Chapter 4
Dadi maa smiled through her tears, “Thank you, beta…”
Shehnaaz sighed deeply, “Dadi maa… aap thank you bol rahe ho…??”
Dadi maa’s smile widened, “I love you, bachha…”
Shehnaaz giggled, her eyes twinkling with affection, “That’s like a good Dadi maa…”
Dadi maa made a playful face, “Badmash…”
Dadi maa’s expression turned serious, “Shehnaaz… kya sab kuchh pehle jaise nahi ho sakta…..?”
Shehnaaz fell silent, the weight of the question pressing down on her.
Dadi maa’s eyes filled with painful tears, a sorrow so deep it was almost palpable.
Shehnaaz, determined not to show her own weakness, asked seriously, “Dadi maa… aap sach much chahti hai ke sab kuchh pehle jaisa ho….?”
The question was a heavy one for Dadi maa too. She longed for the past, where everything was simpler. Yet, she couldn’t bear to see Shehnaaz broken and weak again. She didn’t want to see the old Shehnaaz, the one who cried so much, the one who once even thought of ending her life. She preferred the strong, resilient Shehnaaz who had emerged from all those bitter experiences.
Shehnaaz repeated, “Boliye na Dadi maa…”
Dadi maa quickly replied, “Nahi bachha… nahi.. kabhi bhi nahi…”
Shehnaaz smiled painfully, “Jo jaisa chal raha hai.. usse waisa hi chalne dijiye Dadi maa… warna sab kuchh khatam ho jayega…”
Dadi maa sighed and nodded, “Apna khayal rakhna bachha….”
With that, Dadi maa ended the call abruptly, finally releasing the painful cry she had been holding back.
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After the call, Shehnaaz made her way to her usual spot, Bandstand. It was late evening, and the area was deserted, just her and the sea. She sat on a big stone, the strong waves crashing against the shore, their sound both soothing and tumultuous.
A cold hand rested on her shoulder, jolting her from her thoughts. She stood up abruptly, startled.
Shehnaaz was shocked to see him there. “What are you doing here…?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.
Sameer, unsure, replied, “I could ask you the same…”
Shehnaaz looked at him, confused, “Are you following me…?”
Sameer laughed, “Are you serious… lol… me? Mumbai bahot saalo baad lauta hun, so visiting one of my favorite places…”
Shehnaaz relaxed a bit, “Ohh… alright…”
Sameer smiled, “But what are you doing here so late… and alone…”
Shehnaaz shrugged lightly, “Main aksar yahan aati hu…”
Sameer looked around, “Alone….?”
Shehnaaz, “Yes…”
Sameer found her a bit odd, “Umm… okk…”
Shehnaaz didn’t want to talk. This was her private time. Sameer, unsure of what to say, tried to start a conversation, “Shall we sit?”
Shehnaaz reluctantly agreed, “Okk…” and they sat on the rock side by side. Shehnaaz stared straight ahead, lost in the waves, while Sameer felt the chill of the cold wind. He wondered how she, a girl, didn’t seem to feel cold.
“It’s quite cold na…” Sameer tried again.
Shehnaaz didn’t look at him but answered, “I am used to it.”
Sameer noticed her lack of emotion, her cold reaction leaving no room for conversation. He tried again, “Tumhe yahan aana achha lagta hai…”
“Haan,” Shehnaaz responded, still without much reaction.
Sameer sighed, “Hmm…”
It was just the start of June, and the rains hadn’t begun yet. Both sat in silence for a while, watching the clouds change shape and color.
Sameer looked up, “Seems like… rain will start in some time…”
“Hmm…” Shehnaaz uttered, still lost in her thoughts.
Sameer finally looked at her, “Tum hamesha hi itni shant rehti ho…”
Shehnaaz didn’t smile, “It’s just the second time we’re talking… kisi ko jaane bagaire uske baare me koi raay banana sahi nahi hai…”
Sameer knew she was right, “Shayad tum sahi ho…. so can I consider you coming to the party tomorrow…”
Shehnaaz was confused, “When did I say that…”
Sameer chuckled, “Arre, you just said na… kisi ko jaane bagair raay nahi banate… toh tumhe jaane ke liye mujhe tumhare sath aur waqt bitana padega….”
Shehnaaz, “Tumhe mujhe jaanne ki koi jarurat nahi hai..”
