Chapter 30

Sidharth reached the garden, feeling the strain of the day in his body. His head throbbed lightly, and the familiar craving for a strong cup of coffee gnawed at him. Despite the need to clear his mind, he found himself walking through the garden, his eyes searching for familiar faces. He wasn’t sure where they were, but a part of him was drawn forward, as if something was pulling him in.

And then, his gaze landed on her—Shehnaaz. She was dressed simply in a white cotton kurti paired with maroon ankle-length leggings, her hair tied in a ponytail, yet she radiated a soft beauty that caught him off guard. Her eyes were blindfolded, and she moved cautiously, her hands extended in front of her, her chuda making the soft sound, fingers brushing the air as she tried to locate Vihaan. She walked around aimlessly, almost playful in her search, yet completely unaware of her surroundings.

Sidharth didn’t know what came over him. It was like a trance—his body moved before his mind could process what was happening. His feet led him directly toward her, and before he knew it, he was standing right in her path. Shehnaaz, unaware of his presence, walked forward, gently bumping into him.

In an instant, his arm instinctively wrapped around her, drawing her close to him. The moment was electric, like time had slowed down just for them. Her movements came to a halt as her palms rested on his chest. Sidharth could feel the warmth of her hands even through the fabric of his shirt, and her heartbeat—soft yet steady—thudded against his skin.

Shehnaaz stilled completely. She didn’t need to see to know who it was. She didn’t need to guess, not with him. This touch, this embrace, belonged to one person alone—her Sidharth. His touch, the way he held her, was something that had etched itself deep within her heart and soul. It was something she would never forget, no matter how much time passed. Her breath caught in her throat, and a strange sense of peace mixed with nervousness filled her.

For Sidharth, it was more than just an embrace. It was a moment of clarity, one where his emotions took over, overwhelming him in ways he didn’t expect. His heart beat a little faster, and as much as he tried to deny it to himself, there was no escaping the truth. The connection between them was undeniable, and standing this close to her, feeling her heartbeat so near his own, stirred something deep within him—feelings he had been pushing away for too long.

From a short distance, Sanju observed the scene unfold with a soft chuckle. The way Shehnaaz and Sidharth were lost in each other’s presence didn’t escape her watchful eyes. She had always known about Shehnaaz’s deep feelings for Sidharth. She could see the love in her friend’s eyes every time they spoke about him, even when Shehnaaz tried to hide it. But Sidharth—he had been a bit of a mystery, his cold, distant nature making it hard to gauge what he truly felt.

But now… seeing them together like this, there was no mistaking it. Sanju’s heart swelled with hope as she watched Sidharth wrap his arms around Shehnaaz protectively, his expression softening in ways she hadn’t seen before. He may not have realized it yet, but he felt something—something deep and real. It was written all over his face, even if he was still trying to hide it behind that cold demeanor.

Before Vihaan could see his father, Sanju quickly swooped in, picking him up and distracting him with a chocolate treat. “Chalo, Vihaan, let’s have a chocolate, hmm?” she said with a playful smile, knowing full well that he wouldn’t be able to resist. Vihaan, eager for his sweet treat, barely noticed what was happening nearby, and Sanju felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.

She had been worried for Shehnaaz, especially knowing how much she loved Sidharth and how difficult it was to navigate those feelings with his cold, distant behavior. Shehnaaz had been through so much, and all Sanju wanted was to see her friend happy. But now, witnessing this quiet, intimate moment between them, she felt a sense of relief. Maybe things weren’t as hopeless as they seemed. Maybe, just maybe, Sidharth was beginning to feel something for shehnaaz and it was inevitable. Shehnaaz’s love wouldn’t go unreciprocated after all.

Shehnaaz may have been blindfolded, but her heart saw everything. And Sanju, standing there with a knowing smile, felt more certain than ever that love had quietly begun to bloom between them, even if neither of them was ready to admit it just yet.

____________

Sidharth’s grip around Shehnaaz’s waist instinctively tightened, a surge of possessiveness rushing through his veins. What was happening to him? He couldn’t understand how she had gotten under his skin so fast, as if she was already a part of him. Maybe it had all started on Vihaan’s birthday night, when she had slipped effortlessly into their lives and claimed them effortlessly.

