Chapter 29

Sidharth quickly set the laptop aside as soon as he heard Vihaan’s voice, eagerly pulling his son into his arms. But even as he held Vihaan, his eyes remained fixed on Shehnaaz. She stood there in a delicate red frock, its hem barely reaching her knees, paired with small red strapped sandals.

“Oh good God…” he thought, his breath catching for a moment.

She looked nothing short of an angel—gorgeous, radiant, and completely captivating. The color red suited her so well, bringing out her natural beauty in a way that left him mesmerized. It had been a couple of days since he had last seen her like this, properly.

Shehnaaz’s heart raced, feeling the weight of his intense gaze on her. She couldn’t understand why he was looking at her like that, and for a brief moment, doubt flickered in her mind. Glancing down at herself, she wondered if there was something wrong with her appearance. But when she realized there wasn’t, a small smile tugged at her lips. It was the second time he had looked at her this way, and she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation.

Sidharth, on the other hand, was caught up in the warmth of her smile. There was something so enchanting about her in that moment, something that stirred emotions within him. But just as quickly, his thoughts were interrupted by Vihaan’s voice, pulling him out of his trance.

“Daddy, Vihaan ne bahot fun kiya… I had chocolate milkshake and burger and pizza and ice cream!” Vihaan exclaimed, full of excitement.

Sidharth blinked, startled back to reality. His gaze shifted to Vihaan, but not before throwing a sharp, accusatory look at Shehnaaz.

“Really?” he muttered, his tone laced with irritation as his eyes bore into her.

Shehnaaz’s heart skipped a beat, a wave of panic rushing over her. She stammered, quickly defending herself. “Me toh mana kar rahi thi… hai na Vihaan?” She shot a hopeful glance toward her son, silently begging him to back her up. “Sachhi! Ye dono sun hi nahi rahe the!” She tried to explain, but just as she finished, she sneezed unexpectedly.

“Achheee!”

Her nose turned a soft shade of red, matching her dress, making her look even more adorable. But instead of softening, Sidharth’s glare deepened. He wasn’t sure if it was out of frustration or something else entirely—maybe it was the strange pull he always felt toward her.

Vihaan, sensing the tension, couldn’t stop giggling. His little heart found joy in seeing his mother getting scolded instead of him.

Feeling the pressure of Sidharth’s intense stare, Shehnaaz mumbled an excuse, her voice barely audible. “Umm woh… me change kar leti hun,” she said hurriedly before practically running into the walk-in wardrobe to escape his glare.

Sidharth watched her retreat, his eyes following her until she disappeared from view. Shaking his head with an exaggerated sigh, he muttered under his breath, “What am I supposed to do with this crazy girl?”

Trying to distract himself, he focused on Vihaan, asking, “Aur batao, kya kya kiya tum logo ne… did you miss me?” He started removing Vihaan’s shoes, helping him change into comfortable clothes for bed. But in truth, his mind was elsewhere. He wanted to know more than just how Vihaan’s day had gone—he wanted to know what Shehnaaz and Sanju had talked about, what discussions had taken place in his absence. Had Arjun been there? Did Shehnaaz miss him at all?

“Damnn, shut up, Sidharth,” he mentally scolded himself for even thinking like that.

Vihaan immediately began narrating the day’s events like a little recorder, “Bahot fun kiya, Daddy. Aapko bhi miss kiya… par fir Sanju achanak rone lagi, Daddy.” His baby voice softened, the joy fading slightly. “Fir maa ne aur maine unko wapas hasaya,” he added with pride, his chest puffing up a little.

Sidharth, now genuinely curious and a little confused, furrowed his brows. “Kyun ro rahi thi Sanju?” he asked, finishing up with Vihaan’s clothes and gently combing his son’s hair before leading him to the bathroom to freshen up.

Vihaan scratched his little head, clearly trying to recall what had happened earlier. “Woh maa ko kuch bata rahi thi, and then she cried,” he said innocently, his wide eyes looking up at Sidharth before he yawned and closed them. Sidharth gently washed his son’s face, followed by his hands and feet, letting the warm water relax him.