Sameer was a little disturbed by that.
“I am sorry… I didn’t mean…” Sameer began, but Shehnaaz looked at him now.
“Main ladki hokar itni practical hu… aur tum ladke hokar itne emotional…” Shehnaaz remarked.
Sameer smiled, “Ye jaruri nahi ke har insan ko practical hona chahiye…”
Shehnaaz looked back at the sea, the sun had long set, and the last traces of light were fading slowly.
“Agar is duniya mein majboot diwaar bankar rehna hai to practical banna jaroori hai… warna log tumhe kulchar apne sapno ka mehel kab bana lenge tumhe pata tak nahi chalta….” Shehnaaz said.
Sameer looked at her curiously, “Experienced….???”
That word brought her back to reality. She felt exposed. What was she doing? Sharing herself with a stranger? No way! She suddenly got up.
“Kya hua…?” Sameer asked, standing up as well.
Shehnaaz didn’t look at him, “I should leave… rain will start soon…”
“Let me drop you home,” Sameer offered.
Shehnaaz spoke fiercely, “I am not a weak bechari woman who needs help even for going home… I have my car…”
Sameer rolled his eyes, “Do you always behave like Jhansi ki Rani…?”
Shehnaaz didn’t like that, “Do not joke about me…”
“Sorry…” Sameer sighed.
Without another word, she started to walk away. She took a few steps and then turned back.
“My friends are coming tonight… if they want to come, we will be there at the party….” Shehnaaz said.
Sameer smiled, “I will be waiting for you all…..”
Shehnaaz nodded, “Yaah…” and disappeared into the Mumbai crowd.
Sameer watched her go, then turned to look at the dangerous waves crashing against the shore. He shook his head, smiling at her stubbornness.
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In a flight, Hameer and Uttara were sitting together.
Hameer groaned, “Aaj tune marwa hi diya tha….”
Uttara twisted her lips, “Main kya karti… galti se mere muh se…”
Hameer rolled his eyes, “Galti se… ruk ja.. jab Shehnaaz ko bataunga….”
Uttara looked scared, “No… she will kill me…..”
Hameer smirked, “Hmmmm…… but what will I get..?”
Uttara slipped her hand into his arm, “Please baby….” she said, kissing his cheek lovingly.
He sighed, “This is not fair……” making a baby face.
Uttara smirked back.
In the same flight, but far away, Sidharth was sitting, sipping his drink. His mind was racing.
“Kya laga tha Shehnaaz… ke main tumhe nahi dhoond paunga…. itni narazgi… puchhna hai mujhe tumse… kis galti ki saza di tumne mujhe… daatna hai tumhe.. khud ko mujhse itne din door rakhne ke liye… is baar tumhe Dadi maa bhi nahi bacha payegi….”
He was in pain, remembering all those nights without her, when she wasn’t there to brush his hair while he rested his head in her lap. He was happy that finally, his Shehnaaz would be back to him. He was angry at her for the most stupid thing she’d done, with Dadi maa’s help—this long separation, this drama. Not fair.
He was sad at himself for fighting with her and creating this dangerous situation. If he had known that Shehnaaz would not talk to him for two years, he would never have fought with her. Only he knew how much he had missed her, every single moment. Why did she go away from him? Why?
But not anymore. He had found her, and he would never let her go again.
And most importantly, he was shocked when the detective told him that Uttara and Hameer were going to Mumbai. MUMBAI? Why did Shehnaaz go to Mumbai? Why was she there and not with Dadi maa? Why was she all alone? Who took care of her? She was basically an idiot; she didn’t know how to take care of herself. All she knew was how to take care of him. How did she manage there? And importantly, how was she able to stay away from Dadi maa?
Questions, unlimited questions, and no answers. With a clouded mind, he reached Mumbai along with Hameer and Uttara.
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TING TONG TING TONGTING TONGTING TONG
Hameer finally grabbed Uttara’s hand, who was continuously ringing the bell like an impatient child.
Shehnaaz came running to the door
, rolling her eyes, and finally opened it.
“Mujhe ek bell mein hi sunayi deta hai…” Shehnaaz said.
Uttara made an accusing face, “Toh fir 4th ring ke baad kyun khola…?”
Hameer rolled his eyes, “Tu pagal hai kya…?”
Shehnaaz chuckled lightly, “You still doubt her…?”
Uttara rolled her eyes and walked in.
