Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 16

“Sanaaa…”

The sharp, commanding voice shattered the intense moment between Sidharth and Shehnaaz, pulling them back to reality with a jolt. Sidharth’s grip on Shehnaaz loosened, but his heart continued to race, still reeling from the closeness they had just shared. His mind was a whirlwind of emotionsβ€”confusion, protectiveness, and something deeper that he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

Shehnaaz turned around slowly, her face draining of color as she recognized the voice that had cut through the air like a knife. It was a voice she knew all too well, The warmth she had felt in Sidharth’s arms vanished instantly, replaced by a cold dread that settled in her chest like a stone.

Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly shifted her gaze toward the source of that voice. Her heart skipped a beat when her eyes locked onto Arjun’s, who was storming towards them with a look of pure betrayal etched on his face. His eyes burned with a fire she had seen beforeβ€”a fire that spoke of possession and anger, a dangerous combination that made her insides twist with fear.

Shehnaaz felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew Arjun’s possessiveness well enough to understand the storm that was about to unfold. Fear clawed at her, threatening to choke her as she desperately hoped he wouldn’t say something reckless in front of Sidharthβ€”something that would ruin everything. The look on Arjun’s face made it clear that he was on the edge, and she feared what might happen next.

As Arjun strode towards them, his eyes filled with hatred for Sidharth, who had dared to touch what he considered his.

Shehnaaz paled even more picking up vihaan instantly in her arms, a change that didn’t escape Sidharth’s notice. In an instinctive, almost primal response, Sidharth felt a surge of possessiveness rise within himβ€”a fierce, protective instinct that caught him off guard.

Without thinking, he reached out and pulled Shehnaaz behind him, shielding her and vihaan from the man who was now only a few feet away. His action was sharp, his grip on her firm yet comforting, as if he was silently telling her that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He didn’t understand this overwhelming need to protect her, but it was there, raw and undeniable. A sudden claim ran through brain. Shehnaaz was his, and the mere thought of someone else trying to claim her ignited a fire in his soul that he couldn’t ignore.

Sidharth’s glare met Arjun’s as the two men stood face to face, tension crackling in the air between them. Shehnaaz clung to Sidharth’s back, her heart pounding in her chest, a mix of emotions swirling within herβ€”fear, confusion, and a strange sense of safety. She didn’t know why Sidharth had done that, why he had suddenly become her shield, but his gesture touched her deeply. It melted something inside her, something that had been frozen for a long time. Yet, the fear that gripped her was just as strong as the warmth his protection brought her.

She feared this moment more than anything. She knew Arjun would ruin everything, and the dread of it all consumed her. The fear of losing Vihaan, of losing Sidharth, weighed heavily on her heart. This was the moment she had always dreadedβ€”the moment when everything could fall apart.

Arjun, on the other hand, was momentarily stunned by Sidharth’s move to pull Shehnaaz behind him. How dare this man, this stranger, step between them and act as though he had a right to protect her? Arjun’s mind raced with anger and disbelief. Sidharth’s audacity to claim what he believed was his infuriated him. His possessiveness flared, and he struggled to contain the rage that threatened to spill over.

The tension between Sidharth and Arjun was so thick that it felt like the very air around them was heavy, almost suffocating. Sidharth stood like a fortress, his broad frame blocking Shehnaaz from Arjun’s furious gaze. The way he instinctively shielded her, pulling her behind him as if to protect her from any harm, was a gesture so powerful that it caught even Sidharth off guard. He couldn’t fully comprehend the surge of possessiveness that had taken over him, but it was undeniableβ€”something primal within him demanded that he keep Shehnaaz safe, that he stand between her and whatever threat this man posed.

Arjun, on the other hand, was barely able to contain his rage. His eyes burned with jealousy and anger, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as he sneered at Sidharth. “Who do you think you are?” he spat, his voice trembling with fury. The sight of Shehnaaz standing behind another man, someone who dared to claim her, was too much for him to bear. His mind raced with the thought of how this man and his family had ruined everything, taken away what he believed was his.

