Chapter 2

Shehnaz, hadd hai tu…ek week me ek idea nahi dhund payi? Gadhi, soch, soch, bapu ko convince karne ka tarika soch,” Shehnaz muttered to herself, lost in her thoughts about how to convince her father.

As she walked, she noticed an old man struggling to lift a heavy bag onto his head. Rushing over, she exclaimed, “Uncle ji, sambhal ke!”

She helped the man lift the bag, but its torn corner cut into her skin, causing her hand to bleed. The old man, unaware of her injury, thanked her and went on his way. Shehnaz used her dupatta to clean the blood and was about to continue walking when a voice called out, “Your hand is bleeding badly.”

Turning around, Shehnaz saw a worried girl approaching her. The girl quickly took out a first aid kit and started cleaning the wound. “You are either mad or too cute,” she said with a smile.

Shehnaz, puzzled by the stranger’s kindness, asked, “Ji…aap?”

“I am Anishka from Mumbai. Tourist hun. And you?” Anishka replied warmly while bandaging her hand.

Hearing the word “Mumbai,” Shehnaz’s eyes lit up. “Me Sana…Shehnaz,” she introduced herself.

Anishka took an instant liking to Shehnaz. “Achha, tell me, why didn’t you say you got hurt?” she asked, amused.

Shehnaz felt embarrassed. “Woh…unhe guilty feel hota,” she explained.

Anishka chuckled and finished bandaging Shehnaz’s hand. “Friends?” she asked out of the blue.

Shehnaz was taken aback, not knowing how to respond. Anishka noticed her confusion and reassured her, “My friends call me Anu. So, I am Anu for you, and you are Sana for me.”

The affection in Anu’s voice melted Shehnaz’s hesitation. She shook Anu’s hand lovingly, and they started walking together.

Hours flew by as they bonded over coffee at a nearby café. It felt as if they had been friends for years. Anishka casually asked, “Achha, so you want to work…that’s cool. Problem kya hai?”

Shehnaz made a face. “Humare yahan ladki aur job…tauba tauba…aisa scene hai. Mere papaji nahi manenge.”

Anishka thought for a moment. “Shayad mein mana paun,” she said, half sure.

Shehnaz was doubtful. “Woh toh tumhe janate bhi nahi,” she pointed out.

Anishka found Shehnaz’s innocent, confused face endearing. She controlled her smile and said, “He will trust me, don’t you worry.”

“Sachhi? Khak kasam?” Shehnaz asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

Anishka, falling for Shehnaz’s cuteness, replied, “Sachhi…trust me.”

Clapping her hands like a child, Shehnaz looked up and said, “Sorry Babaji, mene aap pe gussa kiya.”

Anishka suggested, “Hey, let’s click a selfie. Our first memory of friendship.”

Shehnaz loved the idea, and they took a selfie together. Just then, Anishka’s phone rang. “Bhai, hii…omg, was about to call you,” she said excitedly.

Sidharth smiled at his baby sister, while Nisha, who was with him, couldn’t take her eyes off him. Sidharth smiling was a rare sight.

While going through a file, Sidharth spoke, “Baby, I want you to cut short your trip as I am going out.”

Anishka sulked, and Shehnaz waited patiently. “Bhai, not done…”

“Understand, Anu. I was going to go camping after your return, but an urgent meeting is lined up in Bangalore. I’ll have to leave tomorrow night,” Sidharth explained, trying to sound guilty.

Anishka wasn’t happy but understood. “Fine, I’ll be there tomorrow, but you will have to pay for this one, okay?”

Sidharth smiled. “Done. Anyways, where are you now?”

“We are in Mohali, visiting local life,” Anishka replied, knowing she would get scolded if she mentioned her new friend.

“Be careful, darling,” Sidharth said before disconnecting the call. Anishka sighed in relief.

She turned to Shehnaz. “Sana, unfortunately, I have to return to Mumbai tomorrow.”

“Oh,” Shehnaz looked a bit upset. “I wanted to show you all of Mohali.”

Anishka smiled. “Next time, pakka. Ab chale?”

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Meanwhile, Nisha noticed Sidharth had finished checking the file. She sweetly suggested, “Sidharth sir, I think I should also accompany you to Bangalore.”

