Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 25

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Sidharth made his way to his room, his heart beating a little faster with a weird restlessness. As he pushed open the door, his anticipation quickly turned into confusion and dread. The room was empty. Completely still.

His eyes scanned every corner, but something was terribly wrong. There was no sign of Shehnaaz. Not a single bag of shenaaz was there.

A cold wave of realization hit him hard, draining the color from his face. His breath caught in his throat as his mind raced.

Where is she??

With shaky hands, Sidharth rushed to the walk in wardrobe. He yanked it open, hoping, praying that maybe she had just shifted her things neatly away. But no. The space was empty, just like the room. Not a single trace of her presence remained.

His chest tightened, panic quickly taking over. His fingers trembled as they ran through his hair in frustration. Where is she? His mind couldn’t stop racing with the question, as if repeating it would somehow give him the answer.

Why wasn’t her stuff here? Why had she disappeared so suddenly, without a single word?

The terrifying thought crossed his mind — Did she leave him and Vihaan? But that didn’t make sense. When he had clearly asked her to leave them before, she hadn’t gone. She had stayed. So why now?

Sidharth’s thoughts spiraled into confusion and guilt. Was it something he did? Had he been too harsh this morning? Did his words hurt her that much? But then, he remembered the coffee she had sent him, along with the breakfast. If she was upset, why would she do something so kind for him?

His frustration deepened, and panic set in. He fumbled for his phone, his fingers shaking, but then cursed under his breath when he remembered — he didn’t even have her number. How could he have been so careless? His restlessness grew, and he paced around the room, feeling more helpless with each passing second.

Just as he was storming out of the room to speak to his mother, a faint noise from the next door caught his attention. He paused, frowning. That room was supposed to be empty… wasn’t it?

Curiosity sparked inside him, pushing aside some of the panic. Without wasting a moment, Sidharth rushed towards the door. He hesitated for just a split second, his hand resting on the doorknob, before he turned it and swung the door open.

The sight that greeted him completely took him off guard.

Shehnaaz and Vihaan sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by brushes and paint, absorbed in their little art project. They were painting a simple but colorful scenery, lost in their own world. At the sound of the door opening, both looked up, their eyes wide and innocent, wearing identical baby expressions.

For a moment, Sidharth froze, his eyes taking in the heartwarming scene before him. Vihaan and Shehnaaz, their faces so alike in that moment, filled the empty room with warmth. The panic and fear that had been clawing at him just moments ago started to melt away. His heart, which had been racing, finally settled. **She’s here. She’s okay.** He repeated the thought to himself, as if reassuring his own heart.

“Daddyyy!” Vihaan’s joyful voice snapped him back to reality. The little boy scrambled to his feet and rushed toward Sidharth with open arms. Sidharth didn’t hesitate for a second. He scooped Vihaan up in one swift motion, holding him tightly, but his eyes never left Shehnaaz. Even as he hugged Vihaan, his gaze stayed fixed on her.

Shehnaaz had stood up too, her eyes anxiously watching him. She had a smudge of color on her nose and cheek, and it was almost comical how unaware she seemed of it. But Sidharth wasn’t smiling. He was still too caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that had shaken him moments before.

Shehnaaz could feel the intensity of his stare. Her heart began to race under the weight of it. **Why is he looking at me like that?** she wondered, her nerves twisting. He didn’t look angry, exactly, but there was something in his eyes that unsettled her. Something that made her feel like he was barely holding something back. She didn’t understand what was wrong. His face was tense, like he was on the verge of saying something explosive.

Vihaan, oblivious to the tension between his parents, snuggled into Sidharth’s arms, tightening his little hug around his neck. “Vihaan missed Daddy,” he said sweetly, his small voice pulling Sidharth out of his thoughts for a brief moment.

Sidharth softened just a little, pressing a kiss to Vihaan’s hair. “Daddy missed you too, champ,” he whispered, but his restless eyes quickly returned to Shehnaaz, still searching her face like he needed answers.

“Tum dono yahan kya kar rahe ho?” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made Shehnaaz flinch slightly. His eyes pointed toward her, as if accusing her of something, even though his words didn’t say much.

Shehnaaz blinked, startled by the tone. “Woh… hum painting kar rahe the…” she replied softly, her voice small as she glanced down at the floor, suddenly unsure. She had never seen him look this way, and it made her nervous.

