Where every word breathes Love….

Chapter 19

Two weeks had passed, yet the silence between Sidharth and Shehnaaz remained unbroken. Sidharth hadn’t called, and Shehnaaz couldn’t gather the courage to reach out to him. Every day, the weight of that silence grew heavier on her heart, a constant reminder of the unresolved tension between them.

Shehnaaz found herself whispering a quiet prayer of thanks to Wahe Guru ji, relieved that Sidharth hadn’t called. The idea of ignoring his calls repeatedly was something she knew she couldn’t bear. The mere thought of hearing his voice and then having to disconnect filled her with dread. But as the days slipped by and his calls never came, her heart cracked a little more each day. Did he give up on her? The possibility gnawed at her, leaving her restless and anxious.

Every time her phone buzzed, her heart would leap with hope, only to plummet when it wasn’t him. She would check her phone again and again, longing for just one call, one text, any sign that he still cared. But the screen remained void of his name, and the silence was deafening.

The more she thought about it, the more her anxiety grew. What would happen when they finally faced each other? How would he react when the truth came out? The mere thought of that confrontation made her heart skip a beat, a wave of fear washing over her. She could almost see the anger in his eyes, the disappointment that would surely follow. And she wasn’t sure she was ready to face that.

As much as she wanted to hear his voice, to feel his presence again, the fear of what lay ahead kept her frozen in place. The uncertainty of their future weighed heavily on her, and she found herself trapped in a cycle of hope and fear, neither of which offered her any peace.

_____________

It was the day when Sidharth’s close friend, Karan, arrived at the Shukla mansion to attend Abhi’s wedding with his fiancée, Khushi. The air was filled with the buzz of wedding preparations, and the arrival of Karan added a new layer of anticipation to the event.

Karan was a mysterious man, an enigma wrapped in layers that very few could ever hope to unravel. In stark contrast, Khushi was the epitome of sweetness, her kindness and warmth evident to everyone she met. They were complete opposites in every sense, and theirs was an arranged marriage that left many wondering how two such different people could ever find common ground.

Karan was known for his reserved nature, rarely speaking more than necessary. He was a man of few words, often keeping his thoughts and emotions locked away. The only person he ever truly opened up to was Sidharth. Even Khushi, the woman who was soon to be his wife, was kept at arm’s length. Despite the love he harbored for her deep within, Karan could never bring himself to express it. His feelings for Khushi were like a secret locked away in his heart, a place she could never reach.

Khushi, on the other hand, loved Karan with all her heart. She was devoted to him, willing to do anything to win his affection. But no matter how hard she tried, she could never seem to break through the walls he had built around himself. Understanding him was like trying to decipher a complex puzzle with missing pieces, and she often found herself lost in the effort.

Their relationship was an odd one. They were a couple in name, yet in reality, they were more like strangers sharing the same space. Karan’s silence created a distance between them that Khushi struggled to bridge, leaving her feeling alone in a relationship that should have been filled with love and companionship.

Sidharth knew Karan’s nature all too well. He had seen this side of his friend many times before, the way Karan would retreat into his shell, shutting out the world—including Khushi. Sidharth couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Khushi. She was a sweet girl who deserved so much more than the cold shoulder she was receiving. She put on a brave face, smiling as if everything was fine, but Sidharth could see that the smile never reached her eyes.

Her eyes, those deep wells of emotion, were always searching for Karan, hoping for a glance, a sign that he cared. But Karan never looked back. He was present physically, but his heart and mind seemed to be miles away, lost in thoughts he never shared.

As Sidharth watched Khushi, he felt a mix of sadness and helplessness. He wished he could do something to make things better for her, to somehow bridge the gap between her and Karan. But he knew that only Karan could change the dynamic of their relationship, and until he decided to let Khushi in, she would continue to be a stranger to the man she loved so deeply.

But when Khushi would get lost in her thoughts, unaware of the world around her, Karan would steal glances at her, his eyes lingering on her face as if searching for something he couldn’t quite understand. He couldn’t figure out what he truly felt for her. His emotions were a confusing tangle, leaving him uncertain and frustrated.

