Chapter 23

As Shehnaaz stepped outside, she saw Sidharth leaning against his car, looking all fresh and ready for the day. In contrast, she felt a little self-conscious, having just rolled out of bed with her hair still tousled and sleep lingering in her eyes. But as soon as she reached the car, she noticed the intense, playful gleam in his eyes. He motioned for her to get in with a look that dared her to ask any questions.

Without wasting a moment, she opened the door and slipped inside. “Sidharth… aap… hum… itni subah kaha ja rahe hain?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and curiosity.

He didn’t answer immediately; instead, he revved the engine, making the car roar to life as it sped down the road. With a grin, he replied, “I’m kidnapping you.”

Shehnaaz pouted, her lips forming a perfect little frown. “Maine brush bhi nahi kiya hai,” she murmured, sounding almost like a child who had been woken up too early.

For a moment, Sidharth just stared at her, his heart swelling with affection at her innocence. Her adorable pout, her sleepy eyes… it was all too much. Unable to resist, he leaned over and quickly pecked her lips, his touch warm and swift. Then, with a satisfied smile, he returned to his seat.

Shehnaaz blinked in surprise, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “Sidhaaaarthhh…” she protested, her voice half-shocked, half-amused.

“Haan, baby?” he answered in a happy tone, his eyes twinkling with love and adoration. He loved the way she looked at him, a mixture of suspicion and amusement. “Patience,” he added, drawing out the word as if savoring it.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a secluded spot that was nothing short of breathtaking. The place was surrounded by lush greenery, with the soft morning light filtering through the trees, creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. Sidharth parked the car and stepped out, holding out his hand to help her out.

He sat down on the ground, and without a second thought, Shehnaaz settled into his lap, her body fitting perfectly against his as if she belonged there. His arms wrapped around her like a duvet, pulling her closer to himself. She felt so small and delicate in his embrace, completely safe and cherished. Her head rested comfortably against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, which somehow seemed to calm her own racing one.

She looked up at him, her brows furrowing slightly with concern. “Sidharth, hum yaha kyun… ghar pe guests hai… samjho na…” Her voice was soft, almost pleading, as she remembered the guests back home and the responsibilities they had left behind.

But Sidharth just smiled, his chin rested on her shoulder which his hand gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Bas, kuch pal..” he whispered, his voice filled with a deep tenderness. “I needed this… needed us.”

A soft smile spread across Shehnaaz’s lips as she nestled closer, rubbing her cheek gently against his. Sidharth couldn’t resist; he leaned in and kissed her soft cheek, his lips lingering a moment longer. “Tumhare bina neend nahi aati mujhe… aur tum so rahi thi… not fair…” he murmured, a hint of playful complaint in his voice.

Shehnaaz giggled softly, the sound light and sweet like a melody. “Hayy Rabba… ab so bhi nahi sakti main…” she teased, her laughter bubbling up, warming the cool morning air around them.

Her laughter, however, sparked a mischievous annoyance in Sidharth. With a swift move, he leaned in and nipped sharply at her earlobe, causing her to wince in surprise. “Sidhaaaarthhh…” she squealed, more shocked than hurt, a small pout forming on her lips.

He hummed softly, a low, soothing sound, and then pressed his lips against the spot he had just bitten, easing the sting. The sensation sent a shiver through Shehnaaz, and she melted deeper into his embrace, her heart responding to his touch almost instinctively.

“You are not allowed to sleep without me… samjhi tum…” he whispered, his voice husky and commanding, though filled with a playful tone. Shehnaaz could barely make sense of his words, her mind lost under the spell he was weaving around her with his warmth, his touch, and the closeness of his body. Her heart raced, and her breath quickened, completely captivated by him.

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Raj was in the middle of his workout, his body moving with steady rhythm, when the shrill ring of his phone startled him. Breathing heavily, he grabbed his phone and answered, “Hello…”

Before he could say anything else, his father’s furious voice boomed from the other end, “Oyy khotya… abhi ke abhi niche aa…”

Raj felt a jolt run through him. His father’s angry tone was enough to make him abandon his workout and sprint downstairs. As he reached the bottom, he saw his father pacing back and forth, his face flushed with anger. “Ki ho gaya Papaji?” Raj asked, a mix of concern and confusion in his voice.

