Chapter 13
Unable to handle the intensity of the moment, Sidharth moved restlessly, his eyes fixed on Shehnaaz’s lips. He was about to close the distance between them when his phone rang, its shrill tone snapping him back to reality.
The sound shattered the charged atmosphere, jolting Sidharth out of his trance. He stumbled back as if burned, his heart racing with a mix of anger and frustration. The reality of what had almost happened hit him hard.
“Shit, shit, shit,” he muttered under his breath, his mind racing. How could he lose control like that? How could he let himself be swayed by a woman he barely knew, a woman he despised, a woman he desperately wanted to get rid of? What was wrong with him? Why did he act that way? What sort of magnetic pull did she have on him?
If the phone hadn’t rung, he would have…
“Oh God,” he groaned inwardly, barely able to contain his frustration. He felt utterly stupid and insanely angry with himself. His emotions were a tangled mess of fury and confusion. He couldn’t believe he had almost kissed her.
Furious, he turned his glare towards Shehnaaz. “Where is my son?” he demanded, his voice harsh and cold.
Shehnaaz trembled, her heart pounding in her chest. She had seen the intense look in his eyes moments ago, and now she could see the anger and embarrassment etched on his face. She knew he was back to reality, no longer lost in the trance they had shared. She also knew that she would bear the brunt of his rage.
For a moment, she wanted to pull him into her arms and calm him. His raging heartbeats almost scared her. His intimidating aura trembled her delicate form. She could still feel his knuckles brushing against her skin, the memory sending shivers down her spine.
“Where the hell is Vihaan?” Sidharth shouted, his voice like a whip cracking through the tension, making her flinch in fear. Tears instantly formed in her eyes. “Woh… Vihaan maa ji aur Sanju ke saath kids section mein hai,” she murmured, trying to control herself from crying.
Sidharth’s anger surged as he recalled the discussion between him and Anu. Realization dawned on him that his sister may have fooled him, but why would she do that? Was she out of her mind? How could she be part of this stupidity? But then Shikhar…
Thoughts swirled in his mind as he glared at Shehnaaz furiously. “You planned this, right?” he accused, his voice dripping with venom.
Shehnaaz was horrified by how she was being misunderstood. Worried, she shook her head, making frantic hand movements. “Nahi… please, mujhe galat…”
“Mujhe tumhe samajhana hi nahi hai!” Sidharth blasted angrily, shutting down her attempts to clarify. “Tum maa ko, Vihaan ko bewakoof bana sakti ho, Shikhar aur Anu ko bewakoof bana sakti ho, lekin mujhe nahi. You know why?”
His cold demeanor killed her spirit. Her heart ached in pain. The one person she had fallen in love with hated her. She shook her head, her heart heavy, hoping he wouldn’t misunderstand her like this.
“Kyunki main tumhari trick samajh chuka hoon. Ye pyar aur humanity ka natak mere saamne mat karna. All you need is money,” he told her fiercely, breaking her heart into pieces.
No she didn’t.. she didn’t… All she needed was vihaan and him..
Shehnaaz’s spirit crumbled under his harsh words. Her heart, already fragile from the intensity of her emotions, shattered completely. She had never felt so misunderstood, so lost. The pain in her chest was unbearable as she looked at the man she loved, who now stood before her with eyes filled with contempt.
She wanted to scream, to tell him that he was wrong, that she wasn’t the person he thought she was. But the words stuck in her throat, choked by the overwhelming grief that gripped her. She could only stand there, with a pale face, unable to defend herself against his accusations.
“Kitne paise chahiye tumhe? Main deta hoon,” Sidharth’s voice had turned cold and harsh, like ice cutting through the air. “Tell the amount and get the hell out of our lives.”
Unable to control herself any longer, tears rolled down Shehnaaz’s cheeks, making Sidharth flinch as he felt a sudden ache in his heart. He hated the way she affected him. He hated that he wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her.
