Chapter 30

The gentle knock on the door pulled Rita ji back from her thoughts, snapping her out of the silence that had taken over her. She quickly wiped away the tears from her cheeks and took a deep, calming breath. Plastering a soft smile on her face, she walked towards the door and opened it — only to find Anu standing there with worry all over her face, and Shehnaaz beside her, looking equally anxious.

Without a word, Anu threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly. Rita ji instinctively wrapped her arms around her daughter, trying to soothe her. Shehnaaz stepped closer, placing her hand gently over Rita ji’s hand that rested on Anu’s back. The gesture was silent, but full of concern and love.

Rita ji smiled tenderly at Shehnaaz, then lightly patted her cheek and said with an affectionate scolding, “Kya huva tum dono ko… I’m perfectly fine… stop being dramatic.”

Anu couldn’t help but giggle at her mother’s words. The lightness in Rita ji’s tone brought a little comfort. Shehnaaz, on the other hand, looked at her curiously and asked, “Kya kaha unhone maa…”

But Rita ji waved it off, “Leave that… usne mafi mangi… maine dedi… ab koi bhi is baat ko dobara nahi nikalega…” Her tone was firm, the kind of final decision that didn’t invite arguments.

Both Anu and Shehnaaz nodded quietly, respecting Rita ji’s wish to move on from the matter. However, Shehnaaz couldn’t help but wonder how Sidharth would react to all this. Would he be okay with it? Or would he have something else to say?

Meanwhile, Aryan, their younger one, wasn’t too pleased. He was clearly upset that his Badi Maa had agreed to let his parents move back in. The household, although trying to settle back into normalcy, still carried undercurrents of tension.

Later that evening, Anu and Shehnaaz found themselves surprised as they entered the kitchen. Kajal was already there, watching closely what was being prepared for dinner, like she was inspecting things. The sight of her being so involved made both girls exchange looks, unsure of what to make of it.

While everything around her was slowly adjusting, Shehnaaz was distracted. Since morning, she had been trying to call Sidharth. Every missed call, every unanswered message only added to her restlessness. Her heart ached for him. Feeling disheartened and lost, she stepped outside to the garden, making her way toward the pool. She quietly sat at the edge, dipped her legs into the cool water, and stared at her reflection in the ripples. Her mind was flooded with worry. She felt like something was missing — *he* was missing.

As she sat there in silence, lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt a presence beside her. A familiar warmth settled next to her, and her heart instantly knew — she didn’t even have to look — it was him. Her Sidharth.

Without a word, she leaned her head onto his shoulder, finding solace in the place where she felt safest. Sidharth smiled as he felt her closeness. Gently, he placed a kiss on her hair and asked softly, “Gussa ho mujhse…?” His arm wrapped around her shoulders protectively, pulling her even closer to him.

She slowly turned her face, resting her chin on his shoulder, her eyes full of quiet complaint. Then, with a pout and a hint of hurt in her voice, she whispered, “Aap mera phone bhi nahi utha rahe the… pata hai kitna pareshan ho gayi thi main…”

Sidharth looked at her, and for a moment, everything around him disappeared. How could it feel like an eternity without her, even though it had barely been 48 hours? He had missed her terribly. Her eyes, the way her nose scrunched up when she was upset, those soft pink lips — he longed for every part of her. She was breathtaking. His voice was full of longing as he responded, “Jaruri tha na mera bachha…”

She twisted her lips again, hiding her face in his chest, her hands clutching his shirt. “Aur main yahan pe aap ke bina pagal ho rahi thi… uska kya? Aapko iski punishment milegi…”

Chuckling, Sidharth suddenly lifted her into his arms and jumped into the pool, taking her by complete surprise.

“Sidhharth…!” Shehnaaz screamed, her voice echoing through the garden as the cold water soaked her completely. But before she could scold him, she found herself tightly wrapped in his warm embrace under the water.

His soaked body pressed against hers, making her heart race. She dared not look up — she knew those intense eyes of his would be burning with a fire she wasn’t ready to face just yet.

When his fingers gripped her waist, she gasped softly, her body reacting to his touch. Slowly, she looked up into his eyes.

