Chapter 15

Sidharth couldn’t bear to see Shehnaaz in pain. Despite the deep wounds she had inflicted on him, leaving scars that would never heal, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt her. Even though she had shattered him, he knew he couldn’t abandon her. She owed him answers, and he intended to get them.

His emotions shifted from hurt to anger as he saw Kabeer making his way towards Shehnaaz. Irritated, Sidharth immediately let go of Nisha and headed towards Shehnaaz. She was wiping away her tears, but they wouldn’t stop. At that moment, she just wanted to leave and be by herself. She had no idea why Sidharth was hurting her like this.

Startled, she saw Kabeer standing in front of her. “Ji… ji sir…” she stammered, trying to compose herself.

Kabeer’s eyes roamed over her knee-length dress before meeting her gaze, making her feel uncomfortable and disgusted. “I must say, you look charming in every style of cloth,” he commented, his tone dripping with unprofessionalism.

Shehnaaz glared at him, her voice firm. “Sir, please be in your limits.”

Her defiance only made Kabeer laugh dryly. He took a glass of drink from a passing waiter, deliberately brushing against her arm, making her flinch. “Oops… sorry, sweetheart… that was just an accident.”

Irritated and feeling violated, she turned to leave, but Kabeer grabbed her hand to stop her. “Enough of the drama, girl… let’s dance… I’ll pay you big one.”

Shocked and irritated, Shehnaaz snapped her hand away and slapped Kabeer hard across the face. The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the room. Sidharth, who had been walking towards them, burned with anger when he saw Kabeer holding Shehnaaz’s hand and was ready to punch him when he witnessed Shehnaaz slapping Kabeer.

Sidharth reached them, his eyes blazing with fury. “Ms. Shehnaaz, how dare you misbehave with my client?” he blasted, his voice cold and accusing.

Shehnaaz was stunned by Sidharth’s reaction. “Sorry for my reply, but you need to tell your client not to misbehave with employees,” she retorted, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and hurt.

Irritated by her defiance, Sidharth clenched his jaw. “I think it’s time for you to leave. This will be discussed in the office on Monday.”

Shehnaaz stared into Sidharth’s eyes, searching for the affection that used to be there. The realization that it wasn’t there anymore, froze her. She couldn’t hide the pain that reflected on her face.

Seeing her hurt, Sidharth looked away, trying to mask his own conflicted feelings. He turned to Kabeer, but before he could speak, a woman walked towards them and stood beside Kabeer, who was burning with rage for being insulted in front of everyone.

Kabeer’s attitude changed instantly as he was Simran making her way towards them.

Sidharth was stunned. “Simran… what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Kabeer immediately put his arm around Simran. “Sidharth, how do you know my wife Simran?”

Simran smiled brightly at Sidharth. “We are college friends, honey,” she said, her tone cheerful.

Sidharth hated the mere sight of Kabeer, but his eyes instinctively followed Shehnaaz as she walked towards the exit. Something snapped within him. He knew he had hurt her deeply. He knew she would be crying alone.

His heart yearned to stop her, to pull her into his arms and never let go. Yet his mind wanted her to feel the same pain he had endured, the betrayal that had cut him so deeply.

Longing filled his eyes as he watched her retreat. The thought of never seeing her again terrified him, breaking him further. He found himself moving towards her, driven by a mix of desperation and regret, when he saw Nisha cross paths with Shehnaaz, causing her to stop.

Shehnaaz was already in deep pain, her worst fears materializing before her eyes. The man who once couldn’t bear anyone even glancing at her was now scolding her for something she hadn’t done, dancing with someone else, and not even sparing her a single look. “Saza dene se pehle bataya toh hota ke meri khata kya hai…” she thought, her heart breaking with each step.

As she wiped her tears and tried to leave, Nisha intercepted her.

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, exhausted. “Not now,” she thought. She really didn’t have the strength left for this nonsense.

Nisha’s voice was cold and smug. “Leaving so soon, Shehnaaz?”

Shehnaaz opened her eyes, her gaze weary but defiant. “I have nothing to say to you, mam. Please leave me alone.”

Nisha smirked, enjoying the sight of Shehnaaz’s distress. “Seems like you’ve lost your charm. Sidharth didn’t even look at you tonight.”

Shehnaaz’s heart clenched at the reminder, but she held her ground. “It’s none of your business, mam.”

Nisha’s smile was smug, a glint of malice in her eyes as she spoke, “I am surprised you still have the audacity to come to the party after the stunt you and you family have pulled.”

The words struck Shehnaaz like a bolt of lightning, pulling her out of her daze. Confused, she looked at Nisha, trying to grasp the meaning behind her words. Nisha’s smile widened as she reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope. With a rude thrust, she shoved it into Shehnaaz’s hand.

“Don’t be surprised. This is your termination letter, as ordered by Sidharth.”

The words “termination letter” echoed in Shehnaaz’s mind, freezing her in place. The envelope slipped from her trembling hands, falling to the floor like a death sentence. Tears welled up in her eyes and began to roll down her cheeks. In a state of shock and disbelief, she turned to look at Sidharth, who stood just a few steps away, his eyes wide with a mix of pain and fear. He knew what Nisha had done.

