Chapter 18

We really are stupid, aren’t we? How easily we make plans for our future, deciding what we’ll do, how we’ll live, as if everything is under our control. But life has a way of surprising us, throwing things in our path that we never expected, changing everything we thought we knew. And then, there’s that one word that comes into play, the word that seems to govern our lives more than anything else: **Destiny.**

Shehnaaz ran.

She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. She didn’t know where she was going, only that she needed to escape—from everything, from herself. The world around her seemed to fade into shades of black and white, a stark contrast to the vibrant yet pale figure she cut as she ran. The pain inside her was overwhelming, almost too much to bear, and it coursed through every part of her as she pushed herself harder and harder.

She kept running until, finally, she crashed into a tractor filled with grass. It was the same place where Sidharth had once come to make amends, where their true friendship had blossomed. That memory, so precious and full of warmth, now felt like a knife twisting in her heart.

She hated herself. How could she do this to Sidharth? To the love of her life? The thought of how hurt he would be tore her apart. How could she have caused him so much pain? Why did things have to happen this way? Why did Daarji do this? She felt utterly destroyed, shattered beyond repair.

Shehnaaz’s mind swirled with guilt and regret. She blamed herself for everything, convinced that she was the reason for this unbearable situation. She felt like a failure, like she wasn’t strong enough to stand up to Daarji, to fight for the love that meant everything to her.

She was lost, broken, and drowning in a sea of despair, unsure if she would ever find her way back.

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“Huh!”

“Naaz ki bachhi… dhanno kahin ki…” Sidharth muttered to himself, pouting his lips in annoyance. She had cut his call! But then, his expression softened as he considered the possibility. “She must be busy, na… she’s not ‘dhanno,’ she’s my Naaz…” His heart quickly came to her defense, chiding his brain for even thinking of calling his love ‘dhanno.’ How could he?

A smile crept onto Sidharth’s face as he lightly tapped his phone against his forehead. He couldn’t help but laugh at himself. He realized he had truly gone mad—completely crazy in love with his dhanno… oh, no, his baby, his Naaz.

“Naaz…” he trailed off, his thoughts filled with affection for her, feeling the warmth of love spread through him. In that moment, nothing else mattered—just the thought of her made everything right in his world.

Thumping himself onto the bed, Sidharth couldn’t help but smile like an idiot. He rolled lazily from one side of the bed to the other, his heart aching with the desire to have his Naaz in his arms. Even his pillow carried the faint scent of Shehnaaz these days, and that only made his longing stronger.

“Oughh, Sidharth, come back to the real world… she’s not here,” he reminded himself for what felt like the millionth time. But no matter how many times he repeated it, the reality didn’t stick. The nasha of her love, the intoxicating drug that it was, was consuming him bit by bit, day by day.

And he gave in willingly. The pull of her love was too strong, too sweet to resist. Even in her absence, she was everywhere—her scent, her smile, her presence imprinted in every corner of his world. He let the feeling wash over him, surrendering completely to the warmth and comfort of loving her, even if she wasn’t physically there. To him, it was worth it.

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Memories in black and white…

“Sidharth, I love you… you are the best!” Shehnaaz had exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and joy.

Sidharth had rolled his eyes playfully, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “And you are the worst…” But then, unable to resist, he smirked naughtily and added, “By the way, I love you too…”

Shehnaaz had smiled sweetly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Shukla ji, never take me seriously.”

Sidharth had smirked again, the banter between them flowing effortlessly. “But you only told me last night that girls never lie…”

Shehnaaz had giggled, her laughter like music to his ears. “As I said, Shukla ji… NEVER take me seriously…”

That was one of their many lighthearted chats, filled with teasing and laughter, the kind that made their bond so special.

But now, those memories felt distant, like scenes from an old movie playing in black and white. The flashbacks cracked and splintered in his mind, like a broken mirror, each shard a reminder of moments that were once whole and filled with color, now fragmented and slipping away.

