Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 19

Sidharth felt a sudden wave of unease when Shehnaaz broke their eye contact. Her gaze slipping away from his made him feel an inexplicable void, as if a crucial part of him had gone missing. It was a sensation that took him by surprise, stirring something deep within. His eyes, almost on their own, kept searching for hers, as if they were tethered to her by some unseen thread, desperate to reconnect with the warmth and comfort that her gaze offered.

Just as he found himself lost in these unfamiliar emotions, Shikhar’s voice cut through the fog in his mind. “Sidharth… woh shagun ka shreephal kaha rakha?” Shikhar asked, nudging him gently, clearly noticing how distracted his friend was. His tone held a hint of concern as he added, “Sidharth, kaha khoya hai? I gave it to you before we got in the car. Remember?”

“Huh? Oh… yeah… maybe it’s in the car,” Sidharth replied, his voice distant, as if he was speaking through a haze. His mind wasn’t fully present; his thoughts were still wrapped around Shehnaaz, clinging to the fleeting connection they’d shared just moments ago. The way she moved, the soft elegance with which she carried herself—it was as though everything else had faded into the background, leaving only her in sharp focus.

Shikhar raised an eyebrow, both amused and concerned by Sidharth’s absent-minded response. He followed the direction of his friend’s gaze and quickly realized what had captivated his attention. Sidharth was utterly lost, his eyes fixed on Shehnaaz with an intensity that made it clear he was oblivious to anything else around him.

A knowing smile crept onto Shikhar’s lips, but he chose not to say anything. He didn’t want to embarrass Sidharth by pointing out how transparent his feelings were at that moment. Instead, Shikhar decided to quietly check the car himself, a sense of satisfaction settling in his heart. He had been worried about Sidharth, seeing him struggle to find joy after everything he’d been through. But now, watching Sidharth’s reaction to Shehnaaz, a glimmer of hope sparked within him. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something that could finally heal his friend’s wounded heart.

As Shikhar walked away, Sidharth didn’t even notice his absence. His entire focus was still on Shehnaaz, who had now turned her attention to Vihaan. The little boy had nestled comfortably in her lap, and she was smiling down at him with such warmth that it made Sidharth’s heart skip a beat. It was a scene that seemed to unfold in slow motion for him; every small movement, every tender expression on Shehnaaz’s face was etched into his mind with crystal clarity.

The sight of her, so full of life and love, stirred something deep inside Sidharth—something he hadn’t felt in a long time. He couldn’t look away from the way Shehnaaz gently cradled Vihaan, her hands tenderly brushing through the boy’s hair as she spoke to him softly. Her face radiated a pure, unguarded joy that Sidharth found both mesmerizing and comforting. It was a rare moment of peace in his otherwise tumultuous life.

For a brief instant, Sidharth found himself caught between two powerful emotions. On one hand, there was a deep, aching longing that tugged at his heart, a yearning to be closer to Shehnaaz, to share in the warmth she so effortlessly exuded. On the other hand, there was a profound sense of calm that washed over him just by watching her interact with Vihaan, a calm that made him feel as if, for the first time in a long while, everything might actually be okay.

He was shaken by the intensity of the emotions surging within him, the almost involuntary pull toward Shehnaaz that seemed to take hold of him without warning. It was as if he was losing control over his own heart, and that realization terrified him. The walls he had carefully built around himself, the ones that had kept him safe from pain and disappointment, now felt fragile and ready to crumble at the slightest touch.

Yet, amidst the fear and confusion, there was an unexpected sense of comfort. It was a strange, almost surreal contentment that he couldn’t fully grasp or explain. Being drawn to Shehnaaz was unsettling, yes, but it also brought with it a warmth that soothed the parts of him he had long ignored. It was like a calm in the middle of a storm, a brief respite that he found himself clinging to, even as he struggled to understand why.

As these conflicting emotions battled within him, Sidharth began to realize that Shehnaaz was quietly becoming the center of his world.

_____________

Rita ji, Madhu ji, and Tayiji were busy helping the pandit ji with the final preparations. “Pandit ji, yeh saari samagri thik hai na?” Rita ji asked, her voice carrying a note of concern as she checked over everything. Tayiji, ever the perfectionist, adjusted the floral decorations, while Madhu ji made sure the diya was burning steadily. The women moved around with focused energy, ensuring every detail was perfect for the ceremony.
 
Sanju and Anu were bustling about, assisting with the arrangements. “Yeh phool idhar rakho,” Sanju instructed as Anu handed her the flowers, her usual playful nature toned down by the importance of the day. Despite the hustle, Sanju couldn’t help but steal glances at Shehnaaz and Vihaan, her heart swelling with happiness for her friend.
 
