Chapter 10

Sidharth’s heart was heavy with a blend of emotions as Simran walked in. He forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. Simran’s hug was warm and full of affection, yet he felt a strange discomfort creeping up his spine. He returned the hug, albeit awkwardly, his arms not quite matching her enthusiasm.

It wasn’t that he didn’t miss her—he did. But her sudden appearance caught him off guard. Had he received any calls from her in the past month? His mind raced. No, he hadn’t. How could she have informed him of her visit then?

Simran felt the unease in his embrace and pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face for answers. Sidharth’s smile lingered, but it was hollow, not reaching his eyes.

Unable to hold back her curiosity, Simran asked, “Are you not happy?”

Sidharth, confused and struggling to find the right words, replied, “No, baby… of course I am happy. That was a surprise…”

Simran’s smile wavered, “Kind of… you weren’t receiving my calls, so I had to come.”

Sidharth let out a deep sigh, trying to explain, “Umm yeah… you know how busy I get. I’ve joined the office, so many files needed to be checked, introductions with clients, and blah blah. The whole month went like hell, yeah…”

Simran nodded, attempting to understand his situation, “I can understand. How are you?”

Sidharth gestured for her to sit on the chair opposite him and took his seat. “I’m okay. How about you? When did you plan to come?”

Simran watched his behavior closely, sensing something was off. “Just last week… finished my work there and came at your service, boss…”

Sidharth managed a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. The room felt heavy with unspoken words.

Simran continued, “Are you only going to smile, or will you take me home? I want to meet Dadi maa and Shehnaaz. Did you manage to convince her?”

At the mention of Shehnaaz, Sidharth’s smile faded. His heart ached, and he felt a pang of guilt and sorrow. Simran noticed the change in his demeanor.

“She’s still not talking to you?” Simran concluded, her voice softening with concern.

Sidharth sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions. “Let’s go home. Dadi maa will be happy to meet you…”

Simran could tell he was hiding something, but she chose not to press further. Instead, she placed a comforting hand on his arm, offering silent support. They both left for home, the air between them thick with unsaid words and unresolved emotions.

As they walked out, Sidharth’s mind drifted to Shehnaaz. Memories of their time together flooded his thoughts. He missed her terribly. The thought of her anger and silence pierced his heart. He longed to make things right, but the path ahead seemed unclear.

Simran, sensing his internal struggle, squeezed his hand gently. “We’ll figure it out,” she whispered, trying to reassure him.

Sidharth nodded, grateful for her presence but still feeling the weight of the unresolved tension with Shehnaaz. The journey home felt long, each step heavy with the burden of unspoken emotions and the longing for resolution.

#Coninuation of Flashback from last chapter

Shehnaaz somehow reached the airport, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread. The bustling environment around her faded into a blur as she scanned the crowd anxiously. Her eyes finally settled on a familiar figure, and in that instant, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

Dadi Maa was walking out alone.

Shehnaaz felt her legs give way, and she collapsed onto her knees, the weight of her sorrow pressing her down. Dadi Maa, catching sight of Shehnaaz in such a state, rushed towards her, her own heart heavy with worry and concern.

“Shehnaaz!” Dadi Maa called out, her voice trembling with both relief and fear.

She knelt beside her, gathering Shehnaaz into her arms as if trying to shield her from the pain.

Shehnaaz clung to her, sobbing uncontrollably. The anguish she felt was like sharp needles piercing her heart, each sob a reminder of the unbearable loss. “Dadi Maa… Sidharth… mujhe chhodkar…?” She choked on her words, barely able to breathe through the tears.

Dadi Maa’s eyes filled with tears as well. “Shehnaaz beta… aap…” But before she could finish, Shehnaaz pulled away from the embrace, her body shaking with grief.

“Sana beta… aao mere paas… main hoon na tumhare paas…” Dadi Maa pleaded, her voice cracking with fear and sorrow.

Shehnaaz backed away, her eyes unfocused, mumbling to herself, “Sidharth… mujhse bina mile… mujhe chhodkar… mujhe… mujhe chhodkar…”

Her voice broke, and she turned and ran, unable to face the reality any longer.

#Back to the Present

The door knocked, pulling Shehnaaz back to the present moment. She straightened herself, gripping a paperweight tightly to steady her shaking fingers.

“Ma’am, you called me?” Sasha entered, her voice filled with professional concern.

Shehnaaz took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “Yes, I just had a discussion with Wahi Uncle. He wants a meeting regarding the project details.”

Sasha nodded, “Okay, ma’am. The blueprints are ready.”

“Good,” Shehnaaz continued, “just have a chat with Tasha and fix a meeting at a suitable date. You’re important for the meeting.”

“Understood, ma’am,” Sasha replied, sensing the underlying tension in Shehnaaz’s voice. She hesitated before speaking again, “Can I ask you something personal, ma’am?”

Shehnaaz sighed, feeling the weight of her emotions threatening to overflow again. “What is it, Sasha?”

Sasha took a deep breath, “It’s been a month, and Uttara and Hameer haven’t called even once… I mean…”

Shehnaaz smiled faintly, a shadow of her usual warmth. “Don’t worry, Sasha. You know these things don’t really matter to me.”

Sasha sighed, “Right, ma’am.”

With that, Sasha left the room, leaving Shehnaaz alone with her thoughts. She shut her laptop and walked towards her personal space, adjacent to her cabin.

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Simran glanced around the grand hall, her worry evident in her voice. “Are you sure Dadi Maa will not have any problem with me staying here? I mean… you know…” she asked, her anxiety showing.

Sidharth understood her concern and offered a reassuring smile. “Relax, Simran. Dadi Maa is not that orthodox.”

Simran nodded, though she still felt uneasy. As they looked around, they noticed Dadi Maa was nowhere to be seen.

Sidharth called out, “Raghu Kaka!”

Within moments, Raghu Kaka appeared, slightly out of breath. “Ji, Sidharth baba?”

“Raghu Kaka, Dadi Maa kaha hai? Kahi dikhayi nahi de rahi,” Sidharth asked, his voice tinged with concern.

“Woh, Sidharth baba, Dadi Maa apne kamre me hain… unki tabiyat thodi kharab lag rahi hai,” Raghu Kaka replied, his face reflecting his worry.

Hearing this, both Sidharth and Simran exchanged worried glances and rushed to Dadi Maa’s room.

“Raghu Kaka, aapne mujhe phone kyun nahi kiya? Did you call the doctor?” Sidharth’s voice was anxious, almost a reprimand.

Simran tried to calm him. “Relax, Sidharth. Dadi Maa will be okay.”

Raghu Kaka hesitated, knowing Dadi Maa had instructed him not to disturb Sidharth. “Haan, doctor saab bas aate hi honge.”

Sidharth and Simran hurriedly entered Dadi Maa’s room, finding her lying in bed, looking frail. Her eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile appeared on her face as she saw Sidharth.

He took her hand gently, his voice soft but filled with concern. “Dadi Maa, aap apna bilkul khayal nahi rakhti na…”

Dadi Maa smiled lightly, “Kabhi zarurat hi nahi padi.”

Sidharth’s worry deepened, “Aapne davayiya time par li ya nahi?”

“Sidharth, shant ho jayiye. Hum thik hai,” Dadi Maa sighed, trying to reassure him.

Dadi Maa then looked at Simran, who smiled weakly. She glanced back at Sidharth, her eyes silently asking for introductions.

Clearing his throat, Sidharth said, “Umm… Dadi Maa, aap Simran se milna chahti thi na… ye Simran hai.”

Simran stepped forward, her smile warm yet concerned. “How are you feeling now, Dadi Maa?”

Dadi Maa’s smile faded as she remembered Shehnaaz’s pained face. “I am fine, beta…”

The doctor arrived, and Raghu Kaka and Simran stepped out of the room, leaving Sidharth by Dadi Maa’s side. The doctor examined her, prescribed a sleeping pill, and advised her to rest.

Outside the room, Sidharth’s worry was palpable. “Doctor, koi baat hai kya?”

The doctor sighed, “Dekhiye, aap inka khaas taur par khayal rakhiye. Inki tabiyat kafi najuk hai. Bahot stressed lag rahi hai. Itna mental pressure inki umar ke liye achha nahi.”

Sidharth’s worry turned into deep concern. “Main samjhta hoon, doctor.”

“Main davayiya de deta hoon, par unhe jyada khush rakhne ki koshish kijiye,” the doctor advised.

“Aur haan, agar fir unki tabiyat kharab ho, to unhe turant hospital me admit kar dijiyega. Ghar par rehna risky ho sakta hai,” the doctor added.

Sidharth was shocked. “Agar aap kahe to hum abhi unhe admit kar dete hain…”

The doctor shook his head. “Nahi, abhi woh so rahi hain. Unhe thoda aaram karne do. 5-6 ghante me unki neend khul jayegi. Agar unki tabiyat thik na lage, to unhe fauran admit kar dijiye. Dr. Sahani honge available hospital me, main unse baat kar lunga.”

Sidharth sighed. “Thank you, doctor…”

With that, the doctor left, leaving a deeply worried Sidharth behind.

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Simran was arranging her stuff in the guest room while Sidharth walked in.

“Tum rest kar lo… mujhe jara kaam hai. I will see you in the evening,” Sidharth said, his tone trying to be calm but failing to hide his stress.

Simran looked at him, upset. “But where are you going? I just came… and you’re already leaving?”

Sidharth groaned, “Simran, stop acting like a kid… it’s important, otherwise, I wouldn’t have left you or Dadi Maa.”

Simran sighed, “Fine… when will you be back?”

Sidharth himself didn’t know. “Just in a couple of hours. Just keep an eye on Dadi Maa… call me right away if anything happens.”

Simran nodded. “Don’t worry, I will take care of Dadi Maa.”

Sidharth left quickly, his mind racing with thoughts.

—

A tight slap landed on a delicate cheek.

“Ouchhhhhhhh…” Sameera winced in pain as Balraj slapped her tightly.

Balraj angrily shouted, “Apne parivar ke khilaf jaye gi tu… haan apne parivar ke khilaf, us ladki ke liye?”

Sameera cried in pain, “Woh koi ladki nahi, woh bhi meri behen hi thi… aur aap…”

Another slap hit the same cheek. Sameera closed her eyes in pain, wincing loudly.

Balraj roared in anger, “Sochna bhi mat, Sam… jo tere dimag me chal raha hai na, main sab samajh raha hoon. Ek baar yaad rakhna, agar tune Sidharth ko jaakar batane ki koshish bhi ki, main tumhe jaan se maar dunga!”

“Kaisi baat?” asked Sidharth angrily, who was right behind them, having heard most of their conversation.

Balraj looked at Sidharth, startled, as fear gripped him. Sameera stood there, shocked at seeing Sidharth. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Balraj’s voice cut through the air sharply.

“Sam, go inside now!” Balraj commanded, his voice trembling with barely restrained anger.

Sidharth’s voice was cold and firm, “Sam will not go anywhere until she tells me what you both were talking about Shehnaaz.”

Sameera tried to step towards Sidharth, desperation and fear evident in her eyes, “Sidharth, me…”

But Balraj’s furious shout silenced her again, “Sam, mene kaha andar jao!”

“nahi jaungi me andar.. kyu jau me…? taki waha par aap mujhe mare dale… ya jo Shehnaaz…?” Sameera’s defiance was met with a vicious slap, harder than the last. She fell to the ground, crashing into a nearby chair.

Shocked and enraged, Sidharth immediately rushed to help Sameera up. His eyes bore into Balraj with an intensity that spoke volumes.

“You pathetic piece of shit,” Sidharth spat out, his voice trembling with controlled rage.

Balraj shouted back, “Sidharth…”

“Just shut the hell up! Mujhe shak toh tha hi… ke tumne jarur Shehnaaz ke sath galat bartav kiya hoga… use hurt kiya hoga.. warna…” Sidharth’s voice was laced with accusation and fury.

Sameera, clutching Sidharth’s collar in anger and desperation, interrupted him, “Tum kyu chale gaye the use chhodake Sidharth?”

Sidharth’s eyes, filled with pain and guilt, met hers. He knew he had made a terrible mistake leaving Shehnaaz. His heart pounded with fear, wondering what horrors Shehnaaz might have faced in his absence, under Balraj’s cruelty.

Balraj grabbed Sameera, pulling her away from Sidharth and dragging her towards the house. But Sidharth caught Balraj’s hand, stopping him.

Sameera, her voice trembling with fear, pleaded, “Please Sidharth… mujhe tumhe bahot jaruri baat batani hai.. tum mujhe chhodke mat jao.. veerji mujhe nahi chhothenge…”

Balraj, his voice a mix of anger and threat, screamed, “One more word, Sam, and I will tell all this to mom.”

Sameera looked at him, horrified, while Sidharth, utterly confused and losing control, felt an unknown fear gnawing at him.

“Sam, tell me… I need to know,” Sidharth urged, desperation in his voice.

Balraj, panicked by the unfolding conversation, tried to pull Sameera away again, but she clung to Sidharth, crying, “Sidharth… Shehnaaz… Shehnaaz… ki jaa…”

Sidharth’s phone rang, interrupting her. He glanced at the number and quickly answered, “Haan, Simran?”

Simran’s worried voice echoed through the phone, “Sidharth, please come right now… Dadi maa is breathing very heavily and is not letting me take her to the hospital… please, you just come…”

Sidharth’s face paled, “What? I’m coming… tum Dadi maa ka khayal rakhna… fuck!” He disconnected the call, his mind racing.

“Sam, Dadi maa ki tabiyat kharab ho gayi hai… I need to rush…” Before she could respond, Sidharth was out of sight, running as fast as he could.

Sameera watched him go, fear and hopelessness gripping her heart. Balraj’s threatening eyes bore into her.

At the hospital, Dr. Sahani was treating Dadi maa while Sidharth, Simran, and Raghu kaka waited outside, worry etched on their faces.

Simran hugged Sidharth sideways, trying to comfort him, “Relax Sidharth… Dadi maa is going to be okay…”

Sidharth was too scared to react, his mind swirling with guilt and fear.

After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor emerged, “She is out of danger… thankfully, it was a minor attack…”

Sidharth was stunned, “What? Attack?”

The doctor sighed, “She seems to be very stressed about something… no medicines on time, no meals on time, lack of sleep…”

Sidharth felt shock after shock. It had been a month of neglect, and he hadn’t even noticed. How could he have been so careless with Dadi maa? Shehnaaz had never let anything happen to her. And now…?

Overwhelmed with guilt, Sidharth went in and sat beside Dadi maa. Hours seemed to pass before she slowly opened her eyes, finding Sidharth lost in his thoughts.

“Beta… hum thik hai,” Dadi maa said softly.

A tear of guilt rolled down Sidharth’s cheek, “I’m sorry Dadi maa… I was so careless… I didn’t take good care of you…”

Dadi maa smiled softly, “It’s not your fault, Sidharth…”

But Sidharth shook his head, “No Dadi maa… it’s all my fault…”

Just then, the door banged open, and an immensely angry Shehnaaz stormed in. Sidharth looked at her, shocked, as she marched towards him, grabbing his collar with hatred, anger, and pain in her eyes. He stood there, blank and motionless, scared.

________________

“Maa… I am sorry maa… please open the door… maa please… I promise I will not repeat it… maa please… maaaaaa…” Sameera’s voice echoed with tears, pain, and fear as Balraj and Malini locked her in a room.

Malini, her voice filled with anger, spoke to Balraj, “Me ye bilkul bardasht nahi karungi Balraj…”

Balraj looked away, avoiding her gaze.

Malini sighed, “Tumhari himmat kaise huyi uspar hath uthane ki… woh bhi 3 baar?”

Balraj angrily replied, “Aur jo woh kar rahi thi uska kya?”

Malini closed her eyes, sighing deeply, “Balraj, samjhane ki koshish karo… tumhare is bartav se Sameera tumhari baat nahi manegi…”

Balraj glared at Sameera through the window, “Then she better be dead…”

Malini slapped him angrily, “Balrajjjjj….”

Balraj held his cheek, looking at Malini with shock and anger.

Inside the room, Sameera cried, “Mom… please don’t do this to me… I am sorry… veerji please… veerji… please let me out… please…”

Sameera’s cries continued, her voice breaking with every word.

Malini sighed, “Kamre ki chabi do mujhe…”

Balraj, defiant, “Nahi mom… she doesn’t deserve a second chance…”

Malini’s eyes flashed with anger, “Balraj… woh tumhari behen hai… agar unhe pata chala toh…?”

Balraj smirked, “Maa… agar aap ne ye baat papaji ko batayi… toh is ke sath sath… aur kayi raaz khul jayenge…”

Malini looked at Balraj with anger, while he shook his head and walked away.

Malini sighed deeply.

_________________

“How the hell can you be so careless about Dadi maa?” Shehnaaz roared, her voice shaking with immense anger as she held Sidharth’s collar.

Sidharth was so shocked that her words barely registered. Shehnaaz shook him angrily, “Me tumse baat kar rahi hu… tum apne aap ko itni importance kaise de sakte ho ke tumhe kisi aur ka khayal tak nahi rehta… haan Sidharth?”

This time, the pain, anger, tears, and hatred in Shehnaaz’s eyes reached Sidharth’s ears. He looked at her, guilt visible in his eyes, and looked down.

Shehnaaz let go of his collar angrily and turned her attention to Dadi maa, who was watching the scene unfold in surprise.

“Chup… bilkul chup… kuchh nahi suna mujhe… aur me apki beti thodi hun… koyi nahi me aapki… kya farak padta hai aapko meri kisi baat se…” Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with tears, and Dadi maa made a baby face.

Sidharth stood there, trying to comprehend her previous words. Had he really become so self-centered that no one else mattered to him anymore? How could he have been so careless about Dadi maa? What world had he been lost in?

Dadi maa sighed, “Agar aap aisa kahengi.. toh hum bho ro padenge…”

Shehnaaz made a baby face, “Kyu karti hai aap aisa… kyu davayiyan nahi li aapne… aap aisa kaise kar sakti hai… aap ko pata hai meri kya halat ho gayi thi… agar aap ko kuchh ho jata toh…”

Dadi maa held Shehnaaz’s hand that was near her, “I am sorry beta… mene jaan bujhkar nahi kiya…”

Sidharth, hearing their conversation, stood there as a mute spectator, overwhelmed by guilt.

Shehnaaz broke into tears, her voice choked with emotion, “Aap samajhti kyu nahi Dadi maa? Aap meri sab kuchh hai… agar aapko kuchh ho jata to main mar hi jati…”

Dadi maa’s eyes widened, and she instantly silenced Shehnaaz by placing her hand over her mouth, “Khabardar jo dobara aisi baat ki toh…”

Shehnaaz, wiping her tears, spoke with frustration, “Aap apna khayal kyu nahi rakhti? Bas kuch din mene call nahi kiya, aur aapne apni ye halat bana di… yahan Dadi maa kaun aur poti kaun yahi samajh nahi aata…”

Dadi maa giggled softly, tears glistening in her eyes. The sound of her laughter was like a balm, soothing the tension in the room.

Sidharth’s heart lightened at the sight of Dadi maa finally smiling and giggling. The magic of Shehnaaz was undeniable; her presence had a way of brightening even the darkest moments.

Shehnaaz, rolling her teary eyes, remarked, “Main ro rahi hu, aur aapko hasi aa rahi hai… main chali jati hu…” As she began to stand up, Sidharth, who had been standing behind her, immediately wrapped his arms around her shoulders, hugging her from behind. He buried his face in her hair, overwhelmed by guilt, “Mat ja na…”

Shehnaaz turned to look at him, her eyes filled with anger and pain. Sidharth, making a baby face and looking away, continued to hold her.

Dadi maa watched the tender moment between them with a fond smile, her eyes filled with amusement.

Shehnaaz, annoyed, slapped Sidharth’s hand that was around her neck. “Ouchhhhh Sana,” Sidharth protested, making a baby angry face.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Don’t try that Sidharth… I am not gonna talk to you.”

Sidharth looked at Dadi maa with a sad expression, while Dadi maa rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Their playful banter was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Simran entered with Raghu kaka.

Shehnaaz glanced at Simran, her momentary happiness replaced by confusion. She realized she had been too absorbed in her argument with Sidharth to notice the stranger.

What the hell was she doing? Fighting with Sidharth like they were still in their old days? And how could she be so casual about what Sidharth had done to Dadi maa?

Shehnaaz quickly removed Sidharth’s hands from her shoulders and stood up, her sudden change in demeanor leaving Sidharth puzzled.

Raghu kaka placed the lunch box on the side table, while Simran stood beside Sidharth.

Simran smiled warmly at Dadi maa, “How are you feeling now, Dadi maa?”

Dadi maa, understanding the cause of Shehnaaz’s sudden change, replied weakly, “… I am okay…”

Sidharth turned to Simran, “Simran, this is my Shehnaaz… you wanted to meet her so much, right?” Shehnaaz didn’t like being referred to as “my Shehnaaz” but kept quiet, offering a polite smile and extending her hand for a handshake.

Simran shook hands with Shehnaaz and gave her a warm hug. Excitedly, Simran said, “Finally, I met you… in London, Sidharth kept talking about you 24/7.” Sidharth scratched his head, looking sheepish.

Shehnaaz smiled weakly, “Hi Simran… so when did you come to India?” She avoided mentioning how much Sidharth talked about her.

Simran responded with a grin, “Just this morning…”

Shehnaaz nodded, “Oh, okay…” Not knowing what else to say, she looked around.

Simran glanced at Sidharth and then at Shehnaaz, “Sidharth is right… you are indeed a real gudiya.”

Dadi maa pulled Shehnaaz a little closer, smiling warmly, “Bilkul… hum sab ki gudiya hai ye…”

Sidharth and Shehnaaz both smiled, though Shehnaaz’s smile remained a bit strained.

Shehnaaz opened the lunch box and began feeding Dadi maa. Sidharth watched them with a longing gaze, wishing she would feed him too like she used to.

The sight of Shehnaaz caring for Dadi maa reminded Sidharth of Sameera, and he felt a pang of guilt.

“sana, what’s the matter with Sameera?” Shehnaaz heard Sidharth, her hand pausing as she looked at him with widened eyes, astonished.

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Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for diving into this chapter with me. Your support and feedback mean the world, and I am incredibly grateful for every comment and vote you share.

This chapter was particularly emotional to write, as it delves deeply into the complex relationships and the raw, unfiltered emotions of Shehnaaz and Sidharth. The intensity of their feelings and the challenges they face are close to my heart, and I hope they resonate with you as much as they do with me.

Your engagement helps me shape the story and keep the passion for writing alive. Please feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, or simply let me know how you felt about this chapter. I love reading your perspectives and connecting with you through this journey.

Thank you once again for your continued support. I look forward to bringing you more heartfelt and compelling moments in the upcoming chapters.

Thank you for reading 

Also, stay tuned for Baarish, Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

Don’t forget to follow me on  Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube  for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka

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