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Sidharth smiled as memories of their countless fights flooded his mind. They always bickered, about everything and anything. It was almost like a ritual between them. Every conversation seemed to start with a disagreement, and he could still hear her annoyed grumbles in his head. Grhh, how she used to annoy him… and, honestly, she still did.

But why hadn’t she picked up his call? Okay, she might have been busy, but just one call… baby…

He sighed deeply, the ache of missing her settling in his chest like a dull throb.

Shaking his head, Sidharth tried to push the thoughts aside as he started getting ready for work. He stood in front of the mirror, determined to focus on the day ahead. But instead of his own reflection, he saw Sana’s face staring back at him. Her smiling face, sometimes laughing, other times playful and bubbly. He could even picture her pouting, using that cute puppy face to blackmail him into doing whatever she wanted. She was his undoing, and he knew it.

The thought hit him like a wave—what would have happened to him if she hadn’t been in his life? He would have been lost, incomplete, wandering through life without the spark that she brought into his world. She was the piece that made everything fit, the light that brightened his every day.

He couldn’t imagine a life without her. She was his everything.

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Shehnaaz wiped away her tears, but no matter how hard she tried, fresh ones kept rolling down her cheeks. Her mind wandered back to that day in the jungle when she had playfully teased Sidharth with “Lovely ji.” She could still picture his annoyed expression, how he had frowned and tried to act all serious, but she knew him too well—he was just pretending. Those moments were so precious, filled with their silly promises, constant bickering, and endless teasing. The way they would exchange mischievous glances, and how he would eventually give in to her demands, no matter how outrageous they were.

How beautiful life had become with him in it… But now, she had lost him.

She had him, and then, just like that, she lost him.

As she walked through the field, she noticed a delicate butterfly resting on a beautiful rose. She reached out, trying to touch it, hoping to feel even a small bit of its beauty. But just as her fingers were about to graze it, the butterfly flew away. The sight struck her deeply—she felt like that butterfly was a reflection of her happiness, something she was so close to grasping, but it slipped away before she could hold on to it.

The realization of losing Sidharth was too much for her to bear. The pain in her heart was overwhelming, a heavy weight she couldn’t escape. She couldn’t stand it any longer, so she did the only thing she could think of—she ran. She ran as fast as she could, trying to outrun the grief, the loss, the emptiness that now colored her world.

As she fled, the vibrant world around her seemed to turn black and white, drained of all color and life, just like how she felt inside.

The life she once knew, the happiness she had cherished, even her own self—everything seemed to be slipping away from her, leaving her alone in a world that had turned its back on her.

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Sidharth stood by the window of his office, a soft smile playing on his lips as the image of Shehnaaz’s smiling face flashed in front of his eyes. Her laughter, her joy, everything about her made his heart feel lighter, even in the midst of his busy day. He could almost see her there, right in front of him, as if she was just a touch away.

But miles away, Shehnaaz was crying her heart out, her tears flowing freely as the image of Sidharth’s tear-streaked face filled her thoughts. She could see the pain in his eyes, the hurt that she wished she could erase.

Sidharth, lost in his daydream, reached out as if to touch her face, to feel the warmth of her skin against his fingertips. But just as he thought he had her, she disappeared, leaving him with nothing but the memory of her playful wink.

At the same time, Shehnaaz, desperate to comfort him, reached out to wipe away the tears she imagined on his face. But before she could touch him, he turned away, fading from her sight, disappearing into the shadows of her mind.

Sidharth smiled and shook his head, knowing that he was being silly, chasing after a ghost of a moment that was never really there. But still, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort in that fleeting vision of her.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz cried harder as she felt him slipping away, the distance between them growing with each passing second. The more she reached out, the further he seemed to move away, leaving her alone with her tears and the emptiness of his absence.

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Sidharth couldn’t stop smiling as he pulled Dadi Maa for a dance, his laughter echoing through the room. Everyone around—family, friends, and the guests who had gathered for the upcoming wedding—couldn’t help but smile too. They watched in surprise and delight as Sidharth, usually so reserved, twirled his grandmother around with a joy that was contagious.

