Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 6

“Sana…” Sidharth’s voice emerged from the depths of his sleep, whispering her name and breaking the chain of Shehnaaz’s thoughts.

Shehnaaz gently caressed his hair, her touch tender and soothing. “Shhhh… I’m here. Sleep now,” she whispered softly, her words wrapping around him like a warm embrace.

Sidharth responded by hugging her even tighter, nuzzling his face into her tummy, as if even in his deepest slumber, he could feel her presence. He didn’t want her to go away from him.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the moment. She rested her head against the railing behind her and slowly drifted into sleep, still wrapped in Sidharth’s embrace.

_________________

**MORNING**

The morning was not like any other Sidharth had experienced in the past two years. It felt different, filled with an unspoken tension and unfamiliarity. As he slowly opened his eyes, he knew exactly where he was—Shehnaaz’s room. But to his surprise, it was vastly different from her room in Delhi.

Gone were the colorful decorations and the teddy bears scattered everywhere. The small jhula in her room was absent, as were the funny messages written on the dressing table mirror with lipstick. There were no remnants of his belongings scattered around, no books in messed up state. The room was impossibly tidy, almost perfect, as if managed by a strict and cold person.

Sidharth felt a pang of sadness as he realized how much had changed. He might not remember every teddy bear he had bought her, but he remembered the joy they brought her. He loved pampering her, buying her everything she wanted. But now, this room lacked any trace of her vibrant personality.

Feeling alone and slightly disoriented, he looked around for a glimpse of her but found no one. With a sigh, he pulled himself out of bed and went to freshen up. As he pondered over what to wear, his eyes fell on a new set of clothes neatly placed on the corner of the bed. It was a small gesture, but it warmed his heart.

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**BREAKFAST TABLE**

Uttara stared longingly at her favorite parathas, “Woh kab uthega? Aur hum kab breakfast shuru karenge? Mere muh mein toh abhi se pani aa raha hai…”

Hameer rolled his eyes, “Shut up, Uttara.”

Shehnaaz remained silent, lost in her thoughts.

Hameer asked, “Usse yahan ka address kaise mila?”

Shehnaaz shot him an angry look, making Hameer and Uttara exchange guilty glances. They both knew it was their fault that Sidharth found out about Shehnaaz’s whereabouts.

Trying to change the subject, Hameer asked, “Tune aage ka kya socha hai?”

Shehnaaz’s voice was firm, “Isme sochna kya hai? Parso tum dono ke sath Sidharth bhi Delhi vapas jayega.”

Uttara looked at her, concerned, “Are you sure? You know him…”

Shehnaaz was resolute, “He has to. He doesn’t have an option.”

Hameer pointed out, “You know he never listens to anybody.”

Shehnaaz retorted, “That’s his problem, not mine.”

Uttara protested, “You are being rude.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “A minute ago, you were saying can we start breakfast before him. Wasn’t that rude?”

Uttara pouted, “No, that was because I am hungry.”

Shehnaaz and Hameer exchanged exasperated looks as Sidharth joined them, taking a seat beside Shehnaaz. She didn’t react, nor did she look at him, while his eyes remained fixed on her.

Sidharth broke the silence, “Tu kal kab aayi? Mujhe pata bhi nahi chala.”

Shehnaaz replied instantly, “Jab tum ghode bechkar so rahe the.”

Hameer and Uttara giggled, but Sidharth’s face turned serious, “Main ghode bechkar nahi so raha tha. I was waiting for you. Tujhe pata hai na ke…”

Shehnaaz interrupted, “Aadate badalne ke liye hoti hai.”

Sidharth’s expression turned pained, “Shehnaaz, tu kab tak gussa karegi? Weren’t those two years enough?”

Shehnaaz avoided the disappointment in his tone, “First of all, I am not angry with anyone. I don’t have time for those stupid things.”

Uttara, curious, asked, “Sidharth, par tujhe yahan ka address kaise mila?”

Sidharth chuckled, “Tum dono se, of course.”

Shehnaaz glared at Uttara, who made a baby face while Sidharth giggled. “Yeh kisne banaya hai? Mujhe tere haath ke parathe khane hai,” he said, looking at Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz mocked, “Mujhe parathe banane nahi aate.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes, “Tu bakwas band karegi? Pichhle 10 saal se main tere hi haath ke parathe kha raha hoon.”