Sidharth, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to see Karan and Khushi come closer, to experience the kind of love he was beginning to cherish with Shehnaaz. He was convinced that with Shehnaaz’s help, they could somehow bring love into Karan and Khushi’s lives, just as it had blossomed in theirs. The thought of this made Sidharth want to scream with happiness, but poor Sidharth had no one to share his joy with except for his mirror, which had to endure all his antics and wild smiles.

There were just two days left before they would head to Mohali for Abhi’s wedding and the pre-wedding functions like the haldi, sangeet, and all the other rituals. But, if Sidharth was honest with himself, there was one thing he was looking forward to more than anything else—seeing Shehnaaz.

It felt like an eternity since they had last met or spoken. He missed her deeply, a longing that grew stronger with each passing day. And now, knowing that even his family wanted the same future for them, his happiness was multiplied tenfold. The idea of their shared future filled his heart with warmth and anticipation.

The first thing he planned to do when they reached Mohali was to take Shehnaaz in his arms and tell her how much he had missed her. She was his love, his baby, his dream, his future—his everything. Without her, he felt like nothing, just an empty shell of a man. He was nobody before she entered his life, but with her presence, everything changed. His life began to smile, to laugh; he started living in the truest sense.

Shehnaaz made him love things he never thought he could love and live a life he never imagined for himself. She made him fall in love with her madly, completely, and he knew now that he was hers, entirely and irrevocably.

Sidharth never imagined that someone like him, who had always been so neutral, so composed, could fall in love with such intensity. But now, he knew that without Shehnaaz, life was unimaginable. If he didn’t get to be with her, he felt like he would wither away, his heart unable to beat without her.

And he was determined to make her his, no matter what it took. She was his, and nothing in the world could change that. He was ready to fight for her, to claim the love they both deserved. By hook or by crook, she would be his, and he would never let her go.

Shehnaaz was his, no matter what.

_______________

The Shukla family finally arrived in Mohali, where the Gills were eagerly waiting to welcome them. The entire Gill household was buzzing with excitement, the air thick with joy and anticipation. The house was a whirlwind of activity, filled with relatives and guests, while children darted around, their laughter echoing through the halls. The preparations were impeccable, and the home truly felt like a wedding house, every corner adorned with love and festivity.

The Gill family had insisted on hosting the wedding in Mohali, a sentiment that the Shukla family respected and honored. Not wanting to disappoint their hosts, they had agreed to the plan and decided to hold a grand reception in Mumbai after the wedding to celebrate with their extended circle.

As the Shukla family settled in, Abhi’s eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Payal. He knew she wouldn’t be allowed out just yet, bound by the customs of pre-wedding rituals. But still, his heart longed to catch a glimpse of her. His mind was focused on her, but Sidharth had a different concern. Why hadn’t Shehnaaz come out to greet them? He found himself wondering, his heart sinking slightly with disappointment. But he quickly dismissed the thought, convincing himself that she must be swamped with the chaos of preparations and the flood of guests.

The women of the Shukla family, led by Dadi maa and Rita ji, made their way inside the house to join the other women, while the men chose to stay outside, enjoying some time to themselves.

Khushi, feeling a bit out of place, instinctively gravitated towards Rita ji and Dadi maa, seeking comfort in their familiar presence. Karan, meanwhile, stood with the men, his usual stoic expression in place. But Sidharth, ever observant, caught the subtle glance Karan threw in Khushi’s direction. It was a fleeting moment, but Sidharth noticed the concern in Karan’s eyes as he watched Khushi, who seemed a bit uneasy in the bustling environment.

Sidharth couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. “I had a kind of doubt whether you would actually come,” he teased, nudging Karan playfully.

Karan smiled faintly, the corners of his lips barely lifting. “It’s just for you that I’ve come, you know that, right?” he replied, his voice steady, but his eyes briefly flickering back to Khushi.

Sidharth returned the smile, but his curiosity got the better of him. “I know, buddy… But what’s going on between you and Khushi?” he asked, his tone gentle but probing.