Vihaan, sensing the shift in his father’s mood, wriggled out of Sidharth’s arms and jumped back onto the floor. Sidharth carefully put him down, still focused on Shehnaaz, but trying to calm himself. He didn’t want to scare her. He didn’t want to overwhelm her with the rush of emotions still storming inside him.

“Daddy, ye Vihaan ne banaya!” Vihaan exclaimed, quickly grabbing his painting book from the floor and holding it up proudly for Sidharth to see. “And Sanu maa helped me!” he added with the same enthusiasm.

For the first time since entering the room, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Sidharth’s lips. The innocence and excitement in Vihaan’s voice was contagious, and for a moment, it pulled Sidharth out of his intense thoughts.

Sidharth’s expression softened as he admired Vihaan’s attempt at painting. He bent down and kissed his son’s cheek, his voice full of pride. “This is absolutely amazing, Vihaan. You did a great job,” he said, the warmth in his voice making Vihaan’s eyes light up with pure joy.

“Really, Daddy?” Vihaan’s excitement bubbled over, his giggles filling the room. His little heart swelled with happiness at his father’s praise. “Me dadi ko dikha ke aata hoon!” he shouted before running out of the room, eager to show off his masterpiece to his grandmother.

And just like that, Shehnaaz and Sidharth were left alone in the room.

Shehnaaz stood there, feeling a heavy silence settle between them. Something in Sidharth’s demeanor made her anxious. His jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with something she couldn’t quite read — anger, frustration, maybe both. There was a tension in the air, thick and suffocating. He’s in a bad mood, Shehnaaz realized, and she didn’t want to be the target of his frustration.

“I’ll go check on Vihaan…” she murmured, hoping to slip away before things escalated. She turned to leave, but stopped in her tracks when she felt his hand wrap around hers.

a sense of belonging instantly surrounded them.

The touch sent a sudden, familiar shiver through her body, a wave of warmth and electricity spreading from his hand to hers. His grip was firm, not forceful, but enough to stop her in her tracks. His touch seeped through her skin, running through her veins, igniting something deep within her.

Surprised and trembling slightly, she turned to face him, her soft eyes meeting the intense fire in his. “Sidharth…” she breathed, her voice barely a whisper. The sound of his name on her lips seemed to hang in the air between them, echoing in the space like it had unlocked something.

It was the first time she had ever said his name out loud. And it hit Sidharth in a way he hadn’t expected. Her voice reached deep into his core, stirring emotions he hadn’t realized he was holding back. His heart pounded in his chest, wild and uncontrolled, the sound of his own name filling him with an odd sense of satisfaction.

Something inside him shifted. A strange, possessive feeling washed over him, taking hold of his mind. “Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?” he demanded, his tone harsher than he intended. It wasn’t a question of curiosity — it was laced with a need to understand, to know why she was still here.

Shehnaaz blinked, startled by his sudden shift. His question caught her off guard, and she wasn’t sure what he was asking or why it mattered so much to him. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Was he angry with her for staying? Did he not want her there?

“I… main samajhi nahi,” she stammered softly, genuinely confused by his question. Her brows furrowed as she tried to figure out what he meant. After all, she had assumed he would be relieved to have his space back, that her presence had been nothing more than an obligation to him.

Sidharth’s grip on Shehnaaz’s wrist tightened as he pulled her closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. The sudden pull was so forceful that she nearly stumbled into him, her breath catching in her throat, her chest heaving with the shock. His face was inches away from hers, and she could feel the heat of his frustration radiating off him.

“Why is none of your stuff in the room?” he asked, his voice low but filled with an unmistakable tension. His words sent a chill through her. She hadn’t expected this reaction, nor the sudden shift in his behavior. Her thoughts raced as she tried to find her footing, the situation spinning out of control.

Shehnaaz’s pulse quickened, and her eyes flickered with uncertainty as she tried to explain. “I… I’ve shifted to this room,” she whispered, her words sounding almost as if they were spoken in slow motion, each syllable heavy with the weight of what she was saying.

Sidharth froze for a moment, his mind struggling to process her words. And when the realization hit him, his eyes blazed with an uncontrollable fire. “What?” he growled, his voice dangerously low as his grip tightened around her wrist.

His reaction left her shaken, her breath hitching as the tension between them grew. Sidharth was seething, but beneath the anger was something else, something more raw. His mind swirled with confusion and pain. What did she mean by she shifted to this room? Why hadn’t she spoken to him first? Who asked her to do this? The questions raced through his mind, each one feeding the fury building inside him.