He looked like a god, she thought. So stunning, it felt illegal to be that handsome. His jaw was tight, his gaze deep and hungry. He wanted to kiss her — no, devour her whole. He took a slow breath, his eyes trailing down her drenched form, her clothes clinging to her skin, making it impossible for him to look away.

He bent down, his lips brushing against her skin as he licked a drop of water resting on her collarbone, making her tremble. His voice dropped to a whisper near her ear, “Jo bhi saza deni hai… dedo… Sidharth sirf tumhara hai…”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Koi dekh lega hume…” she said, trying to sound serious, but it came out like a soft plea. She was already melting under his touch.

Groaning softly, he kissed her lips — slowly but deeply — letting all his emotions pour into that one moment. When he pulled away, he whispered against her lips, “Abhi chhod raha hoon… shaadi ke baad main tumhari ek baat bhi nahi sununga…”

She pouted and pushed him with her soft hands. He didn’t budge even an inch, but the act made him smile. “Ravan ho aap… sachhi…”

With a tender smile, he placed a kiss on her forehead, his voice full of pride and love, “Sirf tumhara Ravan…”

Then, he lifted her out of the water and gently placed her on the edge of the pool before climbing out himself. She stood up immediately, shivering as the wind touched her wet body. She tried to wring out her dupatta and straighten her dress, but the sight of her doing that made Sidharth’s restraint snap.

Desire surged through him as he watched her — so natural, so beautiful in her soaked state. His entire being burned with the need to touch her, to mark her, to show her that she belonged to him and only him. No one else. No one else should even *see* her like this.

Without a word, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around her slender frame. She looked up at him, confused, “Kya kar rahe hain aap? Mujhe kaunsi meeting mein jana abhi…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes and adjusted the jacket on her firmly, making sure it covered her completely. His voice was low but filled with possessiveness, “No one is allowed to look at you…”

She understood immediately. Her cheeks flushed red as she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest. She didn’t need any more words.

He held her tight, grabbing her waist and lifting her gently, “Tumhe dekhne ka haq… tumhe chhoone ka haq… sirf mujhe hai, samjhi tum…”

With every word, her grip around him tightened, her body reacting to the emotions they both were barely holding back. Her soft lips brushed against his collarbone unintentionally, making him groan again.

“Aap dobara kabhi mujhse aise door mat jana…” she murmured, her face resting in the crook of his neck, not wanting to let go.

He kissed her forehead tenderly, his eyes full of emotion. “Haan mera bachha… main aa gaya hoon na wapas…”

“Umm…” she whispered softly, her senses drowning in the comfort of his presence and the scent of him.

“Chalein andar baby…” he asked, though a part of him didn’t want the moment to end.

Just then, the thought of Kajal and Manish being inside the house snapped Shehnaaz back to reality. She gently stepped out of his arms, her feet now back on the ground.

Coming out of his arms, she gently placed her feet back on the ground.
“Wo darasal… aap gussa na hona…” she said, nervously twisting her fingers.

Her words made him pause. Something was wrong. He could already feel the flicker of irritation bubbling inside him…

A strange restlessness bubbled inside him.
“Bol na mera bachha, kya baat hai?” he asked, trying hard to stay calm.

Shehnaaz didn’t know how he would react, but one thing she was certain of—if the decision had come from his mother, Sidharth wouldn’t go against it.

Cupping his face in her soft palms, she murmured in a low voice,
“Wo… Manish uncle and Kajal aunty…”

But before she could finish, she saw him clench his fists, his jaw tightening. His body stiffened with rage.
“Kya kiya unhone?” he asked, voice cold, eyes burning. “Tell me now.”

Those furious eyes scared her. She knew too well what Sidharth’s anger could lead to. And she also knew something else—only she had the power to calm him.

Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, her hands gently patting his back. She feared his aggression could spiral out of control, and Manish and Kajal wouldn’t stand a chance against the wrath of Sidharth Shergill.

He hugged her back firmly, pulling her close.
“Bolo baby… what did they do now…”

“Unhone kuch bhi nahi kiya, Sidharth… aap please pehle shant ho jaiye,” she whispered, her voice trembling just a little.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“Baby, you know I can’t stay calm when it comes to my family.”

