Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 23

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After dropping Madhu Aunty home, Sanju was on her way back, driving through the quiet streets, her thoughts drifting from one thing to another. Her phone rang, breaking the silence inside the car. She glanced at the screen and saw Arjun’s name flashing. She was a bit surprised; he hadn’t called her in a while.

“Hello, Arjun…” she answered, her voice curious. But instead of Arjun, a stranger’s voice came through. “Mam, sir has passed out here. Could you please collect him at XYZ pub?”

Sanju felt a rush of frustration and concern at the same time. She muttered a curse under her breath, quickly turned her car around, and sped towards the pub. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, knowing how bad this could be.

When she reached the pub, her eyes widened in shock. Arjun was sprawled on a chair, clearly drunk and completely unconscious. His usually sharp and confident face was now tired and worn, eyes closed as if he were in a deep, troubled sleep. Her heart sank seeing him like this. He looked so broken, so lost.

Sanju sighed deeply. She knew she couldn’t take him home in this condition. If Madan Uncle saw him like this, it would be a disaster. She managed, with some difficulty, to help him into her car. He was heavy, and it took all her strength to support him. She could feel his pain; it was almost like a heavy weight she was carrying alongside him.

Back at her place, she guided him to her room and gently laid him down on her bed. His face looked so vulnerable, so different from the Arjun she knew – the one who was always smiling, always confident. She knelt down and began to remove his shoes, her hands trembling a bit. Her heart ached seeing him like this, but deep down, she had expected something like this might happen.

Suddenly, Arjun started mumbling, his voice slurred and broken. Tears glistened in his eyes. “She left me, Sanju… I loved her so much… Main usse paa nahi saka… Kya kami reh gayi thi mere pyaar mein, Sanju? Main usse shaadi karna chahta tha… zindagi basana chahta tha… Sab kuch khatam ho gaya, Sanju… sab kuch… Bahot dard ho raha hai, Sanju…”

Sanju felt a lump in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn’t hold them back anymore. She moved closer to him, her arms reaching out instinctively, and she took him into her embrace. In this moment, all her anger, all her frustration with him melted away. She knew the truth in his words, the depth of his heartbreak. She knew how deeply he had loved Sana, how he had envisioned a future with her, a life full of love and dreams.

Her heart broke for him. He didn’t deserve this. But life, she knew, could be cruel. She understood his pain better than anyone because she had lived it herself, carried it within her for years. The same emptiness, the same longing.

She gently stroked his back, trying to comfort him as he cried in her arms, his body trembling with sobs. β€œI’m here, baby… I’m here,” she whispered softly, her voice thick with emotion.

______________

It was past midnight, and Shehnaaz stirred a little, feeling a dryness in her throat. She slowly blinked her eyes open, trying to make sense of her surroundings. The room was dimly lit, and as her vision adjusted, she felt a small, warm weight against her side. She looked down to see Vihaan clinging to her, his tiny arm wrapped around her neck, his face nuzzled close to hers. He was fast asleep, his soft breath steady and calm. A gentle smile spread across her face as she gazed at her son, and she leaned down to kiss his forehead softly.

But as Shehnaaz tried to move a little, her eyes widened in shock. She felt another arm – a much larger, stronger arm – wrapped tightly around her waist. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart began to race as she instantly knew who it belonged to. She didn’t need to look to know it was Sidharth.

Her heartbeat quickened, almost pounding in her chest. She slowly, very carefully, turned her head just a little, and there he was – Sidharth, lying on the other side of her. He was spooning her, his arm securely holding her waist, his muscular leg draped over hers, and his face buried in her hair, his breath warm against her neck.

“Ohhh God…” she thought, her mind spinning.

This had to be a dream. There was no way this was happening in reality. She blinked her eyes a few times, trying to shake off what she thought was a vivid dream. But no matter how many times she blinked, the scene before her didn’t change.