Did she resent him that much? The thought pierced through him, sharper than he wanted to admit. It hurt. The idea that she wanted to be away from him gnawed at him, made his chest tighten painfully. Was that really the reason she moved? To get away from him? He swallowed hard, fighting the surge of emotions clawing at his insides.

“Aap ne kaha tha…” Shehnaaz’s soft, trembling voice broke through the storm in his mind. She looked up at him with wide, uncertain eyes, clearly unnerved by his reaction. Her words trailed off as she caught sight of his furious expression, her voice barely audible as a shiver ran through her, “Aap maa se baat…”

Though her sentence remained incomplete, Sidharth understood what she meant. He had told her he would talk to his mother about moving her to a separate room. But something inside him snapped at that moment, a frustration he couldn’t quite name coursing through him. Why did hearing her say that make him feel so… uneasy? His grip on her wrist loosened unconsciously, the fire in his eyes wavering for a second as confusion took over.

He stood there, trying to make sense of his emotions, the swirling anger, frustration, and something deeper, something more unsettling. Why am I angry? he thought to himself. Isn’t this what I wanted? He had told himself that giving her space was the right thing to do, so why did he feel so unsatisfied? Why did this bother him so much?

“Mene kaha tha mein maa se baat karunga,” he scolded, his voice sharp, though he felt the sting of his own words. “I never told you to speak to maa.” His tone held an edge, but it wasn’t just anger—it was confusion, hurt, something even he wasn’t sure how to handle.

Shehnaaz’s frown deepened, her confusion matching his. Here she was, trying to help him, trying to make things easier for him, even though it weighed heavy on her heart. And yet, he was angry with her for that too. Why can’t he see that? she wondered, her chest tightening as the misunderstanding between them grew.

Anu’s words came rushing to her “Bhai isn’t gonna be happy about this..”

Sidharth’s eyes narrowed as he watched Shehnaaz closely, her adorable frown momentarily disarming him. For a second, he felt his anger dissolve, replaced by a bewildered fascination at her expressions. But the moment didn’t last. His frustration surged again as he tried to make sense of his own erratic emotions.

“But aap hi chahte the na?” Shehnaaz’s soft but firm voice pulled him back. Her frown deepened as she spoke, now a bit irritated by his unpredictable behavior. Sidharth couldn’t deny that she had a point, but his stubbornness wouldn’t allow him to back down.

“Tum samajhti ho main kya chahta hoon? Kab se jaanti ho mujhe tum?” he shot back, his voice rising as his anger flared again. His frustration boiled over as he threw his arms in the air. “Tumhe kya zarurat thi maa se baat karne ki? You are shifting all your stuff back right now!” he demanded, his words cutting through the air like a whip.

Shehnaaz blinked, stunned by his sudden order. What is wrong with him? she thought, trying to wrap her head around his erratic behavior. Does he think maa will be upset with him? She was suddenly hit by the ridiculousness of the thought. Why is he doing this.. kahi inhe aisa toh nahi lag raha ke maa inse gussa karengi.. awehi angry man bane firte hai.. andar se toh darte hi hai na maa se.. a chuckled forming at the corner of her lips.

Her lips twitched, and a soft giggle nearly escaped, but she quickly clamped her mouth shut as his furious gaze fixed on her. His eyes darkened as he misunderstood the situation.

“Do I look funny to you?” Sidharth seethed, his voice dripping with annoyance. Is she laughing at me? No one ever dared to do that. But the sparkle in her eyes, the soft giggle that she tried to suppress—it had hit a nerve. And yet, beneath that irritation, there was something else stirring inside him, something he couldn’t shake off.

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened in panic, her head shaking furiously. “Nahi, nahi! Main aap pe nahi has rahi thi!” she said quickly, her voice trembling. Oh God, she thought, why can’t I just be normal around him? She blamed his intense eyes for it, the way they made her mind go blank and her nerves act up.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Shehnaaz spoke again, trying to reason with him. “Dekhiye, agar aap maa ke baare mein soch rahe hain, toh maa gussa nahi hain. Woh samajhti hain,” she said, her tone soft but filled with conviction.

Sidharth ran a frustrated hand through his hair, pacing restlessly, feeling the heat of his irritation rise. Why was she making this so difficult? Why couldn’t she just listen? His voice dropped low, hardening with command, “You are shifting back to the room right now.”