Sidharth felt his heart shatter as he saw the tears streaming down Shehnaaz’s face. He had put them there, and the realization tore at his soul. Her eyes searched his, desperately trying to understand his feelings. His silence said it all.. He must knew that Nisha had handed her the termination later.. yet he didn’t come to her for any explanation or just to wipe her tears…her worst fear was confirmed – it was indeed his decision to terminate her.

Disappointed and hurt, Her gaze slowly drifted away from his, her eyes losing their light, turning hollow and empty. Sidharth’s throat tightened with pain and weird fear as he watched her, helpless and tormented.

Her eyes stopped reflecting his image. Her hands grew cold with the realization that he was not just removing her from his company but from his life as well. The weight of this truth crushed her spirit, and she felt something within her die – perhaps it was her heart.

“Look at me, baby,” his heart cried restlelssly. He wanted to rush to her, to hold her, to wipe away her tears. But he stood rooted to the spot, his own turmoil binding him in place.

“I hate you for what you have done to me,” his heart screamed silently.

“Please take me back in your arms,” her heart cried out, but her lips stayed sealed.

“mene apse kaha tha naa.. mujhe khud se kabhi dur mat karna.. warna me kahi kho jaungi..” her heart shattered in pieces at the brutal relation.. he had left her “thik hai..agar aap yahi chahte ke me chali jau aapki zindagi se.. toh yai sahi.. aaj ke baad aap mujhe kabhi nahi dekhenge..” her mind decided, driven by the depth of her anguish.

With trembling hands, Shehnaaz bent down to pick up the envelope. Her movements were slow, almost mechanical, as if she were in a trance. She turned to leave, not giving Sidharth a single glance, a rejection that pierced his heart more deeply than he had ever imagined. He had prepared himself for this moment, or so he thought, but the reality was far more painful. Why did it hurt so much that even death seemed easier? Why was she acting like he was the one who hurt her?

“Aaj bhi uski aankhon mein aasun kyu nahi dekh sakta main? Aaj bhi usne mujhe aise baandh kar rakha hai, jisse main kabhi nahi chhoothna chahta…” His thoughts raced, his heart conflicted between anger and an overwhelming urge to comfort her.

Unable to bear the torment any longer, Sidharth’s feet moved before he could stop them. He ran towards her, his desperation visible in every step, surprising Simran, who had been witnessing the entire scene unfold. She instatly rushed behind him..

________________

Zoya had witnessed the entire distressing exchange between Shehnaz and Nisha and was unsure of the contents of the envelope that had been handed to Shehnaz. Driven by concern and curiosity, she approached Nisha, who was now smirking and mingling with the other party guests.

“What did you hand over to Shehnaz?” Zoya asked urgently, her tone laced with anxiety. “She looked absolutely devastated.”

Nisha rolled her eyes in a dismissive manner, a smirk playing on her lips. “Sidharth sir has terminated her,” she replied coolly.

Zoya’s eyes widened in shock, and she gasped, her voice rising in disbelief. “What?!” The exclamation drew a few curious glances from those nearby. She was too stunned to process the gravity of the situation immediately. “Tumne aur Anu ne kya socha tha? Kitne din tak plan chalega?”

Her voice quivered with frustration and disappointment. “Why wasn’t I informed about this?” she demanded, her concern for Shehnaz evident.

Nisha gave her a look that clearly communicated her indifference to Zoya’s concerns. It was a look that said, “You can’t do anything right now.” She replied nonchalantly, “I’ve already sent an email to you with Sidharth sir in cc. It was Sidharth’s decision.”

Zoya’s frustration boiled over, and she didn’t waste another moment with Nisha. She hurried out of the party, her eyes scanning everywhere worriedly for Shehnaz.

______________

Meanwhile, at home, Anu had returned to a quieter and more personal realm. Her mother, Rita ji, was asleep in her room, and Anu’s phone was switched off. She immediately plugged it in to charge and settled beside her mother. Gently, she kissed her mother’s forehead, careful not to disturb her.

As if sensing her presence, Rita ji’s eyes fluttered open. She looked at Anu with a soft smile. “Beta, tum yahan?” she murmured, her voice filled with warmth.

Anu hugged her mother tenderly, her heart heavy with worry. “Maa, aap theek ho na?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rita ji placed her hand over Anu’s, her touch reassuring. “Haan, beta, hum bilkul theek hain,” she assured her daughter. “Pata nahi kaise achanak chakkar aa gaya, kabhi pehle aisa nahi hua.”

Anu tried to stay calm as she spoke softly to her mother. “Koi na, aap rest karo. Main yahin hoon aapke paas,” she said, trying to reassure her.

Rita ji, still hopeful, asked, “Sana nahi aayi?”