Hameer, “Jaldi se kuchh khane ke liye la… bahut bhook lagi hai…”
Shehnaaz, “Pata hai mujhe.. nothing new…”
Uttara rolling on the sofa, “Jaldi la na… mujhe methi ke parathe chahiye…”
Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, knowing how much Uttara loved methi ke parathe.
Shehnaaz shouted towards the kitchen, “Mira tai…”
Mira tai, the kitchen staff member, replied, “La rahi hu didi…”
Mira came out of the kitchen with many dishes. Uttara’s and Hameer’s mouths watered at the sight of the yummy dishes, and they jumped on the food like hungry lions. Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Slowly guys…”
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The next morning, they were all at the dining table.
“No office today, ok?” Uttara declared.
“Right…” Shehnaaz agreed.
Hameer looked at her, annoyed, “This is not done, Shehnaaz… hume Haji Ali bhi jaana hai… last time nahi ja paaye the…?”
Shehnaaz shook her head, “Fine…”
“And in the evening, we’ll go to the party,” Uttara added.
“Par party hai kiski… tumhare kisi Mumbai ke friend ki hai kya…?” Hameer asked.
“Actually, ek client hai… usne invitation diya hai…” Shehnaaz explained.
“Kya farq padta hai… important ye hai ke party boring na ho…” Uttara remarked.
Hameer rolled his eyes.
“Don’t worry… business party nahi hai… so I don’t think it will be boring for you… but of course it will be for me…” Shehnaaz said.
Uttara made a face, “Tujhe business parties kaise achhi lag sakti hai…”
“Kyunki wahan pe sab apne kaam se kaam rakhte hai…” Shehnaaz replied.
“Enough of it… be fast.. we need to leave soon for Haji Ali…” Hameer said.
“One minute, Hameer…” Uttara said seriously.
Hameer sensed the seriousness in her voice.
“Kal Sidharth mila tha… tere bare mein poochh raha tha…” Uttara said.
Shehnaaz closed her eyes in anger. Hameer watched her fearfully.
“Tu gussa mat ho na.. humne usse kuch nahi bataya… par wo bahot pareshan lag raha tha…” Uttara added.
“He is in MUMBAI…..” Shehnaaz shouted angrily.
Hameer and Uttara looked at Shehnaaz, shocked, “What? Par tujhe kaise pata….?”
Shehnaaz got out of her chair angrily, “Because I know him…. tum dono ne mujhe kal phone par kyun nahi bataya…”
Hameer and Uttara’s breaths choked in their throats.
“I am asking you both something.. speak up…” Shehnaaz demanded.
“Hume kya pata tha… ke…” Uttara started, but Shehnaaz stared at her angrily.
“Tujhe aaj bhi usse itna dar lagta hai…” Hameer said.
With that, both Uttara and Hameer started laughing like idiots, not understanding the seriousness of the situation. Shehnaaz got more angry and left to get her car. Hameer and Uttara followed, making baby faces.
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At Haji Ali dargah, Shehnaaz wore a pastel green kurti with white leggings and a white dupatta. She looked serene and beautiful. The place was crowded yet silent, pure. They bowed their heads in humbleness, the girls covering their heads with dupattas while Hameer used his handkerchief.
They remained silent for some time, having their personal moments with the divine, sharing every fact of their lives. After a while, they got up. Shehnaaz and Uttara were standing near a pillar, tying the Mannat ka Dhaga.
Just then, Shehnaaz’s eyes fell on the entrance, and she froze on the spot as her eyes caught the sight of Sidharth walking in.
As Sidharth raised his eyes, his eyes met hers…
Both stood there, frozen, watching each other after two years. Everything seemed different, yet everything felt the same. They forgot to breathe, standing in front of each other, staring intently. Their hearts beat faster than ever, everything around them blurred, and they forgot how to blink.
They looked at each other like it had been ages. Their eyes were lost in one another. His eyes twinkled with happiness, pain, restlessness, and a whirlwind of emotions. Her eyes, however, were blank. His heart ached at the sight of her empty gaze, knowing she was angry. His Sana was angry with her Sidharth. But he knew how to win her back. She would run, faster and faster, and jump into his arms like she always did.
Their eye contact took them on a journey back to their beautiful past.
#Flashback
It was Shehnaaz’s first day at school. She was scared, so innocent and fragile, feeling nervous watching the confident boys and girls roaming around. She was just seven.