Shehnaaz opened her mouth, trying to explain once more, her voice soft, “Par aap…”

“Oughhh..”, Sidharth let out a groan before she could finish, a deep, angry sound that made her flinch, her heart racing at the sheer intensity of it. It was as if an angry lion was standing before her, his frustration palpable in the air.

Without giving her a second glance, he stormed out of the room, his footsteps heavy with anger, leaving Shehnaaz standing there, confused and scared. Her heart sank as she watched him leave. Why was he always like this? Why didn’t he see that she had done everything for him, for his comfort?

“Yeh gussa ho gaye firse… kyun nahi samajh rahe ke maine ye sab unke liye kiya hai,” she whispered to herself, her mind swirling with worry. The intensity of his anger made her feel small, like a tiny mouse caught in the path of a raging storm.

Her feet moved instinctively, following him cautiously as if afraid that one wrong step would make him roar again. She felt like a baby mouse going behind a wild cat.

________________

Madhu ji put her phone down, her heart light and filled with joy. The conversation with Shehnaaz had been brief but heartwarming, and she couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness for her daughter. Shehnaaz was finally settling down, building a life for herself, and it made Madhu’s heart swell with pride.

As she sat there smiling to herself, Rajender ji returned from the office. He noticed her beaming face immediately, a bit surprised. “What are you so happy about, Madhu? And where had you gone yesterday? I tried calling you a few times,” he said, his curiosity piqued.

He had come home late last night after an extended meeting at the XYZ hotel. By the time he returned, Madhu was fast asleep, and though he had noticed her favorite jewelry and a beautiful and very expensive saree kept carelessly, or rathertossed at the open section in their walkin wardrobe, he assumed she must be too tired, he hadn’t had the chance to ask her about it.

Madhu chuckled softly at his questions, her mood light and carefree. “Bas yun samajh lo… yesterday was a special day for me.” She hugged her husband tightly, her joy bubbling over. “Oh, Raj, I’m so happy.”

Rajender smiled, amused by her enthusiasm, and kissed her forehead gently. “Aisa kya tha kal, Madhu? What secrets have you been keeping from me these days?” he teased, hoping to get some answers.

Madhu grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Abhi nahi… but I’ll tell you soon,” she promised, holding back the news for the right moment.

Rajender ji shook his head, giving in. “As you wish, love. I’ll be waiting. But tell me, did you speak to Shehnaaz? Is she angry with me?” His voice softened, his heart heavy with guilt. The thought of his daughter being upset with him weighed on him, a deep ache settling in his chest.

Madhu’s smile softened as she looked at him. “Yes, I spoke to Shehnaaz. She’s not angry with you, Raj. You’re her father, and you know how much she loves you.”

“I love her too, Madhu,” Raj sighed, the guilt still clinging to him. “But I’ve hurt my baby girl. Please bring her back home… I feel like I’ve lost her.” His voice wavered, filled with regret.

Madhu ji sighed softly, knowing the complexity of the situation. “You haven’t lost anybody, Raj,” she reassured him, her hand resting gently on his. “And I promise, you two will meet soon.” She carefully avoided mentioning Shehnaaz’s marriage, knowing that when Rajender would eventually learn about it, his anger and heartbreak would resurface.

But for now, she didn’t want to dampen the joy of the moment. There would be time to deal with the inevitable storm later.

Feeling reassured by her words, Raj hugged his dear wife tightly, grateful for her warmth and support.

_______________

Sidharth stormed back into his room, his frustration boiling over. He couldn’t believe how tangled his emotions had become ever since Shehnaaz had stepped into his life. She was stubborn, a troublemaker, and undeniably gorgeous. She infuriated him by being scared of him, yet she had the nerve to challenge him every chance she got. And then there were those moments when she wouldn’t stop talking, when all he wanted was silence.

Just one thing—one simple thing—he had told her to do, and she couldn’t even agree to that. No, she had to defy him.

Who told her to speak to maa in the first place? And why did she shift rooms without consulting him? After all, wasn’t that what *he* was planning to do? Then why wasn’t he relieved that she had done it?

The room felt suffocating, the air heavy with tension. He slumped down onto the sofa with a heavy thud, the same spot where she had been sleeping the night before. The faint scent of her lingered in the air, that sweet fragrance that seemed to haunt him lately, whether he liked it or not. It clung to the space around him, wrapping him in a strange, unsettling comfort.

