Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 2

Image by Freepik

# FLASHBACK Continues…

Shehnaaz bumped into Sidharth just as he was about to leave the mansion. He turned around, frustration evident in his eyes.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going?” Sidharth snapped.

Shehnaaz, caught off guard, made a baby face, her eyes wide with surprise. Dadi maa, noticing the commotion, quickly intervened. “Sidharth, don’t shout. She is our guest.”

Sidharth looked at Shehnaaz again, realizing she was the same girl he had met a few days earlier. His irritation only grew. “Not again!” he muttered under his breath.

“Dadi maa, ye pagal hai.. aap se kahan se laye ho?” he asked, his tone exasperated.

Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with tears at his harsh words, and Dadi maa’s heart ached for her. She gently lifted Shehnaaz into her arms, trying to comfort her. Sidharth didn’t like seeing his Dadi maa showing such affection to someone else, and he stormed off in anger.

Shehnaaz hugged Dadi maa tightly. “Main papaji ko iska naam bataungi.. phir papaji ise daantenge,” she said, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and determination.

Dadi maa, trying to cheer her up, said, “Arre papaji kyu.. main hoon na.. hum iski barabar khabar lenge.”

Shehnaaz’s face lit up with a smile. “Sachhi?”

“Muchhi,” Dadi maa replied, kissing her cheek. “Now, let’s go to the kitchen.”

In the kitchen, Shehnaaz looked at Dadi maa, confused. “Aap mujhe yahan kyu laaye?”

Dadi maa placed her on the kitchen slab and smiled. “Yeh jaanne ke liye ke aapko kya kya aata hai.”

Shehnaaz made a baby face, indicating she knew very little. Dadi maa pretended to be disappointed. “Mumma mujhe bata rahi thi ke meri Shehnaaz ko sabki help karna achha lagta hai.”

Shehnaaz’s mood brightened at the mention of her mother. She loved hearing anything about her parents. “Dadi maa, aap mujhe sikhaoge na?”

“Bilkul, dhire dhire, hum apko sab kuchh sikha denge. Achha abhi apko kya khana hai batayiye.”

Shehnaaz’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Mujhe na ice cream khana hai!”

Dadi maa chuckled, adoring this little princess who had brought so much joy into her life. It had been years since Sidharth’s mother passed away, and Dadi maa had felt a void. But Shehnaaz had filled that void with her innocence and charm. Dadi maa made a promise to herself that she would never let Shehnaaz feel the absence of her parents.

She quickly ordered ice cream and decided to make Maggi pasta for Shehnaaz, thinking she might like it.

When the food was ready, Shehnaaz giggled with delight. “Mujhe pasta bahot pasand hai!”

Dadi maa, amused, asked, “Italian pasta?”

“No, Maggi pasta, Dadi maa,” Shehnaaz giggled.

Dadi maa laughed heartily, enjoying the moment. She asked the staff to bring the necessary ingredients and started making the pasta. “Hum abhi apke liye banate hain.”

Shehnaaz clapped her hands in excitement. “Thank you, Dadi maa!”

Dadi maa playfully scolded her. “Jab mumma apke liye kuchh banati hai, toh aap unhe thank you kehte ho?”

Shehnaaz shook her head, confused. “No…”

“Toh phir mujhe thank you kyun?” Dadi maa teased.

Shehnaaz smiled brightly. “I love you, Dadi maa.”

Dadi maa’s heart melted. “Haan, ye chalega.”

As they ate, Shehnaaz shared stories about her mother feeding her, her dance classes, their Sunday movies, and weekend outings. She poured her heart out, and Dadi maa listened attentively, feeding her with love and care.

When the delivery boy arrived with the ice cream, Shehnaaz abandoned her half-eaten pasta and ran to get it, making Dadi maa laugh.

# PRESENT

Sidharth stormed into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. He sat on his bed, frustrated and confused. He couldn’t understand Dadi maa’s behavior and was annoyed that no one had answered his questions.

Where was Shehnaaz? He was sure she was hiding somewhere, playing one of her silly games to irritate him. They had fought, but that didn’t mean she had to go to such lengths to bother him.