Finally, the pandit ji signaled for the rituals to begin. 
 
“Daddy, come na!” Vihaan’s excited voice echoed through the temple as he sat comfortably on Shehnaaz’s lap, beaming at Sidharth with pure joy.
 
Shehnaaz’s heart raced. For a fleeting moment, she dared to glance at Sidharth, but the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. It was a look so powerful, so consuming, that she instinctively clutched Vihaan tighter, seeking some comfort in his small presence. Her grip on him was both protective and grounding, as if he was the only thing keeping her steady amidst the storm brewing inside her.
 
Sidharth, on the other hand, was completely unaware of the effect he was having on her. His feet moved of their own accord, each step feeling heavier as he got closer. He didn’t understand this magnetic pull that drew him toward them. All he knew was that in that moment, the sight of Shehnaaz holding Vihaan felt like everything he didn’t know he was longing for.
 
With each step, his thoughts became a whirlwind of confusion and longing. How was it that these two—one who had always been his world and the other who was steadily slipping into it—now seemed like the missing pieces of his life’s puzzle? They fit together so naturally, like they completed him in a way he hadn’t even realized he needed.
 
Shehnaaz felt her breath hitch as Sidharth’s towering presence loomed closer. His eyes held a mixture of emotions she couldn’t quite decipher—yearning, uncertainty, and something deeper, something that both terrified and thrilled her. She looked away again, feeling her cheeks flush under the weight of his gaze.
 
But Sidharth couldn’t tear his eyes away. There was something so right about the way they looked together—like a family. The thought made his heart pound, and a warmth he wasn’t ready to admit washed over him. His steps faltered slightly as he wondered if this was how life was supposed to feel—complete, fulfilling, and maybe even… happy?
 
But happiness was a risky thing, and Sidharth wasn’t sure he deserved it, especially with all the pain in his past. Yet, the sight of Shehnaaz smiling softly at Vihaan, her eyes shimmering with affection, was enough to make him want to believe in it. In them. 
 
As he finally reached them, standing just a breath away, Vihaan giggled and stretched out his tiny arms, wanting both of them close. But Sidharth couldn’t focus on anything but the way Shehnaaz nervously looked down, avoiding his gaze like she couldn’t handle the weight of his feelings. The tension was palpable, and the air between them crackled with unsaid emotions.
 
For a moment, time stood still. Sidharth wanted to reach out, to say something that could ease whatever was weighing so heavily on both their hearts. But words failed him. All that existed was the undeniable truth—no matter how much he tried to resist it, being near her felt like coming home.
 
Finally, the pandit ji signaled for the rituals to begin. “Sidharth beta, Shehnaaz beti, aap dono yahan havan kund ke saamne baith jaaiye.” The words sent a shiver down Sidharth’s spine. He had been dreading this moment, but as he moved toward the sacred fire, his steps felt heavy with conflicting emotions.
 
“Sid, khada kyu hai…?? Beth ja beta… rasme shuru hone wali hai,” Rita ji said, her voice gentle yet firm as she noticed Sidharth standing off to the side, lost in his own thoughts.
 

The sound of her voice brought Sidharth back to reality. He blinked, shaking off the haze of emotions that had been clouding his mind, and turned to look at her. There was a warmth in her eyes, the kind that only someone who truly cared could offer. It was a simple reminder of the moment they were in, the traditions they were about to observe, and the family that surrounded them.

“Oh… haan, maa,” Sidharth replied, managing a small smile as he took a deep breath, trying to center himself. He knew he needed to focus on the ceremony, but the whirlwind of emotions inside him was hard to ignore.

When they finally sat down, side by side, their hands almost brushing, an inexplicable tension hung in the air.

Sidharth felt like the world around him had blurred, leaving only Shehnaaz in sharp focus. Her serene expression, her graceful movements—everything about her captivated him. He didn’t want to feel this way, didn’t want to be affected, but it was impossible to deny. Every time he stole a glance, his resolve crumbled a little more.

The pandit ji began chanting the mantras, and as the sacred flames flickered between them, Sidharth couldn’t help but feel that something more than just a ritual was unfolding. There was a connection forming, delicate but undeniable—a connection that scared him as much as it drew him in.

For Shehnaaz, sitting beside Sidharth brought a mixture of emotions. She knew she was stepping into a role she had only dared to dream about. The proximity, the intensity in his gaze—everything felt like a fragile hope hanging in the air, one that could shatter with a single wrong move.

As they sat there, their hearts spoke in silent words—of fears, of longing, of uncertainties. Neither dared to voice it, but deep down, they both knew that this moment was the beginning of something neither of them could fully comprehend yet.

