Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 25

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Shehnaaz sat by the lake, her gaze fixed on the calm, still water, lost in her thoughts. The soft ripples on the surface mirrored the chaos swirling in her heart. She couldn’t stop thinking about Sidharth and his recent behavior. It wasn’t new to her—she had always known how possessive he was when it came to her. Even as her best friend, he had a hard time accepting anyone else getting her attention. But this time, it was different. This time, his frustration had spilled over onto poor Simran.

Shehnaaz sighed deeply, her mind drifting back to the moments when Sidharth couldn’t hide his displeasure about her closeness with Sameer. It was so obvious that it bothered him, but he had to understand—it wasn’t right. He couldn’t just take Simran for granted like this. Simran was sweet, naïve, and an emotional person, and she didn’t deserve to be hurt because of Sidharth’s jealousy.

Shehnaaz wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, but the tears wouldn’t stop. Sidharth had proposed to Simran, yet only a moment later, he was resting his head in Shehnaaz’s lap, as if she were still the most important person in his life. *No girlfriend would tolerate that,* she thought bitterly. *What was wrong with him?* When would he finally understand that he had to give importance to Simran, not her?

A heavy tear slipped down her cheek, one she couldn’t hold back any longer. She never imagined she would find herself in a situation like this, where she’d have to make Sidharth understand the importance of another girl in his life. For years, she had lived with the comforting thought that she was the only one who mattered to Sidharth—that she was his best friend, his closest confidant, and no one could ever replace her.

But now, things were different. So painfully different. She remembered the exact moment she had realized she was in love with him. It had been so beautiful, so pure, that it made her smile through her tears. But that moment felt distant now, like it belonged to another life.

*Sab kuch kitna badal gaya hai,* she thought, feeling the weight of the change pressing down on her heart. Everything had shifted so drastically, leaving her feeling miserable and confused. Sidharth loved Simran now. He had chosen her. But still, he couldn’t stand the sight of Shehnaaz being close to someone else.

*Does he even realize what he’s doing?* Shehnaaz wondered. His behavior was bound to hurt Simran deeply. It wasn’t fair to her. *Main usse samjhaungi,* she decided. Whether Sidharth liked it or not, he had to face reality. He had to admit the truth and give Simran the love and attention she deserved.

Lost in her thoughts, Shehnaaz barely noticed the world around her. She was startled when she felt the gentle touch of a finger wiping away her tears. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instantly knew—it wasn’t Sidharth. She would recognize his touch anywhere, and this wasn’t it.

Someone else was here, someone who had seen her pain, and for a moment, she allowed herself to be pulled from the depths of her sorrow.

Startled, Shehnaaz looked to her side and saw Sameer sitting beside her, his usual playful smile softening the tension in the air. Without hesitation, he reached out and wiped away her remaining tears with a tenderness that made her heart ache a little more.

“Ansoon insaan ko kamzor banate hain, Shehnaaz,” he said gently, his voice filled with understanding. “Aur jahan tak main tumhe samajh paya hoon… Shehnaaz Gill kamzor nahi hai.”

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but smile at the way he said her full name, with a kind of mock seriousness and attitude that only Sameer could pull off. It lightened her mood, even if just for a second. She turned her gaze back to the serene surface of the water, letting out a soft sigh.

“Humesha cheezein jaisi dikhti hain, waisi hoti nahi hai,” she murmured, her voice carrying the weight of her unspoken thoughts. Picking up a small stone, she tossed it into the water, watching as the calm surface rippled and broke apart. “Ab isse dekho,” she added, gesturing to the now disturbed water.

Sameer looked at the water, clearly puzzled by her sudden metaphor. He watched the ripples spread out, trying to make sense of what she meant.

Shehnaaz shook her head softly and continued, “Dekha tumne? Kitna shaant tha yeh paani ek second pehle… par bas ek patthar ka tukda bhi kafi hai ise badalne ke liye.” Her voice was calm, yet there was a heaviness in her tone, one that spoke of things beyond just the water.

Sameer stared at the water for a few more moments, processing her words. Shehnaaz, sensing his confusion, smiled faintly. “Humesha cheezein jaisi dikhayi deti hain, zaroori nahi ke wahi sach ho… Hasi insaan ke chehre par nahi hoti, hasi aankhon mein hoti hai,” she said softly, her eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion. “Kisi ki aankhon mein jhank kar yeh saaf dekh sakte ho ke uski hasi asli hai ya nakli.”

