Chapter 25

Sidharth leaned in and gently pressed his lips against Shehnaaz’s, a soft, lingering kiss that left her wide-eyed and flustered. As he pulled away, a smirk played on his lips, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her. Shehnaaz stood there, frozen in surprise, while he tossed his vest at her and headed toward the washroom. Every step he took, every movement of his muscles as he walked away, made her heartbeat race faster. Her eyes followed him, admiring the way his strong back flexed with each step.

As the door to the washroom clicked shut, Shehnaaz let out a long, deep breath, realizing she had been holding it. A rosy blush crept up her cheeks as she pressed her hands to her face, feeling a mixture of shyness and excitement. *Yeh mujhe kya ho raha hai?* she thought, utterly amazed at her own reactions. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was swirling with the memory of the kiss, but she composed herself and quietly left the room, her face still flushed with color.

Downstairs, the house was alive with the usual morning bustle. Sidharth emerged from the shower, fresh and calm, making his way down the staircase. He noticed Aryan sitting on the couch, deeply engrossed in the newspaper, looking far more subdued than usual. Ever since Manish and Kajal left, Aryan had seemed preoccupied, as though something heavy was weighing on his mind.

Sidharth’s eyes scanned the living room, searching for someone, and the sounds of clattering dishes and laughter coming from the kitchen told him that the women of the house were busy with breakfast preparations. He smiled to himself, already anticipating what was to come. He took a seat next to Aryan, who looked up from the paper and greeted him with a smile.

“Good morning, bhai… aur congratulations!” Aryan said, his smile widening. “Anu ne bataya jo hua…”

Sidharth’s face lit up with a genuine smile. He couldn’t hide his happiness. “Thanks, Aryan… I guess it was about time. Anyway, how did your interview go? Karan emailed me, and I’m glad to hear the good news.”

Aryan’s mood visibly brightened at his brother’s words. He set the newspaper aside, his excitement bubbling up. “Sachhi, bhai? You’re happy? I can’t believe it! I’m starting on Monday! Sab paperwork bhi complete ho gaya hai.”

Sidharth patted him on the shoulder, his voice filled with encouragement. “All the best, Aryan. I have no doubt you’ll do great. You’ll prove yourself, just like I always knew you would.”

Aryan beamed at his brother’s words, feeling a surge of confidence. Their moment of brotherly affection was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Sidharth’s gaze shifted toward the kitchen door, and what he saw made his heart skip a beat.

There she was—Shehnaaz—walking out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of food. She was wearing a dark blue salwar kurti that perfectly complemented her fair skin, making her look effortlessly beautiful. The soft material of the kurti fluttered slightly as she moved, and for a moment, Sidharth felt time slow down. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked stunning, radiant even, in such a simple outfit. *Woh jo bhi pehenti hai, khoobsurat lagti hai,* he thought, completely lost in her.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was hyper-aware of Sidharth’s gaze on her, but she kept her eyes down, busying herself with serving breakfast. His words from that morning still echoed in her mind, his playful demand that she serve his plate. She smiled to herself, determined to fulfill his wish. With deliberate care, she placed his food in front of him, though she still didn’t dare look up, her cheeks now a shade of deep pink.

Sidharth noticed her blush and smiled knowingly, amused by her shyness. He took his plate and began eating, savoring the food as much as the quiet connection between them.

As breakfast came to an end, Sidharth turned to his mother, who had been sitting quietly, observing everything with a warm smile on her face. “Maa,” he began, his tone a little hesitant, “I was thinking of taking Shehnaaz out for a small outing… if that’s okay with you. We’ll be back by tomorrow evening.”

Shehnaaz, still seated at the table, felt her heart leap at Sidharth’s words. Her hands fidgeted slightly as she focused on her empty plate, too shy to look up. But the blush on her rosy cheeks gave away everything she was feeling. The thought of spending time alone with Sidharth both thrilled and flustered her.

Rita ji’s face lit up with delight, clearly pleased with Sidharth’s gesture. She knew how difficult it was for her son to step away from work, and this showed how much effort he was putting into their relationship. “Of course, Sid,” she replied with a smile full of affection. “Main toh khush hoon sun kar… kyunki tumse kaam ke alawa kuch aur expect karna is rare.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes, clearly amused, while Anu couldn’t help but giggle. Aryan smiled too, but it was a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Though he was genuinely happy for his brother, something inside him still seemed unsettled. He watched the interaction, knowing that his own emotions were complicated, but he wanted to be supportive, even if his heart wasn’t entirely in it.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz had walked towards her room, completely unaware that Sidharth was right behind her. Lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t hear him close the door until the soft click broke the silence. Startled, she turned around slowly, but her eyes stayed focused on the floor, too shy to meet his gaze. Her rosy cheeks, still carrying the blush from earlier, made her look even more endearing. That sight alone was enough to drive Sidharth a little crazy. The softness of her expression, the innocence in her stance—it all made him want to pull her close.

