Chapter 9

Note : The character name Raghav is replaced with Shikhar.

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Shehnaaz stared at herself in the mirror of car for the nth time as she reset her dupatta.. she chose to wore a simple yet elegant pink color dress today as pink color suited her a lot.. what was this stupid weird feeling… why she wanted to look beautiful today.. why the thought of sidharth ji seeing her for the first time mattered so much to her… How will he look at her…? Will he even look at her..?

Her mind continued to think making her heart beat uneven.. she closed her eyes and took a deep a deep breath to calm herself.. damnn what was wrong with her dear heart today.. she also did a quick recheck if she forgot to bring anything that she had got for vihaan..

Sanju chuckled watching the way Shehnaaz was getting restless.. she knew how her dear friend felt.. she knew how much this moment mattered to her.. her stupid friend was softly and unintentionally falling for sidharth and shehnaaz was yet to realise it.. Shehnaaz was holding onto the cake like it was vihaan himself and the image brought a smile on Sanju’s face..

Sanju looked out of the window to stop her tears.. Arjun had been trying non stop to contact her and she had been avoiding him to no end. Thank God he didn’t barge into her house knowing Shehnaaz would be there.. Sanju knew Arjun didn’t want to face Shehnaaz.. he still held feelings for Shehnaaz and that’s what pinched her..

She wanted true and loyal love and Arjun was incapable of doing it.. Shehnaaz had been pestering her to speak with Arjun once but she needed this space and time for herself.. hopefully Arjun will change one day…

Unaware of Sanju’s troubled mind, Shehnaaz softly brushed her fingers over the gift wraps with love.. She had almost cried in the morning after wishing vihaan.. it was a quick video call thanks to Shikhar but it wasn’t enough.. she wanted to hug him when she wish him..and she wanted to wrap her little baby in her secure motherly arms.. she never realised how the time flew by.. her baby boy was growing up and her motherly emotions were overpowering…

“Agar mujhe ghar me hi nahi liya toh..” Shehnaaz couldn’t help but worry thinking of how sidharth would throw her out of the house.. what if he already know that she is the one… Damnn why are they keeping him in dark..

Sanju rolled her eyes at Sana’s weird question , “shut up Sana.. stop thinking so negative.. you are invited there.. relax.. no one is going to throw you out or stop you from entering the house.. it’s going to be your house now..”

A soft smile formed on Shehnaaz’s lips hearing it.. she rubbed near her chest to calm her heart beat down which suddenly increased its speed of beating.. She was getting hyper she realized…

Her house…

The words caused tickles inside her.. it warmed up the inside of her heart.

She had agreed to this marriage and her parents had no idea about.. she highly doubt if her father would be even bothered to check up on her again in life.. but her mom.. her mother deserved to know.. her mother deserved to be their to see her daughter’s wedding…

But Rita maa has told sidharth that she is an orphan..

It felt like they had build a bungalow of lies and when it will crash with the truth out.. it’s gonna be a bad one.. she still had the opportunity to speak the truth with sidharth but the mere idea scared the hell out of her..

Anyway all of this comes in picture only if sidharth ji agrees to this marriage . Which she highly doubted..

Sanju placed her hand on Shehnaaz’s shoulder to gain get attention, “jyada mat soch.. all is gonna be okay.. uncle aunty ke bare me bhi mat soch… woh kar jo tera dil kehta hai.. Madhu Aunty se hum milkar baat karenge.. m sure she will understand..”

Sanju didn’t use bad words knowing Shehnaaz wouldn’t like it but how the hell they could behave that way with Shehnaaz…

The car stopped right in front of shukla mansion and shehnaaz took a deeep breath to calm her senses..

…………………….

Sanju and shehnaaz got out of the car while their driver took car to the parking zone..

Shehnaaz stared at the glowing villa in front of her eyes.. every corner of the place was glowing with lights and flowers.. the mansion was as big as her home.. maybe even bigger… But it was a house.. it was her Home 

The ethnic decor of the house have it a weirdly cozy feel.. the wooden structures were luxurious but at the same time it gave a feeling of simplicity and homely..