The question seemed to drain the color from Karan’s face. His usual calm demeanor faltered, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable, a side of him Sidharth rarely saw. Karan didn’t respond immediately, his silence speaking volumes as he struggled to find the right words. The tension between them was palpable, and Sidharth regretted bringing it up, but he couldn’t help but worry about his friend.

Sidharth sighed deeply, his concern evident in his voice. “It’s been more than 8 months since you both got engaged, Karan. When will you truly accept her into your life?” His words were filled with a mix of frustration and empathy, knowing how much Khushi longed for Karan’s affection.

Karan’s response was firm, almost defensive. “I have accepted her,” he stated, but there was something hollow in his tone that made Sidharth doubt his words.

“I don’t see it,” Sidharth countered, his voice tinged with disbelief. “She loves you, Kamine,” he added, using the affectionate insult only he could get away with, trying to break through the walls Karan had built around himself.

Karan’s expression softened for a moment, a true smile tugging at his lips as he mumbled, “You know, only you can call me that.” There was a rare honesty in his words, a flicker of the old friendship they shared.

But Sidharth wasn’t about to let him off the hook so easily. Rolling his eyes, he pressed on, “Don’t change the topic, Karan. Don’t you love her? Have you never felt anything for her?” His questions were blunt, but they came from a place of genuine concern.

Karan looked away, his gaze distant, as if searching for answers he couldn’t find. “I don’t know… I don’t want to talk about it,” he muttered, his voice low, almost pained.

But Sidharth wasn’t one to back down. He grabbed Karan’s arm, forcing him to meet his eyes. “You have to,” he insisted, his voice firm but compassionate. “You’re spoiling her happiness—and yours too,” he added, trying to make Karan see the damage his indifference was causing.

Karan’s expression tightened, but he didn’t pull away. “I’m not doing any such thing…” he began, though the conviction in his voice wavered. He knew that Sidharth understood him better than anyone else, knew the struggles he kept hidden from the world. “You know me… I’m—”

“You have to try, Karan. You have to change,” Sidharth interrupted, his tone softening with a sigh. “At least try for her,” he urged, hoping to reach the part of Karan that he knew was capable of love, even if Karan himself didn’t believe it.

For a few moments, Karan held Sidharth’s gaze, a battle of emotions playing out in his eyes. But then, without a word, he broke the connection and turned away, walking off in silence.

Sidharth watched him go, a sense of defeat settling in his chest.

_____________

Rita ji entered Payal’s room with Dadi maa and Khushi following close behind. The room, once calm, instantly filled with warmth and excitement. As soon as Payal saw them, she stood up, her heart fluttering with joy. Shehnaaz, standing quietly in a corner, forced a faint smile, but her mind was racing. The reality that Sidharth had arrived hit her hard. She knew it wouldn’t be long before he learned everything—her fears only deepened.

Payal, always respectful, quickly moved towards Dadi maa and touched her feet, “Aap ka safar kaisa tha?” she asked, her voice sweet and filled with genuine concern.

Rita ji responded with a warm smile, “Bilkul thik… Tumhe dekhne ke liye bahut excited the hum.” The affection in her voice was unmistakable, and it made Payal blush slightly, feeling loved and cherished.

But then, Payal’s gaze fell on Shehnaaz. Her younger sister seemed distant, her face pale and her eyes clouded with worry. Concerned, Payal gently nudged her, “Kya huva bachhi?” The affection in her voice was clear, trying to draw Shehnaaz out of her troubled thoughts.

Startled, Shehnaaz shook her head quickly, as if trying to shake off her worries. “Kuch nahi Di… Wo main sab ke liye sharbat laati hun,” she stammered, grasping for an excuse to escape. Before anyone could stop her, she hurried out of the room, her heart pounding.

Dadi maa watched her leave, a soft giggle escaping her lips. “Achanak shadi tay ho gayi hai na… Sharama gayi hum sabke samne,” she teased gently, mistaking Shehnaaz’s nervousness for the shyness of a young bride-to-be.