Her mouth fell open in a daze as the reality sank in – it was all real. Her heart melted in the moment as she felt the warmth of his skin against hers, his touch both firm and soothing. There was a security in his hold, something that made her feel safe and cherished.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. She could see only half of his face; the other half was hidden in her hair. But what she could see was breathtaking. He wasn’t just any man – he was ruggedly handsome, his beard framing his chiseled jaw perfectly. His features were strong, masculine, and yet there was a softness in the way he held her. She felt herself slowly melting into his embrace, her heart fluttering with every second that passed.

Sidharth was fast asleep, but even in his sleep, his hold on her was possessive, as if he feared letting her go. Shehnaaz could feel the rhythm of his breath against her back, steady and calming. His warmth seeped into her, chasing away any coldness or fear she might have felt.

Shehnaaz didn’t know how to feel – her emotions were a storm inside her, swirling between disbelief and wonder, fear and happiness. She had never imagined that he would be this close to her, holding her like this, as if she were precious. A part of her wanted to close her eyes and stay like this forever, just feeling his presence next to her, feeling like they belonged together, like a family.

God, she had no idea how she had ended up in this bed with him. Maybe she had woken up in her sleep and somehow wandered over here. She couldn’t remember. But how did he end up here, on her side, holding her so close in his sleep? Maybe he had woken up too, maybe to use the washroom or get a drink of water, and in his sleepy state, he might have just landed here out of habit.

Whatever the reason, she didn’t care. All she knew was that this was the most beautiful moment of her life. Her sleep was long gone, and she knew, without a doubt, that she would be willing to stay awake for the rest of her life if it meant feeling his arms wrapped around her like this while he slept.

Her heart swelled with a rush of emotions – happiness, a sense of belonging, and an overwhelming feeling of being loved. Tears filled her eyes, not from sadness, but from pure, unfiltered joy. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a smile that came from deep within her soul.

Shehnaaz found herself staring at his sleeping face, unable to look away. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her smile grew wider every time he shifted, pulling her closer as if even in his sleep, he wasn’t satisfied with the small distance between them. He needed her closer, wanted her nearer. It was as if his subconscious mind was reaching out for her, seeking her warmth, her presence.

“What was this…?” she wondered, her mind spinning with disbelief.

How was she so lucky to have this moment? How had fate been so kind to bless her with this feeling, this beautiful, stolen fragment of time?

She knew, deep in her heart, that this moment would stay with her forever. She would carry it with her, tucked away in the safest corner of her heart, a memory to cherish for the rest of her life.

Being held like this, hugged by both her son and her… husband… It felt like a perfect dream, like a glimpse of the life she had always wanted, always dreamed of. A perfect family, wrapped together in a cocoon of warmth and love. She felt whole, complete, like everything had finally fallen into place.

Shehnaaz felt truly at peace. She felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be – in the arms of the two people who meant the most to her.Β 

She bit her lip, trying to hold back a soft sound as his hand tightened on her waist, his touch just above the edge of her crop t-shirt. A shiver ran down her spine, sparks of electricity seeming to dance across her skin wherever his fingers brushed. His strong thigh was draped across hers, holding her close, even in his sleep. Her body trembled slightly; it was incredible how much he affected her, making her feel as if she were melting in his embrace.

She slowly turned her face, her lips just inches away from his. His steady, warm breaths brushed gently against her face, soothing and yet filling her with a longing she could barely contain. This was her moment – a fleeting, beautiful moment that she wanted to hold on to forever. She wanted to feel his lips on hers, even if only for a brief second. She wanted to feel like she belonged to him, even if just for now.

Lost in her thoughts, she leaned in closer, her breath catching as her lips barely brushed his. The touch was so light it was almost nothing, yet it sent a surge of emotion through her.. her lips burninga the slight touch.. Her heart pounded in her chest, her skin tingling with sensation, and her eyes were locked on his peaceful face, memorizing every line, every feature.

The soft contact, though brief, seemed to stir something in Sidharth. Even in his sleep, he instinctively pulled her closer, his arm tightening around her waist, his face nuzzling deeper into her shoulder. She felt a rush of emotions – excitement, fear, happiness – all at once, her breath catching in her throat.

But just then, she felt Vihaan stir beside her. Her heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t risk waking him; his sleep was too important. And she certainly couldn’t risk Sidharth waking up and finding her here like this, so close to him. He would surely shoot her.