For so long, they had all hoped to see this side of him, the side that wasn’t weighed down by the quiet seriousness that had become his usual demeanor. And now, here he was, finally opening up, and it was like a breath of fresh air for everyone. The room was filled with laughter and light, and for once, Sidharth was right in the middle of it, leading the way.

Dadi Maa laughed heartily, her eyes twinkling as she swayed to the music with him. Sidharth twirled her around with such enthusiasm, as if she were none other than Shehnaaz herself. His happiness was palpable, radiating from him in waves that everyone around could feel.

After the dance, still bubbling with excitement, Sidharth practically sprinted to his room, his heart racing with a joy that he hadn’t felt in so long. What had come over him? What had changed so drastically within him? As he caught his breath, the answer came to him like a whisper in his heart—Shehnaaz. She was the one who had changed him.

He realized how much she had brought him out of his shell, how she had found the real Sidharth hidden deep within him. The Sidharth who could laugh freely, who could dance without a care in the world, who could feel joy in its purest form. God, how much he loved her.

But no matter how many times he called, she never picked up. Each unanswered call made his heart ache a little more. He missed her terribly, with every fiber of his being.

The joy he felt just moments ago was now mingled with a longing that he couldn’t shake. Even in his newfound happiness, something was missing—she was missing.

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Payal grabbed Shehnaaz’s hand and pulled her onto the dance floor, where everyone was laughing and enjoying the festivities. The atmosphere was filled with joy, as Payal’s wedding was just a few days away, and the house was bustling with the arrival of so many guests. Laughter echoed through the room, but Shehnaaz’s heart felt heavy, her smile barely reaching her eyes.

She tried to keep up with Payal, moving slowly to the rhythm of the music, her steps light but lacking the usual spark. She was doing it for her sister, for Payal’s happiness. Shehnaaz knew how much this day meant to her, and she didn’t want to cast a shadow on her joy. She didn’t want Payal to ever find out the turmoil she was going through, the storm raging inside her heart. Payal was too precious, and Shehnaaz couldn’t bear the thought of burdening her with her own pain.

As they danced, a tear threatened to escape from Shehnaaz’s eye, a silent reflection of the grief she was holding back. But before it could fall, she quickly wiped it away, just as she had tried to wipe away the memories of Sidharth. It was like a reflex, pushing the pain aside, hiding it deep within, where no one could see.

But no matter how much she tried to conceal it, the emptiness inside her felt overwhelming. It was as if all her prayers, all her heartfelt wishes, had vanished into thin air, leaving her with nothing but a hollow ache. The love she had clung to, the hope she had nurtured, seemed to have slipped away from her grasp, dissolving like mist in the morning sun.

Shehnaaz continued to dance, her movements gentle and careful, but her heart was elsewhere, lost in the memories she was trying so hard to forget. The joy around her felt distant, almost unreachable, as if she were watching it all from behind a veil. 

Shehnaaz excused herself from the lively gathering, her smile fading as she stepped away from the crowd. The cheerful buzz of the celebration seemed to drift further away as she walked towards a quieter, more secluded corner. There, she allowed herself to surrender to the loneliness that had become her constant companion, the darkness of her destiny enveloping her.

The questions that plagued her mind were relentless. Why had this happened to her? Why did Sidharth have to endure such pain? The mere thought of him suffering twisted her heart, causing a sharp pang of anguish. Could he even bear it? The uncertainty gnawed at her, making her heart ache with a depth she could scarcely endure.

She closed the door behind her with a heavy heart and collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow. Her muffled sobs filled the room, each cry a raw expression of her pain and vulnerability. The pillow soaked up her tears, but it did little to ease the aching emptiness inside her.

Her life, once filled with warmth and hope, had shifted in a matter of seconds. The happiness she had known had crumbled into a pit of horrible pain almost instantaneously. Everything she had cherished had turned into shadows, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The suddenness of it all left her feeling adrift, as if the ground beneath her had shifted without warning. She felt lost, disconnected from the life she once knew, struggling to reconcile with the harsh reality that had so abruptly invaded her world.