Without a word, Sidharth walked toward her, his steps slow and deliberate. When he reached her, he gently placed his hand under her chin, lifting it so that he could see her face fully in the soft light of the room. Her eyes remained closed, as if she was too nervous to meet his gaze, and her lips trembled slightly. Her skin glowed under his touch, making her seem almost ethereal in that moment.

“I really want to spend time with you, baby,” he whispered, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. “Please come with me.”

Shehnaaz opened her eyes, blinking in confusion as she tried to understand why he was asking her. “Aap puch kyu rahe hai?” she asked softly, still not quite believing that he would seek her approval for something like this.

Sidharth moved even closer, cupping her face gently in his large, warm hands. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, and for a brief moment, everything else seemed to disappear. “Because,” he said quietly, looking deeply into her eyes, “tumhara opinion matter karta hai mere liye.”

His words were simple, but they carried so much weight. It wasn’t just a casual outing for him. He wanted her to know that her thoughts, her feelings—they meant something to him. They mattered.

A soft smile tugged at Shehnaaz’s lips, her heart fluttering at his words. She felt a warmth spread through her, knowing that he truly cared about what she thought. “Main change kar leti hu,” she whispered, her voice gentle, as she began to step away, intending to change her clothes for the outing.

But before she could move, Sidharth stopped her. His hand wrapped around her wrist, and the touch made her freeze in place. His voice was firm, but laced with affection. “Don’t change,” he said, his eyes admiring her once more. “I like this color on you.” He paused, a playful smile forming on his lips. “Take the pink dress for tomorrow instead… I’m waiting for you in the car. Don’t take long, okay?”

Shehnaaz nodded, her heart swelling with happiness. The warmth in his gaze, the gentle way he spoke to her, made her feel cherished. She smiled up at him, a shy but genuine smile, and in return, Sidharth grinned before turning to leave the room.

_________

Sidharth watched in a daze as Shehnaaz gracefully walked towards his car, her presence captivating him in a way that words couldn’t describe. She slipped into the passenger seat beside him, her movements soft and unassuming. As she settled in, she glanced up briefly to gauge his expression, her eyes curious and a little hesitant, but he simply shook his head with a gentle smile, leaning over to fasten her seatbelt.

The small, intimate act of securing her safety brought a wave of emotions crashing over him. Having her so close, knowing she was there with him despite everything they had been through, made his heart swell with happiness and pride. She had forgiven him—his mistakes, his faults, all the moments he hadn’t been his best. Yet, here she was, by his side, as always. She wasn’t just his hope; she was his friend, his lover, and his partner for life. She was the better half of him—the best half of him.

He started the engine, and the car sped through the busy streets of Mumbai, the noise and chaos of the city fading into the background as they ventured onto the highway. The open road stretched out before them, and with it came a sense of freedom, a moment of quiet peace between them.

Sidharth, wanting to break the silence but also eager to hear her voice, began asking her random questions. Nothing too deep, just light and casual. She responded with the same ease, her soft voice filling the space between them. They talked about anything and everything—little things that didn’t matter but somehow felt important in the moment. He would tease her, and she would blush, her cheeks turning that familiar shade of pink that he had come to adore. Her laughter was sweet, soft, and genuine, and every time she giggled, it made him smirk in satisfaction.

At one point, without saying anything, Sidharth reached for the corner of her dupatta, which was lying close to his hand. He gently picked it up and placed it over the gear shift, his touch deliberate but filled with affection. Shehnaaz looked at him in surprise, her eyes widening slightly as she glanced down at the dupatta and then back at him. The small, seemingly insignificant gesture carried a quiet intimacy that only they understood.

For a moment, there was no need for words. The way she looked at him, the way his hand lingered near hers—it was all part of the silent communication that had always existed between them. It was in these moments that Sidharth realized how deeply connected they were, how much they didn’t need to speak to understand each other.