He hated how she constantly defied him. He hated his own reactions even more, knowing that his behavior was unreasonable. If she wanted to stay in a separate room, fine—let her. He wasn’t going to go chasing after her like a fool.

Resolved, he closed his eyes and tried to shut out the chaos swirling in his mind. But her scent was everywhere, reminding him of her presence, making him feel something he didn’t want to acknowledge.

This wasn’t how he had imagined his evening. After a long day at the office, he had planned on a quiet dinner and a good night’s sleep. Instead, here he was, caught in a storm of emotions he didn’t know how to handle.

Irritated, Sidharth got up and headed to the bathroom to freshen up, hoping that a shower might clear his mind. He returned a while later, dressed comfortably in a vest and pajamas, yet still restless.

His gaze drifted toward the closed door of the room next to his as he walked to the living room, lingering there for just a second longer than he wanted to admit.

_____________

Arjun took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he fastened his seatbelt. The plane was on the brink of taking off, the engines humming with the promise of departure. He needed to leave, even if just for a while, to escape the storm raging inside him. The prospect of being away, even temporarily, seemed like a necessary escape from the madness that threatened to consume him.

He felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had deeply hurt Sanju. The pain of leaving her without a word, after the emotionally charged night they had shared, weighed heavily on him. And now, he was about to fly to London, still without telling her. The guilt gnawed at him, a relentless reminder of the hurt he was causing.

But something had shattered inside him the night before. The realization that Shehnaaz was with someone else had left an indelible mark on his heart—a scar that would remain with him forever. The thought of her being with another person, living a life he had once envisioned for them, felt like a brutal betrayal. The pain of it was almost unbearable, a sharp, persistent ache that refused to fade.

Arjun had lost himself in the aftermath of that revelation. He knew he needed to find himself again, to regain his sense of self before he could consider giving himself and Sanju a fair chance. The last thing he wanted was to keep Sanju in a state of hurt and confusion. He owed it to her to resolve his internal turmoil before he could offer her anything genuine.

He resolved to call Sanju once he had settled in and cleared his mind. He needed to explain, to make her understand, and perhaps to seek forgiveness. But for now, he needed this space, this time away from the chaos of his emotions.

As the plane began to ascend, Arjun’s thoughts were consumed by a single, bitter truth: “I will never forgive you, Shehnaaz Gill. You ruined my life.” The words were a harsh declaration, a reflection of his deep-seated anguish and sense of betrayal.

_____________

Rita ji, along with Tayaji and Tayiji, had already settled themselves around the dining table. The table was set, and the aroma of food filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rita ji’s voice, filled with motherly affection, rang out as she said, “Aaja beta… kab se tera wait kar rahe hain…” Her words carried a gentle, expectant tone, reflecting her love and anticipation for their family meal.

Sidharth, his emotions a mix of fatigue and longing, nodded in acknowledgment and took his place at the table. His gaze briefly lingered on the kitchen, where Shehnaaz and Anu were making their way out, with Vihaan trailing behind them. There was a subtle discomfort in his eyes, a hesitation that quickly shifted away as he forced himself to look elsewhere.

As they approached, Varsha and her colleague entered the dining room, carrying the various dishes of food. With practiced grace, they placed the dishes on the table, their movements creating a rhythm that matched the steady heartbeat of family life.

Vihaan eagerly took his seat beside Sidharth, his small face glowing with excitement. Shehnaaz, her demeanor calm yet attentive, carefully placed Vihaan’s dish in front of him. She then moved around the table, serving everyone with a sense of dedication. Anu assisted her, their cooperation smooth and seamless.

As Shehnaaz served Sidharth, her hands trembled ever so slightly, betraying the nervousness she felt. She kept her movements steady, though her heart raced. Sidharth’s eyes, usually so steady and focused, softened as they rested on her. The familiar scent of her presence reached his senses, an aroma that was comforting yet unsettling, stirring emotions he tried to keep at bay.

Sidharth didn’t fail to notice how shehnaaz filled his plate with care. everything was placed neatly except for the bhindi ki sabji which he disliked. How did she know?

Anu and Rita ji exchanged knowing glances, a soft chuckle escaping their lips. It was a shared moment of understanding, recognizing the subtle undercurrents of the situation.