Anu’s heart sank as she realized the weight of her earlier conversation with Zoya. “Usse maine bataya nahi. Already problem mein hai vo,” she admitted. The panic in her voice grew as she recalled the gravity of the situation. “Ohh goddd, kaise bhool gayi main…”

The mention of a problem made Rita ji sit up abruptly, her concern evident. “Problem? Kya hua usse?” she inquired, her eyes wide with worry.

Anu’s fear intensified as she stood up, the urgency in her voice unmistakable. “Maa, Bhai ko pata chal gaya hai ki maine Sana ko job ke liye help ki…” Her voice trailed off as she processed the full extent of the situation. “Oh god, mujhe turant Shehnaz se baat karni hogi.”

Horrified, Anu immediately tried calling Shehnaz, but there was no answer. Her worry deepened, and she quickly dialed Zoya’s number. “Zoya, yaar, Bhai ne Sana ko kuch kaha kya? Mere dimag se nikal gaya.” she said, her voice fraught with anxiety.

Zoya, visibly upset and heading towards the exit of the party, responded with a heavy heart. “Anu, sir ne Shehnaz ko terminate kar diya hai…”

The words hit Anu like a sledgehammer. Her voice cracked with shock as she screamed, “Whattt? Par kyun?”

Zoya’s sigh was heavy with concern, her brows knitted together as she spoke, “I don’t know, but something is definitely wrong with Sidharth. I don’t think it’s just about hiding this…”

Her words hung in the air, laden with unspoken fears. Anu, who had been listening intently, felt a chill creep up her spine. The worry for Shehnaaz was palpable in her expression; her face turned ashen as she processed Zoya’s words.

Rita ji’s anxiety was mounting with each passing second. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Kya hua Anu?”

Anu’s mind was racing, unable to grasp the full extent of the situation. “Zoya, Sana kaha hai? Kaise hai vo?” Her voice quivered, reflecting her mounting panic.

Zoya’s response was laden with urgency and frustration. “Woh shocked hai… hotel se chale gayi hai… Sir bhi uske piche gaye hai. Main use dekhne ja rahi hoon.”

Without waiting for a response, Anu abruptly disconnected the call. Her heart was pounding as she turned to her mother, eyes wide with worry. “Maa, Bhai ne Shehnaaz ko terminate kar diya.”

Rita ji’s reaction was one of utter disbelief. Her eyes widened, and she gasped in shock. “Whattt… Woh pyaar karta hai Sana se. Aisa kyun karega vo?”

Anu’s voice was tinged with a desperate edge as she tried to explain, “I don’t know, Maa. Zoya was saying ke something is wrong with Bhai…”

Rita ji’s hands flew to her head, a gesture of deep distress. The weight of the situation seemed to crush her, and tears began to pool in her eyes. Anu moved to sit beside her, her presence a small comfort amidst the chaos. “Maa, mai hu na Sana ke sath. Don’t worry. You please rest.”

But Rita ji’s grief was palpable; she could not calm her racing heart. Her love for Shehnaaz was so profound that she couldn’t keep the tears at bay. “Nahi, mujhe uss bacchii se abhi milna hai…”

Anu wiped away her tears, her face etched with a mix of disbelief and anguish. “Why did Sidharth do this?” she murmured to herself, her voice trembling with a blend of confusion and hurt.

She took a deep breath and faced her mother, trying to steady her voice. “Ek baat toh tay hai, Maa… agar Bhai ne Sana ko hurt kiya, toh main kabhi usse maaf nahi karungi.” Her words were resolute, carrying the weight of her pain and anger.

With a heavy heart, Anu asked Rita ji to rest and prepared to leave for the hotel. Her phone was clutched tightly in her hand as she repeatedly tried to call Shehnaaz, her concern mounting with each unanswered ring.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz, feeling utterly broken, wandered through the dimly lit hotel corridor. Her heart ached with every step she took, her emotions a turbulent storm within. As she walked, a sudden, firm pull on her wrist startled her. She found herself being guided into a secluded corner, her eyes meeting those of Sidharth. His gaze was a tumultuous mix of pain, anger, worry, frustration, and an undercurrent of hidden love.

Tears streamed down Shehnaaz’s cheeks uncontrollably as she looked at him, her silence speaking volumes. Sidharth’s frustration was palpable as he reached out, his thumbs gently brushing away the tears from her face. But another tear quickly followed, her emotions too overwhelming to contain.

“Why are you crying?” he asked, his voice strained and almost shouting. The intensity in his eyes matched the turmoil in his heart. Shehnaaz’s response came through her choked sobs, her voice breaking as she cried out, “Apko Kya fark padhta hai?” She winced as his grip on her wrist tightened, the pain adding to her emotional agony.

His anger flared at her words, and he twisted her hand behind her back, pulling her closer with a forceful grip. “Toh kise fark padega?” His tone was harsh, reflecting his internal conflict and growing frustration.

Shehnaaz struggled against his hold, her cries mingling with her attempts to free herself. “Aapko nahi padhta fark… main rahu tab bhi nahi… Mai mar jau tab bhi nahi… Tabhi aapne mujhe terminate kiya na?” Her words, laden with pain and desperation, pierced the air. Her heart was breaking, feeling the sting of rejection and betrayal.