Chapter 4

Payal was utterly bewildered as Abhi practically dragged her to the terrace without even asking her once.

“What… he didn’t even ask me?” she thought, feeling more annoyed with every step.

By the time they reached the terrace, she was thoroughly irritated. Abhi turned to face her, only to see her frowning deeply.

“Kya huva?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Payal rolled her eyes and looked away, her lips twisted in a pout. Abhi couldn’t help but smirk at her adorable, annoyed expression. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Kya huva baba… aise muh kyu bana rahi ho?” he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

“You didn’t even ask me,” she pouted, her lips forming a cute pout.

Abhi kissed her cheek softly. “Sorry, Tweety… don’t be angry na, please?”

Payal almost blushed at his words. He knew exactly how to melt her heart with just a simple nickname. She made a cute face and said, “You are very bad… you never let me stay angry for even a minute.”

Abhi chuckled at her adorable pout and smirked. “Abhimanyu Shukla ka jadoo hi kuch aisa hai,” he replied with a playful wink.

Payal playfully swatted his arm and pulled herself away. “Oyye hello, Mr. Jadoogar, aap mujhe ye bataoge… ke aap mujhe yahan kyu laye ho?”

Abhi pulled her back into his arms with a sudden jerk, holding her waist tightly. He almost crushed her into his strong embrace, making her heart race.

“Abhi…” Payal managed to say, her voice barely a whisper.

Abhi snaked his free hand around her neck, pulling her even closer. Payal’s breaths quickened as she felt his warm breath mingling with hers.

“Mujhe haqq hai… samajhi tum?” Abhi’s husky, deep voice sent shivers down her spine, leaving her breathless.

“Abhi…” was all she could utter, lost in his magical touch.

Abhi possessively nuzzled his nose along her jawline. “Abhi kya…” he whispered, his voice sending electric tingles through her.

Payal closed her eyes, overwhelmed by his sweet torture, and mumbled, “Abhi…” She struggled to remember what she was going to say just moments ago.

Abhi’s fingers brushed through her hair as he traced his nose from her jawline to her earlobe. “Abhi kya, Tweety?” he teased.

“Abhi, please…” Payal’s voice was almost a plea.

Abhi smiled, enjoying the effect he had on her. His hold on her softened from passionate to gentle and caring. With a smooth whisper in her ear, he said, “I love you, Tweety.” He placed a tender kiss on her ear and pulled back slightly to look into her eyes.

She opened her eyes slowly, her cheeks flushed. She couldn’t meet his mischievous gaze and shyly rested her head on his chest. “I love you too,” she whispered, her voice filled with affection.

_________________

Sidharth sighed as he noticed the empty jug and headed to the kitchen to refill it. As he walked through the corridor, he heard sounds coming from Dadi’s room. Curious, he approached the door, which was slightly ajar. Not wanting to disturb Dadi Ma, he carefully peeked inside and was amused by what he saw.

After Abhi had taken Payal away, Shehnaaz had flopped onto the bed but couldn’t sleep. She was captivated by the beauty of the house. Feeling bored, she wandered out and was admiring the decor when she noticed the light on in Dadi Ma’s room. Smiling, she had gone in to chat with her.

The two had talked, giggled, and laughed endlessly. Their nonsensical chatter was filled with joy. Eventually, they decided to play a game and ended up choosing to reenact scenes from the movie “Sholay.” Dadi became Samba, while Shehnaaz took on the role of Gabbar Singh.

Shehnaaz had even used kajal to draw beards on both Dadi Ma and herself. She struck a dramatic pose, placing her foot on a small chair, and mocked, “Arre o Samba, kitne aadmi the?”

Dadi Ma, playing along, made a serious face and replied, “Do, Sarkar…”

Sidharth was left speechless as he watched their playful antics. “Just what on earth is she doing?” he thought, shocked to see their bearded faces, especially Dadi Ma’s. He was about to step in but decided against it, wanting to enjoy the scene unfolding before him.

Unaware of Sidharth’s presence, Shehnaaz continued her dramatic act. “Woh do… aur tum teen… fir bhi laut aaye… khali haath…” she roared like Gabbar Singh.

Dadi Ma couldn’t help but giggle at Shehnaaz’s desperate attempt to mimic Gabbar’s voice. Sidharth, too, was amused by this mischievous girl who always managed to bring a smile to his face. He struggled to suppress his laughter, wanting to see how this would play out.

