Chapter 14

As the car rolled to a stop in front of the jewelry shop, Shehnaaz’s heart began to race, her palms growing clammy against the soft fabric of Vihaan’s tshirt. The moment she realized where they were, it felt as if the world had come crashing down around her. The vibrant colors of the bustling market outside faded into a dull, grey blur, her breath catching in her throat as dread settled in the pit of her stomach.

She knew this place too well, every glittering piece of jewelry displayed in the shop’s window a reminder of the memories she had once cherished with her mother. The shopkeeper, a man whose face she had seen countless times, would surely recognize her. Their families had shared more than just business transactions; they had shared stories, laughter, and a sense of community.

Carefully, almost as if she were handling the most fragile of treasures, Shehnaaz adjusted her hold on Vihaan, her arms wrapping protectively around his small frame. She pressed him closer to her chest, his tiny body radiating warmth that grounded her in the moment, reminding her of the one responsibility she could not afford to fail in. The soft scent of baby powder mixed with the subtle fragrance of her perfume, a combination that felt oddly comforting amidst the storm brewing within her. Shehnaaz took a deep breath, steeling herself before stepping out of the car.

Sidharth, who had been watching her intently, felt a strange pull in his chest as he observed her every move. There was something in the way she cared for Vihaan, a tenderness that mirrored Payal’s. The way Shehnaaz’s fingers gently brushed Vihaan’s hair, the way her eyes softened whenever they fell upon him—it all reminded Sidharth of the woman he had loved and lost. It was as if Payal was standing before him, her spirit alive in this stranger who seemed to know exactly how to soothe his son’s fears.

But the thought of comparing Payal to another woman made his heart twist with guilt and anger. How could he even think of such a thing? Payal had been his everything, and the pain of her loss was still a fresh wound, bleeding every time he allowed himself to think of her. And yet, here he was, finding comfort in the presence of a woman he barely knew. Sidharth clenched his jaw, cursing himself silently for the betrayal he felt in his heart. He tore his gaze away from Shehnaaz and Vihaan, his eyes seeking solace in the random activity around him, as if waiting for the arrival of the other car could distract him from the chaos within.

Moments later, Anu, Sanju, and Rita ji joined them, their presence adding to the tension that hung heavily in the air. Shehnaaz felt the weight of their gazes, the unspoken questions and concerns that flickered in their eyes. She met Sanju’s eyes for a brief moment, and in that instant, an entire conversation passed between them. Sanju saw the anxiety lurking beneath Shehnaaz’s calm exterior, the fear that threatened to unravel her carefully constructed composure.

Sanju, feeling a wave of panic rising within her, instinctively moved closer to Anu. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she leaned in, her words tumbling out in a rush of worry, “This shop owner knows me and Sana… What if he says something in front of Sidharth?”

Anu’s eyes widened in alarm as Sanju’s whispered words sank in. Panic bubbled up within her, and she nearly gasped, drawing Sidharth’s attention immediately. His brows furrowed with concern as he stepped closer, his voice laced with worry. “Kya huva, Anu? Are you okay?”

Anu hesitated, her mind scrambling to come up with a believable excuse that would prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. She could feel her pulse quickening, each beat a reminder that she needed to act quickly. “Woh bhai…” she began, her voice wavering as she tried to gather her thoughts. She glanced around nervously, searching for an answer. “Mene socha tha hum, Rathod uncle ki shop visit karenge… unka bridal collection bahot achha hota hai…”

Rita ji, who had been quietly observing the exchange, looked at her daughter in confusion. “Par beta, humari baa…” she began, her voice trailing off as she tried to make sense of Anu’s sudden change of plans.

“Maaaa…” Anu interrupted hastily, her tone urgent as she turned to face her mother, blocking Sidharth’s view with her back. She widened her eyes and subtly shook her head, trying to signal Rita ji to stop talking. Anu’s heart raced as she prayed her mother would understand the silent plea. She couldn’t risk Sidharth finding out the real reason they needed to leave the shop, not when it could unravel everything they were trying to protect.

Sidharth, growing impatient with the strange behavior, groaned in frustration. “Weren’t you supposed to say this earlier, Anu? What was the point of driving all the way here if you had other plans?” His voice was tinged with annoyance, his irritation spilling over as he tried to make sense of the sudden shift in plans.