Shehnaaz’s heart raced as she looked at him, still caught off guard by the simple act of him holding her dupatta. It wasn’t the first time he had done something like this, but each time it left her feeling flustered, a mix of warmth and nervous excitement bubbling up inside her. Her eyes softened, and her lips curled into a shy smile as she quietly adjusted her dupatta.

Sidharth’s smirk widened as he noticed her reaction. He loved seeing her like this—blushing, shy, yet so undeniably beautiful. Every time she tried to hide her emotions, it only made them more apparent, and he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her all the more.

Kaise Hua Kaise Hua..

Tu Itna Zaroori Kaise Hua..

Blushing, Shehnaaz turned her gaze to the window, letting the cool breeze brush against her warm cheeks. As she stared out at the passing scenery, memories of the day Sidharth proposed to her in front of the entire family flooded her mind. The way he stood, so confident yet vulnerable, offering his heart to her for a lifetime—those moments replayed in vivid detail. Her heart swelled with emotions, and without realizing it, her eyes filled with unshed tears. The overwhelming love, the joy, and even the fear of how much he meant to her washed over her all at once.

Sidharth glanced at her and immediately noticed the change in her expression. Her cheeks, which were blushing moments ago, were now a deeper shade of red, and there was a soft shimmer in her eyes that didn’t escape his notice. His heart clenched with worry as he pulled her a little closer, his hand instinctively reaching out to wipe away the tear that had escaped down her cheek. His focus was divided, half on the road and half on her, but he couldn’t bear to see her like this.

“Kya hua baby?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern as his thumb gently brushed away the wetness from her skin.

Shehnaaz shook her head, a small smile forming on her lips as she tried to reassure him. It wasn’t sadness that had brought those tears—it was the weight of love, of feeling so much for him that her heart couldn’t contain it all. Unable to express the depth of her emotions in words, she leaned closer to him and placed a sweet, tender kiss on his shoulder, then rested her head there. His warmth enveloped her immediately, and she felt the tension within her slowly melting away.

Sidharth, feeling her lips on his shoulder, turned his head slightly and pressed a soft kiss to her hair. The gesture was filled with quiet affection, a promise that he was there for her, always. He didn’t need to say anything; he simply returned his focus to the road, but his presence was enough to comfort her. His arm, strong and steady, wrapped protectively around her, as if he was shielding her from everything that could hurt her.

For Shehnaaz, being in his arms felt like coming home. His embrace was her safe place, where she could let go of all her worries and just be. His love was her sky, vast and endless, always surrounding her with care and devotion. She smiled softly to herself, realizing that somewhere along the way, he had become her entire world. It wasn’t just about the love they shared—it was the companionship, the understanding, and the way he made her feel like she belonged, not just by his side but in his life.

She closed her eyes, snuggling closer to him, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothe her. There was no rush, no need for words. Everything she felt, every ounce of love and gratitude, was reflected in the way she held on to him, and in the gentle way he held her back. This was the kind of peace she had longed for, the kind that only came from being with someone who truly loved you for who you are.

Sidharth drove on, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He could feel the weight of her trust, her love, and it filled him with a deep sense of contentment. He didn’t need grand gestures or dramatic declarations to know how much she meant to him.

As Sidharth continued driving, he realized that Shehnaaz had drifted off to sleep, her head resting peacefully on his shoulder. A soft smile touched his lips as he gently switched off the music, not wanting to disturb her. She looked so serene, and he wanted to preserve that calm for as long as possible. When he pulled up in front of a quaint little restaurant, he carefully shifted her head to rest on her seat, ensuring she was comfortable before slipping out of the car to grab some lunch for them.

While waiting for the food, his thoughts wandered back to her. He couldn’t help but marvel at how much things had changed in such a short time. It was as if destiny had woven their paths together so intricately, and now, she had become the most important person in his life. He wondered how he had been fortunate enough to deserve someone like her—so pure, so selfless, someone who always put his happiness first. It humbled him, and a part of him felt like he wasn’t worthy of her love. But at the same time, he couldn’t imagine his life without her now.

Once he returned with their food, he started driving again, occasionally stealing glances at her sleeping form. Her face, even in sleep, radiated a kind of peace that tugged at his heart. She was his anchor, the one who brought balance to his otherwise chaotic life. How did he ever get so lucky?

By the time they reached their destination, Shehnaaz was still fast asleep. Sidharth stopped the car in front of a beautiful wooden cottage, nestled amidst lush greenery with a gentle river flowing nearby. The entire scene was peaceful, almost like a picture from a dream. The soothing sounds of nature seemed to welcome them, promising a tranquil escape from all the worries of the world.