Shehnaaz picked up a dried rose from the side table, her fingers brushing over its brittle, withered petals. She handled it with a tenderness that seemed almost out of place for something so lifeless. The rose, once vibrant and full of life, was now a shadow of its former self, its color faded and its texture crisp.

As she caressed the delicate petals, she couldn’t help but draw a parallel between the rose and her own sense of self. Just like the rose, her happiness had wilted, its beauty and vitality drained away. Her heart, too, felt as if it had succumbed to the same fate—once full and blooming with love and hope, now withered and fragile.

The touch of the dried petals against her skin was a painful reminder of what she had lost. She could almost feel the weight of the sorrow pressing down on her, just as the dead rose seemed to bear the burden of its own fading beauty. The rose was a symbol of how her once-bright world had dimmed, a reflection of the emptiness she felt inside.

Holding the rose close, Shehnaaz closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. The comparison struck her deeply, amplifying the ache in her chest. She felt as though, like the rose, she had been stripped of her vibrancy and left to wither away in the shadow of her lost joy.

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Sidharth picked up a fresh rose from the vase, its vibrant red petals glowing with a richness that seemed almost alive. He held it gently, his fingers grazing the velvety surface with a soft touch. The rose’s brilliance was striking, its petals unfurling in a display of vivid color and delicate texture.

As he caressed the petals, a smile spread across his face. The rose’s radiant beauty mirrored the joy he felt within himself. It was as if the flower was a reflection of his own happiness, each petal a symbol of the warmth and light that had reentered his life.

The rose’s glow was not just a visual delight but a reminder of how his heart felt—bright and full of life. It was a stark contrast to the wilted rose he had seen earlier, a reminder of how his own emotions had been revived, bringing a sense of renewal and hope.

The way the rose seemed to shine in his hand made Sidharth think of how his own heart had found its way back to happiness. The freshness of the flower echoed the freshness of his spirit, the way his outlook had been transformed by love and the joy it had brought him. He felt grateful for this new beginning, a fresh chapter that, like the rose, was full of promise and beauty.

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Love had to be out of the ordinary, a paradox wrapped in a single, powerful emotion. On one side, love was undeniably beautiful, a light that illuminated the darkest corners of the heart. It brought dreams to life, painting the world in vibrant colors of hope and joy. Love made everything seem possible, its promise as fresh and inviting as a new bloom.

Yet, at the other end, love also bore a sharp edge, a source of profound pain. It was a bittersweet reminder of dreams that could shatter, leaving fragments scattered and lost. The same love that once sparked hope could also bring about a deep and aching sorrow, leaving its mark on the heart like a cruel twist of fate.

The rose, for example, was a symbol of this duality. In its prime, it held life and beauty, its petals unfurled in a testament to nature’s grace. But once its time had passed, the rose withered, unable to withstand the harshness of the world. It became a poignant reminder of how something so beautiful could succumb to the inevitability of time and hardship.

Similarly, there was Sidharth, who was full of happiness and light, embodying the radiant joy that love could bring. His smile and the way he embraced life spoke of love’s ability to uplift and inspire.

And then, there was Shehnaaz, who felt broken and shattered, a stark contrast to Sidharth’s brightness. Her world had been turned upside down, her dreams fractured, and her heart weighed down by the pain of loss. The once-vibrant rose she held now mirrored her sorrow, a symbol of how love could leave her feeling lost and incomplete.

In the end, love was both a beautiful and painful force, capable of creating dreams and tearing them apart. It was the light that brightened life and the shadow that cast darkness. It was the delicate balance between joy and heartache, embodied in the contrasting lives of Sidharth and Shehnaaz.

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Sidharth’s anxiety grew with each passing moment as Shehnaaz continued to ignore his calls. The silence was deafening, and his mind raced with worry. He couldn’t shake off the gnawing questions that plagued him. Was she angry with him? Had he done something to upset her? Was he responsible for her hurt? His thoughts spun wildly, each question more distressing than the last. Was she okay? Was she missing him as much as he was missing her?