His raised voice caused Vihaan to stir in Shehnaaz’s arms, his little face scrunching up as he whimpered softly in his sleep. Shehnaaz immediately began to pat his back gently, her movements soothing and calm. She glanced up at Sidharth, her eyes soft but imploring, silently urging him to lower his voice and not disturb the baby.

Sidharth’s frustration melted away the moment his eyes met Shehnaaz’s. There was something in her gaze, a quiet strength mixed with a gentle understanding, that made his anger dissipate as quickly as it had risen. It was as if, in that brief moment, they had communicated without words, understanding each other’s thoughts and feelings with an unspoken connection that defied logic. He sighed, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over him as he watched Shehnaaz cradle Vihaan with such care.

jaise bina kuch kahe.. ek dusre ke man ki baat jante ho… Samajhaye ho… Jahan shabdo ki jarurat nahi hoti….

Anu, who had been anxiously watching the exchange, couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the scene before her. The way Shehnaaz had managed to calm Sidharth with just a look was something Anu had never seen before, and it filled her with a mixture of amusement and relief. She made a baby face at her brother, hoping to sway him to her side. “Please, bhai… Mujhe wohi jaana hai…”

Sidharth, still feeling the lingering effects of Shehnaaz’s calming presence, rolled his eyes at Anu’s persistent nature. She had always been stubborn, and he knew better than to argue with her when she had her mind set on something. He let out a resigned sigh, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he gave in to her demand. “Fine… get back in the car, then.”

As Sidharth walked back to the car, he couldn’t help but glance at Shehnaaz, who was cradling a peacefully sleeping Vihaan in her arms. The sight tugged at something deep within him, a mixture of confusion and admiration swirling in his mind. How could she, a woman who had no ties to him or his son, show such unwavering care and tenderness? Vihaan was six years old, and his weight was no small burden to bear for such a long time, yet Shehnaaz had carried him without a word of complaint. Was this an act, or did she genuinely care for Vihaan in a way that Sidharth found almost impossible to comprehend?

Lost in these thoughts, he reached the car and instinctively opened the door for Shehnaaz. She, unaware of the storm brewing in his mind, carefully slid inside the vehicle, still holding Vihaan close. But as she settled in, a small portion of her dress remained outside the car, threatening to get caught in the door. Shehnaaz, realizing this, tried to free one hand to tuck it in, but before she could manage, Sidharth leaned down, his hand brushing past hers as he moved to secure the fabric himself.

The sudden proximity made Shehnaaz’s heart race wildly, her breath catching in her throat. This was the third time she found herself so close to him, and each time, the effect he had on her grew stronger. His natural scent, a blend of something musky and undeniably masculine, enveloped her senses, making her pulse quicken. The sharp lines of his face, the chiselled jaw, and those deep, piercing eyes—every feature was etched in perfection, almost as if sculpted by the hands of an artist. Those eyes, especially, had a way of drawing her in, making her feel like a puppet on strings, helplessly molded by his gaze.

Shehnaaz’s uneven, shallow breaths didn’t escape Sidharth’s notice. He was caught off guard by how her presence seemed to pull him in, trapping him in a moment that felt both surreal and inevitable. Every time he looked at her, she appeared even more beautiful than the last, her delicate features enhanced by an innocence that was both disarming and captivating. Her eyes, deep and expressive, held him in a trance, making it nearly impossible for him to look away.

Without breaking eye contact, Sidharth reached down and carefully grasped the edge of her dress, tucking it securely inside the car. His fingers brushed lightly against the fabric, a simple gesture that felt unexpectedly intimate, stirring something in the pit of Shehnaaz’s stomach. Her heart fluttered as she whispered a soft, “Thank you,” her voice barely audible, yet charged with emotion.

Sidharth’s eyes lingered on her, a possessive intensity creeping into his gaze. Her whispered gratitude struck a chord within him, stirring emotions he wasn’t prepared to confront. He struggled to maintain his composure, feeling the weight of an unfamiliar longing settle over him. Unable to handle the overwhelming surge of emotions, he muttered a gruff, “Hmm,” before straightening up abruptly. The sudden motion was almost harsh as if he was trying to shake off the tension that had wrapped itself around him.

As Sidharth brushed his fingers through his hair, the movement was brisk, almost fierce, a sign of his attempt to regain control. To Shehnaaz, the action only made him appear even more commanding, his presence filling the small space of the car with an undeniable force. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him as he took the driver’s seat beside her, afraid that meeting his eyes again would unravel the fragile composure she had managed to maintain.

