Chapter 24

“Oh my God,” Sidharth muttered under his breath, his voice barely a whisper. The sensation was jarring, almost like an electric shock that surged through his veins, pulling him back to a time he thought he had left behind. The taste on his tongue, the familiar comfort of it, felt like a piece of his past had suddenly come rushing back to him, catching him off guard.

Ever since Payal had left, a dull, relentless headache had become his constant companion. He had grown tired of the mediocre attempts at making his coffee, none of them capturing that specific flavor he liked. The baristas, the household help—no one had managed to get it right. But this… this was different. The bitterness, the texture, the perfect blend of cream and sugar, it all seemed to match the way he liked it, down to the last detail. And in that moment, as he took another sip, he felt a strange, almost soothing relief from the usual pounding in his head.

His heart began to beat faster, a nervous thudding that echoed in his chest. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe. He somehow knew exactly who had made this coffee.

Ever since he had woken up, he had been overwhelmed by a sweet, almost intoxicating aroma that lingered everywhere, enveloping him in its hold. Even in the shower, as the water cascaded down, he could still smell it on his skin. He found himself hesitating, not wanting to wash it away, yet angry at himself for holding onto something so intangible. It was ridiculous, he told himself, absurd to feel this way. But when he had opened his eyes this morning, the first image that flashed in his mind was her. He had felt the warmth beside him and, just for a fleeting second, expected to find Shehnaaz nestled in his arms.

He shook his head, trying to clear the fog of confusion that had settled over him. “That’s impossible,” he muttered to himself. “Why am I even thinking like this?”

And now, this coffee… how did she manage to make it exactly the way he needed? How did she know?

Frustration and anger began to bubble up, simmering just below the surface. Who had asked her to make coffee for him anyway? What was she trying to prove? Did she think she could just walk into his life and play the perfect wife? He wasn’t going to be swayed by these little gestures. No, he wouldn’t allow himself to be distracted by these small acts of care.

His mind flashed back to the memory of her moving away from the bed, the memory still fresh and raw in his mind like an injury. He had seen the way she looked uncomfortble on the sofa, still she had preferred it over the bed with him and vihaan. he had felt something tug at his heart, something he had tried so hard to ignore. But he couldn’t afford to get lost in these thoughts now.

Angry, he put the cup down with a sharp thud, the hot coffee sloshing over the edge, staining the wooden table. He didn’t care. He couldn’t care.

He pushed himself up from the chair, his movements quick and agitated, heading towards the walk-in wardrobe. There was an important meeting he needed to attend, something to focus on, something that would demand his full attention, something that would keep his mind off her… off Shehnaaz.

But as he tried to concentrate on the day ahead, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of her presence lingering around him, in the air he breathed, in the taste that lingered on his lips.

____________

Shehnaaz hurried after Vihaan, her heart racing with concern as she watched him run upstairs without a care in the world. “Vihaan, sambhal ke!” she called out, but he was already out of sight, his little feet thudding on the stairs.

Vihaan darted into the room, his eyes wide with excitement, searching for his father. “Daddy…” he called, his voice filled with the innocent longing that always softened Sidharth’s heart.

Sidharth, hearing his son’s sweet voice, paused, setting aside the shirt he was about to put on. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he responded, “Coming, baby…” He stepped out of the wardrobe, his movements calm and purposeful.

At that very moment, Shehnaaz entered the room, and the sight before her made her freeze in her tracks. She stood at the doorway, her mouth slightly open, her breath caught in her throat. It was the second time since morning that she was seeing Sidharth without his shirt. Her eyes widened, her gaze fixed on his broad, muscled chest, unable to look away.

For a moment, everything around them seemed to pause. Sidharth felt her gaze on him, and a strange, unexpected satisfaction coursed through his veins. His intense eyes locked onto hers, and he couldn’t help but notice the way she was lost in him, her expression somewhere between awe and disbelief.

Suddenly, realizing she had been staring, Shehnaaz quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She bit her lip, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest, but her face fell when her eyes landed on the coffee cup on the table. The spilled liquid around it was unmistakable.

Her thoughts spiraled, “Unhe coffee achhi nahi lagi… ya fir unhone pi hi nahi kyunki maine banayi hai?” A wave of sadness washed over her, and the glow that had brightened her face just moments ago vanished in an instant.