“Hmm…” Sidharth nodded, understanding that Vihaan wouldn’t fully grasp the complexities of adult conversations. It didn’t make sense to push the subject further, so he decided to let it go for now.

By the time they stepped out of the bathroom, Shehnaaz had already emerged from the wardrobe. The sight of her made Sidharth momentarily freeze in place. She was now wearing a black nightgown that stopped just above her knees, the dark fabric contrasting beautifully with her fair skin. Her hair was gathered up in a messy bun, with a few loose strands falling gracefully around her face, giving her a natural, effortless beauty that left him momentarily breathless.

Sidharth felt his heart race as his eyes moved over her. **Damn**, she looked incredible.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, felt her throat go dry under his gaze. His intense eyes seemed to burn through her, and she could hardly pull her own eyes away from him. He stood there in a simple vest, showing off the toned muscles of his arms and chest. His shorts clung to his powerful thighs, and he looked so strong, so imposing. She had to tilt her head up just to meet his gaze. There was something about his presence that made her heart race uncontrollably. He was so big, so overwhelmingly masculine, that it made her feel small in the best way.

Breaking the silence, she cleared her throat softly and asked, “Aapko coffee chahiye?” She had noticed the slight tension on his forehead, a sign of an oncoming headache. Her voice was gentle, almost hesitant, as she offered.

Sidharth was startled, not by the offer, but by how accurately she had read him. Coffee was exactly what he needed. But how did she know? How was she always able to understand what he needed without him saying a word? It was as if she had an instinct when it came to him, as though she could sense every unsaid word, every subtle emotion.

“Yes,” he murmured, still slightly dazed by her. His voice was soft, almost lost in the moment, his mind still lingering on the fact that she just *knew*.

“Mujhe bhi maa!” Vihaan suddenly piped up, his tiny voice breaking the moment as he ran toward Shehnaaz, his eyes twinkling with excitement at the idea of joining in the coffee time. Sidharth, still lost in thought, followed his son’s movement with his eyes, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Shehnaaz laughed lightly, scooping Vihaan up in her arms. “No baby,” she said gently, her voice playful yet firm. “You’ve just brushed your teeth for bed, right? How about some plain milk for you tonight?” She pressed a quick kiss to his head, her smile widening as he snuggled into her.

Sidharth watched the scene unfold, the warmth between mother and son filling the room. As Shehnaaz carried Vihaan, he found himself momentarily mesmerized by the way she handled everything so effortlessly. She was always so thoughtful with Vihaan, so caring, and he couldn’t help but admire that about her.

Still somewhat distracted, Sidharth grabbed his laptop and charger from the bed, walking over to the study table to put them away. But his thoughts remained on Shehnaaz—her presence, her calm, her care. Everything about her was starting to make him feel things he wasn’t ready to admit.

With a gentle kiss to Vihaan’s forehead, Shehnaaz placed him down before turning to leave the room. Vihaan, ever energetic, dashed to his father’s side, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Hum maa ko help karte hai, Daddy?” he asked eagerly, already tugging at Sidharth’s hand, determined to pull him toward the kitchen.

Sidharth chuckled at his son’s enthusiasm, allowing himself to be led by the small boy. The way Vihaan was so full of life and joy never failed to bring a smile to his face. “Aren’t you tired, Vihaan?” he asked with a playful smile. “Tomorrow is your school, remember?”

As they made their way downstairs, Vihaan continued babbling about all the fun they had that evening. “Vihaan no school tomorrow… please, Daddy?” His voice had that hopeful edge that only a child could muster, filled with the innocence of believing that one plea could change the world.

By the time they entered the kitchen, Sidharth’s eyes immediately fell on Shehnaaz. She was standing by the stove, already making coffee, her movements smooth and efficient. The warmth from the stove and the rich aroma of the coffee seemed to fill the room, giving it a cozy atmosphere. When she turned around and spotted them, her face lit up with a soft, welcoming smile. That smile always had a way of disarming Sidharth, making him feel… home.

Shehnaaz filled a glass with milk and handed it to Vihaan, her voice playful and filled with affection. “Finish quickly,” she chuckled as Vihaan scrunched up his face in mock protest but took the glass anyway.