She looked up at him, smiling softly through her concern.
“Janti hoon main… aapko aapse zyada samajhti hoon… aap ke hote hue koi hamara kuch nahi bigaad sakta.”

Her words filled his heart with a strange warmth, making his anger pause for a moment.

Shehnaaz continued gently,
“Darasal… wo log subah ghar aaye the. Unhone maa se maafi maangi… unhe apni galti ka ehsaas ho gaya hai.”

Sidharth looked away, jaw still tense as he tried to make sense of this.
“Kuch log kabhi nahi badalte, baby. Meri maa bahot bholi hai… apna dard bhoolkar maaf kar deti hai woh.”

Shehnaaz nodded. Wrapping her arms more tightly around him as the cold wind brushed her skin, she said,
“Janti hoon… par maa sabse badi hai. Sabse samajhdar hai. Har insaan ko apni galti sudharne ka ek mauka milna chahiye na…”

He narrowed his eyes, already guessing where this was going.
“Matlab? What are you trying to say?”

Making a baby face, she admitted,
“Maa ne unhe maaf kar diya hai… aur unhe ghar mein rehne ki ijaazat de di hai.”

His face darkened with rage. He stepped out of the hug abruptly and turned his back to her.
“Unhone hume alag karne ki koshish ki… tumhe mujhse cheenne ki koshish ki… maa ke saath itna kuch kiya… tumhe nuksaan pahunchane ki koshish ki…
Woh Simran… uske saath milkar unhone hume dhoka diya… aur main unhe maaf kar du? Iss ghar mein rehne du? Kabhi nahi!”

Annoyed by how he suddenly left her standing, Shehnaaz jabbed his back with her fingers.
“Agar phir se mujhe aise hug ke beech mein chhod diya na… main aapse katti le lungi,” she said, folding her arms and looking away in mock anger.

God, she was the cutest thing in the world. Smiling, he turned around, pulled her close again, and kissed her cheek affectionately.
“No katti, please mera bachha… tum samajh rahi ho na what I’m trying to say?”

His ‘mera bachha’ always melted her. His jacket was so big on her that her tiny hands disappeared in it. Still, she somehow found her fingers and placed them on his chest, gently playing with the buttons of his shirt.

“Main maanti hoon jo unhone kiya woh galat tha… lekin unhe apni galti ka ehsaas hai. Maaf kar do na… woh bhi to apne hi hain na…”

He sighed deeply, knowing he had already lost this battle. When she was being this adorable, how could he possibly stay angry? It felt like cheating. He groaned softly, resting his chin on her head.
“I need time…”

She kissed his chest gently, feeling the faint flutter of his heartbeat under her lips. Smiling wide, she whispered,
“Ab andar chalein? Hayy kasam lage, thand ke maare yahi kulfi ban jaungi main.”

He chuckled at her dramatic tone.
“Main nahi banne dunga kulfi. Jao, jao pehle tum… main aata hoon. And change first, okay?”

Kissing his cheek like a child, she ran inside giggling, leaving Sidharth behind with a soft smile as he watched her go—his heart finally a little lighter.

Sidharth walked into the house, his mind tangled in thoughts he couldn’t shake. He knew his mother’s heart was pure and innocent, just like Shehnaaz’s. But Anu — she was different. Sharp, observant, and not easily fooled. She was practically his mirror image, his own reflection in many ways.

As he moved through the living room, he spotted Kajal aunty stepping out alongside his mother. Both women were smiling, their earlier tensions seemingly settled. It was a rare sight, and it made Sidharth feel a little lighter inside.

Rita ji’s face brightened the moment she saw him. Without hesitation, Sidharth closed the distance and pulled her into a warm hug.
“Sid, kab aya tu?” she asked, her voice filled with relief.

“Bas abhi, maa,” he replied softly, his eyes flickering toward Kajal aunty, who gave him a brief, sad smile.

Rita ji caught his curious glance and nodded knowingly.
“Maine in dono ko wapas bula liya hai. Bahut ho gaye jhagde… ab aur nahi hoga.”

