Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 20

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Shehnaaz’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Sidharth and Dadi maa, who were standing way too close and looking way too suspicious for her liking. “WHATTT…?” she exclaimed, utterly confused. The look on their faces was a dead giveaway—they were definitely up to something. She was sure of it.

Sidharth tried to play it cool, casually glancing over at Dadi maa as if nothing was amiss. But Shehnaaz wasn’t falling for it. She crossed her arms and waited for someone to spill the beans.

Dadi maa, ever the one with attitude, didn’t keep her waiting long. “Humne ek faisla kiya hai,” she announced, her tone suggesting that this decision was something major.

Shehnaaz narrowed her eyes, suspicion all over her face. “Kaisa faisla?” she asked, her voice dripping with wariness.

Dadi maa exchanged a quick glance with Sidharth, who immediately looked away like a guilty child caught red-handed. Shehnaaz’s suspicion only deepened. Dadi maa then continued, “Hum apke sath aayenge par es shart par ke Sidharth aur Simran bhi humare sath chalenge.”

The second those words registered, Shehnaaz snapped her gaze to Sidharth, her eyes practically shooting daggers at him. Oh, she was furious. And there he was, making a face so innocent that it would’ve fooled anyone else—but not her. She knew him too well.

Sidharth, putting on his best puppy-dog expression, tried to wiggle out of it. “Me, Dadi maa…? Par me kyu? Dadi maa, me janta hun, aap mujhe bahot miss karengi… par mujhe office me bhi to dhyan dena hai… Dadi maa, me kaise…?”

Shehnaaz could barely contain her irritation. The sheer audacity of his overacting! She wanted to strangle him right then and there. He was so obviously behind this whole scheme, the mastermind, and now he had the nerve to pretend like he had no clue? What a monster!

“Sidharth, tum—” she started, her voice edged with anger, ready to tear into him.

But before she could finish, Simran jumped in, her voice bright and cheerful. “That will be perfect! I so much wanted to spend some more time with Sam and Shehnaaz. Thank you, Dadi maa. I am ready, and Sidharth, please… don’t spoil it.”

Shehnaaz sighed, her irritation momentarily deflated by Simran’s excitement. She couldn’t bring herself to argue with Simran and spoil her happiness. But inside, she was fuming. This was definitely Sidharth’s doing, and now she had to go along with it.

Meanwhile, Sidharth was grinning like the cat that got the cream, clearly pleased with how his plan was unfolding. He tried to hide his smirk by putting on a thoughtful face, as if he was really mulling over the situation.

Finally, with a dramatic sigh, as if he was making a huge sacrifice, Sidharth said, “Mujhe apni sari appointments check karni hogi… tabhi me saaf saaf kuchh bata paunga.”

Shehnaaz knew he was just playing for time, but what could she do? She felt like she had been outplayed, and it irked her to no end. She shot Sidharth another glare, promising herself that she’d get back at him for this. But for now, she had to play along with his little game.

Dadi maa glanced at Sidharth with a knowing smile. “Ok, son… you have exactly two hours. Our flight is tonight,” she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Shehnaaz, still trying to wrap her head around this whole situation, rolled her eyes. “But Dadi maa… their tickets…?”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Sidharth cut in with the confidence of someone who thought he had everything under control. “Woh mene sab arrange kar liya hai… tu tension mat le,” he said, flashing a smug smile.

Shehnaaz froze, her brain taking a moment to process what he had just said. *Whattttttttttttttttttttttttt*… Did he really just say that? Oh god, oh NOOOOOOOOO… He just gave away his own plan! Ghoshhhh, Shehnaaz is definitely going to kill him now…

Realizing his blunder, Sidharth’s eyes widened in horror. He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth, staring at Shehnaaz with a look of pure shock, as if hoping she hadn’t heard him. But it was too late. Shehnaaz was already looking at him like a lioness ready to pounce on her prey. If looks could kill, Sidharth would have been done for.

Dadi maa, Sam, and Simran exchanged glances, and for a second, there was a tense silence. But then they all burst into laughter, unable to hold it in any longer.

Meanwhile, Sidharth, sensing that his life was in imminent danger, put on his best baby face, hoping to soften Shehnaaz’s wrath. He knew he was in deep trouble and could only pray for a miracle.

But Shehnaaz had other plans. Her eyes narrowed, and before Sidharth could react, she lunged at him, her frustration and anger boiling over. “Sana rukkkk!” Sidharth screamed as he bolted from the room, his feet barely touching the ground as he ran for his life.