Shehnaaz continued, “Kya socha tha… Sarkar khush ho jayega… sa…”

Before she could finish, a voice from behind completed the dialogue, “Sarkar khush hoga… sabasi dega…”

Shehnaaz made a face like Hema Malini, confused and pouting. “Yun ki… ye kaun bola?” she asked.

Both Dadi Ma and Shehnaaz turned to find Sidharth standing at the door, a smirk on his face.

Shocked, Shehnaaz walked up to him. “Shukla ji, aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and annoyance.

Dadi Ma rolled her eyes, knowing they were about to start their usual banter but was puzzled by why Shehnaaz called him “Shukla ji.”

Sidharth crossed his arms and smirked. “Ab Basanti jahan, main wahan,” he quipped.

Shehnaaz glared at him. “Basanti kise bola?” she demanded.

Sidharth mocked a fake smile. “Dadi Ma ko… kyun, tumhe kya laga?”

Shehnaaz’s face fell as she realized she had been fooled. “Agar Dadi Ma Basanti hai, toh main kaun?”

Sidharth enjoyed her annoyance, knowing it was his turn to tease her. “Tum… tum toh wo ho… sundar si,” he began, and Shehnaaz’s smile grew, “pyari si,” he continued, her smile widening, “bholi si,” he added, watching her blush, “aur tej bhagane wali… DHANNO.”

“WHATTTTTT!” she exclaimed.

Dadi Ma burst into laughter, and Sidharth joined in, while Shehnaaz glared at him with all the anger she could muster. “Ough! Idiot! Did he just call me Dhanno?” she fumed internally.

“Aur tum Sholay ke Kaliya ho,” she mocked in Gabbar’s voice, “ab tera kya hoga, Kaliya?” and laughed like Gabbar Singh.

Sidharth’s laughter stopped abruptly, while this time, Shehnaaz joined Dadi Ma in laughing.

“Oyye, Gabbar Singh!” Sidharth retorted.

“Oyye, Thakur!” Shehnaaz yelled back.

Dadi Ma, the amused spectator, laughed her lungs out at their antics.

Sidharth made an exaggerated “O” shape with his mouth, offended at being called Thakur. “Tum na… woh Sholay ke Ramu Kaka,” he shot back.

“Huh!” Shehnaaz was baffled by his audacity. “Aur tum… Sholay ki woh buddhi Mausi,” she countered.

Sidharth stomped forward and chided, “How dare you call me Mausi?”

Shehnaaz stomped closer as well. “And how dare you call me Ramu Kaka?”

Sidharth smirked. “Because you look like one.”

Annoyed, Shehnaaz grinned. “And you act like one.”

Frustrated, Sidharth frowned. “I hate you.”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “I hate you more.”

Sidharth sniffed in anger and turned to Dadi Ma. “Good night, Dadi Ma,” he said, heading to the door. He turned around with a smirk. “Good night, Dhanno,” and quickly left before Shehnaaz could respond.

Shehnaaz stomped her foot and turned to Dadi Ma, making a poor baby face. Dadi Ma, who had been enjoying their tom-and-jerry show, pulled Shehnaaz into a teddy bear hug. “My poor baby,” she cooed.

Shehnaaz made a baby face but then smiled, hugging Dadi Ma back.

________________

At the breakfast table, Rita Ji announced, “Abhi, tum aur Sidharth Payal aur Shehnaaz ko shopping ke liye le ja rahe ho,” as she took a bite of her meal.

Abhi looked at his mother, surprised, as if he had been waiting for this. He quickly glanced at Payal, who was over the moon.

The most alarmed, however, was Sidharth, who looked up at God for help. “But mumma, main toh aaj se office join karna…” he started.

He was cut off by his father. “It’s okay, Sidharth. You can join the office later. Abhi, tum

hari maa sahi keh rahi hai. Dono bachiyon ko ghuma lao. Unhe achha lagega.”

Sidharth was silenced by that. “Ji, Dad,” he replied, looking at Shehnaaz, who was smirking at him.

Dadi suddenly burst into laughter, remembering the scene from last night when Sidharth had called Shehnaaz “Dhanno.”

Everyone looked at Dadi Ma, a little shocked. Abhi was terrified, thinking, “Kahin Dadi Ma ko mere aur Payal ke last night terrace wali baat pata to nahi chal gayi… God, no way. Dadi will tease me for sure.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes at Dadi Ma while Shehnaaz pouted, making a baby face. Dadi Ma somehow controlled her laughter. “Rita, you won’t believe what happened last night.”