Shehnaaz took a deep breath when she stood at the main entrance of the house and smiled uncomfortably when Sanju nudged her to go ahead.. that was when she realized she had stopped moving..

Her fingers softly brushed against the huge wooden door as if she was creating a memory.. the feeling was completely out of the world.. something she couldn’t express.. she felt like she belonged here.. the warmth was familiar.. she felt instantly loved..

Both of them walked in only to find the living rooms filled with kids and elders.. the music was loud.. the event person was playing games with the kids and their parents while the elders were enjoying it.. waiters were running all around with the starters and drinks..

There were way too much of people for a birthday and it made Shehnaaz all the more conscious..

Her eyes ran through the living room and a big smile formed on her lips as her eyes fell on her birthday boy..

………………..

Sidharth shook his head with a chuckle as he observed vihaan giggling while playing games with the events person.. he seemed happy after a lot of time..

Though sidharth was chit chatting with a couple of his friends.. his eyes continued to check onto vihaan every now and then.. he ensured vihaan ate something or the other every now and then.. with his family members who took so much care of vihaan, he didn’t have to worry but his fatherly instincts didn’t let him relax..

Sidharth rolled his eyes with a shook of his head as Shikhar made vihaan sit on his shoulder and gave him a tour all around the living room..

Vihaan was giggling cutely which made everyone happy.. the missing life within vihaan was finally returning..

Sidharth walked towards his bunch of happiness and Shikhar put him down instantly to save his life..

“Chachu again…” Vihaan requested while clapping his hands excitedly.

Rita ji chuckled along with tayiji while Anu shook her head at Shikhar’s attachment towards vihaan.

“Are you planning to get ke killed by your dad champ.” Shikhar asked defensively and dramatically making vihaan giggle while sidharth shook his head.. Shikhar was just too dramatic.. like all the time.. where do he get so much energy from…

“That’s enough vihaan.. go and play with your friends.. dad and Shikhar chachu needs to have some serious discussion..” sidharth spoke while glaring at Shikhar who gulped in fear and tried to move away but sidharth’s hand grabbed Shikhar ‘s shoulder to stop his movements..

Vihaan ran to his friends and sidharth pulled Shikhar away from everyone.

“Mene kuch nahi kiya I swear.. badi maa ne jo bola i couldn’t deny…” Shikhar was almost in fake tears as a save yourself strategy while sidharth rolled his eyes.

“Like I don’t know you… Huh.. You manipulated my innocent mother.. are you out of your mind Shikhar ..” sidharth spoke sternly.

Shikhar sighed realising sidharth was too serious to joke around, “ohh cut it. Badi maa listen to me because she knows I’m right that’s one.. number two, I didn’t manipulate her..” Shikhar spoke defensively whole quoting the word manipulated with his fingers..

Sidharth rubbed his forehead in irritation, “I don’t want to remarry Shikhar . It’s not easy.. and it’s not good for vihaan…”

Shikhar glared at sidharth, “Sid stop judging someone you don’t know..”

Sidharth sighed knowing Shikhar is right, “fine I’m sorry.. but irrespective of anything, I do not wish to marry.. Payal’s place can’t be refilled.. it will remain hers only..” Sidharth looked away to co trol his breakdown.. he missed his wife.. he missed payal so much..

Shikhar grabbed sidharth’s shoulder to get his complete attention, “listen to me.. tuze mujhpat aur badi maa par bharosa hai na…?”

Sidharth stared at him, “it’s not about trust Shikhar .. you don’t understand…”

Shikhar cut him midway, “I do… I do understand you Sid.. tuzse jyada samajhata hun me tuze… aur is waqt hume vihaan ke bare me sochna hai… Usse jarurat hai maa ki.. aur bharosa rakh.. us ladki se jyada pyar koi nahi kar payega vihaan ko… Bharosa rakh mujhpe..”