But why had it become so difficult to stay away from her now? He had made promises to himself, sworn to keep his distance, but all of those resolutions seemed to crumble whenever she was near. She had become like a balm to his wounded soul, soothing the pain and loneliness he had carried for so long. And yet, it wasn’t just comfort he sought from her anymore—it was her. He craved her presence in ways that confused and frustrated him.

What kind of magic had she cast on him? His heart, his mind, his very soul refused to let go of her for even a second. No matter how much he tried to focus on anything else, she lingered in the back of his thoughts, a constant presence that he couldn’t shake off. It was unnerving, the way he felt these overwhelming emotions, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. She stirred feelings in him that he had long buried—desire, need, possessiveness.

But while Sidharth was caught in the whirlwind of his emotions, Shehnaaz remained blissfully unaware. Lost in the moment, her fingers traced a slow, delicate path from his chest up to his face, brushing softly against his cheek. The gentle touch of her fingertips sent a shiver through him, and his body trembled under the tenderness of her hand. Her fingers glided over his stubble, the rough texture a stark contrast to her soft touch.

He stared at her with hooded eyes, his gaze intense and filled with raw possessiveness. His mind screamed at him to pull away, to maintain control, but his body betrayed him. He was barely holding it together as her touch sent heat coursing through him. His eyes flickered to her lips, slightly parted, and a fierce urge surged within him—a desire so powerful it nearly overwhelmed him.

Sidharth clenched his jaw, struggling to keep himself in check. Why was he feeling like this? Why did he need her like air, like some sort of addictive drug? The intensity of his emotions scared him, yet he couldn’t deny them. She had become his obsession, his weakness, and in that moment, he wanted nothing more than to close the distance between them.

Did he want to kiss her?

The answer was screaming in his mind, but he fought to resist. His entire body ached with the need to feel her lips against his, to pull her closer, to let go of the restraints that were barely holding him back. But beneath the passion was a storm of confusion. How had this happened? How had she managed to break through all the walls he had built around himself?

Yet, despite the chaos within him, one thing was clear—there was no going back. Shehnaaz had changed everything, and nothing would ever be the same again.

It was a thirst—one that had awoken the very first time their eyes met in that trial room. A pull so powerful, it had been buried beneath layers of restraint, but now it was rising, undeniable. His lips parted as he fought the wave of passion building inside him. Feeling her soft fingers tracing his skin, tracing him with their tenderness, only made things worse. Her touch was so gentle, yet the emotions it stirred in him were anything but.

Their lips were only inches apart now, close enough that their breaths mingled, heating the small space between them. The tension was thick, like a thread pulling them closer with every heartbeat.

“Naaazz…” His voice came out as a rough whisper, barely audible, but it was enough. The moment he said her name, Shehnaaz stilled, her fingers stopping abruptly on his face. The reality of the situation hit her like a wave, and panic surged through her. What had she done? She tried to step back, to create some distance, but she couldn’t. His arm was still around her, firm and unyielding, like an iron cage she couldn’t escape.

With trembling hands, she hastily pulled the blindfold away from her eyes, and the moment their gazes locked, time seemed to stop.

Oh God.

In that split second, Sidharth knew he had lost the battle. The battle he had been waging with himself to keep his distance, to hold back. And Shehnaaz? She had lost her heart to him all over again—the very man she had tried so hard to protect herself from.

His eyes… those intense, dark eyes held a power over her. They always had. She could drown in them, lose herself completely. The innocence and vulnerability in her gaze were unraveling him, slowly tearing down every defense he had put up.

Shehnaaz felt her heart race as her eyes darted from one of his to the other, searching his expression, trying to figure out what he was thinking. She knew she had overstepped. She had crossed a line she wasn’t supposed to. Sidharth had made it clear that there were boundaries, and she had broken them. But for that moment, she had lost control. She had let her heart guide her hands, her emotions overpowering her reason.

“Woh… main… actually main…” She stammered, trying to explain, but her voice faltered. How could she justify what she had done? How could she tell him that she had touched him because she couldn’t stop herself? She had no right. He had already told her to stay away from him, and yet here she was, crossing lines, breaking rules.