Vihaan was still comfortably nestled in Shehnaaz’s lap, his little arms wrapped securely around her neck as if he never wanted to let go. His attachment to her was clear in the way he clung to her, finding comfort and safety in her embrace.

“Vihaan, you come here…” Anu gently called out, trying to coax the little boy away so that Shehnaaz and Sidharth could focus on the wedding rituals that were about to begin. But Vihaan, with a determined pout, tightened his hold on Shehnaaz, refusing to budge.

Shehnaaz looked down at Vihaan with a tender smile, her heart swelling with affection for her baby. She could feel his tiny heartbeat against her chest, and it filled her with a warmth that was almost overwhelming. She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Vihaan, be a good boy and go to Anu bua for a while, okay?” Shikhar gently coaxed him, his voice soft and soothing. But Vihaan only tightened his grip around shehnaz’s neck, burying his face in her shoulder with a determined little shake of his head.
 
“No, I want to stay with Sana,” Vihaan mumbled stubbornly, his voice muffled against Shehnaaz’s dupatta. Shehnaaz couldn’t help but smile at his attachment.
 
Sidharth’s eyes remained locked on the two of them, his heart inexplicably heavy. The sight of Vihaan nestled so comfortably in Shehnaaz’s arms stirred something deep within him. It was a mixture of longing, emotions he struggled to reconcile. But more than anything, he was struck by how naturally Shehnaaz fit into this role, showering Vihaan with gentle affection. It was a tenderness he hadn’t seen in a long time, and it shook him to his core.
 
“Let him stay, Anu,” Sidharth finally said, his voice thick with emotion. He didn’t know why he said it, but he couldn’t bear to separate them, not when Vihaan looked so content and Shehnaaz so at peace.
 
Rita ji and Madhu ji exchanged knowing glances as they continued with the wedding preparations, the pandit’s chants filling the air. Sanju and Anu busied themselves helping with the arrangements, ensuring everything was in place.
____________
 

As the rituals began, Sidharth found himself unable to focus on anything else. His eyes were irresistibly drawn back to Shehnaaz, as if an invisible force was pulling him toward her. He couldn’t explain the depth of the connection he felt, but there was something profoundly captivating about the way she held Vihaan, so gently, yet with a strength that spoke of love and protection.

Her eyes, usually so full of life, now flickered with a mix of emotions—tenderness, warmth, and something unspoken that lingered just beneath the surface. It was as if she was silently communicating with Vihaan, reassuring him in a way only a mother could. And though she wasn’t his mother, she cared for him with a devotion that touched Sidharth deeply.

______________

Amidst the rituals, Shehnaaz winced as the diya’s heat stung her fingers. Before she could react, Sidharth’s hand shot forward, grabbing hers with a firmness that startled everyone around. His eyes were wild with concern, and his grip was protective and tense as he examined her fingers for any signs of a burn.
 
“Tumhara dhyan kaha hai?” he scolded, his voice edged with both worry and restlessness. 
 
The sudden outburst left everyone momentarily stunned. Madhu ji, who had rushed forward herself, felt her heart sink at the harshness in Sidharth’s tone. For a moment, her protective instincts flared, and she bristled with the urge to tell him that Shehnaaz was not just anyone—she was Rajender Gill’s daughter, her daughter, and no one had the right to shout at her like that. 
 
But then, as she watched closely, she noticed something else in Sidharth’s eyes: a deep, overwhelming fear, almost as if her pain had struck a nerve in him. His anger was less about frustration and more about his helplessness in seeing her hurt. It was as though the fear of losing someone dear was reflected in his harsh words.
 
Shehnaaz herself was too startled to respond. Her fingers tingled from the touch, but more than the pain, it was Sidharth’s sudden closeness and intensity that made her heart skip a beat. She could see the worry etched on his face, and for a brief moment, her own anxiety melted away. 
 
“Sidharth, relax,” Rita ji finally said, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder. “It’s just a small burn. Let me see, beta,” she added softly, her tone laced with a mixture of concern and subtle authority.
 
Sidharth blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and reluctantly released Shehnaaz’s hand. His expression shifted from anger to confusion as he stepped back, rubbing the back of his neck. “yes.. of course..” he muttered, clearly embarrassed by his reaction.
 
Vihaan, sensing the tension, looked up at his sanu maa with wide eyes. “Sana, you okay?” he asked, his little face scrunched in concern.
 
Shehnaaz’s heart melted at his innocent question. She pulled him closer, planting a kiss on his forehead. “perfectly fine baby..” she said, throwing a quick glance at Sidharth that made his throat tighten.
 

