Chapter 26

Shehnaaz’s heart raced as she quickly ended her call with Sanju, her voice hurried and breathless. “I’ll call you later, Sanju…” she mumbled, barely able to focus on anything but the figure standing at the door. Sidharth had just stepped into the room, and the suddenness of his presence made her chest tighten with panic. She didn’t know how long he had been there or how much of her conversation about Arjun he might have overheard.

Her eyes darted nervously around the room, trying to avoid his gaze, but she felt his presence like a weight in the air. He walked in quietly, picking up little Vihaan in his arms, his expression unreadable. Shehnaaz’s back instinctively straightened as he approached, the tension in her body making her feel like she had been caught doing something wrong. She shifted uneasily beside Vihaan, who was now bouncing happily on the bed, oblivious to the strange atmosphere between the adults.

Sidharth handed Vihaan an ice cream cone, a soft smile playing on his lips as he unwrapped it for him. “Here is your favorite, baby,” he said, his voice warm and gentle.

“Yayyy!” Vihaan squealed with joy, grabbing the cornetto and immediately taking a big bite. “It’s yummy, daddy!” he exclaimed with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

Shehnaaz couldn’t help but smile at her son’s innocent happiness. Her heart softened at the sight of him enjoying his treat, and for a moment, she almost forgot the tension that had filled the room just moments before. But then, something unexpected happened. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Sidharth unwrapping another ice cream cone.

She blinked in surprise as he handed it to her, his gesture catching her completely off guard. She hadn’t expected him to bring one for her too, and certainly not her favorite—choco chips cornetto. Her mind raced with questions. How did he know I love chocolate? She wondered, her surprise evident in the slight widening of her eyes, “it’s okay.. I…”

“Take it..” was his instant command. Their gazes met, and for a brief moment, everything else seemed to fade. His eyes held hers with a quiet intensity, almost commanding her to accept the ice cream. She hesitated for only a second before taking it from him, her fingers trembling slightly. The cone felt cold against her skin, and a small drop of melted ice cream slipped from the edge, landing on her hand. Instinctively, she brought her finger to her lips, tasting the sweetness of the chocolate.

Sidharth’s eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite place—maybe surprise, maybe something else entirely—as he watched her. Her innocent, almost childish act of licking the ice cream from her fingers seemed to catch him completely off guard. He looked at her with a mixture of amusement and something deeper, something that made the air between them feel charged with unspoken emotions.

Shehnaaz, oblivious to the effect she was having on him, focused on her ice cream, the rich flavor of chocolate spreading over her tongue. Her lips, now smudged with chocolate, attacked the cone with eagerness, savoring each bite as though it was the best thing she’d tasted in a long time. It was an unconscious, simple act, but it had a powerful effect on Sidharth. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, mesmerized by the sight of her indulging in something so small, so sweet.

Sidharth’s throat tightened with a wave of unexpected desire, his eyes glued to Shehnaaz’s face. Her lips were smeared with chocolate, her expression so carefree and innocent, yet somehow it stirred something deep inside him. Damn… His mind raced as he fought to keep his composure, but the sight of her messy face and the way her lips glistened with chocolate were making it impossible to look away.

What the hell is wrong with you, Sidharth? he scolded himself internally, shaking his head in disbelief. He was a grown man, yet here he was, acting like some teenager just because of a simple, innocent act. Stop it. he tried to reason with himself, but his body betrayed him. His pulse quickened, his gaze lingering on her longer than it should have.

Meanwhile, Vihaan, noticing his mother’s enthusiasm, mimicked her actions, his small hands grasping his ice cream cone with equal excitement. “Look, maa! Vihaan eating like you!” he giggled, his face now covered in little smudges of ice cream.

Shehnaaz chuckled, finally breaking the intense moment between her and Sidharth. She wiped the corner of Vihaan’s mouth with her sleeve, her heart swelling with love for her son. But even as she focused on Vihaan, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Sidharth’s eyes on her. The room felt warmer now, the tension replaced with something softer, something she couldn’t quite name but could definitely feel.