“Mujhe paise nahi chahiye,” she defended herself softly, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. No one had ever been so rude to her, and hearing it from the person who held her heart twisted her stomach into knots.
“Tumhe paise nahi chahiye?” he asked dangerously, taking a step closer to her.
Her heart raced, her legs feeling weak as she feared she might collapse. His aura always intimidated her. Trying to find some confidence, she shook her head softly, indicating a no.
Sidharth was back to where he was earlier, standing mere inches away from her. He was on the brink of losing control, the sight of her trembling lips driving him crazy amidst their heated argument. He knew he was losing his mind because there was no other reason for his odd behavior. Why was the need to wipe her tears away so strong?
Despite every attempt to stop himself, his fingers reached for her cheeks to wipe the tears away.
As his hand touched her face, Shehnaaz’s breath hitched. The warmth of his touch contrasted with the coldness of his words, creating a whirlwind of emotions inside her. She closed her eyes, feeling the gentle yet firm stroke of his fingers brushing away her tears.
Sidharth’s heart pounded in his chest. He was close enough to feel the soft breaths escaping her lips, each one tugging at his resolve. The intensity of the moment threatened to consume him, and he struggled to maintain his composure. He could see the pain in her eyes, and it mirrored the turmoil within him.
Surprised, she looked up at his eyes instantly, captivating him with her beautiful gaze. Her eyes held an ocean of emotions that made him lose himself for a moment.
Scared of his anger, she broke the eye contact and looked down. He hated the way she took her gaze away from him, but it brought him back to his senses. What on earth was he doing?
To justify his actions, he sneered furiously, “Itna accha natak kaise kar leti ho tum?” He referred to her tears, and almost backed off as her face twisted in painful ache at his words.
But he had to get her out of his head. “Puri property hadapna chahti ho? Sidharth Shukla ka tag chahiye? Alishan mehel… gaadi… paisa… sona chandi… haan?” His voice was filled with disdain, each word like a dagger aimed at her heart.
Why was he referring to her as a gold digger again and again when she had told him all she wanted was to take care of Vihaan?
Her heart ached with the injustice of his accusations. She felt her chest tighten, and the tears that had been threatening to spill over finally flowed freely down her cheeks. Shehnaaz looked at him, trying to muster the strength to speak, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions.
Gathering the pieces of her shattered confidence, Shehnaaz looked straight into his eyes, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Mujhe aapka paisa nahi chahiye. Main Vihaan se pyaar karti hoon aur uska khayal rakhna chahti hoon. Maine pehle bhi aapse kaha hai… aap jis document par kahenge, main sign karne ke liye tayaar hoon. Na mujhe ye shaadi ka joda chahiye, na hi kuch aur. Main bina koi gehna pehne, ek simple saari mein bhi shaadi karne tayaar hoon.”
Her words stopped Sidharth in his tracks. He couldn’t help but notice how quickly she had gathered her lost confidence, how her gaze held his with unwavering determination. She looked breathtaking with that confidence oozing from her eyes, as if she was challenging his dominating aura.
His eyes pierced through her, trying to break her resolve. “I don’t trust you, and more than that, I don’t need you. Vihaan doesn’t need you. My family doesn’t need you. Samjhi tum?”
Declaring this, he turned to leave when she grabbed his hand, taking him by complete surprise.
She had had enough of his unreasonable behavior. Vihaan needed her, and she would fight against anyone for the sake of her baby. Sidharth turned back to look at her sternly for daring to touch him, but she ignored his looks and moved closer to him. Her action both angered and captivated him. Her sweet aroma hit his nostrils again—the aroma he loved so much, the aroma that always calmed him.
She raised her face a little to look into his eyes, her gaze unwavering and filled with raw emotion. His eyes, previously burning with anger, now seemed lost in hers. They were so close, their breaths mingling, their lips mere inches away.