Sidharth’s glare was molten, his eyes burning with an intensity that matched Arjun’s anger. “That’s Sidharth Shukla you’re talking to,” he shot back, his voice low and dangerous. The name carried weight, authority, and a sense of finality. “Who are you to call my wife like that?”

The words hit like a thunderclap. Sidharth himself was taken aback by how naturally they came outβ€”*my wife*. The title rolled off his tongue with a possessiveness that startled him, but there was no mistaking the underlying truth in his words. Shehnaaz was his, in ways that went beyond the simple bond of marriage. It was a realization that shook him to his core, the depth of his feelings catching him by surprise.

For Arjun, the shock of Sidharth’s declaration was almost too much to process. His eyes widened in disbelief, his mind reeling as he struggled to grasp the reality of what Sidharth had just said. Meanwhile, Shehnaaz felt her heart skip a beat, the words “my wife” echoing in her mind like a sweet melody. It was as if time stood still for a moment, and all she could focus on was the warmth radiating from Sidharth’s strong back. The way he had claimed her, the way he had stood up for her, made her heart melt. In that instant, she wanted nothing more than to bury herself in his embrace, to hide in the safety of his presence and never let go.

But even as her heart swelled with a newfound hope, a cold dread began to seep in. She knew the truth that lay beneath the surface, the truth that could shatter everything. Sidharth didn’t know what she had done, didn’t know that she was the one responsible for the accident that had changed everything. The fear of him discovering the truth gnawed at her, a fear so profound that it nearly paralyzed her. If he found out, would he still stand by her side? Or would he turn away, his love replaced by hatred?

Arjun, meanwhile, was seething, his anger simmering dangerously close to the surface. The sight of Sidharth claiming Shehnaaz, of referring to her as his wife, only fueled the fire burning within him. He wasn’t about to back down, wasn’t about to let this man take what he believed was his. Arjun opened his mouth, ready to unleash his fury, to say the words that would expose everything, no matter the cost.

“Arjun…” Sanju’s urgent voice pierced through the tension, cutting off the rising storm between Sidharth and Arjun. She arrived just in time, her presence bringing a wave of relief to Shehnaaz, who instinctively buried her face into Vihaan’s neck. The soft warmth of her little boy provided the only comfort she could grasp in this chaotic moment.

Sanju, with determined steps, moved forward, placing herself firmly between Arjun and Sidharth. Her back was to Sidharth, and she made sure to hide the dangerous glare she directed at Arjun, not allowing Sidharth to catch even a glimpse of it. Arjun’s face drained of all color at the sight of Sanju’s fury. He had come here hoping to make amends, to find a way back to Sanju, and yet here he was, repeating the very mistakes that drove them apart.

For a moment, Arjun forgot all about Shehnaaz. His focus shifted entirely to the woman he desperately wanted to win back. “Baby…” he started, his voice softening as he addressed Sanju, hoping to calm the situation.

Sidharth’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he watched the exchange, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face at hearing Arjun call Sanju “baby.” The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, though he remained alert, protective instincts still on high.

Sanju turned to Arjun with a threatening smile that sent a clear message: she wasn’t in the mood for his excuses. “What was happening here, Arjun? You looked upset…” she asked, her tone deceptively calm but laced with underlying anger.

Arjun, realizing the gravity of his mistake, scrambled to fix the situation. “I think I misunderstood… I thought this guy was harassing Shehnaaz…” he stammered, trying to backtrack his earlier aggression. His words were a lifeline for Shehnaaz, who let out a silent sigh of relief, her heart swelling with gratitude toward Sanju for diffusing the tension. Her fingers, trembling slightly, found their way to the back of Sidharth’s shirt, clutching it unconsciouslyβ€”a small, almost imperceptible gesture that did not go unnoticed by Sidharth.

Sanju turned slightly, revealing a look of mock surprise to Sidharth. “Oh, Sidharth, no, no. You actually misunderstood. This is Sidharthβ€”Shehnaaz’s fiancΓ©,” she explained, her voice light but firm as she carefully steered the conversation away from potential conflict.