“She hasn’t spoken to me for two years. Isn’t that enough?” he muttered. “She promised she would never be mad at me. And now, this.”

Even thinking about Shehnaaz brought a smile to his face. Despite his irritation, he missed her. He wanted to tell her everything, especially about Simran.

“How could you do this to me, Shehnaaz?” he whispered. “You know I can’t stay without you.”

He closed his eyes, his emotions a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration. He missed everything about her. He flopped onto his bed, pulling the covers over him, trying to block out his thoughts.

His sleep was disturbed by a phone call. “Simran, this early? What is it?” he answered, annoyed.

“Sidharth, every call with you starts with ‘What is it?'” Simran teased.

“I’m not in the mood, baby,” Sidharth replied wearily.

“Fine, hunny. I might come next month,” Simran said.

“Alright. How’s everything going there? Just email me if you need anything,” Sidharth said, trying to sound supportive.

“I will, baby. Okay, got to go now. Don’t go back to sleep,” Simran warned.

“Love you,” Sidharth said, managing a smile.

“Love you too. Bye,” Simran replied.

Sidharth hung up, feeling even more confused and frustrated.

# MEETING

In Mumbai, the office was a whirlwind of activity. Sasha was getting hyper. “Where’s the file for Mr. Suri’s project? Mam will ask for it any moment.”

Tara rushed in, “The file isn’t complete yet.”

Sasha panicked, “What?!”

Tara pleaded, “Mam, please help me. I can’t lose this job.”

Sasha rolled her eyes, “Fine.”

When Shehnaaz asked for the file, Sasha stammered, “Almost ready, mam.”

Shehnaaz looked up from her files, her expression unreadable. Tara rushed in with the completed file, and Shehnaaz took it, dismissing Tara. Sasha sat down, relieved.

“Sasha, everything seems perfect about this project, but I’m still a little stuck,” Shehnaaz said.

Sasha, confused, asked, “What is it, mam?”

Shehnaaz smiled dryly. “Just 20 minutes left for the meeting, and in 15 minutes, I’ll have the reason for it.”

Sasha reassured her, “No one can cheat you, mam. I can bet on it.”

Shehnaaz laughed, but it was a hollow, emotionless laugh. Sasha left, and Shehnaaz continued her work.

With a steely smile, Shehnaaz began the meeting. Mr. Suri, looking uncomfortable, said, “Ms. Gill, you said you would reply by evening, but instead, you called another meeting.”

“Yes, Mr. Suri. I had some questions that needed answers,” Shehnaaz replied coolly.

Mr. Suri fidgeted, “Oh, you can ask.”

Shehnaaz leaned in, her eyes piercing. “The land where you want to build your hotel—can you tell me more about it?”

Mr. Suri started to sweat. “Um, no, I’m fine. Oh, that land… as I told you, my brother bought it three years ago from a party not from Mumbai, and I took it last year.”

Shehnaaz raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t know your brother was so spiritual.”

Mr. Suri stammered, “Sorry, I didn’t get that.”

Shehnaaz’s voice was sharp. “The land belonged to an Asharam. They were planning to build a girls’ hostel there. What about that?”

Mr. Suri choked, coughing. Shehnaaz remained calm. “Of course, sometimes we have eyes but can’t see things, like the water right in front of you.”

Mr. Suri gulped down more water. Shehnaaz waited patiently. “So, tell me now.”

Mr. Suri tried to recover. “Ms. Gill, these are just rumors. You know how companies are nowadays.”

Shehnaaz cut him off. “You have five minutes to tell the truth. Your time starts now.”

Mr. Suri, desperate, said, “Why don’t you see your own benefit? I’m ready to increase the amount.”

Shehnaaz’s laugh was cold and mirthless. She stood up, her face serious. “First, the land belongs to an Asharam. Second, your brother fooled those people with money. When they couldn’t pay, you took their land for a pittance. Third, and most importantly, you tried to fool Shehnaaz Gill.”

Mr. Suri was shocked. She knew everything. “But how? What is she?” he thought.

