Chapter 1

#Shehnaaz

I huffed loudly in almost annoyance because we have been waiting for past 30 minutes under designer section, waiting for the designer to finally have me 1st look of my wedding lehenga..

The mere thought was enough to wipe the annoyance off my face and bring a smile instead.. yes I was getting married and the date was hardly 15 days away.. damnn excitement and nervousness together.. I don’t think i ever experienced that..

My chain of thoughts broke when the familiar arms wrapped around my waist and I was pulled in a hug.

“Relax sweetheart before you plan on punching the designer right on her nose..” Arjun spoke as he chuckled with a smirk knowing that little that needed to annoy me further..

Rolling my eyes, I hit my elbow in his chest hoping it would hurt him but he giggled instead, “shut up before I plan to marry you in hospital with you wrapped in bandages.. I’m annoyed and you are not helping..”

Arjun chuckled at my loving words and whispered something in my ear which should have made me blush but all I could do was roll my eyes.. I couldn’t believe myself that I was destroying my life by marrying this idiot.. God I hated him ever since I remember knowing him which is my entire life.. he has been my best buddy all of life.

“Stop it you two.. marriage is just on the door and you guys are still fighting like those typical lunatics you guys were as kids..” Sanjana, my best friend spoke, proving once again why she was my lifeline..

“I’m not lunatic.. it’s your dear friend Sana..” Arjun counter immediately and I glared at him, “that’s it, I’m calling off this wedding..” I groaned angrily..

Karan, my favorite cousin in the world and Mahi, my little annoying sister who I was hundred percent sure of being adopted from a jungle laughed out loud like I had just cracked a joke.. well it kind of was.. all of them knew.. that would never happen.. even the God has declared that no one could handle me except Arjun..

“Sanju yaar.. zindagi me na ek kaam karle.. mujhe bhaga ke le ja.. in pagalo se dur..” I told with completely sincerity and sanjana walked towards me to hug me but Arjun stood between us like a wall, “over my dead body..”

Sanjana smirked at him, “oh cut it bro, I’m not lesbian yet.. I’m very much straight..”

Arjun rolled his eyes and hugged me tight when I went to hug sanju for her counter attack..

“Alright guys.. sorry for making wait a little longer but I’m sure it’s going to be worth it..” said the designer as she kept the lehenga in front of me which was wrapped in a cloth.

She removed the cloth which the help of her assistant and my eyes went wide along with Arjun’s and rest of my people.

“This is some serious shitt..” Sanju commented only to receive a slap in her head from karan as he glared at her, “watch your language sanju.. Mahi is right here..”

Their bickering continued while I couldn’t take my eyes off the heavenly piece of fabric in front of me. “You gonna look like princess I swear..” Arjun mumbled in my ear with excitement laced to his voice..

I giggled cutely and went to try it out instantly to check the fittings.. the assistant helped me because it was rather heavy..

By the time I came out wearing it.. the wide eyes of everyone was enough to tell me it fit me perfectly and it was so damn beautiful, “I know… right..” I grinned excitedly.. I loved the royal bloody red color of my lehenga..

Mahi clapped in excitement, “omg di.. so beautiful yaar..”

“I’m thinking of being a lesbian sana.. you look damnnn..” sanju started again but karan covered her gutter mouth and gave me a thumbs up..

Arjun walked towards me and the visible tent in his pant was enough to speak if his eyes didn’t already, “should we get married today.. how will I control..?”

His shameless comment made me giggle.. I know I’m supposed to blush but he has been my best friend as much as sanju is.. the shying part never made it to my hormones, “kamine.. ab tak jaise control kiya hai.. waise hi karle..”

He glared at the kamine comment and moved closer till I almsot thought he would kiss me in front of everyone, “you better not use that word again sweetheart.. or I’ll show you on our wedding night how much of kamina husband I can be..”

The hooting echoed behind me and I pushed at his chest with a smirk, “we will se that Mr. Singh..”

“Ohh we will definitely see that Mrs. Would be Singh..” Arjun replied with similar smirk..

Shaking my head, I went to change back in my dress.. I was staying to keep it calm buy anxiety was trying to cross through somewhere.. after 15 days. I will be married to Arjun.. I loved him and he loved me.. we have been always together and I don’t even remember when we got in relationship.. it was natural and it was bound to happen because our families has been closer that we have been..

My father and his father have been best friends since their childhood and staying at the distance of hardly 10 minutes.. it somehow helped our moms to bond well and same passed on to us..