His father stopped, glaring at him with intense frustration. “Rajender ka call aaya tha… sagai tod di usne…” he spat out, his voice trembling with indignation.

Raj felt a pang in his chest, but he wasn’t entirely surprised. Somewhere deep down, he had been expecting this outcome. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady, “Accha kiya. Main khud nahi chahta tha ke ye sagai ho…”

His father’s eyes widened in shock, and murmurs spread among the close relatives who were still gathered in the house. The ones who had left earlier had already done so with snide remarks and taunts, and now the atmosphere was tense and thick with unspoken questions.

“Ye kya keh raha hai puttar… hum sochte the Sana teri dost hai… tu pasand karta hai use…” his father’s voice was filled with disbelief, and a tinge of hurt.

Raj turned his face away, trying to hide the pain in his eyes. “Woh meri dost hai, Papaji… par main usse waise nahi pasand karta… shaadi nahi karni mujhe usse…” His words hung in the air like a heavy weight, surprising not just his father but also himself. His father stared at him, bewildered. Had he been misreading his son’s feelings all along?

“Toh tune hume pehle kyun nahi bataya…?” His father’s voice was quieter now, still shocked but with a hint of genuine concern.

Raj lowered his eyes, swallowing the lump in his throat, “Main aap sab ka dil nahi todna chahta tha… bas isliye…” His heart felt heavy, his chest tightened with a pain he had been trying to suppress for so long. He had lost the love of his life, the girl he had cherished silently for years. But he also knew that her happiness mattered more to him than his own heartbreak. He felt a bittersweet relief that Rajender chachaji had finally understood Sana’s true feelings and had made the right decision.

His mind echoed with thoughts he could never voice. *Pyaar ka matlab sirf pana nahi hota… Pyaar woh hota jo apne pyaar ki khushi me khush ho… jise shayad tum pa na sako… fir bhi uspar apni hazaron khwahishen kurban karo… jo shayad tumhara na ho paye… par uski zindagi pyaar se bhar jaaye…*

In the end, it was her happiness that mattered, and if her happiness lay elsewhere, he was willing to let her go, even if it meant sacrificing his own.

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#Shehnaz’s House

Rajender ji stood in the center of the living room, feeling the weight of every stare, every glare from the close relatives gathered around him. Whispers filled the room, growing louder with each second, like a wave building up before crashing down. Their eyes bore into him, accusing, questioning, as if they were throwing daggers with every glance.

Daarji’s voice thundered over the commotion, his face red with anger. “Ab chup kyu hai… bolta kyu nahi…” he demanded, his tone harsh and filled with disappointment.

Rajender ji’s elder cousin, standing beside Daarji, looked equally furious. He placed a calming hand on Daarji’s shoulder but kept his fiery gaze on Rajender ji. “Oyy, kya puchh rahe hai daarji…ye sab kya bakheda kar rakha hai…pehle khud hi sagai tey karta hai… aur sab ko bulake achanak se sagai tod di… Kyuuu?” he shouted, his frustration evident.

Shehnaz felt a lump form in her throat as guilt washed over her. Her father was facing this humiliation, this anger from everyone because of her. She felt small and helpless. Tears pricked her eyes, and she couldn’t bear to look up. She buried her face in Anu’s shoulder, who stood beside her, offering silent support. Anu gently rubbed her back, whispering, “Sab theek hoga, Shehnaz…”

Jasbeera stood by, her heart swelling with pride. Her husband had chosen his daughter’s happiness over societal expectations, over their so-called “izzat.” She knew it wasn’t easy for him to face everyone like this, to stand silently and take all the blame, but he was doing it for their daughter. For Shehnaz.

Rajender ji stayed quiet, his lips pressed into a thin line. He refused to say anything that would paint his daughter in a bad light. He knew the decision would hurt their family’s pride, but he also knew it was the right one. Shehnaz’s happiness was worth more than any of their traditions or customs.

Just as another relative opened their mouth, preparing to attack Rajender ji with more harsh words, a loud screech echoed through the courtyard. All heads turned towards the sound. A sleek Mercedes came to a halt right in front of the house with a sudden, dramatic screech, catching everyone’s attention.

Anu, sensing who it was, couldn’t help but smile. She leaned close to Shehnaz and winked playfully. Shehnaz’s eyes widened in realization, her heart skipping a beat. She knew exactly who it was.