“Daddy, aap kal bhi office jaoge…” Vihaan asked innocently as Shehnaaz settled into the chair next to him, beginning to feed him. Her movements were gentle and attentive, her love for her son evident in every gesture.

Sidharth looked at Shehnaaz for a brief moment, his eyes catching the subtle way she interacted with Vihaan, before his attention shifted to his son. “Kal Saturday hai, Vihaan… Daddy ka Saturday aur Sunday Vihaan ke liye fixed hota hai… forgot?” His voice carried enthusiasm.

Vihaan’s face lit up with a bright smile, his joy palpable. “Yeyyyy…” he exclaimed. Then, his eyes widened with excitement as he looked up at Sidharth and said, “Daddy, Vihaan wants to watch a movie…” The simple request, delivered with such earnest enthusiasm.

Sidharth took a bite of the paratha, the flavors rich and satisfying on his palate. A smile formed on his lips as he looked at Vihaan. “Deal, baby,” he said softly, his tone warm and affectionate. The simple agreement was a small yet significant gesture, a fleeting moment of connection amid the underlying tension.

As the family engaged in conversation during dinner, Tayiji, Tayaji, and Rita ji chatted amiably, their voices blending with the clinking of cutlery and the rustle of plates. Shehnaaz, sitting beside Vihaan, focused on helping him with his meal. Her movements were careful and deliberate, masking the anxiety she felt. Despite the cheerful banter around her, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Sidharth’s intense gaze, which landed on her intermittently.

“Sid…” Rita ji’s voice broke through the quiet hum of dinner, catching Sidharth’s attention. “Kal subah mandir mein pooja hai. Tum Shehnaaz aur Vihaan ko le jana. Anu, tum bhi jana.”

Anu’s expression shifted to one of mild discontent. She had her own plans for the day, having hoped for a quiet time with Shikhar. “Maa, main evening ke chali jaungi… Mujhe thoda kaam hai,” she replied, trying to diplomatically sidestep the early morning plan.

Rita ji, ever understanding, agreed to Anu’s change of plans. Sidharth, however, turned his gaze towards Shehnaaz, on;y to find her eyes already on him. Their eyes met for a brief, charged moment. Shehnaaz’s eyes widened slightly before she quickly looked away, feeling caught by him.

Sidharth took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent thoughts. “Ji maa…” he agreed, surprising even himself with his compliance. It was rare for him to acquiesce so easily; usually, convincing him was a task in itself.

After dinner, Sidharth decided to get an ice cream for Vihaan, who had been adamant about wanting one.

As he returned home, his steps slowed when he reached Shehnaaz’s room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the narrow gap, he overheard a conversation. His curiosity piqued.

_____________

Sanju dabbed at the tears streaking down her cheeks, taking a deep, steadying breath. She couldn’t allow herself to fall apart—not again. This wasn’t who she was, and she couldn’t understand why she felt so lost and vulnerable. It wasn’t like her to be so easily overwhelmed by grief. She was struggling to come to terms with the fact that every time Arjun hurt her, she found herself crying uncontrollably.

Her mind was clouded with the painful realization that Arjun wasn’t going to change. His fixation on Shehnaaz bordered on obsession, and it seemed he could never fully move on from her. It was a harsh truth that cut deeply into her heart. She felt a sense of resignation, knowing that Arjun’s unresolved feelings for Shehnaaz would continue to cause her pain.

Sanju had been relieved, in a way, that Arjun had not caused a scene at the wedding. It was one less thing to worry about. But the previous night had been a whirlwind of emotions. When she had brought him home, he was in a state of emotional disarray. His tears and pleas for Shehnaaz had been gut-wrenching. In a desperate bid to comfort him, she had held him close, offering all the love she had. In the throes of their shared intimacy, she had hoped to heal the wounds between them. Yet, despite giving him her all, he left without a word of explanation the next morning.

Sanju felt a pang of regret for having opened up to him, for having made herself so vulnerable. She had once felt secure in her emotions, but now it seemed as though Arjun was repeatedly crushing her heart, tearing it apart piece by piece.

