Chapter 21

Shehnaaz sat at the window, her heart in a soft hope and apprehension as she awaited Anu. Anu had texted her, saying she’d be there in just a few minutes. The anticipation was almost unbearable. She was lost in her thoughts when her phone beeped, drawing her attention away from the passing minutes.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Sidharth’s name on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, then opened the text. The message was simple yet profound: “No one is allowed to even think of you. Shehnaz belongs to Sidharth. Samjhi tum?”

Her breath caught in her throat. The words were like a balm to her wounded soul. They were a promise, a declaration that despite the pain and misunderstanding that had driven a wedge between them, Sidharth still claimed her as his own. She felt tears well up in her eyes, blurring the screen as her emotions swirled within her. The endless wait seemed like it might finally be over, her heart daring to hope again. Every second of the past weeks had been a test of her endurance, and now, Sidharth’s message felt like a lifeline pulling her back from the edge.

She wondered, with a mix of confusion and yearning, if Sidharth was in Mohali. Why hadn’t Anu mentioned anything about his presence? The uncertainty mingled with her relief, creating a complex tapestry of emotions. She quickly typed a reply, her fingers trembling slightly: “aapki hi hu..hamesha…” It was a promise, a reaffirmation of her unwavering love and commitment.

She placed her phone down, her heart still racing as the car horn sounded outside. It must be Anu. The sound snapped her back to reality, and she wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself.

Anu arrived with her usual vibrant energy, a welcome contrast to the heavy emotions Shehnaaz had been grappling with. Jasbeera ji’s face lit up with happiness, while Rajendra ji’s expression was a mix of confusion and curiosity. He knew Anu was Sidharth’s sister, but her lively spirit was so different from her brother’s reserved demeanor.

Anu greeted everyone with her characteristic warmth and quickly turned her attention to Shehnaaz. Their eyes met, and without a word, Shehnaaz rushed into Anu’s arms. She held on tightly, the floodgates of her emotions bursting open. Her tears, which had been building up for so long, flowed freely now. She clung to Anu as if she could find solace in her embrace alone.

Anu held her close, her touch both comforting and steady. She gently patted Shehnaaz’s head, her whispers a balm to the raw pain Shehnaaz felt. “I need you to come with me for a few hours. We need to figure things out.. find an idea” she whispered softly, her voice filled with compassion and determination.

In that moment, Shehnaaz felt a mix of sorrow and hope.

Shehnaaz looked into Anu’s eyes, and without a word, they exchanged a silent understanding. Shehnaaz nodded, trusting Anu completely. There was so much unspoken between them, yet everything was clear.

Shehnaaz turned to her mother, mentioning that there was a fitting issue with her engagement lehenga. Her mother, who was busy with wedding preparations, worriedly looked up but quickly told her to get it altered as soon as possible. “hayy rabba.. tuze pehle dekhna tha sana.. ab ja jaldi..” she added, her voice laced with the urgency of the moment.

Without wasting another second, Shehnaaz and Anu grabbed the dress and headed out the door. They quickly got into the car, and Anu drove off with purpose.

As they sped away, Shehnaaz finally asked the question that had been nagging at her, “Hum kaha ja rahe hai?” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if she already knew the answer but needed to hear it from Anu.

Anu glanced at her with a small smile playing on her lips, “Tere Mr. Khadoos ke paas… Pata hai kaise rok k rakha hai maine bhai ko…warna aaj toh Raj ki army tehes nehes honi thi.”

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but shake her head with a smile. She knew Sidharth’s temper all too well. The thought of him storming in, ready to tear everything apart in his typical furious style, made her both anxious and amused. But then, another thought crossed her mind—would he be angry with her too? After all, she had left that day, walking away from him after their moment together, wounded and upset.

But as quickly as the doubt came, she pushed it aside. She had every right to be hurt and upset with him. Sidharth had hurt her deeply, and she had left because she couldn’t bear it any longer. He wasn’t allowed to be angry with her for that, not when she had been the one suffering. In fact, she thought, if anyone had the right to be angry, it was her.

She tried to summon that anger, tried to convince herself that she should be furious with him, but it was no use. The anger wouldn’t come. Getting angry with Sidharth wasn’t something her heart knew how to do. No matter how hard she tried, it always softened when it came to him. Her heart, despite everything, was still full of love for him.