Shehnaaz’s tone turned cold, “That was the past. I have stopped wasting my time on this stupid stuff.”

Sidharth felt a sharp sting in his heart, “Mere liye parathe banana is waste of time, right?”

Shehnaaz regretted her words, knowing she had hurt him, “I said wasting time in cooking… let that be for anyone.”

Sidharth turned to Hameer and Uttara, “Will you both leave us alone for some time?”

Uttara protested, “I am not done yet.”

Hameer dragged Uttara away, leaving Shehnaaz and Sidharth alone. Shehnaaz looked at him angrily, “Why didn’t you let them finish?”

Sidharth sighed, “Kyunki mujhe tujhse baat karni hai.”

Shehnaaz didn’t want this, “Sidharth, kal tumhe jo puchhna tha tune puchh liya na.”

Sidharth shook his head, “Nahi, kal ki baat puri nahi hui abhi tak.”

Shehnaaz sighed, “Kya puchhna hai? Puchho.”

Sidharth held her hands, “Tu mujhse baat kyun nahi kar rahi? Meri galati kya hai?”

Shehnaaz looked at him, “Sidharth, tumhe zindagi mein kuch banana tha, apne papa ke sapne pure karne the, isiliye tum London chale gaye. Usi tarah mujhe bhi apne amma-papaji ke sapne pure karne the, isiliye main yahan aa gayi Mumbai.”

Sidharth’s voice was filled with longing, “Main tujhe yeh nahi puchh raha ke tu yahan kyun aayi. Main samajhta hoon jo tu keh rahi hai. Main yeh puchh raha hoon ke tune mujhe kyun door kar diya hai khud se? Meri galati kya hai? Main Sidharth hoon Shehnaaz, tera Sidharth. Jiske bagair tujhe ek pal bhi acha nahi lagta tha, jiske bagair tera koi bhi kaam nahi hota tha. Tune mujhse 2 saal baat tak nahi ki. Main tujhe nahi samjha sakta main kaise jiya hoon. Kya main sach mein tere liye ab koi mayane nahi rakhta?”

Shehnaaz listened to him carefully, knowing the pain he was going through. She knew how possessive he was when it came to her, and her not talking to him was unacceptable to him.

Shehnaaz sighed, “Sidharth, aisa kuch nahi hai. Na main kuch bhooli hoon na bhool sakti hoon. Tum London chale gaye aur kuch din baad main yahan aa gayi. Yahan akele rehkar mujhe strong banana pada, isiliye main aisi ban gayi hoon. Is sab mein tum kahin nahi ho.”

Sidharth looked at her with tear-filled eyes, “Mujhe toh lagta hai, ke teri zindagi mein ab main kahin bhi nahi hoon Shehnaaz. I am not able to find my old place in your life.”

She closed her eyes, not wanting to give in to his pain. She tried to ease him, “Sidharth, relax. You are overreacting. Be practical. Aur most importantly, tum yahan aaye kyun? Tumhe wahan dadi maa ke saath hona chahiye tha.” She tightened her hold around his fingers. “Sidharth, ab hum bade ho gaye hain. Tumhe business join kar lena chahiye. Uncle yahan rehte nahi. Dadi maa kab tak akele sambhalengi.”

Sidharth’s voice broke, “Tu mere saath chalna. Main tere bagair kuch nahi kar pata.”

They looked at each other helplessly. Time had changed their relationship so drastically. They couldn’t hold on to it, nor could they let it go.

Unknowingly, they were pulled back into the beautiful past of their lives.

______________

**Flashback**
**Sunday Morning**

“SA RE GA MA MA…”

“No, no. You went wrong again. It’s SA RE GA GA MA,” said Masterji for the third time.

Shehnaaz made a baby face, feeling disheartened.

Masterji encouraged her, “Koshish karo, dil se koshish karo.”

She tried again but failed.

Just then she heard Sidharth calling her at the top of his voice from his room.

She walked to her window and saw Sidharth standing in his window.

Shehnaaz, “Sidharth, kya hai? Meri class chal rahi hai na.”

Sidharth, “Shehnaaz, main ek ghanta kya karunga? Jaldi aana.”

Shehnaaz, “Sidharth, dekho, sirf adha ghanta bacha hai.”

Sidharth, “Toh main wahan aa jaoon? I promise, main disturb nahi karunga.”

Shehnaaz looked at Masterji for approval. He nodded his head in agreement.