Her heart felt heavy with the thought of having to move away from them, from the two people who were her whole world. But she knew she had no choice. Gently, she moved Vihaan first, carefully adjusting him to keep him asleep.

Then, she focused on Sidharth’s arm. Moving it from her waist wasn’t easy; his grip was firm, as if even in his dreams, he didn’t want to let her go. Slowly, she tried to loosen his hold, her fingers shaking slightly with nerves. But as soon as she tried, his arm only tightened further, pulling her even closer.

She bit her lip harder, trying to suppress the small sound that nearly escaped her mouth. Her heart was racing, emotions swirling within her. Every little movement he made, every breath he took, seemed to pull her deeper into his world, making her feel things she hadn’t felt before.

After a few more careful attempts, Shehnaaz finally managed to slip out of Sidharth’s grasp. She quickly placed a pillow in her spot, hoping to replace the warmth she left behind. As if on instinct, Sidharth moved closer, pulling the pillow into his arms, a slight frown appearing on his sleepy face. The sight made her heart ache with tenderness; even in his sleep, he seemed to feel her absense.

Shehnaaz gently pulled the duvet up, covering both Sidharth and Vihaan. She couldn’t resist placing a soft kiss on Vihaan’s forehead, followed by a hesitant, yet loving, peck on Sidharth’s temple. Her lips lingered for just a moment longer on his skin than she had intended, her eyes studying his peaceful face for one last time. With a soft sigh, she picked up her own duvet and moved to the sofa, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she settled in, feeling warmth spread through her chest.


Sidharth woke up early, his body following its usual routine. He lay still for a moment, inhaling deeply, his senses filled with a sweet, familiar scent that felt oddly comforting. Confused, he opened his eyes slowly, as if expecting to find Shehnaaz beside him. Instead, he found himself holding a pillow. He frowned in bewilderment. “What the hell?” he muttered to himself, irritated. Why on earth was he hugging a pillow?

He sat up, his gaze searching the room until it landed on Shehnaaz. She was curled up on the sofa, looking small and fragile, like a little fur ball. She seemed uncomfortable, her body twisted in an awkward position. Sidharth’s mind raced back to the previous night – he clearly remembered placing her on the bed. How did she end up on the sofa? The realization dawned on him: maybe she hadn’t felt comfortable sharing the bed with him and Vihaan, and had decided to move away in the middle of the night.

A wave of disappointment washed over him, making his chest feel heavy. The thought that she might not have felt comfortable around him bothered him more than he cared to admit.

Trying to shake off the feeling, he glanced at Vihaan, who was still fast asleep, looking peaceful and content. Sidharth leaned down and gently kissed his son’s forehead, feeling a rush of love fill his heart. With a sigh, he decided to head to the gym, which was adjacent to his bedroom, hoping a good workout would clear his head.


It was still early when Shehnaaz woke up. She opened her eyes slowly, her heart immediately filling with warmth at the memories of the previous night. She felt an unusual happiness bubbling inside her, a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in years. A shy smile crept onto her face as she replayed every detail in her mind, feeling her cheeks heat up.

She sat up on the sofa, her eyes immediately scanning the bed. Her smile faltered when she realized Sidharth wasn’t there. “Kahan chale gaye itni subah?” she wondered, her voice filled with concern. She quickly tidied up the sofa, her heart still fluttering from last night’s closeness.

Shehnaaz glanced towards the bathroom, hoping to find him there, but it was empty. She quickly grabbed her things, deciding to freshen up before Sidharth returned. Her movements were hurried, her heart pounding in her chest, anxious at the thought of crossing paths with him after their unexpected closeness the night before.

Shehnaaz quickly stepped out of the bathroom, making sure not to take too long. She wore a soft pista-colored dress that clung to her curvy body. Her hair was still wet, droplets of water trickling down her back. The mangal sutra adorned her neck, the chuda gleamed on her wrists, vermilion was applied to her hairline, and a small bindi sat perfectly in the center between her eyes. She looked like a newlywed, radiant and full of a certain innocence β€” but with a beauty that was simply breathtaking.