The pandit ji cleared his throat, signaling for everyone to settle back down and continue the rituals. But as Sidharth sat back beside Shehnaaz, his mind was miles away, replaying that brief moment where all he could think about was her safety. He hated how out of control he felt, how one touch from her could make him forget everything else.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was trying to calm the storm in her own heart. Sidharth’s outburst, though harsh, had revealed a crack in his armor—a glimpse of the man who cared, who felt something beyond the walls he had built. 

As they resumed their positions by the havan kund, there was a tension in the air, an unspoken connection that neither could deny. For now, they both tried to push it aside, but deep down, they knew that something had shifted—something that neither of them could fully control anymore.

As the rituals continued, Sidharth’s restlessness grew with each passing second. Shehnaaz sat beside him, Vihaan still nestled comfortably in her lap, and Sidharth couldn’t help but be acutely aware of every little thing she did. His eyes caught the way she carefully kept Vihaan’s tiny hands and feet away from the diya, her protective instincts making sure the child wouldn’t get hurt. It was such a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes about her nurturing nature.

Sidharth felt a strange ache in his heart as he watched her. There was something about the way Shehnaaz cared, so naturally, so selflessly, that made him long for that same attention, that same tenderness. It wasn’t just about Vihaan—though he was grateful beyond words for how much she cared for his son—but it was also about himself. For a fleeting moment, his heart yearned for that care too. He wanted to be the one she worried about, the one she looked after with that same gentle concern.

It was a longing he didn’t fully understand, and it only added to his restlessness. The calm she brought to Vihaan, the way she eased the child’s fears and made him feel safe, it was something Sidharth found himself craving. It was as if only Shehnaaz had the power to soothe the storm inside him, to quiet the unease that had settled in his heart.

The pandit’s voice cut through his thoughts, calling his name and bringing him back to the present moment. “Sidharth beta, apna haath aage badhao,” the pandit instructed, his tone firm but kind. Sidharth extended his hand as told, though his mind was still half-occupied with the emotions swirling inside him.

When the pandit ji asked Shehnaaz to place her hand over his, he couldn’t ignore the sudden jolt that ran through him at the contact. 
 

The moment their skin touched, Sidharth felt an invisible spark surge through him, a sensation so subtle yet profoundly powerful that it left him momentarily breathless. The touch was delicate, almost feather-light, but it carried a force that shook him to his core, stirring emotions he had tried so hard to suppress. His breath hitched involuntarily, his palm trembling ever so slightly as the warmth of her skin melded with his. It was such a simple gesture, yet it unleashed a flood of emotions that he wasn’t prepared for.

Sidharth’s mind raced, trying to process the intensity of what he was feeling. Her touch, though gentle, was like an anchor that bound him to her in ways he couldn’t fully comprehend. It was as if all the defenses he had built around his heart were crumbling, leaving him vulnerable, exposed to the overwhelming tide of emotions that came with being close to her. He was keenly aware of how much Shehnaaz affected him, how her presence alone could unravel him, and the realization both thrilled and unnerved him.

Across from him, Shehnaaz was fighting her own internal battle. The moment her hand touched his, she felt the tension in his grip, the way his touch was both cautious and yearning, as if he too was struggling with emotions he couldn’t quite control. The contact made her pulse race, bringing back all the feelings she had tried so hard to bury deep within herself.

She had told herself time and again that she needed to stay strong, that she couldn’t let her emotions get the better of her, but being this close to Sidharth, feeling the warmth of his hand against hers, made it nearly impossible to keep those emotions in check. The connection they shared in that moment was undeniable, and it stirred something deep inside her, something she had tried to ignore for so long.

Shehnaaz’s heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the struggle within her. She could sense the conflict in Sidharth too, the way he seemed to be battling the same emotions that were threatening to overwhelm her. It w

as a silent understanding between them, a shared recognition of the unspoken bond that had formed, binding them together in ways neither of them could explain.

Anu came forward to tie their knot together, she teased lightly, “Ab toh aap dono officially bandhe gaye ho ek dusre se.”
 
The comment, though meant in teasing, struck a chord in Sidharth. The knot felt more than just a ritual—it felt like a tie he couldn’t break, even if he wanted to.
 
As Anu tied the knot between Sidharth’s sherwani scarf and Shehnaaz’s dupatta, a rush of conflicting emotions surged through him. The knot symbolized their union, a bond that was being tied in front of everyone—but it felt more than symbolic to Sidharth. It felt real, binding, as if it was sealing a promise he wasn’t sure he could fully grasp. 
 
A sense of protectiveness welled up within him—an instinctive need to shield her, to keep her safe. But it wasn’t just that. It was also the realization that, despite everything, a part of him wanted this. He wanted her to be tied to him, to belong to him in a way that went beyond rituals. He wanted to be the one she leaned on, the one she looked to for care and safety.
 