“No,” Sidharth replied sharply without looking up from his laptop. “You need to be ready with Mr. Mehta’s complete project details by next Friday as the due date is coming close. Mayur will accompany me.”

Irritated, Nisha picked up the file and left. Sidharth called Mayur in. “We have to leave for Bangalore tomorrow evening. Get the tickets booked immediately and keep all documents ready. Let me know if there’s any concern.”

“Yes, sir. All will be taken care of,” Mayur replied.

Just then, Manish, Sidharth’s uncle, walked in. Mayur took immediate leave.

Sidharth was expecting him after his encounter with Kajal aunty. “Sidharth, I didn’t like what you said to Kajal,” Manish began.

Sidharth got up from his seat. “Uncle, I don’t like discussing personal things at the office. Plus, what I told Kajal aunty is as per rules which are followed by everyone, including you and me.”

Manish seethed with anger but couldn’t show it as Sidharth held 65% of the company’s shares. “Giving an interview in your own office is an insult to family members,” Manish argued.

“Own office?” Sidharth exclaimed in confusion. “This is my office, Mr. Manish Shergill.”

Scared of Sidharth’s raised voice, Manish fumbled, “Of course, son, I just meant we are family. And of course, Aryan will follow the protocol. Just Kajal makes a scene of all such things. She is emotional, you know.”

Sidharth laughed dryly. “Emotional…yeah. Anyways, I am leaving tomorrow for Bangalore for urgent work. FYI.”

“Don’t worry, son. I’m here,” Manish said before taking his leave.

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#Mohali

Shehnaz brought Anishka home. It was a small house but filled with good vibes. Anishka took the blessings of Shehnaz’s parents. Shehnaz hesitated on how to start the conversation.

“Are aunty ji, uncle ji, kaise ho aap dono? Pehechana mujhe? Main Anu,” Anishka said sweetly.

Shehnaz looked at her weirdly while her parents were unsure. “Ae lo, tussi toh menu bhul gaye,” Anu made a fake sad face. “Main Anu, Sana ki school friend…haan shayad yaad na ho…kitne saal hogaye na…hum baad mein Mumbai shift ho gaye the na, isliye…”

Shehnaz laughed uneasily. “Haan, enhe yaad nahi. Tum baitho na…kya khaogi…”

Shehnaz’s mother went inside to get snacks while Rajender sat beside Anishka. “Beta, aapne papa ka naam kya bataya?”

“Haan, papaji,” Anishka laughed awkwardly. “Ji, Raghav Shergill. He is no more.”

Shehnaz immediately hugged her as Anishka patted her back. “Chal…koi na.”

Shehnaz’s mother came with snacks and lassi and sat beside them. “Aur beta, ghar mein kaun kaun hai?”

“Maa hai, bhai hai, uncle aunty hai. Bhai ki khud ki company hai, hum sab wohi job karte hai,” Anishka replied proudly.

Rajender smiled, “Wah, shabbash beta.”

Shehnaz sulked. “Papaji, ye job kare toh shabas aur main karu toh daat? Aisa kyu?” she asked.

Rajender explained, “Beta, Mumbai aur Mohali mein zameen aasmaan ka farak hai.”

“U want to work? Toh chal mere saath Mumbai,” Anishka suggested.

“Nahi beta, kaisi baat kar rahi ho,” Rajender was shocked. “Ye Mumbai mein kya karegi?”

“Beta, humare yahan ye sab nahi chalta. Iski shadi ki umar ho gayi hai ab toh,” he added.

“Shadi? Uncle, Sana is only 22. Main 24 hoon aur kam se kam 3 saal baad meri shadi hogi,” Anishka countered.

Rajender was confused. “Ye Mumbai ke tareeke yahan nahi chalte na, beta. Yahan ka riwaz alag hai,” he said.

Anishka was upset now. She didn’t know why she felt so protective of Shehnaz. “Uncle, riwaz important hai ya beti? Aap nahi chahte ke ek din apni beti ki peeth par bhi shabashi dein agar job karegi toh? Kuch ban payi kisi par dependent nahi hogi

aur achha ladka milega shadi ke liye?” she argued, pointing towards Shehnaz’s mother. “Jo zindagi aunty ne ji, wohi zindagi aap Sana ko dena chahte hai? Ek chhota ghar, ek dominating pati, ghar ka aur bachhe…bas etna hi deserve karti hai Sana?”