Sidharth, watching her closely, noticed the way her face dimmed. It was as if a cloud had passed over the sun, and a pang of guilt stabbed through him. He hated seeing that look in her eyes, the disappointment, the sadness. For a fleeting second, he regretted not drinking the coffee she had made. But then, he reminded himself of his resolve — he was doing the right thing, wasn’t he? Yet, deep down, his heart ached for her, pulling him in a direction he was desperately trying to avoid.

“Vihaan, chalo, we will get you freshen up…” Shehnaaz murmured, her voice soft, almost trembling with the weight of her emotions. Sidharth couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Her sadness tugged at something deep inside him, filling him with an unbearable restlessness.

“Ye kaisi kashish hai… jo un dono ki is tarah bandh kar rakhi hai?” he wondered, feeling the invisible thread that seemed to bind them both, no matter how much he tried to resist. The tension in the room was palpable, a silent question lingering in the air between them, leaving both Sidharth and Shehnaaz caught in a web of emotions they were too afraid to name.

“Daddy too…” Vihaan’s small voice was full of hope, his request making both Sidharth and Shehnaaz freeze for a brief moment. Their eyes met, holding a silent conversation for just a second, before they quickly turned away, both feeling the unspoken tension between them.

Shehnaaz turned and made her way to the bathroom, her steps quiet, almost hesitant. She began preparing the bathtub for Vihaan, carefully testing the water temperature and reaching for a small toothbrush, assuming it was Vihaan’s. Her hands moved with a delicate touch as she placed toothpaste on it, trying to keep herself focused on the task.

Sidharth soon entered the bathroom, carrying Vihaan in his arms, his presence filling the small space with an undeniable energy. He gently set Vihaan down on the Italian marble countertop, his expression soft but attentive. Sidharth still hadn’t bothered to put on a shirt, and Shehnaaz felt her hands tremble slightly as she started to help Vihaan brush his teeth. She kept her gaze lowered, avoiding looking at him directly, feeling the heat of his presence nearby.

Every now and then, Sidharth’s gaze flickered towards her, watching her closely, observing her movements, her expressions.

“Daddy going office?” Vihaan’s innocent question cut through the tension, his bright eyes looking up at his father.

The sound of Vihaan’s voice pulled Sidharth out of his thoughts. He smiled softly at his son, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Vihaan’s forehead. “Daddy ki important meeting hai, baby,” he replied gently, trying to keep his tone light. Once Shehnaaz finished brushing Vihaan’s teeth, Sidharth carefully lifted him and placed him in the bathtub, ensuring he was safe and comfortable.

Shehnaaz followed them with hesitant steps, her heart sinking slightly at the mention of the meeting. Realizing that Sidharth would soon leave for the office, a faint disappointment clouded her face. She kept her expression neutral, but the subtle shift in her mood did not escape Sidharth’s notice.

From a short distance away, dressed in his formal pants, Sidharth watched her quietly. He noticed the way her face softened with sadness at the thought of him leaving, and a strange restlessness began to stir within him. He couldn’t help but feel conflicted—caught between his resolve to keep his distance and his instinctive desire to reach out to her, to ease whatever worry was weighing on her heart.

For a moment, he found himself wishing he didn’t have to go, wishing he could stay and watch these simple, everyday moments unfold. But he pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself that he needed to stay focused on what lay ahead. Yet, even as he turned his attention back to his preparations, he couldn’t shake the image of Shehnaaz’s face, the look in her eyes lingering in his mind like a gentle, persistent whisper.

Vihaan’s giggles rang out with infectious joy as Shehnaaz lathered soap onto his tiny body. Each splash of water from Vihaan made her laugh, her voice bright and full of delight. “Vihaan… no!” she said, her tone playful yet slightly exasperated, as she tried to dodge the water he was gleefully splashing everywhere.

Sidharth stood nearby, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched. The scene before him, with Shehnaaz and Vihaan in their carefree play, brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The sound of Shehnaaz’s laughter was a sweet melody that seemed to dissolve the stress of the day. He was mesmerized by how her laughter filled the room, bringing a vibrant, almost childlike joy that he hadn’t realized he missed so much. Each giggle from her, each splash of water, seemed to pull him further into the moment, reminding him of simpler, happier times.

