Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 20

After what felt like an eternity of moving around the sacred fire, the ceremony finally reached its climax. The soft murmurs of prayers from Pandit ji filled the air, and the fragrance of flowers mingled with the smoke from the havan, creating an atmosphere heavy with tradition and the weight of generations. Pandit ji, with a solemn expression, signaled Sidharth and Shehnaaz to sit down for the final ritual.

“Beta, ab aap dono baith jaiye,” Pandit ji instructed gently, his voice carrying the weight of the sacred rites that were about to be completed. “Antim rasm baki hai..”

Sidharth and Shehnaaz lowered themselves to the ground, their movements almost synchronized, as if they were already attuned to each other’s presence. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, a thousand unspoken words passed between them. The gravity of the moment settled over them like a blanket, warm but suffocating, as they prepared for the final rites that would bind them together for life.

They sat side by side, their shoulders almost touching, the reality of their union beginning to sink in. The air was thick with anticipation, and even the quiet whispers of the guests seemed to fade into the background. Sidharth’s mind raced as he glanced at Shehnaaz, her face a mixture of calmness and nervous energy. The ceremony had reached its conclusion, but the weight of the vows they had exchanged moments ago was only beginning to make itself known.

Pandit ji’s voice broke through Sidharth’s thoughts as he instructed them to hold each other’s hands and exchange their final vows. “Sidharth, aap apna  hath aage layiye, au shehnaaz, aap apna hath unke hath me rakhe..” Pandit ji said, his tone both guiding and reassuring.

Sidharth hesitated for just a fraction of a second before he reached out, his hand trembling slightly as it touched Shehnaaz’s. Her hand, soft and warm, seemed to anchor him in the moment.

Pandit ji put some rice and a flower in shehnaaz’s palm, “ise havan kund me baha dijiye..”

Sidharth looked into her eyes as they completed the ritual. But what he saw there took his breath away—hope, vulnerability, and a depth of emotion that mirrored his own uncertainty.

Sidharth’s mind raced with conflicting emotions. The ceremony had been difficult, but the intimacy of it, the shared moments, and Shehnaaz’s heartfelt promises stirred something deep within him. He had thought this day would be purely challenging, yet it felt oddly fulfilling, bringing a sense of closure and a new beginning.
 
Shehnaaz, too, was caught in the whirlwind of her thoughts. The vows she had made, the promises of unwavering support and love, seemed to echo in her mind. She had imagined this day for so long, and now that it was here, the reality was both exhilarating and surreal.
 
As they looked at each other, a silent understanding passed between them. They had embarked on this journey together, and despite the uncertainties, they were bound by the shared promise of a new beginning.
______________

As the evening began to wind down and the wedding celebrations slowly gave way to the quiet of the night, Anu and Shikhar found themselves standing a little apart from the crowd. The soft glow of the fairy lights that decorated the venue cast a warm, golden hue over everything, adding a sense of magic to the moment. Anu glanced around, making sure no one was nearby to overhear their conversation. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, with everything finally settling down, she felt the weight of it all.

“Shikhar, today was… overwhelming. mujhe laga nahi tha hum ye din dekhenge.” Anu said, her voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and contentment. Her eyes reflected the emotions of the day—the joy of seeing her dear friends finally united, but also the lingering uncertainties that such a monumental day brings.

Shikhar nodded, his gaze fixed on her. “It really was. It’s hard to believe it’s all over now. Sidharth and Shehnaaz will be happy together.” he replied, a soft smile playing on his lips as he recalled the ceremony. 

Anu sighed, her thoughts momentarily drifting to the newlyweds. “Yes, and they deserve all the happiness. I just hope everything works out for them,” she murmured, her voice betraying a hint of worry. Despite the joy of the day, there was always that small, nagging fear that life could be unpredictable.