Sameer sighed, her words sinking in deeper than he had expected. Slowly, he reached out and placed his hand on hers, which rested on the ground between them. The touch was gentle, almost hesitant, but it was enough to draw her attention.

Shehnaaz was momentarily taken aback by the gesture, her gaze shifting to him. She saw the seriousness in his eyes, the concern that lay behind his usually carefree demeanor. He wasn’t just being a friend right now—he was looking at her, really seeing her.

“Par tumhari aankhon mein itna dard kyun dikhayi deta hai, Shehnaaz?” Sameer asked quietly, his voice tinged with genuine worry. “Tum itni successful ho… tumhare paas itni achhi family hai, ache dost hain, sab kuch hai… phir yeh dard kyun?”

Shehnaaz didn’t blink, didn’t flinch. His intense gaze held her captive, but it didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t shy away from it, nor did she try to explain herself. The silence between them spoke more than words ever could.

Sameer, overwhelmed by the depth in her eyes, broke the stare first. He closed his eyes briefly and looked away, as if he couldn’t bear the weight of what he saw in her. There was something about the way she looked at him, the pain and mystery in her eyes, that left him shaken.

Shehnaaz let out a cold, almost bitter smile at his reaction. “Bas aisi hi hoon main,” she said with a calmness that didn’t match the storm inside her.

Sameer chuckled softly at her reply, his usual light-heartedness creeping back into the conversation. Shehnaaz, too, let out a small laugh, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“jaisi bhi ho, Shehnaaz,” he said with a soft smile, “I like you for what you are.”

His words hung in the air between them, a clear, direct hint of his feelings. Shehnaaz felt her heart tighten at the simplicity and honesty in his statement.

Shehnaaz smiled sadly as she stood up, her heart heavy with the burden of what she was about to ask. Sameer, sensing a shift in the mood, felt a sudden pang of fear. Did he say something wrong? Was she upset by his confession?

“Shehnaaz… kya hua?” he asked nervously, his voice filled with concern. “I’m sorry agar maine kuch galat bola ho toh…”

But Shehnaaz shook her head gently, offering him a soft, understanding smile. “It’s not that, Sameer,” she reassured him. “I know you like me… pyar paas ho jaata hai, kisi ka control nahi hai uspar. Main samajhti hoon.” She trailed off for a moment, her gaze distant as if lost in thought. Then, gathering herself, she continued, “I want a favor from you.”

Sameer’s expression brightened at her words. “Haan, bolo na,” he said eagerly, feeling a small surge of hope. Maybe she wanted his help, maybe there was something more.

As they began walking together, Shehnaaz turned slightly, her voice carrying a note of warning. “It might hurt you,” she admitted, her honesty cutting through the brief lightness between them.

Sameer chuckled, appreciating her directness despite the seriousness of the moment. “I can at least try,” he replied, trying to keep things light, but there was a slight tension in the air now.

Suddenly, Shehnaaz stopped walking and did something that took Sameer by complete surprise. She took his hands in hers, holding them firmly, and for a second, he felt his heart skip a beat. It was a gesture he hadn’t expected, and for a fleeting moment, he thought maybe—just maybe—there was something more in her heart for him.

“Sameer, I know what you feel for me,” she began softly, her eyes sincere, and his heart raced. “The girl who marries you… will be a lucky one.” She paused, searching his eyes. Sameer stood there, motionless, not daring to breathe.

But then she dropped the bombshell. “Will you say yes to marry me?”

What? Sameer’s mind raced as he stared at her in disbelief. His eyes widened in shock, then in joy, as the words sank in. Was this really happening?

But before he could respond, Shehnaaz continued, dashing his hopes with her next words. “I mean… shadi ka natak.” The happiness that had filled his eyes vanished in an instant. Confusion and hurt replaced it. Natak? What did she mean by a fake marriage?

Shehnaaz could see the shift in his expression, and guilt washed over her. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but the truth of her plan was unavoidable. “I know… I don’t have any right to play with your heart,” she admitted, her voice heavy with regret. “But I’m doing this for the sake of Simran.”

Sameer’s brows furrowed in confusion, and he remained silent, waiting for her to explain.