However, this peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted when Shehnaaz’s foot slipped on the wet floor. Her eyes widened in surprise, and her balance faltered. Instinctively, Sidharth’s heart leapt into his throat. Time seemed to slow as he watched her begin to fall. His protective instincts kicked in with urgency. He rushed forward, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.

As he reached her, his arm went around her waist, pulling her securely against him. His other hand reached down to her feet, checking to ensure she hadn’t twisted her ankle. The urgency in his movements was matched by the worry in his eyes.

“Careful,” he said, his voice laced with concern as he helped steady her. His touch was gentle but firm, trying to convey his deep concern without overwhelming her.

Shehnaaz looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of gratitude. The warmth of his body pressed against hers was a stark contrast to the cold shock of the slip. She could feel the steadiness of his grip, a reassuring presence that made her heart skip a beat. The intensity of his gaze, filled with worry and care, made her feel both comforted and exposed.

“Tum thik ho?” Sidharth asked, his voice soft but urgent. His eyes searched hers, needing to ensure she was truly okay.

Shehnaaz nodded, her voice trembling slightly as she responded, “Haan, main thik hoon.” The simple affirmation was a balm to his frazzled nerves.

As they stood there, close together, Sidharth couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the depth of his concern for her. The moment of closeness felt charged with unspoken emotions.

Vihaan had climbed out of the tub, his innocent face showing genuine guilt. “Sorry, Maa, Vihaan hurt you…” he said softly, his eyes full of concern.

Shehnaaz, touched by his apology, shook her head reassuringly. “Nahi, Vihaan, mujhe kuch nahi hua hai, baby. Main ekdum thik hoon,” she said, gently moving forward and bend doen to cup his face. Sidharth moved forward along with her, his arm still firm around her waist as he refused to let go, possessiveness covering his mind.

She then noticed that Sidharth’s pants were soaked from the water. “Aapko shayad change karna padega phir se,” she mentioned, her tone soft and caring.

Vihaan, noticing Sidharth’s drenched pants, grinned and began tugging him toward the tub. “Daddy and vihaan play…” he pleaded with a look that was hard for Sidharth to resist.

Sidharth chuckled softly and replied, “Bilkul nahi, Vihaan. Jab main tumhe bath ke liye bulaya, tum bhag gaye the.” His arm remained around Shehnaaz’s waist, making her go wobly each passing second. He was just being protective.. she consoled herself.

Sidharth’s gaze lingered on Shehnaaz as she remained in his embrace. He was acutely aware of holding her to himself. how her delicate form felt against him, she was curvy and delicate like a flower. Her skin was incredibly soft, and the sweet, delicate aroma she carried enveloped him, consuming his mind effortlessly.

As he held her, his heart raced with longing and confusion. The closeness was both comforting and disorienting, stirring up feelings he wasn’t entirely ready to confront. Each breath they shared felt charged with an unspoken tension, leaving him caught between the comfort of their touch and the struggle to maintain control.

With a reluctant sigh, Sidharth finally pulled away, his heart feeling heavy as he watched her stand up too quickly, nearly stumbling. Her hurried words, “Main breakfast dekh leti hoon,” were almost mumbled as she dashed away, leaving Sidharth standing there, a mix of frustration and concern etched on his face.

______________

As Sidharth walked downstairs with Vihaan clinging to his side, he found himself scanning the room for Shehnaaz, but she was nowhere to be seen. The emptiness of the living room felt even more pronounced in her absence, and a pang of disappointment pierced through him.

Rita ji, who had been cheerfully going about her morning routine, noticed the state of Sidharth’s clothes and her expression shifted from joy to concern. “Sid, tum office ja rahe ho?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Vihaan, full of energy, scampered towards the kitchen, leaving Sidharth to face his mother alone. Sidharth sat down heavily on the sofa next to Rita ji, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Haan Maa, ek important meeting hai,” he explained, his voice carrying a note of weariness.

Rita ji’s eyes narrowed as she looked at him, disappointment clear in her gaze. “Seriously, Sid? Kal shadi hui hai teri. Mene tujhse pehle hi kaha tha na…”

Sidharth sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his mother’s words and his own conflicted emotions. “Maa, yeh meeting zaroori hai. Warna main nahi jata,” he said, trying to make her understand.