Shehnaaz continued, “The deal is off. And I’ve convinced the Asharam people to file a case against you. You’re

finished.”

Mr. Suri, enraged, shouted, “Aapne unko case file karne ke liye kaha? Kya aap paagal hain?”

Shehnaaz smirked, “

you are forgetting.. you are standing in Gill office.. leave now.. or do you want me to call for guards… to help you..?”

Mr. Suri, defeated, shook his head in anger and left.

Shehnaaz laughed, a triumphant sound echoing in the empty room. “No one can fool Shehnaaz Gill.”

# FLASHBACKS

Dadi rolled her eyes with a blend of frustration and affection. “Shehnaaz.. dhire dhire kha bachha.. dekh sare kapde gande kar diye…”

But Shehnaaz, lost in the delight of her ice cream, kept licking it with a carefree spirit. Dadi sighed, shaking her head as she left Shehnaaz sitting in the hall.

Sidharth entered the scene, a bit worn out from his day, and found Shehnaaz once again. He settled down across from her, too tired to engage in their usual bickering.

Raghu kaka came running in, “Sidharth baba.. apka juice….”

Sidharth glanced at his watch, his voice carrying a hint of reprimand, “You are exactly 4 minutes late, Raghu kaka…”

Shehnaaz, observing him from the corner of her eye, thought to herself, “Aise bade so baat karte hai kya…”

Sidharth, oblivious to her gaze, continued sipping his juice. With Raghu kaka gone, he finally looked at Shehnaaz, his expression softened by fatigue, “Tum yahan…”

Shehnaaz met his eyes, a flicker of fear passing through her since that fateful day. She wanted to flee but felt rooted to her spot.

She responded softly, “Dadi maa mujhe yahan le aai…”

Sidharth listened patiently, then inquired, “Tum humare pados me rehti ho na…..?”

Shehnaaz nodded, feeling his intense focus on her. Despite his maturity that often exceeded his age, he found himself captivated by her innocence and vulnerability. Her cute face, framed by curly hair, made her look like a delicate doll in her pink dress and matching shoes.

Sidharth smiled gently, “Tumhara naam kya hai…..”

Shehnaaz thought, “Aye lo, us din mujhe data aur abhi… itne sare questions puchh raha hai… mujhe icecream bhi nahi khane deta…”

Reluctantly, she replied, “Shehnaaz….”

Sidharth repeated, “Shehnaaz….” He saw her smile for the first time, a small, shy grin. “Hmm.. aur apka….” she asked.

He returned her smile, “Tum mujhe tum kehkar bula sakti ho..”

Shehnaaz’s smile widened, “Sachhii..”

Sidharth nodded, confirming it. After a few moments, Shehnaaz gathered the courage to ask, “Ek question puchhu…”

Sidharth, intrigued, “Puchho…”

Shehnaaz, her voice tinged with apprehension, “Tumhara naam kya hai….?”

Sidharth’s smile softened further, “Sidharth….”

Shehnaaz echoed, “Sidharth..” She couldn’t hide her amusement and curiosity.

Without realizing it, Sidharth picked up a tissue and gently wiped her face. “Hmm.. achha tum us din ro kyu rahi thi…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with tears, “Mujhe mumma papaji ki yaad aa rahi hai…”

Sidharth’s expression turned more serious, “…tumhara ghar kahan hai…?”

Shehnaaz made a baby face, “Mera ghar Mumbai me hai…”

Sidharth frowned slightly, “Tumhe apne parents ki yaad aa rahi hai.. toh tum Delhi kyu aayi….?”

Innocently, Shehnaaz replied, “Kyunki mumma papaji lekar aaye…”

Sidharth tried to understand, “Toh woh tumhe yahan drop karke vapas chale gaye…?”

Shehnaaz shook her head, her pigtails hitting her cheeks, “Nahi na… wo mujhe yahan drop karke bhagwan ji se milne gaye hai…”

Sidharth’s confusion deepened. He remembered his mother’s death three years ago, an event that forced him to grow up quickly. The concept of “bhagwan ji” taking someone was foreign to him.