“Simran loves Sidharth a lot,” Shehnaaz said softly. “And Sidharth… he’s too possessive of me. Hum dono ne apni adhi zindagi ek dusre ke saath guzari hai… aur woh mujhe lekar bahut possessive hai. Uska behavior, chahe jaane-anjaane mein ho, Simran ko hurt karta hai. I need him to understand that Simran should be his first priority now, not me.”

Sameer remained quiet, processing her words, his heart aching in ways he hadn’t expected. Shehnaaz, seeing his silence, felt even more guilty, but she pressed on. “That’s why… I want him to see that I have someone else. Someone who can take care of me and fill his place in my life. I need him to let go of me… for Simran’s sake.”

As she finished, she stood there, waiting anxiously for his reaction. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she knew this was the only way to help Sidharth and Simran. Sameer, on the other hand, felt torn. He liked Shehnaaz, he really did, and hearing her ask him for such a thing felt like a blow to his heart. But at the same time, he understood the depth of her emotions, the complexities she was dealing with.

Sameer gently caressed her hands that rested in his, his voice soft but filled with concern. “Main samajh raha hoon, Shehnaaz… tum apne doston ke liye itna kuch karti ho, ye dekh kar I’m left speechless… of course, I will help you. Par ek sawal puchhna chahta hoon… ke natak kyu? Kya hum sach mein…”

He paused, searching her face, and when he saw the familiar coldness return to her eyes, he quickly reassured her, “Mera matlab hai… kya main itna undeserving hoon ke tum mujhe ek mauka tak nahi de sakti?”

Shehnaaz offered a weak smile, her eyes softening just a little. “Maine tumse pehle bhi kaha tha, Sameer… meri zindagi mein pyaar ke liye koi jagah nahi hai. Abhi bohot se kaam baaki hain jo mujhe khud hi poore karne hain… there is no normal life for me.” With that, she slowly pulled her hands away from his, the distance between them widening.

Sameer sighed, his heart heavy, but he didn’t push further. “Thik hai… I won’t ask anything more. I trust you, Shehnaaz, and believe me, I’m ready for this.”

Shehnaaz gave him a small, appreciative smile and turned to leave when she heard his voice again, asking the one question she dreaded.

“Do you love Sidharth?”

Her steps faltered, and she slowly turned back to face him. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, Sameer knew the truth before she even said a word. The look in her eyes said it all.

Not able to hold back the wave of emotions any longer, Sameer took a step forward and pulled Shehnaaz into his arms, holding her tightly. The hug wasn’t about romance; it was about understanding, about sharing her pain in silence. Shehnaaz, knowing this, weakly smiled and wrapped her arms around him, her cheek resting against his chest. Sameer gently caressed her back, offering her the only comfort he could. He wasn’t going to be her lover, but at least he could be her friend.

They stayed like that for a few seconds, wrapped in the warmth of their shared understanding. And then, without a word, Sameer pulled away and left, the pain he had tried to suppress now overpowering him more than he expected. He knew this wasn’t his battle to fight, but he couldn’t help feeling the weight of her sorrow pressing down on him.

Shehnaaz stood there for a moment longer, watching him leave, her heart heavy but grateful for the support.

Shehnaaz smiled faintly as she watched Sameer leave and turned to head back toward the mansion. But just as she moved, she collided with something solid. Startled, she looked up, her breath catching as she saw Sidharth standing in front of her, his face a storm of anger, frustration, and something that looked painfully like hurt.

Before she could ask him what he was doing there, Sidharth moved closer, forcing her to step back, her heart racing. She backed up slowly until she felt the cold wall behind her, trapping her in place.

Without warning, Sidharth grabbed both her wrists and pinned them behind her back, slamming her body against the wall, crushing himself against her in the process.

Shocked by his aggression, Shehnaaz’s eyes widened as she looked at him, his face just inches from hers, his red, piercing eyes burning into hers.

“Sidharth, tum—” she began, but he cut her off, his voice thick with frustration.

“How dare you hug him?” he demanded, his voice low and furious.

Shehnaaz blinked, confused for a second, before realizing he was talking about her hug with Sameer just moments earlier. She wanted to explain, but his painful grip on her wrists made her flinch.

She tried to pull her hands free, but Sidharth twisted her wrists harder, causing her to wince in pain.

“Sidharth, dard ho raha hai,” she whispered, her voice soft and pleading.

His eyes were bloodshot with anger as he leaned closer, his breath heavy, “Answer me, now.”