Sidharth was amazed by Shikhar’s words.. who was this girl that managed to gain so much trust of his brother and mother.. he knew Shikhar would never let anything wrong to happen to him or his family..

Sighing, Shikhar took sidharth in brotherly hug and rubbed his back.. he knew his brother was lonely and broken.. he needed love and care and shehnaaz will not only fill vihaan’s life with her love but also Sidharth’s.. Shikhar was sure of it …

Even after Shikhar‘s words, sidharth couldn’t agree, “you are going to stop this marriage mess that you have started.. maa will not listen to me..”

Shikhar looked away to control his chuckle knowing sidharth might punch him, “now not my fault if you are scared of badi maa..” sidharth glared at him for that comment. Chuckling, Shikhar continued, “and I’m doing no such thing… Badi maa listens to no one once she decides anything… Mujhe mat bali ka bakra bana…” Shikhar raised his hands in surrender and ran back to the party before sidharth could emotionally blackmail him…

Sidharth groaned in frustration and followed him inside..

“Sanu maaaaaaaaaaaaa…” Vihaan’s loud shrill grabbed sidharth’s attention making him look around for his baby boy.. only to find him in the arms of a woman who had sat down on her knees and had vihaan clutched to her chest.. he couldn’t see her face as her back was towards him but the mere sight of her brought the irritation within him..

Those should be of payal.. not some random woman..

Sidharth looked away in frustration.. he wouldn’t allow some random woman to take his Payal’s space in his life.. in his house and in his family…

Never…

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“Sanu maaaaaaaaaaaaa..” vihaan screamed excitedly making a dash towards shehnaaz who had already gone on her knees to engulf the birthday boy in her arms…

Shehnaaz hugged him to her dear life while vihaan clung to her Like second skin…

Sanju ruffled vihaan’s hair with a smile while Anu held onto Rita ji as both held back their tears and smiles appeared on their faces..

“Basss… Basss baaa.. Mera pyara bachha.. maa is here na..” Shehnaaz rubbed his back to wake him up as she spoke softly..

Vihaan pecked her nose cutely like she always did to him, “maa come for vihaan’s birthday.. vihaan so happy…” He told her excitedly..

Shehnaaz brushed her fingers over his cheek as if she was recollecting her memories of him.. she brushed her fingers through his hair to reset them as Sanju had ruined them.. she checked if his clothes were neatly tickled and smiled when she was done with her checking..

Grinning amidst happy tears, she pecked all over his face as she wished him birthday, “happiest Birthday to my best baby in the world.. I love you so much..” she spoke with a emotional tone.. She prayed God to give her baby a long healthy life..

Vihaan hugged her tighter as a response to her wishes and rested his head in her shoulders as his fingers started playing with her hair..

Picking him in her arms, Shehnaaz finally stood up and smiled with downcast eyes as Rita ji came towards her along with Anu and tayiji.

“Thank you for coming beta..” Rita ji said with a smile and couldn’t stop observing the new glow on vihaan’s face..

“Maa aap please…” She trailed off not realising what to say and continued nevertheless, “Me kaise nahi ati.. mujhe vihaan ke liye ana hi tha na..” her eyes refused to leave her vihaan’s innocent face..

Sanju handed over the cake to Anu and pulled away vihaan from Shehnaaz’s arm making her grumpy, “happy happy birthday Mr. Boyfriend.. God..  my shining knight armor is looking so handsome today..”

“Thank you girlfriend..” vihaan mumbled with a cute giggle Making everyone chuckle..

Amidst the small talks, Shehnaaz eyes softly searched around for sidharth and skipped a beat when she finally found him standing with a couple of men.. she couldn’t stop herself from checking out his attire.. he looked so manly with his 6 ft height.. she might almost look a kid in front of him…

Rita ji noticed Shehnaaz’s eyes on sidharth and smiled inwardly, “aja tuze milwati hun…” Saying so, Rita ji held Shehnaaz’s hands in hers making her gasp in fear.. meeting sidharth ji… No no no please….

Rita ji walked her towards sidharth and worried Anu, Shikhar and Sanju followed them..