Khushi, who had been observing silently, noticed Shehnaaz’s hurried departure. Something about the girl intrigued her. She recalled seeing Shehnaaz’s picture in Sidharth’s room once. It had been tucked under a pillow, almost hidden, but Khushi had seen it—accidentally, of course. A smile tugged at her lips as she thought about it. But then, Dadi maa’s words echoed in her mind. Whose marriage was she talking about? Was it Shehnaaz and Sidharth?

Payal’s voice broke through Khushi’s thoughts, “Mujhe to yakin hi nahi ho raha ke Shehnaaz ne haan kehdi… Bahot chhoti hai wo abhi…” Payal’s smile was warm, but there was a hint of disbelief in her words. The idea of Shehnaaz, still so young, agreeing to such a big step seemed almost surreal.

Rita ji’s soft mumble broke the brief silence in the room, “Agar Daarji ne rishta chuna hai… to Shehnaaz ke liye achha hi hoga…” Her words were filled with confidence in the family’s decision, a belief that whatever was planned for Shehnaaz would be for her best.

Khushi, who had been silently observing and absorbing everything, was now deep in thought. Sidharth was a close friend of hers, and she felt a strong need to understand what was happening in his life. The pieces didn’t quite add up—first, there was Shehnaaz’s photo hidden in Sidharth’s room, and now, the women were discussing Shehnaaz’s marriage. Did Sidharth know about this? Was she missing something? Or was she simply misunderstanding the situation?

Khushi’s curiosity got the better of her, and she asked softly, “Kya inki bhi shadi tay ho gayi hai…?”

Payal turned to look at Khushi, a bit surprised by the question, “Ji aap…? I’m sorry, maine pehchana nahi…”

Khushi offered a warm smile, “Mera naam Khushi hai… Main Sidharth ki dost hoon.”

Payal’s face lit up with excitement at the introduction, “Ohh… thnq so much for coming!” she exclaimed warmly, “Aur haan, wo meri chhoti behen hai… uski bhi shadi tay ho gayi hai.”

Khushi’s heart skipped a beat at the confirmation. “Kis se…?” she asked instinctively, but then quickly realized she might be prying too much. She fumbled slightly, “I mean… main bas aise hi puchh rahi thi…”

Sensing Khushi’s slight discomfort, Payal immediately sought to reassure her, “Don’t feel odd,” she said kindly, her tone friendly and inviting. “Jaise aap Sidharth Veerji ki dost hain, waise hi humari aur Shehnaaz ki bhi dost hain.”

Khushi couldn’t help but admire Payal’s nature. There was something so endearing about her that it felt impossible not to like her instantly. Her warmth, her innocence, and the genuine kindness in her voice made Khushi smile inwardly. *Abhi is simply lucky,* she thought, recognizing just how fortunate he was to have someone like Payal in his life.

As they continued chatting, Payal mentioned, “Waise Shehnaaz ki shaadi Daarji ne tay ki hai… toh hum ladke ko nahi jaante.” The casualness of Payal’s words contrasted sharply with the sudden concern that gripped Khushi’s heart.

“Ohk,” Khushi murmured in response, but her thoughts were far from settled. Her mind quickly flashed back to the picture she had seen hidden in Sidharth’s room. It was a picture of Shehnaaz, a girl whose engagement had been arranged by her family, to a man they didn’t even know well.

*What was happening?* The question echoed in Khushi’s mind, growing louder with each passing second. She felt an overwhelming urge to understand the situation better. This wasn’t just about satisfying her curiosity—it was about Sidharth, her dear friend, who seemed to be connected to Shehnaaz in ways that were still unclear to her.

_____________

Shehnaaz stood by the table, trying to steady her trembling hands as she poured sharbat into the glasses. But before she could finish, she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist from behind, pulling her into a firm embrace. Her entire body froze, her hands going numb as the glasses slipped from her grip.

She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. How could she not recognize his touch? The warmth, the familiarity—it was unmistakable. He was the keeper of her heart and soul, the very reason for her existence. He was her Sidharth. And just like that, her heart began to race, overfilled with emotions, while her throat choked with the tears she was holding back.

Sidharth buried his face into the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “Kyun kiya aisa tumne?” he mumbled, his voice thick with a mix of longing and hurt as he inhaled her fresh, soothing scent.