Shehnaaz searched his eyes, as if trying to find a glimmer of the truth she believed in. “Apne dil par haath rakhkar kahiye ke Vihaan ko meri zarurat nahi,” she challenged him softly, her voice a mix of determination and vulnerability.
Sidharth couldn’t respond. Deep down, he knew she was right. Vihaan was attached to her, and he couldn’t deny that. The silence between them was heavy, charged with unspoken emotions. Her words echoed in his mind, piercing through his defenses.
She smiled amidst her tears, a smile that broke his heart and made him feel more lost than ever. Her tear-filled smile captivated him, revealing her inner strength and beauty. It was as if he could never have enough of her, as if every moment with her revealed another layer of her essence.
Shehnaaz wiped her tears away, her movements gentle and resolute. Without another word, she turned and left the trial room, leaving Sidharth standing there, utterly baffled and overwhelmed by the storm of emotions she had stirred within him.
As she walked away, Sidharth’s mind raced. He felt a strange emptiness in her absence, a void that only she seemed capable of filling. Her words lingered, haunting him, making him question everything he thought he knew about her and about himself.
He stood there for a long moment, the echoes of their confrontation reverberating in the silent room. His heart ached with a confusion he couldn’t shake off, torn between the anger he had held onto for so long and the undeniable truth in her eyes.
Sidharth’s fingers reached up to touch the air where she had just been, as if trying to grasp the lingering essence of her presence.. but then groaned realizing what he was doing.
Shehnaaz’s heart ached as she made her way out of the trial room, her emotions swirling like a storm inside her. The moment she stepped outside, she saw Anu, Rita ji, and Sanju waiting for her, along with little Vihaan. Their faces were a mix of concern and anticipation.
She felt Sidharth’s presence behind her, a heavy and intense energy that she couldn’t ignore. He had followed her, and she sensed his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Rita ji, Anu, and Sanju couldn’t help but shower Shehnaaz with praise. Rita ji, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection, was the first to speak.
“Shehnaaz, tum is pearl bridal lehenga mein bahot pyari lag rahi ho,” Rita ji said, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. “Maine itni khoobsurat dulhan kabhi nahi dekhi. “
Shehnaaz smiled deeply at the compliment, feeling a mixture of pride and shyness. “Thank you, Maa ji,” she replied softly, her eyes glistening with gratitude.
Anu tried to read the situation, her eyes darting between Shehnaaz’s tear-streaked face and her brother’s furious expression. Guilt washed over her as she looked away, unable to meet Sidharth’s glare.
Rita ji was surprised to see Sidharth. She hadn’t expected him to come, but seeing him brought a hopeful smile to her face. “Sid, tu kab aaya? Main tujhe call kar rahi thi, tune uthaya nahi. Mujhe laga tu shayad nahi aayega,” she said, her voice filled with relief.
Sidharth and Shehnaaz shared a fleeting glance at the mention of the phone call, their expressions betraying a multitude of unspoken feelings. Sidharth forced a soft smile for his mother. “Aap ki baat tali hai mene kabhi,” he replied, his voice gentle yet strained.
Sanju noticed the upset look on Shehnaaz’s face. She had been happy and glowing just moments ago, but now, she seemed crushed. Sanju’s suspicion quickly turned to Sidharth. He must have said something to her again. This man was going to get a piece of her mind very soon.
Vihaan, full of energy and excitement, rushed towards Shehnaaz, making her bend down to scoop him up in her arms. The warmth of his little body against hers provided a small comfort amidst her turmoil. However, Sidharth felt a pang of restlessness. Vihaan hadn’t come to him first.
“Maa, look like angel,” Vihaan said, his innocent eyes sparkling with joy as he looked at Shehnaaz.
Shehnaaz almost blushed at the compliment from her baby boy, and Sidharth hated that he couldn’t stop noticing her red cheeks. He needed to get away from this woman. She was a major threat to his carefully controlled emotions.