Dadi Maa and Malini had come with her as it was her first day, but her eyes were searching for Sidharth. She had created a strong bond with him, a special one.
It was Sidharth’s first day of the new standard too. He was used to it and never scared of anyone. But he couldn’t come with her because he had to attend his first day at school as well. She knew it and didn’t complain, but her eyes still searched for him in the crowd of students.
“Chachi Maa, aap aayi uske liye bahot bahot shukriya,” Malini said.
Dadi Maa smiled, “Esme shukriya ki kya baat hai…”
“Shehnaaz ko aapki bahot aadat ho gayi hai,” Malini added.
Dadi Maa pulled Shehnaaz closer, “Shehnaaz hai hi itni pyari…”
Shehnaaz smiled faintly.
Dadi Maa observed her, “Kya hua Shehnaaz? Aapko dar lag raha hai?”
Shehnaaz nodded, making a baby face.
Malini reassured her, “Shehnaaz, darne ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Lunch break me Sameera Di, Balraj Veerji, aur Sidharth… sab tumse milenge.”
Shehnaaz nodded again.
Dadi Maa cupped her face lovingly, “Aise darte nahi hai bachha. Sab thik ho jayega. First day hai na, isliye aisa lag raha hai.”
Shehnaaz asked hopefully, “Dadi Maa, shaam me mujhe Sidharth lene aayega na?”
Dadi Maa smiled, “Bilkul beta, tujhe liye bagair wo ja sakta hai kya?”
Shehnaaz smiled. Just then, she heard a shout, “Shehnaaz!”
Her eyes twinkled with joy as she saw Sidharth standing at a little distance. He shouted again, “Jaldi aana!” She laughed, handed her school bag and water bag to Dadi Maa, and started running towards him as fast as she could.
Dadi Maa and Malini shook their heads, smiling. She didn’t stop running until she jumped onto his chest. He picked her up by the waist, and she clung to him, so happy to see her Sidharth. He came for her, just as she knew he would. He would never let her be alone.
“Tujhe kya laga, main nahi aaunga?” Sidharth asked.
Shehnaaz made a baby face, “Tumne itni der kyun kar di? Mujhe kitna dar lag raha tha.”
Sidharth chuckled, “Arre, ek school friend mil gaya tha…”
Shehnaaz twisted her lips, “Aur mera kya?”
She twisted her lips more, showing her anger. He put her down slowly, and she crossed her arms over her chest, looking away.
He shook his head, pulled her towards him, and kissed her cheek forcefully. She made a yucky face. He laughed and kissed her cheek again. She rubbed her cheek, showing she was angry. He held her hands, stopping her from rubbing his kiss away, and kissed her cheek forcefully again.
She looked at him, annoyed. He made a baby face. She smiled cutely and kissed his cheek. He hugged her like a teddy bear.
“Mujhe kabhi akela mat chhodna, warna…” Shehnaaz innocently demanded.
He smiled, hugging her tight, “Bilkul nahi chhodunga. Tumhe bandh kar rakhunga khud se. Samjhi?”
Shehnaaz laughed, “Chhodo mujhe…”
Sidharth playfully held her, “Nahi.”
Shehnaaz fought to let go, “Haan.”
Sidharth didn’t let her and laughed, “Nahi.”
Shehnaaz, “Haan Sidharth…”
Sidharth, “Nahi Shehnaaz…”
Shehnaaz, “Idiot…”
Sidharth, “Shehnaazu…”
Shehnaaz made a baby face, “No Shehnaazu…”
Sidharth smiled and smirked, “Yes Shehnaazu…”
#Back to the Present
An old lady bumped into Sidharth, bringing him back to reality. The sudden movement broke their eye contact, and he almost lost his balance. When he looked up to meet her eyes again, she was gone. There was no sign of Shehnaaz.
His eyes widened in shock, and fear gripped him. He ran here and there in her search but didn’t find her anywhere. Panting heavily, he stopped at one place, his eyes still searching for her. Disappointed, he closed his eyes, hurt. She was just right in front of him, and then she left. She disappeared.
Or was he just dreaming? “Agar wo sach me Shehnaaz hoti, toh mere paas daudke jarur aati aur mujhe daantati usse akela chhodne ke liye,” he thought. But his heart still searched for her.