Yet, Sidharth was nowhere to be seen. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. “Kahin unhe kal raat ke bare mein pata toh nahi chal gaya…” Shehnaaz’s mind raced, and her heart skipped a beat in sudden fear. “Agar aisa hua toh aaj tujhe koi nahi bacha payega, Sana…” She muttered to herself, biting her lip nervously.

She was about to make her way out of the room when she heard noises coming from the adjacent room. Unsure of what the room was, she slowly made her way toward the sound, only to find herself frozen at the doorway.

Sidharth was working out vigorously, his muscles flexing and contracting with each movement. Sweat glistened on his skin, radiating off his toned, muscular body. He was intensely focused, every motion showcasing his strength and determination.

Shehnaaz’s eyes locked onto him, her mind going blank. God, he was beyond perfect. She had never seen a man like him β€” not even in the movies. His physical presence was overwhelming, and her breath caught in her throat.

As if sensing her presence, Sidharth paused mid-workout. He turned swiftly, his eyes meeting hers, and he stood still, momentarily stunned. Damn, how does she manage to look so gorgeous every single time? He thought. He wasn’t even over the sight of her in the “Winnie-the-Pooh” nightwear, and now here she was, looking like a newly married bride β€” his bride.

Her sweet, familiar scent seemed to engulf him, filling the space between them. It took all his willpower to resist the pull toward her.

But then he remembered how she had moved away from the bed last night, and his expression hardened instantly. β€œTum yahan kya kar rahi ho?” he asked, his voice gruff, his face a mixture of annoyance and something else he couldn’t quite define.

Startled by his sudden voice, Shehnaaz snapped out of her trance, her eyes widening in fear as she realized he had caught her staring at him. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.

Shehnaaz quickly took a step back, breaking the eye contact as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn’t. β€œWoh, sorry… mujhe pata nahi tha aap yahan… woh… main neeche ja rahi thi… Vihaan ke liye kuch bana deti hun… usne raat ko dinner nahi kiya hai… uthega toh bhook lagi hogi usse… aap ke liye kuch banau?” she blurted out in a rush, her words tumbling over one another like an essay spoken in a single breath. She realised she was blabbering nonsense.

Sidharth was taken aback by her sudden outburst. This was the most he had heard her speak at once. She usually said very little, and her soft voice was often just above a whisper. He felt a fleeting sense of admiration for her genuine care for Vihaan, but the earlier scene still lingered in his mind. “I have servants to take care of me,” he replied curtly.

Her face fell, and she felt a thick choke in her throat. She managed a small nod before turning away abruptly, disappearing from his sight.

Sidharth closed his eyes in frustration, realizing he had been unnecessarily rude. He hadn’t meant to insult her, but his words had come out harsher than he intended. Restless, he grabbed his towel and decided to freshen up, trying to shake off the guilt gnawing at him.


Vihaan opened his eyes, looking around the room. There was no sign of his dad or Sanu Maa. Confused but excited, he called out, β€œSanu Maa!” His voice was filled with a child’s innocent enthusiasm as he jumped out of bed, wondering if yesterday had been real or just a dream.

Hearing Vihaan’s voice, Sidharth frowned. His baby had called out for Shehnaaz first, not him. Feeling a little childish himself, he wrapped a towel around his waist and peeped his face out of the bathroom. “Baby, come here. We will get you freshened up,” he suggested.

But Vihaan made a face and insisted, “Vihaan want Sanu Maa…”

Frowning further, Sidharth replied, “She is downstairs… But, I think you should… Vihaan, waitβ€”” Before he could finish, Vihaan dashed out of the room, eager to find Shehnaaz, leaving Sidharth standing there, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

___________

Rita ji was seated at the dining table, sharing a moment with Tayaji and Tayiji. They were reminiscing about the past while enjoying the warmth of the home, which seemed to be filled with a renewed sense of togetherness. In the kitchen, Anu was chatting with Shehnaaz, who was busy preparing sweets for everyone and making a sandwich for Vihaan.

