The train chugged along the vast, golden landscape of Rajasthan, its rhythmic motion weaving a soft lullaby. Shehnaaz leaned her head against the window, her eyes tracing the endless expanse of sand dunes under the fading sunlight. A warm hand found hers, and she turned to see Sidharth smiling at her, his dark eyes sparkling with affection.

"Tired?" he asked softly.

"Thoda sa" Shehnaaz replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it's beautiful, haina? So serene... so different"

Sidharth chuckled, brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just like you, Shehnaaz. Different and Beautiful"

Shehnaaz's cheeks turned pink, and she playfully nudged his shoulder. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Shukla"

"Who says I need to go anywhere? I've already got you" he replied, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And I'm never letting you go"

Shehnaaz could not help but smile, her heart swelling with happiness. It had been only a week since their wedding, but every moment with Sidharth felt magical. His presence grounded her, made her feel cherished in a way she had never known before.

"Hum Rajasthan honeymoon ke liye aaye hai, ya tumhare haveli ke kaam ke liye?" she teased, breaking the sweet moment.

"Haveli toh sirf ek bahana hai, I just come to spend my time with my wifey" Sidharth said, grinning mischievously. "Waise bhi, I want you to see where I grew up. It's part of me... and now, it's part of you"

_______________________

As the train pulled into the small station, Shehnaaz felt a sense of anticipation building in her chest. The sun was setting, casting an amber glow over the village as Sidharth helped her step down onto the platform. Their driver greeted them and quickly ushered them into a vintage jeep, ready to take them to the Rajvanshi family's ancestral home.

The ride to the haveli was a mix of laughter and stolen glances. Shehnaaz found herself enchanted by the sights colorful homes, vibrant markets, and the warmth of the people they passed along the way. Sidharth pointed out a small temple by the roadside.

"Yeh mandir mere favorite tha bachpan me yaha ke laddu that's my favourite" he said, his voice laced with nostalgia. "Aur jab bhi main dukhi hota tha, yahan aake baith jata tha"

"Tum dukhi bhi hote ho?" Shehnaaz asked, her teasing tone unable to hide her curiosity.

"Of course" he replied, looking at her with mock seriousness. "But ab nahi. Tum ho jo har gam bhula deti ho"

Shehnaaz laughed, her voice a melody that made Sidharth's heart skip a beat. "Tumhare filmy dialogues kab khatam honge?"

"Tumhara saath hota hu to khudh hi filmy dialogues yaad aate hai" Sidharth replied, his expression softening. He reached for her hand, holding it firmly as if to assure her that this moment, this bond, was unshakable.

________________________

As they approached the haveli, the laughter faded, replaced by awe. The grand structure loomed ahead, its intricate carvings and faded grandeur hinting at its rich history. Yet, there was something about it that felt... heavy. It was not just the age of the building but something intangible, as if the air around it carried whispers of stories untold.

"Welcome home," Sidharth said, his voice filled with pride. "This is where it all began"

Shehnaaz stepped out of the jeep, her eyes scanning the massive iron gates that creaked open slowly. Inside, the courtyard stretched wide, with old banyan trees casting long shadows in the dim light. The haveli's façade was a mix of beauty and mystery, its weathered walls telling tales of generations past.

"It's beautiful" Shehnaaz murmured, her voice tinged with wonder.

Sidharth wrapped an arm around her waist. "And now, it's yours too. We'll make new memories here, Shehnaaz. Happy ones"

Shehnaaz looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "I can't believe this is real"

"It is" he assured her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "And as long as I'm with you, every moment will feel like a dream".

"Are bhai sa" Sidharth's cousin sister run towards them.

"Naina kesi hai tu?" He patted her head.

"Main theek bhai sa khadi khamba bhabhi sa" she bend down to touch her feets but Shehnaaz take few steps back.

"Are Naina nahi nahi Sidharth bolo na"

"Naina rehne de teri bhabhi sa itni bhi badi nahi" he said with a smile.

"Acha chaliye aap log andar chaliye maa sa, baba sa, kaki sa, kaka sa sab aap logo ka intezaar kar rahe hai" Naina said in excitement.

Sidharth nodded and enter inside with Shehnaaz. She meet his family and they both headed towards their room.

________________________

That night, after the staff had settled them into their room, Shehnaaz and Sidharth sat by the large window, looking out at the moonlit courtyard. Shehnaaz rested her head on Sidharth's shoulder, feeling the cool breeze against her skin.

"Pata hai, Shehnaaz" Sidharth began, his voice low. "Mujhe kabhi laga hi nahi tha ki meri life mein aisa moment hoga. Tumhare saath sab kuch perfect lagta hai"

Shehnaaz lifted her head, looking into his eyes. "Kya tumhe kabhi dar lagta hai ki yeh khushi chali jayegi?"