Sanju stepped aside, knowing the situation was now under control. She smiled at Sidharth, the tension in the air finally beginning to dissipate. “Sidharth, this is Arjun, my boyfriend,” she introduced, her tone now calm and composed, a stark contrast to the turmoil just moments before.

Sidharth’s eyes flickered between Sanju and Arjun, piecing together the dynamics at play. The weight of Shehnaaz’s hand on his shirt, though slight, sent a wave of reassurance through him. It was a silent signal that she was leaning on him, trusting him in this moment of uncertainty. His heart, which had been pounding with anger and confusion, now softened slightly as he realized that whatever misunderstanding had just occurred was now under control.

As the tension slowly ebbed away, Sidharth’s shoulders began to relax. The air, which had been thick with hostility just moments before, now felt a bit lighter. He inhaled deeply, letting the relief seep into his bones as Sanju clarified the situation. The revelation that Arjun was Sanju’s boyfriend was like a balm to his frayed nerves, cooling the fierce protectiveness that had surged through him. Though he couldn’t fully understand the intensity of his reaction, for now, it was enough to know that the immediate threat had passed.

Arjun, on the other hand, was caught off guard by Sanju’s words. The realization of how close he had come to creating a disaster hit him hard. He felt a pang of guilt, quickly followed by a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this could be a chance for him to make things right. “I’m sorry, man,” he mumbled, his voice subdued as he tried to mend the situation. “I jumped to conclusions. My bad.”

Sidharth’s gaze remained firm, his nod curt and measured. The tension in his posture had lessened, but the mistrust in his eyes hadn’t fully faded. He had seen too much, felt too much in those few moments to let his guard down completely. “It’s fine,” he replied, his tone still carrying a trace of stiffness. “Just be careful next time.” His words, though simple, carried an undercurrent of warningβ€”a reminder that he wouldn’t tolerate any more misunderstandings.

Sanju, sensing the need to diffuse the situation further, let out a sigh of relief. “Now that’s clear,” she began, her voice carrying a note of urgency. “Arjun and I need some time together, if you guys don’t mind…” She glanced between Shehnaaz and Sidharth, She winked deliberately to make it lok like a couple moment. But She needed to get Arjun away from them, away from the volatile mix of emotions that still lingered in the air.

Shehnaaz, who had been standing quietly, still clutching Vihaan to her chest, felt her heart finally begin to settle.

Sidharth gave a brief nod, understanding Sanju’s need to have couple moment with Arjun. Though his tone was still reserved, there was a hint of relief in his voice that the confrontation had finally come to an end. “Of course,” he said, keeping his emotions in check as best as he could. His heart was still beating fast, the adrenaline from the encounter slowly subsiding, but the protectiveness he felt towards Shehnaaz lingered.

Arjun, on the other hand, was wrestling with a mixture of emotions. The urgency in Sanju’s voice and the intensity of the situation had left him shaken. He glanced at Shehnaaz one last time, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of hope and regret. He knew he had messed up badly, but Sanju’s words had given him a glimmer of hopeβ€”a chance to make things right between them, even if he had to tread carefully.

“Yeah, we should go,” Arjun finally agreed, his voice subdued as he accepted the reality of the situation. There was an undercurrent of regret in his tone, a silent acknowledgment that he had crossed a line.Β 

Sanju, ever the peacemaker, managed to flash a quick, reassuring smile to hehnaaz. Her eyes conveyed a silent promise to Shehnaazβ€”everything would be fine, just trust her. Then, with a steadying breath, she gently took Arjun’s arm, guiding him away from the scene that had almost spiraled out of control.