Sidharth grinned widely, picked up his guitar, and ran to her house.

Shehnaaz went back to her place and started practicing again.

Sidharth entered the room and made himself comfortable on the bed with his guitar in hand. However, he didn’t start playing it.

Masterji asked Sidharth, “Tumhe yeh bajana aata hai?”

Sidharth smiled, “Thoda thoda. Maine koi classes nahi lagayi ab tak, par mujhe yeh bajana pasand hai.”

Shehnaaz smiled at him.

Masterji, “Zara main bhi toh sunu.”

Sidharth smiled and started playing a very romantic and soft tune. It was so pure, so silent, so melodious, so serene.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, lost in his music, and the words slipped out of her lips, matching his soft tune.

“GA GA RE… GA GA RE… GA RE GA… MA RE GA… NI NI SA… NI NI SA… NI SA ni…”

Sidharth continued to play, giving the perfect accompaniment to her voice. She continued,

“GA GA RE… GA GA RE… GA RE GA… MA PA NI… DHA NI… NI DHA NI… DHA MA PA GA… RE GA MA…”

Masterji was stunned by the way they complemented each other. As Sidharth continued, Shehnaaz too went along with him, lost in each other.

Both stopped mutually, slowly opening their eyes. Masterji was heartily mesmerized by their combination, the way they matched each other, and the way they lost themselves in the music. It came as a perfect tune, very innovative.

Masterji almost clapped happily. Sidharth and Shehnaaz looked excitedly at each other.

Masterji, “Tum dono toh sach mein kamaal ke ho. Main tum dono ko zarur sikhaunga. Khush raho dono.”

Saying so, Masterji made his way out happily, intending to praise them to Dadi Maa and Mohinder.

Shehnaaz jumped on the bed beside Sidharth.

Shehnaaz, “Pata hai, main kab se koshish kar rahi thi, par aa hi nahi raha tha.”

Sidharth laughed.

Shehnaaz frowned and then laughed too.

Shehnaaz, “Par tumhare aa jane se ek minute mein aa gaya.”

Sidharth raised his collar smugly.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes and tucked his collar back.

Sidharth smiled, “Dekha, mere bagair tu kuch nahi kar sakti.”

Shehnaaz smiled and jumped on his back for a piggyback ride.

Sidharth shouted, “Moti! Uth, mujhe daba degi kya?”

Shehnaaz laughed, “Main tere bagair kuch nahi kar sakti, aur tu? Tu kar sakta hai?”

Sidharth laughed too, holding her tight on his back, “Main tere bagair kuch nahi kar pata, Shehnaaz.”

With that, they made their way to play, with him giving her a piggyback ride.

____________

**Back to Present**

A tear rolled out of Shehnaaz’s eyes and fell on her hand, which was in his. The touch of the tear on her skin brought her back to her senses, while the sudden break in their eye contact brought him back to reality.

They both looked at each other, emotionless.

Shehnaaz immediately freed her hands from his. He noticed but didn’t say anything.

She turned her back to him and declared, “You are going back to Delhi the day after tomorrow with Uttara and Hameer.”

Saying so, she walked out, leaving a hurt and pained Sidharth behind.

His heart once again filled with fear. Is he losing her again? Is his Shehnaaz telling him to go away from her again? No, no, no. He can’t lose her again. It took him two years to find her, and now she wants to be away from him again. Why doesn’t she understand that he can’t live without her? Doesn’t she miss him? No way will he let that happen. He needs to think of something. He has to!

Sidharth stood up, determination hardening his features. He looked at the empty space Shehnaaz had just vacated, his mind whirling with thoughts of their past and the bond they shared.

Sidharth to himself, “Not this easily, Shehnaaz… es baar tera Sidharth tujhse jhagad ke nahi jayega.. I will not repeat my mistake.. tujhe manana hi hoga… humari dosti ko me etni aasani se tutne nahi dunga… tujhe apne sath lekar hi jaunga.. tujhe pata hai na.. me tere bagair kuchh nahi kar sakta….”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he thought of her. Just as he was about to walk away, his phone rang, breaking his reverie. He glanced at the screen, recognized the number, and answered with a smirk.

Sidharth, “Bolo…”

Simran sighed on the other end, “Ok, I am sorry…”

Sidharth mocked, “For what..?”

Simran rolled her eyes, “Sidharth, please.. I said sorry na.. do you have to be stubborn…?”