Plus, they had been apart for so long. Her eyes ached to see him, her heart longed to be with him. How could she spoil their reunion with her anger? She didn’t want to waste a single moment on something that wasn’t real. She wanted to be with him, to feel his warmth, to drown in the love that still existed between them despite all the pain.

Sidharth, on the other hand, had sent that message knowing she would reply. He knew her too well. Despite all his wrongdoings, he was certain of one thing: Shehnaaz’s love for him was unwavering. It was the one constant he could rely on, even when everything else seemed uncertain. He knew she would never abandon him, no matter how much he hurt her.

When his phone beeped, Sidharth immediately grabbed it, his heart pounding in anticipation.

“apki hi hu..humesha “

As he read her reply, a deep sense of satisfaction washed over him. Her words were simple, but they meant everything to him. She was his, always. No matter what happened, no matter how much they fought or hurt each other, she was his. And that knowledge filled his heart with a profound peace he hadn’t felt in a long time.

His mind wandered, and he found himself wishing, almost desperately, that he could just kidnap her—take her away from all of this, from the world that seemed determined to keep them apart. He wanted to hold her, to keep her with him where no one could hurt her or take her away.

The frustration of being unable to act on his impulses gnawed at him, leaving him restless and unsettled.

Lost in his thoughts, Sidharth waited anxiously for any word from Anu. She was his only hope at the moment, the one person who understood him and was helping him through this impossible situation. But the minutes ticked by, stretching into what felt like hours, and there was still no message, no call. His mind began to race with possibilities, each one more troubling than the last. What if something went wrong? What if Shehnaaz didn’t want to see him? What if he lost her for good?

The uncertainty was like a heavy weight pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. But even in his turmoil, exhaustion began to creep in. His eyelids grew heavy, and despite his best efforts to stay awake, to keep waiting for some sign from Anu, sleep slowly overtook him.

_______________

As Shehnaaz and Anu arrived at the villa, a sense of anticipation and nervousness hung in the air. Anu gently guided Shehnaaz toward Sidharth’s room, her voice soft yet firm, “Tu ja ke baat kar Bhai se… aur sunn, zyda gussa na kar… maaf karde… he has suffered a lot without you.” Anu’s words carried the weight of everything that had happened, and with a final encouraging glance, she left Shehnaaz standing there with a heart that felt too heavy to carry.

Shehnaaz hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. The door was already half-open, as if inviting her in, yet she felt an invisible barrier holding her back. But she knew she had to see him, had to talk to him. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon light filtering through the curtains. Sidharth lay on the bed, his body sprawled on his front, his face buried deep in the pillow. He looked so vulnerable, so unlike the strong, unyielding man she knew. Her heart ached at the sight, and she couldn’t stop the tear that rolled down her cheek.

As she walked closer, her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Every step toward him felt like a journey through the pain of the last few weeks. She hadn’t realized how much she missed him until now, standing here, so close yet still feeling miles apart. Sitting down beside him, she bent on her elbow, brushing her fingers through his hair with a tenderness that came from the depths of her soul. She smiled softly through her tears, remembering all the moments they had shared.

“apke bina sans bhi nahi le pati me..” she thought, her heart whispering the words she couldn’t speak out loud. Did he know what he meant to her? Did he understand that he was the keeper of her heart, the reason for her every breath? The emptiness she had felt without him was unbearable, a void that nothing else could fill. Fourteen days, ten hours, and thirteen minutes—every second had reminded her of how incomplete she was without him. She needed him to live, to smile, to love, and to cherish.

The longing in her heart became too much to bear, and before she knew it, she was pulling him closer, wrapping her arms around him as if she could protect him from all the pain they had both endured. The movement woke him, and as he blinked his eyes open, he saw her—his Shehnaaz, the woman he had been longing to see.

“Baby…” he mumbled, his voice thick with emotion. Without a second thought, he pulled her protectively into his embrace, holding her as if he would never let go. “baby.. baby..” In that embrace, all the pain, all the love, all the moments of separation and longing seemed to dissolve into nothingness. It was their moment..moment of love.. moment of pain.. moment of togetherness..

Sidharth’s arms tightened around Shehnaaz, pulling her impossibly close as he rolled over, taking her beneath him. She let out a soft breath, her heart instinctively yielding to his every warmth, his every demand, just as she always had. Her heart, which had been aching with the weight of their separation, melted in the warmth of his embrace, as if finding the solace it had been yearning for.