Shehnaaz’s body reacted involuntarily to his touch, a soft hiss escaping her lips as her skin shivered. But with that pleasure came a wave of fear. *What if Daarji sees them together?* Panic surged through her, and she instinctively tried to pull away. “Sidharth…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

But Sidharth wasn’t letting go. He turned her around to face him, his hands circling her waist, holding her tightly as he pulled her into his embrace. “Mujhse door nahi ja paogi, Naaz,” he said firmly, his voice low and intense, “koshish karke dekh lo.”

Tears welled up in Shehnaaz’s eyes, blurring her vision as she looked up at him. She wanted nothing more than to melt into his arms, to hug him tightly and spill out everything that was weighing on her heart. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him, how she couldn’t imagine her life without him. But the moment wasn’t right. The fear of being caught, the weight of the secrets she carried—it all held her back.

Seeing the tears glistening in her eyes, Sidharth’s expression shifted from determination to concern. His face lost its color as he gently cupped her chin, lifting her face to his. “Naaz…” he whispered, his voice filled with worry. He leaned in and kissed her cheeks softly, followed by gentle kisses on her tear-streaked eyes. “Main toh bas yuhi sata raha tha tumhe… ro kyun rahi ho, baby?” he murmured, his tone now tender and soothing, as if trying to comfort her and chase away her fears.

“Wo…” Shehnaaz stumbled over her words, her voice cracking with pain and tears. “Me…”

Sidharth pulled her closer, his embrace firm and reassuring. He held her tightly, as if he needed her just as much as she needed him, and felt himself coming back to life. “Mujhe pata hai, baby, ke tumne mujhe bahut miss kiya,” he whispered, his voice soft and comforting. “Don’t cry now. I am here na…”

Shehnaaz couldn’t hold back any longer. All the barriers she had put up crumbled in the face of her overwhelming emotions. She loved him with a depth she had never felt before. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, her lips finding his neck as she broke down into sobs. The tears flowed freely, mingling with her kisses, and Sidharth held her tighter, bewildered by the sudden outpouring of emotion from his usually strong and composed Shehnaaz.

“I love you…” Shehnaaz mumbled between her tears, her voice barely a whisper as she clung to him.

Sidharth’s heart ached seeing her in such distress. He gently kissed her forehead and then the tears that fell from her beautiful eyes. It pained him deeply to see her cry, and he vowed silently to do whatever it took to make it stop. “hey hey.. look at me.. see I am here right in front of you. I love you too baby.. Please, stop crying…”

With a tenderness that matched his words, he brought her trembling lips to his, capturing them in a kiss. He wanted to reassure her, to take control of her fears and worries with his love. Shehnaaz surrendered to the kiss willingly, her heart longing for this moment. It was as if she had been waiting for ages for him to come and take away all her problems, to kiss away all her fears.

In his embrace, she found solace. She wanted to hide from the harshness of the world, to be enveloped in his arms where everything felt safe and right. The cruel world outside ceased to exist, and in that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of his body against hers and the depth of his love.

Shehnaaz kissed him with a depth of feeling that she knew would be their last kiss. Each touch of her lips was laden with a bittersweet farewell. She kissed him knowing that this moment, this shared passion, would not repeat itself. She was doing this for the sake of her sister, knowing that after this, their paths would diverge. The thought that he might hate her afterwards tore at her heart, but she could not back down now. She kissed him with all the love she had, pouring every ounce of her affection into that final, lingering embrace.

Sidharth’s response was both intense and tender. He bit down on her lower lip, savoring the taste of her as he sucked it gently until it turned a deep beetroot red. The sight of her flushed cheeks and red lips made her look irresistibly beautiful. The heat of their kiss was all-consuming, and he could hardly restrain himself from wanting more. He kissed her passionately, savoring the moment, before he slowly pulled away, lingering just a moment longer, unable to completely part from her.

“I’m still waiting for you to say it…” he murmured, his voice filled with both anticipation and affection.

Shehnaaz opened her eyes slowly, her heart pounding. “Say what…” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Sidharth shook his head, a playful smirk on his lips. “Offoo Naaz… now just say it. It’s no more a surprise,” he winked at her, his eyes dancing with mischief and affection.