Sidharth, still standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with a strange mix of emotions swirling inside him. He had brought the ice cream to make Vihaan happy, but now, watching Shehnaaz, he found himself caught up in the smallest of her actions. The way she licked the ice cream off her fingers, the way her lips glistened with chocolate—it was almost too much for him to handle. He tried to remain composed, but the playful, innocent side of her was affecting him in ways he hadn’t expected.

Sidharth watched silently as Vihaan and Shehnaaz devoured their ice creams, letting them enjoy the moment without interrupting. Vihaan was chattering away, his innocent voice filling the room as he shared every little thought running through his mind, leaving Shehnaaz to nod along with smiles and giggles.

Once the ice creams were finished, Shehnaaz glanced at herself and made a face. Her fingers brushed against her messy, chocolate-streaked clothes, and her lips twisted into a little pout. She hesitated for a moment, her embarrassment clearly growing as she reluctantly lifted her gaze toward Sidharth. The second her eyes met his, she froze. His expression was intense—his dark eyes bore into hers like they could see right through her, pulling her in with their unspoken weight. It was like staring into a black hole, and the way he looked at her made her heart race, her breath catching in her throat.

What is happening to me? she thought, feeling vulnerable and small under his intense gaze. Scared, almost like a cornered mouse, Shehnaaz acted on instinct. Without a word, she scooped up the sticky, giggling Vihaan and darted toward the bathroom, fleeing the tension that seemed to thicken the air around her. She didn’t dare look back.

Sidharth stood there, running his fingers through his hair in frustration as the bathroom door closed behind her. He let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. His heartbeat was still racing, every nerve in his body on edge. This is going to be the hardest phase of my life, he thought with a mix of amusement and frustration. The idea of handling not just Vihaan but also Shehnaaz, with all her innocent charm and unintentional effect on him, felt overwhelming. Two kids at home to handle now, he almost mused, shaking his head as he remembered the sight of her in that silly, adorable Winnie-the-Pooh nightwear.

Just when he thought he had regained control of himself, Shehnaaz returned, this time looking fresh and clean, with Vihaan trotting happily beside her. She froze halfway across the room, her eyes widening in confusion when she saw what Sidharth was doing. He was standing by the open cupboard, methodically taking out her clothes, one hanger at a time. Several of her outfits were already lying scattered across the bed.

Her heart skipped a beat. What on the earth is he doing?

“Aap kya kar rahe ho?” she asked softly, her voice hesitant but laced with curiosity, hoping to get some clarity. She watched him closely, waiting for a response.

But Sidharth didn’t meet her eyes, didn’t even look in her direction. He continued pulling out the hangers, his expression calm and focused, like this was the most normal thing in the world. The only acknowledgment he gave was a slight pause before he placed the hangers on the bed, still ignoring her.

Vihaan, oblivious to the tension, jumped onto the bed with excitement. “Daddy, Vihaan sleeping with Sanu maa tonight!” he announced, his tiny voice filled with joy as he bounced on the bed, hugging Shehnaaz’s leg.

Sidharth shook his head at his son’s enthusiasm but still didn’t look at Shehnaaz. “And what about daddy, buddy?” he replied, his tone playful as he ruffled Vihaan’s hair. He completely sidestepped Shehnaaz’s question, as if she hadn’t spoken at all.

Vihaan’s innocent words echoed in Shehnaaz’s mind long after he had spoken them, “ye toh me socha hi nahi.. Maa, daddy akele ho jayenge, humare bina…” His simple concern hit both Sidharth and Shehnaaz harder than they expected, leaving an undeniable tension in the air. For Shehnaaz, it stirred an ache in her heart—a feeling she tried so hard to suppress when it came to Sidharth. She couldn’t let him feel that loneliness. She had to convince Vihaan to sleep with his father. She couldn’t leave Sidharth like that, alone and without his son.

But before she could act on this thought, Sidharth’s voice broke through the quiet, catching her completely off guard.

“What were you and Sanju talking about?” His question was casual, almost too casual, but the intensity of his gaze said otherwise. His eyes were fixed on her, demanding an answer.