After unloading their bags and placing them in the living room, Sidharth returned to the car. He carefully scooped Shehnaaz up into his arms, her body soft and warm against his chest. The movement stirred her slightly, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his shoulder. Her sleepy eyes fluttered open for a moment, gazing up at him with so much love and trust that his heart ached. Without saying a word, he held her closer, feeling the weight of her affection settle over him.

As he carried her inside, he couldn’t help but notice how light she felt in his arms, almost too light. The realization struck him hard—she had lost weight. His heart sank, knowing that it must have been because of everything she had been through in the past days. The thought of her suffering, of carrying all that emotional and physical strain, saddened him deeply. He hated that she had to endure so much, and a wave of protectiveness washed over him.

Sidharth gently placed Shehnaaz on the sofa, and without hesitation, he laid down beside her, carefully resting her head on his lap. His fingers absentmindedly brushed through her hair as he watched her stir awake. Shehnaaz rubbed her sleepy eyes, taking in her surroundings. When she noticed the cozy wooden cottage around them, her eyes lit up with wonder.

“Aapko hamesha itni amazing places kaise mil jati hai?” she asked, her voice soft with awe.

Sidharth smiled, charmed by her excitement. “Batata hu… first, press my back… it’s paining,” he said, his voice playful but laced with a hint of tiredness.

Worry immediately flashed across Shehnaaz’s face as she quickly sat up, giving him space to lie down properly on his stomach. “Aapko dard ho raha hai? ” she asked, concern evident in her tone.

Sidharth lay on his front, feeling her soft hands press against his back with gentle but firm pressure. Her touch was magical, soothing every muscle, easing the tension that had built up from the long drive. With every movement of her hands, it felt like she was taking away not just his physical pain, but also the stress and exhaustion that had been weighing him down.

His eyes fluttered closed, the warmth of her hands lulling him into a state of utter relaxation. “Yahan bhi,” he mumbled, directing her to the spot where the ache was strongest.

Shehnaaz understood without him having to say much. She knew he had been driving for hours and that his back was bound to be sore. With every gentle press, she could feel the knots in his muscles easing, and a sense of calm washed over her as well. She loved being able to take care of him like this, to bring him comfort after all he did for her.

As she continued massaging his back, she noticed his breathing slow down. A peaceful smile tugged at her lips when she realized he had fallen asleep, right there under her touch. It warmed her heart to know she had that effect on him—to be his source of comfort, just as he was hers.

Shehnaaz paused for a moment, gazing down at him. His face, usually so tense with responsibility, was now relaxed in slumber. He looked vulnerable, almost boyish, and it made her heart swell with affection. This man, who had been through so much, who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, was now completely at peace, trusting her to take care of him.

Carefully, she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his temple, her heart full of love. She knew he was exhausted, and she was grateful that he felt safe enough with her to let his guard down. As she sat beside him, watching him sleep, she realized how much they had both changed, how much they had grown together.

Sidharth had always been her strength, but in this moment, she was his. And she vowed to always be that for him, to stand by him just as he had always stood by her.

She continued to gently stroke his back, even after he had drifted off, her own heart feeling light. The two of them, here in this beautiful, quiet place, had found a moment of peace, away from the chaos of their lives. It was just the two of them, wrapped in each other’s presence, and for now, that was all they needed.

______________

Manish sat slumped on the sofa, a glass of liquor in his hand, his eyes glazed over as he took another sip. Kajal walked into the room, her eyes narrowing at the sight before her. Frustration bubbling up inside her, she marched over and snatched the glass from his hand.

“Manish, is this the time to drink?” Kajal snapped, her voice sharp with concern and anger. “What is wrong with you?”

Irritated, Manish reached out and yanked the glass back from her grasp. His voice was slurred, his frustration clear. “Leave me alone… will you?”

Kajal’s patience snapped. In one swift motion, she banged the glass into the dustbin, the sound of it crashing against the sides echoing in the room. Her eyes flared with anger as she glared at him.

“Ab aage kya karne ka socha hai?” she demanded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Tumhare bhai ki tarah, Sidharth bhi puri property pe kabza chahta hai.” There was bitterness in her tone, her frustration with the situation seeping through.

Manish looked at her, his eyes glassy from the alcohol, but a flicker of irritation passed through them. He shook his head, almost in disbelief. “Dekh lene do sapna… jis tarah se bhai ko…” His words trailed off, his tone mocking.

