Sorry, I deleted the previous update.. and it got all messy in copy paste.. as I have tons of drafts with writings in bits.. But, finally !!

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

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

She was standing all dolled up in his Maa's Saree.. and over that.. Saree which was gifted by his father..
He had no idea if he was feeling a lot.. It might be a little thing for others.. But such little things brings him such an intense emotion which turns his insides insane..

Like everytime, she got the urge to see herself in his eyes but couldn't even dare to look up at him knowing how her traitor cheeks were red already..
And adding up, his classic yet classy look.. Suited up in a white shirt and navy blue checked waistcoat and pants, his casualness was doing the best to contrast with rolled up sleeves and his blazer already lying on the chair besides.. Comfort is the priority !!
And then, she doesn't know if it sounds stupid.. but her heart was going outrageous just with the way he was sitting.. leaning back on the chair legs resting carelessly against the floor...

She stood there when someone from her staff approached her and she tried to hear her out.. but half of her attention was booked for the night.. or life ??

With each step she took in his direction.. he could feel his heart going insane with those wild thumpings against his chest as if ready to explode..

But the next moment Vardaan and Varun approached the girls. Varun like a kid got elated watching Shehnaaz and hugged her.. while Vardaan's eyes fell on Shehnaaz and she passed a sweet smile..

And if it was just how bothered Sidharth was with the mess between him and Vardaan, that he managed to pull his gaze away.

Though what all Vijender told Vardaan, it did disturbed him. It was there somewhere back in his mind, but God knows how to reason it but he just didn't felt like giving any thought to those words..

Vardaan might be careless with himself but he's highly sensitive when it comes to family. And Vijender just held that point. He won't say he believed Vijender's words or he doesn't believes Shehnaaz.. It's just the irritation, that he himself couldn't analyze anything or give a reply, just because he know nothing.

" Hey, pretty woman !! " He was genuinely elated.

He missed her !! Ofcourse, he will. She was one of his 'kind' in the family..

" How are you ?? " And reaching to her, he hugged her by side..

" Tu gussa hai ?? " She asked taking out the question, all her focus was at. It wasn't mafter her little observation on the video call in the morning and that little look of dejectionon Sidhart.. looking up at him like a kid still hugging him sideways..

" Kisse ?? "

" Kisi se bhii ??
.... Sidharth se ?? " It turned a whisper at last as she didn't knew how to explain that gut feeling ??

And watching those tensed up frowns how was he supposed to even give a thought to Vijender's words ??
And he walked with her towards a side knowing well about her weak health..

______________________________________

Sidharth's heart somewhere expected the usual jump from Vardaan but he felt a little heartbreak watching Vardaan not sparing even a look around to find him, even after knowing that he was there too.. standing just behind !!

But he has all the rights to be upset !! So Sidharth himself thought to approach but stopped as Raghav's mother called him..

" Sidharth ?? "

" Ha maasi ?? "

" Ye chain na Raghav ko de aa.. "

" Aurr haa wo Rahul hai na waha.. You remember ?? Raghav ke wo Denmark wale uncle hai, unka beta.. "

He looked into the direction pointed. Though he didn't knew much about that showoff NRI.. but nodded in a yes expecting Maasi to explain further..

" He liked the arrangements aur next month uski sister ki engagement hai isliye Shehnaaz ka number maang raha tha.. I don't have my phone with me.. to tu dekh lega ek baar.. "

And with each second, word his jaws came close.. and closer.. pressing his teeth against each other..

" Bilkul.. Ache se dekh lunga !! " He muttered under his breath, pasting a fake smile nodding in yes, left and right..

" But sahi me arrangements bahaut ache hai.. I didn't got the chance to talk to her among the guests.. but itne ache se arrange kiya usne sab kuch that even when she wasn't here yesterday, still everything went so smoothly.. Such a hardworking and dedicated girl !! "

All that jealousy was pushed to the back seat and all he remembered then was that admiration.. that respect for his girl in random eyes. Sidharth wondered if he ever felt the same for his own praises.. Pangs of flutters hit him making his lips curl up in a smile in a moment and realizing how stupid he might be looking, he forcefully relaxed them..

" Ha ye chain le jaa use pehle.. Infact Raghav himself was asking for you.. "

As Maasi left, he quickly looked back to find Shehnaaz and Vardaan not there.. And disheartedly went to Raghav's room...

______________________________________

" Kisse ?? " Vardaan acted oblivious..

" Kisi se bhii ??
.... Sidharth se ?? " It turned a whisper at last as she didn't knew how to explain that gut feeling ??

And watching those tensed up frowns how was he supposed to even give a thought to Vijender's words ??
And he walked with her towards a side knowing well about her weak health..

" Kisne bola ?? " He questioned back pulling out a chair for her..

" Mujhe laga... "

And chuckling at that baby face, he sat besides and bent a bit closer...

" Mushkil se aisa mauka aata hai.. maze lene de thode.. " Vardaan whispered disclosing the plan making Shehnaaz comprehend his words for a moment and then giggle out loud.