Unable to bear the pain, Shehnaaz whimpered, “Sidharth, chhod na… you’re hurting me.”

He loosened his grip slightly, but instead of letting her go, he slammed her hands against the wall on either side of her, trapping her completely. His body was pressed tightly against hers, his frustration and intensity overwhelming her, breaking her resolve.

“Mene kuchh puchha Shehnaaz… how dare that bloody Sameer hug you? Aur tumne usse kaise allow kiya?!” His voice was hoarse with possessiveness, the raw jealousy in his tone making her chest tighten.

Shehnaaz knew this side of Sidharth all too well—his insane possessiveness. Her mind unintntionally drifted back to when she was 14 and he was 16, the time when his fierce protectiveness had first started showing. But this… this was different. This was deeper, more dangerous.

### FLASHBACKS

It was Valentine’s Day, and Shehnaaz sat in the school garden, feeling the warm sun on her face. Suddenly, a boy from her class came over and sat beside her.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Shehnaaz smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The boy returned her smile, beaming as he handed her a pink rose. “Happy Valentine’s Day!” he said enthusiastically.

Shehnaaz accepted the rose with gratitude, her heart fluttering at the sweet gesture. As the boy walked away, a sense of delight washed over her.

Looking down at the rose, she brought it close to her nose to breathe in its fragrance when suddenly, someone yanked it from her grasp.

Startled, she looked up to find Sidharth standing there, his expression a mix of anger and frustration. Confused, she stood up and said, “Sidharth, rose do na vapas… kitna pyara hai.”

His eyes narrowed, and with a flick of his wrist, he threw the rose to the ground, smashing it under his shoe.

Shehnaaz’s shock deepened as she processed his actions, but before she could say anything, he pushed her against a nearby tree, pinning her hands behind her back.

“No one… and I mean no one can give you a rose! Samajhi tu? Tu meri best friend hai… aur sirf main tujhe rose de sakta hun! How dare you take that rose from him? How dare you, Shehnaaz?”

Shehnaaz looked at him, bewildered, “Sidharth, dard ho raha hai… hath chhod na.”

He tightened his grip, leaning closer, his voice low and intense. “Pehle jawab de… how dare you?”

Making a sad face, Shehnaaz replied, “He is a friend, na Sidharth? Classmate hai… toh agar main rose nahi leti, toh kitna bura lagta usse…”

Sidharth clenched her wrists with one hand while pulling her closer with the other, his frustration boiling over. “Usse kya lagta hai? Usse tumhe kya karna hai? Mujhe dard ho raha hai… isse tumhe koi farak nahi padh raha?”

Tears welled in Shehnaaz’s eyes. “Aise kyu bol rahe ho?”

Sidharth, too, had a pained expression but was still consumed by his anger. “Then answer me, damn it! Why did you take that rose?”

In a moment of tenderness, Shehnaaz managed to free one hand and placed it lovingly on his cheek, kissing his other cheek softly. “I am sorry, bass… fir se nahi lungi, promise.”

He sighed, the anger draining away as he gently released her. Pulling her into his arms, he murmured, “Mujhe nahi pasand toh nahi pasand… baat khatam. You are my best friend, right?”

Shehnaaz’s smile returned, bright and full of warmth. “Yes… only your best friend.”

#Back to Present

Sidharth shook her angrily, his frustration palpable as it jolted Shehnaaz back to reality.

“Ab chup kyu ho? Answer me, god damn!” he demanded, his voice sharp with urgency. His intense gaze held hers captive, waiting for the explanation that hung heavy between them.

Taking a deep breath, Shehnaaz felt her heart race, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Despite every instinct telling her to retreat, she found herself gathering her courage. “Because I like him…” she finally spoke, the words escaping her lips like a venom.

Silence enveloped them, the air thick with tension as her admission settled in. She watched as Sidharth’s expression shifted, anger mixing with something deeper, something hurt.

Before she could fully comprehend the gravity of her words, Sidharth crashed his lips against hers.

Her eyes widened in shock as Sidharth’s lips suddenly pressed against hers in an unexpected kiss, leaving her frozen in place. She stood still, numb, unable to process the suddenness of it all. This wasn’t a gentle kiss—it was filled with raw intensity, almost as if something inside him had snapped, driving him to act on pure emotion.