Shikhar turned to look at her, his eyes filled with a quiet confidence. “It will, Anu. ye unki zindagi hai.. they will find a way to each othr. I am sure of it..” he said, his tone firm yet gentle, trying to reassure her. He understood her concerns, but he also believed in the strength of Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s bond.

Anu nodded, though a shadow of doubt lingered in her expression. “vihaan bahot khush hai.. par aaj ye sab rasme.. payal bhabhi ki yaad aa gayi..” she confessed, her voice softening as she looked away, lost in her thoughts. They had seen too much of life to believe in perfect endings, yet she couldn’t help but wish for one.

Without thinking, Shikhar reached out and gently touched her hand, his fingers warm against hers. The simple gesture sent a flutter through her heart. “Nothing is ever perfect, Anu. But we make the best of what we have,” he said, wanting to take Anu in his arms but couldn’t in front of everyone. he decoded to make it official soon..

____________

As the wedding celebration unfolded around them, Madhu ji stood quietly to the side, her eyes following every move of her daughter, Shehnaaz. The sight of her daughter dressed as a bride brought a rush of emotions that she struggled to contain. It was a day she had dreamed of for so long, but now that it was here, the mix of pride and sorrow was overwhelming.

Sanju noticed Madhu ji standing alone and approached her with a gentle smile. “Aunty, are you okay?” she asked softly, sensing the emotions swirling within her.

Madhu ji turned to Sanju, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Sanju, Seeing Sana like this… it’s a lot to take in.. woh khush toh rahegi na?”

Sanju nodded, understanding the depth of what Madhu ji was feeling. “sana ki khushi vihaa aur sidharth me hi hai.. woh humesha khush rahegi dekhna aap.”

Madhu ji sighed deeply, her gaze drifting back to Shehnaaz, “usne bahot saha etni chhotisi umra me..” she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. “I just wish Raj could have been here to see this… to be part of this moment for her..”

Sanju’s heart ached at the mention of Sana’s father. She knew how much his absence weighed on Madhu ji. and sana, “uncle filhal gussa hai sana se.. par jyada din nahi reh payenge..”

Tears she had been holding back began to fall. “Raj kabhi khud ko maaf nahi kar payenge..” she choked out, her voice trembling. “woh sana ki shadi nahi dekh paye..”

Sanju placed a comforting hand on Madhu ji’s arm. “aap please aise upset mat ho.. sana dekhegi toh pareshan ho jayegi..”

Madhu ji nodded through her tears, her heart aching with both pride and longing. “I hope he will see her someday.. and know how amazing she’s turned out. How much love she’s brought into our lives.”

Sanju nodded, her own eyes misting over as she looked at her best friend. “She’s truly amazing, Aunty. And a big part of that is because of you and everything you’ve done for her.”

Madhu ji took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Sana ko bas sidharth ka pyar mil jaye..”

Sanju squeezed Madhu ji’s hand gently. “milega.. sidharth aur sana me ek  weird chemistry hai…”

Madhu ji wiped away her tears, a soft smile spreading across her face. “Thank you, beta. It’s just… this day is filled with so many emotions. But seeing Sana happy, seeing her start this new chapter… it makes everything worth it.”

Sanju smiled warmly at Madhu ji, her own heart filled with love and gratitude for the woman who had always been there for her best friend. “She’s lucky to have you, Aunty. And so am I.”

Madhu ji hugged Sanju tightly, drawing strength from the young woman’s support. “Thank you, Sanju. For being there for Sana, always.”

____________

Pandit ji’s words hung heavy in the air: “Dulhan ke maa baap baith jayiye… kanyadan ki rasm ke liye.”
 
Shehnaaz’s heart clenched as she bit down on her lower lip, trying desperately to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. Her eyes darted to her mother, who stood there with moist eyes, ready to fulfill the most cherished dream of a parent—giving away her daughter in marriage. But deep down, the void left by her father’s absence felt like a weight she couldn’t shake. He didn’t even know she was getting married today.
 