Rita ji chuckled along with Anu and Sanju, their laughter a comforting sound in the midst of the tension. Shehnaaz kissed Vihaan’s cheek and hugged him close, drawing solace from his innocent love.
“Daddy…” Vihaan raised his arms towards Sidharth, indicating he wanted to be held. Sidharth smiled, despite himself, and moved forward to collect Vihaan from Shehnaaz’s arms. The unintentional skin contact between them was electrifying, sending shivers down both their spines.
His intense eyes cut through her delicate gaze, the moment charged with an almost palpable energy. It was as if he was fire, and she was just a soft petal of a rose, caught in his burning stare.
Frustrated with his own idiotic behavior throughout the day, Sidharth took Vihaan in his arms and asked him about his day. Meanwhile, the women continued to speak amongst themselves.
“Me change karke aati hun,” she said, her voice soft. With that, she turned and walked away to the changing room.
As she left, a fleeting moment of eye contact passed between her and Sidharth. Their gazes met briefly, and in that instant, an unspoken conversation seemed to transpire—a silent exchange of emotions and unvoiced sentiments. Sidharth’s eyes followed her retreating figure, a mix of restless anticipation and frustration flickering across his face.
The brief look they shared left Sidharth feeling unsettled. He shifted uncomfortably, his thoughts tangled with conflicting emotions. The moments dragged on as he unintentionally awaited her return, the space between them charged with an anxious energy. His mind raced, trying to make sense of his own feelings and the unsettling effect.
Finally, after what felt like an age, Shehnaaz emerged from the changing room. The pearl bridal lehenga had been replaced by a cheerful, vibrant dress that made her look like a bubbling ray of sunshine, filled with life and energy.
Their eyes met again, and this time, the intensity of the gaze was deeper. There was a silent acknowledgment of the emotions that had been stirred between them. Sidharth’s restlessness seemed to subside.
Sidharth’s eyes were immediately drawn to her. The contrast from the formal bridal attire to this lively dress was jarring, yet captivating. He couldn’t help but notice how the new look seemed to enhance her natural charm and warmth. It was as though the dress had shed the layers of formality and revealed a more authentic, carefree side of her.
“Ab Sid bhi aa gaya hai, toh hum yahi se jewellery lene chalte hai,” Rita ji said excitedly, her enthusiasm palpable.
The mention of jewelry instantly reminded Shehnaaz of her recent interaction with Sidharth. Her mind drifted back to their tense conversation, and she responded absentmindedly, “Nahi…”
Her sudden outburst caught everyone’s attention. Rita ji looked puzzled, trying to understand Shehnaaz’s reaction, while Sidharth’s expression shifted as he began to piece together the reason behind Shehnaaz’s reluctance.
Realizing her behavior might have seemed abrupt, Shehnaaz quickly scrambled to offer a more considerate explanation. “Woh… umm… meri maa ki jewelry hai Madhu aunty ke paas. Main woh pehenna chahti hun, agar aapko bura na lage toh…”
It wasn’t a complete lie. Shehnaaz had indeed planned to wear her mother’s traditional jewelry when she was getting married to Arjun. The sentimental value of her mother’s pieces made them significant to her, and she wanted to honor that connection.
Sidharth, feeling a pang of restlessness, couldn’t help but be irritated by her reluctance. Rita ji, however, sighed in understanding. “Thik hai beta, par Mangal Sutra toh lena hi hai na…”
Sidharth’s frustration was compounded by the fact that he was conflicted. On one hand, he was bothered by Shehnaaz’s unwillingness to get jewelry. On the other, he couldn’t reconcile why he was so affected by her decision. Wasn’t he the one accusing her of being a gold digger? His own contradictory behavior was confusing him. Why was he even dwelling on her choices so intensely?
Before Shehnaaz could find a way to justify her stance further, Sidharth interjected with a terse note of finality. “Me bill clear karke aata hun. Aap log niche car mein mera wait kijiye…”
Shehnaaz, feeling the weight of his displeasure, replied softly, “Maine kar diya hai…”shehnaaz said softly not wanting to anger him.