" Matlab nahii hai na ?? "

And watching that wide smile, he knows he believes nothing and no one but that innocence her mere presence reflects..

" His rights are way more than how much he could ever do !! Usse kya gussa hounga ?? ... Chance-ich nahii hai !! "

Though it was between Sidharth and Vardaan but how happy she feels watching it all good was unexplainable. It wasn't about just her bond with them anymore, but each bond in the family became precious to her.. that was how much she was infused into.. And then this boy.. his silence is utter torture. He's one of a kind in the family and just like how Sidharth says, without his antics, day goes incomplete !!

" Maine teko miss kiya.. " She told what she just realised and taking it as a appreciations, he suddenly got excited..

" I so knew it !! Boring hai na wo aadmi ?? " And the drama !! Well, that's Vardaan for you guys !!

" Acha tell me something !! " She asked again while her eyes scrunched slightly busy with her observations..

" Hmm ?? " He said gulping in the last peice and then looked at her..

" Is there something I need to know about those two ?? " She asked and his gaze followed her's.

" Who ?? "

" Naina and the girl with her !! "

" What about them ?? "

" I don't know.. they are constantly looking.. and.. it's.. just their gazes are really uncomfortable !! "

" See.. Naina ke Naina jaha fix hai, wo Naina to tujhpe fix hai.. "

" Abey poetry ho gayii.. " His eyes widened realizing the play of words happened unknowingly..

" Aage sun.. " He continued bringing his all focus to the task.. fully confident to do it again..

" Aurr wo dusri wali ke armano ki 'chop' ho gayi,
kyunki
uske crush ki shayari abhi abhi flop ho gayi ?? "

He just completed unbothered if it makes sense or not.. and turned doubtful at last, questioning Shehnaaz if it was true, but got interrupted as Shreya came there..

" Ankush ko dekha kya ?? " She asked looking around for the answer to her question herself, and took a chair besides them..

" Ha matar cheel raha hai kitchen me, jaa dekh.. " He dismissed her quickly, not paying much attention.. making Shreya's eyes go wide in offence and Shehnaaz's in shock.. while he got his attention back..

" Haa to ham kahan the ?? Poetry !!.. Kuch bhi ho, rhyme to kiya.. mast thi na ?? Socha bhi nahi.. bass nikal gaya.. Talent hi itna hai na bass, khud ko hi nahi pata kitna hai, Kaha-kaha hai ?? "

" Now the gaze is justified ?? " Vardaan questioned coming back to the topic.. and Shehnaaz nodded already dreading if he attempts again..

Offended with Vardaan's ignorance first and then annoyed with his bragging, Shreya was about to clutch on his hair.. but this 'super sensitive for his hair' man, pulled his face back just in time, saving them like his dear life..

" Baalo ke sath mazak nahii !! " Vardaan told seriously and his hand reached up in a go, pulling out his phone to check them again..

" Tune baalo ka kya kiya ye ?? " Shehnaaz asked as she now noticed his well-gelled back slicked hair.

" Acha ni lagra ?? " He asked suddenly alarmed.

" Acha hai parr isme na tu matlab aise serious sa.. stern sa lag raha hai !! "

" Sahii me ?? " He asked as if conforming, but the supressed elatement was so-audible, to which she nodded.

" Firr theek hai.. 'Stern' is the new hot !! " He kept caressing the sides so carefully, scared to move even a strand.

And that's when Ankush joined them with a plate...

" What's up ?? " He cheered taking a seat besides Shreya..

" Why the hell will you do that ?? " Shreya whisper-screeched all of a sudden and Ankush frowned at what kind of reply it was for that simple question.

All the attention on Shreya which further followed her gaze to Ankush's plate.. Shreya's face held an accusing look.. while Vardaan's held 'used-to' and Shehnaaz !! Well, she was confused watching the jalebis with momo sauce in the plate.

" I'm liking it.. " Ankush replied frowning, offended at that reaction.

" You run a restaurant for God's sake.. you can't do such disasters.. "

" That's so mean Shrey !! I like desert with something spicy.. " Ankush stated shrugging his shoulders not understanding why it was made that big a deal.

" Are you pregnant or what ?? " Shreya frowned watching him dipping the jalebi in the spicy sauce.

" Have you done anything for that to happen ?? " Ankush blurted out with his mouth full and choked on his food testing his own words.

He couldn't help the coughs which seems pushing his guts out but his mind busy in wondering what the hell was wrong with him ?? Why the hell his brain wasn't processing anything and just giving the outputs straightaway.. And Vardaan and Shehnaaz were just looking at them.. and then shaking their head they came out of the bewildered zone these crazyheads pulled them into..

" There's a cliff in the way while coming here... " Vardaan spoke all of a sudden with utter seriousness.

And then looking towards Shehnaaz, he continued...

" Science just jumped off that cliff.. stating these two responsible for the suicide !! "

And the seriousness and sympathy in his words made Shehnaaz confused for a second as why the words and emotions were not coming along ??

