Chapter 21

Sidharth gently wiped away another tear that escaped from Shehnaaz’s eyes. His heart ached at the sight of her sadness, and he leaned in to kiss her eyes, as if sealing away the pain. He kissed her cheeks, tasting the salt of her tears, then her lips, lingering there as if trying to draw out her sorrow. Finally, he pulled her back into his strong embrace, holding her close against his chest. “ab bas… bas… bas baby… stop crying,” he whispered softly, his voice filled with a mix of tenderness and urgency. He wanted her to stop crying, to feel safe, to know she was loved.

Shehnaaz clung to him, her grip desperate, like a child seeking comfort from a storm. “Sidharth, main tujhse pyaar karti hun… sirf tu chahiye mujhe… main teri hoon na…” Her words were filled with a raw, vulnerable honesty. She wanted him to understand that he was her everything, that she belonged to him in every way possible.

He held her even tighter, cocooning her in his warmth, his arms forming a protective shield around her. His voice was strong and certain as he promised, “You are my baby… you will be with me for the rest of your life… your every moment… every day… every night is for me… meri aghosh mein rahogi tum hamesha… koi juda nahi kar sakta mujhe tumse… ek pal ke bhi nahi…” His words were filled with authority, with an unshakeable belief in their future together.

Shehnaaz felt his conviction seep into her bones. She knew that when Sidharth made a promise, he meant it with all his heart. She trusted him more than she trusted herself. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, a rhythm that had always brought her peace. Her hands clung to his waist, refusing to let go, as if fearing he might slip away if she loosened her grip.

Sidharth kissed the top of her head, his lips brushing against her hair. He rested his chin there, pulling her closer, as if trying to merge their souls into one. “Daarji aise kyun kar rahe hain lekin…?” he asked, his voice filled with frustration and concern. He couldn’t understand why they had to face so many obstacles.

Shehnaaz sighed deeply, her breath warm against his chest. “Woh hamesha se aise hi hain…” she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and acceptance. She raised her face slightly, making him lift his chin from her hair so he could meet her gaze. Her eyes were wide and earnest as she mumbled, “Main bahut dar gayi thi…”

Sidharth cupped her face with both hands, his touch gentle, as if she might break. He pressed his lips to her forehead once more, for what felt like the hundredth time, but he still couldn’t get enough. He still couldn’t believe that she was here, safe, in his arms. He had been so sure that he had lost her forever. “Mujhpe bharosa hai na tuze?” he asked softly, searching her eyes for reassurance.

Shehnaaz nodded her head immediately, her eyes never leaving his, and he let out a small chuckle, feeling a tiny bit of his tension ease. “Toh yaad rakh… tujhe zindagi bhar jhelna hai mujhe… mera weight… meri gandi se gandi aadat… sabkuch…” His attempt at humor was met with a soft giggle from her, a sound that brought peace to his troubled heart.

He rubbed his thumb gently against her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his touch. His voice cracked with emotion as he whispered, “Tune khud ko takleef dene ke baare mein socha bhi kaise, Naaz..? yeh zindagi teri nahi… meri hai ab… tu meri hai… meri jaan ko tum takleef pahuchana chahti thi…?”

Shehnaaz shook her head quickly, almost frantically, her eyes wide with remorse. She raised herself on her toes and kissed his chin, then rested her face there, her breath warm against his skin. “Mujhe kuch sujh nahi raha tha…” she whispered, her voice small and filled with regret.

“Tujhe chhoti si chhoti problem hai… baat kar mujhse.. mujhe bata… main tera hoon na… teri problem solve karne ke liye main hoon na…” Sidharth’s voice was earnest, almost pleading. He wanted her to understand just how much she meant to him. She was the reason for his entire existence, his very breath. Without her, he was nothing; his world would lose its meaning.

Shehnaaz nodded, a small, gentle smile tugging at her lips, trying to reassure him. His eyes softened for a moment before he lifted her up so that her feet rested on his. He kissed her lips softly, tenderly, but then his gaze fell on cuts near her forehead and lip, still healing. His heart clenched at the sight. “Yeh kya hua… kaise lagi?” he asked, his fingers tracing the wound with a feather-light touch, as if he could soothe away the pain with just his hand.

Startled by his sudden concern, Shehnaaz broke their eye contact and looked down, her voice barely a whisper, “Woh bas…”

His eyes narrowed, and his expression darkened. “Daarji ne maara tujhe?” he asked, his voice dropping lower, like the calm before a storm. His tone was icy, but underneath, there was a fire simmering, threatening to erupt.