Abhi and Payal looked at each other in shock and then up at the ceiling, silently praying. “Heyy, Waheguru Ji! Dadi ko kaise pata chala?”

Sidharth and Shehnaaz exchanged glances. Sidharth smirked while Shehnaaz cringed.

Rita Ji was curious. “Kya huva, Maa?”

Dadi Ma was about to explain when the landline rang. Abhi quickly stood up and answered it, relieved. “Hello?”

“Abhi beta, main Papaji bol raha hoon,” said Rajender on the other end.

Abhi smiled. “Ji, Papaji.”

“Bete, wo Jasbeer bachhiyon se baat karna chahti thi.”

Abhi nodded. “Ji, main Payal ko bulata hoon.” With that, Payal went to take the call while Abhi dragged Dadi Ma away, making sure no one noticed.

Confused, Dadi Ma asked, “Kya hai, Abhi? Kyun mujhe aise khich rahe ho?”

Abhi made a pleading face. “Dadi Ma, please. You can’t do this. Aap aise Maa and Papa ke samne kaise bata sakti ho…”

More confused, Dadi Ma asked, “Main kya bata rahi thi?”

Abhi rolled his eyes. “Yahi… aap Mumma ko bata rahi thi na ke last night, main Payal ko terrace par le gaya tha… Dadi Ma, please. Sab mujhse fir se chidhaayenge… please.”

“Ohh,” Dadi Ma smirked to herself. “So Abhi took Payal to the terrace last night, aur yeh pagal samajh raha hai ke mujhe pata hai. Chalo, pata nahi tha to pata to chal gaya,” she thought, enjoying the mischief.

Abhi, still confused, said, “Ohh… that’s it. Dadi Ma, please, you will not tell Mom, okay?”

Dadi Ma made a serious face. “Of course not, beta. I am so sorry.”

Convinced, Abhi kissed Dadi Ma’s cheek and returned to his breakfast while Dadi Ma giggled to herself, plotting her next tease.

_________________

“So, Mrs. Shukla… aaj kaunsa shopping karne ka irada hai?” chuckled Abhi as he accelerated the car.

Smiling at his tease, Payal playfully slapped his arm and responded, “Kisi acchi mall me chalte hai..”

Abhi smiled back. “As you wish, ma’am.”

Abhi drove while Payal sat beside him. The two strangest people in the world, Sidharth and Shehnaaz, sat in the back, trying to tolerate each other’s presence.

Sidharth stole a glance at Shehnaaz but quickly looked away.

Shehnaaz pondered for a moment before speaking, “Umm, Shukla ji…”

Sidharth, anticipating her question, sighed. “Bolo Shehnaaz…”

“Lovely Singh kahin dikhayi nahi de raha aaj. Kya hua?” Shehnaaz asked, curious.

Sidharth smiled. “Usko kuch zaruri kaam diya hai. Kal tak wapas aa jayega.”

“Oh, okay,” Shehnaaz sighed, feeling a bit relieved yet curious.

Sidharth, sensing something, asked, “Kyun pooch rahi ho?”

“Bas aise hi,” Shehnaaz mumbled, then continued, “Shukla ji, aap London mein 6 saal rahe na?”

Sidharth nodded. “Haan…”

Shehnaaz chuckled. “London ka time humse kaafi peeche hai na?”

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Haan, Shehnaaz, 10:30 hours peeche.”

Shehnaaz smirked. “Isi wajah se aapko sab kuch der se samajh aata hai?”

Sidharth, confused, replied, “Haan, Shehnaaz…” then realized what she meant. “Kya?!”

Shehnaaz burst into laughter, joined by Abhi and Payal, who had been listening to their banter.

Sidharth, fuming, turned to his brother. “Bhai, apni biwi ko samjhao, mujhe tang na kare.”

Payal giggled. “Sana, mat chhedo usse.”

Shehnaaz was still laughing. “Di, Shukla ji kabhi nahi hanste. Main bas unhe hasane ki koshish kar rahi hoon.”

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Haan, bilkul…”

“That was actually good, though,” Abhi said, laughing again, while Sidharth looked away, slightly annoyed.

_________________

The girls wandered through what seemed like the hundredth shop, with Abhi and Sidharth trailing behind them, carrying bags and grumbling, “Yeh dono behne disaster hain, yaar.”