Kajal’s lips curled into a smirk. “Manish, please. Don’t speak about it,” she warned, her voice quieter but filled with a deeper menace, knowing where this conversation was heading.

Manish rolled his eyes, clearly fed up. Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang, breaking the tense silence in the room. With a sarcastic scoff, he muttered, “Omg… itni jald yaad aa gayi…”

He answered the call, his voice dripping with mockery. “Your stupid plan failed… don’t try to make me feel guilty,” the voice on the other end retorted coldly, clearly annoyed.

Manish’s face darkened as he clenched his jaw. “Of course… you couldn’t even do one thing properly, right?” he snapped, his anger rising with each word.

The person on the line didn’t back down. “Can you drop it? And what next? You gave up?”

The question lit a fire in Manish. His face contorted in anger as he yelled into the phone, “Manish Shergill never gives up! Mind your words!” His sudden outburst sent a shiver down Kajal’s spine, her eyes wide with fear as she watched him lose control.

Pausing to catch his breath, Manish lowered his voice, his tone colder now, more calculating. “The remaining plan remains the same. I will tell you what to be done. You will get what you want… and I will get what I want,” he said, his voice dripping with malice and determination.

Without another word, the person on the other end disconnected the call, leaving Manish standing there, seething with rage. Kajal watched him, her mind racing, unsure of what Manish’s next move would be.

Kajal looked at Manish, her face etched with worry. “Par ab kaise hoga ye sab… Sidharth ki shaadi…” Her voice trailed off, her anxiety palpable as she tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding around them.

Manish, however, seemed unfazed by her concern. Instead of answering her, he suddenly burst into laughter, a dark, mocking sound that sent chills down Kajal’s spine. His laughter echoed in the room, cutting through the tension. Kajal stood frozen, her mouth half-open, her words dying in her throat as she watched him, bewildered by his reaction.

“Ghar mein shaadi hai, bhai… bohot enjoy karna hai… bohot zyda…” Manish sneered, his laughter turning into a sinister smirk.

______________

Shehnaaz quietly warmed the food Sidharth had brought from the restaurant, carefully arranging it on a plate. Her mind was calm, yet there was a certain warmth in her heart, knowing they were finally spending time together, away from all the chaos of their lives. She carried the plate to the dining table, gently setting it down before walking towards the sofa where Sidharth had fallen asleep.

“Sidharth… Sidharth…” She whispered softly, leaning over him, her fingers lightly touching his arm as she tried to wake him up.

Sidharth blinked open his eyes, momentarily confused as he realized he had dozed off. Seeing Shehnaaz standing there, looking at him with such gentle concern, made his heart skip a beat. He quickly sat up, his sleep-fogged brain still processing, but a sudden rush of fear surged through him, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her into a tight hug.

Shehnaaz, taken aback, instinctively wrapped her arms around him, her hand gently patting his back. “Kya hua… pareshan kyu ho rahe hai?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Sidharth buried his face in her hair, breathing in deeply as if her presence alone could calm the storm inside him. “Bad dream…” he muttered, his voice hoarse and shaky. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go, as if she would disappear if he let go.

Shehnaaz felt his tension, and with a soothing smile, she stroked his back gently. “Koi na… aap jake jaldi se change karlo… maine already dinner serve kar diya hai.” Her soft voice wrapped around him like a comforting blanket, easing the panic that had taken over moments ago.

Sidharth relaxed a little at her words. The calmness in her voice, the warmth in her embrace—it was all he needed to ground himself again. He nodded quietly and stood up, heading upstairs to change.

When he returned, Sidharth found Shehnaaz already seated at the dining table. She uncovered the food, a simple meal that somehow felt more special just because they were together. She picked up a spoonful of food and gently brought it to his lips, feeding him the first bite.

The taste was familiar, but somehow, it felt richer, more comforting. Maybe it was the way she was looking at him, the care in her eyes, or maybe it was just her presence beside him that made everything better. Sidharth smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for her.

As she fed herself the next bite, there was a quiet intimacy between them, an unspoken understanding. The world outside didn’t matter right now. It was just the two of them, sharing a simple meal, in a moment that felt like the calm after a storm. For Sidharth, the food tasted better than it ever had before—because she was the one feeding him.