His eyes bore into hers, filled with an intensity that spoke of all the emotions he had kept bottled up inside—love, pain, regret, and the deepest longing. Tears streamed down both their faces, but neither of them made any attempt to wipe them away. Those tears were a testament to the battles they had fought, the misunderstandings that had driven them apart, and the overwhelming relief of finally being in each other’s arms again.

Shehnaaz raised her face slightly, her lips brushing against his forehead in a tender kiss. It was her way of telling him that despite everything, despite the hurt and the distance, she was still here, still his.

Sidharth’s lips curled into a small, tear-streaked smile as he leaned down, unable to resist the urge to shower her with all the affection he had been holding back. He began with her eyes, pressing gentle, loving kisses to the corners where her tears still lingered. Then he moved to her forehead, placing a soft kiss there as if to ease the pain she had endured. His lips traveled to her cheeks, where he planted more kisses, savoring the familiar softness of her skin. He kissed her nose, her ears, her cupid’s bow, and finally, her chin, each kiss a silent apology, a promise, a declaration of his undying love.

And then, unable to hold back any longer, he claimed her lips in a kiss that was filled with all the pent-up passion, desperation, and longing of the days they had been apart. It was a kiss that was both tender and strong, sweet and demanding. Shehnaaz winced slightly at the force of it, but instead of pulling away, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer, if that was possible.

Sensing her need, Sidharth let his full weight press down on her, his body covering hers completely as he deepened the kiss. He bit down on her lower lip, a small punishment for the pain she had caused him by staying away, but also a reminder of how much he needed her. His lips moved over hers with an intensity that left no doubt about how much he had missed her, how much he had longed to have her back in his arms.

His tongue licked at her lower lip, teasing and tasting, making it flush with a deep, passionate red. Meanwhile, he left her upper lip neglected, almost as if to show her that this was what it felt like to be without him, to be deserted by his love. But it wasn’t a punishment—it was a plea, a desperate request for her to never leave him again, to never put him through the agony of separation.

In that kiss, there was no room for words, no space for explanations or apologies. There was only the raw, unfiltered emotion that passed between them, binding them together in a way that nothing else could. And as they clung to each other, lost in the intensity of their embrace, it was as if the world outside ceased to exist. There was only Sidharth and Shehnaaz, their love, and the silent promise that they would never let anything come between them again.

“Sidharth…” Shehnaaz groaned softly, her voice trembling with uncertainty, unsure whether to stop him or to let herself be swept away by the storm of his love. His kisses were urgent, breathless, driven by a fear that gripped him so tightly it was as if he believed that if he stopped, she would vanish, leaving him alone once more in the darkness that had consumed him during their separation.

The fear of losing her completely shattered the last threads of his control. His kisses turned rough, aggressive even, as he poured every ounce of his desperation into her. But she didn’t complain—how could she? She knew, deep down, that this was his way of making sure she was real, that she was still his, still here.

She let him love her however he needed to, each touch of his hands and lips soothing the wounds in her heart that had been bleeding since the day they parted. His closeness, his warmth, it was all she had longed for during those lonely nights without him. She gently caressed his hair, trying to calm the storm within him, to ease his pain. But then, a sharp sting made her gasp as he bit down hard on her upper lip, a sensation she hadn’t been prepared for.

Finally, he pulled away, both of them gasping for air, their breaths mingling as they struggled to calm their racing hearts. Shehnaaz slapped his chest lightly, the pain in her lip making her wince. “Aap Ravan ho… sachhi,” she murmured, her tone a mix of teasing and genuine complaint.

He looked at her, and for a moment, the tension broke. He burst into laughter, the sound rich and full, a sound she had missed more than she could express. She laughed along with him, their shared joy a balm to the wounds they both carried. In that moment, they were each other’s reason to smile, to laugh, to forget the world outside their small, shared bubble of love.

“I’m so sorry, baby…” Sidharth’s voice broke through the laughter, soft and filled with regret as he buried his face in her neck, too ashamed to meet her eyes.

“Koi na… hogya woh sab…” Shehnaaz whispered, her voice gentle and comforting as she patted his back, trying to ease the burden of his pain. This strange, almost overwhelming love they shared was like that—no matter how much they hurt, they couldn’t bear to see each other in pain.