Shehnaaz was hot on his heels, her fury propelling her forward. She didn’t care how fast he was running—she was determined to catch him. Today, she was not going to let him off the hook. No way! *Oughhhh… idiot he is!* she thought, her rage giving her the speed of a sprinter.

Sidharth dashed through the corridor with Shehnaaz hot on his heels, her anger fueling her every step. He could hear her shouting behind him, “Sidharth, no use… you are so dead today!”

He took a sharp turn down the stairs, his heart racing as he sped through the living room. Shehnaaz was relentless, her determination to catch him unwavering. They circled the sofa, Sidharth dodging left and right, trying to outmaneuver her, while Shehnaaz was hell-bent on not letting him get away.

With a burst of speed, Sidharth bolted back up the stairs, but Shehnaaz was right behind him, her fury pushing her forward. She was not going to let him escape, not this time.

“SHEHNAAZ! Kya kar rahi hai… jaan legi kya meri!” Sidharth shouted, his voice a mix of panic and laughter as he sprinted into his room.

“Tu bas ek baar mere hath me aaja… zinda nahi chhodungi tumhe!” Shehnaaz yelled back, her voice dripping with vengeance as she chased him inside.

Sidharth couldn’t help but laugh, his playful side taking over despite the danger. “Achha, pehle pakad ke to dikha!” he taunted as he leaped onto the bed, thinking he could keep her at bay.

But Shehnaaz was not about to back down. She jumped onto the bed right after him, her eyes blazing with determination. “You just wait and watch!” she shouted, bouncing on the mattress as she tried to grab him.

But Sidharth was quicker. He jumped back down, grinning at her with a mix of amusement and challenge.

Shehnaaz, determined to keep up, tried to do the same. But just as she leapt off the bed, her foot twisted awkwardly. She let out a gasp as she lost her balance, falling back onto the bed with a thud.

Everything happened in a flash. Sidharth, seeing her stumble, instinctively reached out to grab her wrist, but the momentum pulled him down too. He fell right on top of her, the force of the fall pressing her into the mattress.

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Neither of them moved, both stunned by the sudden turn of events. Sidharth’s body was pressed against Shehnaaz’s, their faces inches apart. The playful chase had led to an unexpected, intense closeness.

Shehnaaz’s breaths came quicker as she felt the warmth of Sidharth’s breath grazing the sensitive skin of her neck. The sensation sent shivers down her spine, making her acutely aware of just how close they were.

Sidharth, realizing the position they were in, tried to push himself up. But as if fate had other plans, he lost his balance and fell back onto her, his weight pressing down on her once more.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, something shifted between them. Sidharth felt an inexplicable warmth spread through his body, a sensation that both confused and captivated him. The soft touch of her skin against his made him shudder, a feeling so new and intense that it left him momentarily frozen. His chest pressed against hers, and he could feel her rapid heartbeat mirroring his own. A low groan escaped his lips, not from pain, but from the overwhelming emotions that surged within him. He barely noticed when their fingers naturally intertwined, as if they had always been meant to fit together.

*What is this feeling?* Sidharth thought, his mind racing. They had always been close—practically inseparable since childhood. They had shared countless moments of clinging to each other, finding comfort in their bond. But today, something was different. This closeness felt charged with an intensity he had never felt before.

His gaze softened as he looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time, he noticed just how beautiful she was. Her face, so close to his, seemed to glow with a light he had never seen before. His eyes were drawn to her hazel ones, which were filled with a swirl of emotions—confusion, warmth, something deeper, something that mirrored what he was feeling. He found himself mesmerized by the depth and beauty of those eyes, wondering how he had never noticed them like this before.

She was the same girl who had always run after him, teasing him, laughing with him, and being his closest friend. Yet, right now, she felt like someone new, someone who stirred emotions in him that he was struggling to comprehend.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was acutely aware of his gaze, and it made her uncomfortable in a way she didn’t understand. His eyes were filled with something she had never seen before, and it unnerved her.

Sidharth’s gaze lingered on Shehnaaz’s delicate features, tracing every curve of her face with a growing intensity. When his eyes finally settled on her lips—a soft, beautiful pink that seemed almost irresistible—something stirred deep within him. It wasn’t just a desire; it was an overwhelming need, a magnetic pull, urging him to close the distance between them and feel those lips against his own. The thought consumed him entirely, making him forget everything else.

Shehnaaz, feeling the weight of his gaze, was swept up in a wave of shivers that coursed through her body. His eyes on her skin felt like a slow-burning fire, both unsettling and thrilling at the same time. She could feel her pulse quicken, her breath catching in her throat as the space between them seemed to shrink to nothing.