Sidharth pressed a gentle kiss to his mother’s forehead, feeling the familiar comfort of her presence.
“Jo aap chahogi, wohi hoga, maa.”

Her smile deepened at his words and the tenderness in his gesture. But then she noticed something else — the dampness soaking through his clothes. Her brow furrowed with concern.
“Bheeg kaise gaya? Bahar barish ho rahi hai kya?”

Sidharth cleared his throat, cheeks warming with embarrassment.

“Offoo maa, barish toh swimming pool mein hi hui aaj… hai na, bhai?” Anu’s teasing tone cut through the moment, and Sidharth rolled his eyes in mild annoyance.

Rita ji looked puzzled but chuckled quietly as Anu threw her arms around Sidharth. He smiled and ruffled her hair affectionately.

At that moment, Aryan came rushing down the stairs, his face lighting up at the sight of Sidharth.
“Thank God, bhai! You’re back. Sare preparations ho gaye hain.”

“Preparations?” Sidharth asked, his curiosity piqued as the rest of the family groaned, aware of Aryan’s tendency to speak without thinking.

Aryan’s face went suddenly serious as he realized his mistake.

Sidharth fixed him with a sharp look.
“Preparations for what?”

Anu giggled, capturing Sidharth’s attention.
“Woh bhai, mumma ki ek friend ki beti ki sagai hai na, uski baat kar rahi hai. We’re all invited.”

Surprised, Sidharth looked toward Rita ji.
“Maa, aapne mujhe bataya nahi? Waise, kiski sagai hai?”

Kajal caught the confusion on Rita ji’s face and quickly intervened.
“Sid, leave that for now. Go change first. It’s already late for dinner.”

Sidharth nodded and headed off, but almost immediately bumped into Shehnaaz coming downstairs.

Instinctively, he caught her in a protective embrace.
“Baby, careful… lag jayega.”

Shehnaaz made a face as the dampness from his drenched clothes rubbed against her freshly changed outfit.
“Aap na, sachhi maar khaoge ab. Abhi mene change kiye the.”

Sidharth smiled mischievously at her adorable pout and pulled her closer, pressing a long, lingering kiss on her cheek. Her eyes went wide as she glanced around nervously, worried someone might have noticed.

“Hayy rabba… siyappa ho jayega, kisi ne dekh liya toh. Main bol rahi hun aapko.”

He smirked, confident.
“Mera ghar… meri biwi… meri marzi.”

She tried to free herself gently, tugging at his arms around her waist, but he was too strong.
“Mat karo na zidd. Jane do na.”

Just then, footsteps approached.
“Koi aa raha hai… mujhe sharam se pani ho jana hai.”

“First promise you’ll do what I say…” he teased.

As the footsteps grew louder, she groaned softly.
“Promise, baba… chhodo na.”

Sidharth kissed her cheek again at the same spot and turned away, leaving behind a flushed, breathless Shehnaaz as he hurried down the stairs.

Dinner was quiet, heavy with unspoken tension. Sidharth pushed his food around his plate, not interested in the conversation, while Manish avoided meeting his eyes.

Suddenly, Manish’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and answered with irritation.
“Simran, agar aaj ke baad mujhe call karne ki koshish bhi ki, toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga.”

The name Simran immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Sidharth felt his anger rise, his fists tightening on the table. But just then, he felt Shehnaaz’s hand softly pat his thigh, a gentle reminder to calm down.

After the call ended, Manish looked at Sidharth, who remained distant and absorbed in his meal, refusing to acknowledge him.

Later, Sidharth observed Shehnaaz sitting quietly with Anu, his mother, and Kajal. Shehnaaz was carefully applying oil to Rita ji’s hair, her fingers moving tenderly as she massaged the scalp with care.

Rita ji’s face wore a peaceful, contented smile, a rare moment of tranquility that made Sidharth’s heart ache with quiet affection. Shehnaaz smiled softly too, focused on the gentle task.

The sight of these women, the ones who meant everything to him, touched something deep inside Sidharth. He found himself unable to look away.

Shehnaaz caught his gaze but quickly looked down, a rosy blush coloring her cheeks.