The uncertainty was unbearable. Sidharth felt a deep sense of urgency—he needed to act quickly. He couldn’t bear to be separated from Shehnaaz any longer, especially if she was struggling or hurting. He knew he had to talk to someone, at least to his mother, to express his concerns and seek guidance.

Determined, Sidharth decided to speak to his mother about the situation. He needed her support and advice, and he had to find a way to bridge the gap that had formed between him and Shehnaaz. He was ready to reveal his heart, to tell her everything he was feeling and to make things right.

With a heavy heart and a sense of resolve, Sidharth walked toward his parents’ room. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear his mother talking on the phone. Her words were filled with a happiness that made his heart sink further.

“…Shehnaaz ne shadi ke liye haan kehdi… ye bahot bahot khushi ki baat hai…”

Sidharth was frozen in his tracks.

Sidharth’s mind raced as he tried to make sense of what he had just overheard. “Shadi?” The word echoed in his head, tangled with confusion and excitement. He tried to piece together the fragments of the conversation he had caught. Whose wedding was his mother talking about? What did she mean by “Shehnaaz ne shadi ke liye haan kehdi”?

Had they mistakenly mixed up his and Shehnaaz’s marriage with someone else’s plans? Or was this something else entirely? Sidharth struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. If it was true that they were arranging his wedding with Shehnaaz, his happiness would overflow beyond words. But he needed clarity first. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that something wasn’t right.

With a deep breath, Sidharth decided to confront his mother directly. He needed to understand what was really happening. He walked into the room, his heart pounding in anticipation.

“Mom, who were you talking with?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

Rita ji looked up, her face alight with excitement. “Oh, you’ve come at the perfect moment! Shehnaaz ne shadi ke liye haan kehdi… god, I am so happy!”

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat. Shehnaaz had agreed to the wedding? The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. His mind raced, trying to process the sudden rush of emotions. The idea of marrying Shehnaaz filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy, yet he was still grappling with the surprise and confusion.

“Mom,” Sidharth began, trying to piece together his thoughts. “Shehnaaz…? Shadi…? I don’t understand…”

“Are tumhe nahi pata…” Rita ji’s voice trailed off in surprise. “Woh dar asal Shehnaaz—”

She was about to elaborate when her phone rang again. The call was about organizing wedding details, and Rita ji quickly became engrossed in the conversation. Her focus shifted entirely, and she walked out of the room, completely forgetting Sidharth was still there.

Sidharth stood there, a wide grin spreading across his face. The excitement bubbling inside him was almost too much to contain. His mother’s happiness was unmistakable, and from what she had said, it seemed like Shehnaaz had shared the news with her family. It sounded as though Shehnaaz had indeed spoken about their future together and had given her consent.

The realization hit him like a wave of euphoria. The reason Shehnaaz hadn’t answered his calls was now becoming clear. She must have been planning a surprise for him, a gesture to make their future together even more special. The thought of it made his heart soar with joy.

Mr. Sidharth Shukla felt like he was on top of the world. The prospect of marrying Shehnaaz, his beloved Naaz, filled him with an overwhelming sense of happiness. He couldn’t help but imagine the beautiful future that awaited them. If Shehnaaz wanted to surprise him, he would respect that and let her share the news with him in her own time.

Sidharth’s smile grew wider as he walked back to his room. The anticipation of their wedding, and the knowledge that Shehnaaz had chosen him, made every step feel lighter. He felt as if he were floating on air, thrilled by the prospect of a life shared with the woman he loved. The joy he felt was so profound that it seemed to fill every corner of his being.

As he entered his room, he couldn’t help but think about how everything was falling into place. The love he had for Shehnaaz, and the commitment they were about to make to each other, was the most wonderful surprise of all. Sidharth took a deep breath, savoring the moment, and looked forward to the future with a heart full of hope and excitement.

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Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for reading.

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

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