“Matlab….” he probed further.

Shehnaaz sighed, “Dadi keh rahi thi ke bhagwanji ko kuchh kaam tha esliye wo mumma papaji ko le gaye… tumhare paas bhagwanji ka number hai….??”

Again, the same question: bhagwanji ka number. Sidharth was at a loss.

Dadi arrived, having overheard their conversation. “Beta, Sidharth bhi apki tarah chhote hai na.. toh unke paas bhagwan ji ka number kaise hoga.. achha aap jaldi se upar jakar haath muh dho lijiye….. tab tak me aap dono ke liye hot chocolate banati hu…..”

As Shehnaaz left, Dadi sat beside Sidharth. She knew how mature he was for his age, and she decided to confide in him.

“Dadi mujhe is ladki ki koi baat samajh hi nahi aati….” Sidharth confessed.

Dadi sighed, “Beta.. uske mapapa ki car accident me death ho gayi hai.. aapn ne unke hath pe wo nishan nahi dekha.. bhagwan ka lakh lakh shukar hai ke wo bach gayi..”

Sidharth was shocked. He couldn’t fathom how someone so young and innocent could endure such a loss.

“Toh fir wo aise kyu kehti hai ke use bhagwanji ka number chahiye….” he asked, still confused.

Dadi explained, “Beta wo bahot masoom hai.. Dr ne kaha hai ke agar use koi sadama laga to kuchh bhi ho sakta hai.. aap aage se unse is bare me koi sawal mat kijiyega…”

Sidharth’s concern grew, “Toh fir wo yahan kaise…..”

“Wo Mohinder chachu ke bade bhai ki beti hai.. wo log yahan Mumbai se aa rahe the.. par raste me unka accident ho gaya.. aur bas Shehnaaz hi bachee…”

Sidharth sighed, “Dadi mujhe lagta hai ke usse sach batana chahiye…”

Dadi closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, “Nahi beta.. woh apki tarah mature nahi hai.. bachhee hai.. nahi samajhegi.. nahi seh payegi..”

Sidharth felt a pang of sorrow, “Toh fir aage kya..”

Dadi sighed again, “Mujhe Mohinder aur Malati se koi jyada ummeed nahi hai.. upar se woh Balraj.. usse to bilkul nahi… pata nahi kya hoga iska…”

Before they could continue, Shehnaaz entered the hall. Dadi quickly stood up, masking her emotions with a cheerful expression. “Tum dono bate karo… me abhi hot chocolate banake lati hu……”

Shehnaaz sat beside Sidharth. Trying to break the ice, he teased, “Shehnaaz… tumne akele icecream khayi na.. aur mere liye…”

Shehnaaz made a baby face, brushing her small fingers through her curly hair. “Woh.. umm.. wo me… mene khatam kardi..” she admitted, her expression cute and apologetic.

Sidharth pretended to be angry, making a funny face. Just then, Dadi came in with two mugs of hot chocolate. “Ye ake liye… aur ye apke liye…..” she said, gesturing first to Shehnaaz and then to Sidharth.

Sidharth looked at Dadi, “Dadi mujhse jyada pyar karte ho ya Shehnaaz se…..?”

Shehnaaz, equally curious, looked at Dadi for an answer. Dadi glanced between the two before responding, “Hmmmmm…. ye toh bahot difficult question hai….”

Sidharth gave Dadi an encouraging look, signaling her to take Shehnaaz’s name. Dadi smiled softly, “Sidharth hum apse thodasa jyada pyar Shehnaaz se karte.. thoda sa jyada…”

Shehnaaz’s smile widened as she ran to Dadi, clutching her mug tightly. Sidharth pretended to be upset, making an angry face. Dadi picked Shehnaaz up in her arms, both looking at Sidharth with apologetic expressions.

Sidharth turned away, feigning anger. Shehnaaz, worried, quickly climbed out of Dadi’s arms and ran to Sidharth. She sat beside him, scared he might get angry again, but he remained calm.

Shehnaaz glanced at Dadi, then at Wahe Guru Ji and her mumma papaji, before turning back to Sidharth. She slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, whispering, “Sidharth.. aise sad mat hona.. me tumhe Dadi se jyada pyar karungi…”

Dadi’s smile widened at Shehnaaz’s innocent gesture. Sidharth was equally stunned by her sweet words and the kiss. He felt a warmth spread through him, appreciating her attempt to cheer him up.

He looked back at her and kissed her cheek in return. Shehnaaz smiled brightly, understanding he was no longer upset. Expecting him to say something, she was taken aback when he suddenly grabbed her mug and ran upstairs, giving her a mischievous grin.

Shehnaaz was shocked, unable to comprehend his sudden action. She looked at Dadi with a baby face, while Dadi just laughed at their antics.

# PRESENT

The conference room door banged open, jolting Shehnaaz out of her memories. Sasha’s voice cut through the air, “Is everything ok, mam…?”

Shehnaaz,

still partly lost in her thoughts, responded, “Why are you asking like that…?”

Sasha cleared her throat, “Mam.. I just saw Mr. Suri walking out of the office angrily…”

Shehnaaz laughed dryly, “He wanted to fool Shehnaaz Gill… he had to pay… everything is ok now.. you continue..”

Shaking her head, Sasha left for her cabin, while Shehnaaz made her way to hers.

On the other hand, after Simran’s call, Sidharth got freshened up and made his way to the breakfast table. He greeted Dadi, who was already having her breakfast, and took a seat beside her.

“Dadi aaj breakfast kya banaya hai…?” Sidharth asked with a smile.

Dadi smiled back, “Apke liye Italian dish banayi hai Raghu ne….”

Sidharth made a face, “Ohh Dadi.. I wanted to have something Indian.. like Shehnaaz ke hath ke aaloo ke parathe.. kab se khane ke liye taras gaya hu…”

Dadi’s heart ached, thinking, “Bete kash hum apko bata pate.. jitna aap taras rahe hai.. utne hi hum bhi… par ab pehle jaisa kuch nahi raha.. kuchh bhi nahi.. na aap.. na me.. aur nahi Shehnaaz..”

Sidharth noticed Dadi lost in thought, “Dadi.. me aap se keh raha hu.. kahan khoyi hai aap…?”

Dadi sighed, “Kuchh nahi beta.. aur batayiye.. London me sab kaisa raha…?”

Sidharth smiled lightly, “Dadi.. sab ok tha… sirf aap aur Shehnaaz.. dono mere paas nahi the.. yahi ek baat mujhe sabse jyada satati thi.. aur Shehnaaz ne toh mujhe tang karne ka record bhi break kar diya…”

Dadi felt the weight of the situation, her heart heavy with the unspoken pain.

Dadi maa patted his cheek, “Hum toh hamesha apke sath hai beta.. aap batayiye.. Simran se apki relationship kaisi hai…”

Sidharth smiled, “She is very sweet, Dadi… just like Shehnaaz…”

Dadi snapped, “Dare you compare anyone with my Shehnaaz…”

Sidharth was startled, “Dadi maa.. relax.. I am not comparing.. my Shehnaaz is the best… no one can be like her.. I know that…”

Dadi was still upset, “I should take a leave…”

As she was about to leave, Sidharth’s question stopped her.

“Shehnaaz kahan hai Dadi..” he asked, his voice filled with desperation.

Dadi maa looked away, “Hum nahi jante beta…”

Sidharth stood up angrily, “Ye sab kya ho raha hai Dadi maa.. aap ke paas ye ek hi jhoota jawab hai.. mujhe nahi pata… is that possible….. if she wants.. I will ask her forgiveness.. par wo mujhe mauka de tona.. wo hai kahan.. usne 2 saal se mujhse baat nahi ki hai.. can you believe that.. meri Sana.. mujhse baat na kare… 2 saal… aise bhi kaisi narajagi… kahan chhupi hai mujhse.. usse meri kamjori pata hai na.. esliye aisa kar rahi na mere sath.. aur aap bhi uska sath de rahi…”

Every memory, every moment they had shared, echoed in his voice. Only he knew how much he missed her—the dance, the 24-hour noise of her anklets, and now the deafening silence that had replaced her presence. His heart ached with the longing to see her, to fight with her, but he knew nothing. There was just silence after his painful lyrics, and no Shehnaaz to soothe his wounds.