Sidharth stopped speaking as he felt his mother’s presence and knew the poular sanu maa was finally standing behind him..

Rita ji smiled brightly, “Sid, humne baat ki thi na… Yahi hai tumhare vihaan ki sanu maa… Shehnaaz..”

Shehnaaz… the name captured sidharth’s attention making him feel uneasy.

Shehnaaz’s heart stopped beating and her eyes hardly dared to look at him.. she paled noticing he didn’t glance at her even once.

Sidharth smiled softly at him mother not wanting to hurt her, “maa, chaliye cake cut karna hai.. come vihaan..” mumbling so, sidharth raised his arms to take vihaan out of Shehnaaz’s arms, not bothering to give her a single look..

His back of palms brushed against her neck in the process that made her shudder as if she was just tickled badly..

his mere touch affected her beyond her understanding.. what was this feeling… Ofcourse, Arjun had hugged her, kissed her multiple times but this feeling was something beyond that.. while his not even looking at her made her heart drop down to her stomach..

Sidharth almost hissed when the back of his palm brushed against her neck while he was taking vihaan.. what the heck.. the touch stirred him inside out.. what the hell was that… He shouldn’t be affected like this by anyone.. leave alone.. he never got this much affected even when he and payal.. guilt ran through him making him hate shehnaaz all the more..

He already felt her like a threat to Payal’s existence in his life…. Noooo….

Frustrated, he carried vihaan where the arrangements were made for cake cutting.

Rita ji sighed at Sidharth’s rude behaviour towards shehnaaz and patted her back to relax her.. “agar baat ka bura mat Maan… Dekhna dhire dhire sab thik ho jayega…”

Shehnaaz softly nodded her head in acceptance while Sanju was already glaring at sidharth for have hurt her Sana…

The announcement for the cake cutting was done by the events team and sidharth held onto vihaan’s hand to cut the cake out of habit.

Smiling, vihaan kissed sidharth’s cheek and looked around for Shehnaaz, “maaaa…”

Shehnaaz was frozen on her place knowing what vihaan wanted but wasn’t sure whether sidharth would like it.. he have already made it clear to her

Sidharth looked away with irritation but couldn’t do anything that would upset vihaan..

“Maa come Naa…” Vihaan called out for her again with hope that made Shehnaaz’s heart stir..

“Ja beta…” Rita ji encouraged shehnaz to go to them and shehnaaz eventually did not wanting to upset vihaan..

The moment she stood beside vihaan, he took her hand and kept it on Sidharth’s hands to cut the cake…

They felt it again..

Sidharth hissed again with the extent it affected him… It was like an energy was running.. was getting transferred towards his hand… He could feel her warmth.. her soft skin and he hated where his thoughts were going.. damnn what was wrong with him.. what was he thinking… He closed his eyes to throw away all the irrational thoughts and cut the cake as everyone sang birthday wishes for vihaan..

Shehnaaz bite into her lip hard.. his rough skin against her soft one.. she could feel it.. the touch made her melt on the spot… What was this… What was wrong with her and the extent of affection…

She removed her hand away as fast as she could… And sidharth was disturbed with that too…the missing warmth irritated him not understanding the reason… He hated her for ruining his day…

Sidharth made vihaan eat the cake and walked away from there to control himself from acting stupid.. he washed his hands clean in the basin and couldn’t help but stare at the back on his hand where her hands was resting..

Irritated, he washed his hands again to get rid of her.. whoever that girl be.. Shehnaaz or whatsoever.. she must be behind their money.. what else would be her motive to marry a married man who also has a kid.. Shikhar and maa are innocent and trapped by her.. he decided irrationally..

By the time he returned, the cakes were getting fed to each other’s and Shehnaaz’s soft giggles grabbed his attention as Vihaan was smearing cake over her face..