Sidharth sighed, “This is the last time.. I am accepting your sorry… next time I don’t want any sarcastic comment on Shehnaaz…”

Simran smiled, “Fine, sweety.. so tell me.. did you miss me…?”

Sidharth, “What do you think…?”

Simran, “I don’t think.. I heard you partying there…”

Sidharth smiled, “Sameer haan… your chamcha…”

Simran asked in confusion, “What.. what did you say…?”

Sidharth, “Nothing.. ignore it…”

Simran, “Okay.. well.. I called Avi yesterday and he told me that you were in his party..”

Sidharth smiled, “Alright.. when are you planning to come.. I want to introduce you to dadi…”

Simran liked the idea, “I will be there soon hunny… Dev called this morning… was quite upset.. had some issues with uncle…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes, “He can never be normal with anybody.. let it be dad or anybody..”

Simran, “True.. so.. did you meet Shehnaaz.. what did she say…?”

Sidharth, “Yes… she is still angry with me.. but don’t worry.. I will make it up with her….”

Simran, “Hope so…”

Sidharth, “Yeah…”

Simran made a face, “I am quite upset with you…”

Sidharth, “What is the matter…”

Simran, “I thought you would call me and manaofy me.. but you didn’t. All you care about is your friend…”

Sidharth shook his head, “You were wrong in the first place.. so no way I would manaofy you… and as far as Shehnaaz is concerned… she is my best friend.. and I can’t let her go…”

Simran tried to make him understand, “This much possessiveness is not good in friendship, Sidharth..”

Sidharth, “I don’t know that.. but Shehnaaz is my only best friend… and no way I can accept anything wrong for her…”

Simran, “I feel jealous of Shehnaaz sometimes…”

Sidharth, “You are saying this because you have never met her.. when you meet her.. you will know what my Shehnaazu is…”

Simran, “It’s not your Shehnaazu.. it’s your Simran…”

Sidharth laughed, and so did Simran, lightening the moment.

As the call ended, Sidharth noticed Uttara and Hameer standing in front of him.

Hameer, “So.. you coming back with us…?”

Sidharth looked at them, “Don’t you want your old Sana back…?”

Uttara’s eyes lit up, “Can you bring her back?”

Hameer sighed, “No, we don’t want… we don’t want her to suffer…..”

Hameer stopped suddenly, his own words hitting him like a ton of bricks. What was he about to say? Oh God, he was about to reveal Shehnaaz’s dangerous situation from two years back in front of Sidharth. No, Shehnaaz would kill him if she knew.

But Sidharth caught on.

Sidharth, “What did you say.. suffer what?”

Hameer fumbled, “Suffer.. I meant.. I like this strong Shehnaaz.. I don’t want that old crybaby Shehnaaz..”

Sidharth knew something was being hidden from him. Dadi maa’s odd behavior, Shehnaaz’s odd behavior, and now this… Shehnaaz had just said she didn’t keep any contact with him because she was busy. This was a flimsy excuse, and Sidharth Shukla was not a fool to believe it.

He needed to know the complete truth, but he had to play smartly.

Sidharth acted, “Ohh.. and what about you, Uttara..?”

Uttara, “I will definitely help you…”

Sidharth, “So let’s go..”

Hameer, “Where…”

Sidharth, “Shehnaaz manao mission…”

Uttara, “Whatttttt…”

Sidharth, “Yes.. let’s go…”

Uttara followed Sidharth while Hameer was dragged along reluctantly.

Shehnaaz sat in her room, cursing herself for being so helpless in front of Sidharth. Why did she lose control with him around? Why did she let him sleep on her lap? For God’s sake, he was not her Sidharth anymore. Why did she remember her past? Why was she unable to forget it? Why couldn’t she bear the pain in his eyes? Why was she not strong enough to be emotionless like a stone?

Hell, this was not as easy as she had thought. She believed she was strong enough to handle any situation, but no. She had to be stronger. No way could she let her past enter her future again. It was only her now. No one had a place in her life. No one. Not even Sidharth.

This was getting too much now. It had to be stopped somewhere. Sidharth had to go from here. Why was he being so childish? Couldn’t he understand they had different lives, and there was no way that made them together? No way.

She was lost in her thoughts when the loud sound of music disturbed her like hell. The sound was so loud. Shehnaaz searched for the source, not getting any clue what was happening around. Irritated, she made her way to open the door of her bedroom, and the shock took her breath away. She looked without blinking, her mouth forming an O-shape. A lot of small kids were standing in lines with different roses in their hands and cute smiles on their faces, looking at her.