Sidharth’s expression remained stern, but instead of the anger Shehnaaz had feared, something softer flickered in his eyes. Without saying a word, his thumb brushed gently across her lower lip. That simple, unexpected gesture sent a jolt through her, as if her entire body was reacting to his touch. She froze, her breath catching in her throat. His touch was soft, yet it carried a weight that made her heart race. It felt as though the world around them faded, and all that existed in that moment was him.

His touch had an overwhelming effect on her. She felt herself unraveling under his gentle pressure, her thoughts scattering as if they had never existed. She had been trying to form words, but now they slipped away, forgotten. How could she think, how could she speak, when his gaze held her like this, when his touch was so tender yet so intense?

Shehnaaz’s knees felt weak, as if they could give way at any moment. The space between them seemed to shrink with each breath, filled with an unspoken tension that was impossible to ignore. Her heartbeat drummed loudly in her ears, and she could sense the conflict in his eyes, the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.

Sidharth’s eyes darkened, a mixture of emotions swirling in them. He was clearly battling with himself, torn between the feelings that were pulling him closer to her and the logic that told him to keep his distance. The softness of her skin, the look in her eyes—it was all too much, and it took every ounce of his control to hold himself back.

Shehnaaz, too, felt herself slipping, like she was on the edge of a precipice, falling deeper into the moment. Her heart pounded fiercely, and a part of her wanted to lean in, to lose herself in the warmth and comfort he offered. But she knew this was a fragile space, where emotions could quickly overwhelm them both. Even though she sensed the danger of crossing that line, the pull was undeniable, and resisting it felt almost impossible.

Sidharth’s heart raced as his thumb brushed the softness of her lips. His voice was low but edged with something more, “Tumne mujhe bataya kyun nahi ke tum dono garden aane wale ho?”

Shehnaaz blinked, caught off guard by his sudden question. She tried once again to step back, but his hold on her waist remained firm, preventing any retreat. Her eyes flickered with concern. What if someone noticed them? Though they were husband and wife, she feared being seen by the people in the garden. Sidharth, however, didn’t seem bothered at all.

Her mind raced to Vihaan. He had accepted her as his mother, but she didn’t know how he would react if he saw her this close to his father. She had no intention of upsetting him, especially not in public.

“Woh… Vihaan ka mann tha aane ka… toh…” She trailed off softly, feeling her nerves spike under his intense gaze. She couldn’t meet his eyes for long; his presence always did this to her—made her nervous, unsure. And Sidharth noticed. God, the way she got nervous in his presence had a weird effect on him. It drove him crazy… She bite her lower lip nervously and his eyes shifted there immediately..

His gaze darkened. “Don’t do that again.” His voice was a soft whisper, yet firm, commanding. She wasn’t sure if he was talking about her biting her lip or not informing him about their plan. Either way, she nodded, like a guilty child caught doing something they shouldn’t.

Shehnaaz’s eyes quickly shifted to find Vihaan, who was playing happily with a puppy belonging to one of the garden visitors. Sanju stood nearby, keeping an eye on him. Relief flooded her, and a smile broke out on her face, lighting up her expression.

The sight of her smile made Sidharth’s heart skip a beat. He followed her gaze and saw Vihaan, who was completely immersed in his own world of joy. A soft smile tugged at Sidharth’s lips. “Vihaan, come here!” he called, loosening his arm around Shehnaaz reluctantly, feeling the loss of her warmth immediately.

Shehnaaz, too, felt the shift, the sudden coldness where his arm had been. She took a deep breath as Vihaan came running towards them, followed closely by Sanju, his little feet carrying the same innocent excitement that made both of their hearts melt.

Vihaan’s joyful shout filled the air, a pure expression of happiness that brought a smile to everyone nearby. “Daddyyy…” The little boy’s excitement was contagious as he spotted his father, and without a moment’s hesitation, he leaped into Sidharth’s waiting arms. Sidharth caught him effortlessly, a chuckle escaping his lips as he lifted Vihaan high.

“Hi Sidharth…” Sanju greeted with a warm smile, her presence causing a flutter of nerves in Shehnaaz. She felt a strange mix of emotions—happiness for Vihaan, a tinge of anxiety in the presence of Sidharth, and an inexplicable urge to connect.

“Hello Sanju, how are you?” Sidharth replied, his smile slightly awkward yet genuine.

“I’m fantastic. I hope Sana aapko jyada pareshan nahi kar rahi…” Sanju teased lightly, her laughter lightening the mood.

Startled by the mention of her name, Shehnaaz shot a glare at Sanju, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, drawing Sidharth’s gaze to her. He looked at her with a fondness that made her heart race.

“hmm…” Sidharth responded, his mind seemingly elsewhere, lost in the depths of his feelings for Shehnaaz, not sure what to reply..

As Shehnaaz glanced down at Vihaan’s chocolate-smeared hands, a loud sigh bubbled up again, and she turned her gaze back to Sanju, “Tune fir chocolate di Sanju…” Her voice was playful yet firm, and Sanju couldn’t help but chuckle at the affectionate scolding.

Vihaan giggled at the playful banter, and as Shehnaaz lovingly wiped his hands and mouth with her handkerchief, he innocently chimed in, “Maa, you love chocolate that’s why jealous Naa…?” He shared a high five with Sanju, his joy infectious.

Shehnaaz pouted at her son, putting on an exaggerated baby face. “Hey, I’m not jealous!” she protested, trying to maintain her composure. Sidharth’s gaze was drawn to her, his expression softening as he absorbed her adorableness before he looked away.

Sanju, sensing the tension, grinned and said, “Achha, me ab nikalti hun. Mujhe thoda kaam hai sham ko…”  she lied, not wanting to be kabab me haddi..

Shehnaaz’s face fell slightly at her departure, and she wrapped her arms around Sanju tightly. “Me humesha tere sath hun samajhi… tu akeli nahi hai…” She whispered softly, the sincerity in her voice heartfelt. Sanju nodded, returning the embrace with equal warmth.

Curiosity flickered in Sidharth’s eyes as he wondered what Shehnaaz had shared in that intimate moment. He wished he could dive deeper to understand every whisper and glance shared between them.

As Sanju made her exit, Vihaan turned to Sidharth, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Maa and I were playing a game, daddy… aap bhi khelo na humare sath…”

Sidharth bent down and pressed a gentle kiss on Vihaan’s cheek, his heart swelling with love for his son. “Baby, kafi late ho gaya hai. Dadi maa must be waiting at home for you…”

Vihaan’s face fell, a wave of disappointment washing over him. “Then, promise, we will come back here on Sunday…?” His eyes were wide with hope, his little heart yearning for more time with his father.

“Promise…” Sidharth assured him, a smile spreading across his face that brightened Vihaan’s mood instantly. Shehnaaz felt her own heart lift at the sight of their bond, happiness blooming within her.

_____________

Later that night, the room was cloaked in gentle lights. Shehnaaz lay on the bed, cradling Vihaan in her arms. His little head rested comfortably on her arm, and she could feel the warmth of his tiny body against her.

“Maa, nind nahi aa rahi… koi story sunao na…” Vihaan’s sweet, innocent voice tugged at her heartstrings, his eyes wide and pleading.

A smile spread across Shehnaaz’s face as she looked down at her baby boy, her heart swelling with love. She felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her, knowing how much he needed her. Her gaze drifted toward Sidharth, who was seated at the other end of the bed, working diligently on his laptop. The sight of him, with his brow furrowed in concentration and a steaming cup of coffee she had made for him in hand, struck a chord in her heart.

She had noticed the weariness etched across Sidharth’s face, the shadows beneath his eyes that spoke of a long, tiring day. Concern flickered through her mind, and she had hoped that the coffee would offer him some relief from his headache and exhaustion.

Just then, as if he felt her gaze, Sidharth’s eyes flickered up to meet hers. The moment felt charged, and she quickly looked away, feeling as though she had been caught staring. Shehnaaz turned her attention back to Vihaan, who had nestled deeper into her embrace. Gently, she brushed her fingers through his soft hair, finding solace in this small, comforting ritual.

“Ek bahot bada raja huva karta tha,” she began, her voice steady yet warm. “Woh apni zindagi me bahot khush tha, apni biwi aur bachho ke sath…”

Sidharth’s attention shifted completely to her, captivated by the sound of her voice.

“Fir…?” Vihaan asked, his innocent curiosity shining through.

Shehnaaz’s heart tightened at the thought of the story’s turning point. “Fir unki happy life ko kisi ki Nazar lag gayi…” she continued, her voice wavering as the story took a sad twist. “Aur Rani Raja aur bachho ko chhodkar dur chali gayi…” The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy with emotion, and she could feel the pain creeping into her voice. guilt taking over..

Sidharth’s grip on the laptop tightened so much that his knuckles turned white. She noticed the tension in his posture and felt a pang of anxiety shoot through her. He closed the laptop with a decisive snap, setting it aside. He piled the pillows beside vihaan.

Shehnaaz watched him closely, her body trembling with anticipation. She could sense the shift in the atmosphere, the underlying tension that was slowly building between them.

As Sidharth switched off all the lights except for the dim one in the corner, the room transformed into a sanctuary of shadows and soft light, wrapping them in a cocoon of intimacy. Shehnaaz could feel the air grow thick with unspoken words and feelings, her heart thumping louder in the silence that enveloped them.

His heart raced uncontrollably as he shifted closer, making his way to Shehnaaz’s side of the bed. With a gentle motion, he slid next to her, the warmth radiating from him enveloping her like a cozy blanket. He pulled the duvet over all three of them, creating a snug little cocoon in which they could share this moment together.

Shehnaaz fought the urge to bite her lip, stifling a soft moan as Sidharth’s strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer into a spooning position. The closeness sent shivers down her spine; she felt the warmth of his body against her, and his face nestled into the back of her neck, burying itself in her hair that flowed freely today.

Her body trembled at his proximity, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling within her. “Raja aur bachhe dukhi the…” she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt Sidharth’s grip tighten at her words, his breath warm against her skin, sending delightful tingles through her body.

“Fir kya huva, maa…?” Vihaan asked, his innocent voice cutting through the intimate moment, laced with a hint of sadness.

Shehnaaz turned her head slightly and placed a gentle peck on Vihaan’s forehead, feeling the warmth of his small frame nestled between her and Sidharth. “Par Rani ne Jane se pehle, uske andar ka sara pyar ek simple si ladki ko de Diya…” she continued the story, her heart swelling with love. “Rani ne us ladki se kaha… mere hisse ka sara pyar ab tumhara…” She waved her free hand dramatically, imagining the magic of the tale unfolding. “Fir usne aise gol gol magic wand ghumai and… zoooooom, the magic happened…”

Vihaan’s eyes widened with wonder, excitement bubbling within him. “Magic…” he exclaimed, hugging Shehnaaz tightly, a joyful spark lighting up his face. Her laughter mingled with his, pure and sweet, as Sidharth’s embrace around her tightened further, as if he couldn’t bear to have even the slightest distance between them.

Lost in the moment, Sidharth pushed away all rational thoughts. His warmth seeped into her skin, making her feel alive in a way she had never experienced before. She was awed by the stark contrast of the man beside her; his tough exterior belied a tender heart that craved love and affection. He was like a soft baby at his core, needing to be cherished.

As Shehnaaz continued the story, weaving magic and wonder with her words, she gradually noticed both Vihaan and Sidharth had drifted off to sleep. Their rhythmic breathing created a calming lullaby, and her heart swelled with contentment as she loved being hugged to sleep by her husband and son.

Feeling a bit numb in her feet, she tried to shift slightly, careful not to disturb them.

“Kya huva…?” Sidharth’s sleepy, groggy voice made her pause. She felt a twinge of guilt for having disturbed his rest. He worked tirelessly at the office all day, and as someone experienced in the demands of life, she understood just how exhausting it could be by day’s end.

Finding her courage, Shehnaaz slowly raised her hand, brushing her fingers through Sidharth’s tousled hair. She held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t scold her for it and would instead fall back asleep peacefully. This simple act of affection was something she had longed to do for so long; the silky strands felt like a gentle caress beneath her fingers, “shhhhh…”

“Hmmm…” Sidharth mumbled, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he instinctively moved closer to her. He nestled his head into the crook of her neck, finding a perfect spot where he felt safe and comfortable. Almost immediately, sleep began to overtake him, his breathing becoming slow and rhythmic.

In that moment, Shehnaaz felt a wave of emotions wash over her, making her forget to breathe. She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to gather her thoughts. Having him so close felt surreal. His warmth enveloped her, filling her with a sense of security that she had never quite experienced before. It was intoxicating and overwhelming, leaving her with a mix of joy and nervousness. She was acutely aware that he was only here because of Vihaan, but that didn’t diminish the happiness blooming in her heart. It felt like an ocean of warmth, swelling inside her with every heartbeat.

She allowed herself a few moments to simply gaze at his chiseled face, studying the way the moonlight danced across his features, casting gentle shadows. There was something so captivating about him in this vulnerable state; his usual strong demeanor faded away, revealing a softer side that she had always suspected existed. His features were relaxed, and for a moment, she felt as if she were gazing at a masterpiece, every detail perfectly sculpted.

In this stillness, she found her dose of beautiful sleep, feeling a peaceful calm wash over her. She knew she should close her eyes and drift off too, but she couldn’t help but take in this moment, etching it into her memory. It was a quiet, sacred space where love and vulnerability intertwined, and she wanted to hold onto it forever.

As her heart swelled with affection, she brushed her fingers lightly across his forehead, letting the warmth of their shared moment envelop her like a soft blanket as she drifted to sleep.

______________

It was a Thursday afternoon, and Shehnaaz stood at the entrance of Gill’s mansion, a place that was once her home. The grand facade loomed over her, filled with memories both sweet and bitter. It had been almost a year since she last set foot here, and the familiar sights brought a rush of emotions she couldn’t quite contain.

Taking a deep breath, she felt a mix of nostalgia and anxiety. She couldn’t bring Vihaan with her this time; her father was still in the dark about so much, and it would have been challenging to explain to Vihaan why they couldn’t be together at that moment. His bright little face was filled with excitement at the thought of accompanying her, but Anu had taken him out for a ride, promising to keep him entertained while Shehnaaz made her way to her mayka.

As she stepped closer to the door, her thoughts drifted back to the conversation she had with Sidharth a few days earlier. He had made it clear that he wanted her to keep him updated if she was going somewhere, but she didn’t have his number. Anu had found that quite amusing, teasing her mercilessly when she gave the number. The memory of that conversation made her heart still race, a flurry of emotions swirling within her.

The phone call had started with a mix of nerves and hope. When Sidharth answered, his stern voice sent a shiver down her spine. “Hello…”

She nearly dropped the phone; his tone was so commanding, so unmistakably him. “Umm… Sidharth… Me…” The words stumbled from her lips, and she felt a surge of panic, unsure of how to express that she was the one calling.

An awkward silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken feelings. Then, as if sensing her hesitation, he spoke again. “Naaz… Is Vihaan okay?” His voice softened with concern, and hearing him call her “Naaz” melted her heart like warm butter on toast.

Her words rushed out in a practiced manner, “vihaan thik hai… actually, me apni maasi se milne ja rahi thi… She isn’t well. Toh me Vihaan ko sath nahi le ja sakti… filhal Anu use ghumane le gayi hai… but woh jaldi ghar par aa jayega…” She recited her rehearsed lines like an essay, trying to keep her voice steady despite the tremor of vulnerability underneath.

Sidharth listened attentively, his patience evident. “Tum kab tak wapas aaogi..?”

His question had caught her off guard. Lately, Sidharth’s rude words had diminished, replaced by a softer demeanor as he spoke to her more frequently. The memory of him hugging her to sleep every night made her cheeks warm with a rush of affection. She silently thanked God that he wasn’t in front of her right now, her heart racing at the thought of his piercing gaze.

“Umm… sham tak… will it be possible for you to be home a little early for Vihaan?” She held her phone tightly, hoping he wouldn’t get angry at her request.

There was a moment of silence, and she could almost picture him checking his evening schedule. “Alright…” he finally replied, and the relief washed over her.

“Okay, that was it,” she thought, her heart fluttering with unexpected joy.