Rita ji walked in with the grace of a woman who knew her place and purpose, with Sidharth by her side, his presence commanding and confident. As they came to a stop before everyone, the room seemed to quiet down, all eyes turning towards them with curiosity and bewilderment.

Anu, seeing her mother, broke into a relieved smile and rushed forward, throwing her arms around Rita ji. “I knew… I knew you would come,” she murmured against her mother’s shoulder, a sense of relief evident in her voice.

Rita ji held Anu close, patting her back with a comforting hand before her gaze shifted to Shehnaz. A warm, affectionate smile spread across her face. “Sana beta… come here,” she called out softly.

The rest of the relatives watched in confusion, murmuring amongst themselves. However, Rajender ji and Jasbeera ji exchanged a knowing look, recognizing that this must be Sidharth’s mother.

Sidharth, standing beside his mother, couldn’t take his eyes off Shehnaz. He saw the nervousness in her posture, the slight trembling of her fingers. But to him, she looked beautiful, even in her fear. He gave her a reassuring look, his eyes silently telling her to relax, to trust him.

Feeling a wave of warmth from Rita ji’s kind demeanor, Shehnaz took a hesitant step forward, and then another, until she was standing in front of her. Rita ji enveloped her in a hug, one that was just as warm and loving as she had given her own daughter. “Sid ne bohot sataya na apko…?” she asked gently, a teasing yet sad note in her voice.

Sidharth immediately pouted at that, looking almost comical in his silent protest, while Anu couldn’t help but smirk at his expression.

Shehnaz, her cheeks flushed with a shy smile, shook her head quickly in denial.

Rita ji’s smile widened, and she patted Shehnaz’s cheek with a gentle hand, feeling a surge of affection for the girl who loved her stubborn son so much.

Rita ji, with calm confidence, did a respectful “namaste” to Shehnaz’s parents and the rest of the guests gathered in the room.

Rajender ji, clearing his throat, asked hesitantly, “Ji… aap…?”

Rita ji turned towards Sidharth for a brief moment, a smile on her lips, then addressed Rajender ji directly, “Main Mrs. Rita Shergill… Sidharth ki maa…”

Daarji looked at Rajender in confusion, his brows furrowed, “Yeh log kaun hain, beta?”

Without hesitation, Rita ji moved toward the elders and touched their feet with respect. “Main yahan aapki poti Shehnaz ka haath maangne aayi hoon… mere bete Sidharth ke liye,” she declared warmly, her voice steady and sincere.

Daarji’s eyes widened in shock, and Rajender ji looked equally taken aback. This was the last thing they expected—an unexpected proposal from such a poised and dignified woman. The guests began to murmur amongst themselves, the room filled with whispers of curiosity. The ladies in particular were distracted, their eyes constantly darting toward the luxurious Mercedes parked outside.

Daarji turned to Rajender ji, his voice still heavy with disbelief, “Yeh sab kya hai, puttar? Abhi-abhi Sana ki sagai tooti hai… aur…”

Rajender ji, feeling the weight of the situation, tried to maintain his composure. “Ji… shayad yeh sahi waqt nahi…”

But Rita ji, with a gentle but firm smile, interjected, “Har waqt sahi hota hai, bhai sahib, agar hum usse banaye toh… mere Sid ke liye aapki beti se accha koi ho hi nahi sakta,” she said with conviction, her voice full of warmth and clarity.

Her words held a certain charm, and the sincerity in her tone left little room for argument. Rita ji’s calm demeanor and graceful presence were slowly winning over the gathering. Rajender ji, who had initially been hesitant, found himself softening. Rita ji’s approach was respectful, dignified, and full of genuine affection for his daughter.

There was a moment of silence, a breath of anticipation, as everyone in the room waited for Rajender ji’s response, sensing the shift in the air.

A wave of pride surged through Rajender ji as he realized just how deeply they all cared for Sana. He could feel the genuine love and respect emanating from Sidharth and his family.

Rajender ji’s elder cousin, sensing the gravity of the situation, asked, “Kya tu jaanta hai inhe…?”

Rajender ji nodded, though a bit hesitantly, “Ji… haan, bhai sahab… Sid ke pitaji mere dost the… yeh log Mumbai mein rehte hain… well-settled hain… Sana ki friend Anu…” he pointed toward Anu, “inhi ki beti hai…”

At his words, some women in the room turned their curious gazes toward Anu, who felt a little self-conscious and cleared her throat nervously.