He closed his eyes again, remembering her face and eyes from just minutes ago. She looked different, mature, and breathtakingly beautiful, like he had never seen her before. His Shehnaaz looked so beautiful.
“I will find my Shehnaaz,” he promised himself. “I will find you, Shehnaaz. Tumhe bahot se sawalon ke jawab dene hai.”
He opened his eyes, hoping to see her again, but she was nowhere to be found.
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Uttara looked at Shehnaaz, who was seething. “Are you sure tune usse dekha?”
Shehnaaz glared at her, “Obviously it was him. Sab tum dono ki vajah se…”
Hameer made a face, “Hume kya pata tha ke woh itna smart niklega…”
Shehnaaz, “What do you mean?”
Uttara, “Ab usse jitna tu jaanti hai utna to koi nahi jaanta na…”
Shehnaaz looked away. Hameer signaled Uttara to drop the topic.
Uttara changed the subject, “Haji Ali toh kamaal ki place hai na. It was so pure and serene.”
Shehnaaz sighed, “Hmm…”
She was somewhere lost in herself. She didn’t want to come in front of him, but it happened. His looks were hurting her. That love, care, and happiness in his eyes for her made her irritated.
Hameer, “What about the party? Kis ki party hai?”
Shehnaaz, lost in thoughts, answered, “Sameer Wahi ki party hai.”
Uttara, “Sameer Wahi? Nice name.”
Hameer, “First project ya fir your old friend?”
Shehnaaz, “No re, first project. We had a few projects with his company, but they were handled by his dad. It’s his first project.”
Uttara, “Sounds interesting.”
Hameer, “Toh fir party kis baat ki hai?”
Shehnaaz, “I don’t know. Neither did I ask. He invited, so I agreed.”
Uttara hooted, “He invited and you agreed? Hmm… something cooking?”
Shehnaaz, “Will you shut your idiot mouth?”
Uttara, “My mouth is not an idiot.”
Shehnaaz rolled her eyes.
Hameer, “On a serious note, do you like him?”
Shehnaaz glared at him, “Will you both just shut this crap? You know me. It’s impossible for me to…”
She couldn’t complete her sentence.
Uttara, “Relax re, he is kidding.”
Hameer, “Wo main aaj kal har waqt Uttara ke saath rehta hoon, samajh na…”
Uttara’s mouth fell open. Shehnaaz smirked, watching Uttara’s face, while Hameer laughed at his joke. Uttara smacked him.
Hameer, “Ouchh… arre isko koi sikhaye yaar, apne boyfriend ko nahi maara karte.”
Uttara, “Boyfriend my foot.”
Shehnaaz rolled her eyes as they continued their playful banter until they reached home.
_________________
Sidharth, “I am in Mumbai.”
Sameer got excited, “That’s great! Ab toh tujhe party mein aana hi padega.”
Sidharth sighed, “Dude…”
Sameer, “I don’t want to hear a word. Avi will be so happy.”
Sidharth, wanting to distract his upset mind, agreed, “Fine, I will be there.”
Sameer, “By the way, Simran called me. What’s wrong?”
Sidharth, “Leave it.”
Sameer, “Sidharth…”
Sidharth, frustrated, “Cut it out, I said…”
Sameer, “Okay, but do talk to her. She looked upset.”
Sidharth mocked, “Right…”
Sameer, “Alright, see you at the party then. The MD of the company I’m working with on my first project is coming too.”
Sidharth teased, “Her?”
Sameer laughed, “What’s with you?”
Sidharth, “Nothing much, but it seems like something will be with you…”
Sameer, “Wow, wow, stop it now. Catch you in the evening.”
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#The Party
The party was flawless, held outside the city at a farmhouse. The area was beautifully decorated with candles, various flowers, and many more things. Different shades of spotlights lit up the area beautifully. Benefactor tables with white satin cloth were placed at different spots, giving the area a standard look. The floor was carpeted with a cloth matching the tables. A beautiful fountain in the middle added a perfect touch to the place, with spotlights on the water changing colors from time to time. Elegant ladies in designer and fashionable clothes roamed around with their partners, glasses in hand. The men, in standard suits, complemented the ladies perfectly.
Avinash, a common friend of Sidharth and Sameer, stood with his lady love, Avantika. Both hosted the party nicely, walking hand in hand. Sameer kept glancing at the entrance, waiting for Sidharth and more so for Shehnaaz and her friends.