____________

Once, Arjun and Sanju were out of sight, Sidharth turned slightly and their eyes finally met, a charged silence filled the space between them. His gaze bore into her, filled with a mix of emotions that Shehnaaz struggled to understand. There was confusion, curiosity, and something deeperβ€”something that made her heart pound in her chest.
Β 
Shehnaaz’s breath hitched as she wondered what he was thinking. Was he angry? Did he doubt her? The thought made her anxious, and her mind raced back to Arjun’s unexpected arrival and the way things had spiraled out of control. She knew now that she couldn’t trust Arjun, especially not after the way he’d almost ruined everything. But the intensity in Sidharth’s eyes made her even more nervous. What did he think of her now?
Β 
Sidharth, on the other hand, was battling his own turmoil. the way she had clung to himβ€”seeking his protection. It stirred something deep within him, something possessive and fierce, but he couldn’t understand why. His rational mind told him to stay distant, to remember the reasons he needed to keep her at arm’s length, but his heart was pulling him in a different direction.Β 
Β 
Shehnaaz’s heart raced all of sudden as she realized she had been holding onto Sidharth’s shirt, her fingers still tingling from the contact. Her immediate reaction was to let go and step back, almost stumbling in her haste. Panic surged through her as she remembered how adamantly Sidharth had warned her to keep her distance. The last thing she wanted was to provoke his anger againβ€”his harsh words always left her feeling broken and vulnerable.
Β 
“Sorry, pata nahi Mera dhyan kaha tha…” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She avoided his gaze, fearing the reprimand that might follow.
Β 
Sidharth, however, was caught off guard by her reaction. The way she recoiled from him so suddenly, as if his touch had burned her, sent a pang through his chest. Her apology, filled with anxiety, only made it worse. He had been the one who wanted distance, yet now, seeing her so desperate to be aay from him, he felt an unexpected hurt, as though he had pushed away something precious.
Β 
Suppressing the turmoil within him, he focused on something else to mask his own discomfort. “That guy… why was he angry?” Sidharth asked, his tone more neutral than before as he deliberately ignored her apology.
Β 
Shehnaaz hesitated, her mind racing to come up with an explanation that wouldn’t further complicate things. She knew Arjun’s outburst had been out of line, but how could she explain it to Sidharth without revealing too much?
Β 
“He… he misunderstood,” she finally said, her voice shaky. “Arjun has always been protective of me and Sanju, and he thought… he thought you were… that you were…” She trailed off, not knowing how to phrase it without sounding rude.
Β 
Sidharth’s brows furrowed as he listened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of her words. Protective? Why would another man be so possessive of her? The thought irritated him more than he cared to admit, stirring a mix of jealousy and frustration that he quickly tried to push down.
Β 
“And he thought what?” Sidharth pressed, his voice a bit sharper now, not fully realizing the possessiveness that had seeped into his tone.
Β 
Shehnaaz swallowed hard, her eyes still avoiding his. “He thought you were harassing me,” she said quietly, hating how the situation had spiraled so quickly. “But Sanju cleared it up… I’m sorry if it caused any trouble.”
Β 
Sidharth felt a surge of anger at the mere suggestion that he could ever harm her, but what unsettled him more was the implication that someone else might see her as theirs to protect. His mind raced with questions he wasn’t ready to confront..
Β 
β€œHum ghar ja rahe hai…” Sidharth’s sudden declaration caught Shehnaaz off guard, his sharp tone and swift movement towards the car leaving no room for discussion.Β  the words hanging heavily in the air.
Β 
For a fleeting moment, her heart dared to hope that “hum” included herβ€”her, Sidharth, and Vihaan as a family. But reality quickly set in, and she dismissed the thought as foolish. Of course, he meant himself and Vihaan. There was no reason for her to be included in that equation.
Β 

Shehnaaz watched him walk away, a pang of longing tightening her chest. She wanted nothing more than to spend a little more time with Vihaan, to feel the warmth of his small arms around her, but the words stuck in her throat. She didn’t dare voice her desire, afraid that Sidharth would reject it, would reject her.

Vihaan, sensing the sudden shift, made a small, sad face and clung tightly to Shehnaaz. β€œVihaan miss maa at home…” he mumbled, his innocent eyes filled with longing.

Her heart melted at his words, and she pulled him closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. β€œSirf do din aur… fir Vihaan and maa sath sath rahenge,” she promised, her voice tender yet filled with the weight of the unspoken truth. She knew those two days would feel like an eternity, but it was all she could offer himβ€”and herselfβ€”for now.