His heart raced wildly, and the taste of her lips ignited something deep within him. He groaned softly, drawing her closer as if her nearness could somehow ease the turmoil inside him. One of his arms wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her closer, while his other hand moved to the back of her head, holding her still as the kiss deepened.

Every movement was driven by an overwhelming need that left him breathless. The warmth of her body against his sent waves of sensation through him, fueling his urgency. He kissed her with a passion that seemed to consume him entirely, his grip on her tightening as he pulled her deeper into his embrace.

She was too stunned to react at first, her mind struggling to keep up with what was happening. The intensity of his kiss left her breathless, her body trembling under the weight of his possessive hold. She knew she should push him away, but her body betrayed her, and slowly, almost instinctively, she found herself responding to him, her hands rising to rest on his shoulders.

It was her first kiss… and it had come from Sidharth. She had read in novels that kisses were supposed to be soft and sensuous, gentle expressions of love. But now she realized how wrong those descriptions had been. His kiss wasn’t sweet—it was fiery. It wasn’t just sensuous, it was passionate. It didn’t simply taste pleasant—it was addictive.

Could she have wished for anything else? No, never. Sidharth was touching her, kissing her, and in that moment, she felt as though he was loving her. The thought sent a thrill through her heart, but at the same time, guilt gnawed at her. How selfish was she, allowing herself to feel this way? Sidharth wasn’t hers—how could he be?

Why was he making things even harder for her than they already were? Why was he confusing her heart like this? Just why…?

A soft groan escaped him when he felt her return the kiss, his desperation transforming into something deeper. He kissed her with a kind of intensity that left no space for thought, only sensation. But then, as her whispered, “Sidharth…” reached his ears, something inside him shifted.

The sound of her voice pulled him back to reality, snapping him out of the haze. Realizing what he had done, he abruptly pulled back, releasing her and stepping away. His breath came in heavy gasps, his eyes wide with shock as the weight of the moment settled between them.

They stood there in silence, the intensity of the kiss still lingering, but now overshadowed by confusion and the realization of what had just transpired.

Her eyes remained closed, while he stood there, staring at her with wide, shocked eyes. What had just happened? What on earth had he done? Sidharth couldn’t believe his own actions. His gaze lingered on her closed eyes, and the realization hit him hard. Yes, he was frustrated, but this—this was too far. What would Shehnaaz think of him now? A deep sense of shame washed over him.

His eyes drifted to her swollen, tender lips, and an unfamiliar urge surged within him—he wanted to kiss her again. The thought startled him. He recalled his past with Simran, how he could barely manage a peck, and even those were rare. He had never felt the need, the passion. He had accepted Simran for entirely different reasons. But now, with Shehnaaz, it was different. Why did his insides scream to pull her back into his arms and kiss her again?

And then the memory of Shehnaaz in Sameer’s arms flashed before his eyes, reigniting the fire of anger inside him.

“Dare you let him hug you again!” he yelled, surprising even himself with the force of his voice.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and stormed away, frustration boiling within him.

40

____________

Shehnaaz gently opened her eyes when her heart finally began to calm down. She couldn’t stop the smile that formed on her lips as she touched them, still feeling the warmth. It was her kiss. Her Sidharth had kissed her. And she had kissed him back. The mere thought sent a thrill through her senses.

She hadn’t even noticed that Sidharth had left or heard what he said before storming off. She was completely lost in the moment, her mind swirling with emotions. Her eyes sparkled with an unknown satisfaction, and a tear of happiness rolled down her cheek. After so much pain and confusion, she had unexpectedly found a moment of pure joy.

She touched her lips, her hands, her waist, and her hair. She could still smell his cologne lingering on her more than her own scent. He had been so close, so overwhelming. The kiss felt as if it had reached her very soul. She could still taste him, still feel the depth of the moment they had shared.

It was the first kiss of her life, and it had come from the person she loved more than herself—the person who lived in her heart.

Sidharth had always had a certain magic about him, and now he had kissed her. God, he had kissed her with such intensity, such passion. She struggled to even find the words to describe how powerful the moment had been, even to herself.

But then, the thought of Simran crashed into her mind, pulling her back to reality.

Why did Sidharth kiss her? He often took out his frustration on her in the past—she had become used to it—but a kiss? Why was he so angry that he kissed her like that?

If Simran finds out… No, no, she reassured herself. I don’t think Sidharth will tell her. It was just anger, a moment of frustration. It didn’t mean anything. It never happened, not really. It has no existence.