What is all this? Who are these kids, and what are they doing in my house? What is happening around? That’s when her eyes fell on Sidharth, who was in the center on his knees, fingers holding his ears. Her shock increased with this sight of Sidharth.

What is Sidharth doing? She got very angry this time. What is wrong with Sidharth? What is he doing here? She stormed downstairs, and as she reached down, the music started.

All the kids ran to her and surrounded her. She tried to run back to her room, but they trapped her.

Sidharth smirked at the sight and reached her. She was fuming with anger while Sidharth just smiled like an innocent baby.

Sidharth touched her chin softly with his index finger, but she snapped angrily.

He tried again, but she did the same.

He held his ears again, and the kids copied him, jumping in the air.

He danced stylishly, while the kids tried to mimic him.

She rolled her eyes and was about to leave, but the kids trapped her again, along with Sidharth.

Uttara and Hameer joined, running in, which irritated Shehnaaz more. She was literally fuming in anger while Sidharth ran all around her, making different faces. The kids copied him.

Sidharth pulled her cheek while Shehnaaz looked at him with a “you are so dead” look. Sidharth made a cute baby face and pulled her cheek again.

Uttara, Hameer, and Sidharth started singing along with the kids, making rounds around Shehnaaz. But Shehnaaz showed angry eyes. Getting scared, Sidharth picked up a small girl child and held her in front of Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes and sighed, thinking of how to get rid of all this.

Hameer and Uttara made funny faces, trying to make Shehnaaz smile.

Shehnaaz held her head tightly as the noise was irritating her like hell. Sidharth loosened her grip and hugged her from behind, making a cute face. She tried to push him away, but instead, he gave a bear hug more tightly, as if showing her that fake anger couldn’t separate them.

She somehow managed to get away from the hug, but Sidharth fell on his knees in front of her, being overly dramatic. Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, wondering what to do with him.

Hameer came running, followed by Uttara, and they pounced on Shehnaaz, trying to make her dance, trying to make her smile. Shehnaaz was literally pissed off but somehow controlled her anger.

The kids pleaded in front of her, giving her roses. All the kids tried to make her smile with their baby faces. A small boy pulled her down and kissed her cheek. She sighed, not wanting to get angry at the small kids.

Just then, Sidharth picked her up high, holding her waist tightly. Shehnaaz was beyond shocked. What was Sidharth doing? He put her down on the dining table and bowed in front of her, his face resting in his palms. Shehnaaz tried to get down, but Sidharth stopped her, hugging her cutely.

A small kid tried to speak the difficult words, but a boy, older compared to the previous one, tapped his head and completed the line, followed by a girl who sang with a cute face, and then lastly, with the same baby face.

All the kids were jumping in the air, dancing funnily. Everyone was enjoying except Shehnaaz. Uttara and Hameer danced like kids, and the kids were busy jumping and laughing. Sidharth hugged Shehnaaz from behind, thinking her anger must have vanished by now.

At last, everyone bent on their knees in front of Shehnaaz, while Sidharth hugged her tightly from behind, smiling at everyone, thinking their plan was successful.

But to everyone’s disappointment, Shehnaaz’s expression was too bad to imagine. Slowly, she took Sidharth’s arms off her. Sidharth looked at her, a little disappointed, a little shocked, and still hoping that her anger must have vanished.

Shehnaaz coldly said, “Take the kids out, Hameer.”

Hameer knew what she meant. He silently took all the kids out, followed by Uttara. Sidharth and Shehnaaz were still in the hall. Sidharth was looking at Shehnaaz pleadingly, while Shehnaaz was looking elsewhere with those cold expressions of hers.

**Flashbacks…**

Shehnaaz was in third grade, while Sidharth was in fifth. They had always been close, their bond like a comforting blanket, always there to shield each other from the world. Today, though, was different. Shehnaaz sat on the terrace, her small face scrunched up in a grumpy frown. The sun cast a warm glow on her, but it couldn’t melt away her irritation.

Sidharth sat beside her, his innocent, baby-faced expression filled with hope. He wished she would talk to him, break the silence that felt like a wall between them. With a soft smile, he offered her a teddy bear hug. But Shehnaaz, still fuming, snapped his hands away. He tried again, only for her to push him off once more. Determined, he hugged her a third time, tighter this time, hoping she wouldn’t be able to push him away.