Vihaan’s eyes lit up at her words, his frown transforming into a wide, toothy grin. β€œYeppyyy…” he exclaimed, his excitement pure and infectious, momentarily lifting the heaviness in Shehnaaz’s heart.

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but grin back, her heart swelling with love for her little boy. Holding his hand, she walked with him towards the car, where Sidharth was waiting with an unreadable expression. She tried to keep her smile steady, tried to focus on the joy in Vihaan’s eyes instead of the uncertainty in Sidharth’s.

Shehnaaz’s heart drummed as she stood by the car, her eyes fixed on Vihaan, too nervous to meet Sidharth’s gaze. Every second felt like an eternity, and she could feel the tension radiating from him, his frustration palpable in the air.

Sidharth’s growing impatience became evident as he opened the car door with more force than necessary. Shehnaaz, still hesitant, carefully placed Vihaan on the seat next to the driver’s seat and secured his seat belt, her movements slow and deliberate.Β 

But her actions seemed to confuse him, and his voice cut through the silence, firm and direct. β€œMene kaha hum ghar ja rahe hai…”

Shehnaaz looked up, confused, not understanding what he expected from her. The idea that he might want her to join them had never crossed her mind again. She searched his face for a clue, anything to make sense of his words, but all she found was impatience.

Sidharth rolled his eyes at her confusion, a sigh escaping his lips as he ran a hand through his hairβ€”a gesture that had always made Shehnaaz’s heart flutter. She knew that habit of his well; it was something he did when he was frustrated, and seeing it now only made her more anxious.

β€œGet in the car,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument, before moving to the opposite side to slide into the driver’s seat.

For a moment, Shehnaaz just stood there, the weight of his words slowly sinking in. Her heart skipped a beat as realization dawnedβ€”he wanted her to come with them. He wanted her to accompany them. The thought was almost too much to process, but the instant smile that formed on her lips was unstoppable.

She quickly composed herself, not wanting to appear too eager, but inside, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a flicker of hope igniting within her. With a quiet breath, she walked around the car, her steps lighter than before, and carefully got into the car taking vihaan in her lap.

Sidharth kept his eyes firmly on the road ahead, refusing to glance at Shehnaaz even as he felt a strange sense of relief wash over him when she finally settled into the car with Vihaan in her lap. Vihaan’s cheerful chatter filled the small space, his happiness contagious, but Sidharth’s mind was elsewhere, tangled in a web of confusion and conflicting emotions.

What on earth was he doing? This wasn’t part of the plan. They were supposed to go to the garden, let Vihaan play, and then head back home. That was the simple, straightforward agenda he’d set for the day. Yet here he was, taking Shehnaaz home with them, deviating from the plan without a second thought.

Ever since that guy, Arjun, had appeared, something inside him had shifted. An emotion he hadn’t expected, one he didn’t quite understand, had begun to gnaw at himβ€”possessiveness, protectiveness. The way Arjun had looked at Shehnaaz, the way he’d spoken her name, had triggered something primal in Sidharth, something that made his blood boil and his instincts sharpen.

He had no right to feel this way. Shehnaaz wasn’t his to protect, not in the way his heart seemed to insist. But the thought of anyone else claiming that right, of anyone else even thinking they had the authority to speak to her in a way that made her uncomfortable, was enough to drive him mad.

Why was he doing this? Why was he bringing her home, letting her into his life, even in these small ways? It wasn’t logical, and it certainly wasn’t what he’d planned. But the thought of sending her away now, after what had happened, was unbearable.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he wrestled with the confusing emotions swirling inside him. Sidharth Shukla was a man of control, a man who prided himself on keeping his emotions in check. Yet here he was, unraveling bit by bit, all because of one woman who had somehow managed to slip through the cracks in his carefully constructed walls.

As they drove in silence, with only Vihaan’s happy giggles breaking the quiet, Sidharth knew one thing for certainβ€”things were changing. He just wasn’t sure if he was ready for it, or if he even had a choice anymore.

Sidharth’s mind remained consumed by the image of Arjun’s face, a vision that stubbornly refused to fade. Despite Shehnaaz’s and Sanju’s reassurances, the look in Arjun’s eyes had been anything but friendly. The anger, jealousy, and possessiveness directed towards Shehnaaz were palpable and unsettling, making Sidharth’s blood simmer with frustration.