She clenched her hands, trying to steady her thoughts. I have to stay away from him, she resolved silently, even though her heart ached at the thought.

_____________

Things were far from easy with Sidharth around. Shehnaaz had tried to keep herself busy in every possible way, but since the kiss, Sidharth hadn’t spoken to her. It had been over a week now, and his silence was deafening. He was clearly avoiding her, and she knew it. A part of her was relieved—that’s exactly what she wanted, wasn’t it? For him to stay away, to focus on Simran, to go back to his life.

But there was a nagging thought that wouldn’t leave her alone: *Was he feeling guilty?* The idea irritated her. She couldn’t stand the thought of him being burdened by guilt over what happened between them. She needed to clear the air, and soon.

Meanwhile, Dadi maa’s health was improving, and she had begun insisting on returning to Delhi. But Shehnaaz didn’t want her to leave yet. After two long years, she had finally gotten her family back—Sam, Dadi maa, Sidharth, Uttara, Hameer—and now Simran too. A sense of selfishness washed over her as she realized she wasn’t ready to let them go. She wanted to hold onto these moments, to live with them a little longer, to savor this time together for what might be the last time.

Because once she started down the path of destroying Mohinder Gill and his family, there would be no turning back. She knew that with certainty. The time was coming closer, and soon she would have to confront her past. But until then, she wanted everything to be settled in everyone else’s lives—Uttara and Hameer, Sidharth and Simran, even Sameer and Sameera, whom she thought would make a good pair.

She needed things to be sorted before she began the real game of her life.

Sighing, she closed her eyes for a moment, then picked up her phone. Her expression shifted, her gaze becoming cold, distant.

“Hmm,” she muttered into the phone.

“How many?” she asked curtly, waiting for the response.

“Offer him 10 crores.”

Her voice was firm, unyielding. “Do as I say. And I want no mistakes.”

With that, she ended the call, her eyes darkening, her mind steeling itself for what was to come.

______________

It was a Thursday, and the atmosphere at the dinner table was heavy with silence. Everyone ate quietly, their thoughts elsewhere. Shehnaaz knew this was the moment. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she broke the silence.

“Dadi maa… I need to talk about something important,” she said, her voice steady but laced with nervousness.

Sidharth immediately looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. It was the first time in a week that he had actually looked at her directly, and the intensity of his gaze startled her. She could feel the weight of his attention, the unsaid words hanging between them.

Dadi maa frowned in confusion. “Kya hua beta? What’s the matter?” she asked gently.

Shehnaaz swallowed, her fingers fidgeting under the table. “Umm… it’s about Sameer,” she said cautiously.

That caught everyone’s attention. The air seemed to shift as the room collectively paused. Sidharth’s expression darkened, his curiosity quickly giving way to anger. She could feel it—the tension building as his gaze bore into her, his jaw clenching. He was getting angry, and she knew it. She could practically hear his thoughts, and it only made her more anxious.

Clearing her throat to gather her courage, Shehnaaz pressed on. “I… I like Sameer.”

_________________

Author’s Note

Dear Readers,

In this chapter, the tension between Shehnaaz and Sidharth reaches a pivotal moment. After the kiss that left them both shaken and confused, Shehnaaz is left grappling with her feelings, and Sidharth’s avoidance of her only intensifies the emotional distance between them. The dinner table conversation is a turning point, where Shehnaaz finally makes a bold statement about her feelings for Sameer. This moment was designed to raise the stakes, revealing not only Shehnaaz’s internal struggle but also Sidharth’s growing frustration and confusion over their relationship.

I wanted to portray Shehnaaz as someone torn between her desires and her responsibilities, especially with the looming threat of her larger plans against Mohinder Gill. She is holding onto the hope of having her family together, even as she prepares for a future that may break everything apart. Her declaration about Sameer adds a layer of complexity to her character, showing her need for control and the way she tries to mask her vulnerability.

At this point, the tension between Sidharth and Shehnaaz is palpable, and both characters are at a crossroads, unsure of what their next steps will be. This chapter sets the tone for the upcoming twists, where their emotional turmoil will collide with the larger conflicts ahead. I hope you enjoyed this scene of silent intensity and the unspoken emotions it carries. More revelations and confrontations are just around the corner!

Let me know your thoughts, and as always, 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  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

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9 thoughts on “Chapter 25”

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