“Thank you… umm, I’ll end the call now… bye.” She started to disconnect when his voice suddenly interrupted her.

“Doesn’t go too close to your maasi…” His tone was authoritative, a reminder of his protective nature.

She bit her lower lip to suppress a smile at his concern. “Okay…” With that, the call ended, leaving her heart warm.

________

She had informed her mother about her visit to ensure her father wouldn’t miss it. As she walked through the main door, a wave of nostalgia swept over her, filled with memories of laughter and love.

Suddenly, Maahi came rushing to her, wrapping her arms around her tightly. “Omgg, Di, I missed you so much…” Maahi’s voice was almost teary, and Shehnaaz felt her heart swell.

Shehnaaz cupped her sister’s face, her own tears spilling over as she kissed Maahi’s cheeks repeatedly. “I missed you too, Maahi… bahot miss karti hun me tumhe…”

“Aap vapas aa jao na, Di, please…” Maahi’s innocent plea tore at Shehnaaz’s heart, making it ache with love and longing.

She hugged her dear sister tenderly, her heart full of emotion. “Me yahan nahi rehti toh kya hua… I’m always there for you, baby.”

Just then, Rajender ji walked downstairs in a rush, followed by a beaming Madhu ji.

“Dad…” Shehnaaz started, her voice trembling with emotion as she saw her father, but before she could finish, he enveloped her in a tight embrace.

He almost broke into tears as he cupped her face, searching her eyes with a mixture of love and regret. “My beautiful baby… how could I ever be rude to you? Kya ho gaya tha mujhe…” His voice trembled with emotion, and Shehnaaz felt her heart ache for the pain he must have endured.

“Dad, please…” she said desperately, wiping away his tears with gentle fingers. “Please ab woh sab bhul jayiye aap… I’m here, see…” Her own tears began to fall, echoing his sorrow but mixed with the relief of being back home.

Rajender ji hugged her again, holding her tightly as if afraid to let go, before guiding her to the sofa. He sat down beside her, still keeping her close, his protective nature evident.

Madhu ji joined them, wrapping her arms around Shehnaaz, relishing the glow of her daughter. The happiness radiating from Shehnaaz, the newfound spark of a bride, told Madhu ji everything she needed to know. She felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that Shehnaaz was happy with Sidharth.

“di, upar chalo na, mujhe aapse bahot bate karni hai..” Maahi exclaimed, tugging at Shehnaaz’s hand with excitement.

As they ascended the stairs, Shehnaaz felt a rush of nostalgia. Her room… All the memories came flooding back, overwhelming her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she touched her study table, her bed, and the frames lining the walls. Each item—the teddy bear, her makeup collection, her wardrobe, her slam book, and her paintings—stood as a testament to the life she had lived, untouched and unchanged, except for her absence.

She never realized how much she had missed her room, her comfort zone. It was a sanctuary filled with fragments of her past, both sweet and painful.

Maahi hugged her tightly, chattering about everything that had happened during her absence—the arguments between their parents, the tears of their father, the changes that had unfolded while Shehnaaz was away.

“I wish you could have been here, Di,” Maahi said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Dad has been so sad without you. ab aap aa gaye ho na.. dekhna sab thik ho jayega.”

It was almost lunchtime when Shehnaaz and Maahi walked downstairs together.

Rajender ji’s face lit up with joy at the sight of his daughter, his baby girl finally back home. “Tum kaisi ho, Sana?” he asked, his tone serious. He looked at her intently, sensing a difference in her. She was no longer the carefree Shehnaaz he once knew; this new woman seemed more matured, less talkative, as if life had weighed on her in ways he couldn’t fully understand.

“Dad…” Shehnaaz smiled at his care, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Me thik hun, see.. Haan, khud ko sambhalne mein waqt laga, par ab me thik hun.” Her words were a nod to the accident and the difficult life that had followed, a reassurance that she was finding her way back.

Rajender ji nodded, but guilt shadowed his expression. “Jab tumhe apne dad ki sabse jyada jarurat thi… I wasn’t there for you. I was never there for you, Sana… hai na?” His voice cracked, revealing the depths of his remorse.