He couldn’t shake the sense of disturbance that Arjun’s emotions had stirred within him. The intensity of Arjun’s feelings for Shehnaazβ€”feelings that seemed far too deep for mere friendshipβ€”left Sidharth questioning everything he had tried to ignore. The way Arjun had glared at him, as if he had some inherent right to be possessive over Shehnaaz, only exacerbated Sidharth’s turmoil.

The very idea of someone else being protective of Shehnaaz ignited a fire within him, a fire that forced him to confront his own buried emotions. Sidharth had been so adamant about keeping his feelings in check, so determined not to let himself care for her. Yet, the thought of Arjun, or anyone else for that matter, being close to her stirred something raw and primal inside him.

Deep down, he knew why he was taking Shehnaaz home. It wasn’t just about following a plan or sticking to a schedule. It was because he was unsettled by the idea of Arjun being around her, of potentially going home with Sanju and Arjun. The thought of having that guy in close proximity to Shehnaaz was something he found intolerable.

As the car drove through the familiar streets, Sidharth’s mind was a storm of conflicted emotions, his eyes glanced towards shehnaaz every now and then, only to find her lost in vihaan.

________________

Sanju pushed Arjun’s hand off her waist the moment they were far enough from Shehnaaz and Sidharth. Her frustration was palpable as she glared at him. “What the hell were you doing back there?”

Arjun was momentarily taken aback by Sanju’s sudden shift in tone. He rubbed his face with his palms, the sweat on his brow making him even more uncomfortable. “I don’t know. I was caught off guard,” he said, his voice tinged with confusion.

Sanju’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Caught off guard? How many times does this happen with you? You always seem to get caught off guard!”

Her sarcasm cut through Arjun, and he felt a pang of guilt. He knew he couldn’t keep repeating these mistakes. He was hurting Sanju, the one person who had become his solace amidst the turmoil. He had never imagined getting so attached to her, and now he feared losing her because of his own behavior. The sight of Shehnaaz with another man had stirred something inside himβ€”a possessiveness he couldn’t control, despite his best efforts.

“I’m sorry, baby, please. I didn’t mean for that to happen,” Arjun pleaded, his voice softening as he tried to make amends.

Sanju’s frustration boiled over. “Arjun,” she nearly shouted, her voice cracking with exasperation, “you were about to ruin everything today. Do you even understand the gravity of the situation?”

“And I said I’m sorry. It just happened,” Arjun shot back defensively.

Sanju felt a wave of frustration and sadness that made her want to pull her hair out. “One moment, you’re begging me to come back to you, and the next, you’re acting all possessive about Shehnaaz. You’re pushing me away, Arjun. I’m afraid I might lose myself in all this.”

Her voice broke on the last words, the strain evident in her tone. Arjun’s heart ached at the sight of Sanju’s tears. He moved closer, his own guilt mounting as he wiped away the tears that had started to roll down her cheeks. “Baby, please, I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry,” he said, his voice filled with regret. He hated seeing her hurt because of him, and the thought of losing her was more painful than he could bear.

Arjun placed a restless peck on Sanju’s lips, his emotions raw and palpable. He rested his forehead against hers, his voice trembling with a mix of desperation and vulnerability. “I can’t live without you, Sanju. I can’t handle this fight anymore. Please, just one chance, baby. I promise I won’t mess it up this time. Jo tum kahogi, waise hi hoga.”

Sanju looked into his eyes, her own filled with a mixture of frustration and love. She felt the weight of his words, the sincerity in his voice. Despite everything, her heart ached with the same intense love she had always felt for him. The imperfections, the mistakesβ€”none of it could erase the depth of her feelings. With a sigh of resignation, she buried herself in his embrace, giving in to the comfort of his arms.

“Why do you hurt me like that, Arjun?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The hurt in her tone was unmistakable, a reflection of the countless times his actions had left her heartbroken.