______________________________________

Everyone was making the best out of the evening. While Shehnaaz was sitting at a side as her discomfort was rising again.. Considering how she persuaded Sidharth for bringing her here, she obediently followed her side of the deal by not exhausting herself..

It was a private affair, still there were nearly fifty-sixty people around. What started with youngster's bollywood night, later involved almost every couple in the house into the madness.. changing the air on the dance floor with every song, it was changing from total madness in one to utter romance in another.

As younger clan was dancing, they all kept coming to her in between to dance with her.. at her place only.. sometimes having a long-distance dance with her from the dancefloor only.. going out on every crazy way to just not let her feel her left out... totally unbothered to all the questioning looks on the faces there !!

She was so conscious and awkward and nervous while coming here. So much happened, but no one even mentioned a thing. Though earlier she was nervous about questions.. but now she was even more nervous about not being questioned.. Only if she knew whatever little they all understood, turned them super sensitive for her.

But her fear wasn't unreasonable too.. She didn't knew what opinions they all got feeded with about her.. And if nothing else, then just the place her parents keep her at, was enough in itself to make her conscious and awkward in front of them..

With the sudden barging of her family, her confidence was shredding..
And why it won't ??
She was scared if the mistrust, disliking or coldness her parents shows for her, will make them think that they loved a wrong person.. they put their trusted in a wrong person.

They all knew nothing about her.. nor they ever asked.. they never asked about her family issues.. they never asked her back story.. they never asked why she's not loved by her own blood. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't. They deserve to know. The transparency they share is their strength and if she is the part then she should follow it too. But everything will be same then ?? Yes ofcourse.. they know her !! They love her !! ... But ain't parents know more and their love was supposed to be more than anyone ?? And her's abandoned her !!

How was she supposed to prove herself when the people who happened to give her life considered her unworthy of that trust and love ??

One can prove the action, but how was one supposed to prove the intention ??

" Let it rest for sometime... "

Her trance broke hearing Maa and she looked besides at her recalling what she said to comprehend..

With a faint smile, Maa playfully tapped with a finger on her forehead and took a seat besides her..

" Dimag ko !! Thak gaya hoga bechara.. Stop making it run unnecessarily... "

And getting the meaning behind the words, Shehnaaz smiled watching the playful efforts.. just to make her fine !!

" Sabb theek hai ?? " Maa asked again a bit slowly, just to know if anything major happened she wasn't aware of..

Shehnaaz knew that the question was about her parents and she didn't even knew what to say when she didn't even knew if they were still in the city.

" Pata nahi...
Ba.aat.. nahii hui.. " She replied slowly and as the words left, the embarrassment was way more than she thought it to be, making her look away.

Maa was really not expecting this.. It was weird to consider that they didn't checked on her considering how bad her condition was that day.. But then, she didn't even felt like making any judgment.. and simply pulled her closer and took in a side hug.

" Koi baat nahi !! " And she kept patting her head softly..

Those soft words and even softer caresses, felt like a tranquilizer.. her beats went slow making her calmer..

" Apne liye fight karna selfish hota hai ?? "

She sounded like a lost little girl behind those words, who has her sets of rights and wrongs.. but these societal standards were making her stands weak..

" Bilkul nahi.. "

" To mai wrong nahii hu ?? "

That little girl just needed a little, simple support.. as simple as a statement from someone she trusts..

Sidharth told Maa that the only reason he brought her here was that she needed a distraction more than anything right then, so she didn't wanted to push Shehnaaz in the same thoughts.. but Maa didn't even wanted to leave her mid-way knowing the silent yet loudest plead for an assurance..

" Agarr purpose kisi ko hurt karna nahii hai, to fight bilkul galat nahii hai !! "

And cupping her face, Maa made look up at her.. still holding her in the hug.

" Mai nahii kehti ki fight Karr.. parr kisi ko tere emotions se khelne mat de.. wo haq kisi ka bhi nahii hai.. "

And her hold around Maa tightened even more.. a bit under affect of her words and rest to feel more of what all that magic hold brings..

" Aap sab sahi kar dete ho !! "

And Maa smiled heartily watching the little girl back to her ownself and squeezed her in her hold gently..

" Dukhi mat hua karr, baccha.. It might or might not be my place to speak, but I'm always standing behind you.. Jab bhi zarurat ho, bas ek ishara karna hai.. "

And with the magic this wonder hold do everytime.. the peace her words brings.. Shehnaaz dragged herself out of those constant thoughts.. and looked around.. and her curious eyes moved around.. a little to see the happening surroundings and rest to find the gaze she was constantly feeling on her.

And in that inspection, she noticed a pair of eyes.. which kept glancing at her and Maa in between.. as if taking a notice of every inch, with a look which wasn't much comfortable.

" Relax karr.. sabko itni importance nahi dete.. " She heard Maa and realized seconds later that the words were for her only..

And knowing that Maa has noticed where her eyes were, she couldn't restrain herself...

" Wo aise kyu dekh rahi hai aapko ?? " Shehnaaz asked a bit annoyingly making Maa chuckle at this angry bird.

" Naina tujhe kyu dekhti hai aise ?? " Maa questioned back in response making Shehnaaz conclude the meaning..

" Bass same reason hai.. " Maa cleared with a chuckle and Shehnaaz giggled understanding that.

" Hihi.. Papa ne unko bhao nahii diya tha ?? "

She said in a flow making Maa pause for a moment and look at Shehnaaz.
A sudden escalation of emotion with just the way she addressed... Maa just felt so overwhelmed. She remembered how overjoyed her husband was when he was called 'Papa' for the first time. It was Sidharth then who gave him that happiness for the first time. And it was his life now who gave the same joy now..

" Ha matlab she's my cousin in a way.. And her mother asked my Mother-in-law for her and your papa.. But in turn, he asked for me..
And since then she's holding that offense.. "

" Haye.. matlab papa pehle se hi clean bold the.. " Shehnaaz amused which sounded more like a tease making Maa smack her head in attempt to hide that blush.

" But I can't deny, because of this woman, I fell for my husband much sooner than it would had happened... " Maa confessed.

" Kaise ?? "

" Meri side se to arranged hi tha na.. to in starting days, matlab jab hamari shadi hui thi, uske next day hi mere ek cousin ki wedding ke functions start hogaye the.. isliye ham mere ghar aagaye the... to, she used to be so mean matlab she won't just find but create opportunities to put me down... "

" Wo koi mere liye important nahi thi.. parr hota hai na ? Ham ignore kar dete hai, relative hai sochke.. aur firr new bride thi mai, vaise hi sabki attention mere sab actions pe.. "

" But he stood for me.. he stood for me in her first attempt itself of mocking me.. and then at every single time, not thinking twice.. he stood for me like no one ever did.. Wo itni smartly saamne wale ko chup karwa sakte the na ki thappad bhi pade aur samajh bhi na aaye.. "

" Abhi tum logo ko samajh nahi aayega parr us zamaane me this open support.. Display of affection.. they were really big things. It's not like mujhe zarurat thi us stand ki.. parr us ek action se wo mere liye kya sochte hai, kaise sochte hai wo pata chala mujhe.. aurr wo, bahaut important tha.. vo meri respect ke liye kya karte hai, wo bahaut valuable tha !! "

Maa kept telling with a smile, lively much like she could still feel the emotion.. and another smile striked to Shehnaaz and her gaze moved around reflexively in the search of the image which came to her mind as the first thing with this description.

Shehnaaz couldn't believe that once in life she was so ignorant of 'this' emotion. She always felt an emptiness but never knew to name it. But now she do.. It was 'love' people call it.. She got to feel it.. experience it.. Not just in one way but so many.. These people define love for her.. those she can see.. and others she can feel.. like Maa and Papa.. it was so pure.. as if Maa was living to love him..

______________________________________

Sidharth was with an anxious Raghav.. in his room.. trying to leave him with his married friends.. telling him that he was of no use in that matter, just when he saw Vardaan and Ankush passing the room...

" Vardaan !! " Sidharth called out in reflex.. and realized later that it just came out unprocessed.. just that subconscious desperation to make all good !!

So excusing himself he came out of the room. He doesn't even know what state of mind Vardaan was in.. He doesn't even know what exactly he would explain him.. Not that it was something that couldn't be explained, but maybe because he never was in the situation of doing that..

Vardaan turn back to look at him with a questioning face.

" Who Vardaan ?? " Vardaan questioned back with a straight face, making his heart sunk a little more..

" We can talk... " Ankush looked at Sidharth shockingly. He just doesn't identify this tone on Sidharth.. and for no reason, he wasn't even liking it.

Vardaan relaxing himself stood straight, and then crossing his arms against his chest he replied in utter seriousness...

" We can definitely talk but who is Vardaan ?? "

" What the hell is wrong with him ?? " Ankush whispered shockingly unaware of any happenings between Sidharth and Vardaan.

And finding no response, Vardaan turned away to go... But, Acting in front of an Actor ??
Sidharth may not have experiences of Vardaan's anger towards himself.. but who knows how his anger looks like, his every damn mood for that matter, more than Sidharth and Ankush ?? Vardaan rarely gets angry but he was the one who bursts.. this 'cold shoulder' wasn't his way !!

" Ae Khacchar !!! "

Vardaan startled for a split second with the sudden call and in the next one, he turned back to Sidharth. And those teeth on display told clearly what all the drama was about. In the very next moment 'khacchar' turned 'monkey' and jumped over Sidharth knowing well how bad faces he might be making. But then, annoying Sidharth was the only thing he was devoted to do all his life.

And Sidharth felt so light all of a sudden !! Even if they have literally spent their whole life together. They can never define how much they mean to each other. They all were the pieces of a puzzle..

And each peice is precious for their peace.