Her giggle was so soft..so melodious that he couldn’t stop himself from going towards her…

“Shehnaaz…” He called out in his baritone ruggish voice making shehnaaz froze in her movement…

Did she hear right.. Did he take her name.. her heart drummed inside with the loud beats making her turn around to face him…

Snapped out of his trance, sidharth turned around to give her his back.. what in the world was he doing..? why did he walk towards her..? why did he take her name..? he hated himself for acting so childish.. he hated her for making him act like this in mere touch of her…

Guilt ran through him thinking he was betraying payal.. no… He wouldn’t share his love.. payal devoted all of her life for him and he wouldn’t betray her like this…

What do he say to her now…

“Ji…” Shehnaaz asked softly as she stared at his back.. he didn’t want to see her even once.. tears formed in her eyes at the hurtful feeling..

Sidharth cleared his throat to come up with a excuse, “we need to talk.. follow me..” he spoke sternly and started walking towards the steps…

Scared, Shehnaaz looked around and everyone’s paled faces scared her all the more.. she handed over vihaan to Anu and followed sidharth immediately not wanting to anger him more..

He walked in his room and waited for her.. he could have taken her anywhere but why here…

Shehnaaz stopped at the doorstep realizing he might not like her to walk in his bedroom.

“Don’t stand there when I have asked you to follow me…” Sidharth’s angry tone made her shutter fear and she walked in with a stumble.

Sidharth looked out of the window, “your complete name…?”

Shehnaaz was snapped out trance as his question,  “Shehnaaz… Umm shehnaaz Singh..” Shehnaaz bite her lip for the lie..

“So you are an orphan..?” Sidharth asked further..

Shehnaaz shook her head in denial behind his back as tears formed in her eyes, “yes…” He voice cracked..

Sidharth hated himself for noticing the pain in her voice and regretted asking that question..”home and education..?”

Shehnaaz wasn’t prepared for this QnA session.. “umm, i stay with my friend Sanju.. I mean sanjana.. I have completed MBA in finance..”

Sidharth went silent for a moment, “how did you met my mother..?”

“Huh..?” Shehnaaz managed to answer earlier question but what now.

“Don’t remember.. or thinking of a good answer..?” Sidharth asked sarcastically..

“No.. I mean.. we met at a charity concert.. I was part of the team as on orphan.. maa ji had come to attend it..”

“Hmm…” Sidharth couldn’t help but agree because his mother often visited and helped such charity events..

“Why did you agree to marry me..?” Sidharth finally asked the million dollar question that made Shehnaaz stare at his back..

Shehnaaz smiled at the thought of vihaan, “vihaan is attached to me… And if he needs me as his mother.. I have no problem with that…”

“What is your age…?” He asked not commenting anything on her previous answer.

His rapid fire made shehnaz doubt if she would remember her own answers later, “25.. about to be 26..”

“Whatt…?” Sidharth seethed in anger as he glared out of window, “do you know I’m 40..”

“Yes…” She answered quickly not wanting to make him feel awkward.

Her answer surprised him.. she is almost 15 years younger to him and she still wanted to marry him, “why would you want to marry a person who is 15 years older than you..”

Shehnaaz sighed.. she didn’t like the way he quoted their age difference.. it didn’t matter to her, “age difference isn’t really that big of a concern for me… I have no issue with our age difference..”

Sidharth was mum and he hated her guts.. she had answered every question of him without shuttering.. payal used to fumble in front of him even after all these years to their marriage.. but this girl… He didn’t need to turn and look at her to know that she stood behind him with a strong backbone.. she challenged him and his aura and it frustrated him..

“I don’t want to marry you.. i don’t want to marry at all for that matter ..” why did he add the second line.. did it bother him if the first line hurt her.. no it didn’t.. she is no one to him.. he won’t fall in trap..

“Why…?” Shehnaaz bite her lips but the why was already out if her mouth..what was wrong with her.. she was a scary mouse a minute ago then where did the confidence came out all of sudden.. maybe because she wouldn’t be able to bear vihaan suffering without her…

“You are no one to question me…” Sidharth blasted angrily.. no one questions him and his decisions..