Sidharth watched Shehnaaz with a loving gaze as she focused intently on her task. She was so meticulous, making sure to serve him different sabzis every time. With every small action—wiping away the bits of food that had stuck to his plate, adjusting the serving portions—she displayed a care that touched him deeply. It was these little things that made him fall for her more each day. Overwhelmed by his feelings, he couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her cheek, making her face light up with a smile.

“Pata hai… Anu ko papa zyda yaad nahi kyunki woh bahut chhoti thi jab jab papa chale gaye..” Sidharth said softly, his voice carrying a tinge of nostalgia. The memories seemed to weigh heavily on him, and he opened up about a part of his past that had been tucked away in the depths of his heart.

Shehnaaz looked at him with genuine concern and understanding. “Aapko yaad aati hogi unki…” she said, her eyes reflecting empathy and warmth. She wanted to offer him comfort, to let him know she was there to listen.

Sidharth nodded, though he avoided meeting her gaze. “Haan… bohot zyada. Unki har baat, har aadat mujhe yaad hai.” His voice carried a sense of longing, as if every detail of his father’s life was etched into his memory.

Shehnaaz paused feeding him as she listened, completely absorbed in his words. She then realized she had stopped and resumed her task, gently feeding him again. “Kaise the aapke papa?” she asked, her curiosity genuine and soft.

A smile spread across Sidharth’s face as he reminisced, lost in the comfort of his memories. “Perfectionist… Maa se beintehaan pyaar karte the. Maa ke aankhon me ek aasu bhi na aane dete kabhi…” His voice trailed off as he remembered the little moments of his childhood. He glanced at her, seeing her as a calming presence, much like how his mother must have been to him back then. “Pata hai, maa roz raat ko papa ko apne haathon se khilati thi. Main aur Anu itna haste the… par papa bohot ziddi the. Maa nahi khilayegi toh khana nahi khayenge. Jaan basti thi unki maa mein… Anu mein aur mujhme.”

Shehnaaz finished feeding Sidharth, noticing that he was done with his meal. She, too, was full, so she took the plate and put it in the kitchen. Then, she retrieved the chocolate brownie he had also picked up from the restaurant.

She made her way to the balcony connected to the living room, where a stunning view of the river awaited them. The serene river scene was a perfect backdrop for their quiet evening together.

Sidharth had settled into a resting chair and, with a gentle pull, drew Shehnaaz into his lap. Reluctantly but willingly, she perched on his lap, feeling his arms wrap around her in a comforting embrace. The closeness made her heart flutter, but she could sense his underlying sadness.

“Unhe kya hua tha?” she asked softly, trying to avoid directly asking about the circumstances of his father’s death.

The smile on Sidharth’s face faded instantly, replaced by a somber expression. “Car accident,” he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Shehnaaz nodded, not quite sure how to respond. She could feel the weight of his grief and wanted to offer some comfort but struggled to find the right words.

Gently, she rested her head against his chest and began eating the brownie she had brought. The chocolatey sweetness was a small comfort amidst the heavy mood.

Sidharth, despite his earlier sadness, couldn’t help but look at her with a mix of irritation and amusement. “You’re not feeding me,” he said, his tone playful but carrying a hint of annoyance.

Shehnaaz tried to lighten the mood by making a playful baby face. “Mujhe laga apko pasand nahi,” she said with a teasing grin, taking another bite of the brownie and watching Sidharth’s expression, which was clearly craving more. She had quickly figured out that chocolate was his weakness, be it ice cream or cake—he loved them all.

“Don’t act smart,” he said with a hint of a smile in his voice, though he could barely contain his longing for another bite.

Shehnaaz giggled at his playful accusation and finished off the brownie with one last bite. She then showed him the empty bowl with a pout, “Sorry, khatam ho gaya.”

Her innocent and mischievous expression had an unexpected effect on Sidharth. His throat went dry as he watched her, desire flickering in his eyes. Her mysterious look seemed to captivate him completely.

Feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, Shehnaaz tried to get up, but Sidharth’s hold on her tightened, pulling her back against his chest. “Too bad, baby,” he said softly, his voice filled with both affection and a hint of mischief.

Seeing the flames of desire in his eyes made Shehnaaz uneasy. “Sidharth, main mazak kar rahi thi… main aur laati hu,” she said quickly, hoping to placate him.

But Sidharth wasn’t ready to let go. His arms remained firmly around her as he rubbed his nose against hers, making her feel wobbly and warm all over. “You lost the chance, baby,” he murmured, his voice husky and filled with a playful edge.