Shehnaaz entered her cabin, locking it from inside. Her mind drifted back to those old moments, moments she had tried to bury deep within. She was no longer the old Shehnaaz who danced and sang for her Sidharth. That Shehnaaz was gone. Yet, her mind kept returning to those times, memories permanently banned by her heart.

No way, she thought. She wouldn’t let it happen again. She was Shehnaaz Gill, and nothing could happen against her will.

With determination, she broke free from her thoughts and buried herself in her work.

_________________

As Dadi Maa remained silent, Sidharth’s frustration reached a boiling point. Determined to find answers on his own, he swiftly left the house and headed towards Uttara’s place.

Upon arriving, he was greeted by Uttara’s mom, who was pleasantly surprised to see him. “Oh, Sidharth beta, after so long!” she exclaimed with warmth.

Sidharth returned her smile. “Yeah, aunty. Just got back yesterday. Is Uttara home? I tried calling her, but her number is unreachable.”

Aunty seemed uncertain. “Actually, beta, she’s out shopping with Hameer. You know how those two are, never changing their ways.”

In a casual tone, Sidharth asked, “Oh, and Shehnaaz?”

Aunty rolled her eyes. “you and Shehnaaz.. both are same.. tumhare london jane ke baad se mene usse abhi tak nahi dekha.. aaj kal ke bachhe bhi na.. uttara bhi apni hi duniya me rehti hai….”

Sidharth was taken aback. “You haven’t seen Shehnaaz in two years? What do you mean?” His mind raced with confusion. He had always thought Shehnaaz was hiding at Uttara’s place just to annoy him. But this revelation turned everything upside down.

Trying to mask his shock, he asked, “Is Shehnaaz not in Delhi?”

Aunty looked at him puzzled. “Beta, I should be asking you that. I assumed she moved to London too, since she hasn’t been around.”

Feeling a pang of guilt and shame, Sidharth muttered, “No, aunty. I mean… I should go now.”

With a heavy heart, he made his way to his car. Once inside, he let out an exasperated scream. “WHERE THE HELL IS SHEHNAAZ? WHERE ARE YOU, SHEHNAAZ?”

Desperate, he tried Hameer’s number for the sixth time. This time, the call went through. He sighed in relief.

Meanwhile, at the mall, Uttara and Hameer were engrossed in their shopping spree. They were excited to meet Shehnaaz after so many days. Uttara’s shopping seemed endless, and Hameer was getting tired of carrying the bags.

“Jaan, are you planning to buy out the whole mall?” Hameer teased.

Uttara rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Hameer. I need to get one more saree for Shehnaaz. She’s stopped wearing them these days.”

Hameer smirked naughtily. “Why don’t you start wearing them? I’m sure you’ll look…”

Before he could finish, Uttara playfully smacked him. Just then, Hameer’s phone rang.

Seeing Sidharth’s name on the caller ID, Hameer was shocked but also somewhat expecting it. “It’s Sidharth,” he told Uttara.

Surprised, Uttara asked, “What? Why is he calling you?”

Hameer shrugged. “How am I supposed to know?” He answered the call. “Hello, Sidharth.”

Sidharth wasted no time. “Where are you both? I need to talk to you right now.”

Feeling intimidated, Hameer replied, “Umm, we’re at XYZ mall. Can you come here?”

Sidharth, with an edge in his voice, said, “I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”

Both men hung up. Uttara looked at Hameer anxiously. “What’s wrong?”

Hameer shrugged again. “I don’t know. He wants to meet us now.”

Worried, Uttara said, “But what if he asks about Shehnaaz?”

Hameer looked nervous. “ye to waise halat ho gayi hai jaise aage kuwa aur pichhe khayi… bataya to bhi marenge aur nahi bataya to bhi.”