Shehnaaz struggled briefly, her small strength no match for his embrace. She finally stopped and looked away, tears of frustration welling in her eyes. Sidharth gently kissed her cheek, but she refused to look at him. He whispered sweetly, “Maan ja na…”

But she didn’t respond. Sidharth rested his head on her tiny shoulder, still hugging her sideways. “Tu mujhse gussa karti hai na, to mujhe bilkul achha nahi lagta,” he said softly. Shehnaaz remained silent, her gaze fixed on the distance.

“Maana ja na Sana, meri kya galati hai?” he pleaded, his voice filled with earnestness. Shehnaaz, her voice trembling with emotion, replied, “Tu ja… abhi chala ja…” Sidharth rolled his eyes, a touch of exasperation creeping into his tone. “Nahi… tu gussa hai to me kaise jau… maan ja na…”

Shehnaaz shook her head stubbornly, tears threatening to spill over. Sidharth sighed deeply, “Meri sachhi me koi galati nahi hai…” Shehnaaz tried to leave, but he tightened his hug, not letting her go. “Please… tu gussa mat karna… meri baat to sun…”

“Mujhe nahi sunni,” she replied in an annoyed tone.

“Kyu nahi sunni?” he asked possessively, his eyes searching hers for answers.

Shehnaaz started to sniffle, her resolve crumbling, “Kyunki tu mujhe chhodkar ja raha hai…”

Sidharth felt a wave of guilt and emotion wash over him. “Aise kyu bol rahi hai… tujhe chhodke me kahan jaun… me sach me nahi jana chahta…”

Tears streamed down Shehnaaz’s cheeks. “To kyu ja raha hai…?” she asked, her voice breaking.

Sidharth wiped her tears with his thumb, a pained expression on his face. “Wo sir ne bola hai… ke as a monitor… it’s compulsory for me to attend the picnic…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with desperation. “To me bhi tere sath chalungi…”

Sidharth sighed, “Shehnaaz, trip fifth ya fir fifth std ke uppar ke bachho ke liye hai…”

Shehnaaz didn’t want to understand, “To tu bhi mat ja…”

Sidharth sighed again, feeling trapped. “Me sach me nahi jana chahta… par do I have an option..?”

Shehnaaz, stubborn as ever, replied, “Mujhe kuchh nahi pata…”

“Please aise mat karna… mujhe baat karna… tera aisa face bilkul achha nahi lagta,” he pleaded, his heart aching at her sadness.

“Tujhe kya… tujhe kya farak padta hai… me rovu ya hasun…” she said, her voice laced with bitterness.

Sidharth wiped her tears again, kissing her cheek tenderly. “Mujhe nahi to kise farak padega… me puri koshish karunga… na jane ki… par tu rona band kar…”

Shehnaaz, still unconvinced, asked, “Koshish… aur agar sir nahi mane to…”

Sidharth’s voice trembled, “To… mujhe… jana… hoga… na…”

Shehnaaz looked at him, heartbroken, and left crying. Sidharth sighed, still sitting there, thinking of ways to win her over.

He quickly ran to her classmates, Uttara and Hameer. “Shehnaaz maan gayi kya… wo subah se ro rahi hai…” Uttara asked.

Sidharth, exasperated, replied, “Tum log kaise dost ho uske… usse subah se rone diya…”

Hameer made a face, “Usse tumhare alawa aur koi nahi mana sakta… pata hai na…”

Sidharth sighed, “I know… par wo nahi maan rahi hai… I can’t see her like this…”

Uttara suggested excitedly, “What to do… tum sir se kaho na ke hume bhi le jaye…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Shut up Uttara… Shehnaaz ko manane ka plan soch…”

“Chocolates,” Uttara said.

“No,” Sidharth replied.

“Teddy bear,” Hameer offered.

“No,” Sidharth repeated.

“Flowers,” Uttara tried again.

“No,” Sidharth said.

“Ice cream,” Hameer suggested.

“No,” Sidharth said, frustrated.

“To fir kya,” Uttara asked, confused.

Hameer looked at Sidharth seriously. “It’s only you who can manaofy her… usse pyar se samajh… maan jayegi…”

Sidharth smiled, “I guess you are right…”

“Don’t worry, hum tumhare sath hai,” Uttara said, winking. Hameer swatted her.