He was still lost in this torrent of feelings when the pandit ji instructed them to proceed with the next ritual. Sidharth was barely aware of what was happening; his mind was too focused on the weight of Shehnaaz’s hand in his, the soft rhythm of her breathing, and the knot that now physically connected them.
 
The sense of togetherness that had struck him earlier only grew stronger, making him feel a fierce determination to protect what was his. He knew he was walking into something far deeper than he’d anticipated. And as much as he tried to resist it, a part of him—the part that longed for peace, for completeness—was ready to surrender to this bond.
 ____________
 
Madhu ji and Rita ji were smiling as the rituals continued, occasionally sending glances at the couple. “Sidharth ko toh lagta hai bas usi ka hosh hai,” Rita ji whispered to Madhu ji, who nodded with a knowing smile.
 
In the middle of the chanting and rituals, Sidharth’s thoughts raced, “Yeh sab kahan jaa raha hai? Kyun main yeh sab kuch badal nahi pa raha?”
 
Shehnaaz, feeling the intensity of his gaze, dared to meet his eyes once more, and for a moment, they were lost in each other again. Both struggling with thoughts they couldn’t voice—thoughts of longing, fear, and a strange sense of completion neither could fully comprehend.
______________
Sidharth’s heart pounded as he held the mangalsutra in his trembling fingers. The cool metal felt heavy, as if it carried all the weight of his uncertainties, fears, and unresolved emotions. He stared at it, knowing this moment would seal their bond, one that he wasn’t sure he was fully ready for.
 
Rita ji noticed how lost he was, his hesitation evident in his every movement. “Pehna de, Sid…” she gently urged him, her voice calm but filled with concern. The words pulled him out of his thoughts, but his heart still raced.
 
Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with emotions of her own. Her love for Sidharth had been beyond her understanding, and now, as she sat before him, her heart brimmed with silent prayers. This was the moment she had dreamt of—becoming his, not just in name, but in every way that mattered.
 
As she looked at him, her eyes shone with unshed tears, but they were tears of happiness. “Main sirf unki hun… zindagi bhar ke liye,” her heart whispered. She wondered if he could sense her unspoken vow, if somewhere in his heart he could hear her.
 
Sidharth’s gaze finally lifted, and his eyes met hers. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her face was a mixture of nervous anticipation and pure, unfiltered love. The depth of her feelings was reflected in her eyes—eyes that spoke a thousand words even in silence. Sidharth felt something tug at his heart, something beyond his control.
 
With a deep breath, he leaned forward, his fingers brushing against her soft skin as he lifted the mangalsutra. The moment was charged with unspoken emotions, and both of them felt the gravity of it. As he carefully tied the sacred thread around her neck, the world around them seemed to blur.
 
Shehnaaz’s heart thudded against her chest as she felt the cool beads touch her skin, marking her as his. Her breath hitched, and she silently rejoiced.
 
For Sidharth, the act was more than just a ritual. It was a realization, a stark reminder that they were now bound together, whether he liked it or not. He could no longer ignore the pull he felt toward her, the way his heart reacted every time she was near.
 
Their eyes met again, and something shifted between them—a quiet acknowledgment of the bond they were now tied into. Sidharth’s heart was still conflicted, but in that moment, he couldn’t deny the magnetic connection that drew him to her. She had become more than just the mother of his child; she was now his partner, bound by a sacred vow.
 
The ceremony continued, but for Sidharth and Shehnaaz, the world seemed to fade into the background. All that mattered was this new, fragile connection—one that held the potential to change everything.
 
Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat as Pandit ji handed him the small container of vermillion. His fingers shook slightly as he took it. The bright red powder symbolized more than just a ritual; it was a commitment, a sign of belonging, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of it seemed overwhelming.
 
for a moment, payal’s blood filled mang flashed in front of his eyes, shaking him inside out.
 
“Dulhan ki maang bhar do, beta,” Pandit ji’s words echoed again, urging him forward.
 
Shehnaaz closed her eyes as she felt his presence inch closer. Her heart pounded louder than ever, each beat filled with hope, love, and silent prayers. This was the moment she had longed for—a moment where she would finally be his in the truest sense.
 
Sidharth’s gaze softened as he watched her. The way her eyes fluttered shut, the anticipation written on her face—it all stirred something deep within him. Despite all his fears and uncertainties, he couldn’t deny how deeply she affected him. 
 
His hand trembled as he pinched some vermillion and carefully reached toward her forehead. As the powder touched her skin, his fingers brushed against her forehead, sending a jolt through both of them. The connection was electric, as if they were bound by something more powerful than just the ritual.
 
Shehnaaz’s breath hitched. The cool sensation of the vermillion settling in her hairline sent a shiver down her spine. She could feel the love and warmth in his hesitant touch, even if he didn’t realize it himself. Her heart whispered softly again, “Main sirf aap ki hun… sirf aap ki..”
 