Sidharth watched her carefully, his eyes following every movement. There was something so comforting about seeing her in these small, domestic moments. She looked peaceful, like she belonged here, in this home, with them. She turned toward him, a cup of coffee in her hand, her gaze soft but steady as she handed it over. “Aapki coffee,” she said softly, the rich aroma already reaching him. He felt the warmth of the cup in his hands, but it was her presence that provided a different kind of warmth, something that settled deep in his chest.

He took the cup, murmuring a quiet “Thanks” before taking a sip. The familiar taste washed over him, and he closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the stress of the day slip away. There was something almost therapeutic about the combination of the coffee’s flavor and her presence nearby. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt a sense of calm.

Shehnaaz, meanwhile, poured a little coffee for herself and took a small sip. Almost instinctively, a soft moan escaped her lips as she savored the rich, velvety taste. The sound was so natural, so innocent, yet the moment it slipped out, she stiffened, realizing what she had done. Her eyes immediately darted toward Sidharth, her cheeks flushing as she braced herself for his reaction.

But what she saw left her more flustered than she expected.

Sidharth had frozen in place, his eyes locked on her, completely caught off guard by the soft sound that had slipped from her lips. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of surprise and something much deeper, much more intense. For a second, it was as though the world around them faded away, and the only thing that mattered was the space between them, filled with unspoken tension. The air seemed heavier, charged with an undercurrent of passion that neither of them could ignore.

Shehnaaz could feel her heart racing, her pulse quickening under his unwavering gaze. She bit down on her lower lip, trying to stop herself from making another sound, one that might be fueled by entirely different reasons. Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the moment, but her body betrayed her, reacting to the sheer intensity of his presence.

Sidharth’s eyes darkened, his thoughts scattered. That small, innocent sound had shaken something inside him, stirring up emotions he had been trying to push down. Damn, how did she always do this to him? She was standing there, sipping coffee, doing nothing out of the ordinary, and yet she had this power to pull him into a storm of emotions—ones he wasn’t sure how to handle.

Sidharth’s gaze lingered on Shehnaaz as she bit her lip nervously, trying to find words amidst the palpable tension. His eyes darkened with desire, making it impossible for her to hold his gaze. Her heart raced, fear and excitement battling within her as she fumbled, “Cha.. chalo Vihaan, kitna late ho gaya hai…” She quickly took Vihaan’s hand, her legs almost shaky as she rushed out of the kitchen, leaving Sidharth standing there, his frustration thick in the air.

Sidharth let out a groan, feeling the weight of emotions he was trying to keep under control. He took his time finishing his coffee, savoring the rich taste but barely able to focus on it. His mind was too wrapped up in her—her presence, her innocence, and that undeniable pull between them that seemed to grow stronger every day.

When he finally returned to the bedroom, the dim light in the corner softly illuminated the room, casting shadows across the space. The sight before him made his heart pause for a moment. Vihaan was curled up, fast asleep, nestled comfortably in Shehnaaz’s arms. Her eyes were closed, her breathing steady, but Sidharth couldn’t tell if she was really asleep or just avoiding him.

But that didn’t matter to him at that moment. The sight of them—his family—sleeping peacefully in their bed sent a wave of calm through him.

Sidharth settled on his side of the bed, an unsettling frustration gnawing at him. He tried to ignore it, to reason with himself, but his emotions surged beyond his control. The need for her warmth was undeniable.

Unable to fight against his overwelming feelins, he got up as he arranged the pillows on his side to ensure Vihaan wouldn’t roll over, before making his way to her side and slid over to next to Shehnaaz.

his heart throbbed but he refused to explain himself what he was doing and why he was doing..

As soon as he was close enough to feel her warmth, he pulled the large duvet over the three of them, cocooning them in its softness. Shehnaaz, her heart skipping a beat, as she felt him slip beside her. A jolt of happiness rushed through her, her pulse quickening, and she had to bury her face in the pillow to suppress the smile spreading across her lips.

Her whole body stilled when she felt his strong arm wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. His grip was possessive, protective, making her feel something she hadn’t dared to hope for. She wanted nothing more than to turn around and nestle into his chest, to embrace the warmth and security he was offering, but she couldn’t. The mere fact that he sought her out, that he wanted to hold her in his sleep, was enough.