____________________________________

Despite his 'n' number of attempts, it was only after they came for the first ceremony, when Sidharth managed to free himself.

And coming to the hall, the first job his eyes did was the obvious search around.. and found her sitting at a side with Maa, who was keeping a watch over her with no mercy, making Shehnaaz gulp in what he could assume was some soup and salad.

His patience was vanishing and desperation was screaming.. The craving he was having then was way crazier than he ever knew he could feel. He was going crazy to have a proper, rightful look at her and now the part of him going insane was cursing his ownself for bringing her here and make himself deprive of her but the sane one felt good to find her distracted.. even if it was for few hours.. but atleast that much of peace !!

And as if getting mercy over his silent pleas, he saw Maa getting up and saying something... No, more like ordering something to Shehnaaz to which she nodded in response. Maa went away.. and he sighed dramatically thinking that he can finally steal her for himself. Leave others, he need to steal her from his own family.

And before he even takes a step ahead, his step halted mid-way...
Goddamn it looked like every one present there, had a sole purpose of not letting him reach her.
She's again occupied !!

" Ab kiska baccha utha liya yrr ?? " He grumbled watching her holding a baby and talking to a woman... maybe her school friend !!

" How does she manages to attract babies everywhere ?? Lollipop hai kya ?? " And this big baby just couldn't stop whining.. quite loud, but god bless the DJ.

His mood took a total shift in a moment and this grumpy baby stood there resting against a pillar tapping his foot with arms crossed against chest, watching.. ah, pretending to see the dancing people.. while gaze fixed at watching this baby in his baby's arms.. constantly jumping.. playing with her neckpeice.. and.. then.. gobbling her cheeks ??? Nooo !! He agree that the baby is cute.. Okay, very cute !! But she can't eat his cupcake !! That's too much to share !!

But the moment he sensed the discomfort in her body language.. his patience actually gave up.. He didn't knew if that discomfort was actually there or it was just his sensitivity regarding her.. but he knew that she was too weak and reliant on medicines to keep herself going.. to keep herself okay !!

Before he reaches, he saw the woman taking the baby and going away. And not taking any more chances, he quickly moved to her glancing around roughly... and finding no eyes in their direction, he dragged her softly keeping the decency even if they caught any eye...

Startled with his action, her eyes looked around reflexively.. a little nervous.. a little thrilled !! while he pulled her to the barely lit corner of the side of the bunglow.. in between those few cars parked, knowing that everyone was at the backyard and there wasn't any possible work, one could have there..

Reaching there, his strides-like-steps halted and pulling her in front of him, he tugged her wrist softly making her turn around and face him.

And finally !!
Finally it was just him and her !! Just them !! Finally he can fill in the sight his eyes were not ready to blink at. It literally felt like an achievement. Maybe because the desperation to see her heartful was that intense.

He took a step back.. and one more.. and.. Perfect !!!

He couldn't define what exactly but it was something which was making his heart tremble... making his heart full of something undefined... making him unstirred outside, agitated inside.. making him focused outside, dizzy inside..

He felt stupid to admit, but even breathing felt a disturbance then. He just stood there.. with his head tilted at a side.. looking up and down at this dreamy creation with a dreamy gaze.. A gaze which was so.. so new for her !! Maybe because it was the first time he did no attempt of hiding it.. Maybe because 'not hiding' what she was doing to him was an another expression in its own..

He know no reason but it's just that, every look of her feels like a new shade of her.. and he just gets overwhelmed realizing that each one of that belongs to him !!

He kept filling her in his eyes making her burn with each passing second. Though the physical weakness was very much alive but in that moment she couldn't differentiate the reason of her legs ready to ditch her.. Maybe sensing 'that'... or maybe feeding his own urges, he took steps closer.. a bit slowly.. as if elongating the view with every possible split-second.

And as he came close enough obstructing the cold air around and replacing it with his warmth and cologne.. her hands came up and clutched the fabric over his waist, as if searching a support for her there..

" Thodi limelight bride ko bhi lene de.. Shadi hai uski !! "

" Uski to shadi hai.. use dekh ke kisi ko kya hi milna hai ?? " A little blush, a little playfulness...

Nothing much, just a crazy urge to see the further reaction.

And her crazy urge erupted a crazy possession in him.. In the next moment, she felt him jerking her to him, making her stand on her toes.. as coming closer wasn't even possible.

" Aapke sath bhi ye nazarbattu latka hai...
To idhar dekh kar bhi kisi ko kuch nahi milna hai !! "

And exactly what she wished for.. His direct claims !!

But only if she could register that.. as the only thing she could focus on then was his nose tip against her's and her eyes closed, feeling his burning breaths which she felt difficult to differentiate with her's, burning her insides in turn...

And the next moment, she felt the sudden loss of that warmth.. before she even opens her eyes, he lifted her up and made her sit on the bonnet of the car behind her.. with her legs hanging free..

