Sidharth sat next to his mother, near his father's body. He held her tightly as she was silently sobbing in his arms.

Prayag and Tarun sat on his right side.  Shekhar was talking to the elder brother of Kumar, sid's father. Shehnaaz stood a little away from them, with her family. She wanted to be near him. His gaze was fixed on her. She knows he needs her. But, at that situation, it wasn't possible. She could only look at him.

After sometime, he excused and moved towards his room. He knew that she will come after him. Zas she got into his room, after him, he closed the door and hugged her tightly. Tears were rolling down from his eyes continuously. Shehnaaz controlled herself and rubbed his back to console him. She didn't spoke a word, it wasn't needed at that point of time. He just needed her. He controlled himself and acted to be strong in front of others till now. He wasn't able to do more. He needed to went it out. Only she was his strength now. He can get weak, only in front of her.

He slowly raised his head from her shoulder and she kissed his forehead.

......

Shehnaaz, it has been two days. You should go back. Day after tomorrow, your exams are going to start.

Sidharth tried to make her understand holding her hand, sitting on the bench in his garden. She was too stubborn that she will leave only on the morning of exam day.

Sidharth! I have already prepared for exams na! Don't worry, I will go morning and return back evening.

She was trying to convince him that it wasn't a big deal for her. In her heart, she didn't wanted to leave him there alone. She even wanted to drop her exams and stay beside him for all the days, but she knows that it wasn't a practical solution. They needed to deal it with patience.

No, baba! You are not doing that! It's a matter of three weeks baby! I promise you, I won't get weak. For me you should leave today. Otherwise I have to live in guilt for all my life. I don't want you to ruin your studies for me.

He touched her cheeks and caressed it with his thumb. She placed her hand over his and kissed on his hands.

Ok, I will leave today. But, be strong! If you feel low, call bhai and Tarun. And.. I won't force you to call me everyday or text me. Do it when you will be free. Don't worry about me. I am always there for you. If you think that, you can't do it alone, just tell me. I will be here in no time.

He chuckled softly and hugged her.

I know you are there for me always! Yeah! It will be difficult for me to handle everything! Dad... I won't be able to fill his absence, but I will my level best.

She kissed his shoulder and rubbed his back.

Don't worry, your bade papa is also here na for sometime alteast. He will guide you for sure.

Hmm. I know, but he is very strict and a little old fashioned, you know. But, it's ok! I will try to cop with him. Dad was really cool!

A tear escaped from his eyes as he smiled sadly. Shehnaaz wiped it and kissed his cheeks.

He slowly captured her lips and closed his eyes. He forgot his pain for a moment. He felt peace.

....

Madhav, sid's bade papa, looked from the balcony to the garden, where Sid was sitting with Shehnaaz. His eyes narrowed in irritation.

Sudha came there with a cup of tea in her and placed it on the table near Madhav, which gained his attention.

Kon hei wo ladki Sudha?

Sudha was a little nervous to answer him. She knew he won't like any love angle in their family, especially with a middle class family. But, she couldn't lie as it was clear from scene in front of them that, they weren't mere friends.

Wo.. Madhav ji, Shehnaaz hei.  Wo dono..

Madhav interrupted her.

Wo dono kya hei, mujhe pata lagta hei abb! Lekin usse samjhao ki yeh college romance, ghar ke baahar karne ko. It won't last forever. He need to end it soon anyways.

Sudha widened her eyes looking at Madhav who was still staring at the couple in disgust.

But, they are in love. Jab se Sidharth bade hone laga hei, tab se sirf wo hi hei uske dil meim! It's not a mere college romance.

Madhav glared at Sudha in anger.

Kumar ne bahut choot diya hei tum sabko. Iska nateeja hei yeh sab!! From her look I can get that she not our caste, not even our class! Don't think that I will support this. And I won't make it happen which will destroy my family's name.

Madhav stormed out of the room furiously, while Sudha stood there in tears looking at his son and his love.

Why did you leave us Kumar! What will I do now?

...

Flashback..

Kumar lied on her lap in the garden as she ran her fingers through his hair.

He was giggling like a happy child.

So, it is Shehnaaz!! Oh man, how couldn't I guess that!

But, you wanted Nayan for him.

Sudha spoke smirking earning a glare from him.

Not like that! Yeah, I thought that that she could match him. And, Shehnaaz never came in my frame. But, now I know everything. Why didn't you tell me earlier??

Dad ho, tho pata hona chahiye yeh sab.

He smiled sadly looking down.

Yeah, I should have done that! Anyways, I am happy now!! She is the best Sidharth can get!! Wow! I am gonna enjoy roasting him with my fierce bahu!

Both laughed loudly in happiness.

Flashback ends.....

Sudha wiped her tears and moved from there.

..

Sidharth went along with Prayag to drop her at airport. Prayag excused himself to provide some privacy for them. It was difficult for them to talk in her house as her mother was always behind her.

Both were at vulnerable state, but controlled them selves as to mask it from the other. Both needed to show each other that they were strong.

I will call you when I reach there! Don't worry about me.

Shehnaaz spoke while hugging him.

Hmm..

He dared to speak anything. He knows that he will break down in front of her, if he spoke a word.

Soon, call for flight announced and Prayag joined them.

Sidharth painfully looked at her. She withdrew her eyes from him and turned to hide her tears, those were threatening to fall. She didn't look back, her tears were flowing continuously. He didn't wait too, he ran back to the car. Prayag stood there helplessly.

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