Sidharth could sense it—her tears, her sorrow, and the heaviness she was carrying. It gnawed at him, making his own heart pound with a restless ache he didn’t know how to soothe. He never imagined he would be so deeply affected by her emotions, but today, her pain felt like his own.
 
Madhu ji, too, was struggling to hold herself together. The tears she fought back eventually slipped down her cheeks as she thought of Rajender ji. This was supposed to be the happiest day for them, the moment they had dreamed. But now, that joy was tinged with an undeniable sadness. Rajender wasn’t there to witness their little girl’s big moment.
 
Madhu ji took a deep breath, steadying herself before she spoke, “Shehnaaz ko maine hamesha apni beti jaisa maana hai… toh main kanyadan ki rasm poori karna chahti hoon.” Her voice was firm yet laced with emotion as she made her decision clear.
 
Saying so, she sat down in the designated place to start the rituals. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken feelings. Shehnaaz’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her mother, who gently shook her head, silently telling her not to cry. Her gaze seemed to say, “Your father will forgive you, and I’ll make sure you two are reunited soon.” 
 
Shehnaaz nodded softly, trying to hold back her tears, but her eyes fell on the chuda adorning her wrists. The joy of the wedding was overshadowed by the ache in her heart, knowing her father wasn’t there.
 
Sidharth’s chest tightened seeing her this way. He felt like he needed to do something, anything, to take away that sadness.
 
Before Sidharth could act out of sudden, Vihaan, who had gone to make a run around the havan kund, came running to Shehnaaz and climbed back into her lap, wiping away her tears with his tiny hands. “Maa is sad?” he asked, his innocent voice filled with concern.
 
“No, baby,” Shehnaaz replied quickly, forcing a bright smile as she wrapped her arms around him. “Maa is not sad… Maa is so happy… Maa will never leave Vihaan now.”
 
Her words were both a promise and a comfort, not just to Vihaan but to herself. She buried her face in his small shoulder, holding him close as if he was her anchor amidst the emotional storm she was weathering. 
 
Sidharth couldn’t take his eyes off them. The way she hugged Vihaan with such tenderness, the way she tried to mask her sorrow for his sake—it tugged at something deep within him. She had this quiet strength, this unwavering love that made him feel both drawn to her and guilty for all the walls he had built between them.
 
Madhu ji’s voice broke through the silence as she signaled the pandit ji to continue with the kanyadan rituals.
 
Vihaan’s innocent plea took Shehnaaz by surprise, his little voice filled with a mix of hope and fear. “You promise, you never leave Vihaan and Daddy?” he asked, his eyes wide and searching hers for reassurance. 
 
Shehnaaz’s breath caught in her throat. She had promised herself she would protect Vihaan and never let him feel lonely, but hearing him include Sidharth in that wish—it was overwhelming. She didn’t miss the way Sidharth suddenly tightened his hold on the edge, his body going tense as if bracing himself for her response. 
 
This was the first time Vihaan had ever expressed something like this—something that united them as a family. It was a small yet profound moment, one that left everyone around them affected. Rita ji and Tayiji exchanged glances, their eyes glistening with unshed tears, while Anu and Shikhar shared a look of surprise mixed with warmth. 
 
Sidharth, against every wall he had built, found himself holding his breath, waiting for Shehnaaz’s answer. He had tried to convince himself that this marriage was just an arrangement, something they were doing for Vihaan and the family. But in that moment, his heart betrayed him, yearning for her response more than he’d ever admit.
 
With a deep breath, Shehnaaz looked straight into Vihaan’s innocent eyes, pouring all her love and sincerity into her words. “Never,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, “Maa will never leave Vihaan… and Daddy.”
 
Sidharth’s heart thudded in his chest. Her words struck something deep inside him. He watched as Shehnaaz pulled Vihaan closer, wrapping him in a protective embrace, as if sealing her promise with her love.
 