“Whatttt,” Uttara said, annoyed.

“Tune promise kiya hai ke badi hokar tu meri girlfriend banegi,” Hameer said.

“Toh,” Uttara replied.

“To fir usse kyu ankh maar rahi hai,” Hameer asked, irritated.

Sidharth rolled his eyes at the two monkeys of Shehnaaz. “Woh toh bade hokar… abhi uske liye waqt hai… chill…” Uttara said, grinning.

Hameer twisted his lips in annoyance. Sidharth sighed, “Can you both stop being idiots…”

“Shehnaaz ko bataye?” they asked in unison.

Sidharth sighed, “You both are not idiots…”

“That’s better,” they said together, satisfied.

Sidharth left, rolling his eyes, feeling a renewed determination. He found Shehnaaz sitting by a window, still crying. She hadn’t been away from Sidharth in the past three years. He knew she couldn’t do anything without him. Then why was he going? She cribbed, nuzzling her nose with her fingers, when she felt a tight hug from behind. She knew who it was.

“Please Sana… ro mat na,” Sidharth said, his voice soft and comforting.

“Tu ja na… mujhe akela chhod de,” Shehnaaz replied, her voice shaky.

“Kyu… kyu akela chhod du tujhe me,” Sidharth asked, his heart aching.

“Kyuki tu idiot hai,” Shehnaaz said, pouting.

“I know,” Sidharth replied with a smile.

“Stupid bhi hai,” she added.

“Pata hai,” he said, still smiling.

“Mujhe rulata hai,” she said, her voice breaking.

“Manata bhi hu na,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

“I hate you,” she said, though her eyes betrayed her words.

“You don’t hate me… I know that,” Sidharth said confidently.

“Tu nahi jayega… bass mene keh diya,” she said, her voice firm.

“Jo tu chahegi wohi hoga… ab ro mat,” Sidharth promised, kissing her forehead.

“Promise?” she asked, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

“Pakka promise,” he said, holding her tight.

She hugged him tightly, “Tu nahi jayega na?”

“Bilkul nahi… aur agar sir ne mujhe force kiya… I will talk to Dadi maa,” he said, determined.

Shehnaaz twinkled with happiness, “Really?”

He hugged her back, smiling, “Tere liye me kuchh bhi kar sakta hu.”

She jumped on him, feeling so happy, while he kept her secure in his grip, not letting her fall.

_________________

“Maan ja na…” The words escaped from Sidharth’s lips, bringing both Shehnaaz and Sidharth back to reality, breaking their endless eye contact in a second. Shehnaaz closed her eyes in anger, angry at herself for getting carried to the past again, angry at Sidharth for making her weak, and angry at the situation they were caught in.

She opened her eyes angrily and screamed at the top of her voice, “What the hell was that…?”

Her sudden outburst shocked Sidharth to the core. He had never seen Shehnaaz so angry in the past 15 years. It felt like she wasn’t his Shehnaaz standing in front of him. His Shehnaaz never shouted at anybody. His Shehnaaz didn’t know how to scream.

Sidharth was shocked, “Shehnaaz tujhe ho kya gaya hai… tu aise…”

Shehnaaz cut him off, “Mujhe kya ho gaya hai… Sidharth tumhe kya ho gaya hai… are you still a kid to do these stupid things?”

He was deeply hurt. He had put in so much effort to bring back that smile to her face, but she seemed so rude, dismissing everything as trivial.

Sidharth, his voice trembling, said, “I know I’m not a kid anymore… par tu itna overreact kyu kar rahi hai?? Ye sab maine tere liye kiya hai.”

Shehnaaz interrupted sharply, “Mere liye? Main koi 5 saal ki bachhi nahi hoon jise manane ke liye tumhe aise bachon jaisi harkate karni pade…”

Sidharth, his patience running thin, asked, “Toh fir tu hi bata, kaise manaoon tujhe?”

His frustration boiled over into a shout. Her indifferent attitude was pushing him to his limits.

Shehnaaz, annoyed, replied, “Mujhe kya zaroorat hai manane ki? Main tumse keh chuki hoon ke main naraz nahi hoon…”

Sidharth, his voice breaking, questioned, “Agar naraz nahi hai, toh ye badlav kyu? Kyu tu meri pehle wali Shehnaaz nahi hai? Kyu…”

His cry of pain filled the room.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, trying to shield herself from the pain in his voice. She turned away, struggling not to be affected. “Haan, main badal gayi hoon… par iska tumse koi lena dena nahi. Aaj bhi tum hi mere best friend ho… par mujhe badalna pada, apne maa-papaji ke sapne poore karne ke liye.”