Just then, he saw Shehnaaz entering with her friends. His eyes widened at the beautiful sight of her, and he forgot to breathe for a second. He had never seen someone so beautiful. The dark blue dress wrapped around her body, hugging her tight, reaching her toes, and snaking her neck on top made her look gorgeous. She wore a beautiful pair of blue diamond earrings, a blue diamond ring on her fourth finger, and a blue diamond bracelet on her delicate wrist. It all looked amazing.
Her brownish hair was beautifully curled and rested in the right hollow of her neck. The baby pink shade of her lips and cheeks, her eyelashes, and the kajal in her brown eyes all added to her stunning appearance. A small blue diamond pendant on a very delicate white gold chain almost invisible, made her look even more amazing. The bare part of her white milky skin made his eyes go wide. She looked like an angel of God, catching the attention of almost every gentleman present at the party.
Sameer’s endless gaze was broken by her voice.
Shehnaaz, “Hello, Mr. Wahi.”
He somehow managed to compose himself, “Hello, Ms. Shehnaaz.”
Shehnaaz, “Meet my friends Uttara and Hameer.”
Sameer shook hands with them but his heart pounded with the most beautiful girl in the world standing next to him.
Sameer, “I am very happy you all came.”
Uttara and Hameer smiled and had handshakes.
Sameer, “Let me introduce you to the host of the party.”
Shehnaaz, “Yeah.”
Sameer introduced them, “Avi, this is Ms. Shehnaaz Gill, MD of Gill Industries.”
Avi was mesmerized by the beautiful lady, “Hello, Ms. Shehnaaz. This is my lady love, Avantika.”
Avantika and Shehnaaz shook hands with smiles.
Sameer, “Today is their third love anniversary.”
Shehnaaz, Hameer, and Uttara congratulated them.
Avi, “Do enjoy.”
And the party continued. Just then, Adnan Sami entered with his wife.
Avi, “What took you so long?”
Adi (Adnan Sami), “Oh, these women take so long to get ready that someone could get married in the meantime.”
Adnan’s wife playfully nudged him, telling him to stop.
Avantika rolled her eyes, “These men have nothing to adorn themselves with, yet they blame us.”
Avi, “It’s not that. I love seeing you get ready.”
Avantika blushed at his blunt statement while Adnan and his wife teased them.
Avantika, “Enough of the laugh. Today, you have to sing our favorite song, ISHQ HOTA NAHI SABHI KE LIYE.”
Sameer, “Like always.”
Adnan agreed smilingly and moved towards the stage.
Avi, “Hey, when is Sidharth coming?”
Sameer, “No idea. He said he’s coming, but his phone is not reachable.”
Avantika, “This is not done. He always arrives late.”
Sameer, “Don’t worry. There’s still time to cut the cake.”
Avi rolled his eyes.
Just then, they saw Sidharth entering, clad in a black suit, looking as handsome as possible. His black suit and the standard wristwatch on his left wrist complemented his looks, catching the attention of every single lady present at the party.
As he entered, Sameer gave him a tight hug, followed by Avinash and Avantika.
Avi, “How are you, buddy?”
Sidharth, “Very good. Congrats to both of you.”
Avantika, “You’re late, Sidharth, as always.”
Sidharth giggled, “The day you two finally get married, I’ll be the first to arrive at the party.”
Avi, “I’ve already proposed to her 25 times, but she keeps saying, not now.”
Avantika twisted her lips, “What’s the rush? We still need to understand each other more.”
Sameer, “With all this ‘not now,’ the train might stop midway.”
Avantika, “The joke of the day is over. Ha ha ha.”
Sameer rolled his eyes.
Just then, he saw Shehnaaz sipping her drink, talking to her friends. He called her name.
“Shehnaaz.”
A beautiful, non-lyrical music started to play as the fingers began working on the piano softly. Sidharth’s hand stopped where it was as his eyes met Shehnaaz’s.
She stood right in front of him. Her eyes met his, and they both looked at each other in shock. The beautiful voice of Adnan Sami gave music to their endless gaze at each other.
He looked into her eyes again, those beautiful eyes. But this time, his eyes caught every beat of her. And, oh God, his heart stopped at the beautiful blue sight of her.
Shehnaaz was shocked to see Sidharth. She feared breaking down; she feared herself. She looked at his emotional eyes. He was so expressive, like she could read his expressions as an open book. She could feel how happy and excited he was to see her again.
Everyone clapped at the beautiful voice of Adnan Sami. Adnan smiled and started with his melodious voice once again.
Adnan started singing, “Ishq hota nahin sabhi ke liye…”
They looked at each other without blinking. He may not have seen her in Haji Ali actually, but this time she was truly here, in front of him, after two long years. She was the same Sana he had lived his life with, the one who would keep calling him every single minute.
She looked at him. He was the same Sidharth today too—caring, expressive. The same Sidharth who would scold her if she felt reluctant to ask for anything. Though he had become more handsome now and looked mature too, she felt herself going crazy with the thought.
Uttara and Hameer looked at each other with love and care while dancing, unaware of Sidharth’s presence. Avi and Avantika looked at each other with love, taking each other in arms.
Sidharth saw Sameer moving towards Shehnaaz, and Shehnaaz broke her eye contact with him. She didn’t call him, didn’t run to jump in his embrace, nor did she fight with him for staying away from her for so long.
That hurt him a lot. She didn’t give any signal of togetherness. Were they just friends? Or best friends? They were each other’s soul since she was 5 and he was 7. And now, she was behaving as if they didn’t even know each other. That hurt him to the core. His happiness and excitement turned into pain and hurt, which was visible in his eyes.
Her heart once again showed that unwanted emotion, hatching those disappointed eyes of his. But she had to control herself. She smiled at him. He was shocked. She smiled at him. Did that mean she wasn’t angry with him? Then why was she being so indifferent? Why was she away?
But soon his smile faded when he saw Sameer raising his hand in front of her for a dance. He never liked anybody coming closer to his Shehnaaz. She had always been his. She knew that always, how much he hated anybody being over-friendly with his Shehnaaz. But she was no more that innocent Shehnaaz who would do as told.
Just then, it started raining, the first rain of monsoon. Sameer smiled at her while she gave a faint smile.
Sameer, “humari akhari mulakat me bhi aisa hi sama bana tha.. yaad hai.?”
Shehnaaz smiled faintly while Sidharth’s anger lost all bounds. What did Sameer mean? They had met each other earlier? When? And why didn’t she tell him? How could she hide that?
But her reluctant attitude towards Sameer gave him some relief.
Sameer, “Can I have the honor of a dance?”
Shehnaaz extended her hand, not meeting Sidharth’s eyes. She knew what he must be thinking, but she had to control her feelings for him. They were like this once, but not anymore. They weren’t meant to be together anymore.
Sidharth saw them dancing. His eyes were on Shehnaaz’s smiling face. Sameer twirled her, bringing her closer to him, and Sidharth’s anger knew no bounds. He took two steps, intending to separate them, but stopped. Shehnaaz smiled faintly while Sameer looked at her face. His hand rested on her waist, and he led her in the dance. Sidharth couldn’t bear it anymore.
“Has Shehnaaz gone mad?” Sidharth fumed internally. “She knows my temper and still… She will pay for this. I don’t like this one bit.”
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he saw Shehnaaz placing a hand on Sameer’s shoulder, their free hands intertwining. Sidharth’s blood boiled.
Meanwhile, Hameer and Uttara were lost in their own dance, while Avi tenderly asked Avantika for a dance, to which she willingly agreed.
“Ishq toh karte hain diwaane…” Adnan’s soulful voice filled the air.
A girl approached Sidharth, asking for a dance. He knew he had to control his anger somehow, or he would end up doing something reckless. So, he started dancing with her, though his eyes kept straying back to Shehnaaz.
Shehnaaz noticed Sidharth dancing but acted indifferent, not letting any sign of jealousy show, which only irritated him further. Her indifferent attitude towards him was unbearable.
Shehnaaz and Sameer swayed to the rhythm of Adnan’s voice, while Sidharth and his partner followed suit. However, Sidharth’s heart wasn’t in it. His eyes were glued to Shehnaaz and Sameer’s every move, his anger intensifying.
He remembered how he used to dance with Shehnaaz at every function. He never let anyone else dance with her, and she never wanted to dance with anyone else. But things had changed. She was dancing with someone else right in front of him.
As Sameer spun Shehnaaz around, she landed against his chest, his hand slipping over her delicate waist. Sidharth’s grip on his partner’s waist tightened, hurting her slightly. Sameer smiled at Shehnaaz, and she smiled back.