Rita ji’s disappointment was palpable as she shook her head, her voice laced with concern. “Usse kitna bura lagega, Sid? Please, aise mat kar…”

“Maa, please,” Sidharth said, rubbing his forehead in frustration. “Usse kya feel hota hai is not my concern, maa. Mene ye shadi sirf Vihaan ke liye ki hai, aap janti hain.”

“Par Sid…” Rita ji’s voice trailed off, her worry growing. She didn’t want Sidharth to keep upsetting Shehnaaz, fearing that his actions would only deepen the rift between them.

Just then, a helper arrived with a cup of coffee for Sidharth. The different aroma of the coffee immediately made him frown. It was clear to him that Shehnaaz hadn’t made this one. As he took a sip, his frown deepened further—this coffee was different, and his suspicions were confirmed. Shehnaaz hadn’t prepared it, reinforcing his frustration.

He thought adamently, She doesn’t care. The image of her sad face, discovering the unattended, spoiled coffee in his room, flashed vividly in his mind, souring his mood further.

“Aaj ki din cancel kar dena beta,” Rita ji urged once more, her voice filled with desperation.

Sidharth, already irked by the coffee and his unresolved emotions, looked at his mother. He placed the cup on the coffee table with a resigned sigh. “Possible nahi hai, maa. You take care.” With that, he stood up, took her blessings, and headed toward the door.

Rita ji’s concern deepened as she called after him, “Sid, kahan ja raha hai? Sid, breakfast toh karke ja…” But Sidharth was already out of earshot.

Sighing deeply, Rita ji closed her eyes, trying to steady her emotions. She had feared this outcome. She knew how strict and seemingly heartless Sidharth could be—a trait that had been evident even during his time with Payal. But she didn’t want Shehnaaz to endure the same pain. Rita ji earnestly hoped that Shehnaaz would bring about a change in Sidharth, helping him to soften and become more considerate.

______________

When Shehnaaz walked out of the kitchen, Vihaan cradled in her arms with a piece of sandwich clutched in his tiny hands, her heart sank. She looked around, not seeing Sidharth, and her face fell. *Woh chale bhi gaye?* she thought, disheartened. *Unhone breakfast tak nahi kiya.* The realization that he hadn’t even touched the coffee left behind near Rita ji’s chair hit her hard. Unhe meri coffee pasand nahi ayi, she thought sadly. Isiliye mene nahi banayi thi. She felt a pang of guilt, thinking he must be hungry. *Mera gussa khane pe kyun nikal rahe hai,* she wondered, confused and hurt.

Her thoughts were so consuming that she didn’t immediately notice Rita ji calling her.

“Kaha khoyi ho beta?” Rita ji asked, shaking her gently.

“Sidharth, bina kuch khaye chale gaye,” Shehnaaz murmured, still lost in her thoughts, struggling to process the situation.

“Daddy always does this,” Vihaan said quietly, his hopeful eyes fixed on the door, as if expecting Sidharth to come back.

Shehnaaz pulled him closer, placing a tender kiss on his cheek. “Daddy, humare liye hi itna hard work karte hain na, Vihaan? Because he loves you,” she said softly, her voice filled with a bittersweet affection.

Vihaan nodded, munching on his sandwich with a sense of understanding. Shehnaaz watched him with a small, bittersweet smile, her heart aching for Sidharth.

Rita ji observed Shehnaaz’s care and sadness with a heavy heart. She admired Shehnaaz’s dedication, hoping that Sidharth would soon come to appreciate the love and effort she was pouring into their lives.

____________

Sidharth sank into his chair, rubbing his forehead as he opened the file for his project. The pain in his head was almost unbearable; he hadn’t had coffee or anything to eat, and he wasn’t fond of outside food.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The receptionist entered, holding a small bag. “Sir, I received this parcel from your home,” she said, placing the bag on his desk before leaving.

Curious, Sidharth opened the bag and found a thermos and a tiffin. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The realization dawned on him that Shehnaaz had sent this for him, knowing he had left without eating.

He pulled out a sandwich from the tiffin, taking a bite and savoring the taste. Shehnaaz had mentioned she was preparing sandwiches for Vihaan, and now he understood she had made one for him as well. It was thoughtful and comforting, and as he finished the sandwich, he opened the thermos. The rich aroma of coffee wafted up, instantly lifting his spirits.