Shehnaaz hesitated, biting her lip. She could see the storm brewing in his eyes, and she didn’t want to add fuel to it. “Jaane de na, Sidharth… main hoon na tere paas…” she tried to soothe him, hoping her presence alone would calm him.

But Sidharth wasn’t ready to let it go. “Naaz…” he said again, his voice even more intense, his expression hardening. “I have to know everything when it comes to you… stop keeping things from me, baby…”

Her face twisted with a mixture of reluctance and guilt, and she nodded slowly, knowing she couldn’t hide anything from him. His reaction was fierce, his protectiveness burning like a wildfire. A deep groan escaped his lips as he closed his eyes tightly, his jaw clenching. He was furious, but he felt helpless at the same time. Daarji was an elder, someone he was supposed to respect, but what kind of behavior was this? How could he harm Shehnaaz like that?

Sidharth gently rubbed his fingers over the small cut on Shehnaaz’s forehead, his eyes turning red with a mix of anger and hurt. The sight of her injury made his heart ache, and he couldn’t bear to see her in pain. Sensing his distress, Shehnaaz leaned in closer and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, trying to soothe him. “Ho gaya na… jane de ab,” she whispered, her voice gentle, hoping to calm him down.

But Sidharth was far from ready to let it go. His voice was thick with emotion, “Main tujhe nahi rehne dunga yahan… samjhi tu? Tujhe amma ki yaad aayegi… aane de… mujhe maar lena, gussa nikal lena, par tu mujhe mere paas chahiye.” His words were filled with a deep need, a fierce desire to keep her safe and close to him, away from all harm.

Shehnaaz looked at him with a soft smile, her heart swelling at his earnestness. She couldn’t help but chuckle at his insistence. Unable to resist, she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, surprising him with her boldness. To her, he was the most adorable person in the world, and seeing his surprised expression made her giggle. She kissed him again, more deeply this time, pouring all her love and reassurance into the kiss.

Their kiss grew more intense, filled with passion and a need to reconnect. Sidharth responded eagerly, his lips moving against hers with urgency and tenderness. He tasted her lips, gently brushing away the traces of their shared laughter, making her blush with his affectionate gestures. Embarrassed yet elated, she closed her eyes and kissed him back with all her heart, getting lost in the moment.

Sidharth’s lips moved with a playful intensity, making her smile even in the middle of their kiss. Her laughter bubbled up, and he let out a low growl, playfully pretending to be annoyed. He buried his face into her neck, holding her close, feeling the joy radiate from her.

But just then, a sudden knock on the door interrupted their moment. They both pulled back, looking at each other, wondering who could be there.

Shehnaaz felt her heart race as she looked up at him, silently urging him to let go. But Sidharth, ever the stubborn one, refused to move away.  Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, giving him a light smack on the arm to make him listen.

Reluctantly, Sidharth stepped back, still unwilling to hide himself. Shehnaaz took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and slowly opened the door.

Before she could react, Payal walked in, her face filled with a mix of concern and curiosity.

Payal wasn’t surprised to see Sidharth there. She looked at him with a calm expression, while Shehnaaz stared at the floor, avoiding eye contact.

“Kya ho raha hai yaha?” Payal asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Sidharth stepped forward, positioning himself protectively between Shehnaaz and Payal, as if shielding her. “Bhabhi, I need to talk to you and Bhai,” he said, his tone serious.

Payal looked at him, a bit puzzled. “Kis bare mein, Veerji?”

Shehnaaz, feeling Sidharth’s tension, gently clung to his back to calm him down. “Main aur Shehnaaz pyar karte hain ek dusre se,” Sidharth declared, his voice firm.

Payal wasn’t entirely surprised; she had suspected something. Still, she kept her face neutral. “Shehnaaz, idhar aa,” she said softly.

Shehnaaz timidly stepped out from behind Sidharth, moving like a kitten seeking comfort. She stood in front of her sister, while Sidharth moved to stand beside her.

Payal couldn’t help but smile inwardly at Sidharth’s protective stance. “Tu pyar karti hai Sidharth Veerji se?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing.

Shehnaaz glanced at Sidharth from the corner of her eyes, a small smile forming on her lips, before turning to her sister. “Haan, Di,” she replied softly.

Payal’s expression shifted to concern. “Aur mujhe batana zaroori nahi samjha?” she asked, sensing the gravity of the situation. She thought about the complications ahead—Shehnaaz’s engagement had already been arranged. Daarji’s stern face flashed in her mind, making her shiver.