Sidharth’s gaze remained locked on her. The moment felt surreal—like something out of a dream, yet so real that it left him rattled. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, mesmerized by how complete she looked with the sindoor marking her as his wife.
 
For Sidharth, everything blurred into insignificance—the people around them, the world outside—nothing mattered more than this woman sitting before him, the woman who was now bound to him in every way possible. A strange mix of emotions welled up inside him, feelings he didn’t quite understand but couldn’t deny.
 
As she slowly opened her eyes, they met his once again. There was an unspeakable connection in that gaze—an understanding, a promise, a silent acknowledgment of everything they’d been through and everything that was yet to come.
 
The world moved around them as the ceremony continued, but for those few seconds, it was just the two of them—bound not just by rituals but by something deeper, something undeniable.
 
Finally, as the chants resumed, Sidharth let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. He was still conflicted, still unsure, but there was no running away from what his heart was telling him in that very moment.
________________

“Phereon ke liye khade ho jayiye,” Pandit ji instructed, his voice steady as he poured some ghee into the havan kund, the flames flickering in response.

Sidharth, still lost in the swirl of emotions from their earlier touch, stood up almost automatically, his mind still reeling from the intensity of what he had just felt. He glanced at Shehnaaz, who was gently helping Vihaan to his feet. 

Shehnaaz carefully guided Vihaan to stand, her focus solely on making sure he was steady. Once Vihaan was on his feet, she began to rise herself, but the long fabric of her ghagra caught under her foot. Before she could react, she felt herself losing balance, the world tilting as she started to trip.

In an instant, Sidharth’s instincts took over. Seeing her stumble, he reached out without a second thought, his hand shooting forward to catch her. His strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to him before she could fall. Her heart raced, and for a moment, everything else faded—the sounds of the ceremony, the murmur of family, even the flames crackling in the havan kund.

Shehnaaz gasped softly, her hands clutching onto his sherwani for balance.

The warmth of Sidharth’s hand on her waist sent a shiver down Shehnaaz’s spine, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the strength in his grip, the protective way he held her, as if he wouldn’t let anything harm her. It was more than just a reflex; it was a silent promise, a reassurance that he would always be there to catch her if she fell.

Their eyes locked for a moment, a thousand emotions passing between them in the span of a heartbeat. Sidharth’s gaze was intense, filled with concern and something else—something deeper that neither of them dared to name. Shehnaaz’s breath hitched, her pulse quickening as she tried to steady herself, both physically and emotionally.

Sidharth’s eyes darkened with concern, a mix of irritation and something deeper. “Tumhara dhyan kaha hai?” he muttered softly, his voice rough with worry as he helped her steady herself. His protective instinct took over, and despite everything, he couldn’t bear the thought of her getting hurt, no matter how much he tried to distance himself from the growing connection between them.
 
Shehnaaz’s cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and happiness. “Sorry,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she adjusted her lehenga, her heart still thumping wildly from both the near fall and the proximity to him.
 
Madhu ji and the others watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and tenderness.
 
The pandit ji cleared his throat, bringing them back to the present. “Aap dono pheron ke liye tayaar ho jayiye.”
 
Shehnaaz’s heart fluttered at those words, realizing how significant this moment was. Her dreams of walking these seven sacred steps with Sidharth were finally coming true. She sent a silent prayer of gratitude, promising herself that she would cherish this bond, no matter the circumstances.
 
Sidharth, on the other hand, couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease mixed with something else—a reluctant desire to keep her close, to shield her. He glanced at the knot binding them together, a symbolic tie that now felt more real than ever.
 
As they took their positions, Sidharth couldn’t help but look at her again. Her focus was on the havan kund, her eyes filled with quiet determination and love. There was something serene about her presence that tugged at his heart, making him question his own emotions.
 
Sidharth’s grip on Shehnaaz’s hand was firm and protective, his fingers wrapped securely around hers as they began the pheras. He didn’t let go of her hand, not even when she was back on her feet. There was a sense of possessiveness in the way he held her hand, as if letting go meant losing something precious.
 
Shehnaaz felt like she was floating in a dream, her heart racing faster with each step they took. The warmth of his hand seeped into hers, grounding her, yet making her feel as light as air. Her eyes kept drifting down to their connected hands, unable to focus on anything else. This moment felt surreal—like a delicate bubble she was afraid would burst if she dared to think too much.
 
With the pandit ji guiding them, they began their walk around the sacred fire, the world shrinking down to just the two of them. Each step felt heavier, not with doubt, but with the weight of the vows they were taking—vows that would bind them for life.
 