Sidharth, sensing the moment, stepped forward and took Rajender ji’s hand in his own, “Sir…”

Rajender ji and Jasbeera ji looked at the young man standing before them, feeling a swell of pride at the way he was addressing them with so much respect.

With a composed expression, Sidharth began, “Sir, main Sidharth Shergill, aapki beti Shehnaz se shaadi karna chahta hoon. Main yeh jaanta hoon ki jitna pyaar aap usse karte hain, shayad main khud ko usse kabhi compare nahi kar paunga. Par main dil se koshish karunga usse utna hi pyaar dene ki. Uski har khwahish, uski har murad, uski har zidd poori karne ki koshish karunga. Uske chehre ki muskurahat kabhi kam nahi hone dunga. Zindagi bhar uska khayal rakhunga. Khud se pehle uske liye sochunga… uski izzat karunga aur beinteha pyaar dunga… aur beinteha pyaar dunga. Aapko aur meri maa ke sanskaro ko kabhi jhukne nahi dunga… Please apni Shehnaz mujhe de dijiye…”

Each word he spoke resonated with sincerity and determination, making an impact on everyone present. Anu and Rita ji watched him with pride, their eyes gleaming with admiration.

Sidharth’s heartfelt words touched the very core of Sana’s parents, resonating deeply with their motherly and fatherly hearts. Each word he spoke made Daarji look at him with increasing pride. The guests, who had witnessed the emotional exchange, felt a pang of jealousy, realizing they had missed out on a true gem. But for Shehnaz, Sidharth’s words only intensified her love for him, drawing her closer to him with every spoken promise.

Jasbeera ji, her eyes brimming with tears, wiped them away and patted Sidharth’s shoulder with a sense of pride, “Jeeta raho puttar, khush raho…”

Rajender ji, finally letting his emotions show, smiled at Sidharth with genuine warmth. He wiped away a tear that had escaped his control, “Main kya de sakta hoon beta… Shehnaz tumhari hi hai… Hamesha ke liye…”

Hearing those words, Shehnaz couldn’t hold back her tears of joy. She hugged her mother tightly, her body shaking with the force of her happiness, as she cried into her embrace.

Sidharth, overwhelmed by the emotional acceptance, grasped Rajender ji’s hand tightly, “Main zindagi bhar aapka ehsaan nahi bhoolunga, papaji… Aapne mujhe meri zindagi de di…”

Rita ji, with a warm smile, patted her son’s back lovingly. She then turned to Shehnaz, who was still crying but with tears of happiness, “Ab bas… Aise rote nahi…”

She gently brushed her fingers through Shehnaz’s hair, offering comfort. Shehnaz responded with a heartfelt hug, her tears mingling with Rita ji’s comforting presence. Jasbeera ji, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude, looked at Rita ji with deep appreciation, “Meri beti ka khayal rakhiyega… Thodi pagal hai…”

Anu, unable to hold back her playful side, rolled her eyes and added with a smirk, “Aunty ji, thodi? Maha pagal hai…”

Rita ji, with a playful smile, lightly slapped Anu on the arm, “Bilkul tere jaisi…” The room filled with laughter, but Sidharth’s gaze remained fixed on Shehnaz, whose tears he couldn’t bear to see. His heart ached at the sight of her teary eyes.

Determined to change the mood, Sidharth walked towards Shehnaz and gently took her hand in his. He then slowly sank to his knees before her, an action that made Shehnaz instinctively try to stop him. “Sidharth, aap… please nahi…” She murmured, ynable to see him getting on his knees. He is a man of respect.

Sidharth, however, looked up at her with intense sincerity, making her silent. His words carried the weight of deep respect and love, “Ye Sidharth sirf 3 logon ke aage jhukta hai Shehnaz… woh upar waha, meri maa aur tum…”

His declaration brought a hush over the room. Everyone looked at him with newfound respect, moved by his devotion. Rajender ji, who had harbored doubts about Sidharth, now felt a pang of regret for his earlier judgments.

Shehnaz, overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings, found herself speechless. His words seemed to resonate within her, causing her heart to race with emotion.

With his forehead resting gently on her hand, Sidharth gazed up at her with a vulnerable yet hopeful expression, “Will you please marry me…?”