Shehnaaz hugged her sister, her voice trembling. “Di, isse pehle ke main kisi ko bhi kuch bolti, Daarji ne meri shaadi tay kar di. Maine Daarji se kaha ki main Sidharth se pyar karti hoon, par unhone meri nahi suni. Unhone kaha ke agar maine us gadhe se shaadi nahi ki toh woh aapki aur Jiju ki shaadi bhi tod denge…”

“What?” Payal exclaimed, breaking the hug, her face pale with shock. Sidharth rubbed his forehead in frustration at the absurdity of the situation. Payal continued, “Tune Daarji ke samne bola ki tu Sidharth se… aur Daarji ne ghar mein kisi se baat bhi nahi ki… Unhone tuze maara? Sach bata mujhe?” Her eyes welled up, knowing how rigid Daarji could be.

Shehnaaz nodded, her own eyes brimming with tears again.

Payal almost broke down, but she noticed how Sidharth’s hands were clenched into fists—a clear sign of his anger and frustration.

Payal cupped Shehnaaz’s face tenderly. “Mujhe kuch bhi nahi bola tune… teri Di hoon main… mujhe bataya kyun nahi…” Guilt weighed heavily on her as she realized she had been careless about her sister’s feelings.

Shehnaaz sighed, “Agar woh aapki aur Jiju ki shaadi tod dete toh…”

“Sanaaa…” Payal cried, pulling Shehnaaz close into a comforting hug.

Payal looked over at Sidharth with a soft smile amidst tears, as if to assure him. Sidharth seemed to relax a little, but his resolve remained firm. It didn’t matter to him who approved or not; Shehnaaz would be his, no matter what.

“Main Abhi se baat karti hoon… koi na koi tareeka zaroor nikal aayega,” Payal started, sounding determined.

Sidharth cut in, “Nahi, Bhabhi… this is my battle. I will speak to Bhai. Sirf ye shaadi todne se sab theek nahi hoga. Daarji will never be happy… Daarji needs to be convinced that I am perfect for Shehnaaz.”

Shehnaaz, moved by his determination, momentarily forgot Payal was standing right there. She jumped on Sidharth, her face lit up with admiration. “Hayy mera Kullu… tu kitna cute hai!” she exclaimed, unable to hold back.

Payal cleared her throat, trying to look away but unable to hide her amused smile.

Realizing her outburst, Shehnaaz bit her lip in embarrassment, glancing at Sidharth, who was chuckling at the unexpected nickname. He would have preferred such declarations in more privacy, but this was his unpredictable, spirited Naaz, who always did things differently.

Mortified, Shehnaaz hid her face behind Sidharth’s back.

Sidharth and Payal exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter, only embarrassing her further. Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz forward into his arms, holding her close as she tried to hide her blushing face.

Payal sighed with a small smile, “Sana, abhi filhaal neeche chal… guests ke saamne issue ho jayega…”

Shehnaaz looked at Sidharth, her hesitation clear. He immediately understood her reluctance and turned to Payal. “Bhabhi, aap jaiye… hum bas aa rahe hain,” he reassured.

Payal nodded, but with a hint of concern in her eyes. “Saath mein mat aana… Daarji already gusse mein lag rahe hain,” she warned, before leaving the room, gently closing the door behind her.

As soon as Payal left, Shehnaaz’s arms tightened around Sidharth. He kissed the top of her head softly. “Kya hua? Neeche nahi jaana?”

Shehnaaz nodded, her nose brushing lightly against his chest. “Woh Sukhveer mujhse baat karne ki koshish kar raha tha…” she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of fear.

Sidharth’s grip around her tightened protectively. “Mere hote hue woh kuch nahi kar paayega… bas 2 din ki baat hai… shaadi ho jaane de,” he assured her with a determined look.

Shehnaaz looked up into his eyes, worry still evident. “But, Kullu…”

Groaning softly, he pressed a quick, gentle kiss to her lips, silencing her. “Baby, main hoon na… kal haldi ki rasam hai… uski tayyariyaan nahi karni hai?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

She giggled, her excitement bubbling up. “Hayy… kitna maza aayega na… lekin wada kar tu mujhe haldi lagayega,” she teased playfully.

Sidharth chuckled and patted her cheek fondly. “Tujhe naa bola hai kabhi maine? Ab jaa neeche… main aata hoon.”

Her grip on him tightened slightly, her face showing a pout. He smiled at her expression. “Aisa muh mat bana… main bhi aa raha hoon na,” he added gently.

Shehnaaz nodded, raising herself on her toes to plant a quick kiss on Sidharth’s lips before walking out. Sidharth stood still, lost in his thoughts as he watched her leave.