Ye kaisa ajeeb sa pyaar hai..ke khud dard mein hai par apne saathi ka dard Saha nahi jata…

But Sidharth shook his head, his breath hot against her collarbone as he nuzzled against her, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. “Nahi… let me say it… it’s eating me inside…” His voice cracked, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. “Mujhe tumpar bharosa hona chahiye tha… kisi gair insaan par nahi… I failed, baby… I failed you… I failed our Love.”

“Aisa mat kahiye na…” Shehnaaz’s voice trembled with emotion. His touch sent shivers down her spine, but the warmth of his hands grounded her, reminding her that he was here, with her, and that’s all she ever wanted.

“Maine tumse vo sab kaha… I didn’t mean that, baby, I swear…” Sidharth’s voice was laced with pain as he raised his face, his eyes searching hers, desperate for her to understand the depth of his guilt. “I was just too hurt… bardasht nahi ho raha tha mujhse… tumhe hurt karna chahta tha because mai andar hi andar toot raha tha…”

Shehnaaz cupped his chin with tender hands, her touch soft and reassuring. A gentle smile curved her lips as she gazed into his troubled eyes. “Aapka toh haq banta h apni Sana pe,” she whispered, her words carrying a soothing balm to his wounded heart.

But his anguish wasn’t easily calmed. “Tum mujhse naraz kyu nahi ho..?” he asked, almost angrily, his fingers tightening their hold on her waist as frustration flared within him. The memory of their togetherness, the way she had always been his sanctuary, fueled the intensity in his gaze.

Shehnaaz looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Her reaction only fanned the flames of his possessiveness, and he leaned in, biting gently on her earlobe, drawing out a soft complaint of his name from her lips. The sound of his name, spoken with such sweet vulnerability, satisfied something deep within him. He gently turned her face back to him, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I was misguided baby… I’m just so sorry for every word I said… i didn’t mean any of it.. please trust me..”

“Mujhe sab bataya Anu ne… apki koi galti nahi thi… just… mujhpar bharosa rakhiye,” she replied, her voice steady yet filled with the sadness of her unwavering trust. She understood him, more than anyone else ever could.

Sidharth nodded slowly, the weight of his guilt easing just a little as he rested his head softly on her chest, finding solace in the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. The sound anchored him, but a question gnawed at his mind, one that he had been too afraid to ask. “Do you regret what happened that night…?” His voice was barely a whisper, the fear of her answer tightening his chest. What if she said yes?

Shehnaaz’s heart ached for him, sensing the vulnerability in his words. She kissed his hair, her lips lingering as she lovingly caressed his head, trying to chase away the fears that tormented him. “Me aapki hu na…” she whispered back, her words filled with a love so deep it made her voice tremble.

The simple statement was everything he needed to hear. Her love, her acceptance, her commitment—it all wrapped around him like a shield, protecting him from the darkness that had plagued him. Shehnaaz had become his anchor, the person who made him believe in love again, even when he had doubted himself the most.

Sidharth smiled with his eyes closed, listening to the soothing rhythm of Shehnaaz’s heartbeat. “Naaz…” he whispered, his voice a soft caress.

“Hmmm…” she murmured in response, her fingers gently running through his hair.

Raising his face, Sidharth looked deep into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze reflecting the depth of his emotions. “Shehnaz Singh, I, Sidharth Shergill, am madly and irrevocably in love with you. I promise to trust you always, to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. Will you please say yes to being mine forever?”

Shehnaaz’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she pretended to pout. “Apni baahon mein kaid karke propose kar rahe hai… how unromantic…” she teased, making a playful face that only made Sidharth more curious. “Pehle toh mere papaji ko manaiye taki ye siyappa khatam ho… fir mujhe ek gazab sa romantic proposal chahiye… aapne itna sataya hai mujhe… main itni aasani se nahi manane wali…” She blew a strand of hair off her face, her playful defiance making Sidharth’s heart race.

He couldn’t resist her charm. Leaning in, he planted a loud kiss on her cheek, making Shehnaaz giggle as she tried to push him away. “Kaise khatam karu ye siyappa…” he mimicked her tone, grinning at her.

Gathering all her strength, Shehnaaz pushed him away and quickly slid out of bed before Sidharth could catch her. She reached for her dupatta, which had been discarded on the bed, but Sidharth grabbed it, holding on tight, a playful glint in his eyes.

Shehnaaz’s words caught Sidharth by surprise. “Siyappa aapne kiya h… aap socho… aur mera dupatta chhodiye…” she said, her tone firm despite the slight blush that colored her cheeks.