Sidharth could feel his resistance cracking bit by bit. This wasn’t just a ritual anymore. It was a bond—one that was slowly forming, weaving them together in ways he hadn’t expected.
 
In that moment, as Shehnaaz held Vihaan and gently wiped his cheeks, it became clear—she wasn’t just making a promise to the child. She was silently making a promise to Sidharth too, a promise to stand by them no matter what, no matter how difficult things got.
 
And for Sidharth, hearing that “never” was like a lifeline. Even if he couldn’t fully admit it yet, a part of him wanted to believe in her words, to believe that she wouldn’t leave him… that she would stay.
 

Pandit ji, sensing the mix of emotions between the couple, offered a final blessing. “Bhagwan aap dono ko hamesha khush rakhein aur aapke jeevan mein sukh shanti banaye rakhein. Aaj se aap dono ek ho gaye hain, yeh yaad rakhiye.”

As they looked at each other, a silent understanding passed between them. They were embarking on this journey together, and despite the uncertainties, they were bound by the shared promise of a new beginning. The road ahead was unknown, and both of them carried the scars of their past, but in this moment, as the ceremony drew to a close, they were united in their resolve to face whatever came next—together.

_____________

The wedding rituals had concluded, and Sidharth and Shehnaaz were now officially husband and wife. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of joy and a sense of contentment as everyone began to settle down after the ceremony.

“Varsha aur Nakul dada, aap dono pehle jaake plate setup lagado,” instructed Anu with a gentle smile.

“Ji didi,” Varsha and Nakul responded promptly, gathering the plates, glasses, and bowls before heading to their respective areas to set up.

Pandit ji was the first to be offered the Prasad, served graciously by Shehnaaz. He accepted it with a warm smile, blessing the couple and the family.

Meanwhile, Anu and Shikhar quickly got to work with the help of the maids. They had brought food for the mandir Prasad and started distributing it immediately as the wedding rituals finished, ensuring that everything was in order.

“Bhabhi, aap yaha bethiye. Bhai sahab, aap bhi bethiye… main aap dono ke liye plate banwati hoon,” Rita ji said, guiding the elders to sit comfortably as she took charge of arranging their plates.

Madhu ji joined in, her heart full of pride and love for her daughter. “Bhabhi, aap bhi bethiye… main laati hoon Prasad,” she offered, eager to help.

Rita ji shook her head with a smile. “Are nahi nahi, aap bethiye…,” she insisted, wanting to take care of everything herself.

The two women were still engaged in their polite discussion when Anu and Shehnaaz arrived, with little Vihaan holding Shehnaaz’s hand tightly.

Shehnaaz, with a warm smile, chimed in, “Aap dono betho… hum aap sab ke liye khana late hain.”

Anu grinned, and together they went to prepare plates while the elders, including Tayaji and Tayiji, settled down.

Shehnaaz joined Anu and Shikhar in preparing the plates, making sure everything was perfect as they did a couple of rounds to serve everyone. As she worked, her eyes softly glanced at Sidharth, who was standing in a corner, engrossed in typing something on his phone.

Shehnaaz was about to make a plate for Vihaan when a thought crossed her mind—she wanted to prepare one for Sidharth too. But then, the memory of the pasta scene flashed in front of her eyes, making her hesitate. She remembered how he had made it clear that he didn’t want her coming closer.

“Par unhe bhook lagi hogi,” her heart worried softly, thinking about his well-being.

Sighing, she quickly made a plate for him and handed it to Anu. Anu looked at her, a bit puzzled. “Anu, Sidharth ko bhi bhook lagi hogi shayad… kitna waqt ho gaya hai… kya tum please…,” Shehnaaz trailed off, her concern evident in her voice.

Anu smiled at her care, understanding the situation. “Tum khud jaake kyun nahi deti?” she asked gently.

Shehnaaz’s expression faltered for a moment, sadness flickering in her eyes, but she quickly masked it. “Woh… Vihaan ko bahot bhook lagi hai na… main fatafat uske liye plate banati hoon,” she replied, focusing on her baby.