Shehnaz’s mother was in tears. She would never want Shehnaz to have such a life. Her daughter deserved all the happiness in the world because she was a pure soul. “Suniye ji, bitiya sahi keh rahi hai,” she said.

Rajender was unsure. “Daarji nahi manenge,” he replied.

“Uncle, Mumbai mein mera ghar hai. Meri friend ka bhi ghar hai. Woh toh waise bhi achhi ladki dhoond rahi hai PG ke liye…aur achhi job dilane ki zimmedari meri,” Anishka assured.

Rajender wasn’t convinced. “Beta, aap samajhti nahi…itne bade sheher mein akeli ladki…”

Anishka understood that a father who had lived his entire life in a village sending his daughter alone to a big city for a job was a very big deal. She wanted to assure Rajender that his concerns were valid but could be addressed.

“Uncle me hun meri family hai and baad me aap bhi shift hone ka sochiye mumbai me. jobs available hoti hai ” she suggested, trying to ease his worries.

Rajender was silent. He couldn’t deny that Anu’s words made sense. He realized he was being selfish and a typical father, snatching away his daughter’s opportunity to make a bright future. But he was scared—what if something went wrong? He didn’t even know this girl well. She was Shehnaz’s friend, which was fine, but sending his daughter alone… “Daarji kaise manenge?” he muttered.

Shehnaz jumped on him in excitement. “Hayy rabba, Papaji! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you so much!”

Rajender hugged her lovingly, while Anu and Shehnaz’s mother smiled in satisfaction. “Lekin… main tere saath chalunga. Ek baar tu udhar settle ho jaaye, fir main laut aunga,” he said.

“Kaun kithhe ja raha hai?” ShehBaaz’s loud voice interrupted as he walked in from college.

The moment Shehnaz saw Baaz, she started doing bhangra. “Main Mumbai ja rahi hun job vaste,” she announced.

Shehbaz was instantly jealous like a typical brother. “Mujhe bhi aana hai Mumbai,” he declared.

Rajender looked at him confused. “Oyy khotya, tu ki karega uthhe? Chupchap padhai vich dhyan de apni,” he scolded. Baaz looked upset.

Shehnaz explained the situation to him, and he was convinced. “But I’ll miss you, Di,” he said, looking emotional.

Shehnaz was touched. “Main bhi… bahut jyada. Bas tu itna pareshan mat karna…” she began.

“Aur ye mujhe pareshan kare toh?” Baaz interjected.

Anu burst into laughter at his antics, along with the others, while Baaz made a serious face.

Anishka informed everyone, “Main kal sham ki flight se return ja rahi hun. Toh main aap dono ki tickets bhi book kar deti hun.”

Rajender looked at her shocked. “Nahi puttar, hum afford nahi kar sakte flight. Hum baad mein train se aa jayenge.”

Anishka was upset. “Main aap se paise kyun lungi, Uncle ji? Main bhi toh aapki beti jaisi hun na.”

Rajender was awed by this girl’s generosity. “Mumbai ke log itne achhe bhi hote hai, pata nahi tha. Jiti reh puttar…”

With that, he looked towards his wife. “Main Daarji se baat karta hun. Chinta na kar. Mana lunga unhe main.”

This all was really happening. Shehnaz couldn’t believe it. She held Anishka’s hand tightly and ran to the terrace. Anishka didn’t know why she did that but went along.

On the terrace, Shehnaz looked at her carefully. “Kaun ho tum?”

Anu looked at her confused. “I don’t understand…”

Shehnaz cut her off as tears started to roll down her eyes. “Main tumhe jaanti nahi… bhagwan ki Meher ki tarah tum meri zindagi mein aayi ho… aur sari problems door kar deti ho… sare sapne pure kar deti ho… kaun ho tum? Babaji ne bheja hai tumhe? Angel ho na tum…”

Anishka wiped her tears lovingly. “Stop it now… I’m just a human. Aisa kya kiya maine? You are my special friend. You deserved it.”