In that moment, she realized he didn’t hate her as much as she had feared. The comfort of his arm around her was more than enough, his warmth enveloping her was more than enough, his hold was both possessive and protective, it made her feel loved, if only for a brief moment. A tear of happiness slipped from her eye, but she bit down hard on her lip, afraid any movement might make him pull away.

Whatever it was, she didn’t wan to loose him.. 

Sidharth’s grip on her waist tightened as he drifted closer, his arm an anchor, grounding him in her presence. He breathed in her sweet aroma, the subtle fragrance wrapping around him like a comforting shield, easing the tension that had been tormenting him. He refused to argue with his heart anymore—it craved this, craved her.

He needed her warmth, her closeness, the way she effortlessly loved their Vihaan.

Their Vihaan?

The thought hit him harder than he expected. Shehnaaz was more than just someone in his life; she was part of this family, this sense of belonging he had been searching for. As if to confirm it, his arm tightened around her again, his face nestling into the back of her neck. He could feel the soft tickle of her hair brushing against his cheek, the warmth of her skin seeping into his. It was all so comforting, so right.

Sleep found him quickly, a peace washing over him that had eluded him for far too long.

_____________

Rita ji and Tayi ji exchanged knowing glances as they watched Shehnaaz’s face light up with an unusual glow of happiness that morning. The way she moved around, a newfound brightness in her demeanor, didn’t escape their notice. And then there was Sidharth, doing everything he could to avoid direct eye contact with anyone, clearly flustered and maybe… a bit shy?

Whatever it was, it felt like progress, and for once, it seemed like things were moving in the right direction.

After Sidharth and Vihaan left for the office and school, Shehnaaz spent some time chatting with Rita ji and Tayi ji before retreating to her room after lunch. She got some work done, catching up on things she had left unattended. Although she hadn’t been to her office in a long time, she had kept herself connected through emails, making sure she responded to anything directed to her.

She worked quietly while Vihaan napped beside her, the peaceful rise and fall of his breathing keeping her calm. But her phone’s sudden ringing disrupted the tranquility, and she quickly silenced it, not wanting to wake Vihaan. Glancing at the caller ID, her heart stilled—it was her mother. She slipped out to the gallery, answering in a hushed voice, “Haa mom…”

But instead of her mother’s voice, it was her father’s.

“Sanaa…” His voice cracked through the receiver.

Shehnaaz clutched the phone tightly, her fingers trembling as she tried to steady herself. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. It felt like time had stopped, the world around her muted, leaving only the sound of her father’s voice on the other end.

“Mujhse baat bhi nahi karogi?” His broken words cut through the silence, and Shehnaaz snapped out of her shock.

“Dad… aap aise kyun bol rahe ho?” she managed, her heart aching at the sound of his voice, the pain so evident it felt like a physical weight on her chest.

On the other end, Raj was softly crying, his emotions spilling over as Madhu, standing beside him, gently rubbed his back, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“I’m so sorry, baby… I had no idea what was wrong with me. How could I hurt you like that?” His voice cracked again, the guilt weighing him down.

“Dad, please…” Shehnaaz’s voice trembled, barely holding back her own tears. Her father’s pain was unbearable to hear. He was her protector, her father—she couldn’t stand to see him broken like this. “Please don’t say sorry, Dad. You could never hurt me. You were just trying to protect me.”

Raj squeezed his eyes shut, his emotions raw, his heart heavy with regret. “I miss you, Sana… Please come back home, baby.”

And that was it—the words that undid her. Shehnaaz’s silent tears finally broke free, slipping down her cheeks. How could she tell her father that she couldn’t return to the home he was asking her to? That the place she stood now, the life she was building with Sidharth and Vihaan, was her home now..

“I can’t come back, Dad…” Shehnaaz’s voice trembled as the words slipped from her lips. Each syllable felt like a dagger to her heart, piercing through the bond she had with her father. The weight of her decision hung heavy in the air, making it difficult to breathe.

On the other end, Raj broke down. The realization that his Sana wouldn’t return to the home where he had watched her grow up crushed him. His heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice. “Will not you forgive your father?” His voice cracked, revealing the deep fissures of pain that had formed over the years.