Arjun, Sanjana, Mahi and Karan checked out their outfits too. Few of them needed certain alternation but so far all of them were happy with the outfits and so was i..

I wanted to enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey towards marriage.. I’m 25 and it seemed a right age to marry.. Arjun is 28 but the age gap seemed to work well between us.. it wasn’t too much.. he is a dear friend, a perfect crime partner and a understanding lover..

Even being together all out life, he never crossed the line beyond the point of my comfort zone.. which I liked a lot about him and respected too..

We completed the payment process quickly and walked back to our cars to head back to home.. we were almost the opposite corner of mumbai from our house but then this designer had done magic in my friend’s wedding and I wanted her at any cost.

“Sana.. tu, me aur Mahi chalte hai.. Arjun and karan will go together…” sanju declared with a chuckle and a typical pout appeared on Arjun’s face, “Bilkul nahi.. mom ko bhi kaam hai Shehnaz se..”

Karan rolled his eyes, “stop harassing Arjun Sanju.. jine de bache kuche din bichare ko..” he ended with a smirk..

“What the..” I started but paused realizing Mahi is tagged along, “..fudge.. me kya kha jaungi ise shadi ke baad..?”

“We never know baby..” karan and sanju said in union making me whine.

Arjun had already pulled the car out of parking lot and sanju and mahi went to seat with Karan as he took out his car, “we will meet you in evening..” saying so they quickly left while I went towards Arjun’s car, “shift..”

Arjun rolled his eyes, “you are making it habit..” and cursing something, he shifted to passenger seat while I took driver’s seat with a chuckle, “my husband.. my car..”

He grinned at that and kissed my cheek tight before squeezing my face with his palm, “.. I liked that..”

Reawakening the car with engine, I grinned as the speed took place, “ab kya aur baki hai.. it’s getting tiring already..”

Arjun pulled out his phone and went through the list. We had already collected the mangal sutra and other jewelries before coming to check on dress, “I think our work is done. Now we are set to get married and run for honeymoon..”

“What’s the excitement.. you are not a virgin exactly..” I couldn’t help but taunt..

A frown appeared on his face instantly, “you are not gonna let that go.. are you..” he asked seriously to which I shook my head and it made him more upset, “well you have to.. we weren’t in a relationship then.. I was wasted..”

Anger coursed through me too, “yeah.. not even a week had passed since we had broke up and you found it absolutely fine to club and whore someone around..”

“Shut up will you..” he snapped defensively, “it’s been 2 yrs and I have apologized countless times.. what else you want me to do..?”

“Fine.. cut it..” I snapped back with a sigh.. I didn’t want us to fight just before the wedding.

Sighing with a deep breath, he kissed my cheek again, “it’s only you who matters sweetheart.. you know that na.. I’m incomplete without you and you are.. well you are my everything..” he apologized once again and pecked my lips before moving back to his seat..

I smiled knowing there is not point in stretching it, “I love you too.. and I’m sorry..” I knew I wouldn’t forget it easily but for some stupid reason.. it hadn’t hurt me as much as It should have.. he never made my flutter or throb like they show in movies or written in novels.. they must be crap because such things didn’t happen in real life..

I was happy that we soon found the right track of words and giggling.. it’s easy to forget bad things and be happy when Arjun or sanju were with me.. I think that’s all that we want in life right.. it was a happy life I was leaving and it should be enough…

Out of blue, a small boy came running in front of my car followed by a horrified mother which caught me off guard..

“Shehnaaz..” I heard scream from Arjun and Freaked out, I instantly rotated the car steering as much as I could and car straightaway hit into a woman..

My brain jammed and froze before the car hit a cement structure with a loud bang and came to still.. my head was slammed against the steering and broken glass fell on me as I realized Arjun had hit the glass and fell outside..

Shocked and fear consumed me entirely and I found myself almost dead stuck on the spot.. realizing what had happened, I instantly came out of the car somehow through the damaged door and saw an injured Arjun walking towards me to check if I’m okay..

“Your arm..” he shouted in worry and I realized I was bleeding as multiple places..

My face wetted with tears as the scene replayed in my mind and I realized I had hit someone, “shittttt..” I screamed, horrified beyond my capabilities as i dashed towards the crowd that started to gather around a particular place..

Crying my heart out and followed by a injured Arjun, I almost pushed people away and made my way in only to find a woman on the road was covered in blood.. her face was completely smashed against the big cement structure beside which was covered with her blood too..

The terrible scene made me want to puke and I instantly dashed towards her.. tears continued to roll down from my eyes as I tried to shake the woman but she was still..