“Agar na chhodu toh…?” His voice deepened with intensity as he held her gaze, his eyes locked onto hers. The heat of his words made her heart race, and she felt the familiar warmth of his presence overwhelming her.

Sidharth stood up, closing the distance between them in a few purposeful strides. Gently, he lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Jitna pyaar jatati ho… gussa bhi jatao… dard bhi btao…” His voice was soft yet commanding, urging her to open up. But Shehnaaz, unable to bear the weight of his gaze, turned her face away.

With a sigh, Sidharth gently turned her face back to him. “Mere dil mein jo tha maine keh diya… ab tumhari baari hai… mujhpar haqq rakho… galti ki hai maine… dil dukhaya tumhara… saza do mujhe…” His plea was heartfelt, and it only deepened the ache in her chest.

Tears welled up in Shehnaaz’s eyes as she clutched his collar angrily. “Pyaar ka daava karte hai na aap… phir mujhpar bharosa kyu nahi kar paaye aap? Ek baar puch nahi sakte the… bas maan liya main galat hu…” Her voice trembled with pain, each word cutting through Sidharth like a knife.

Her tears were unbearable for him. He knew he had hurt her deeply, and seeing her in pain because of his actions was something he couldn’t stand. But what pained him even more was that she had been hiding her hurt, masking it with a fake smile to protect him.

“Aapke paiso ke liye pyaar kiya maine aapse? Nafrat karte hai aap mujhse…? Terminate kar diya mujhe… ek pal mein faisla le liya mujhe apni zindagi se door fek dene ka…?” Her voice broke with each question, leaving Sidharth shaken as he realized the depth of her suffering.

Shehnaaz had been carrying this weight all alone, pretending to be strong, when in reality, she was breaking apart inside. Sidharth felt a sharp pang of guilt, knowing that he had been the cause of her misery. He had doubted her, judged her, and pushed her away when all she had ever done was love him with everything she had.

Shehnaaz’s heart ached as she spoke, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. “Kaise gussa karu aap pe… kaise haqq jatau… ab ye darr hamesha mere andar rahega ke kahi meri koi baat aapko galat lage aur aap mujhe khud se durr kardenge…” Her words were filled with a raw vulnerability, and as she finished speaking, she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. She broke down completely, turning away from him as the fear of losing him consumed her.

Sidharth couldn’t bear to see her in pain. Moving closer, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a tight embrace. He buried his face in her hair, his heart aching for the hurt he had caused. She tried to push his arms away, but he only tightened his grip, refusing to let her go.

Shehnaaz, feeling his desperation, turned her face as much as she could towards him and placed a gentle kiss near his eyes, the only spot she could reach. “Kya hua…?” she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

He didn’t respond with words. Instead, he turned her in his embrace so that they were facing each other. His eyes were red, filled with unshed tears and deep regret. She could see the pain in them, a reflection of the guilt that had been eating away at him. He wasn’t entirely at fault, but his lack of trust in her had hurt him just as much as it had hurt her.

Without breaking eye contact, Sidharth slowly released her and then, to her shock, he bent down on his knees in front of her. She gasped, her heart skipping a beat. “Aap kya kar rahe ho… please…” she pleaded, trying to pull him back up.

But Sidharth held her hand in his, bringing it to his lips and kissing her knuckles, his eyes cast down. “I’m not the perfect person, Sana… Tum par… humare pyaar par bharosa na karke maine bohot badi galti ki hai… Iske bawajood tumne ek pal mein mujhe maaf kar diya…” His voice was heavy with remorse, and the way he called her “Sana” melted her heart instantly.

Shehnaaz couldn’t bear to see Sidharth on his knees, a man she deeply respected and admired. He was someone who had always held himself to high standards, and seeing him so vulnerable broke her heart. Without a second thought, she knelt down beside him, placing her hands gently on his shoulders, giving him the strength and courage to speak.

He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts, “Maine past mein itna dhoka khaya hai ke aksar uski jhalak meri baaton mein dikhti hai… Jab tum meri zindagi mein aayi, mere shaant dil mein tumne toofan khada kar diya… Maine bohot koshish ki khud ko tumse door rakhne ki, par nahi kar paya…” His voice was filled with a mix of frustration and regret.