Sidharth, too, felt the weight of the silence that settled between them, heavy with unspoken words and emotions neither of them dared to explore. The air inside the car was thick with a tension that neither could name, yet both felt acutely. As he started the engine, Sidharth couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them—a connection had been made, fragile yet undeniable, leaving both of them to wonder what it could mean.

The drive to the jewelry shop was enveloped in a heavy silence, yet beneath that quiet, both Shehnaaz and Sidharth could feel their hearts pounding, each beat echoing the strange, magnetic pull that seemed to draw them closer together. It was as though the air inside the car was charged with a tension neither could fully comprehend, a force that was both unsettling and irresistible.

Suddenly, the blaring sound of a car horn jolted Vihaan awake, his small body shifting as he blinked in confusion, taking in his surroundings. But the moment his eyes landed on Shehnaaz and Sidharth, his confusion melted away, replaced by a bright smile that lit up his face. His Sanu Maa was here, and so was his papa. In his innocent joy, Vihaan scrambled to his knees in Shehnaaz’s lap, his tiny arms reaching out to embrace both of them.

As Vihaan leaned forward, one arm wrapping around Shehnaaz and the other reaching out to Sidharth, Shehnaaz was pulled towards Sidharth, her body tilting closer to his. In that brief moment, her hand brushed against his, the contact sending a jolt through her system. Shehnaaz’s breath caught in her throat as the warmth of his skin made her heart skip a beat. She struggled to keep her composure, the sensation both electrifying and unsettling.

Sidharth, though fully aware of the light touch, remained still, unwilling to disrupt the moment for Vihaan’s sake. His little boy was happily chattering away, his words a nonsensical mix of excitement and affection, oblivious to the undercurrents between the two adults. Sidharth’s heart softened at Vihaan’s joy, yet another part of him—the part that yearned for connection—revelled in the simple touch that had passed between him and Shehnaaz. The warmth that spread from her hand to his was something he hadn’t realized he needed, and the realization left him feeling both vulnerable and strangely content.

But for Shehnaaz, each passing second made the situation more intense. The proximity, the shared warmth, and the soft pressure of Sidharth’s arm against hers all combined to create a mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to face. She worried that Sidharth might already be uncomfortable with their closeness. With a small sigh, she gently shifted back to her seat, putting some distance between them, but not without feeling a sense of loss for the lost warmth.

The moment Shehnaaz moved away, Sidharth felt a sudden restlessness settle over him, an unease that gnawed at him from within. He gripped the steering wheel tighter, his frustration growing as he focused on the road ahead. He was confused—not at Shehnaaz, but at himself. How could he let something as simple as a touch affect him so profoundly? The urge to pull her back, to feel that connection again, was strong, yet he couldn’t act on it. Not with Vihaan watching, not with the confusion swirling in his own mind.

What on earth was happening to him? Sidharth’s thoughts were in turmoil, a chaotic mix of emotions and desires he had never experienced before. In forty years of life, he had never behaved like this, never felt such a pull towards anyone, especially not someone he had barely known. And yet, here he was, craving something he couldn’t even name, something that left him feeling both intrigued and unsettled.

The drive continued, but the atmosphere in the car was now thick with unspoken emotions. Both Sidharth and Shehnaaz were lost in their own thoughts, each grappling with the unfamiliar territory they found themselves in. Neither knew what to make of the situation, but both were certain of one thing—their lives had just become infinitely more complicated.

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By the time they arrived at the shop, the sun was dipping low, casting a warm glow through the streets. Sidharth, battling a swirl of conflicting emotions, walked in with a determined stride, his frustration with himself simmering just below the surface. The ladies and Vihaan followed closely behind, each lost in their own thoughts.

Mr. Rathod, the jewelry shop’s owner, recognized Sidharth immediately and came out of his cabin to greet him personally. With the respect due to an old acquaintance, he ensured that they were attended to with the utmost care and attention. Sidharth, always attentive to his responsibilities, took charge of Vihaan, allowing the ladies to explore the store without distraction.

Rita ji and Anu, their faces alight with enthusiasm, eagerly began to browse the vast array of jewelry laid out before them. They admired the intricate designs, picking up necklaces, bangles, rings, nose rings, earrings, anklets—each piece more beautiful than the last. Their excitement was palpable, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they imagined Shehnaaz adorned in the sparkling gems.