Anu wasn’t fooled by the excuse but decided to let it go. “Chal, koi na… main bhai ko jaake deti hoon,” she said, taking the plate from Shehnaaz and heading towards Sidharth.

Shehnaaz sighed in relief, glad that Anu hadn’t pressed the matter further. She quickly made a plate for Vihaan and then took him in her lap, starting to feed him with all the love a mother could offer.

____________

Sidharth was struggling to focus on his phone, trying to work, but his mind was a tangled mess. His thoughts kept drifting back to the events of the day, and to make things worse, he was hungry. The gnawing feeling in his stomach added to his growing frustration, especially since no one had bothered to bring him any food. The disappointment deepened as he realized what he really meant by “no one.”

He knew, deep down, who he was thinking about—Shehnaaz. But after the way he had rudely behaved with her time, he was sure she wouldn’t come near him again.

Disappointed, Sidharth continued to check his emails when he saw Anu approaching him with a plate. Instead of relief, he felt a pang of disappointment. She hadn’t come. That realization stung more than he wanted to admit, making his mood sour instantly.

“Bhai, aap yahan kyu khade ho? Chaliye, sab ke saath khana kha lijiye,” Anu said, trying to encourage him to join the others.

“Hmmm…” was all he could muster as he followed her reluctantly. His eyes found Shehnaaz feeding Vihaan, which gave him a brief moment of satisfaction, but the fact that she hadn’t bothered to bring him food herself quickly brought back his bitterness. He tried to convince himself that he was happy she was keeping her distance. “He doesn’t care,” he thought stubbornly, “he’s glad she’s not around.”

But before he could stop himself, a question slipped out. “Plate tumne banayi?” His voice betrayed a hint of curiosity.

Anu, sensing her brother’s unusual interest, looked at him with a curious expression. She didn’t miss the way his eyes kept glancing towards Shehnaaz, and she chuckled inwardly. “Haan Bhai, kyun?” she asked, feigning innocence.

Sidharth immediately regretted his question, hating how foolish he must have sounded. “Nothing…” he replied roughly, trying to dismiss the subject.

Anu, grinning, handed him the plate and leaned in to whisper softly in his ear, “Usne hi banayi hai… par darti hai aap se…” Before Sidharth could react, Anu quickly dashed away, leaving him with her words.

Sidharth’s irritation softened slightly. The thought that Shehnaaz had made the plate brought a mild sense of satisfaction. Despite everything, he was still on her mind. She cared.

As Sidharth quietly sat down with the plate, his mind was far from the food in front of him. He couldn’t shake the lingering warmth that came with knowing Shehnaaz still cared enough to make sure he was fed. The thought was a strange comfort, even if he kept telling himself that it shouldn’t matter.
 
Shehnaaz, meanwhile, was fully focused on Vihaan, gently coaxing him to eat every bite. Her smile was natural, but there was a subtle undercurrent of tension in her eyes that only those who knew her well would notice. It wasn’t lost on Madhu ji, who watched her carefully, trying to suppress her own concern.
 
Rita ji, noticing Sidharth’s unusually silent demeanor, walked over and sat next to him. “Sid, sara khana waisa hi hai plate me? tuze bhook nahi lagi?,” she asked, trying to catch his attention.
 
Sidharth snapped out of his thoughts and gave a small nod. “I’m fine, maa. Just not that hungry.”
 
Rita ji wasn’t convinced. “tune subah thik se breakfast bhi nahi kiya.. aise kaise bhook nahi lagi ?” she chided gently, though her eyes were filled with warmth.
 
He forced a smile. “aap ne khaya?”
 
Rita ji patted his shoulder, “haa.. ab kha thik se.. meri khatir Sid..”
 
Sidharthtook a deep breath as he nodded in agreement not wanting his mother to get worried. He looked over at Shehnaaz, who was wiping Vihaan’s mouth with all the care in the world.
 