And like everytime, having him closer gives content, but brings urges even more and the soft fabric of his waistcoat just turned a catalyst. Her palm moved up from his waist.. maybe in attempt to feel him more.. but her fingers rested just the moment she felt that pounding chest.. or maybe that was what she was searching for unknowingly.. those wild beats !!
Her palm stayed there, taking in the weird peace that wild blood pumping organ brings.. while her thumb tucked at the lapel of his shirt moved over his bare chest, subconsciously, increasing those thumpings in return.. making him go close.. and closer.. as if giving their lashes a partner to hug.

" Kya karr raha hai ?? " The whisper came out unprocessed, and within a second she realized that what the heck was she even asking ??

Hearing her heavy breaths, his own took a hold.

" Dekh raha hu !! " He stated in an obvious manner yet managed to shudder her insides with the passion dripping.

And she heard but left the attempt of replying as she felt the tip of his nose shifting to her cheek.. jaw.. not ready to leave a split-second of touch, finally finding a comfy place at his home, he rested his chin on her shoulder, poking his nose against her neck.. while her palms wrapped his waist..

" My cupcake is in Pista flavour today.. I had to relish it.. " He muttered taking a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the mogras wrapped around her hair bun...

It took a moment for her to understand that the reference came from the colour of her saree. And she just couldn't believe what gets into this man in private ??

" Abhii ?? "

And that innocent dripping made his heart go up and down but then at the same time made him doubt it... Was she really not even aware what wildness her words infuse in him ??

And pulling his face out, he looked her..

" Ofcourse, abhi !! Last time manane ke liye Sweden tak jana pada tha.. is rate se to sadak pe aajaunga.. "

Watching those blushy eyes scrunching up as the words registered to her, a soft chuckle left his mouth..

" Aur vaise bhi... "

Digging his fingers in her waist he bend closer to her ear, making her clutch on his lapel tighten in attempt of handling the sensations, the vibrations erupting with his words falling straight in her ear...

" Meri craving...
Mera cupcake...
Koi problem hai ?? "

And as if challenging her, he took her skin just below the ear and grinded it softly within his teeth and a crazy shiver passed through her body making her shudder visibly and he got a blushy grin with this discovery.. He so wished to see her face right then, but owing to how those responses were making him feel, he didn't had the heart to leave the task he was going with...

And having a good time at his home.. he pulled himself a bit away filling his heart for the time being.. but never loosing the hold around her...

Within that 'turning intoxicated' self, his eyes fell on those lips, coated with a light shade.. and then back to those eyes which held 'just blush'.. after so long !!

Compensating her waist by tightening one arm around it, he moved the other palm up to cup her face.. and the ne t moment she felt his thumb swiping lazily over her lip lines. She didn't knew if it was out of passion she was feeling.. or the very usual routine of his nowadays to check the healing of her lips but whatever it was, it was making her weak to handle herself..

" Not paining.. " She whispered making him chuckle softly.

" Let me check myself... " He whispered in that torturous husky voice..

Bending closer, his thumb shifted away to her jaw replacing it with his lips.. he moved up placed his lips softly over hers.. not a peck.. not a kiss.. just feeling that softness against each other. But as if drugged, that softness started dragging them in.. But God knows fortunately or unfortunately, feeling his fingers which in attempt of finding a home in her hair pulled her back into senses...

" My hair... " She screeched in a suppressed voice pulling herself back.

Her hands reached up in a reflex to check if the bun was fine or not.. and he just stood dumbfounded..

" Whattt ?? " He scoffed unbelievably.. How cruelly she spoiled it, ofcourse, he was annoyed !! And awkward !!

" You were tugging on my hair.. " She mumbled guiltily like a kid, blaming him in turn..

" To kiya kyu aise.. Let them lose... "

And she won't be wrong to assume that this disappointed child would've let her hair loose in the next moment. .

" Sidharthh !! Bada time laga hai yrr.. "

And sighing out, he dropped the plan..

" Acha let me go now before we become the hot gossip topic among your relatives.. " She shifted the topic trying to get down from the car.. but he kept his hold still..

" That is gonna happen anyway.. "

He told carelessly, because considering his scanner of a relatives, it was difficult for anyone to not understand anything, with the way his eyes were savouring her all the time unbothered to the world. He was aware then too.. he know it now too.. but the moment was so precious to be bothered with all that.. That moment was worth everything !! She was worth everything !!

" Wo jane de... Medicines li ?? "

" Abhi to khaya na.. thodi der baad please.. pet full !! " She tried convincing, rubbing over her tummy.

" Itni si tablets hai wo.. "

" Ha to.. count that tons of water needed to gulp it down.. "

He pretended annoyance, but he can't explain how his heart was going fluttery inside.. he was thankful for this moment. After watching her broken self all these days, his heart squeezed watching this pretty sight.. How much he missed this !! How much he missed her !! How much he missed them !!

He was aware that it was just that she had so much around, to not let her mind occupied with anything else. This moment right now was nothing much but just a glimpse of a fine moment.. But, that much atleast !! And he wished to elongate it with every possible second..