Shehnaz hugged her tightly. “Thank you… meri zindagi mein aane ke liye.”

Anishka hugged her back like an elder sister. “Tumse ek khaas attachment ho gayi hai, Sana. Ek feeling aa rahi hai ke we were meant to meet.”

Shehnaz couldn’t agree more.

Anu wiped away her tears. “Okay, main abhi nikal rahi hun. Sab packing karni hai. Aap log bhi packing aaj hi kar lena. Mera driver kal morning aayega pick karne, okay?”

Shehnaz was embarrassed. “Hum aajayenge na, kyun dikkat?”

Anishka cut her off. “Bol diya na… ready rehna.” With that, she gave her card. “Yeh mera number hai. Mujhe tera number WhatsApp kar dena, okay?” She ruffled Sana’s hair like a baby, and both went downstairs.

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# Mumbai

Kajal was on the phone. “Aryan, how can you say it’s okay? It’s not okay. Why will you give an interview?”

Aryan rolled his eyes. “Mom, I said na, it’s cool. And it’s not just for me. Bhai ne khud bhi interview diya tha in his own company when Badi Maa was the CEO.”

Aryan had no clue why his mother was making a scene of such a small issue.

Once Aryan was done with his mother, he called Sidharth immediately. “Bhai, yaar, Mom ki problem kya hai?”

“Yes, hello to you too Aryan.” Sidharth rolled his eyes. Every call from Aryan always started with complaints about his mother.

Aryan relaxed. “I miss you, Bhai.”

“That’s what happens when you avoid coming home on holidays.”

Aryan made a face. “You know the reason.”

Sidharth knew Kajal aunty too well. Aryan was his baby brother, unlike his uncle and aunty. He believed in his Badi Maa. “Learn to ignore things that make you upset.”

“Hmm.”

“By the way, did you speak with Anu?”

“We had a fight.” Aryan made a face.

Nothing new, thought Sidharth with an imaginary eye roll on. “She is in Mohali.”

He was cut off by a knock. “Come in.”

Mayur walked in, looking worried. “Sir, you need to look into this urgently.”

Sidharth on call, “Aryan, I’ll call you back, okay?”

“No problem, Bhai. You take care,” Aryan smiled.

As Sidharth went through the document, an instant frown appeared on his face. “What the hell!”

Mayur gripped the chair anxiously. “Sir, this is out of the blue.”

They had a project running in Narwada location in Mumbai, which was stopped midway due to a legal notice received. Apparently, a man was claiming that the Shergils were trying to include his land in theirs, which was just next to it, and raised a claim for compensation.

“This is absurd. Get me all the details of this person.” Sidharth immediately called his legal department. “Vikrant, I need you in my cabin right away.”

Mayur waited for the call to end. “Sir, his name is Sukhdev Sharma. Originally from Punjab. A normal middle-class man with not-so-good opinions from the neighbors when checked randomly.”

“He has no idea who he is dealing with. He has to pay for this. Ensure the news doesn’t go out, or it will be in tomorrow’s headlines for no reason.”

Their legal head, Vikrant, along with Karan, walked in. “Sir, all okay?”

Mayur immediately handed over the legal papers to Vikrant, who went through them and frowned. “That’s absolutely pathetic. Looks like he’s greedy for money.”

Sidharth nodded in agreement. “Karan, handle this end-to-end in my absence. All decisions have to go through you. If you need any help, talk to me directly. Is that clear, Vikrant?”

Sidharth was super angry. Who is this Sukhdev Sharma? Cheap mentality people, he thought.

# Mohali

Shehnaz was done with her packing when her little fight with Rajbeer gripped her mind. She wasn’t sure how he would react to this news because he was sure her dream would never come true. She smiled at her victory and called him.

Rajbeer, who was upset with their fight, smiled to see her call. “Bol.”

“Hayyy… Ab bhi gussa hai? Chal chhodna yaar. Mene maaf kiya tujhe,” Shehnaz said cutely, and Raj couldn’t help but giggle.

“Nautanki. Abhi bhoot utra tera.”