“Umm Shehnaaz, thodi der baad mujhe chocolate ice cream khani hai,” Sidharth said clearly, breaking the silence and making her look up in surprise. Then he stood and left the room.

Anu giggled quietly, making Shehnaaz’s cheeks burn even more, while Rita ji remained calm, her eyes following Sidharth’s retreating figure.

Sidharth was in the washroom when Shehnaaz walked in, carrying a bowl of chocolate ice cream. She locked the door softly behind her and called out,
“Sidharth…”

“Baby, just two minutes,” his voice came from inside.

Shehnaaz placed the bowl carefully on the coffee table and started picking up his clothes, which were strewn carelessly across the sofa.

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mix of affection and nervousness, waiting quietly for him to finish.

Shehnaaz was arranging the freshly folded clothes into the closet when she felt two strong arms snake around her waist, pulling her back into a familiar embrace.

She didn’t need to turn. She knew.

Sidharth.

His hold was firm, almost desperate. His bare chest pressed against her back, and she hitched a breath when his warm breath grazed the exposed skin of her neck. Her hair was pinned up in a messy bun, leaving her nape vulnerable to him. She shivered the moment his breath touched her, a tingling heat trailing over her skin.

“Pagal ho jata hoon main tumhare bina…” he murmured against her skin, voice rough with longing. Then, without warning, his tongue flicked out, tasting the sensitive spot just below her earlobe.

Her eyes fluttered shut as her breath caught. His touch had ignited a fire deep within her.

Trying to steady herself, she clutched the closet door, but he clasped her hands gently, locking them in his grip as he pulled her even closer. Her body surrendered, her head tilting back until it rested on his shoulder. The slight rustle of her kurti gave way to his possessive grip, his warmth seeping into her very bones.

This was his language—the way he claimed her without words, the way he reminded her who she belonged to. This was not about dominance—it was about connection. His soul marking hers.

She gasped softly as she realized he wasn’t even wearing a vest. The heat of his bare skin made her pulse race. And then came the sharp bite on her earlobe—urgent, impatient. It made her whimper.

“Sidhaaaaarth…” she breathed, her voice trembling, the syllables soaked in love and need.

He was in her breath, her heartbeat, her every thought. He was everywhere within her.

In one swift move, he spun her around to face him. His eyes burned into hers—possessive, raw, and pleading.

“Tum meri ho… kisi ko haq nahi mujhe tumhare paas aane se rokne ka. Tumhe bhi nahi,” he growled before crashing his lips onto hers in a kiss that stole her breath, her thoughts, and every last bit of resistance.

Her lips melted under his, their breaths mingling, hearts pounding in rhythm. The scent of his cologne mixed with hers, creating something intoxicating and familiar.

As he pressed forward, she stumbled back until her spine met the wooden closet door. He didn’t give her a second to recover. His body caged her, shielding her from everything else.

Two days without her had driven him crazy. She was his calm and his chaos. His reason to breathe.

And Shehnaaz… she could never deny him. Her eyes had searched for him endlessly. She had longed for his voice, his presence. And now that he was here, her soul felt whole again.

Overcome with emotion, he bit down on her lower lip, eliciting a sharp gasp. But before the sound could fully escape, he soothed it away with another kiss, deeper, more tender this time.

Her dupatta was the next to go—tugged away without mercy as his hands cupped her neck and pulled her closer, deepening their union.

Her fingers trembled as they found his jaw, rubbing gently, trying to calm the storm inside him. It worked. Slowly, the fierce hunger in his eyes softened as he gazed down at her swollen lips—marked with his love.

“Mujhe nahi rukna… samjhi tum? Dare you mess with me, baby…” he whispered against her throat, burying his face there.

She smiled, encircling his strong frame in her small arms, pressing a kiss to his hair.

“Jaake T-shirt pehen lijiye…” she whispered gently.

Pulling back, he looked at her curiously, only to find her eyes tracing over his chest and torso, her gaze lingering with barely hidden admiration.

“Nahi pehenna mujhe…” he muttered stubbornly, and she laughed softly, already knowing he wouldn’t.