Shehnaaz could see the turmoil in his eyes, the internal battle he had fought to keep his distance from her, only to lose against the overwhelming emotions she stirred within him. She understood his struggle, the scars of his past that had made him cautious, and yet here he was, baring his soul to her.

Sidharth stood up abruptly, unable to contain the storm of emotions inside him, and walked over to the window. His back was to her as he continued, “Tumhari masumiyat, tumhara bachpana, tumhari pagalon wali harkatein… pyaari baatein… Tumne mujhe deewana bana diya, Shehnaaz. Hadd se zyada pyaar ho gaya mujhe tumse… Aur phir mujhe darr satane laga ke agar maine firse dhoka khaya toh… Jo mai tumhare liye feel karta hoon, aaj tak maine kisi ke liye ye feel nahi kiya… Aur phir woh sab… It was a mixture of my past, my extreme love for you, and fear…” His voice broke as he confessed his deepest fears.

Shehnaaz could see the pain in his posture, the way his shoulders slumped under the weight of his emotions. Without hesitation, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist from behind, resting her head against his back. She placed a soft kiss on his shirt, her lips leaving a faint mark, a small, unintended sign of her presence in his life.

Seeing the lipstick mark on his shirt, she couldn’t help but make a small, embarrassed face, but Sidharth turned around and pulled her into a tight embrace. His hold on her was desperate, as if he feared losing her. “Main shayad bohot bura hoon, par jaisa bhi hoon… tumhara hoon… Ek chance dedo mujhe… Ek baar bharosa karo mujh par… Main fir kabhi hamare beech kuch bhi galat nahi hone dunga…” His plea was filled with sincerity and a deep need for her forgiveness.

Shehnaaz nodded her head in agreement, a sweet smile gracing her lips as tears filled her eyes. Sidharth cupped her face lovingly, his expression raw and vulnerable—a side of him only his mother had ever seen. “Bohot pyaar karta hoon mai tumse, baby… bohot zyada pyaar karta hoon… Marr jaunga mai tumhare bina,” he confessed, his voice thick with emotion.

Before he could continue, Shehnaaz placed her palm over his mouth, silencing him with a tender touch. “Janti hoon… par mujhse zyada pyaar nahi kar payenge aap,” she replied softly, her eyes shimmering with a mix of love and reassurance.

Sidharth rested his forehead against hers, a gentle smile forming on his lips. He knew she was right—her love, her faith in him, was beyond anything he had ever imagined. In that moment, he silently thanked God for bringing her into his life, for giving him someone who loved him so deeply and unconditionally.

“Wada karo mujhse kabhi chhodke nahi jaogi…?” he pleaded, his voice cracking as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. His eyes, filled with a desperate need, searched hers for assurance.

Shehnaaz met his restless gaze, her heart aching at the vulnerability she saw there.

“Tumne pehle bhi wada kiya tha… fir kyun gayi mujhse door… mujhe akela chhodke yahan chali aayi…” His voice wavered as he recalled the pain of her absence, the fear of losing her again.

“Sidharth…” she began, but he cut her off, his desperation evident.

“Wada karo aaj ke baad kabhi nahi jaogi mujhse door… please promise me, baby…” His eyes, filled with a raw intensity, begged her to give in, to promise him that she would never leave him again. His arms tightened around her waist, and before she could respond, he crushed his lips against hers in a passionate, demanding kiss.

Shehnaaz melted into his embrace, giving in completely to his need, his desperation. She poured all her love, all her assurance into the kiss, hoping to ease the fears that haunted him. But just as the intensity of the moment enveloped them, her phone rang, shattering the silence. She broke the kiss reluctantly, and Sidharth groaned in frustration, his eyes darkening with annoyance at the interruption.

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Writing about Shehnaaz and Sidharth’s journey has been an emotional and heartfelt experience for me. Their love is complex, filled with moments of intense passion, vulnerability, and the undeniable strength that comes from trusting one another.

In this chapter, I wanted to capture the raw emotions that come with love—both the joy and the fear, the certainty and the doubt. Relationships are not always easy, and sometimes, the greatest battles are fought within our own hearts. Through Sidharth and Shehnaaz, I hope to convey the importance of communication, forgiveness, and the deep trust that forms the foundation of any lasting relationship.

As always, your feedback and thoughts are incredibly valuable to me. Whether it’s something you loved or something you felt could be improved, please don’t hesitate to share. I’m grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Also, stay tuned for “Baarish,” 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

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