He replayed the recent events in his mind, wishing desperately that she had confided in him sooner. If he had known, he would have never let this “roka” happen. But he couldn’t blame her; she was scared, caught in a situation beyond her control. His chest tightened with anger at Daarji. How could he raise his hand on Shehnaaz? He closed his eyes, the image of her small cut flashing in his mind.

No, he resolved silently, he would never let her stay with such oppressive people. She would be with him, forever.

______________

As Sidharth descended the stairs, he noticed Daarji glaring at him for having been in Shehnaaz’s room. A wide smile spread across his face as he walked toward the old man. “Daarji, kaise hain aap?” he greeted warmly, bending down to touch his feet.

Payal stood beside Shehnaaz, both of them watching the interaction with shock and apprehension.

Daarji gave a weak smile, trying to mask his annoyance. “Hum thik hain…” he replied curtly.

Sidharth nodded, his tone still light but his words pointed. “Waise, manana padega… Shehnaaz ki shaadi badi jaldi tay kar di aapne,” he remarked.

Daarji’s eyes narrowed, realizing that Sidharth knew everything. He dropped the facade of friendly conversation, his voice turning cold and confrontational. “Tujhe kya laga tha? Iss tarah tere bhai ne meri Payal ko phasaya, toh main tujhe Sana ko phasane dunga?” he shot back.

Sidharth shook his head with a knowing smile. “Ab kisne kise fasaya hai, woh toh pata nahi… lekin hamare ghar mein pyaar hi sabse bada maana jaata hai,” he replied calmly.

Daarji sneered, a hint of contempt in his voice. “Aapke ghar ke kya sanskaar hain, main achhe se jaan chuka hoon,” he retorted.

Sidharth’s expression hardened, his eyes piercing with an intensity that made Daarji involuntarily take a step back. “Main aapki bahut izzat karta hoon, Daarji. Aap ghar ke bade hain, aur mere parivaar ne mujhe achhe sanskaro se paala hai. Lekin aapne Shehnaz par haath utha kar sahi nahi kiya,” he stated firmly, his voice steady.

Daarji’s face flushed with anger at Sidharth’s audacity to question him. “Main apne parivaar ke saath jo bhi karu, tu kaun hota hai beech mein aane waala? Door reh usse, yahi sab ke liye achha hoga,” he warned, his tone dripping with authority.

Sidharth took a step closer, his voice low but filled with resolve. “Aap apne parivaar ke saath jo chahein kar sakte hain, Daarji. Lekin Sidharth Shukla ki honewali biwi par koi haath uthaye ya aankh uthakar dekhe bhi… yeh me kabhi bardaasht nahi karunga,” he declared.

Daarji was taken aback, his eyes widening in shock at the conviction in Sidharth’s words. The force behind Sidharth’s statement shook him, making him realize this was not a man who would back down easily. “Woh kisi aur ki hone wali biwi hai…” Daarji muttered, his voice less confident now.

Sidharth’s voice was unwavering as he replied, “Shehnaz Kaur Gill hi Mrs. Shehnaz Sidharth Shukla banegi.” His words were like a final verdict, leaving no room for negotiation. Without another glance, he turned and walked out, leaving the room echoing with his declaration.

Daarji stood frozen, staring at Sidharth’s retreating back, his mind reeling from the encounter. He hadn’t expected such determination, such defiance.

_______________

As the day drew to a close, Sidharth stayed close to Shehnaz, his gaze never wavering. Each time Sukhveer’s eyes lingered on her, a spark of anger flared in Sidharth’s chest. It didn’t help that Shehnaz looked breathtaking, her beauty adding to his already tense demeanor.

Shehnaz was strolling through the veranda, lost in thought, when Sukhveer suddenly stepped in her path. “Shehnaz ji…” he called out, his tone almost too friendly.

Shehnaz halted, startled. “Haan ji?” she responded cautiously, eyeing him warily.

Sukhveer smiled, attempting to appear charming. “Humein baat karne ka mauka hi nahi mila…,” he said, leaning slightly closer.

Shehnaz frowned in confusion. “Par baat kyun karni hai?” she asked, her brows furrowing.

Sukhveer was taken aback by her straightforwardness. “Ji…?” he stammered, trying to recover. “Waise, aap bahut pyaari lag rahi hain aaj…” he complimented, his smile widening.

Shehnaz rolled her eyes, an annoyed smile tugging at her lips. “Ji, jaanti hoon main,” she replied, not missing a beat.

Sukhveer grinned, captivated by her confidence. “Waise, aage aapka kya plan hai…?” he probed, hoping to continue the conversation.