Shehnaaz looked at him, puzzled. She genuinely had no idea what he was referring to. “Tum kya bol rahe ho… me nahi samajh pa rahi…” she admitted, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Sidharth’s smirk widened, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Ohh really…” he teased, “Well, would-be Mrs. Shehnaaz Sidharth Shukla ji…”

Shehnaaz’s heart pounded in her chest as Sidharth’s words sank in. The shock of his revelation, combined with the reality of their situation in the kitchen, brought her back to her senses. The intensity of their kiss faded into a moment of stark clarity. She pulled away from his embrace quickly, her mind racing with the implications of what was happening. She was grateful that they were alone in the kitchen, but the fear of being discovered was overwhelming.

Sidharth, sensing the abrupt change in her demeanor, felt a pang of confusion. He watched as Shehnaaz stepped back, her face a mixture of shock and discomfort. He tried to regain his composure, though the sudden shift puzzled him. “Me humari shadi ki baat kar raha hun…” he said, hoping to clarify his intentions.

Shehnaaz, still reeling from the shock, turned her gaze away from him. “Humari shadi…? What do you mean?” Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and disbelief. “I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Sidharth, determined to make her understand, gently turned her to face him. “Lekin Naaz, mene mom ko…” His words trailed off as he tried to explain, but before he could finish, they were interrupted.

“Shehnaaz puttar…” Jasbeera ji’s voice called out as she entered the kitchen, her presence sudden and unexpected.

Sidharth’s heart skipped a beat as he quickly moved away from Shehnaaz, not wanting Jasbeera ji to notice their intimate moment. He stepped back, attempting to appear casual as if nothing had happened.

Jasbeera ji entered with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up in surprise when she saw Sidharth. “Arre Sidharth puttar, aap yahan…” Her voice was filled with genuine delight.

Sidharth managed a smile, trying to keep his composure. He touched Jasbeera ji’s feet in a respectful gesture. “Wo, me bas pani pine aaya tha…” he explained, his tone friendly and polite. “Aap kaisi hain?”

Jasbeera ji’s voice carried a hint of urgency as she addressed Shehnaaz. “Tu abhi tak yahan kya kar rahi hai? Sukhveer ji ke gharwale aate hi honge… chal jaldi tayyar hoja puttar…”

Shehnaaz’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sukhveer, her breath catching in her throat. She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as she caught Sidharth’s questioning glance.

Sidharth, still processing the conversation, asked in confusion, “Aunty, ye Sukhveer kaun hai…?”

Jasbeera ji’s eyes widened in realization. “Ae lo… Aapko abhi tak nahi pata…?” She looked at Sidharth, surprised by his apparent lack of knowledge about Sukhveer.

Before Sidharth could get an answer, Shehnaaz quickly interjected, “Wo maa, aap ye sharbat jage dadi maa ko dengi… unhe bahot pyas lagi hai…” Her voice was hurried, as if she wanted to avoid further discussion on the topic.

Jasbeera ji’s eyes widened even more. “Hayy rabba… aur tu kabse yahi khadi hai… chal puttar jaldi…” She began to pull Shehnaaz away, her concern for the preparation evident in her tone.

As Jasbeera ji led Shehnaaz out of the kitchen, leaving Sidharth behind, he was left with more questions than answers. The mention of Sukhveer and Shehnaaz’s abrupt response made him more determined to understand what was going on.

“Ye Sukhveer kaun hai?” he thought to himself. “Aur Naaz ke saath kya ho raha hai?” The confusion in his mind grew as he tried to piece together the fragments of the conversation and its implications for his relationship with Shehnaaz.

_______________

Shehnaaz’s sudden avoidance was eating away at Sidharth. He felt a growing frustration, mixed with a deep sense of confusion. Whenever he tried to engage with her, she would skillfully dodge him. If he found a moment alone with her, she would quickly busy herself with someone else or find a reason to slip away. It was as if she was systematically closing off every path that led to her.