I tried to shake her restlessly hoping she would react and we could take her to the hospital but she never did…

My hands shook in fear as I realized she wasn’t breathing and blood was mercilessly pouring down from her head.. my need to puke widened as her blood color resembled my bridal lehenga perfectly and I could almost feel her blood on my lehenga…

the realization was too horrible to accept that I had killed someone..I killed a woman.. I killed her…

Arjun came beside me and tried to shake the woman but she never reacted, “no no no.. please get up.. please breath..” I heard his pleadings..

“Lagta hai mar gayi..” some whispers ran through the crowd and I was too frozen too react..

My teary eyes fell on her belonging which were scattered nearby.. a cute teddy bear had popped out of the bags.. now smeared with her blood.. a cake box was beside it in completely ruined form and a sound grabbed my instant attraction..

“Mumma.. mumma..” a soft voice came and I realized it was from her mobile which was still on..

Not realizing what I was doing or what Arjun or people around me were doing.. I picked up the phone and put it to my ear only to hear the sound of a small boy, “papa.. Mumma no speaking.. mumma angry..?”

I covered my mouth with my palm as hiccups came from my mouth.. I had killed a mother.. before I could keep phone down I daze.. I heard the voice that broke me completely, “please come soon payal.. we are waiting for you.. hello.. payal you there..? Hello..” and the call got disconnected..

That was it…

Phone slipped from my hand as darkness consumed me..

_________________

#Sidharth

“I think I have covered all the points and I call this an end to this meeting..” I spoke with finality on my tone and knew no one would dare to counter me.. they knew what was I capable of and that was good for their own good..

I sighed in relief like a big burden had been lifted off my shoulder.. not because I was actually burdened by the situation but it was my son Vihaan’s 5th birthday today.. I had promised him I would be spending my entire day with him today and this fucking on moment meeting messed it all..

Vihaan is the only person in the world who held the capability to wrap Sidharth shukla around his little fingers.. he was my heart beat and his tears were something that drove me insane..

I could handle anything in the world but something or someone hurting him.. that person was forever doomed and I would make sure of it.. my little world revolved my little family and I would protect them no matter what..

I had no plans on visiting office today but I had to. Being the owner of a publication house, certain obstacles are inevitable. A senior writer created a big fuss over his work being conspired and HOD got involved in it.. so I had no option to have a one on one session before it affects my final closure..

When my father had started it, Shukla publication house was a small thing and he would be so proud of me today for what it is today..

I walked back in my cabin followed by my assistant Ritika, “it should have been informed to me way to earlier.. what were you thinking Ritika..?” I tried hard not to shout knowing it would take her a second to start crying.. ahe found me intimidating just like every else and she should.. I hated being taken lightly..

But she was by best friend Raghav’s little sister and I considered her same as Anu because she was Anu’s best friend too.. apparantly scolding her meant upsetting my little sister Anu which was too much of risk..

“I’m so sorry sir.. it was Vihaan’a birthday so..”  she trailed off and I knew she was already crying..

I rolled my eyes and dismissed her instantly because I didn’t have time for all this drama.. I I things quickly and made my way home.

The event management team had already reached at home and they were decorating the entire living room.. I couldn’t believe my vihaan was 5 year old now..time passed so fast.. I could still remember his 1st day in our life and everything changed.. I changed.. payal changed and so the family.. he brought the happiness in our house.. his eyes little habit still existed in my heart…

“Ensure to use more yellow balloons.. ” I informed the manager because vihaan had this weird craze for yellow color..

Anu was walking from here and there like a typical event manager and I almost rolled my eyes, “Anu, when is cake coming..?”

Anu gave the theme paper to the member of the team as she walked towards to me with a bright grin, “its already here.. but there is one more cake on the way which is a surprise for vihaan..”

I shook my head with a chuckle.. she had the biggest hand behind my vihaan’s unhealthy teeth, “please ensure none of his friend leave without return gifts..”

She nodded her head and shouted excitedly, “Rituuuu..” she ran towards the door and I didn’t need to turn to know Ritika was here.. she is literally obsessed and so Raghav who took my sister on a bear hug.

“Raghav..” I commented bit sternly knowing the reason behind that hug.. I’m not fool enough to not know he liked Anu but his stability issue irritated me.. we have been best friends for entire life and only I know how many girls he has played this game with.. I wouldn’t let him even try it unless he is serious about Anu..

Rolling his eyes, Raghav walked towards me with a grin because my stern voice hardly affected the devil, “where is my little Damon..”