“Kahan gaye the aap…” she asked, brushing his messy hair lovingly.

He scooped her into his arms effortlessly and walked to the bed, placing her down gently before picking up the bowl of ice cream from the side.

She sat on his lap and took the bowl from his hands, feeding him the first spoon.

“Boliye na…” she urged again.

“Kal pata chal jayega…” he replied, eyes avoiding hers, and she noticed. But she let it go.

She fed him another spoon, then took a bite herself, while he watched her—his gaze softening, his heart finding peace in her presence.

Noticing his stare, she glanced down and suddenly remembered—she wasn’t wearing her dupatta. Blushing, she tried to get up, but he held her tighter, refusing to let her go. The bowl slipped from her hands, and the melted chocolate ice cream spilled—right onto her neck and the front of her freshly changed dress.

“Sidhaaaarth… offo maine abhi change kiya tha!” she groaned in annoyance, glaring at him. But her blush deepened when she saw the way he was looking at her.

His cheeks were drawn in, jaw clenched. His eyes darkened with restraint, as if he was fighting every urge.

Unable to take it anymore, she dove into his neck, hiding her embarrassment, clinging to him. That was all it took.

“Baby… damnnnn…” he breathed out in a helpless whisper before flipping her onto the bed, his body covering hers.

She blinked, stunned by the intensity in his eyes—until she noticed the trail of chocolate ice cream now smeared on his bare chest.

“I’m not listening to you…” he growled playfully, dipping his head to her collarbone where the ice cream lingered, and pressed a kiss to the sticky sweetness.

The combination of her and the chocolate made him groan aloud.

“Sidhaaaarth…” she mumbled in mock protest.

“Haan baby…” he murmured back with pure devotion.

And just like that, the world outside ceased to exist.

“Si…” Her voice trembled, caught in her throat the moment his tongue trailed down to the center of her neck, igniting a wave of sensations that made her breath hitch. It was like a familiar spark had been lit — memories from that unforgettable night came flooding back, crashing into them like a tidal wave. For a moment, the world around them faded, and they were swept into a haze of longing and passion.

Her senses blurred as her hand unconsciously slid across his bare back, fingers splaying over his warm skin. The other hand tangled into his hair, gripping tightly, anchoring herself to the only thing that felt real in that moment — him. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest.

His groan echoed through the air as the feel of her fingers seared into his skin. Her touch was electric, addictive — it drove him to the edge. In his rising desperation, his hand moved to slide her kurti off her shoulder, but a soft tearing sound filled the silence.

His hand froze.

A sharp smack landed on his back.

She gasped, realizing what had happened, and he instinctively smirked, rubbing his nose against her ear with a teasing murmur, “sorry baby…”

“Agar me abhi nahi gayi na toh sach me siyappa ho jayega fir se..” she warned breathlessly, her voice husky from the heat between them.

He chuckled, not even attempting to hide his satisfaction. He rested his head on her chest, trying to regain control over his raging heartbeat, “I’m not letting you go..”

She cupped his face gently, lifting it so their eyes met. Her voice turned into a whisper, trembling with affection, “har subah meri.. aap ki hi diwani hai… raten meri… ab jane sirf aap ki kahani hai… mujhme me nahi … ab bas aap hi aap.. basate ho..”

The words struck deep into his heart. He felt them, every syllable echoing inside him. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead softly, making her smile with closed eyes. But the meaning of his next words slowly dawned on her as he added, “ye jitne din bache hai.. aram se so lena..”

She turned away quickly, burying her face into the pillow as her cheeks turned crimson. Her heart thudded as realization hit her, but before she could even react, he lifted her in his arms with ease.

She blinked in surprise as he carried her straight into the bathroom and gently placed her down. Still processing what was happening, she watched him curiously. But then—he turned on the hot shower, and a sudden splash of water hit her skin.

She shrieked, the heat catching her off-guard, and instinctively hugged him, her hands fisting against his chest. His arms were placed on either side of her, caging her in against the wall as the steam began to rise.

His gaze darkened slightly as he watched water trickle down her skin, removing every trace of the ice cream they’d fought with earlier. Her soaked kurti clung to her, outlining her curves, and it was taking every ounce of his self-control to not press her against the wall.