Payal caught them muttering. “Kuch kaha tumne, Abhi?”

Abhi cleared his throat. “Nahi, jaan. Tum aage chalo,” and rolled his eyes as she looked ahead.

Shehnaaz handed another bag to Sidharth. “Shukla ji, please yeh bag pakdo.”

Sidharth wanted to dump all the bags on her head and walk out, but he controlled his wild thoughts and took the additional bag.

Abhi and Sidharth exchanged a look and announced in unison, “SHE IS A SMALL TOWN GIRL…”

As the song from “Bachna Ae Haseeno” played in their heads, they reluctantly followed the women into yet another shop.

Sidharth glanced at Shehnaaz, annoyed, while Abhi made a baby face as they followed the ladies after receiving angry glares.

Shehnaaz picked up a dress and tried it against herself, making a happy face before deciding to try another.

Payal picked up a pair of earrings and showed them to Abhi. “Kaise lag rahe hain?”

Abhi smiled, desperate for the shopping spree to end, but he knew he couldn’t do much.

Sidharth felt a moment of relief as Shehnaaz finally chose a dress. He thought of checking his emails, but Shehnaaz snatched his phone and pointed to an ice-cream parlor in the distance. Sidharth rolled his eyes and went to get ice cream for her while she got engrossed in checking out new dresses.

They sat in Pizza Hut, with the girls enjoying their pizza and chatting about their shopping. The poor men sat quietly in front of them, bags piled on either side.

The girls’ conversation seemed endless. Abhi tried to distract Payal, but she didn’t even notice him calling her.

Sidharth giggled at his poor brother, but his laughter was quickly wiped off by an angry glare from Abhi.

As they walked down the road, Payal saw a man being rude to his wife. Angry, she marched over and slapped him hard, shocking everyone, especially Abhi, who stared at his Mrs. SHERNI in amazement.

Payal scolded the man for his behavior and then sweetly hugged the couple after they made up. The onlookers clapped for Payal, while Abhi followed her, amused and impressed.

They continued walking and saw a baraat (wedding procession). Excited, the girls ran over and joined in, dancing and having fun.

Sidharth shook his head with a smile as he watched Shehnaaz dance joyfully with funny steps. She really is a weirdo, he thought, amused. He didn’t realize he had been staring at her for a long time.

Shehnaaz noticed Sidharth lost in thought and waved her hand in front of his face, snapping him out of his trance. Startled, Sidharth quickly looked away, an involuntary smile forming on his lips.

Shehnaaz dragged Sidharth to dance with her. He refused a few times, but Shehnaaz didn’t care and managed to make him dance. On the other hand, Payal’s sweet smile was enough to get Abhi to join her in the bhangra.

They danced and danced, warmly welcomed by the baraat people. After wishing the bride and groom a happy married life, the procession moved forward.

Payal complained to Abhi that her feet were hurting and showed her high heels. Abhi rolled his eyes and the next moment, Payal found herself in Abhi’s strong arms. She smiled excitedly and wrapped her arms around him, while Abhi held her tighter as they walked.

Shehnaaz watched the scene and then looked at Sidharth, who raised his eyebrows as if to say, “Don’t even expect me to pick you up.”

Shehnaaz made a cute face and showed her high heels, but Sidharth ignored her. Annoyed, Shehnaaz stomped on his foot and walked away with a smirk.

“Ow, yaar!” Sidharth winced in pain, left with a pained expression.

____________

On the drive back home, Shehnaaz looked away, pouting.

Sidharth rolled his eyes. “Shehnaaz, yeh natak bandh karo.”

Payal turned to look back. “Kya hua, Shehnaaz?”

Shehnaaz made a baby face. “Di, mere pair bhi dukh rahe hain. Mere paas Jiju jaisa handsome aur strong munda nahi tha madad karne ke liye,” she said, deliberately stretching the words and giving Sidharth a taunting look.

Payal shook her head with a smile and murmured, “Drama queen…”

Abhi listened patiently, but Sidharth caught Payal’s murmur and almost smiled, trying to hide his amusement.

Shehnaaz faked an angry glare at him and turned back to Payal. “Di, kya kaha aapne?”

Payal smiled. “Kuch nahi, baby. Ghar chalte hain. Main tumhe massage de dungi, theek hai?”

Shehnaaz beamed. “Okay, Di. I love you.”

Abhi instantly protested. “Hey, that’s my line!”

Payal rolled her eyes while Shehnaaz giggled. Sidharth looked up at the sky, silently praying for patience before he lands up with a murder..

_________________

The next morning, everyone was having breakfast in silence. Abhi had no plans to go to the office. He made all kinds of faces at Rita Ji to do something, but she shook her head and pointed to his father, Kabeer Ji, who was busy reading the newspaper. The rest watched the scene in amusement.

Sidharth didn’t want to stay home either. He always felt excited to go to the office, and today, he needed some normal time without Shehnaaz driving him mad. The office seemed like the best escape.

Abhi made a face at Payal, who rolled her eyes and tried to convince him to go to the office.

Shehnaaz, sitting beside Abhi, pulled him closer and whispered something in his ear.

Abhi smirked at the idea given by Shehnaaz and looked at Payal, who was curious about what was cooking between the two troublemakers. Shehnaaz was Shehnaaz, but Abhi was also no less, and Payal knew it well.

Kabeer Ji finished his breakfast and left for his room.

Abhi sighed in relief and complained, “Mumma, not fair… aap Papa se itna darte hain.”

Rita Ji rolled her eyes. “Aur tum nahi darte?”

Abhi made a baby face. “Main darte hoon kyunki woh Papa hain. Par aap kyun darte hain? Please unse baat karo. Main promise karta hoon kal office chala jaunga.”

Rita Ji looked at her mother-in-law and teased, “Maaji, isne school na jaane ke liye itna drama nahi kiya hoga jitna office na jaane ke liye kar raha hai.”

Dadi Maa smirked at Abhi. “Beta, main tumhare Papa ko manaa lungi, lekin terrace wale incident ke baare mein bhi bataungi. Thik hai?”

Abhi almost screamed, “What? No! Dadi Maa, aapne promise kiya tha!”

Dadi Maa chuckled. “Kab promise kiya? I think Meri memory loss ho gaya lagta hai.”

Abhi stared at her, “Haan, right!”

Dadi Maa mocked, “Agar tum chahte ho ki main Papa ko kuch na batau, to chup chap office jao, theek hai?”

Abhi’s face fell. “Okay…” and he left.

Dadi Maa chuckled to herself. She loved to irritate him. My poor baby, she thought, smirking cutely.

________________

Kabeer and Abhi introduced Sidharth to all the staff, and finally, they escorted him to his cabin. The staff wished Sidharth all the best and returned to their work, leaving him to explore his new space.

Sidharth smiled, taking in the splendid design of his cabin. His father had put in a lot of effort to make it look fantastic, and it showed. His eyes fell on a photo frame hanging on the nearby wall. It was a picture of him with his father and brother. “Bhai must have put it up,” thought Sidharth, smiling warmly.

He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, and sat down to start his work.

***************

Meanwhile, Payal and Shehnaaz were busy in the kitchen, preparing lunch for everyone. Payal diligently cooked according to everyone’s preferences. When she finished, Dadi maa dropped the bombshell: Payal was to take the lunch boxes to the office for the men.

Payal’s eyes widened in surprise. “Kya, Dadi maa?” she asked, almost dropping the ladle in her hand.

Rita ji smiled reassuringly, “Aise daro mat beta… main bhi har roz aapke papa ke liye tiffin le jati hoon. Koi aur tiffin laye yeh unhe pasand nahi. Toh shaadi ke baad aapko bhi Abhi ke liye tiffin le jana hoga. Isliye adat daal dijiye, kyunki Abhi bilkul apne papa jaisa hai.”

Payal listened patiently and nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Shehnaaz, on the other hand, was bubbling with excitement. She rushed to Dadi maa, “Dadi maa, yeh aapka plan tha na?”

Dadi maa giggled, “Tumne kaafi jaan liya hai Dadi maa ko. Haan, Abhi ko bahot sataya na subah. Toh uska mood theek karne ka bhi to intezaam karna tha.”

Shehnaaz hugged Dadi maa tightly, “Oughh Dadi maa, you are so rocking!”

“Whatt?” asked Dadi maa, amused by Shehnaaz’s words.

Shehnaaz scratched her head cutely, “I mean… you are so cute. I love you.”

Dadi maa laughed and hugged her back, “I love you too.”

**************

Abhi was still in a foul mood, reading some random files, when someone knocked on his door. Annoyed, he muttered, “Come in.”

The door creaked open, and Abhi’s eyes lit up with happiness when he saw Payal entering. He instantly stood up and almost ran to her, lifting her off her feet and swinging her around in excitement.

Payal felt a bit self-conscious, being in the office, but the delight on Abhi’s face melted her heart. She bent down, brushed her hands through his hair, and kissed his forehead.

Abhi settled her back on her feet and circled his arms around her. He kissed her palm lovingly, making her blush. She tried to pull her hand away, but the next moment, she found herself passionately held against his toned body.

She looked into his eyes, surprised, and he simply took her lips in his.

________________

Sidharth loved the office. He admired everything—the hardworking staff, the well-planned management. It was all so meticulously organized.

He went through important files, reviewing their projects, clients, and teams. He was immersed in his work when there was a knock on his door.

Without looking up, he said, “Come in.”

The door opened, and someone walked in. “Put the file down and send Tara in,” Sidharth instructed, still focused on his laptop. Then he heard a familiar voice.

“Shukla ji…”

His eyes widened in surprise. He looked up to find his nightmare standing in front of him—Shehnaaz Gill, with an idiotic smile plastered on her face.

“TUM!”

“Haan, main,” Shehnaaz replied excitedly and sat down on a chair.

Sidharth closed his eyes, trying hard to calm himself. He opened them again, hoping it was a bad dream, but there she was, looking absolutely breathtaking in a yellow kurti. He silently scolded himself, “Shut up, Sidharth.”

He kept his cool, “Shehnaaz, yeh office hai.”

“Haan, toh maine kab kaha ke school hai,” she giggled.

Sidharth rolled his eyes, “I mean, tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?”

Shehnaaz pouted, “Aye lo, ek toh main itni door aayi lunch box dene, aur aap aise sawal kar rahe hain.” She twisted her lips and looked away.

A smile crept onto Sidharth’s lips. He liked the thought that she had brought lunch for him. “Tumne mere liye lunch box laya hai?”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, “Nahi, Shukla ji, maine toh Lovely ji ke liye lunch laya hai. Kahan hai woh?”

Sidharth’s smile vanished. Annoyed, he replied, “Mujhse kyu puchh rahi ho? Office mein receptionist hai na, usse jaake pucho. And go now. I am busy.”

He sat down and started working on his laptop again, disappointment written on his face.

Shehnaaz smiled and shook her head. Moving closer, she touched his chin and made him look at her. Her eyes captivated him. They were almond-shaped and light brown, beautiful… He was lost for a moment but controlled himself. “Shehnaaz, kya kar rahi ho? I said na, I am busy.”

Shehnaaz chuckled, “Ohho, Shukla ji…”

Sidharth snapped her hand away and went back to his work, trying to convince himself that her not bringing lunch for him didn’t affect him. It didn’t matter.

Shehnaaz smiled, “Pehle aap hi stupid question puchte hain, aur phir mujhpe gussa karte hain. Ab maine lunch laya hai, toh aapke hi liye laya hoga na. Aapke bodyguard ke liye toh nahi.”

Sidharth almost smiled. Her admitting she brought lunch for him calmed him somewhat.

She rolled her eyes at his theatrics, “Ab acting band kijiye. Aap muskura rahe hain, mujhe pata hai. Awaahi gussa ho jaate hain. Aapki girlfriend toh pareshan ho jaati hogi,” Shehnaaz said while opening the lunch box.

Sidharth was listening but the word ‘girlfriend’ alarmed him, “What girlfriend?”

Shehnaaz chuckled, handing him his plate, “Ab mujhse kya chhupana. Shehnaaz Gill ko sab pata hota hai.”

Sidharth started eating, “Achha, aur Shehnaaz Gill ko kya kya pata hai?”

Shehnaaz giggled, watching him eat, “Well, sab kuchh. Yeh bhi ke is waqt aapke man mein kya chal raha hai.”

Sidharth smirked, “Achha, and what is it exactly?”

“Rehne dijiye Shukla ji. Aapke saare raaz bahar aa jayenge,” she said, winking at him cutely.

Sidharth giggled softly, “Waise tum office kaise aayi achanak?”

Shehnaaz got excited and sat on the desk in front of him instead of the chair. Sidharth rolled his eyes at her antics and smiled secretly at her childish behavior.

Shehnaaz started, “Woh toh Dadi maa ka plan tha. Subah mein Dadi maa ne jiju ka bilkul popat kar diya tha. Toh fir Dadi maa ne mujhe aur Di ko aunty ke saath yahan aane ko bola. Aunty roz aati hain na yahan, uncle ke liye lunch lekar. Toh Dadi maa ne Di ko bhi kaha ke tum bhi lunch lekar jao Abhi jiju ke liye.”

“Aur tumne mere liye lunch laya… OMG. Tum kahin mujhse shaadi to nahi karna chahti,” asked Sidharth with a mock shock on his face.

Shehnaaz looked at him annoyed and whacked him with a file, “Ha ha, very bad joke. Aapse shaadi karne se achha hai main kunwari reh jaoon.”

“Kyun itna bura hoon main?” asked Sidharth, a little offended.

“Bure nahi hain, par aap sawal bahot puchte hain. Agar Suhaag raat mein sawal hi puchte reh gaye, toh bechari aapki dulhan aapko dusre din hi chhod kar bhag jayegi,” Shehnaaz said, laughing her lungs out.

Sidharth made an O-shaped face, which soon turned into amusement and finally embarrassment, “You… oughh… you are so annoying.”

Shehnaaz laughed even more at his flushed face, and their chat continued.

______________

As Sidharth finished his lunch, he packed the lunch box again, handed it to Shehnaaz, and showed her the door with a smirk.

Shehnaaz was shocked at his attitude. Angrily, she stared at him and stormed out, while Sidharth stood there with a smile, shaking his head. He went back to his work, mumbling, “Pagal dhanno.”

Shehnaaz went to check on Abhi and Payal but closed the door instantly, noticing Payal and Abhi enjoying their private time. Shehnaaz didn’t want to disturb them, so she quietly left the room and headed to the reception.

Nisha, the receptionist, was trying to hide a packet of wafers as she greeted Shehnaaz. “Yes, ma’am, how can I help you?”

Shehnaaz flashed a warm smile. “Mera naam Shehnaaz hai. Aur aapka naam?”

Nisha gave her a curious look, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and then responded, “Hello, I’m Nisha.”

Without hesitation, Shehnaaz stepped around the desk and gave Nisha a friendly side hug. “Hi Nisha! Main Abhi jiju ki sali hoon.”

Nisha’s face lit up with excitement. “Oh wow! Abhi sir is getting married? That’s such great news!”

Shehnaaz nodded with a grin. “Haan, par kisi ko batana mat. Abhi jiju khud sabko inform karenge.” She then took a seat beside Nisha.

They began chatting and soon realized they had become fast friends. As Shehnaaz munched on her wafers, she said, “Woh wali movie to kamal thi. Sach mein, Salman Khan ka jaadu hi kuchh alag hai.”

Nisha, munching on her nth packet, agreed, “Sach mein! Lekin sari movies ek taraf, aur Hum Aapke Hain Koun ek taraf… Hayy!”

Shehnaaz’s thoughts drifted to Sidharth. She looked at Nisha and asked, “Achha Nisha, tumhare naye boss—Sidharth sir—bahut khadus hai na?”

Nisha’s eyes widened in surprise. “Hay, hay! Tum kya bol rahi ho? Woh to kitne hot hain!”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes and murmured, “Tabhi main sochti hoon, Shukla ji ke paas aate hi itni garmi kyun hone lagti hai.”

“Kya? Kya kaha tumne?” Nisha asked, puzzled.

Shehnaaz shook her head. “Kuchh nahi. Waise tumhe pata hai, Shukla ji ki bhi girlfriend hai…”

“Huh?” Nisha’s face turned into a baby expression. “Kya lucky girl hogi na…”

Shehnaaz mocked with a playful tone, “Lucky nahi, bechari bol. Mujhe lagta hai, woh Shukla ji ko shaadi ke baad chhod degi.”

“Shukla ji?” Nisha was even more confused.

“Arre yaar, tumhare Sidharth sir!” Shehnaaz said, rolling her eyes.

“Shehnaazzzzzzzz…”

_________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

I hope you’ve been enjoying the recent chapters! In these latest installment, we’ve seen Sidharth stepping into his new role with excitement and pride, while Payal and Shehnaaz’s lunch preparations lead to some unexpected and heartwarming moments. The surprise visit from Shehnaaz to Sidharth’s office added a playful and engaging twist to the story.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these chapters. How did you find the evolving dynamics between the characters? Did the interactions bring a smile to your face? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me craft a story that resonates with you.

Looking forward to your comments and thank you for being such amazing readers!

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