Startled, Shehnaaz blinked, trying to process the sudden shift in conversation. He had heard their discussion? Her mind raced, trying to remember every word exchanged between her and Sanju. Had they said something they shouldn’t have? She couldn’t recall anything out of line, but her anxiety spiked nonetheless. She met his eyes briefly, unsure how to respond. “Woh… She and Arjun… unki aksar fight hoti hai… wohi baat kar rahe the…” she mumbled, her voice soft, almost uncertain, hoping that explanation would suffice.

Before Sidharth could respond, Vihaan called out, “Daddy…” He raised his small arms, and Sidharth responded instinctively, walking over to pick him up and place him on the bed. He glanced at Shehnaaz’s clothes scattered across the bed which he had pulled out of wardrobe and, without a word, gathered them in his hands.

Shehnaaz watched, bewildered. What was he doing? He tossed her clothes to his room as if they belonged there, making his way back to the bedroom to take Vihaan in his arms. His actions were strange, out of character. He had been so adamant about keeping his distance, about needing space, and now this? What did it mean?

Her confusion deepened, but then a realization hit her—this wasn’t about her. he was just worried about Vihaan, about keeping him close and safe. 

Still lost in her thoughts, Shehnaaz watched Sidharth settle Vihaan onto the bed. He didn’t say a word to her, didn’t offer any explanation for what he was doing. His focus was entirely on their son. He sat down beside Vihaan, pulling the boy onto his lap, brushing his fingers gently through his hair. Within minutes, Vihaan’s eyes fluttered shut, and he drifted off to sleep, safe in his father’s embrace.

For a moment, Shehnaaz forgot about everything else—about their complicated relationship, about her confusion and guilt. All she could see was Sidharth being a loving, protective father. The quiet affection he showed for Vihaan made her heart ache in a different way. Sidharth might push her away, but when it came to vihaan, he was always present, always nurturing. She had to admit, he was a wonderful father.

Sidharth carefully placed Vihaan down on the bed, pulling a soft duvet over him and settling beside him, still gently brushing his hair as the little boy slept. His expression softened, showing a side of him that Shehnaaz had ever seen.

Shehnaaz sat quietly, still in her place, unsure of what to do. She couldn’t  lie down beside them. She knew Sidharth wouldn’t like it.  he didn’t seem ready to leave anytime soon. She understood now, he wasn’t used to sleeping without Vihaan. Maybe she had been wrong in moving to this room. Now she realized why Sidharth had asked her to shift back—he needed his son close. The realization made guilt wash over her in waves. 

Looks like it’s another night on the sofa, she thought, her face falling into a small pout. She was about to stand up, resigning herself to the discomfort of the couch once again, when Sidharth’s voice interrupted her.

Sidharth’s voice cut through the silence, low but weighted, sending an unspoken tension through Shehnaaz. “Humari baat abhi Puri nahi hui hai…” His words weren’t just a statement—they were a warning, a reminder that there was more left unsaid between them.

Shehnaaz felt a chill run through her. She wasn’t sure what he meant, but she could tell by his tone that it wasn’t something she could brush off. Confusion clouded her mind as she tried to figure out which conversation he was referring to.

Then, he turned to her, his gaze sharp. “You and Sanju were talking about that guy, Arjun… why was he particularly so upset yesterday? And why wasn’t he at the wedding if he’s your friend and Sanju’s boyfriend?”

The question hit her like a wave, and for a moment, the color drained from her face. Sidharth had heard most of the conversation—she hadn’t been as careful as she thought. Panic swirled within her as she realized that any wrong answer could escalate the situation.

“Woh…” Shehnaaz’s voice trembled as she fumbled for an answer. Her mind raced, trying to come up with something plausible, but under Sidharth’s intense gaze, every thought seemed to slip away. His stare made her feel more vulnerable, more exposed. Nervous, she bit her lower lip—a small habit that only seemed to make Sidharth’s gaze darken, though she remained completely unaware of the effect it had on him.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to speak, “Actually, Arjun travels a lot, and he wanted to spend some time with Sanju before his trip… but she was busy with the wedding preparations. They had an argument about it, and he got very upset. That’s why he didn’t attend the wedding.” She hoped her explanation sounded logical enough, praying it would satisfy him.

Sidharth’s eyes remained fixed on her, unreadable, as he processed her words. His silence stretched for what felt like an eternity. The weight of his scrutiny made her heart pound harder in her chest, anxiety rising with every passing second.

“Hmm…” he finally hummed, the sound low and contemplative.

Sidharth shifted, his arms twisting beneath his head, causing his muscles to flex in a way that instantly caught Shehnaaz’s attention. Her breath hitched as she almost gasped at the sight of the taut muscles under his skin. Quickly, she closed her mouth before he noticed, not wanting to seem too obvious. A part of her wanted to reach out and touch him, but she knew she couldn’t. However, just having him here, in the same room, was more than enough for her.

She didn’t want him to leave and go back to his own bedroom. In fact, she secretly loved the fact that he had willingly come to her room. Shehnaaz had no right to ask him to stay, but she hoped, silently and fiercely, that he wouldn’t leave. At least this way, she could watch him without any barriers. It was enough for her to cherish his presence, even if she couldn’t express it.

A small smile crept across her lips as she quietly got up, intending to go to the sofa. The thought of sleeping next to him felt too bold, and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.

Just as she began to move, his voice, low and tired, stopped her in her tracks. “Sleeping on the sofa isn’t comfortable. Sleep on the bed. If you want, I’ll leave…”

Her heart almost skipped a beat at his words. The fact that he even cared enough to offer her the bed made her feel something warm and soft inside.

A blush crept onto her cheeks as she quickly shook her head. “Nahi nahi… aap please so jayiye. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai,” she whispered, trying her best to sound calm, though she feared her excitement might slip through.

“Hmm…” Sidharth mumbled, already half asleep, his tone indifferent but not dismissive.

Shehnaaz couldn’t stop herself from smiling now. It didn’t matter that Sidharth was only letting her stay on the bed for Vihaan’s sake. Just the thought of lying so close to him, sharing the same space, made her heart swell with a strange kind of happiness. She slid down beside Vihaan, wrapping her arms around her son, while Sidharth lay on the other side of the bed, already drifting off to sleep.

As she pulled the duvet over herself, her eyes lingered on Sidharth, who had fallen asleep without covering himself. Worry flashed in her eyes, and without thinking twice, she quietly got up, moving over to his side. Careful not to wake him, she gently draped the duvet over him. Her fingers lightly brushed against his arm as she did so, sending a small jolt through her heart. For a moment, her eyes stayed on his face, longer than they should have, soaking his ruggish handsome face while he slept.

There was so much she wanted to say, but words were unnecessary in that moment. Her eyes, soft and filled with love, said everything.

Satisfied that he was comfortable, Shehnaaz returned to her side of the bed, her heart full and her mind at ease. Cocooned in her happiness, she wrapped her arms around Vihaan and closed her eyes, a smile still tugging at her lips as she drifted off into the most peaceful sleep she’d had in a long time.

______________

“Haa baby, I have an early morning flight tomorrow,” Shikhar declared with a voice that clearly revealed his longing and anticipation. “So tomorrow you are spending your entire day with me.” His tone was a blend of eagerness and affection, making it evident how much he missed her.

Anu’s heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn’t help but grin. She decided to tease him a little. “But maa ne toh subah mandir Jane bola hai.. I think we could meet after lunch.”

Shikhar’s face turned pale instantly, as if her suggestion had struck a chord of desperation. “Baby please, can you not go in the evening? In fact, we will go together.. I miss you Anu..”

Seeing him so vulnerable and earnest tugged at Anu’s heartstrings. His adorable plea made it hard for her to resist. “I missed you too Shikhar. Tumhare bagair mujhe kuch achha nahi lagta.”

Shikhar sighed heavily, his voice laden with frustration and a hint of resolve. “I need to have a proper conversation with Sid.. I had enough of this hide and seek game..”

Anu’s expression faltered at the mention of her brother. Fear crept into her voice as she responded, “Par bhai gussa ho gaye toh..”

Shikhar’s chuckle was a soothing balm to her anxiety. “Baby, I think he already has an idea about us.. plus I can’t wait anymore to make you mine forever.”

Anu, overwhelmed with affection, buried her face in the pillow, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of shyness and love. “I love you Shikhar..”