Shehnaaz shook her head vigorously, reaching for his hand. “Aap aise kyun bol rahe hai, Dad? You are the best dad in the world. You were just thinking about what is best for me.” She wanted him to see the love and appreciation she held for him, even amidst the pain.

“I wasn’t…” He broke down, tears pooling in his eyes. “I wasn’t… I’m so disappointed with myself.”

“But I’m not,” she insisted, her voice soft yet firm. “And I can’t see you broken like this, Dad. You and Mom are my hope, my support system, and I love you. Please, let’s just forget about the past.”

Rajender ji nodded, his heart heavy yet hopeful. “Please come back home, Sana. I’m sorry for whatever I said… you know I never meant them.. I was just angry.. please come back.”

Shehnaaz sighed, feeling the weight of his plea. “Dad, I promise I’ll come to meet often, but I can’t come back… please don’t make this harder for me.”

His confusion deepened. Rajender ji couldn’t understand why she was hesitant to return. “Par tum kyun ghar vapas nahi aa sakti, Sana? Ek mauka ne de sakti apne dad ko?” The hurt in his voice was palpable, an echo of his desire for reconciliation.

“Kuch reason hai, Dad…” She said neutrally, trying to maintain her composure. “Waqt aane par, me apko sab bataungi.”

Rajender ji shook his head, frustration creeping in. “Nahi, mujhe kuch nahi sunna… ab tum vapas ayi ho na, ab tum kahi nahi jaogi…” His resolve was clear, a protective instinct taking over as he clung to the idea of having her back in his life fully.

“Lunch is ready!” Madhu ji announced excitedly, her cheerful voice cutting through the tension that had settled between Shehnaaz and her father. Shehnaaz felt a wave of gratitude toward her mother for knowing just the right moment to intervene.

The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter and memories, but as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Shehnaaz knew it was time to leave. She looked around at the familiar walls of her childhood home, feeling a bittersweet ache in her heart.

Her father remained in denial, his discontent palpable. It hurt to see him like this, but she understood his concerns.

With a sigh, she hugged her mother and Maahi tightly, cherishing the warmth of their embrace. Then, turning to her father, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. She planted a soft kiss on his cheek, letting her love for him seep through. “I love you, Dad.”

Rajender ji returned the hug, holding her close for a moment longer. “This discussion isn’t over, and I need you to rejoin the office ASAP,” he replied, his tone authoritative, but there was a hint of affection beneath his sternness.

Shehnaaz nodded, understanding the weight of his words. She knew she would have to return to work eventually. After all, she was the heiress, and stepping away from her dreams wasn’t an option. Her ambition to be the CEO still burned bright within her.

But now, she had Vihaan to think about. She wouldn’t sacrifice her time with him for anything. “Dad, I can start working from home and come into the office whenever there’s a need,” she stated with finality.

Rajender ji considered her words for a moment before nodding, a flicker of acceptance crossing his face. He leaned in and pecked her forehead affectionately.

Madhu ji, who had been quietly observing, seized the moment. She stepped forward to hug Shehnaaz once more, her voice soft and filled with warmth. “I’m so happy to see this glow on your face, Sana. Aise hi khush rehna.”

Shehnaaz felt a rush of emotions at her mother’s words, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She nodded, promising herself to hold onto this happiness.

After kissing Maahi’s cheek, Shehnaaz made her way to the door, glancing back one last time at the home that held so many memories. “I’ll be back soon, I promise,” she said, her voice filled with determination.

As she stepped outside, the cool evening breeze brushed against her skin, a reminder of the journey ahead. She took a deep breath, ready to face whatever challenges lay before her, knowing that this time, she wouldn’t be alone.

____________

Rita ji and Tayi ji were seated comfortably in the balcony of Tayi ji’s bedroom, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow around them as they sipped their evening tea. The gentle breeze carried with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, creating a serene atmosphere.

Tayi ji, taking a sip from her cup, broke the comfortable silence. “Rita ji… shadi huye dekhte dekhte do hafte bit gaye. Tujhe nahi lagta bacchon ko kahi ghumne jana chahiye?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the idea, envisioning a joyful outing filled with laughter and fun.

Rita ji’s eyes lit up.