The more he thought about it, the more bewildered he became. Was she angry with him? If so, why? What had he done wrong? He tried to replay their interactions, searching for a clue, but couldn’t pinpoint anything. They had shared such a tender moment earlier in the day—she had hugged him, said she loved him, and the kiss they shared had been filled with longing and affection. Everything had seemed perfect. So what had changed so drastically?

Every time he found her alone, she would slip away before he could reach her, her actions a painful reminder of the growing distance between them. This sudden shift in her behavior was like a knife twisting in his heart. He was desperate to understand, but the more he tried, the more elusive the answers became.

One person, however, had noticed the game of hide and seek that was playing out between Sidharth and Shehnaaz. Khushi had seen them hug in the kitchen but had chosen not to interrupt. However, Shehnaaz’s sudden change in behavior was puzzling to her, and she couldn’t ignore Sidharth’s troubled demeanor.

Khushi decided it was time to address the issue. She approached Sidharth, who was standing in a corner, lost in thought.

“Sidharth…” she called out softly.

Startled, Sidharth turned around, his expression a mix of surprise and distraction. “Haan Khush, tumhe kuch chahiye…?”

Khushi took a moment to study him, sensing his inner turmoil. “Shehnaaz ko dhund rahe ho…?”

Sidharth hesitated, caught off guard. “Haan…” he blurted out before quickly correcting himself. “Mera matlab hai… nahi… wo me… I mean…”

Khushi shook her head, a knowing look in her eyes. “Wo upar kamre mein tayyar ho rahi hai,” she said, her tone gentle yet probing.

Sidharth’s eyes flickered with concern. “Aur koi hai uppar…?” he asked, trying to hide his anxiety.

“Nahi…” Khushi replied, observing Sidharth closely. “Do you love her…?”

Sidharth was taken aback by the question. “I will talk to you later, Khush…” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. He started to walk away but then paused, turning back slightly. “Keep it to yourself,” he added, before continuing on his way.

____________

Shehnaaz was in front of the mirror, preparing for an event she dreaded. Her heart felt heavy as she tried to get ready, feeling like she was living a lie. Every movement seemed to amplify her discomfort. She was supposed to be preparing for someone else’s happiness, while she was painfully aware of the love she was neglecting. The realization that she was about to marry someone else, while her heart belonged to Sidharth, was unbearable. Her self-loathing deepened with each tear that fell.

As the tears rolled down her cheeks, Sidharth’s hand gently caught one of them on his finger. The unexpected touch made her freeze.

Startled, Shehnaaz turned to face him, her eyes wide with shock. Sidharth’s gaze was intense, a mix of anger and sorrow. His usually fiery demeanor was subdued, replaced by a calm that seemed even more painful.

Shehnaaz tried to turn away, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. The sight of Sidharth, standing there with a hurt expression, was too much to bear. His eyes, though calm, held a depth of emotion that she couldn’t ignore.

“Mujhse dur bhag rahi ho?” he asked quietly, his voice cracking with emotion.

Shehnaaz’s eyes averted from his. “Aisa kuch nahi hai, Sidharth…” she whispered, struggling to keep her voice steady.

“Toh fir mujhe avoid kyu kar rahi ho? Naraz ho mujhse?” His voice cracked again, the vulnerability clear in his tone.

The pain in Sidharth’s voice pierced through her, and she could feel the weight of her actions pressing down on her. She had caused him so much hurt. How could she have been so cruel? The self-reproach overwhelmed her.

“Sidharth, tum jao yahan se…” she said, her voice trembling as she tried to push him away, though every word felt like a stab to her own heart.

her words tore his heart apart.. Pulling her closer, he circled his arm around her protectively and realised she wore saree.. 

they affected each other to the extent of right or wrong, “saza dene se pehle ye toh bata do ke mera gunah kya hai…?”

“Sidharth..” she tried to control her break down.. Sidharth pulled her even closer, his voice cracking at the indifference as his lips touched the skin of neck and rested there..

she mumbled softly, “Sidharth…”

“pehle saza deti ho.. aur ye bhi nahi batati ke meri galati kya hai.. tumhara yun mujhe avoid karna me bardasht nahi kar sakta baby…”

“Sidharth..” she was at loss of words.. she knew he was in pain and she was the cause.. she hated hurting him like that.