Shehnaaz sighed, “then Why have you agreed to this marriage..” she asked again ignoring his previous statement of her no rights on him..

Sidharth groaned in frustration, “because I can’t hurt my mother.. she think you will take care of vihaan…”

“I always will..” Shehnaaz reassured him..

Sidharth didn’t believe her, “I want you to deny to this marriage…”

His harsh words broke her heart.. tears formed in her eyes and vihaan’s teary face flashed in front of her eyes, “i can’t…”

“Why…” Sidharth asked sternly… How dare she deny his words…

Shehnaaz sighed wiped away her tears.. she knew he was a different man behind this harsh form.. damnn it didn’t make sense at all but she wanted to rush towards him and hug his back.. what was this… Where did things feelings developed from… “For vihaan.. he needs me.. I will not leave him to suffer.. jis tarah aap apni maa ko dukhi nahi dekh sakte.. me bhi vihaan ko ankhon me ansu nahi bardasht kar sakti..”

Her care for vihaan stirred Sidharth’s hearts and he told himself it’s all unreal..that she is fake.. “don’t act like you are the only one who cares for vihaan.. he is my son.. you are just behind our money..” Sidharth wanted to hurt her so that she denies to this marriage…

Shehnaaz chuckled softly not wanting to insult him.. she had enough of money to last for a life.. she was daughter of Rajender Gill.. but he didn’t need to know that, “if you want.. I’m ready to sign any contract that would state that I will not have any right on your money after this marriage..”

Her words shut him mum.. why would she ask for this unless she really wasn’t behind his money.. then what was her motive… Why wasn’t she hating him…

“You should deny this marriage because you will never have any place in my life.. “

Shehnaaz smiled sadly at that.. her eyes fell on their family photo.. vihaan in Payal and Sidharth’s arms.. of course she knew that.. “I will respect that..”

What else.. her eyes words left him speechless… Her confidence and agreeing to his every claim left him numb..

“You will regret this one day….’ Sidharth tried for the last time..

Shehnaaz smiled remembering vihaan’s happy face, “I will never regret taking care of vihaan..”

Sidharth clutched hard onto the window bade making his knuckles turn white.. he words were like poisonous knifes to his heart.. “leave…”

His harsh tone made shehnaaz flinch in fear making her dash out of the room… She ran as fast as she could through the steps and dashed against a wooden table at the furthest corner next to steps… The sudden dash made her hand hit the table and the phone slipped out of her hands falling on the floor…

Wiping away her tears quickly, Shehnaaz bent down to reach for her phone that had gone under the end of table.. she stretched her hand as much as she could to reach for her phone and chunri kept on the table fell on ber in the process, converting her head..

…………………….

Once Shehnaaz left room, Sidharth turned around with a brisk move…

His heart churned within knowing he was beyond rude.. he knew he had hurt her… Wasn’t that what he wanted.. to hurt her..

Was she crying….

This damnn girl.. she have no right to come in his life like this.. he belonged to Payal and he always will..

He had made it clear to her so she better take a right decision and save him from this mess.. he already has a lot to deal with..

Restless, he walked towards the big frame of him, payal and vihaan and brushed his palm over their happy family picture, “i won’t forget you.. i won’t betray you.. i always hurt you..took you for granted.. but you loved me unconditionally… I belong to you and always will…” He told her with finality amidst tears filled eyes..

His eyes turned to zero as he remembered his shouting at her to leave.. her touch when she had held his hand.. her strong mindset and love for vihaan.. her soft giggles.. vihaan in her arms.. it refused to leave his mind and it made him hate her all the more..

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. This story is very close to my heart, and I pour a lot of love and emotions into each scene. Shehnaaz and Sidharth’s journey is one of discovery, healing, and deep, profound love. Their characters are evolving with each chapter, and it’s a joy to bring their story to life.

I want to thank you all for your incredible support and encouraging comments. Your love motivates me to keep writing and improving. I’m thrilled to have you all on this journey with me.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. 

Also, stay tuned for Baarish,  Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

Don’t forget to follow me on  Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube  for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka