" Tujhe sabse chupa ke rakhna chahta hu... apne pas... idharrr... hamesha... Ye chahta hu... "  He said pointing at his heart and pulled her softly to him resting her head on his chest making her feel his thumping heart " Aur iska haq sirf tera hai ye maanta hu mai... " He spoke pointing to his heart in a voice which thumped her heart .

That was it...

He knew it was her right for the world to know that she was his, but what exactly matters for her was that he consider himself of her's.

Somewhere she felt bad at a point about the situation... not because she thinks that she doesn't deserve this... but she thinks that 'they' don't deserve this... She was losing nothing.. infact it was her peace only which he was trying to preserve... but she knew all this affects him for sure.. and a lot. It was so clear that he wasn't even doing it for himself... it was all for her only... This was what mattered to her. His people knew and love her... this mattered to her. Her significance, her place was already a big thing for her to get used to... So some random people not knowing her wasn't even a factor of consideration for her. Even all this while looking at Maa and Others, it was clear that they weren't very happy with this and this  only implied that she mattered to them... and this was all she needed.

Jo kabhi maanga hi nahi.. uske na milne ka bura kaise lagega

And now, she doesn't even wanted to say that 'he' was doing this... because she wanted to be a equal part of that... she doesn't wanted him to feel bad thinking that he was failing somewhere... She also wanted to protect their peace with him. What she never even wished was with her already overfilling her heart with content... there was no space to even think of anymore. Them being together was their getaway from the evil world. Why would she want to spoil their space with their pokings.

And they both slept as they both pulled off the weight from each other's heart by pouring out their own.

____________________________________

He got up next morning with a phone call and silenced it quickly and kept aside. Even though he wasn't out of his slumber completely still he could feel his shirt clutched in that fist which looked so small on his broad chest. He looked at the source. God !! She doesn't even need to say anything.. her mere hold on him was enough to swell his heart. He never ever knew this thing that this place! which she gives to him was so desired to his heart.

He bent down and kissed her hair and removed her hand from his shirt softly kissing her knuckles and got up from bed.

Coming to the room he called back. He had a heavy schedule so he got ready and came to balcony taking his shoes.

" Naaaz !! " He called her softly sitting besides her putting on the shoes.

She woke up with his voice and frowned feeling completely free from all sides and no weight.. she was used to wake up like that only... And then turned with the frown turning into smile feeling his presence behind her back only to frown back watching him all dressed up this early.

" Tu ready kyu hogya itni jaldi.. "

" Kaam hai baby jana hai... byeee " He said kissing her on cheeks and she grinned heartily on this cute Shukla side.

He smiled back realizing that he was doing extra than usual. It's not he hadn't done any such things before. But doing it just like that... for no proper reason was still new...

" Soja abi.. mai jata hu... " he said pushing her back on bed softly and getting up.

" I'll miss you !! " She said in a kiddish voice and he grinned with a blush as they never said all these things to each other before.

Although it was still a lot for him to do so instead of replying he just gave another peck on her nose and came out.

He was busy the whole day and came late at night. He met Maa and then came to his room with a surprising excitement even after the hell tiring day but it all vanished as he looked around the room. He checked his phone to find a message from Shehnaaz that she was staying with Misha at night as her mother had to go to pune for some work. As the first thought he wanted to go up and meet but it was actually really late so he decided against it. He sighed disappointingly as he couldn't even see her after the whole day when they didn't even got to talk but he knew Misha needs her now.

____________________________________

Next day Shehnaaz called him as the first thing in morning and she rushed into doing things so that she gets to meet him. She was pacing across her house to get things done when Sidharth came and saw his Panda literally running for almost every freaking thing.

He stood there against the door chuckling at her and filling his eyes with what he missed like hell in just a day and a night . She fixed the living room with a marathon and rushed to kitchen still not noticing his presence.

He moved behind her to the kitchen slowly and stood behind her and god knows what came to his mind... he poked his nose directly on her shoulder like a parrot making her jump on her place and her scream literally stucked in her throat the moment she saw him.

" Tu pagal hai... mujhe laga chipkali giri upar... " She shouted still jerking off her shoulder and he burst out in laugh looking at this jumping panda.

She stayed still looking at him and his beautiful laugh made her laugh too. This was his effect... she felt like wave of calmness passed through her within seconds. She suddenly felt like no need to do whatever she was doing a minute ago and she threw herself on him letting her body loose for him to held.

He held her tight and hugged her not sure whether because he felt that she needed that at that time or he himself was craving for that since night. He squeezed her but it effected him like some stretching.

He pulled his head back still hugging her and kept his fingers on her throat. As soon as she understood she tilted her face back too with a proud giving him more space as she knew temperature was normal.

" Course poora kiya medicines ka ?? "

" Maa tujhse bhi zada strict hai isme.. " She replied making him chuckle.

They spent some time while she made breakfast for Misha and then he had to leave...

___________________________________

And the routine became same for further days...

Sidharth was occupied in things so much that he couldn't talk during day time... and Shehnaaz's work was tiring her enough as she had to get done with Ankita and Raghav's wedding preparations before the functions start as a clear warning from Ankita. She would be home by evening and would do the planning work there only taking Maa and Shreya's help to know about every ritual to be done from Raghav's side. Even if she waits for Sidharth somedays she wouldn't be in the condition to open her eyes till the time Sidharth comes home. He would manage to come to her in the morning for at least a few minutes... atleast to get a glimpse of her.

A week passed and they barely got to meet. All the time their mind would be revolving around their schedule to take time out to talk to each other atleast on phone but failed everyday. It's been a week and they were struggling to even hug properly forget talking and they both were getting frustrated with this.

___________________________________

" Aap kidhar jaa rahe ho ?? " Shehnaaz squealed tensely as she entered home and saw Maa ready with a small bag.

" Parso ke function ke liye mujhe jaldi jana hoga na... " Maa told her.

" Kyu ??? Aur itniii jaldii kyu ?? Parso hai na wo to...  " She asked like a stubborn kid. She was genuinely falling into the space where she would actually forget that they met just months ago she was no less used to Maa's presence around than anyone else.. or may be more than others as she craved for it a lot.

" Aayee mera baccha... kal pooja hai na choti si.. ghar ke ghar.. ye sab to nahi jaenge parr mujhe to jana padega na... "  Maa convinced her like a kid only patting her cheeks.

" Okayy... parr mai phone karungi to uthana....  bhul mat jana mujhe... " She actually warned.

" Do din ke liye jaa rahi hu pagal.. " Maa replied laughing at this whining copy of Varun.

Vardaan went with Maa and Sarita ji to drop them at Raghav's home and Shehnaaz, Shreya, Ankush,Niti and Varun sat their chit-chatting.

" Sanu !! Kal web series ka launch hai... you'll go ?? " Shreya asked.

" I.... want to... I want to be there on his big day... " Shehnaaz told them hesitantly her wish.

" Then go... Sidharth ko bhi acha lagega... " Ankush suggested.

" Pakka ?? Kuch panga to nahi hoga... " Shehnaaz asked to confirm.

" Sourav ne invite kiya hai na... Fir kya hoga... ?? Aur kuch hai bhi to you are my friend... " Ankush assured.

" Nobody even knows me much there... A very few people know that I am even related to bhai... To same same hai apan... tension not... " Shreya said playfully.

" Okayyy "

" And you are staying here only I am going to make the dinner... Misha ko bhi bula rahi hu... " Shreya almost ordered.

" I'll come with you... " Ankush said smiling sheepishly and moved behind her.

" Reminder dena hai ?? " Shehnaaz asked them loudly looking at her laptop making them look back.

" huhh ??? " They both asked unanimously.

" Matlab.. bhul wool jaoge to.. ki gaye kisliye the !!.... kitchen me... " Shehnaaz said with fake hesitance and Varun laughed out loud.

___________________________________

Next day Shehnaaz was on her toes to get done with the final things so that the rest could be handled by the team or atleast she would be at least work.

It was late at night and Shehnaaz was on the dining table working lazily. She heard the sound of door being opened and her heartbeat paced like a stupid teenager who just saw her crush. Her eyes stucked there just to see him as even that much was a big deal now a days. He got in and she could see every inch of his body telling how tired he was. He didn't even looked around and threw himself on the couch only relaxing himself unaware of her absence.

She went to the kitchen and picked up a water bottle for him when her phone beeped. Taking out the phone from her pocket she checked and even the name was enough to make her smile reach her ears.

I am home. Where are you ??

Realizing that he was texting her only even after being this tired. She mattered this much !!!. He looked back listening to the phone sound and saw her coming to them with water and a bowl.

And this moment was serenity to him. Only his heart knows how much he craved for her...

" Khana ?? " She asked him.

" Tune nahi khaya ?? " He asked doubting if she waited for him.

" Maine bola to tha na late hoga wahi khalunga... " He spoke hastily feeling guilty.

" Aree... mai bas puch rahi hu baba... agar bhook lagi ho to... "

He huffed silently and hugged her holding her waist as he doesn't know why but he felt that it would make him feel better.

" Bahaut neend aari hai... " He spoke like a complaint and she felt so bad for him.

She parted and sat down besides him at the corner and made him lie keeping his head on her lap. Dipping her fingers in the oil she massaged his hair lightly just relaxing him. He turned on his side and made her to keep her legs up besides him to cuddle... And within minutes he slept. Even today they couldn't talk anything but she was thankful that they got this moment.

She knew how tired he must be... she felt quite distanced with him in all these days... She didn't had any complaints but she was feeling bad with this distance and she couldn't help it. Bad for both of them... Anything which shows her a mere glimpse of him away from her would wrench her heart... She wasn't concluding , she wasn't assuming , she wasn't complaining ... she was just not feeling good about their situation. And she was allowed to feel bad. You could behave practically but you can't feel practically. You can accept what is thrown to you but you may not necessarily like it and just like that she wasn't liking this distance... this struggle to get a mere glimpse of each other was irritating her.

In her thoughts and his snuggles she didn't realized did he reached up ? or pulled her down ? and was snuggling into her like a baby and she was patting his head softly and she drifted to a good sleep after days.

She got up next morning with the light coming from living rooms balcony and he was snuggled into her completely hiding his face. Such a baby !!!

Suddenly, she realized they slept in living room. Pintu was in kitchen. He came already ?? Who opened the door ?? And this quilt ?? Suddenly she was feeling embarrassed and she doesn't even know who actually saw them. She just doesn't know how did she even slept here ?? How come these consequences didn't even crossed her mind once at night ?? Ughh this man just makes her crazy in every freaking way.

" Sidharthh !! " She tried to wake him up softly which was of no use so she called again patting his shoulder.

He woke up with a groan. He now definitely knows the difference in taste of happy mornings and the other mornings.

" Good morning " He spoke in his raspy voice poking his face against her stomach.

" Sidharth uthhh " She whispered looking towards kitchen as any moment Pintu could be out. But what to hide ?? If he was there he must have definitely watched the show already.

He held her hand from his shoulder and kissing her knuckles he looked up with his eyes still half open adjusting to the light to see her agitated face which made him open his eyes full and look around.

They got up hastily and went to get ready.

" Tujhe drop kardu ?? "  Sidharth asked during breakfast and others were still sleeping.

" Mujhe aaj venue jana hai... opposite padega tujhe... chali jaungi mai... " Shehnaaz assured him.

" Sham ko aayegi ?? " Sidharth asked in a quite unsure tone.

" Tu chahta hai mai aau ?? "

" Wo bematlab ke logo me hasne ka kuch matlab hojaega... sirf tere hone se... " He said in a low tone getting up from chair and he himself didn't knew from where this line came.. indeed it was true but he never thought anything like that.

He himself was confused that she should be there or not... but his mouth just slipped out everything his heart wants. It was like he let her know both, his mind and heart, and was letting her decide because he clearly wasn't able to do that himself.

He left after breakfast and she waited for him to go to get some work done and then she left too.

___________________________________

It was almost evening and they managed to sent each other few texts. This part of work wasn't liked by Sidharth. Interviews, parties, people.. just not his things...

He came home to get ready and no one was there... he knew Shehnaaz was busy with work. He told Vardaan to pick an outfit from his designer to shed off atleast this part of hard work but he had no one home to approve of his looks. Even though he never needed that but it was a good reason to give himself to miss Shehnaaz and Maa so much.

He reached his bedroom to find an outfit laid on bed and another one was packed. He doesn't know why the other one wasn't packed but also it wasn't amongst those which Vardaan showed to him.

He picked it up and found a note half tucked in its pocket...

WAITING TO MAKE YOU LOOK HOT... COME ON WEAR ME...
             

Now that's definitely not a note he would expect a professional designer would send and it was handwritten... a foreign handwriting for him... so the answer was quite clear who it was... And do he even need to think which one he had to wear ??? He reduced his shower time to half in his excitement of getting into what was chosen by his girl for him.

He came out of shower... got dressed... and did everything from using hairsprays to chosing best perfume which would increase the impact of the  outfit even in mildest way and for his own heart attack he clicked a picture too but didn't sent it.  Somewhere he wanted her to see him in her gift on her own even if it happens after the party.

He reached the party venue and had no interest in interacting anyone there. He didn't even brought up the idea of her coming to the party even once no matter how badly he wanted that... except that one moment in morning where he just couldn't suppress his heart over mind... how badly he wanted her to be there on his any celebration... without her everything was just meaningless but he also didn't wanted anything to happen which would hurt her... he didn't wanted to behave strangely with her... even the thought pinches him like hell.

But he was relieved as this was the last thing and he would go home and could finally be with her and it would be just him, his baby girl and there serene place.

" Aaayee meri jaaan !! Finally the day is here... " Vardaan jumped on Sidharth from back.

Vardaan will do what he wants... place, people just doesn't matter to him which is very well known to everyone.

" Aeee khacchar.. neeche utar !!... kapdo ki vaat... " Sidharth scoffed and stopped in between as his eyes fell on Shehnaaz standing with Ankush and Shreya smiling lightly at him.

She was looking beautiful in a simple yet elegant full length suit. Looking extra innocent with her quite consciousness filled eyes and he wondered if her cheeks were extra puffy that day ?? He so wanted to fill her in his arms, squeeze her merging her into him and never let his teeth leave her cheeks.

Shehnaaz was literally checking him out for the first time as she had a reason ready with her that it was not him but the outfit... as she got it for him but silly girl !! Who was even going to ask her ??  And she was quite proud of her choice... or maybe it was him who just makes everything look good on him... That semi-casual look with a plane white tee, denims and grey blazer looked like was a combination made for him only.

They all met Sidharth and then met other people. Shehnaaz moved away too with Shreya while Sidharth got busy again.

A little later Sidharth looked around to find Shehnaaz and saw her talking to Sourav. Although he knew Sourav was a gentleman and had no other intentions towards her. But he just can't see anyone around her when he himself was away from her... when he himself wasn't even able to hug her... He just couldn't see someone else entertaining her... that was his duty, his responsibility... he couldn't share that.

Just then Sourav's eyes fell over Sidharth and he smiled immediately and before Sidharth could look away Sourav gestured him to come close.

And he felt like he got what he needed... He can atleast look at her now filling his heart... or may be even a hug could be expected !!! Yeah a formal one... but something is always better than nothing and his heart raced on the mere thought making his feet race along.

He reached and hugged her showing it as formal as he could. She felt like a relief of finding something precious suddenly which she had lost. His touch.. although it was for name sake but his fragrance... his presence around was making her feel relaxed.. she herself doesn't know relaxed for what but she felt that...

They were talking with these two glancing each other within seconds as if filling up their eyes... filling up their heart covering for this longing when the host announced that they were going to play a introductory part of the first episode giving a teaser.

The lights were dimmed and the episode was played. Sidharth chose to stand there only as what other place could be better ?? And why on earth he would leave the chance to keep her close...

The video kept playing with every pair of eyes stucked on the screen. One after other, every character introduced and the last one was the one for whom Shehnaaz was here.

His first look on screen and she saw a different person... a different Sidharth... the shirtless handsome on a luxury yacht removing his shades with a devilish smirk... he was looking hot... breathtakingly hot with proper body show... not just 'anything' this man makes even 'nothing' look good on him... perfect hair... perfect dialogues... perfect expressions...  she could hear hoots.... which includes more of girls... drooling over the perfect man on the screen with everything on point... making her actually believe that whom she was watching on screen was someone for real... a real personality.

That was his talent... she would appreciate Sidharth for that to no end.... She heard the deliberate sighs made around looking at that personality on the screen...

But her heart was thumping wildly for this Sidharth only who was standing besides... with her... who was beautiful for her in his messiest hair... who was handsomest in his shorts... who keeps his eyes bare for her to read... who takes her on bike rides as a special plan... who was perfect for her with his limited words... who right then was unknowingly holding her fingers down there sharing his moment, his celebration with her.

The episode was stopped with the introduction only and the loud clap all around was making Shehnaaz proud as everyone knew which character got the craziest response even there and all over since the trailer released.

Shehnaaz wanted to hug him right there and right then and she could do that to congratulate him even in front of others. Even he turned back to her and saw her smile which just added up his own even more... He always had people who were genuinely happy for his achievements but with her it was all different. Just like his Maa told that whatever he would share and would have with Shehnaaz would be out of love only... And here she was... happy in his happiness... out of love only.

Before she could go ahead, Sourav hugged him and then others came there too. Her face fell in disappointment  And that was what he was avoiding to happen.   
   
His team gathered there and he was surrounded with them but his eyes were still on her who just kept taking a step or two behind with each person moving close to him. And she kept looking at him with an unknown feeling inside. Fear, hurt, disappointment or don't know if something else... But some bad vibes insides.

Vardaan headed back home informing everyone as he had some work and Sidharth very well knew what was his newly founded work... Shreya & Niti came to Shehnaaz as even they don't know much people there and even a very few people knew Shreya as Sidharth's sister.

Shehnaaz definitely doesn't care if anyone knows about her being anyone to Sidharth but then what exactly was hurting her and she wasn't happy her heart behaving this way.

She needed him only, and right then she was feeling distanced from him only... and that was the simple answer to her questions. She trusts him but these different worlds of them scare her with the worst that could happen. She was happy by not involving the world but the residue of their decision was making her go through whatever she was going through right then.

She only gets insecure of the differences in their worlds and that logical side of her's scares her... May be nothing more, she just doesn't trusts her fate still that it could let her live happily... She felt herself stupid as this was just the work adjustments that they were not getting time and it aggravated the bad feeling she got with this distance with him when he was just in front of her... and over that fact they both weren't liking it and were trying to snatch every moment possible, for them.. and that is what matters... It was just the work adjustments... But the mere word " Distance " was an anxiety source. She even knew that she'll be fine once they are out of here... Her insecurities and stupid thoughts would vanish like they never existed but still she wasn't able to convince herself completely right then.

But with a good self talk and getting a grip over herself she decided not to spoil her mood and his day.

She moved towards a corner with Shreya and Niti and they were having their own good time when they heard a familiar irritating voice.

" You are managing this event too ??? " The women said with fake excitement and sat down with them keeping her glass on the table.

" Well !! You are here then who's managing ?? " She said again with a fake laugh trying to joke.

" Well don't you think the space should have kept more free.. these sittings could have been removed... it's all getting a bit congested naa... media persons don't have a separate space ? "

" I think you should talk to your beverage vendor.. " She started like some genuine concerned advisor taking a sip of her drink.

" Woah...ho..ho... hold on Mrs. Shefali... holdd onn.. " Shreya interrupted.

" See there... that's the manager... And she's is a guest... so here your glass... take this and your ass out of here aur waha Jake service-service khelo... okay ??? " Shreya said faking sweetness and a wide smile.

Shreya poured out all her stuffed anger since she spoke shit about Sidharth.
She wasn't a girl who would give someone answer in their way... She would do that in her own way and that was always straight as a line.

Shefali chose her words this time properly considering just complains as she knew Shehnaaz being a professional would apologize for that but her bad luck... also, someone speaking for someone else wasn't a thing she could expect... but not her fault... she never met Shreya.

She moved away definitely feeling insulted and Shehnaaz and Shreya sat there for some more time having their juice and talking. Shehnaaz was yearning to go near him more by having him in front of him.

She saw Sidharth still there with people... She felt like going to him again but she couldn't... She saw him looking around in between conversations and she knew who he was looking for and that was a reason enough for her to shrug all this off and maintain the unsaid trust they both always had on their togetherness.... The thought brought a smile and the next moment she suddenly felt a push, before she could see around, so many people moved passing her with Cameras and mikes... She looked back at him and saw person after person covering him in layers and finally blocking every inch of her view completely... but she moved away knowing very well that standing there would only mess up her insides...

Sidharth's eyes were constantly keeping a track of her whenever it was possible for him... Having her close but still far was piercing his heart too... With every hug and every person coming close just one thought would came to his mind that it was her right first but he couldn't give that to her...

____________________________________

Sidharth finally got free and decided to head back to home now... He literally let out a graon in relief... a relief with the mere thought of going back to his baby.. in their world and no one around them and with the thought he suddenly looked around but couldn't find her infact not even Shreya and Niti. He looked at Ankush,Vardaan and Varun who were talking to someone but the girls were nowhere to be seen.

Sidharth moved to them and asked Ankush pulling him to a side about the girls and Ankush too looked around cluelessly.

" Abhi thodi der pehle to baithi thi waha teeno... " Ankush said in confusion.

They looked around and then checked the whole place but couldn't find them. Sidharth and Ankush tried to call them but went unanswered. They were getting panicked now... It was late and they won't leave alone... atleast not without informing... and that too all of them... just not possible... then where were they ??

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

Hellloo you'll lovely people.

5k words 😴😴... I know ye part jaldi update karna tha... but your writer has a crazy mind... Idea kabhi bhi aajata hai to I changed the complete update after completing it already... Although not completely satisfied but itni baar padh lia hai maine ki ab mujhe waqai samajh nahi aaraha ki kuch changes chahiye ho to.m. But the good thing is I already have the rough draft for next part ready... So edit karte hi mil jaega wo...

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