Lost in her tumultuous thoughts, Sanju was jolted by the sound of her phone ringing. It was Shehnaaz. An unexpected smile curved on her lips as she answered the call. “Tujhe itni jaldi meri yaad aa gayi? Main soch rahi thi ki tu kuch din tak Sidharth ke sapno mein hi khoyi rahegi…”

Shehnaaz’s face flushed at Sanju’s teasing words. “Bakwas mat kar, main tujhe miss kar rahi hoon,” she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. Despite the heaviness in her tone, she attempted to lift her spirits by holding Vihaan in her lap. The little boy’s presence was like a soothing balm, a touch of magic that could chase away the gloom, if only for a moment.

Sidharth stood outside the door, his body tense and rigid. His mind was racing with a surge of anger, a molten fury that seemed to pulse through him with every heartbeat. He had overheard part of the conversation, and the questions swirling in his mind made his frustration even more acute. Who was Shehnaaz talking to? The curiosity was burning him up inside.

Inside, Sanju’s voice was tinged with exasperation as she rolled her eyes. “Chala, paka mat… raat ka action scene jara bata mujhe…”

Shehnaaz’s eyes widened in mock horror at Sanju’s boldness. “Sanjuuuuu…” she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. The sight of Vihaan’s puzzled expression only added to the humor of the moment. “Maa, you are red like tomato,” he observed, his innocent comment breaking through the tension.

Sidharth’s rigid stance softened slightly at the mention of Sanju. The name acted as a balm, calming the raw edges of his anger. He leaned closer, trying to catch more of the conversation through the small gap in the door.

As Shehnaaz’s voice carried over the line, she put the phone on speaker. “Ye le, apne boyfriend se baat karo…”

Sanju’s response was light-hearted and teasing. “Hello there, my charming man…”

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but shake her head at Sanju’s cheesy line, though a smile tugged at her lips. Vihaan, ever the lively child, chimed in with his own excitement. “Hello, girlfriend… Dadi got a new cycle for Vihaan.”

Sidharth’s curiosity peaked as he carefully peered through the door, trying to catch a glimpse of Shehnaaz and Vihaan’s expressions. He saw Shehnaaz lean in and kiss Vihaan’s cheek, a tender gesture full of love and warmth. Sanju, on the other end of the line, grinned widely. “Ahhaa… Kya baat hai, Vihaan… So mujhe ride kab milegi…”

Vihaan’s face scrunched up in a frown as he replied, “But you are big girlfriend, you break Vihaan’s cycle…”

The innocent logic behind Vihaan’s words made Shehnaaz burst into peals of laughter, her joy so genuine and unrestrained that it seemed to light up the room.

Sidharth stood entranced, completely mesmerized by Shehnaaz’s beautiful smile and laughter. It was a sight he had rarely seen—a carefree, radiant version of her that seemed almost otherworldly. The happiness that radiated from her, coupled with her stunning smile, left him captivated and spellbound.

Sanju’s voice interrupted the moment, tinged with a playful annoyance. “Ha ha ha… Ho gaya haske?”

Vihaan’s giggles filled the room as Shehnaaz chuckled warmly. “Achha, aur baat, kya kiya aaj tune mere bina…” she asked, her tone light but curious.

Sanju sighed, feeling the weight of the conversation. She didn’t want to distress Shehnaaz, but she knew she had to address the situation. “Sana, kal raat ko…” She hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I had to collect Arjun from a pub. He was so drunk he could barely stand, and he was very upset.”

Instantly, a heavy silence fell over the room. Shehnaaz’s face drained of color as the gravity of Sanju’s words sank in. She could immediately piece together why Arjun had been drunk and distressed. It was her wedding day, It must have been a terrible day for him.. she knew his obsession for her. Shehnaaz couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret and sorrow for not calling sanju earlier.. Did Arjun not realize how deeply his actions affected Sanju? She knew her best friend’s voice well enough to understand the pain behind it. “You okay, baby?” she asked softly, her concern genuine.

Sanju took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. “It was a hard day for him, I understand that. But I just wish he would stop hurting me like this,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. The effort to remain composed in front of Shehnaaz was evident, though her pain was palpable.

Outside the door, Sidharth had been frozen in place. The mention of Arjun had immediately grabbed his attention. Why was that guy Arjun drunk and upset? And why had yesterday been particularly hard for him? when it was the wedding oh him and shenaaz.. Sidharth’s mind raced with questions. There was an underlying tension he couldn’t ignore, especially when he thought back to the way Arjun had looked at Shehnaaz, the protectiveness in his eyes that hinted at deeper emotions. The jealousy surged through him like a storm, the same intense feeling he had felt when Arjun’s gaze had lingered on Shehnaaz in the garden. “She is mine,” a fierce, uncontrollable urge demanded within him.