On the other side of the room, Anu and Shikhar were sneaking glances at each other while helping the elders with the remaining Prasad. They both had that unspoken connection, the kind that didn’t need words but carried an ocean of emotions in shared smiles and fleeting looks.
 
“Shikhar, why are you grinning like that? You’re supposed to be serving, not daydreaming,” Anu chided him playfully as she passed by, a teasing twinkle in her eyes.
 
Shikhar smirked, leaning closer to whisper, “I’m not daydreaming—I’m just enjoying the view.”
 
Anu felt her cheeks warm, but she quickly composed herself and shot back, “Focus on the work at hand, not on distracting me.”
 
Shikhar chuckled, pleased with her flustered reaction, but nodded and resumed his task, though the smile never left his face.
 
Back near the main area, Madhu ji was speaking softly to Tayiji, who was sitting next to her. “I wish Raj was here..” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
 
Rita ji nodded sympathetically. “I know, Madhu. But I am sure sab jaldi thik ho jayegae.”
 
Madhu ji sighed and wiped the corner of her eye discreetly. “She’s been through so much, but seeing her like this—happy, even if just for a moment—it gives me hope. I want her to have a future full of love, the kind she deserves.”
 
Tayiji squeezed her hand, offering silent comfort, and together they turned their attention back to the newlyweds, who were slowly navigating the beginning of a new chapter.
 
As the meal wrapped up and everyone started to settle down, the evening sun cast a soft glow over the temple. It was a moment of peace, fleeting but meaningful. Sidharth found his gaze returning to Shehnaaz once more, this time catching her looking back at him, though she quickly averted her eyes.
______________
 
As the sun dipped closer to the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the temple courtyard, the atmosphere turned bittersweet. The day that had started with nervous excitement was now ending with a heavy sense of farewell. It was time to head home.
 
Shehnaaz’s heart felt heavier with each passing second. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she approached her mother. With a soft, choked sob, she wrapped her arms tightly around Madhu ji, holding on as though letting go would break her.
 
Madhu ji’s heart broke seeing her daughter’s distress, knowing how much Shehnaaz had bottled up throughout the day. The fact that Sidharth and others were watching only made it harder for Shehnaaz to express herself freely, but she was still grateful her mother was there by her side. In the quietest whisper, she clung to her last moment of comfort before stepping into the unknown.
 
“Aise rote nahi, Sana… main hoon na tere saath, humesha,” Madhu ji whispered, stroking her daughter’s back gently. “Humara rishta kabhi khatam nahi hoga… main hamesha tumhe itna hi pyaar karungi.” She paused, leaning closer to whisper even softer, “Aur tumhare papaji bhi bohot pyaar karte hain tumse. Kal ro rahe the… tumse milna chahte hain. Ab gussa chhod de tu bhi.”
 
Shehnaaz’s eyes widened in surprise as a fresh wave of tears streamed down her cheeks. Her father wanted to meet her? After all these months of silence and separation? The realization broke something inside her, but in a healing way. She missed him more than she could bear, and the thought of reuniting with him, of finally resolving the distance, made her sob quietly into her mother’s shoulder.
 
Madhu ji tightened her embrace, patting her daughter’s head reassuringly. “Bas, ab rona bandh kar, meri bachi. Sab theek ho jayega.” She placed a gentle kiss on Shehnaaz’s forehead, offering the kind of comfort that only a mother can provide.
 
This tender exchange wasn’t lost on Sidharth, who stood a few feet away, watching the scene unfold. He had tried to keep his distance, but he couldn’t look away. Seeing Shehnaaz break down like that, holding onto her mother as if she was afraid of what was to come, made something stir deep within him. He wasn’t sure what it was—guilt, empathy, or something more—but it tightened his chest in an uncomfortable way.
 