" Nautankii.. "

" Thodi der baad.. pakka pakka pakka.. Abhi jauu ?? .. I've to check the return gifts once.. "

" Phere hone wale hai na thodi der me, abhi kaha jaegi... "

" Kaam hai na baby... " Pulling his cheeks she cooed convincing him..

For a moment he mentally frowned at his big structure being called baby, still he couldn't help the blush.. Just the taste of how she feels when he uses that for her.. unawaredly, most of times !!

But understanding her dedication for her work, he decided not to interfere as it will do nothing but keep her restless. And nodding at her, he picked her up in his arms, making her gasp with this sudden thing.. and then giggled watching this man whose simplest of actions turns out, pampering her.. even when he himself wasn't aware..

As he put her down, fixing her Saree she looked up at him to find him looking behind her at a distance, with slightly scrunched-confused eyes.. and she got the idea already.

A sudden nervousness erupted inside her. Though it need not to, but she wasn't very comfortable to become the gossip topic and that too over such scene, which was pretty private..

" Kaun hain ?? " She whispered slowly not turning back, and his eyes getting more scrunched, confused her.. Humans aren't that tiny to identify !!

" Hmm ?? "

" Naina !! Hidden behind that wall.. " He answered while his eyes still there, as them standing in dark didn't let Naina know that his eyes already catched her...

And that one name was enough to piss her off.. Damn, that girl is weirdly stubborn. Her eyes stalking Sidharth all these hours was so well known to Shehnaaz. That could still be ignored, but this was crazy.. Crushing him or admiring could be justified.. but what was this obsession of tracking him each moment. She might have came there for any reason.. but still standing there and peeking into their private moment ??
Though Shehnaaz couldn't understand the physical distance she was maintaining with Sidharth unlike how she was clinging onto him, on the engagement day... but this was creepier !! Only if she knew how clearly Naina was warned to keep her distance from her man.. by her man himself !!

Sidharth knew Naina was all about having her eyes in everybody's plate.. so he knew he need not pay attention but before he shrugs it off, he felt a tingly touch around his neck and a soft smash against his lips.. Before he could even understand, those fingers wrapped the back of his head, so protectively and those lips started devouring 'his', so possessively.. No matter how much unbotheredness he showed sometime back, knowing that they have an audience his consciousness was on peak again but weirdly, his urges at the same time were more than he ever had..

And cupping her face he took a hold responding back, feeding to his urges, compensating all the longing.. yet a part of him aware of her health, didn't let him leave his softness even for a moment..

It felt like she intend to mark him.. to claim him her's.. and the sensations erupting in him with that thought only were crazier than what she was doing..
Deepening his hold in every possible way, he tried satiating himself but seemed like going opposite way as it just kept erupting more craving, even more yearnings, and urges.. in folds !!

Parting away, maintaining the confidence she started this with, as she looked at his smirking face, he raised his eyes up a bit questionably and more teasingly..

" Tune hi bola mai start nahii karti !! " She reasoned out biting her cheeks, shrugging her shoulders pretending total cool...

" To we need to put a show and call audience everytime for you to start ?? "

And the teasing in his words bursted the blush out she was trying to supress.. and in attempt of hiding it from him, she hid herself against him only..

" I don't like anyone having any thoughts for you !! " She mumbled the confession, against his chest, like a baby reasoning out...

And only if he could explain the crazy obsession, the possession in her words erupted !!!

" Damn woman, why are we even here ?? "

Hearing that groan in, god knows what to call, frustration ?? Or desperation ?? She smiled against his chest. It feels so damn different.. so loved.. so wanted.. so cherished.. something which was worth every damn thing..

And holding that big smiling yet blushy face, she parted herself to move away when a sudden thought striked him...

" Sunn !! " She heard him calling, making her stop and she looked back over her shoulder.

And all what was there in his eyes just a second back was replaced.. all what she left him with was replaced by this proud, admiration and adoration.. with this sweet, soothing, peaceful smile..

She tried to peek in more but found him taking a step close to her already. And before she could even comprehend, his lips were on her forehead.. unknowingly relaxing the palpitations, he himself caused minutes back, pecking once more his husky voice came out so soft...

" You did such an amazing job.. I'm feeling so much of 'Naaz' over 'my Naaz' !! "

His eyes fixed at her's but he very well knew that the blush was replaced with a grin by then. Every other thing got aside, and she was grinning like a kid given trophy.. Not the first time he praised, but she just doesn't know how to explain what his very same words do to her.. with an intensity greater than any other time !!

_____________________________________

Sidharth came inside behind her and watching her going inside the room the event staff was allotted, he moved to the backdoor to go to the backyard, the ceremonial setup was arranged there as per the couple's demand..

Highlighting the Gazebo turned Mandap, covered with pretty white floral strings with lights around it making it brightest and everything around dim..

And saving himself from the catch of another walking-talking matrimonial sites in names of relatives, Sidharth and Ankush smoothly moved aside to take a table away from all...