When Sidharth arrived, Hameer and Uttara greeted him with forced smiles, trying to act casual. Hameer attempted to lighten the mood. “Hey, Sidharth! You’ve changed. Nice body.”

But Sidharth was in no mood for pleasantries. “Where is Shehnaaz, Uttara?”

Uttara wasn’t surprised by his question. She knew how relentless Sidharth could be when it came to Shehnaaz. She looked at Hameer for help.

Sidharth repeated, “Where is Shehnaaz, Uttara?”

Uttara tried to evade, “Well… actually, I don’t know… umm…”

Growing impatient, Sidharth asked more forcefully, “WHERE IS SHEHNAAZ, UTTARA?”

Hameer tried to calm him down. “Sidharth, relax…”

But Sidharth cut him off, his voice sharp with urgency. “WHERE IS SHEHNAAZ?”

_________________

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz was preparing for one of the most crucial deals since joining Gill Industries. As she arrived at Sighaniya Hotel, a well-toned man in his mid-twenties, wearing a black blazer, greeted her with a reserved smile. They shook hands.

“Hello, Ms. Gill. Pleasure to meet you. Sameer, Sameer Wahi,” he introduced himself, clearly excited.

Shehnaaz offered a brief smile. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Wahi. I hope the journey wasn’t too boring.”

Sameer shook his head enthusiastically. “Oh no, not at all. You don’t know how much I’ve been looking forward to this meeting.”

Acknowledging his efforts, Shehnaaz said, “Your hard work on this project speaks for itself.”

Flattered, Sameer responded, “That’s very considerate of you.”

Shehnaaz, all business, asked, “Shall we discuss the project?”

Sameer, unable to take his eyes off her, invited her to sit. “Yes, please, have a seat.”

Shehnaaz took her seat. “Thank you.”

Sameer smiled confidently. “I’m certain that with our partnership and hard work, this project will be a great success.”

Shehnaaz nodded, “Well, it has to be.”

Sameer, impressed by her poise and professionalism, couldn’t help but admire her. He had heard so much about this young businesswoman and now, seeing her in person, he understood why. Her confidence, her demeanor, her attitude – everything was remarkable.

“What will you prefer to drink?” Sameer asked.

“Black coffee will do,” Shehnaaz replied, taking out a file from her bag.

“Right,” Sameer said, placing an order for two black coffees.

As they sipped their drinks, Sameer continued, “You already know the whole concept. I had a video conference with Ms. Sasha, and I’m impressed with the design.”

Shehnaaz nodded, “You’ve discussed these things with Sasha. That’s why you’re here meeting with Shehnaaz Gill.”

Amused by her straightforwardness, Sameer said, “Of course. My focus is on the east side of Warli. The mall I want to build should be unique. You know what I mean.”

Shehnaaz reassured him, “Well, Mr. Wahi, I understand your basics very well. You don’t have to worry. Gill Industries always uses the best materials, and as far as the design is concerned, the construction will be as per your vision.”

Sameer’s smile widened, “Well, that’s all I wanted to hear. Everyone knows nothing is impossible for Ms. Gill.”

Without a hint of a smile, Shehnaaz replied, “You heard it right.”

Sensing her professionalism, Sameer concluded, “Okay, that’s all.”

Shehnaaz stood up immediately. “I should take my leave now. It would be perfect if you visit Gill Industries so we can finalize all the formalities.”

Sameer agreed. “It’s Saturday, right? I’ll be there on Tuesday.”

Shehnaaz nodded, “Alright.”

As she was about to leave, Sameer called out, “Ms. Gill…”

“Yes?” Shehnaaz turned.

“Actually, a friend of mine is hosting a party tonight. Would you like to join?” Sameer asked hopefully.

Shehnaaz paused, considering his invitation. “Well, Mr. Wahi…”

___________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for reading this chapter of Shehnaaz and Sidharth’s journey. Your support and feedback mean a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed the emotions and twists in their story.

Please share your thoughts and comments—they inspire me and help shape the story. Stay tuned for more romantic moments and surprises in the next chapters

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  WattpadInstagram 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

11 thoughts on “Chapter 02”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top