Shikhar’s chuckle turned tender as he listened to her heartfelt confession. “I love you too baby.. so tell me how’s things at home now..”

Anu sighed deeply, her voice tinged with concern. “Sana has shifted to a separate room. She thinks bhai doesn’t want her in his room.. that he needs his space.”

Shikhar listened intently, his expression thoughtful and serious. “I don’t think Sid would like that. Woh bhale hi accept nahi kar raha.. but kuch na kuch toh feel karta hai Shehnaaz ke liye..”

Anu’s smile grew, reflecting her own thoughts. “Ditto.. mujhe bhi yahi feel hota hai.. ek strong connection hai dono ke bich…”

“Hmm… But think hai.. this might help Sidharth realize certain things,” Shikhar said thoughtfully.

Anu could only nod in agreement, their conversation flowing into the night as they both mulled over the complexities of their relationships and the challenges ahead

____________

The first light of dawn gently kissed the room when Shehnaaz slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze fell upon the serene sight of Vihaan and Sidharth, and her heart skipped a beat. She was momentarily captivated by the simple, yet profound scene before her. Her hand lay softly on Vihaan’s tiny tummy, while Sidharth’s strong hand rested over hers, his grip warm and reassuring.

Shehnaaz’s heart fluttered wildly at the sensation of Sidharth’s touch. The way his fingers gently held hers made her cheeks flush with a tender warmth. She could stay in this moment forever, wrapped in the simple comfort of their closeness. The peaceful rise and fall of Vihaan’s chest against her side, combined with Sidharth’s steady presence, made her feel a profound sense of contentment and belonging.

Vihaan had snuggled into her, his small body seeking the warmth and security only a mother can provide. Sidharth, too, had edged closer in his sleep, holding on tightly to her hand. The sight was so comforting that Shehnaaz found herself reluctant to disturb the peaceful cocoon they had created together.

For a few precious minutes, Shehnaaz allowed herself to indulge in this quiet, blissful moment, savoring the calmness of their shared slumber. She knew, though, that she had to eventually rise and start the day. Her mother had reminded them the previous evening about the Pooja at the mandir, and they needed to prepare for it.

With a gentle sigh, Shehnaaz began the delicate task of extricating her hand from Sidharth’s grasp without waking either him or Vihaan. As she tried to pull her hand free, Sidharth instinctively tightened his hold, pulling her closer. Shehnaaz felt a pang of anxiety, worried that any sudden movement might disturb Vihaan’s peaceful sleep. She carefully pulled her hand out from under his, trying to be as quiet as possible.

Once she was free, Shehnaaz moved with quiet efficiency. She quickly took a shower, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of sleep. Afterward, she made her way downstairs, her mind already ticking through the tasks for the morning. She prepared a steaming cup of coffee for herself and another one for Sidharth. As she worked, she thought about making something nourishing for Vihaan to eat before they left.

____________

Sidharth woke up not long after Shehnaaz had slipped out of bed. His initial confusion gave way to a dawning realization—he had somehow fallen asleep in this room, the very room he had planned to leave once Vihaan was settled. He tried to recall how he ended up here, but his mind was a fog of exhaustion and disorientation. The last thing he remembered was the warmth of Shehnaaz’s hand in his, and now, it seemed he had drifted into sleep without even noticing.

Frustrated with himself, he gently kissed Vihaan’s forehead and sat up, adjusting the duvet around his son. His gaze, though, instinctively searched for Shehnaaz. To his dismay, she was nowhere to be seen.

Annoyed and restless, Sidharth decided to retreat to his own room. He needed a distraction, and a workout seemed like the perfect way to clear his mind. The gym offered a sanctuary from his thoughts, a place where he could push away his confusion and focus on physical exertion. His routine was quicker than usual today, driven by the urgency of their plans. Despite the peace he felt, which was rare and longed-for, he was determined to stick to the schedule.

After a brisk workout, he showered and dressed in a simple kurta and pajama. As he emerged from his room, he was satisfied to find a cup of coffee waiting for him on the table. The aroma alone was enough to know who had made is. He settled onto the sofa with the steaming cup, savoring the rich, bold flavor that invigorated him. The coffee was perfect—exactly what he needed to shake off the remnants of sleep and prepare for the day ahead.