Shehnaz pulled her imaginary collar. “Oyy, hello… Mene mana liya Papaji ko. Main kal ja rahi hun Mumbai.”

Silence prevailed.

It felt like someone had poured boiling oil in his ear. He couldn’t speak for a moment because he honestly didn’t know what to say. He realized he was losing Sana. He was losing his love. His throat choked in pain. “Aahh… good. I mean great. Congratulations.”

Shehnaz failed to notice the pain in his voice and thrilled in excitement. “Thank you… dekha, mene kaha tha. Main mana lungi unhe.”

“Kal ja rahi hai?” he asked, lost in thought.

“Haan, kal morning mein nikal rahi hun Papaji ke saath.”

“Ohkk.” He didn’t know what more to say. He wanted to see her once before she left. He wanted to feel her close beside him. How would he survive without her, without her smiles that brightened his life?

He was just a friend to her, but he didn’t realize she had become his life. Some stories never complete.

“Hello?” Shehnaz thought the call got disconnected. “Sun na.”

“Haan,” he managed somehow. “Bolna.”

Shehnaz started blabbering. “Pata hai… Mujhe tum sab ki kitni yaad ayegi. Tum mujhse milne ayega na Mumbai?”

“Of course, I’ll come. And I’ll miss you a lot, yaar,” his voice went heavy with the words. “Achha sun. Daarji bula rahe hai. Main rakhta hun. Bye.” He disconnected before she could reply. He couldn’t have talked more without breaking in front of her.

I wish you all the very best, Sana. Agar tu mere liye bani hai, toh chahe kitni bhi mushkil aaye, we will be together. And no matter what, I will always love you!

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# In the Flight

As Shehnaz and her father boarded the flight, they were taken aback by the sheer luxury. The comfortable seats, the spacious legroom, and the elegant interior made it an unforgettable experience for them. Shehnaz’s eyes sparkled with amazement as she took in the surroundings.

Anishka had thoughtfully booked Shehnaz’s seat next to hers and her father’s seat a bit further away, allowing the girls to chat freely without any reservations.

As the flight took off, Shehnaz let out a sigh of relief, trying to calm her nervous excitement.

Anishka noticed and decided to lighten the mood. “Achha, tell me, do you have a boyfriend?” she asked with a playful smile.

Shehnaz’s eyes widened in shock. She immediately glanced at her father to see if he was listening.

Anu chuckled. “He is sitting far away, yaar. He won’t hear us.”

Shehnaz shook her head, still cautious. “Nahi baba… Itni jaldi nahi marna mene,” she replied, her voice filled with a mix of fear and humor.

“Matlab…?” Anu was amused by Sana’s innocent talk. “Mere bapu dekhe hai… khatarnak hai ekdum.”

Shehnaz looked genuinely scared. “Waise bhi, kabhi koi achha laga hi nahi… us type se…”

Anu nodded thoughtfully. “Hmm… interesting. Tumhe kaisa ladka chahiye?”

Shehnaz pondered for a moment. “Kabhi socha nahi… but handsome ho, height achhi ho, paisa matter nahi karta… but pyara ho, dil saachha ho, soft-spoken ho, sweet ho, aur meri har baat mane…”

Anu smiled at her friend’s simplicity and innocence. She appreciated Sana’s straightforwardness and genuine nature, qualities that were becoming rare.

As they landed in Mumbai, Anu took Shehnaz and her father to her friend’s flat and pressed the doorbell.

The door was opened by a lively girl. Anu excitedly threw her arms around her. “Zoyaaaaa baby!”

Zoya shook her head at Anu’s usual antics. “Abbey, let them come inside first.”

Shehnaz and her father entered, and Zoya brought tea and breakfast for them while Anu showed them the house. Zoya instantly liked Shehnaz. There was something about this girl that reflected innocence and affection. They all shared greetings and got to know each other a bit better.

“Anu meri school time se best friend hai,” Zoya mentioned.

Rajender looked confused. “School time se? But beta, aap ne toh schooling Mohali mein ki hai na?”

Anu fumbled, while Shehnaz went pale. “Uncle ji, main 7th mein thi na jab hum Mumbai shift hue… uske baad ki baat kar rahi hai…”

Rajender was convinced, while Zoya received a warning glare from Anu to stop talking.