Arjun tightened his hold on her, his own heart heavy with guilt and relief. “I’m sorry, baby. Please give me one more chance. I need you. I need you more than anything,” he pleaded, his voice cracking with the weight of his emotions.

Sanju melted into his embrace, her resolve softening. The sincerity in his words, the desperation in his pleaβ€”it all resonated deeply with her. She hugged him tightly, as if holding onto him with all her strength, her own tears mingling with his. She nodded her head in agreement, a silent acknowledgment of her willingness to give their relationship another chance.

Arjun exhaled in a sigh of contentment, his relief palpable as he felt her acceptance. He held her close, feeling a surge of hope that this time, he wouldn’t let her down. He was determined to make things right, to show her that his love was real and enduring. In that moment, he clung to the hope that their love could overcome the mistakes of the past, and that together, they could find a way to rebuild what had been broken.

________________

By the time Sidharth and shehnaaz reached home, vihaan was fast asleep in her lap. Worried, she brushed her hairs through vihaan’s hair as she mumbled sotly to herself, “ye toh so Gaya, Aaj isne thik se khaya bhi nahi.. kitni bhook lagi hogi.. me uska favourite pasta bana kar rakh dungi.. uthega toh bhook lagegi use..” she was blabbering softly to herself unaware that Sidharth’s sharp ear had heard everything while he was parking the car.
Β 
A stupid part of him wanted to eat that pasta too.. God,shut up sidharth. He had no idea what he was going to say at home the reason of bringing her.. things were already messy enough..
Β 
Sidharth gently opened the car door, his eyes briefly meeting Shehnaaz’s as he reached out to take Vihaan from her lap. For a moment, their hands brushed against each other, sending a jolt through him that he quickly tried to ignore. He focused on lifting Vihaan carefully, ensuring the little boy stayed asleep.Β 
Β 
Shehnaaz hesitated before handing Vihaan over, her heart fluttering as their hands touched. She watched as Sidharth cradled Vihaan with such tenderness, a sight that melted her heart. The sight of them together always made her feel a warmth she couldn’t explain, but she kept her thoughts to herself, knowing she was already walking on thin ice.

Sidharth carried a drowsy Vihaan inside, with Shehnaaz trailing behind him, her thoughts swirling in confusion and uncertainty. She had no idea why she was here, and the thought of asking Sidharth felt too daunting. As she followed him, she was lost in her own thoughts and didn’t notice that Sidharth had come to a stop. Her nose bumped into his back, jarring her from her reverie.

Sidharth turned around quickly, concern etched on his face as he checked what had happened. Seeing Shehnaaz rubbing her nose, which was now red from the gentle impact, a soft smile touched his lips despite himself. Her innocent, almost childlike gesture tugged at something deep inside him, making him momentarily forget his frustrations.

Before he could react further, he heard the familiar voices of his mother and Tayi ji approaching. He instinctively looked away, wanting to avoid any awkwardness.

“maa, mujhe bhook lagi hai..” he threw the words softly towards Rita ji. Carrying Vihaan with a practiced ease, he made his way upstairs, his thoughts still partly focused on Shehnaaz.

Hearing him, shehnaaz instantly got restless, ” inhe bhi bhook lahi hai.. par me bina izazat directly kitchen me kaise hau..?” her minds started the chaos.

As he reached the top of the stairs, he glanced back to see Shehnaaz enveloped in the comforting embrace of his mother and Tayi ji. They had both wrapped her in a warm, motherly hug, their affection evident in their gentle touches and reassuring words. Shehnaaz, though slightly stiff at first, seemed to relax into their embrace, her earlier tension easing.

Β The moment, shehnaaz’s eyes finally looked up, he instantly turned and left swiftly.
Β 

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Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for diving into this chapter of our story. As we explore the evolving dynamics between Sidharth and Shehnaaz, it’s clear that their journey is filled with both emotional and tender moments.

This chapter captures the tension and unspoken feelings that often complicate relationships. Sidharth’s possessiveness and Shehnaaz’s quiet resilience reflect the complexity of their bond. We see Sidharth struggling with his emotions, grappling with his own insecurities and protective instincts, while Shehnaaz navigates her own fears and uncertainties.

Sanju and Arjun’s subplot adds another layer of emotional depth, showcasing the struggles of maintaining relationships amidst personal conflicts. Their interactions highlight the fragility of trust and the challenge of reconciling love with past mistakes.

As we move forward, expect more twists and turns that will test our characters’ resolve and reveal the true depth of their connections. Stay tuned for the evolving storylines and the resolutions that await.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey. Your engagement and feedback are greatly appreciated as we unravel these intricate narratives and bring our characters to life.

Thank you for being such amazing readers!

Also, stay tuned for Baarish,Β  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 onΒ Β Wattpad,Β InstagramΒ andΒ YoutubeΒ  for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

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

Β 

93 thoughts on “Chapter 16”

  1. Slowly he’s allowing her to step in his world…wants to maintain one hand distance but another part wants to be close to her, to protect her, possessiveness to kut kut ke bhara pada hai….Abhi Pasta khane ka maan hai…but bolna nahin hai…🀣🀣🀣
    Aur Arjun…Sudhar ja bhai…Sanju and you are made for each other…Unke problems kam hai kya jo aur badha rahe ho…apne relationship pe kam karo bhai…πŸ™ƒ

  2. All emotions of love is now coming out slowly slowly, care protectiveness and main possessiveness r there in Sid’s heart for Sana ❀️❀️Good going waiting for next update ❀️ #storieswithshalaka

    1. Sidharth protecting shehnaaz is so beautifully….but usko shehnaaz main involve bhi nahi hona hain….protect bhi karna hain….uske haat ka khana bhi hain….Too much twists….Really liking the plot….Can’t wait more…jaldi jaldi dedo updates plzz…❀️πŸ₯Ή

  3. ❀️❀️❀️❀️❀️ Pyar hogaya hy Sidharth Tumhe πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°

  4. Ohhh myyy goddd i love this chapter so much literally the best chapter merko bohot acha laga dono ko ese dekh ke❀❀

  5. β™₯️β™₯️β™₯️🫢🏻🫢🏻🫢🏻β™₯️🫢🏻β™₯️β™₯️🫢🏻β™₯️🫢🏻🫢🏻β™₯️β™₯️β™₯️β™₯️

  6. Amazingly written. Sidharth possessiveness is apt. interaction between Vihaan and Shehnaaz is so touching.
    Arjun, hopefully he will act more wisely now.
    Overall too good.
    Looking forward for wedding scenes.

  7. β­β­β­πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šβ­β­πŸ’šβ­β­β­β­β­πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ€”πŸ€­πŸ€­πŸ€­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­

  8. πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ˜‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘Œ

  9. πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ«ΆπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ«Άβ€οΈπŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ«ΆπŸ«ΆπŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ€žπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ«ΆπŸ˜πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ«ΆπŸ«ΆπŸ˜πŸ€žπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ«ΆπŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ€žπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€žπŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ€žπŸ€žπŸ€£πŸ€£πŸ€£πŸ€©β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈπŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žβ€οΈπŸ’žπŸ’ž

  10. πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ’œπŸ’œπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ’œπŸ’šπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ½πŸ’œπŸ‘πŸ½πŸ’œπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ’œπŸ©·πŸ’œπŸ‘

  11. πŸ«ΆπŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»βœŒπŸ½βœŒπŸ½πŸ™πŸ™πŸ€žπŸ½πŸ€žπŸ½πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»βœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈβœŒοΈπŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜βœŒοΈπŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜πŸ‘‰πŸ½πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»βœŒπŸ½πŸ™πŸ™πŸ₯°πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ™βœŒπŸ½πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ‘‰πŸ»πŸ₯°πŸ₯°πŸ‘‰πŸ½

  12. Arjun is such a cartoon and I thought Sanju is more strong that she will make him crawl on his knees but anyways in this serious situation funny bhi kuch honi chahiye hai na

  13. As always very beautiful update Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s love story progressing slowly but steadily aur char Chand lagane ke liye Arjun bhi hai na my favorite one nowadays πŸ˜„

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