As he enjoyed his coffee, his eyes fell on the scattered clothes Shehnaaz. He had brought them over from her room yesterday, and now they lay in disarray on the bed. With a sigh, he stood up and began to tidy them, carefully hanging each piece in the wardrobe. He placed the hangers neatly and closed the wardrobe door.

“Vihaan utha nahi abhi tak? We will be late for the pooja…” Sidharth muttered under his breath, his irritation growing. He made his way to the next room, but Vihaan was nowhere in sight. The faint sounds of voices from the bathroom caught his attention.

“Vihaan…?” he called out, trying to keep his voice gentle despite his impatience.

“Yes daddy… Sanu maa bathing Vihaan,” came the reply from inside the bathroom. The sound of running water and the soft sound of Shehnaaz’s chuda confirmed that she was helping Vihaan with his bath.

“Ok baby, I’m going downstairs… you both come fast,” Sidharth said, his words meant for Shehnaaz even though he wasn’t sure how to directly address her. They rarely communicated unless necessary, and the thought of starting a casual conversation made him uneasy. He hurried downstairs, his mind preoccupied with the awkwardness of their situation.

As he reached the living room, he saw his mother, Rita ji, on the phone, likely handling matters related to her charity work. Tayiji, meanwhile, was seated on the sofa, rubbing her aching right foot.

Sidharth took a seat beside his mother, noting her focused expression as she spoke on the phone. He greeted her with a soft “Good morning,” which was echoed by Tayiji, who gave him a warm smile despite her discomfort.

“Tum log abhi tak yahi ho…?” Tayiji said with a hint of reproach, “Tum dono ko kabka nikalna chahiye tha…”

Sidharth nodded, acknowledging her words. “Haan bas, nikal rahe hai tayiji…” he responded softly, trying to ease the tension.

At that moment, one of the helpers brought out his breakfast, placing it carefully on the dining table. Sidharth moved over to take his seat. The breakfast spread before him—a comforting assortment of his favorite dishes—along with a glass of fresh orange juice.

Sidharth took his first bite of breakfast, but his mind was elsewhere. A sudden thought struck him—*Shehnaaz ne abhi tak khaya nahi hoga?* His hand halted mid-air, the bite of food barely touching his lips. Why did it matter so much? Annoyance bubbled inside him as he forced himself to continue eating, the food seeming tasteless. He finished his breakfast quickly, his thoughts tangled and frustrated.

As he picked up his glass of orange juice, the sound of Vihaan’s delighted laughter reached his ears. Startled, Sidharth hastily set the glass down and sprinted towards the stairs. He found Vihaan racing down from stairs with an excitement that only a child could muster.

Sidharth scooped Vihaan up, his concern evident in his voice, “How many times have I told you not to run on staircase, Vihaan?” He chided softly, though his tone was gentler than he intended.

Vihaan, with his baby face and a hint of a pout, looked down, clearly dismayed by the early morning reprimand. Sidharth’s heart softened at the sight, and he placed Vihaan gently on the floor, planting a tender kiss on his cheek to lift his spirits.

It was then that his gaze fell upon Shehnaaz, and he found himself frozen in place. His eyes widened as he took in her appearance, completely entranced. She stood there in a stunning maroon saree, the rich color and fabric complementing her beautifully. The saree draped around her figure perfectly, accentuating her elegance. The diamond jewelry she wore sparkled with every movement, casting a radiant glow. She seemed the epitome of grace and beauty in a way that felt almost ethereal.

Sidharth’s heart raced uncontrollably. He was overwhelmed by the sight of her, his senses overloaded. He was so captivated by her presence that he didn’t notice the curious glances of those around him.

Shehnaaz seemed to shine like a vision from a dream, and he was utterly spellbound.

Shehnaaz made her way towards the stairs, her attention absorbed in rummaging through her bag. She was so engrossed in searching for something that she didn’t notice how close she was to the edge of the stairs. The clatter of her belongings and the subtle rustle of fabric were the only sounds accompanying her absent-mindedness.

As she stepped closer to the top of the staircase…