Sidharth smiled, brushing his thumb along her cheek. "Tum ho na? Tumhare saath kuch bura nahi ho sakta."

For a moment, Shehnaaz felt a pang of unease, but she brushed it aside, focusing on the warmth of Sidharth's embrace. They sat there in silence, watching the moonlight dance on the trees, unaware of the shadows creeping closer.

He went near the old radio player and start the play button. He look at her with loved feel eyes and went near her .
The familiar melody of Labon Ko began to play.

"Sidharth, yeh kya kar rahe ho?" Shehnaaz asked, laughing nervously as he stepped closer.

"Dance ka mood ban raha hai," he said, holding out his hand. "Ek shaandar haveli, chandni raat, aur meri biwi mere saath, Perfect combination hai."

She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his.

The dim light of the lanterns cast flickering shadows across the room as Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz into his arms. He began swaying to the rhythm, his movements slow and deliberate. Shehnaaz laughed, trying to follow his lead but stumbling slightly.

"Main dance karne mein itni achhi nahi hoon," she admitted, her voice light with laughter.

Labon ko labon pe sajaao

"Achi hone ki zarurat nahi. Tum ho, bas yeh kaafi hai," he said, spinning her gently.

Kya ho tum, mujhe ab bataao

As the song played, Shehnaaz's laughter softened, her gaze meeting Sidharth's. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer, and the world outside seemed to disappear. The soft lyrics wrapped around them like a spell, creating a moment just for them.

Labon ko labon pe sajaao
Kya ho tum, mujhe ab bataao

She blush and turn towards the window when he hug her from back and nuzzle his nose in her neck.

Tod do khud ko tum
Baanhon mein meri, baanhon mein meri
Baanhon mein meri, baanhon mein...
Baanhon mein meri, baanhon mein meri
Baanhon mein meri, baanhon mein...

He make her turn and place a kiss on her forehead, his lips travel down towards her lips when she push him and run towards the bed. He smile and went behind her. They run around the bed untill she stuck between the wall and him. He smirk and stepped close to her.

Tere ehsaason mein, bheege lamhaaton mein
Mujhko duba, tishnagi si hai
Teri adaaon se, dilkash khataaon se
In lamhon mein zindagi si hai

He cage her in his arms and slide his hand in her kurta, he slightly make patterns on her bare waist and nuzzle his nose in her neck. She wrap her arms around his neck.

Haya ko zara bhool jaao
Meri he tarah pesh aao
Kho bhi do khud ko tum
Raaton mein meri, raaton mein meri
Raaton mein meri, raaton mein...

He pick up her in his arms and make her lay down on bed. Leaning closer, his forehead brushed against hers, and she felt her heartbeat quicken.

Labon ko labon pe sajaao
Kya ho tum, mujhe ab batao

The moonlight filtered through the window, highlighting their faces as they moved in perfect sync.

Tere jazbaaton mein, mahki si saanson mein
Ye jo mahak sandali si hai
Dil ki panaahon mein, bikhri si aanhon mein
Sone ki khwaahish jaagi si hai

They both roll over the bed. Sidharth's hands tightened around her waist, and for a brief second, Shehnaaz felt a strange sense feeling inside her stomach.

Chehre se chehra chhupaao
Seene ki dhadakan sunaao

He look into her eyes and closed the curtains of the bed, hiding themselves from the world. And join their lips for soulful kiss.

Dekh lo khud ko tum
Aankhon mein meri, aankhon mein meri
Aankhon mein meri, aankhon mein...

Labon ko labon pe sajaao
Kya ho tum, mujhe ab batao

_________________________

Later that romantic night, she found herself staring at the ceiling, unable to shake off a faint sense of unease. The dance had been magical, yet something about the haveli felt... off. She turned to look at Sidharth, who was already asleep beside her, his face calm and peaceful.

"Kya main kuch zyada soch rahi hoon?" she murmured to herself.

The faint creak of a floorboard interrupted her thoughts. She sat up, her eyes scanning the dimly lit room. "Kisi ki chalne ki awaaz suni?" she whispered, but Sidharth didn't stir.

She got out of bed, wrapping her shawl around herself, and tiptoed to the window. The courtyard below was empty, bathed in moonlight, yet she could swear she had heard something or someone.

"Shayad thakan ki wajhe se hua hai ye sab" she muttered, trying to convince herself as she returned to bed. But as she lay down, the unease lingered, like a faint shadow just out of reach.

________________________

That is it for today.

Hope you all like it. Drop your reviews.

Thanks for reading.