As Sidharth took the first step, Shehnaaz couldn’t hold back the overwhelming emotions rushing through her. Her eyes misted as she mumbled softly to herself, words that she wished he could hear, words that held the promise of her heart.
 
“Main zindagi bhar aap se beintehaa pyaar karungi… aap ka khayal rakhungi…” she whispered, her voice filled with unspoken devotion.
 
Her gaze was locked on their connected hands as they moved forward. Every step felt like a vow, a silent promise she was making not just to him, but to herself. The words echoed in her heart, sinking deep into her soul. She wanted to love him endlessly, to care for him in every possible way, even if he didn’t feel the same.
 
Sidharth’s steps were steady, but there was a storm within him that he couldn’t ignore. He didn’t hear her words, but he felt something shift in the air, a warmth that wrapped around him, almost as if her silent prayers reached out and touched his heart. He glanced at her briefly, and her gentle expression sent a ripple through him.
 
For a moment, he wondered what she was thinking, what was going through her mind as they walked together around the sacred fire. There was a calmness on her face, but also a quiet determination, a strength he couldn’t help but admire.
 
For Sidharth, each step was a mix of conflicting emotions—responsibility, care, and an undeniable attraction that he kept trying to push aside but couldn’t. For Shehnaaz, it was pure bliss; every step brought her closer to the life she had dreamed of—a life with him and Vihaan.
 
As Sidharth took the next step, Shehnaaz’s heart swelled with emotion. Her voice trembled as she whispered softly to herself, words that carried the weight of her deepest vows.
 
“Khud se pehle aap ko aur Vihaan ko rakhungi… Vihaan ko aur aap ko kabhi akela nahi padne dungi,” she promised, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination.
 
With every word, she was binding herself to them, silently vowing to be their strength, their comfort, their safe haven. She imagined a life where she would always stand by their side, ensuring they never felt lonely, never lacked love. Her love for Vihaan was pure and unconditional, and her affection for Sidharth—despite all the challenges—ran deeper than she could ever express.
 
Sidharth, though focused on the rituals, couldn’t ignore the warmth radiating from her presence. Her touch was gentle, but it carried a promise, a promise he felt even though he didn’t fully understand it. There was a softness in her eyes, a quiet commitment that tugged at something buried deep within him.
 
He glanced down at their joined hands, feeling a mix of emotions—restlessness, confusion, but also a strange sense of peace. The way she held onto Vihaan, her every gesture full of care and love, only added to the storm in his chest. 
 
He wanted to block out the pull she had over him, but it was becoming impossible. The invisible thread connecting them was growing stronger with each step they took around the sacred fire.
 
Shehnaaz’s thoughts remained fixed on her silent promises. She had always loved them both selflessly, and now, she was ready to dedicate her entire being to them. Even if Sidharth never truly accepted her, even if she had to fight through his walls of resistance, she was determined to be the one who always stood beside him and Vihaan.
 
The pheras continued, but for Shehnaaz, they were more than just rituals. They were the foundation of the life she envisioned—a life where she belonged to Sidharth and Vihaan, where she would cherish them and protect them with all her heart.
 
And while Sidharth might not have known the exact words whispered in her heart, he could sense the intensity of her emotions. The silent promises she made wrapped around him like an unseen force, and as much as he tried to resist, a part of him couldn’t help but be drawn closer to her.
 
Their journey together was only beginning, and even if neither of them fully understood what lay ahead, something told them both that they were meant to face it together, side by side.
 
………
As Sidharth led her through another step, Shehnaaz’s heart whispered a truth she had long accepted but never voiced aloud. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but they were not of sorrow—they were tears of quiet resolve.
 
“Aap mere kabhi nahi ho sakte,” she murmured so softly that only she could hear, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. “Par sirf aap ki rahungi… chahe kitni bhi mushkile aaye… main haar nahi manungi.”
 
She knew this was her reality. No matter how distant or unyielding Sidharth remained, her love for him was unwavering, and her dedication to him and Vihaan was absolute. She was prepared to face whatever challenges life threw at her, no matter how difficult or painful. Sidharth might never fully belong to her heart, but she had already surrendered herself to him. In her heart, she was bound to him forever.
 
Sidharth sensed the shift in her energy, a subtle determination that seemed to radiate from her with every step they took. Her presence, her resilience—it was all becoming impossible to ignore. Despite everything he had tried to convince himself of, there was no denying the connection that pulled them together, no matter how much he resisted it.
 
Her whispered vow remained unspoken to anyone but herself, yet it carried a strength that wrapped around both of them like an invisible promise. She was ready to fight for them, even if he couldn’t see it yet.
……..
As Sidharth guided her through the another phera, Shehnaaz’s voice, barely more than a whisper, carried a depth of emotion that seemed to fill the space between them.
 
