

Sidharth, bemused, replied, “What…? Vicky…?”

Vicky groaned, “Aap unhe change kyu nahi kar dete bro… 150000 naam rakh liye mere… Maa se kehte hai ke muh kholo… Aur Anu se keh rahe the ke ice-cream khana band karo… Daant kharab ho gaye hain.”

Sidharth laughed, “You know the reason, Vicky.”

Vicky rolled his eyes, “Ya, I know… Unhone kaha ke Maa ka BP to normal hai, par sugar level change hoti rehti hai… We need to be more careful.”

Sidharth grimaced, “Okay, I will talk to him personally. You take care. I’ll see you at dinner.”

…

At 3:30 PM, Sidharth silently slipped into Shehnaaz’s room through the window, a routine now familiar to the security guards.

He found Shehnaaz peacefully sleeping on her stomach, her hair tousled and covering her face. Sidharth checked to ensure the door was locked before approaching her.

He sat beside her, gazing at her serene face with a soft smile. “Bachha…” he whispered tenderly.

Shehnaaz giggled in her sleep, turning slightly.

Chuckling softly, Sidharth leaned closer and kissed her cheek, calling out again, “Jaan…”

In her sleep, Shehnaaz murmured, “Sone do na…”

Sidharth gently brushed her hair away from her face, “Utho na, jaan. Please…”

Shehnaaz made a cute pout in her sleep, “Sone do na, Mumma…”

Sidharth shook his head affectionately, enveloping his bundle of joy in a warm embrace. He didn’t have the heart to disturb her sleep, so he rested beside her for a while, showering her with gentle kisses before reluctantly slipping away.

…

When Shehnaaz woke up, she stretched lazily, yawning as she found a note clutched in her hand. Curiously, she read it with a smile spreading across her face, “Jaan (Shehnaaz smiled)… So finally uth gayi… Tumhare sone ka aur mere aane ka timing hamesha same kyu hota hai (Shehnaaz made a baby face)… Aur aap ko uthana bhi to aasan nahi (Shehnaaz made a playful face)… Achha gussa mat karo… Main 6:30 tak tumhare ghar ke paas aa jaunga… Be ready (Shehnaaz questioned)… What..??… Shopping… Remember (Shehnaaz jumped on the bed)… Itna hype mat ho… Abhi time hai 6:30 ke liye… Be ready… Ok… Tumhara sadu Jana…”

Shehnaaz lightly tapped her head against the bed frame, “Oh shttt… Main kaise bhul gayi…? Oh goddd… Oh no… Ghar pe dinner hai toh Mumma mujhe shopping ke liye allow nahi karengi… What do I do now?”

Her mind raced with options—dinner or shopping? She knew her mother wouldn’t let her skip dinner, and missing the shopping was out of the question.

Suddenly, an idea struck her mischievous mind.

She immediately dialed Nisha’s number, “Nishu sun na… Teri help chahiye…”

Nisha was puzzled, “Kya hua, Sana?”

Shehnaaz grinned mischievously, “Jaisa bolti tu waisa karna, okay…”

Nisha rolled her eyes, “One more plan… Have you decided to break all records of being mischievous?”

Shehnaaz chuckled, “Abhi 15 minutes baad tu mujhe phone karegi…”

Nisha sighed, “Okay meri maa… Agar kuch gadbad hua, remember I don’t know you.”

Shehnaaz teased, “Kamini…”