Shehnaz chuckled, imagining how Sidharth would react if he were to break Sukhveer into pieces for daring to talk to her like this. “Ji, plan toh bahut saare hain… jo work karega, wohi use karungi,” she said with a cheeky smile, clearly enjoying herself.

Without waiting for a response, she walked away, her smile lingering as Sukhveer stood there, utterly confused. He scratched his head, trying to decipher what she meant, while Sidharth, from a distance, watched them closely, his jaw tightening with every passing second.

_____________

Sidharth’s touch was both electrifying and mischievous. He pinched Shehnaz’s waist, making her shiver. She looked around quickly, whispering, “Kya kar rahe ho?”

Sidharth’s gaze was intense, his eyes narrowing as he said, “Badi batein ho rahi ho, Sukhveer ji ke saath.”

Shehnaz chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Kyu, aap jealous ho gaye, Shukla ji?”

There she was again, with her playful and teasing side. Sidharth’s eyes fell on her lips, the temptation to kiss her overwhelming. Her cheeks flushed a deep red under his intense gaze.

Sidharth’s voice dropped to a low growl, “Baby, be ready to pay a heavy price if you keep up with these stunts.”

Shehnaz’s eyes widened at his serious tone. “Shukla ji, aap dhamaki de rahe hai?”

A smirk played on his lips as he moved a little closer. Shehnaz instinctively stepped back, checking to make sure no one was watching. “Kullu, mat kar na,” she pleaded.

Ignoring her plea, Sidharth leaned in, biting her earlobe sharply before pulling away and walking off. Shehnaz winced and muttered curses under her breath for his sharp teeth.

____________

Shehnaz hugged Payal tightly as they lay in bed together. Payal was lost in thought, her mind racing with concerns.

“Di, kya soch rahi ho?” Shehnaz asked, gently shaking her sister awake.

Payal turned to face her, her expression a mix of worry and joy. “Bachhi, main itni khush hoon ki ab hum dono humesha saath rahenge, zindagi bhar. Lekin is mushkil se tuze kaise bahar nikalu, yeh soch rahi hoon.”

Shehnaz smiled at her sister, trying to offer reassurance. “Di, aap shaadi ka maza lijiye. Sidharth sab theek kar denge, mujhe pata hai.”

Payal studied Shehnaz’s face, noting how dull it had been for so long. She realized how deeply they loved each other. “Tune mujhe itne din se bataya kyu nahi tere aur Sidharth ke baare mein?”

Shehnaz sighed, “Di, main nahi chahti thi ki meri wajah se aapki shaadi mein koi problem aaye. Sidharth bahut pyar karta hai mujhse.”

Payal’s curiosity got the better of her. “Aur tu, tujhe kab pyar hua?”

Shehnaz’s face lit up with excitement. “Pata nahi di, usne mere andar ek aisi Shehnaz dhundh li jo main khud bhi nahi janti thi. Main Sidharth ke bina zindagi soch bhi nahi sakti.”

Payal smiled warmly, her heart full. “Aww I am so happy for you, baby. Hum humesha saath rahenge.”

Shehnaz smiled back and hugged her sister, both eventually falling asleep with a sense of peace and closeness.

As the haldi ceremony began, the atmosphere was filled with joy and festivity. Shehnaz and her sister, Payal, were at the center of it all, applying the vibrant yellow turmeric paste to each other’s faces. Laughter and chatter filled the air as friends and family participated in the traditional ritual, celebrating the upcoming wedding.

Despite the lively surroundings, Shehnaz’s eyes kept darting towards Sidharth. Her heart fluttered each time she caught a glimpse of him through the sea of guests. Sidharth, on the other hand, seemed completely absorbed in watching her, his gaze never leaving her figure as she moved about, glowing with the haldi’s sheen.

The excitement of the ceremony was briefly interrupted when Sukhveer approached Shehnaz. As he took his place beside her, Shehnaz couldn’t help but roll her eyes in exasperation. Sukhveer’s presence was an unwelcome distraction on a day that was meant to be filled with happiness and warmth.

Sidharth, who was already seething at the sight of Sukhveer, was about to confront him when he noticed Dadi Maa standing in front of him. Her eyes filled with curiosity.

“Dadi Maa,” Sidharth began, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Yes, son,” Dadi Maa responded, her tone lacking the usual warmth. “Is there something wrong with you?”

Sidharth cleared his throat, thinking whether Meanwhile, Shehnaz, who had been observing the exchange from the corner of her eye, felt a pang of anxiety. Her eyes widened in fear and dadi maa’s reaction in case sidharth decides to tell her everything..