Sidharth’s heart sank. “To kya, meri dosti tere aur tere maa-papaji ke sapno ke beech aa rahi thi?”

He hated asking her this, hoping for a different answer. His eyes pleaded for her to say no, but her gaze crushed the last hope he had.

Shehnaaz nodded, “Haan…”

Sidharth, in agony, mumbled, “Shehnaaz…”

He couldn’t speak anymore. He felt the weight of their 15 years together collapsing.

Shehnaaz turned away, realizing she wasn’t strong enough to face him at this moment, knowing how much he must be hurting.

Shehnaaz said, “Haan, ye sach hai Sidharth, mera past aur mere rishte mere aur mere sapno ke beech aa rahe the… isiliye mujhe badalna pada…”

Sidharth, breaking, responded, “Theek hai Shehnaaz… agar tu yahi chahti hai, toh yahi sahi. Tujhe meri dosti nahi chahiye na ab… ab teri zindagi mein mere liye jagah nahi bachi na…”

Shehnaaz, seeing him breaking, felt a pang of guilt. “Sidharth, aisa nahi hai…”

Sidharth still wanted to embrace her. “Par meri best hamesha tu hi rahegi…”

Shehnaaz struggled to control her tears. “Sidharth, kuch faisle zindagi mein zaroori hote hain… aur tum ye bahut jald jaan jaoge…”

Sidharth, with tears in his eyes, said, “Shayad tum sahi keh rahi ho… mujhe yahan se chale jana chahiye…”

As he spoke, an unwelcome pain surged through Shehnaaz, filling her eyes with tears.

Sidharth, amid his tears, asked, “Mujhse ek wada karegi?”

Shehnaaz, crying, smiled weakly. “Teri koi baat tali hai maine kabhi…”

Sidharth, his voice strained, requested, “Tujhe apna khayal rakhna bilkul nahi aata… agar kisi bhi cheez ki zaroorat mehsoos ho… ya kisi ki zaroorat mehsoos ho… toh kahin koi tera hai, ye yaad rakhna…”

Shehnaaz managed a painful smile, feeling weak but embracing the moment.

Shehnaaz said, “Sidharth, tum toh aise bol rahe ho jaise hum akhri baar mil rahe hain. London mein rehkar bahot nautanki baaz ho gaye ho. Achha tarika hai mujhe manane ka. Par main sach keh rahi hoon Sidharth, mujhe tumse koi shikwa nahi hai. Bas humari zindagi bahot ulajh si gayi hai. Hume ek dusre ke rasto par chalne ki koshish nahi karni chahiye warna cheezen aur bhi ulajhengi… humara rishta kuchh ajeeb sa hai… dooriyan zaroori hain… dooriyan bhi zaroori hain…”

As she turned to meet his gaze, she found no sign of him. Her heart raced with fear. Had he left again, just like before, without a word?

Shehnaaz fell to her knees, overwhelmed. She had tried so hard to stay strong, but once again, her emotions overwhelmed her.

After two years of not crying, she felt the tears come as Sidharth left her once more. The walls she had built to protect herself seemed insignificant against his final words.

Her breath was choked with sobs. She struggled to breathe, but it was in vain. A painful tear ran down her cheek, and she touched it, her emotions flooding back.

Everything around her felt mocking, her beautiful past haunting her with memories of smiles, laughter, fights, and understanding. The moment that had shattered their relationship replayed in her mind.

Once again, her thoughts drifted to where it all began.

 

_________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for joining me on this emotional journey through the latest chapter. I’ve poured my heart into capturing the depth of Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s experiences, and I hope you could feel the intensity of their struggles and the weight of their decisions. The raw emotions and pivotal moments are central to their story, and your engagement helps me ensure that the narrative resonates deeply with you.

Your feedback is invaluable to me, so please share your thoughts and reactions to this chapter. Whether it’s your reflections on the characters’ choices or your feelings about the story’s direction, I’d love to hear from you. If you enjoyed the chapter, don’t forget to vote and spread the word. Your support and insights keep me motivated and connected to the story.

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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11 thoughts on “Chapter 06”

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