Her teary face tugged at his heart. For a moment, all the barriers he’d built up felt weak, as if the sight of her tears could tear through his resolve. He wanted to step forward, to say something, anything, to make her feel better, but he held himself back. This wasn’t his place—at least, that’s what he kept telling himself.
 
Rita ji and Tayiji exchanged knowing glances as they observed the emotional exchange. Even they felt the weight of Shehnaaz’s unspoken emotions and the pain that had lingered in her family for too long.
 
Finally, Madhu ji pulled back slightly, wiping Shehnaaz’s tears with the edge of her dupatta. “humesha khush rehna, samjhi? aur apna dhyan rakhna, “
 
Shehnaaz nodded, her voice lost, but her heart heavy with both sorrow and hope. She stole a glance at Sidharth, wondering if he’d noticed her struggle. Their eyes met for a brief second.
 
Shehnaaz’s gaze fell on Sanju, standing quietly in a corner with tears brimming in her eyes. Instantly, she rushed over and pulled Sanju into a tight hug. Sanju wasn’t just a friend—she was her sister, her protector, her source of strength. In every moment of her life, especially the darkest ones, Sanju had been there, holding her hand and guiding her back to the light. Whether it was mending Shehnaaz’s broken heart or simply standing beside her through every storm, Sanju had been her unwavering pillar.
 
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Shehnaaz whispered through her tears, burying her face in Sanju’s shoulder.
 
Sanju, trying her best to keep her own tears at bay, gently wiped Shehnaaz’s face and scolded her playfully, “Oh please, you’re acting like you’re moving to the Himalayas! What’s all this ‘I’ll miss you’ nonsense? I’m going to visit you every single day until you get tired of seeing my face and kick me out!”
 
Shehnaaz laughed through her tears, a mix of joy and sadness bubbling inside her. “Shut up…” she giggled, clinging to Sanju as they hugged again, feeling the comforting warmth of a bond that couldn’t be shaken by distance or time.
 
But as the laughter faded, Shehnaaz’s voice turned soft, almost pleading. “Promise me you’ll talk to Arjun… give him a chance, please sanju” she said, her eyes hopeful as she looked at her friend.
 
Sidharth, who had been observing from a distance, perked up at the mention of Arjun. His curiosity piqued—what exactly was going on? What did Shehnaaz mean by giving Arjun a chance?
 
Sanju sighed deeply, feeling the weight of Shehnaaz’s request. “I’ll try,” she replied, her voice tinged with doubt. “But you know how impossible he can be…”
 
Shehnaaz’s expression grew more somber. She knew exactly what Sanju meant. Arjun’s stubbornness wasn’t just a personality trait—it became almost unbearable when it came to Shehnaaz. She had witnessed firsthand how it strained his relationship with Sanju. And despite her own struggles, she sincerely wished that Arjun could move past his fixation on her and be loyal to the woman who loved him—Sanju.
 
A silent prayer left Shehnaaz’s heart as she hugged her friend one more time. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she hoped that love, in all its forms, would find a way to heal them all.
 
Rita ji’s gentle voice broke through the emotions swirling in the atmosphere, “andhera hone se pehle hume nikalna chahiye bea…” Her eagerness to take Shehnaaz home was clear; it was a moment she had long awaited.
 
Anu, understanding her mother’s urgency, added with a cheerful smile, “Yes, Sana, we need to shift your bags to the car.” She turned to Sanju, “Come on, Sanju, Nakul dada will help us out.” Sanju nodded, and they all moved towards the car, with Nakul dada following closely behind.
 
As everyone bustled around, Vihaan stretched his arms towards Shehnaaz, wanting to be picked up. Shehnaaz’s heart warmed at his gesture, and without hesitation, she lifted him into her arms. They began walking together, slowly heading towards the exit with the rest of the family.
 
Shikhar, noticing the weight of Shehnaaz’s lehenga and how she balanced Vihaan, offered to help. “Let me carry him for you; he must be heavy with everything you’re wearing.” But Vihaan, sensing the change, tightened his grip around Shehnaaz’s neck and shook his head, refusing to let go.
 