Shehnaaz glanced at Sidharth, whose angry eyes were piercing through her. She knew he didn’t like it; he was insanely possessive about her. But she had to look away, even though it was hard to break the gaze. Sameer made another move, turning Shehnaaz so her back was against his chest.
Sameer’s sudden turn broke Shehnaaz’s gaze from Sidharth. In response, Sidharth spun his partner angrily, making her fall for his possessiveness.
Sidharth couldn’t control himself any longer. He abruptly left his partner and the dance floor, catching Shehnaaz’s attention.
“Why did he do that? That was rude,” Shehnaaz thought. “But that’s Sidharth Shukla for you.”
She knew him more than anyone, understanding exactly what was going on in his mind, but she couldn’t help it.
Sidharth went to the bar and downed a glass of hard liquor in one go. Shehnaaz tried to ignore him, focusing on Sameer, who was continuously looking at her. Sidharth’s anger grew, and he drank another glass, losing control.
She noticed the anger in his eyes but wasn’t going to placate him over something so trivial. She didn’t have time for unnecessary emotions. She was Shehnaaz Gill, and she wouldn’t waste her time on pointless matters, she consoled herself.
She excused herself from Sameer. He didn’t want to upset her, so he accepted it with a smile and stepped back.
As she began to leave the dance floor, a strong, familiar hand gripped her wrist, stopping her.
Before she could react, she was pulled towards Sidharth, crashing into his chest passionately. She looked into his piercing eyes.
His eyes could kill her at that moment. His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her into his embrace as they danced passionately, making her aware of his emotions. She knew there was no way out.
He pulled her closer, unable to control himself anymore. He knew he was drunk, but seeing Shehnaaz in someone else’s arms was killing him. It had always been him, his best friend. No one had the right to touch his Shehnaaz.
His hold on her waist tightened.
Just then, all the lights went out, plunging the area into pitch darkness, with only the candlelight and the sound of heavy rain mixing with Adnan’s voice. It felt thrilling.
They looked into each other’s eyes, their faces mere inches apart. They could see every emotion playing on each other’s faces.
Uttara and Hameer stopped dancing, shocked to see Sidharth with Shehnaaz, especially seeing Sidharth at the party. Sameer also gave a weird look, wondering what was wrong with Sidharth. His possessiveness and passion towards Shehnaaz were unacceptable to Sameer for some reason.
The candles made them forget where they were. They were caught in a different, weird feeling, lost in each other’s eyes and touch after two years. The rain and darkness made the situation more vulnerable.
Sidharth’s nails dug into her waist. Her hands slipped further over his shoulder, snaking around his neck as they moved rhythmically. Sidharth pulled her tighter, but there was no space left between them.
His eyes filled with pain and tears, having her close to his arms after ages. He had missed her. Life felt lifeless without his Shehnaaz. Happiness meant nothing without her. The crowd felt lonely without her. He hardly remembered getting a peaceful smile without his Shehnaaz. How could he make her understand? Sidharth was nothing without his Shehnaaz.
The area lightened again with different shades of spotlights, breaking the magical moment between them. She looked at him with a strange emotion he couldn’t understand. He saw a hint of remorse in her eyes for getting lost in the moment.
He couldn’t bear the feeling of being a stranger in her eyes. He tried to read her eyes, but a strong clap of thunder broke the last trance of the old emotion. The rain started pouring more heavily, making her eyes blank once again.
With that, his grip on her waist loosened. She started to move away from him slowly, backing away, moving farther and farther from him.
And he just watched her, heartbroken…
_________________
Author’s Note
Hello, dear readers!
Sidharth’s jealousy and possessiveness take center stage as he struggles to cope with Shehnaaz’s attention towards Sameer. The intensity of his emotions leads to a dramatic confrontation on the dance floor, where old feelings and unresolved emotions come to the surface. As Sidharth and Shehnaaz find themselves entangled in a passionate dance, the tension between them becomes obvious, resulting in a heartbreaking separation.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Your feedback means the world to me, so please share your thoughts and don’t forget to vote!
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.
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With love and gratitude,
Shalaka
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Awesome
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Sid dur ho kyu hua yaaar
So painful for both 😞😞😞
Kya ye dono kabhi baat nhi karenge ek dusare se
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