Once Shehnaz and her father were settled, Anu informed Rajender that his return flight was the next day and took her leave from there.

Zoya helped Shehnaz keep her stuff in her bedroom as it was a good 2BHK flat.

Rajender went to sleep, while Shehnaz sat with Zoya. “Zoya ji, apko rent kitni deni padegi mujhe?”

Zoya smiled at her. “It’s not Zoya ji, only Zoya… no aap, tum bol, and jab tak tumhe achhi job nahi milti, I won’t take anything from you. Relax karo, koi tension nahi hai, okay?”

Shehnaz became emotional. “You are very sweet.”

Zoya patted her cheek lovingly like an elder sister and tried to change her mood. “But mujhe ek help jaroor chahiye…”

“Kya?” Shehnaz asked innocently.

“Tumhara glowing face ka raaz chahiye mujhe…”

With that, both girls burst into laughter, and Shehnaz silently thanked Waheguru ji for showering her with so much love.

Anu reached home, and the first thing she did was hug her mother, who was in the kitchen. “Maa, why are you here? I looked for you everywhere. Pata hai kitni baatein karni hai mujhe.”

“Breath, Anu…” Rita ji joked lightly while one of the servants handed Anu a glass of water.

Anu smiled back. “Rekha didi, beta ke exams kaise chal rahe hain?”

“Bahot achha didi,” the woman replied with affection and left.

Rita ji turned to Anu. “Kya hua baby, tu itni excited kyu hai?”

Anu kissed her mother’s cheek lovingly. “Maa, I made a friend. She is so sweet and cute and innocent… you won’t believe.”

Rita ji was happy to see her daughter so thrilled but sometimes feared her daughter’s naivety. “Okay, that’s lovely,” she said to encourage her.

Anu continued, “I met her in Mohali.” She then narrated the whole story of how they met, what had happened, and how the girl was now staying with Zoya.

Rita ji was proud of her daughter. “That’s very sweet of you, beta. But if you have taken the responsibility, you need to handle it end to end. Ladki gaav se hai, use Mumbai mein akele kahi ghumne mat dena. At least until she is used to the surroundings. Ensure you help her get a good job, but it has to be based on her talent and not your recommendation.”

Anu looked at her mother, trying to understand her point of view.

Rita ji smiled. “Khud ke talent pe job hasil karegi tabhi toh grow karegi. Help people, but don’t make them dependent. Understand?”

Anu nodded in agreement.

Rita ji knew her daughter was very understanding. “And when will I get to meet her?”

Anu got excited at the idea. “Tomorrow. I’ll bring her home. By the way, Maa, when is Bhai returning?”

Rita ji made a face at the untidy room and started cleaning it.

Anu started biting her nails in worry. Rita ji saw that and slapped her fingers. “Such a bad habit, baby.”

Anu made a face. “Not done… Aryan Bhai se bhi fight hui hai… and now Sidharth Bhai bhi gussa… tu toh gayi Anu.”

She immediately called Sidharth. “Bhai… aap kaha ho?”

“Hmm… so finally you got time for Bhai, is it?” Sidharth said in a stern voice, trying to scare her.

“Offo Bhai… aisa kyu bol rahe ho?”

Sidharth never liked the sadness in her voice. “Kidding, baby. Why haven’t you sorted things with Aryan yet?”

Anu rolled her eyes. “Usne meri complaint ki aap se?”

“Anu…” Sidharth said sternly.

“Don’t be angry… I forgave him, bas. Anyway, he is returning, so I want to surprise him.”

Sidharth gave up on their childishness and disconnected the call.

Anu looked around and found her room clean. “Maa, aap kyu karti hain ye sab?”

Rita ji didn’t reply and left the room with a smile.

That’s when Anu remembered something and ran behind her mother but didn’t notice Kajal Aunty who was just coming closer.

“Maa… meri friend wali baat… Bhai ko mat batana please.”

Rita ji didn’t understand the reason, while Kajal tried to make out what they were talking about.

“Maa… you know Bhai doesn’t like favors.”