“apne Sidharth ko etna dard mat do Naaz..” Sidharth couldn’t tell how painfull his heart felt with her ignorng him.. it felt like his heart is being snatched away from him..yet he could do nothing.. 

Fearing his break down, he took her lips in his to feel her warmth.. to bring his baby back from whichever world she is lost.. the one who filled up his day with her love and joyous nature.


Shehnaaz couldn’t stop him, her resolve weakening as Sidharth’s persistence made it clear he wouldn’t back down. They were lost in an intense kiss when Shehnaaz tried to pull herself back from the trance.  Sidharth’s frustration was evident as he groaned softly, and he nipped at her lips, making her wince in discomfort.

Despite the moment’s intensity, Shehnaaz kissed him with equal fervor but gently moved his hand away from her waist.

“Baby…” Sidharth murmured, his voice laced with pain.

Breaking the kiss, Shehnaaz stepped back, her voice firm yet trembling. “jao yahan se Sidharth.. mujhe kuch nahi sunna…”

Sidharth’s heart sank at her words. He wanted to understand why she was pushing him away. “please baby.. akhir baat kya hai..?”

Shehnaaz moved towards the mirror in frustration. “Koi baat nahi hai.. tum bas jao yahan se..”

Sidharth’s eyes filled with hurt at Shehnaaz’s words. He wanted to scold her, to make her return to her usual self. He wanted to shout at her for behaving this way. After all, she was his Naaz. But at the same time, he wanted to pull her close, to make all his fears disappear. Yet, he was unsure about what exactly he was fearing.

“Naaz…” Sidharth began, his voice laden with anguish.

“Sana… Sana…” Payal called out excitedly as she entered the room.

Sidharth immediately moved away, giving Shehnaaz space to compose herself.

Payal walked in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Hayy rabba, dekho to kitni pyari lag rahi hai humari chhoti dulhan…”

Shehnaaz looked at Payal with wide eyes, then glanced back at Sidharth, who remained motionless.

Payal continued enthusiastically, “Dulhan ji, jaldi niche chaliye.. koi apke intezar me ghayal ho raha hai…”

Shehnaaz felt her breath catch in her throat as she saw Sidharth’s vacant stare. his eyes staring into zero.

Unaware of the underlying tension, Payal hit the final nail with her excited announcement, “Apke dulhe raja niche aa chuke hai…”

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, knowing she would no longer be able to look into those eyes—eyes that had once held love for her, but now were filled with only pain.

Sidharth stood frozen.

“Tumhare saas, sasur bhi aaye hai Sukhveer ji ke sath… chal niche jaldi…” Payal dragged Shehnaaz out of the room.

Turning around, Shehnaaz looked at those eyes—eyes that were now dead, devoid of life and emotion.


Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

Thank you for reading this chapter. I appreciate your patience and engagement with the story. This scene delves into the emotional complexity and tension between Shehnaaz and Sidharth. Their relationship is tested by misunderstandings and unspoken pain, reflecting the depth of their feelings and the turmoil that comes with it.

I hope this chapter sheds light on the intensity of their emotions and the challenges they face. Your feedback is always welcome, as it helps me shape the narrative and develop the characters further.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Also, stay tuned for BaarishBhula 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  WattpadInstagram 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

#ShehnaazAndSidharth #EmotionalJourney #LoveAndFriendship #HeartfeltMoments #DramaAndLove #RomanticConflict #DeepConnections #StorytellingMagic #RelationshipDrama #MonsoonMagic #LoveInTheAir #WritersOfInstagram #PassionateWriting #EmotionalDepth #FriendshipGoals #StoryOfTheDay #ChapterRewritten #ShehnaazSidharthSaga #AuthorLife #WattpadStories #InstagramStories

Shehnaaz, Sidharth, emotional conflict, romantic tension, friendship dynamics, pain and healing, misunderstandings, heartfelt dialogue, intense emotions, love and trust, relational drama, personal growth, emotional depth, conflict resolution, character development, romantic drama, friendship struggles, emotional connection, storytelling, Wattpad

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