“Har mushkil ghadi mein aapka saath dungi… Bahut zyada pyar karti hoon main aapse… aur Vihaan se…”
 
Each step they took was a testament to her unwavering commitment. Her words were a promise to stand by him through every hardship, a pledge of love that extended beyond mere words. It was her way of ensuring that despite any difficulties, she would be there, supporting him and their child with a love that was both fierce and tender.
 
Sidharth’s grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly, as if he was trying to anchor himself in the sincerity of her vow. The weight of her commitment settled over him, mingling with the emotions he had struggled to keep at bay. As they continued their journey around the havan kund, the significance of their union became more tangible, and the space between them seemed to diminish, if only slightly.
………..
As they moved to the next step of the phera, Shehnaaz’s eyes glistened with emotion. Her voice was soft, but each word was filled with sincerity and hope.
 
“Apke pure parivar ko khushi dungi… Aap please mujhse nafrat mat karna…”
 
Sidharth’s heart clenched at her teary eyes. Her plea was not just a request but a reflection of her deepest fears and desires. She was asking him not to let any resentment or past grievances overshadow their future together. Her commitment to bring happiness to his family, and her plea for acceptance, were heartfelt and raw.
 
He looked into
her eyes, trying to decipher the layers of emotion they held. The vulnerability in her gaze, the earnestness of her promise, and the gentle tremor in her voice made him question his own resolve. As they continued with the rituals, the weight of her words lingered, mingling with the complexity of his own feelings.
……,.
As they completed the pheras, Shehnaaz’s voice trembled with emotion. She looked up at Sidharth, her eyes pleading.
 
“Zindagi me sirf ek pal ke liye hi sahi… Aap mujhe apna lena… Mere liye utna bhi kafi hoga…”
 
Her words, laden with hope and vulnerability, echoed in the silence. She was asking for a moment of acceptance, a glimpse of affection, even if just for a brief instant. It was a heartly request that captured her longing for connection and her deep love for him. 
 
Sidharth felt a sharp pang in his heart. The sincerity in her eyes, the intensity of her feelings, and the fragile hope in her hazels made him question his own feelings and decisions. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as he struggled with the weight of her request and the profound emotions it stirred within him.
 
The pandit ji’s chants faded into the background for both of them. It was just the two of them now, taking one step after another around the sacred fire. Sidharth’s movements were deliberate, his mind clouded with thoughts he couldn’t fully grasp. He wasn’t sure why he felt this intense need to keep her close, but he couldn’t let go. The connection between them felt magnetic, beyond his control.
 
Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Her heart swelled with a bittersweet happiness. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, but never imagined it would feel this intense. She could hardly breathe, her gaze fixed on their hands as if they held the key to her entire world.
 
Sidharth’s heart raced as he felt her hand tremble slightly in his grasp. A wave of concern washed over him. Was she upset? Was she crying? Was she unhappy? 
 
The tremor in her hand made him question everything he had been trying to push away. Her soft, shaky voice echoed in his mind, and he could see the vulnerability in her eyes. 
 
As they finally sat down after the pheras, Sidharth found himself still holding onto her hand, reluctant to break the connection. There was a comfort in that simple touch, a strange sense of belonging he hadn’t expected. For a fleeting second, his thumb brushed against her knuckles, an unconscious gesture of reassurance—one that sent a shiver down Shehnaaz’s spine. She glanced up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of wonder and vulnerability.
 
Sidharth caught her gaze and for a moment, everything else vanished. There was no confusion, no inner conflict—just the overwhelming need to protect her, to keep her close. He didn’t have the answers to what this bond between them truly meant, but he wasn’t ready to question it either. Not yet.
 
And for Shehnaaz, it was all she ever wanted—to feel cherished, even if just through the brush of his hand against hers.
____________
 
 

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for following Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s journey. In this chapter, we delve into their growing connection, highlighted by a simple yet profound moment of touch during the rituals. This moment captures their internal struggles and deepening bond, setting the stage for what’s to come.

I hope you find their evolving relationship as engaging and emotional as I do. Your support and feedback mean a lot as we continue to explore their story.

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

________________

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Chapter 18
Chapter 20

58 thoughts on “Chapter 19”

    1. Ashmita

      Exactly…….I felt like I was reading the exact same line again and again and not just in this chapter…..but in nearly all the last 3-4 chapters.

      Reply
  24. Anonymous

    It’s nice but please write more dialogues. it’s too much dragged. Chapter lamba ho jata hai but it’s something boring

    Reply
  25. Anonymous

    It’s nice but please write more dialogues. it’s too much dragged and repeated.chapter lamba ho jata hai but it’s something boring.

    Reply

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