Sidharth was utterly captivated, lost in her beauty in a way that felt new and intense. He didn’t even realize when his lips began to move closer to hers, as if drawn by an invisible force he couldn’t resist. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of charged anticipation. Shehnaaz, caught in the depth of his gaze, found herself unable to speak or move. Her heart pounded in her chest as if it might burst, and her mind went blank, overtaken by the moment.

It was as if she were under a spell, bound by the magic of the closeness between them. The soft, warm air between them seemed to crackle with electricity, and when Sidharth’s lips finally brushed against hers, even if just barely, it sent a shockwave through her entire being. Her breath hitched, and her body froze.

“Sidharth…” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions she couldn’t fully understand.

That single word, so soft yet so powerful, was enough to snap Sidharth back to reality. He blinked, startled, and suddenly realized what he had been about to do. Shocked by his own actions, he quickly pulled back, his heart pounding in his chest as he rolled away from her, creating a much-needed distance between them. He couldn’t bring himself to meet her eyes, overwhelmed by the realization of how close he had come to crossing a line he didn’t even know he was near.

Shehnaaz, equally stunned and overwhelmed, didn’t waste a moment. She scrambled to her feet, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and emotions she couldn’t begin to untangle. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, mixed with something deeper, something she wasn’t ready to confront.

For a moment, Sidharth just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, trying to process what had just happened. The intensity of his feelings had taken him by surprise, and the reality of how close he had come to losing control left him reeling.

Sidharth’s thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of what just happened. What did I just try to do? How could I even think something like that about Shehnaaz? He felt a pang of guilt and confusion. Ugh, that was too close, he thought, cursing himself for losing control. She’s Shehnaaz, my best friend… What must she be thinking of me now? The realization hit him hard, and he sighed deeply, trying to collect himself before standing up to face her.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, kept her eyes firmly away from him. She was terrified that her expression might betray the flurry of emotions she was struggling to contain. There was no way she could afford to let him see how she felt—not after what had just happened.

Breaking the tense silence, Sidharth mumbled, “I’m sorry…”

Shehnaaz, determined to ease the situation, quickly responded, “You should be.”

Sidharth blinked, taken aback by her unexpected reaction. Her tone was light, almost teasing, and it threw him off balance. 

Before he could overthink it, Shehnaaz continued, her voice carrying a playful lilt, “Tumhare jaisa nautanki baaz kahin nahi milega, Sidharth… sachhi! agar tumhe mumbai aana hai to mujhse nahi keh sakte….khud to nautanki karte hi ho….bichari Dadi maa se bhi karwa rahe ho..!”

The memory of their recent, intense moment lingered in Sidharth’s mind, and he couldn’t help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement. As he pouted, trying to deflect the tension, he said, “Oyye hello… yeh sara plan tumhari bechari Dadi ka hi tha.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Shut your drama. Dadi tumhare tarah nahi hai. I know it’s all you. Anyway, now go and pack the things fast. We don’t have much time.”

Her words snapped Sidharth back to reality. Without a moment’s hesitation, he scooped her up in a tight bear hug, his excitement evident. “Sachchi… mujhe laga tu bahut gussa karegi. Par mujhe pata hai, meri Shehnaaz mujhse kabhi naraz nahi ho sakti.”

Shehnaaz, slightly affectedbut softened by his affection, tried to wriggle free. “Achha, ab mujhe chhodo. Mera chutney bana doge tum, motu kahin ke.”

Sidharth’s frown deepened, and he hugged her even tighter. “Kise motu kaha?”

Shehnaaz’s irritation was growing, and his touch, though affectionate, was becoming a bit much for her sane mind. “Tujhe… ab chhod,” she insisted, her voice firm. In her frustration, she stamped her foot on his, making him wince in pain.

Sidharth, still holding her but in noticeable discomfort, watched as she rolled her eyes and walked away. “Idiot… duffer… per pe kyu mara…” he muttered in pain, rubbing his foot and watching her leave with a mix of pain and a reluctant smile.

As Shehnaaz walked away, she shook her head with a smile, trying to shake off the lingering mix of emotions from the earlier confrontation. Her smile was bittersweet, a reflection of her conflicted feelings.

____________

On their way to Mumbai, Dadi maa turned to Shehnaaz with a concerned look. “Tune Uttara ya hameer se baat ki?” she asked, referring to their earlier conversation.

Shehnaaz rested her head on Dadi maa’s shoulder, her face flushed with a hint of guilt. She shook her head slowly, indicating that she hadn’t yet spoken to them, and her expression conveyed a mixture of regret and confusion.

Dadi maa sighed, her voice soft but firm. “Beta, wo tumhare dost hai. Yeh galat baat hai,” she said, reminding Shehnaaz of the importance of resolving things with her friends.