After the loud, lively and long evening, the cheerfulness was subsiding and was getting replaced with a subtle overwhelmness as the ceremonies started. They don't know if they were able to comprehend even a single word but the atmosphere, the vibrations, the sounds in the air, every single thing was bringing weird flutters inside..

That.. that particular atmosphere held something so strong.. so captivating.. making them uncomfortable with the unusual daze they were feeling dragged into..

Shaking his head, Ankush took a deep breath to pull himself out of that spellbound and looked besides to get into some conversation but before he could say something, words on his lips went back through throat on their own.. and a sudden smirk played on Ankush's lips as he found even the 'hulk' sitting besides, enchanted. And he knew he wasn't the only one, those mantras indeed hold a power to get a hold of the soul.

" Ek baat bol ?? " Ankush asked looking at the couple who were so ready to take their first vow.

" Hmm " Sidharth responded subconsciously, chuckling at how Raghav and Ankita were confused about who was supposed to walk ahead for the first phera.

" Did she liked the gift ?? " Ankush asked all of a sudden dragging Sidharth's attention.. and it striked him the next moment what exactly he was asking ??

" She didn't got it yet. "

" You were ready, right ?? " Ankush said more like a statement..

Sidharth who was still looking ahead took few seconds to realize that the statement was complicated enough to understand and he shifted his focus completely towards Ankush looking at him with confusion filled scrunched brows.

" I said You Were Ready !! We haven't talked about it.. But I felt.. that.. that gift wasn't.. just like that.. It meant something !!! "

He hinted letting Sidharth comprehend on his own and he did understood !! Since Ankush saw the gift he got for Shehnaaz, Sidharth knew where his mind was running.

Ankush didn't knew how come he was this much confident about the things which were yet unsaid.. yet undiscussed. It was so so stupid.. but he just couldn't control that gut feeling which was screaming inside owing to all the obvious idea which got into his mind since he knew about that little gift box !!

And this reminds him that the gift was still strolling around with him. Even now it was in his car as he didn't wished to let it come in anyone else's eyes.

But then Ankush's words just reminded Sidharth, the depth he was in with Shehnaaz.. the extent he had pushed himself already.. which was overwhelming and frightening at the same time..

He had given up every possible of him and beyond already...

" I was.. " He replied sincerely, shocking Ankush.

No matter how strong the gut feeling is, confession always amuse !!

" Then what was stopping you ?? Tere pas itne mauke the... " Ankush asked complaining as if regretting on behalf of him.

" Remember you asked Me and Maa for Shrey that day ?? "

And how could Ankush even forget that day ?? A sweet smile erupted as if the flashes ran in back of his mind but he pulled himself soon and he looked back towards Sidharth and sensing his eyes on him Sidharth continued..

" That is the thing !! " Sidharth breathed out the words and let himself loose against the backrest.

Ankush for a moment was surprised as 'Sidharth doesn't explains !! ' .. Never !!

" It striked me that day ki...
Shehnaaz ki bhi to ye expectation hogi... uske liye bhi to uski family ka involvement matter karta hoga.. Hamne kabhi baat hi nahi ki is bare me to mujhe strike bhi nahii kiya.. but us din I realized ki mujhe kuch pata hi nahi hai.. but it's important.. baki kuch nahii to atleast I need to know that what does she want to do in this matter ?? where does their involvement stands for her ?? "

" Mai baat karna chahta tha usse.. About us !! Mauke bhi the.. But she was so stucked.. Her status with her family was so unclear... to mai usko directly aisi situation me nahi daal sakta tha na where she'll be stucked thinking that she's disappointing anyone.. "

" Aurr waha Sweden me.. itni khush thi.. She was so happy !! .. Isliye I didn't felt like bringing out that conversation there.. this topic doesn't makes her very happy.. unke bare me jab bhi baat karti hai na wo, us zone se bahar aane me time lagta hain usko..
Aur honestly mujhe regret bhi nahi hai.. kyunki jitni memories usko waha milgayi, wo sabb kharab ho jata... uski pehli trip thi... Mish ke sath.. mere sath.. ye aisa family time... sab pehli baar tha uske liye... I didn't had the heart to spoil all that.. Kaise leta step aage ?? " And he couldn't help but his words turned helpless ultimately.

Ankush knew no words for this man. Even though he knows him all his life, but since this emotion called love knocked him, it felt like watching a whole new person. This man just makes the word 'love' beautiful than anyone could ever know. Though Ankush himself was one epitome of this emotion yet what Sidharth reflects out for Shehnaaz was so different.. so strong.. so intense.. so.. unbelievable !!
His selflessness was unbelievable.. His faith was unbelievable.. His devotion was unbelievable.. How devastated he goes without her was unbelievable.. The vulnerability he holds for her was unbelievable.. How faithful his soul was to her's was unbelievable !!

How it wasn't just about loving her.. it was more about living to love her !!

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

This was kind of filler but much needed chapter considering the pace of plot and to connect the previous chapter with next one..

Love Love 💞💞