Shehnaaz chuckled softly at Vihaan’s stubbornness, reassuring him with a kiss on his cheek. Despite the heavy attire, she carried him lovingly, careful with each step. All the while, Sidharth’s gaze remained fixed on her, silently taking in the scene—the tenderness between them, the way Vihaan clung to her, and how naturally she handled it all. 
___________
 
As they approached the cars, Shehnaaz noticed that her bags were already neatly packed in the Shukla family’s vehicle. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of where she was supposed to sit. Vihaan, now fast asleep in her arms after an exhausting day, made the decision feel even more delicate.
 
Shikhar and Anu efficiently guided Tayaji, Tayiji, and Rita ji into one of the cars, while Sanju helped Madhu ji settle into hers. Everyone was finding their place, and yet Shehnaaz stood in the middle, trying to figure out hers.
 
Sidharth, observing the situation from a distance, walked over with determination and quietly opened the door to his car. He didn’t need to ask, nor did she have the words to refuse. His silent command was clear. Without any argument, Shehnaaz carefully shifted Vihaan’s weight in her arms and moved towards the car.
 
Once she settled in, Sidharth closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. The entire moment passed without a word exchanged, yet everything was said in the glances they avoided and the tension that lingered. This wasn’t just a drive home; it was the beginning of an uncertain journey they were both stepping into, together yet unsure.
 

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Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

In this scene, the complicated emotions between Sidharth and Shehnaaz are on display. Sidharth feels a mix of disappointment and longing when he notices that Shehnaaz hasn’t brought him food herself. Despite his earlier harshness, he still hopes she cares. On the other hand, Shehnaaz does care but is hesitant to approach him, afraid of getting hurt again.

Anu, Sidharth’s sister, helps bridge the gap by quietly letting Sidharth know that Shehnaaz was the one who made his plate. This small gesture shows that despite their distance, they still think about each other. It’s a simple, yet meaningful moment that hints at the unspoken connection between them, even when things are tense.

This scene adds a touch of hope to their relationship, showing that even through misunderstandings, they’re still in each other’s thoughts.

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.

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

#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

 
Chapter 19
Chapter 21

56 thoughts on “Chapter 20”

  5. Mousumi

    Congratulations for the marriage….and all the very best for your journey as a couple….Hope soon Sidharth will realize his feelings for Shehnaaz and I wish even after knowing the truth he’ll sort out the problem…easy nahin hai still I know they will overcome the difficult phase of their life and be together forever till eternity ❤

    Reply
  12. Konica Arora

    Lovely 🥰
    Shaadi ho gyi finally
    Ab beginning of their new journey
    As husband and wife
    And parents of Vihaan
    Lets see what happens

    Reply
  37. Unzila

    So so so perfect. Every exchange of emotions and scenes were perfect 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

    Reply
  43. Bhavita

    Yeh wala bahot acha likha hai Shalaka!
    Seriously very beautifully written!
    Na lengthy laga aur na repetitive. Perfect.

    Reply
  49. Sunita Goyal

    🤞🤞💚💚💚💚💚🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞💚🤞🤞🤞💚🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞💚💚💚💚💚🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

    Reply
  50. Sunita Goyal

    👍👍💜💜💜👍👍👍👍💜😘😘💜💜👍👍💜😘💜💜💜💜💜😘😘😘😘❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹👍👍💜😘👏❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹💜💜💜

    Reply
  52. Sunita Goyal

    ✌️✌️✌️🫶🫶🫶🩷👌💖✌️🫶🫶🩷👌💖✌️🫶🩷🩷💖✌️🫶🩷👌💖💖✌️✌️🩷👌💖💖

    Reply
  53. Sreena

    You said it correct indeed their new beginning is so uncertain but still I feel this gonna be a very beautiful journey Shehnaaz is so loveable who can resist her charm ♥️

    Reply

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