He took a sip, his eyes closing in satisfaction. The coffee was perfect—exactly how he liked it. He just knew she had made it. The headache that had plagued him seemed to dissipate with each sip, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him.

As he enjoyed the coffee, his thoughts drifted to Shehnaaz. Despite the tension between them, she had taken the time to send him breakfast and coffee. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about her care and concern. Something inside him felt deeply satisfied, realizing that even after their recent arguments, she still cared for him.

His mind wandered to the image of her in her Winnie-the-Pooh nightwear. And the morning, ohh he couldn’t shake the memory of how she looked—radiant and charming in her yellow chudidar, like a fresh bloom with a sweet, lingering aroma. The image of her rosy lips, colored in delicate shades of pink, lingered in his mind. He found it impossible to ignore the way she had captivated him with her beautiful hazel eyes, making his heart race.

“Damn,” he thought, a mix of frustration and admiration filling him. “She’s really going to drive me crazy.”

_____________

Anu helped Shehnaaz move her bags from Sidharth’s room to the vacant room next door. The silence between them was filled with unspoken tension.

After a while, Anu spoke up, “Bhai isn’t gonna be happy about this, bhabhi.”

Shehnaaz was surprised,  not just by the fact that Anu had called her “bhabhi” for the first time, but also by the comment. She couldn’t understand why Sidharth would be unhappy. She was making this change for his sake, giving him the space he seemed to need. It was clear to her that he felt overwhelmed with her presence in the same room.

“Tumhe aise kyun lag raha hai Anu. Sidharth khush nahi hai and that’s a fact.. me is tarah unke kamre me.. unhe achha nahi lagta..” Shehnaaz explained, her voice tinged with concern.

Anu looked at her with a mix of frustration and sympathy. “Aise kaha bhai ne tumse? In clear words..”

Shehnaaz hesitated before responding. “Nahi, unhone aise kuch nahi bola. Lekin unke behaviour se samajh aata hai, Anu. Ye sab unke liye bahut mushkil hai.”

Anu shook her head. “bhai ko samajhana Etna asan nahi hai bhabhi.. tumhe immediately shift nahi hona chahiye.. pehle bhai se ek baar baat toh Karo.” She sighed, unable to fully articulate what she felt. She had noticed the way Sidharth looked at Shehnaaz—there was no hatred or resentment in his gaze. Instead, there was protectiveness, a deep sense of care, and extreme possessiveness.

The way Sidharth had reacted in pain when Shehnaaz was hurt hadn’t escaped Anu. She could see that he harbored strong feelings for Shehnaaz—feelings that went beyond mere resentment or discomfort. She hoped that Shehnaaz would recognize this too and understand the complexities of Sidharth’s emotions.

“”Anu unhone khud mujhse kaha tha ke woh maa se baat karenge.. to give me a seperate room.. ye unki hi marzi hai..,” Shehnaaz said, her voice trembling with emotion. The ache in her throat was palpable. She had already begun to miss Sidharth deeply. The memories of the previous night—the way he had held her close, the feel of his lips on hers, his warm breath against her skin—were vivid and haunting. It had been one of the most special nights of her life, but now it felt like a distant dream. She feared that Sidharth’s feelings towards her were now tainted by hatred and resentment.

“Bhabhi, things change,” Anu said softly, trying to offer some comfort. “You shouldn’t make a hasty decision. Things can get better. Maybe there’s still a way to bridge the gap between you two.”

Shehnaaz sighed deeply. “Anu, samajh na, please..”

Anu, looking frustrated but understanding, gave up on arguing further. Just then, Vihaan burst into the room with a grumpy expression on his face.

Seeing her son’s distressed face, Shehnaaz couldn’t help but chuckle, while Anu offered a sympathetic grin. “I may have left the topic, but he won’t,” Anu remarked.

Vihaan planted his hands on his hips and glared at Shehnaaz. “Maa, you promised no leave Vihaan.”

Shehnaaz knelt down and gently cupped his face in her hands. “I’m not going anywhere, baby. I’m just in the next room.”

Vihaan’s frown deepened. “But I want to sleep with you and Daddy.”