“Did you just..?” I was super angry.. did he call my baby damon..?” Before I could punch him, vihaan came running downstairs, “don’t run vihaan..”

Raghav picked him up with a jerk and twirled him around that made my baby laugh his heart out.. I almost felt jealous and I knew it was rather stupid but I loved being Vihaan’s hero..no other was allowed to take my place.. I didn’t even like when he slept with anyone’s arms but me…

Raghav chuckled watching my poker face and I hated him more, “how is the birthday boy today..?”

They chatted for few minutes and I pulled vihaan in my arms only to make Raghav laugh like a lunatic, “you are insane Sid.. seriously.. but I’m his hero..”

Rolling my eyes, I tried to woo vihaan to ensure my place was safe..

“Vihaan gussa with papa..” Vihaan wrapped his little arms around his chest and looked away with a pout that melted my heart.

Hugging my little bunch of happiness closer in my arms, I kissed him on his cheeks and chuckled when he rubbed it away, “vihaan no gussa with his papa.. I’m sorry baby..” I said quickly hoping Raghav didn’t hear that..

I knew Vihaan could never be angry with me.. a rare smile formed on my face as vihaan rested his little face in my neck and wrapped his arms around my neck, “papa gayab.. mumma gayab.. vihana ke birthday pe sab gayab..”

I kissed his forehead to calm him and frowned, “where is Payal..?” I asked to no one in particular in a louder voice.. Why would she leave vihaan alone when she knew I was gone to office.. couldn’t she wait a little..

My mother walked downstairs hearing my voice, “kya hai Sidharth..? Kyu gussa  kar raha hai..” she glared at me and I sighed knowing she didn’t like me raising voice in front of vihaan because he gets scared..

Realizing my mistake, I looked at vihaan to see he had closed his eyes in fear.. guilt ran through me instantly and I caressed his soft hair with my fingers, “vihaan.. do you want something baby..?”

Vihaan pulled out to look at my face and made baby face, “papa no gussa na..”

I smiled and nodded my head instantly..  he was a replica of payal.. his behavior resembled so much with payal.. she is always like this.. scared of me.. scared of my anger.. it’s been 8 years since we are married and I never remembered her raising her voice at me.. she was too perfect to be true.. I sometimes felt guilty for taking her so much for granted.. but she loves me and I love her and that’s enough.. she gave me vihaan and I could never ask for more..

I tried to contact Payal but she didn’t receive call, “did she inform when will she return..?”

Anu rolled her eyes, “bhai as jayegi apki biwi.. etni bhi kya bebasi..”

I gave her one look that she crossed the line here.. and she instantly made baby face before running away to do some work. I shook my head at her antics.

All the arrangements were done and I was getting angry with payal’s disappearance.. why did she go of it was going to take time.. she could have sent driver. Annoyed, I tried to call her again, “where the hell are you payal..?” I couldn’t stop but blast the moment payal received the call.

“Ji.. woh me..” her voice fumbled and I sighed knowing she was scared again.. I never gave her the impression but she was always affected by my intimidating aura, “where are you..?” I calmed my voice a little.. I didn’t want payal aur vihaan upset on the birthday..

” woh me Gandhi marjet ke paas.. vihaan ne yaha ek baar cake khayi thi. Toh bahot din se zidd kar raha tha.. apko pata hai na woh taste ko leke kitna particular hai..” she trailed off and I knew what she wanted to say further.. vihaan had taken that habit from me.. if I loved something from a particular place.. I never forget its taste..

Vihaan circled his arms around my thighs and I picked him up instantly, “is it mumma..?”

“Haa bachha..” I hardly spoke and phone was already in little hands of vihaan, “hello.. mumma.. helloo.. hello mumma…” vihaan kept calling but no response came from other end..

Vihan made face at me as he mumbled, “papa.. mumma angry..?”

I sighed watching Vihaan’s baby face and took phone from him, ‘please come soon payal.. we are waiting for you.. hello.. payal you there..? Hello..” and the call disconnected.

I tried to call her again but no one received it.. confused, I tried again but the same.. what is wrong with her today.. maybe she got scared that I will get angry..

“Payal ke sath kaunsa driver gaya hai..?” I asked to one of the helper who informed me that sandeep was gone with her..

I tried to contact sandeep and my anger had started to build up at her carelessness, “hello sandeep.. where are you guys..?”

“Sir.. sir.. woh..” his scared voice confused me, “kya baat hai sandeep.. where is payal..?”

“Sir, madam ka accident ho gaya hai..”

Those words and phone slipped off my hands and fell on the floor..