Rita ji understood and agreed, while Kajal came closer to hear them.

“Anu baby… when did you return?”

Anu was startled to find Kajal. “Last night, Aunty… how are you?”

“Well… not good without you,” Kajal faked a sad face. “I needed that salon’s appointment.”

Kajal smiled sweetly while Rita ji excused herself as she had to leave for a charity function.

“Btw, kya baatein ho rahi thi… maa-beti ki?” Kajal asked suddenly, and Anu looked at her confused. “Kuch bhi nahi… just random.”

Anu pretended to call someone and excused herself. Kajal smiled cunningly, thinking she would find out, and left from there.

# Farewell at the Airport

Anu and Shehnaz went to the airport with Rajender to help him board the flight. Rajender was feeling heavy-hearted. He joined his hands in front of Anu. “Beta, aapke bharose apni bachi ko itni dur rakh kar ja raha hun… uska khayal rakhna.”

Shocked, Anu immediately held his hands. “Uncle, aap kya kar rahe hain? Aap bilkul chinta na karein… Sana ab meri choti behen jaisi hai. Khud se jyada usse sambhalungi… bharosa rakhiye.”

Rajender blessed Anu and hugged Shehnaz affectionately. Shehnaz was in tears; she had never stayed away from her family for so long.

Rajender boarded the flight, and Anu brought Shehnaz straight to her home.

Shehnaz looked at the bungalow with astonishment. She had never seen such a place except in movies. She fumbled. “Tu… tu… tum yaha rehti ho?”

Anu laughed. “Yes… this is my house.”

Anu pulled her out of the car. “Chal andar.”

As Shehnaz stood at the entrance, something happened inside her. She felt a strange sensation pass through her soul, something she couldn’t express. What was this feeling?

# Sidharth’s Restlessness

Sidharth, who was working on his laptop in his hotel room in Bangalore, felt it. Shocked, he set the laptop aside and walked to and fro. He felt restless. Why? He couldn’t understand. It felt like something just knocked at the door of his soul. Who was it? He ruffled his hair with his fingers, trying to calm himself and opened the windows. Everything was calm except his heart. He didn’t remember feeling like this in years.

“Kya hua… where are you lost?” Anu pulled Shehnaz in.

Shehnaz was awed by the luxury of the house. It was bigger and more beautiful than any palace she could imagine. She had never seen such a place ever. She suddenly felt out of place. Anu took her upstairs to her mother’s room. “Maa… dekho, who is here?”

Rita ji, who was doing something in her cupboard, turned around and stood rooted in her place in a daze.

There stood Shehnaz, clad in a simple red suit, her straight hair left open. Her milky white skin was shining like a star, the pinkish glow in her cheeks, almond brown eyes filled with kohl. Beautiful. That was the only word that came to Rita ji’s mind. Anu brought Sana in, who continued to look at Rita ji with her innocent eyes and smiled softly, breaking Rita ji’s trance.

“Anu… ye?” Rita ji wasn’t sure if she had met this girl before.

Anu beamed with happiness as she made Shehnaz stand in front of her mother. “Ye hai Shehnaz… kal kaha tha na mene… aapko milane laungi.”

Rita ji was still staring at the beautiful girl.

Shehnaz bent down, took her blessings, and joined her hands softly. “Sasriyakaal, aunty ji.”

Rita ji couldn’t help but hug the girl. “Jeeti raho beta… I am so happy to meet you.”

Kajal, who was going out, saw an unknown girl in Rita ji’s room and wondered who she was.

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Hello, dear readers!

I hope you enjoyed the second chapter of our story. This chapter delves deeper into the lives of Shehnaz and Anishka as they navigate their new surroundings, face emotional farewells, and experience unexpected connections. The luxurious flight, the heartfelt interactions, and the mysterious bond felt by Sidharth add layers to our characters and their journeys.

How did you like it? Were you able to connect with Shehnaz’s innocence and Anishka’s spirited nature? What did you think of the introduction of Zoya and the emotions stirred in Sidharth? Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so please let me know in the comments below!

Looking forward to hearing from you and excited to share more of this journey with you all!

Also, stay tuned for “Baarish,” 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  Wattpad, Instagram 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