Shehnaaz knew she had been harsh, and her heart ached at the thought. “Dadi maa, I was very rude with them. I don’t know what got into me… but—” Her voice trailed off, the weight of her actions heavy on her shoulders.

Dadi maa chuckled gently, trying to lighten the mood. “Mafi mang lene se tum chhoti nahi ho jaogi, Shehnaaz.”

Shehnaaz looked up at Dadi maa, her eyes softening as she clung to her shoulder like a child seeking comfort. “Me kal hi dono se baat kar lungi… promise,” she said, her voice filled with determination and a tinge of sadness.

Dadi maa smiled warmly, her hand gently stroking Shehnaaz’s hair. “That’s the spirit,” she said encouragingly. “Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts of kindness and apologies that mend the biggest rifts.”

Shehnaaz nodded, feeling a bit reassured. The journey ahead was still fraught with challenges, but she was ready to face them with the hope of mending the bonds that mattered most to her.

_______________

Sidharth’s eyes were fixed on Shehnaaz, who was sitting a short distance away with Dadi maa. He observed her quietly, a swirl of emotions visible in his gaze. Shehnaaz looked lost in her thoughts, and Sidharth couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret and concern.

Simran, noticing his preoccupation, broke the silence with a hint of surprise. “Sidharth, I never knew you could do so much drama,” she remarked, her tone a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

Sidharth smirked slightly, leaning into the conversation with a playful edge. “You don’t know Sidharth Shukla yet,” he replied confidently.

Simran raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh really? So, what more is there to know?”

Sidharth’s smile widened with a touch of mischief. “We’re going to Mumbai, right? You’ll see exactly what Sidharth Shukla can do to win over his Shehnaaz.”

Simran sighed, her expression turning serious. “Sidharth, don’t take things lightly. I’m not sure, but I have a feeling there’s more to this situation than you realize.”

Sidharth looked at her with a puzzled frown. “What do you mean?”

Simran shrugged, a touch of frustration in her voice. “Even I’m not entirely sure, but there’s something in their behavior that feels off. It’s like there’s more beneath the surface.”

Sidharth groaned, his frustration evident. “If you’re talking about the Balraj situation, I’ve already spoken with Commissioner Uncle about it. He’s promised to make Balraj’s life a nightmare once I confirm. I need to convince Shehnaaz to file a case against him.”

Simran nodded, though her concern was still apparent. “And what if Shehnaaz doesn’t agree?”

Sidharth shook his head, his frustration mingled with a hint of disbelief. “She’s too naive, Simran. She can’t see people for what they really are yet.”

Simran sighed again, her tone reflecting her growing worry. “Sidharth, from what I’ve observed this week, she seems much more mature than both of us combined.”

Sidharth closed his eyes, feeling a mix of confusion and resignation. Deep down, he knew that Simran’s observations were rooted in something real, but he was struggling to accept it.

Simran, feeling the weight of the situation, leaned her head on Sidharth’s shoulder. Her gesture of comfort was also a reflection of her own disappointment and helplessness. She sighed heavily, her thoughts lost in the tangled web of their current troubles.

_____________

#Mumbai

As they entered the mansion, Meera Tai greeted everyone with a warm smile. Shehnaaz embraced Meera Tai, who had been like a mother to her during her time in Mumbai. “Meera Tai, this is my Dadi maa,” Shehnaaz introduced.

Meera Tai and Dadi maa exchanged polite greetings, the warmth between them palpable. Shehnaaz then added with a concerned tone, “Tai, aapko inka achhe se khayal rakhna hai. Kyunki ye apni sehat ka khayal bilkul nahi rakhti.”

Dadi maa rolled her eyes but nodded, acknowledging Shehnaaz’s concern as everyone agreed. Meera Tai reassured them, “Aap fikar na kare didiji, main inka achhe se khayal rakhungi, khane se lekar sab kuchh.”

Shehnaaz proceeded to introduce Meera Tai to the other members, Sam and Simran, who had already met Sidharth during his previous visit. After the formalities, everyone went off to freshen up.

Once ready, Shehnaaz hurried to Dadi maa’s room to inform her that she was heading to the office. Dadi maa gave her a quizzical look, but Shehnaaz explained that she had a crucial meeting that night and needed to check some details.

As Shehnaaz was about to leave, Sidharth’s voice rang out from upstairs.

“Shehnaaz…”

Shehnaaz turned around. “Haan?”