“Dad, please, you have done nothing wrong to see forgiveness,” she urged, fighting back the tears that threatened to overflow. She struggled to express the tangled emotions within her, the guilt of denying him the connection they once shared. “I just… ab me kabhi ghar vapas rehne ke liye nahi aa sakti dad..”

“But kyu sana?” Raj’s voice was filled with confusion and hurt, like a child searching for answers in the dark. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears and regrets.

Shehnaaz’s heart ached as she wiped away her tears with her free hand, each swipe only reminding her of the chasm that had formed between them. “Ab woh mera ghar nahi hai, Dad…” she said softly, her voice breaking, barely able to utter the words that had become her reality.

Broken, Raj looked at Madhu, his eyes filled with anguish and desperation. “Humari sana ab apne dad ke paas vapas nahi ana chahti.. ab woh badi ho gayi hai na.. dad ki kya jarurat hai.. hai na..” The words spilled out like a torrent, each one a reminder of the distance that had grown between them.

Shehnaaz felt a wave of sorrow crash over her as she listened to her father’s heartache. She couldn’t bear it. “Dad,” she cried softly, feeling her heart shatter at the sound of his pain. She burst into tears, unable to keep the floodgates closed any longer.

Madhu moved closer to Raj, wiping away his tears with trembling hands, trying to soothe him even as her own heart broke for both of them. “We must respect her decision, Raj,” she said softly, her voice steady but filled with sadness, though she could feel the weight of the pain between them. She couldn’t tell him the reason..

“Kaise accept karlu Madhu… mujhe meri Sana vapas chahiye… Meri galti ki etni badi saza nahi de sakti woh mujhe.. me bikhar jaunga madhu..” His anguish was palpable, echoing through the phone line, and Shehnaaz felt a deep pang of guilt settle in her stomach.

“Dad, me apko saza nahi de rahi. Na hi me aapse rishta tod rahi hun..” Shehnaaz quickly interjected, her voice trembling with emotion. Her heart raced as she feared that she might lose him forever.

Madhu took the phone from Raj, even though it remained on speaker. “Sana, why don’t you come home for lunch sometime this week? Or maybe next week? We can talk then. It doesn’t have to be now, but we’d love to have you here, even if it’s just for a little while.” Her words were gentle, trying to bridge the gap that had formed between father and daughter.

Shehnaaz silently thanked her mother for shifting the focus and easing the tension. “Yes, Mom. Let me check, and I’ll confirm a day,” she replied softly, wiping her eyes as she struggled to regain her composure.

Raj, having gathered some control over his emotions, spoke again, his voice steadier now but still filled with longing. “I’ll be waiting for you Sana. I love you. I never stopped loving you baby.” His words resonated with warmth and reassurance, wrapping around Shehnaaz like a comforting embrace.

Shehnaaz smiled softly amidst tears, “I love you too, Dad…” The warmth in her voice lingered in the air even after the call ended. As she disconnected the call, a sense of relief washed over her, mingling with the bittersweet ache in her heart. The weight of their conversation lingered, but it felt lighter now, as if a small burden had been lifted.

______________

Sidharth walked back to his cabin after the meeting with the senior editor-in-chief regarding the quality issues raised by a magazine about one of their books. The issue had consumed more of his time than he had anticipated, leaving him with a sense of lingering frustration.

He brushed his hair back with his fingers, a familiar gesture that signaled his irritation, before opening his laptop to dive into his emails. Just then, a gentle knock interrupted his focus, and Ritika stepped inside, her expression betraying a hint of fear as she realized the meeting hadn’t gone well.

“Sir, the file you asked for…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without looking up, Sidharth reached out to take the file from her, his attention still lost in the email he was reading.

“Is Shikhar back from Delhi? He hasn’t called me…” he mumbled, distracted.

Ritika quickly answered, “Haan, kab ka… bhai Anu se bhi toh mile…” The moment the words left her mouth, she slapped her palms over her mouth in shock, realizing what she had just revealed.

“Really..?? “Sidharth turned to her, his expression dead serious, and Ritika stammered out a quick apology before darting out of the cabin, clearly relieved to escape.