But while they marveled at the jewelry, Shehnaaz and Sanju exchanged a glance of silent understanding, both wondering how they could gracefully navigate this situation. Shehnaaz’s mind was made up—she wasn’t interested in purchasing any of the jewelry, except for the Mangal Sutra. The memory of their earlier conversation weighed heavily on her; she didn’t want Sidharth to misunderstand her intentions or think she was taking advantage of the situation.

Rita ji, brimming with motherly affection, picked up a stunning diamond necklace and placed it around Shehnaaz’s neck, eager to see how it would look. The sparkle of the diamonds contrasted beautifully against Shehnaaz’s skin, making her look every bit the picture of elegance. But Sidharth, standing nearby with Vihaan in his arms, found himself caught in a web of conflicting emotions. The necklace was undeniably beautiful on her, enhancing her natural grace in a way that captivated him. But when he saw the lack of enthusiasm on Shehnaaz’s face, his heart became restless.

Frustration coursed through Sidharth as he recalled their earlier conversation. It became clear that Shehnaaz wasn’t interested in any of the jewelry, her reluctance stemming from a desire not to give him the wrong impression. She wasn’t looking forward to buying anything, not out of indifference, but out of a genuine fear of being misunderstood. Her lack of excitement was a stark contrast to the joy that jewelry usually brought, and it unsettled him deeply.

“Maa ji, bahut pretty hai necklace, but please, main apni maa ki jewelry pehenna chahti hoon… Please,” Shehnaaz spoke softly, trying to communicate her feelings without causing offense. Her voice was gentle, but the firmness in her words was unmistakable. Rita ji’s face fell slightly, her excitement dimming at Shehnaaz’s reluctance.

“Haan beta, hume koi dikkat nahi. But kuch toh select karo… functions aate jaate rehte hain… kaam aayega,” Rita ji urged, her tone still warm but tinged with disappointment. She had hoped to see Shehnaaz enjoy the moment, to indulge in the joy of selecting something special.

Shehnaaz sighed softly, trying to ease the situation without further dampening Rita ji’s spirits. “Hum kabhi fir lenge na… Abhi mangalsutra select karte hain… hai na?” she suggested, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction. Her tone was light, but the tension in the air was palpable, and it didn’t escape Sidharth’s notice.

Sidharth watched, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite name. It bothered him deeply that Shehnaaz wasn’t even glancing at the other jewelry, as if it held no significance for her. Here she was, surrounded by a dazzling collection that most could only dream of, yet there was no spark in her eyes, no sign of the joy that he had hoped to see. The very thought that something so beautiful could mean so little to her left him feeling both frustrated and oddly hollow, as if the connection he longed for was slipping further out of reach.

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

This chapter delves deep into the complexities of emotions and relationships that are often tangled in misunderstandings, past scars, and unspoken feelings. The raw intensity of Sidharth’s internal struggle reflects how grief and guilt can warp a person’s ability to see beyond their pain, often leading to harsh actions that hurt others unintentionally. Shehnaaz’s quiet acceptance of his harsh words highlights her strength and resilience, even as she battles her own heartbreak.

As the author, my aim was to portray the depth of their emotions, making the characters feel as real and human as possible. Relationships are not always black and white; they are messy, filled with contradictions, and often leave us questioning our own hearts. Through Sidharth and Shehnaaz, I wanted to explore how love can sometimes be expressed through anger and confusion, and how even in the darkest moments, there’s a flicker of something beautiful—whether it’s the connection they momentarily shared or the silent strength Shehnaaz carries within her.

I hope this chapter resonates with you, reminding us all that in the face of pain and rejection, our true character is revealed, and sometimes, it’s in the quiet acceptance of our circumstances where we find our greatest strength.

Thank you for being such amazing readers!

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.

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With love and gratitude,

Shalaka

#EmotionalJourney, #HeartfeltStory, #LoveAndLoss, #FamilyDrama, #EmotionalHealing, #Storytelling, #NarrativeMagic, #LifeAndLove

Emotional Healing, Grief, Mother-Daughter Bond, Family Drama, Love, Loss, Support, Resilience, Overcoming Heartbreak, Character Development, Intense Emotions, Healing Process, Narrative Depth, Emotional Journey, Romantic relationships