Tayiji smiled as she looked around. “Aaj kitne waqt ke baad ghar fir se bhara lag raha hai na?”

Rita ji nodded in agreement, her eyes softening. “Payal apne sath is ghar mein khushiyaan lekar aayi thi… aur Shehnaaz apne sath hum sab ke liye umeed lekar aayi hai.”

Tayaji sighed, his expression turning serious. “Par Sidharth khush nahi hai, Rita…”

Rita ji’s face fell slightly, a shadow of worry crossing her features. “Janti hun, Bhai sahab. Par mujhe pura yakeen hai ki sab jaldi theek ho jayega dono ke beech.”

Tayiji’s grin returned as she chimed in, “Kal Shehnaaz ko sab chot lag gayi, toh kaise pareshan ho gaya. Bolega nahi woh, par pasand toh karta hai usse…”

Tayaji shook his head with a knowing smile as the conversation drifted back to yesterday’s events, their laughter and chatter filling the room.

Meanwhile, Vihaan came running downstairs, causing all three adults to look at him with concern.

“Vihaan, dhire…” Rita ji was about to rise and call their helper, Varsha, but Vihaan, with a gleeful giggle, darted away towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Anu was filling Shehnaaz in on her brother’s likes and dislikes, though her own face was still clouded by the earlier interaction with Sidharth. She felt invisible to him, a stark contrast to the lively warmth around her.

“Sanu Maa…” Vihaan’s call was like a burst of sunshine in the otherwise dim moment.

A smile instantly brightened Shehnaaz’s face as she turned to see her little one running towards her. She scooped him up in her arms, his bright smile a beacon of joy.

Anu watched them, her own smile widening. “Good morning, sunshine.”

Shehnaaz felt as if Anu had read her mind, her own smile deepening as Vihaan beamed at his Buwa. “Good morning, Buwa. Vihaan so happy…”

Anu chuckled, knowing exactly why he was so cheerful. “And may I ask why?”

Shehnaaz gently brushed Vihaan’s hair away from his face and asked Varsha to bring a glass of water for him.

Vihaan looked up at Shehnaaz with hopeful eyes. “Because Sanu Maa is home,” he said with a touch of anxiety. “You will not leave Vihaan?”

“Never,” Shehnaaz responded, her heart swelling with emotion at his hopeful tone. She leaned down and hugged him tightly. “Did you brush your teeth? I’ve made a sandwich for you.”

Vihaan shook his head as he got down and ran out making his way upstairs again for daddy.

_____________

Sidharth emerged from the bathroom dressed in a vest and pajama, only to find a steaming cup of coffee waiting for him on the table. The rich aroma of the coffee filled the air, and for a brief moment, he was transported back to memories of Payal. She used to make sure that his coffee was always ready on the table whenever he came out of the bath.

Drawn by the familiar scent, Sidharth picked up the coffee cup and took a cautious sip. As the taste hit his palate, his eyes widened in surprise. The flavor was identical to the coffee Payal used to make, down to the finest details.

“Oh my God,” he muttered under his breath. The sensation was jarring, as if a piece of his past had come back to him. He had been struggling with a constant headache ever since Payal left, unable to get the coffee with the particular way he preferred, no one had managed to make it similar, but in this moment, the pain seemed to ease. The taste, the texture, the aromaβ€”it was all exactly the same.

But how could this be?

His heart thudded as he knew who must have prepared it.


Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for journeying through this chapter with me. I hope the emotions and details have brought the characters and their experiences to life for you. As we dive into the complexities of Shehnaaz and Sidharth’s relationship, each moment is meant to reflect their deep connections and internal struggles.

In this chapter, the simple yet profound interactions between the characters, from Shehnaaz’s tender care to Sidharth’s unexpected memories, aim to portray their evolving dynamics and the haunting echoes of the past. Every detail, from the comforting aroma of coffee to the heartfelt exchanges, is woven to enhance the emotional depth and realism of their experiences.

I appreciate your engagement with the story and welcome any feedback or thoughts you may have. Your support and understanding add to the richness of the narrative, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the next chapters.

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

55 thoughts on “Chapter 23”

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