Sidharth hurried down the stairs and stood directly in front of her. His gaze was immediately drawn to her outfit—black chinos and a white shirt that accentuated her figure, paired with straight hair tied back, resting gently on the hollow of her neck. The glasses she wore added a mysterious touch to her already captivating appearance. Sidharth found himself transfixed, particularly by her baby pink lips, which seemed to draw him in.

He was so engrossed in her look that he didn’t realize he was staring. When he finally snapped out of it, he stumbled over his words. “Tu kahan ja rahi hai?”

Shehnaaz’s demeanor softened. “Office. Kyu? Tumhe kuchh kaam hai?”

Sidharth’s face showed a mixture of frustration and concern. “Kya yaar… Abhi aayi bhi nahi aur office? Not done. Mat ja na.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Sidharth, don’t overreact. Actually, there’s a very important meeting tonight with Sameer and his dad—Wahi Uncle. I need to go. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Sidharth couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling he had when Shehnaaz mentioned Sameer. The memory of their dance at the party lingered, and he felt a pang of jealousy and concern. He tried to convince himself that his discomfort was justified—Shehnaaz was very neive, and Sameer, with his questionable intentions, wasn’t the right person for her. Despite this, he struggled with his own conflicting emotions, rationalizing his feelings as protective rather than possessive.

Lost in his thoughts, Sidharth was startled when Shehnaaz called out to him again.

“Sidharth… Will you speak up? I’m getting late.”

Sidharth snapped back to reality and, on an impulse, asked, “Me bhi chalu?”

Shehnaaz raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Par tum wahan kya karoge?”

Sidharth sighed, trying to mask his eagerness. “Waise bhi ghar pe bore ho jaunga. I wanna see your work.”

Shehnaaz, sensing his determination, gave in with a casual, “Okk, but get ready fast. You have exactly 10 minutes.”

Sidharth grinned and, in a playful gesture, kissed her cheek. “Yes, boss,” he said with a chuckle before heading off to get ready.

Shehnaaz touched her cheek gently where he had kissed her, a familiar warmth spreading through her. It was just like old times, and she found herself smiling despite the urgency of the situation. His gesture, so typical and endearing, momentarily distracted her from her earlier concerns.

Shaking her head, Shehnaaz turned to her phone, hoping to distract herself from the swirl of thoughts and emotions.

_____________

As Meera Tai entered Dadi Maa’s room with a steaming bowl of healthy soup, the warm aroma filled the space.

Dadi Maa, with a hint of amusement, remarked, “Jarur Shehnaaz ne bola hoga na…”

Meera Tai smiled gently. “Dadi Ji, Shehnaaz Didi ka khayal bhi hum hi rakhte hain. Unhe apna khayal bilkul nahi hota—bas kaam, kaam, aur phir kaam. Toh aap ka khayal rakhna mera hi kaam hai.”

Dadi Maa’s eyes softened with appreciation. “Tum yahi rehti ho?”

Meera Tai nodded. “Ji, main anath hoon. Ek din Didi se mulakat hui jab woh humare orphanage me paise dene aayi thi. Aur unhone mujhe apne saath le aaya.”

Dadi Maa’s heart swelled with pride. “Toh batao mujhe, Shehnaaz thik toh hai na?”

Meera Tai sighed. “Sach kahoon, Dadi Ji, mujhe kabhi kabhi Didi ke liye bahut chinta hoti hai. Woh kabhi hasti nahi, khul kar baat nahi karti, aur aksar gusse mein rehti hai.”

Dadi Maa’s expression turned reflective. “Hum jante hain…”

Meera Tai’s gaze grew earnest. “Shehnaaz Didi bahut akeli hain. Unke zindagi mein koi kami hai, aur main bas dua karti hoon ki Bhagwan usi kami ko pura kar de. Didi ko duniya ki sari khushiyan milein.”

Tears welled up in Dadi Maa’s eyes, but a smile remained on her face. “Tum bahut achhi ho, Meera.”

Meera Tai shook her head modestly. “Shehnaaz Didi itni achhi hain, ke unka saath rehte hue koi bhi achha ban jayega.”

Dadi Maa nodded in agreement, her heart warmed by Meera Tai’s words. Their conversation continued as Meera Tai served the soup, the room filled with a comforting sense of camaraderie and concern.

 

_________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

In this scene, we see Sidharth’s growing feelings for Shehnaaz as he reacts to her mention of Sameer. His jealousy and confusion are clear, and he decides to accompany Shehnaaz to the office to stay close to her. Shehnaaz, focused on her work, manages her own feelings while dealing with Sidharth’s sudden interest. This moment highlights the evolving tension and affection between them, setting the stage for future developments in their relationship.

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Shalaka

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15 thoughts on “Chapter 20”

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