Shehnaaz’s heart ached at his words, but she quickly thought of a solution. Her face brightened with a grin as she came up with an idea. “How about this: You can sleep in that room with Daddy one night and in this room with me the next night.”

Vihaan’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he started jumping with excitement. “That will be so much fun! Yayyyyy!”

Shehnaaz pulled him into a warm embrace, her heart swelling with love. Anu watched the scene unfold with a shake of her head, knowing well that this might turn into a challenging situation. But for now, Shehnaaz’s plan brought a spark of joy to Vihaan’s face, and that was enough to keep her spirits up.

_____________

Throughout the day, Shehnaaz busied herself with settling her clothes and organizing her belongings in the room next to Sidharth’s. The task felt heavy with unspoken emotions, as she adjusted to the new reality of being separated from him. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

She recalled her conversation with Rita ji that morning.

“Par kyun, Sana?” Rita ji had been visibly startled by Shehnaaz’s request.

“Maa, Sidharth comfortable nahi hai,” Shehnaaz had said, her voice low as she avoided eye contact. “Aaj meri wajah se hi woh office chale gaye, taki dinbhar mujhse interaction na karni pade.”

Rita ji shook her head, concern etched on her face. “Nahi, Sana, uski sach mein important meeting thi.”

Shehnaaz had nodded, her expression understanding but firm. “Please maa, mana mat kijiye. He needs his space. Hum unke sath sahi nahi kar rahe.”

Rita ji’s heart ached as she realized that separate rooms would only serve to deepen the distance between them. Yet, she had to admit that Shehnaaz was right. Sidharth’s discomfort was evident, and perhaps giving him the space he needed was the only way to ease the tension. Rita ji reluctantly agreed, knowing it was for the best, despite the sadness it brought her.

Later, Shehnaaz busied herself with organizing Vihaan’s room, sorting through his wardrobe and book collection. She meticulously helped him with his homework, all while offering him comforting words and encouragement.

Vihaan’s joy was palpable; he was on cloud nine. His Sanu Maa was with him constantly, showering him with love and care. She was there to hug him, prepare his favorite dishes, and offer him the reassurance he craved. All afternoon, he clung to her, finding solace in her presence as he slept in her room.

Shehnaaz understood that despite the changes, Vihaan still harbored fears of her leaving. She was determined to chase away every trace of doubt from his young heart. Her primary goal was to ensure that he felt secure and happy. Seeing him so content and loved brought her a deep sense of fulfillment. She knew that despite the complexities of her relationship with Sidharth, her role as a mother to Vihaan was her greatest priority.

_____________

Sidharth’s frustration with his day at the office had reached its peak. The more he tried to focus on work, the more his thoughts wandered to Shehnaaz, his Vihaan’s beloved Sanu Maa. He found himself lost in daydreams about them curled up together in their bed, a vision that stirred an unexpected yearning within him. For a fleeting moment, he had imagined himself joining them, enveloped in their warmth and affection.

Damn, he almost regret coming office today. He hated admitting that he felt restless every passing second without her.

If what they felt towards each other is just an attraction, then what feeling is this.. that has started to run through his blood now.. it was way beyond any attraction.. it was way beyond his ability to control it..

As the hours dragged on, the distraction grew unbearable. The meetings felt endless, his mind a chaotic whirlpool of thoughts and emotions. The restless feeling gnawed at him, intensifying with each passing minute. It was as if a crucial piece of his life was missing, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Finally, he couldn’t endure another moment at the office. He cut his day short, driven by a desperate need to return home. When he arrived, he was met with an unsettling silence. The living room was empty. His steps quickened as he headed towards his room, the anxiety mounting with each stride.

As he pushed open the door to his bedroom, his heart sank. The sight that greeted him was jarring—Shehnaaz’s belongings were gone. The room, which had felt alive since yesterday, was now barren. The absence of her things felt like a void, a chasm that threatened to swallow him whole.

Sidharth’s breath hitched, and his pulse raced. The realization that she was no longer there, that she had left, was like a punch to the gut. Panic set in, his mind scrambling to understand what had happened. The room, that had filled with the promise of a new beginning, now felt desolate and cold.

He hastily checked the wardrobe, hoping she may have shifted everything in the wardrobe, but he didn’t find any..