Sidharth exhaled slowly, feeling a sense of urgency settle over him. It was high time he had a proper conversation with Anu and Shikhar. He also needed to give his mother a heads-up about the situation. However, his thoughts quickly shifted to another woman—Shehnaaz.

Last night, he had acted out of instinct, his emotions swirling chaotically, but when he had held her close, everything had felt right. His heart throbbed at the memory of wrapping himself around her, wanting to blend the scent of his cologne with her sweet aroma. Every moment without her was becoming increasingly difficult; the walls around his heart were beginning to crumble. The pull he felt toward her was becoming harder to resist, and it was beyond mere physical attraction; it was something much deeper, much more intense.

Worry creased his brow as he recalled how she had sneezed multiple times throughout the night and again that morning. He hadn’t even told her that he had woken up in the middle of the night to apply a bit of Vicks on her forehead and her button nose, hoping to ease her discomfort. Afterward, her sneezing had reduced, and he silently prayed that she wouldn’t catch a cold.

He felt a wave of gratitude wash over him that Vihaan hadn’t gotten sick after their ice cream treat; Shehnaaz’s carelessness about her health had become an ultimate conclusion he had reached. What must she be doing at that moment? Would she and Vihaan be painting, or were they up to some mischief? He was certain she could get as naughty as Vihaan, a thought that brought a slight smile to his face.

At the bottom of it all, he missed her more than he cared to admit.

Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to feel the sweet ache in his heart for that certain girl who was mischievous, caring, and undeniably cute. She was his wife, and with every passing moment, the longing for her grew stronger. Sidharth knew he needed to confront these feelings, to acknowledge what he truly wanted. It was time to stop running from the inevitable and embrace the connection that had formed between them, one that was bound to change everything.

____________

Shikhar parked the car outside his house, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of comfort. As he made his way inside, he was just walking up the stairs when his sister’s voice pierced through the silence.

“Bhai… Bhai, apko kabse awaz de rahi hun… apka dhyan kahan hai?” Ritika exclaimed, dashing through the main door with an urgency that caught him off guard.

Shaking his head with a mixture of amusement and concern, Shikhar walked back downstairs. “Kya hua, Riti? Etna kyu hyper ho rahi ho?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Ritika flopped down onto the sofa, visibly frazzled. She took a deep breath, gulping down a glass of water that one of the helpers had brought for her, muttering a quick thank-you as she did.

Shikhar settled beside her, allowing her a moment to regain her composure. He could see the tension etched on her face, and it piqued his curiosity. Once she seemed a bit more relaxed, Ritika turned to her brother, but fear flickered in her eyes.

“Bhai, thodi si problem ho gayi hai…” she confessed, her voice shaking slightly.

“Kya hua, Riti?” Shikhar asked gently, patting her cheek in a comforting gesture. “Tu etna pareshan kyu hai?”

Ritika sighed, the weight of her worries evident. “Bhai, woh… aaj Sidharth bhai apke bare me puchh rahe the… ke aap Delhi se vapas aaye ya nahi, kyunki aapne unhe contact nahi kiya.”

Shikhar smiled, easing some of his sister’s tension. “Haan, maine contact nahi kiya, because he is just married and I thought he must be busy.”

“Bhai, woh…” she started, but her tone shifted to one of apprehension.

Shikhar noticed her guilty expression and furrowed his brow in confusion. “Tune kya bola Sid ko?”

Ritika stood up abruptly, as if preparing for a hasty retreat. “Mene bola ke bhai to kab ka aa gaye… Anu se bhi mile…”

“Ok, so what’s…” Shikhar began, but his words trailed off as he realized the implications of her statement. “What the hell, Riti? Can’t you keep your mouth shut for once?” he groaned, frustration bubbling to the surface as he got to his feet.

Ritika winced at his harsh words, her guilt making her shrink a little. “Bhai, galti se muh se nikal gaya… Anu bhi bahot tense hai,” she defended herself, her voice small.

“Tumne Anu ko bhi bataya?” he asked, growing more upset. He knew that Sidharth was aware of their connection, but he had hoped to keep things between him and Anu private for now. They were still navigating their feelings for each other.