Shocked by Shehnaaz’s decision to handle the bill on her own, Sidharth shot her a disbelieving glance. “How did you even manage… There are designer clothes here…” His voice carried an edge of irritation, a frustration that seemed to simmer beneath the surface. He couldn’t reconcile why she hadn’t needed him. Wasn’t that what he had wanted all along? Yet, an irrational part of him wanted her to need him for everything, and her independence stung in a way he hadn’t anticipated.
Shehnaaz was caught off guard by his reaction. She hesitated, unsure how to explain her actions. She couldn’t very well tell him she had more than enough money. “Umm… I had some savings…”
Sidharth’s frustration was evident as he scolded her, though he kept his anger in check. “You didn’t have to…”
Shehnaaz, ever attentive, had packed Vihaan’s favorite cheese sandwich. As she took it out and began feeding him, her hands moved with tender precision. She cleaned his face gently, her actions filled with love and care. Each bite was given with patience, her focus entirely on ensuring Vihaan was content. The sight was heartwarming, and Sidharth found himself watching, captivated by the scene unfolding.
Shehnaaz helped vihaan with water and patted his head softly to put him to sleep.
She dared not look at sidharth as she softly spoke after a lot of practice in her mind, “aap khayenge.” She didn’t dare to tell him that she had brought sandwich for him too because apparently, Rita maa had told her about Sidharth’s likes and dislikes which were very similar to vihaan.
Her heart felt heavy with pain and sadness. As she began to pull her hand away, feeling a pang of regret for her boldness, Sidharth surprised both himself and her by bending slightly and taking a bite of the sandwich she had offered. The unexpected action left them both in a state of stunned silence.
Sidharth’s mind raced, but he refused to justify his behavior either to himself or to her. Instead, he fixed his gaze firmly on the road ahead, his emotions a mixture of frustration and reluctant appreciation.
As Sidharth savored the taste of the sandwich, he couldn’t help but notice how familiar it felt. The flavor and texture were uncannily similar to the sandwiches Payal used to make, a detail that stirred a complex mix of nostalgia and discomfort within him.
Shehnaaz, on the other hand, struggled to contain the happiness bubbling in her chest. She kept her emotions carefully concealed, knowing that displaying them might provoke his irritation.
As the drive continued, Sidharth took another bite of the sandwich and then another. Each piece was handed to him by Shehnaaz with a gentle persistence. It was a silent interaction, a silent exchange between them that went beyond words. For Sidharth, it was an act of unexpected vulnerability that he loathed to acknowledge, while for Shehnaaz, it was a moment of cherished connection, however fleeting it might be.
Author’s Note
Hello, dear readers!
Thank you for joining Shehnaaz and Sidharth on this intricate journey of emotions and relationships. As you dive deeper into their world, I hope you find yourself as captivated and moved by their experiences as I have been while writing their story.
Sidharth’s struggle to reconcile his feelings with the familiar taste of the sandwich reveals the depth of his emotional turmoil, while Shehnaaz’s gentle care and unspoken gestures highlight her dedication and love.
Writing about their moments of vulnerability and the subtle intricacies of their interactions has been a deeply fulfilling experience. I wanted to capture not just their words, but the emotions that linger in the spaces between them, the silent dialogues that speak volumes.
I hope you continue to enjoy the unfolding story and find resonance in the characters’ journeys. Your feedback and thoughts are always appreciated and cherished.
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Also, stay tuned for Baarish, Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.
Don’t forget to follow me on Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.
With love and gratitude,
Shalaka
❤
Incredible work
I love all the interactions between to be couple. Intense and vulnerable.
💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you so much for all the love
❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️😇😇😇🥰🥰🥰awesome
Amazing
Thank you so much for all the love
Very nicely written.. their exchange of emotions and feelings were perfectly described and felt so real ❤️
I love it 💕💕💕
Thank you so much for all the love
Waah ji Shukla ji ko Sandwiches khani hai 😬😬🤭🤭😝
Lovely
Lovely ❤
Beautiful update 😃😚
Thank you so much for all the love
Amazing update
Thank you so much for all the love
Awesome… loved it
Nice
Beautiful chapter… Emotions well explained
Thank you so much for all the love
Ohhh…
Now what next?
Another cliffhanger 🥺
So beautiful yaar
So intense their chemistry
Amazing part so beautifully written by shalaka
Nice part
Sid kya chahta hai wo khud hi nahi janata thoda conflict hai uska dimag
👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👍👍👍💚👍👍👍👍👍👍💚💚👍👍👍👍💚💚💚👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💚💚👍💚
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷💖🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
❤️❤️❤️💜💜💜💜💜❤️❤️💜💞💞💞💜💜💜💞💞💜💜💜💜💜💜💜❤️💜💞💞💜💜💜💜💜💞💞💜💜💜💜💞💞💜💜💜💜💞💞💞💞💜💜💜👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
🫶🫶☹️☹️☹️☹️👌👌👌👌👌☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️👌👌👌🫶🫶🫶🫶👌☹️👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
⭐⭐⭐✌️🤞🤞👏👏🤞🤞✌️✌️✌️👏👏👏🤞✌️✌️🤞🤞🤞✌️🤞🤞🤞🤞✌️✌️🤞🤞🤞✌️✌️🤞🤞🤞✌️✌️⭐✌️👏👏🤞✌️🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞✌️✌️🤞🙂🙂🤞🤞
I love both of them🥳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yaar next update quickly after u take full rest ❤️❤️
Oh no yr what a cliffhanger 😳😳😳
Lovely and beautiful update thank you ♥️♥️♥️♥️🫶🏻🫶🏻♥️♥️🫶🏻🫶🏻♥️🫶🏻♥️
Haye mera dil ❤️🥰❤️
Their intense and vulnerability 🥰❤️🥰
What a beautiful part and amazingly written 🥰👍👍👍
Wowww Amazing chapter
Amazing!!! Loved it ❤️
Lovely
Thank you so much for all the love
Thank you so much di best birthday gift ever I have received ❤❤ really thank you jitna thank you bolun gi kam hai aaj aap best to aur aapki stories to usse bhi zaada best hai aur yeh story to vese hi mere dil ke bohot kareeb hai❤ dono ko ek dusre se milte hue dekhna dono ke emotions feel karna jese sidnaaz vapas se mil rahe ho kitna real lagta hai sab 😭 but sachi mai best story hai yeh sorry agr koi agree na karain but i love this story from all others meri safe place hai yeh story sach mai❤❤ love you so much dii bus jaldi jaldi yeh story upload kiya karo baaki to hoti rahengi😂😂
heyy Thank you so much for all the love and happy birthday again
Mere literally pata ni kab tak wait hoga agle chapter ke liye like itna acha likhte ho aap abhi bhi merko ho raha next chapter mil je bas kahi se aur read kar lun mai🤭🤭❤❤
awwwwwwwwww Thank you so much for all the love
Confuse sidharth
Beautiful…
Thank you so much for all the love
Nice update…
Amazing! Waiting for more ❤️
💕
You update are amazing. Beautiful
thank you so much
Beautiful 😍 🤩 👌
thank you so much
Awesome
thank you so much
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This one is becoming my favorite of all!
Sandwich wala part is just amazing…❤️
Wow…just wow
thank you so much
❤️❤️❤️
thank you so much
❤️❤️❤️
thank you
Very beautifully written glad Sidharth started to melt towards Shehnaaz he’s eating the sandwich she made and from her hand is really some progress ❤️
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I every time emailed this weblog post page to alll my contacts, because iif
like to read it afterward my contacts will too. https://www.waste-NDC.Pro/community/profile/tressa79906983/