“Daddyyyyy…” Vihaan’s excited shout cut through the tension as he dashed towards Sidharth, and both Shehnaaz and Sanju’s faces went pale. The sudden realization that Sidharth was standing at the door had caught them off guard.

“I’ll call you later, Sanju…” Shehnaaz mumbled quickly, her voice rushed as she ended the call. Panic fluttered in her chest as Sidharth stepped into the room.


Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for joining me on this emotional journey through the lives of Shehnaaz, Sidharth, and the others. Writing about the intricacies of relationships and the depth of human emotions can be both challenging and rewarding. Each character’s struggles, from Shehnaaz’s heartfelt moments to Sidharth’s inner turmoil and Sanju’s pain, are depicted with the intent to explore the complexity of their experiences and interactions.

As you navigate through the pages, I hope you find yourself immersed in the characters’ world, feeling their joys and sorrows, their conflicts and resolutions. Their stories are woven together with themes of love, heartache, and self-discovery, and it’s my hope that their journeys resonate with you on a personal level.

Your feedback and thoughts are invaluable to me. They help me understand how effectively the characters’ emotions and stories are conveyed and how I can continue to improve as a writer. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing more of their stories with you in the future.

Also, stay tuned for BaarishBhula 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  WattpadInstagram 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

69 thoughts on “Chapter 25”

  1. Beautiful banter between sidharth and shehnaaz….loved the way he showed where she belongs…can’t wait more to what awaits in story ahead ❤️

  2. Riya Mohammedali Sayeed

    Beautiful… I just want to laugh on shehnaaz situation ki pehle kehte he room alag krne ko or jb krdiya to problems… Mtlb banda kre to kya… Jo bole vo kre to problem or na kre to problem…
    #storiesbyshalaka

  3. Best best bestesttttttttttttttt❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  4. 💖💖💖❣️❣️❣️😐😐😐💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💖❣️❣️❣️💟💟💖💖❣️💟💖❣️💖💟💖❣️😐💟💖❣️❣️💟💖❣️😐💟💖❣️💟💖💖❣️💖💖❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

  5. 😛🩷🩷💝💝😏🩷💝💝😏🩷💝💝🩷🩷💝💝🩷🩷💝🩷🩷💝💝🩷🩷😍😍😍💝💝😚😜🩷🩷🩷🥺🥺😍💝😚😚🙃😜😜🤩🩷🩷🥺🥺🥺😍💝😚🙃😜🤩🩷🩷🥺🥺😍😍😍😚

  6. 🫶♥️💗💙💙💙♥️💗💙💙🫶🫶♥️💙💙🫶♥️💗💙🫶🫶♥️♥️💙🫶🫶♥️🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🫶🫶♥️♥️

  7. ❣️❣️💖💖💟🥰🥰😍😍🤩🥹🥹😍🤩😌😌😌🤩🥰😘😚😙😗😙😙🙂🙂🙃😙😘🥰🥰😍🤩🥳🥳😘😙😙😄😃😄😆😆😅😅😅😚

  8. ❤️🧡💛💚💚🩵💙💜🤎🤎🖤🩶🤍🩷💘💝💖💗💗💗💗💓💓💓💞💞💞💞💕💕💌💌💌💟♥️♥️❣️❣️❣️❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥💓🩶🤍🩷🩷💘💝💖💗🤎💛🩵💜🤎💌♥️💓

  9. O god ,, you leave the story at such a exciting moment,, that it forces us to wait for the next part 🙈🙈
    #storieswithshalaka

  10. My favourite dialogue is awahi angry man bane gumte hai ..andar sr darte hi hai na Maa se😂
    Can’t wait for the next update …pls jaldi jaldi next chapter 🙏

  11. Dear the story is beautiful but it getting bore and irritating please stop narrating the story and give us more dialogue between characters and please stop repeating same thing again and again

  12. So well written, Sidharth is so confused about his feelings and Shehnaaz’s assumption about Sidharth’s thinking everything is so conflicts especially Sidharth’s feelings for Shehnaaz also till now I was getting comical vibes from Arjun but now I hate him for hurting Sanju, I agree Shehnaaz marrying Sidharth hurts him but that doesn’t mean he can use Sanju whenever he want and abandon her when he feels I don’t think he deserves a good girl like Sanju

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