Ritika looked increasingly scared, her eyes wide. “Bhai, usse kaise nahi batati? What if Sid bhai questioned her directly? She had to know, and now she’s angry with me.”

“She should be,” he muttered under his breath, his mind racing at the potential fallout. What would Sidharth’s reaction be? He and Anu weren’t ready for marriage just yet, and if Sid involved their mother in this, it could complicate things. Shikhar felt an urgent need to speak with Anu to gauge her feelings before this spiraled out of control.

Irritated and overwhelmed, he turned and left for his room upstairs, leaving a guilt-ridden Ritika behind.

_____________

Shehnaaz sat at the study table, helping Vihaan with his homework, her heart warmed by the sight of him focused and eager to learn. The sun poured through the windows, casting a golden glow on their little corner of the world. After finishing the assignments, they decided it was time for a break, and both excitedly made their way to the garden to play. Sanju was on her way to join them, adding to their anticipation.

Meanwhile, Sidharth pulled into the driveway, a sense of longing bubbling inside him. He had been looking forward to seeing both Vihaan and Shehnaaz after a long day at work. However, as he stepped inside, a wave of irritation washed over him; there was no sign of either of them. This was the second time in a row he had come home early only to find that they weren’t there.

“Tu pura din office me hota hai, Sid. Vihaan ghar pe bore ho jata hai,” Rita ji tried to reason with him, her tone gentle yet firm.

Sidharth sighed, his annoyance bubbling beneath the surface. He turned on his heel and went upstairs, needing a moment of clarity. He changed into casual clothes, feeling slightly more comfortable but still frustrated by the absence of his family. Once dressed, he headed downstairs, ready to find them.

“Kaha ja raha hai, Sid?” Rita ji asked, a hint of confusion etched on her face at his sudden shift in mood.

“Garden, to check on Vihaan,” Sidharth replied, his voice serious as he tried to hide his irritation.

“And bhabhi…” Anu interjected, a teasing smile dancing on her lips, but Sidharth shot her a glare that silenced her.

“Oh yeah, Anu, we have something important to discuss, I believe…” he added, a hint of challenge in his tone.

Anu’s face paled instantly, her playful demeanor evaporating. “Bhaiiii… I was saying… and bhabhi is also in the garden. Don’t forget to bring her…” she managed to say, her expression shifting to one of innocence as she tried to make a baby face.

Sidharth rolled his eyes at her antics, shaking his head slightly as he left. Rita ji watched him go, her brow furrowed in confusion. She could hardly grasp what Anu had meant by their “important discussion.”

“Kya baat karni hai Sid ko Anu?” Rita ji asked seriously, curiosity getting the better of her.

Nervously giggling like a schoolgirl caught in a secret, Anu shrugged her shoulders. “Mujhe kaise pata hoga, maa… kya aap—” she stammered before quickly retreating to her room, leaving a puzzled Rita ji behind.

________________

Sidharth reached the garden shortly, his head pounding slightly from the stress of the day and a growing craving for coffee. The soft rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds filled the air, providing a soothing backdrop. As he walked around, searching for Shehnaaz and Vihaan, his heart raced at the thought of finally seeing them again.

Then, through the greenery, he spotted her. Shehnaaz had her eyes blindfolded, an adorable sight that made him smile despite his headache. She was walking around aimlessly, her hands moving in the air as if she were trying to sense Vihaan’s presence through touch. She bumped into a garden chair, giggling softly as she adjusted her path, her laughter carrying on the breeze.

Sidharth found himself entranced by her, completely captivated. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt a magnetic pull towards her that he couldn’t resist. He stepped closer, completely unaware of his actions until he stood directly in front of her. When Shehnaaz bumped into him, she instinctively reached out, her hands meeting his chest.

As if in slow motion, Sidharth’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands remained on his chest, fingers trembling slightly as she explored the contours of his body. He could feel her warmth radiating through the fabric of his shirt.

Shehnaaz then ran her fingers gently from his chest up to his face, tracing a path that felt both innocent and electric. Her fingertips brushed against his cheek, and Sidharth’s breath hitched at the soft touch. He stared at her, his eyes darkening with a mix of desire and possessiveness, the world around them fading away.

“Naaz…”