She, meanwhile, had her own battle to fight. She watched the water glide over his sculpted body, highlighting every muscle, every ridge of his chest. Her fingers itched to touch him, but she knew—one more touch, and the beast inside him would be unleashed again.

“Aap ne ye dusari baar kiya hai aaj.. kya ho gaya hai aap ko.. ab me apne room me kaise jaungi..” she complained, shivering not from the cold but from the storm of emotions that had overtaken her.

He, still half-lost in her, leaned in and kissed her forehead, voice soft, “relax mera bachha.. me hun na..”

Before she could retort, he turned away and walked towards a small adjacent door in the bathroom. She remained standing under the stream of water, confused and breathless. A few seconds later, he returned — holding one of his black shirts.

She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to guess his game.

“Wear this for now.. morning me change back to your dress before you leave to your room..” he instructed smoothly.

And just like that, the realisation hit her.

Of course.

He did it deliberately.

He wanted her to stay the night.

“Ravan ho aap.. dis dimag wala..” she muttered under her breath, cheeks flushed.

He giggled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. That boyish charm mixed with his manly confidence made her heart flutter, “I promise to be a good boy.. please wear it baby..” he said, and left, giving her privacy.

She stared at the black shirt for a moment before biting her lip and blushing. Her heart pounded as she slipped into the over-sized shirt, its faint scent wrapping around her like a second skin.

Slowly walking out, she was relieved to find him asleep already, facing the other side. Thank God — at least now she could avoid the awkwardness.

With a faint smile, she slipped into the bed beside him. Her hand automatically reached out to his hair, fingers threading through them softly.

As if sensing her, Sidharth turned towards her with a sleepy smile, eyes barely open. He circled his arm around her waist and pulled her close under the duvet. Placing a lazy kiss in her hair, he drifted off again.

Shehnaz closed her eyes, her heart full, finally surrendering to sleep in the comfort of his embrace.

The early morning sunlight peeked through the curtains when Shehnaz stirred. She found herself still wrapped tightly in his arms. His face was nuzzled against her neck, his arm draped securely around her waist, and his thigh entangled with hers.

She tried to wriggle out carefully, but his grip only tightened. With a soft groan, he rolled, dragging her with him like she weighed nothing, thumping her on the other side of the bed.

Suppressing her laugh, she took the chance to replace herself with a pillow and slipped out. Leaning over, she placed a soft kiss on his nose before heading to the washroom. She quickly changed back into her original dress and tiptoed out to her room, not wanting to risk anyone seeing her.

Sidharth woke up late that morning, it being a Saturday. When he stretched and realized he was hugging a pillow instead of her, he made a face.

“Ugh. Not the damn pillow…” he muttered.

He sighed, knowing she must’ve snuck out early. But as he sat up, a thought sparked in his mind. It was time. Today, he would talk to his mother about their marriage.

When he entered the dining area, the ladies were already having breakfast. As usual, he kissed Rita ji on the head and took his seat.

Then his eyes fell on Shehnaz.

She was quiet, focused on her plate — but her glowing cheeks gave everything away. His lips twitched.

Shehnaz served his plate, just like she always did. He smiled inwardly.

“Maa, aaj mujhe special lunch chahiye.. kuch special log aa rahe hai lunch ke liye…” he said casually, yet with an air of mystery.

Rita ji raised her brows, surprised, “kaun aa raha hai.. Sid..?”

Even Shehnaz and Kajal looked up, confused. But before he could answer—

“Myaaaavvvv!”

He rolled his eyes as Cotton pranced into the room and jumped into Shehnaz’s lap.

“Great… hello cotton…” he muttered, faking a smile as the cat received all the attention.

Shehnaz immediately got up to fetch milk for Cotton, who followed her happily.

Sid turned back to his mother, “It’s a surprise maa..”

From the kitchen, Shehnaz caught his voice and turned to look at him, trying to decipher what was going on in his head.

He smirked at her and winked.

Her eyes widened.

Hayy rabba… inhe ye bhi aata hai…

Author’s Note