The soft glow of morning sunlight filled the room as Sidharth and Shehnaaz prepared for a special day, Anvi's first birthday. The excitement buzzed through the air as they readied themselves to shop for the perfect gift.

Shehnaaz, fixing her bangles, looked at Sidharth with a bright smile.
"Aapko kya lagta hai, Anvi ko kya pasand aayega?"

Sidharth smiled, pulling on his jacket. "Main toh kehta hoon ek cute sa teddy bear lete hain. Bacchi hai, soft toys se hi khush ho jaayegi."

"Aur kapde? Uske liye ek sundar si dress bhi toh honi chahiye ek dum barbie wali!" Shehnaaz added, excitement sparkling in her voice.
"Chalo na, late ho jayenge. Mujhe Anvi ke liye perfect gift lena hai," she said, glancing at him through the mirror.

"Aur tumhare liye?" Sidharth's voice turned playful.

"Mujhe kya chahiye? Main toh already sabse perfect gift ke saath hoon," she replied with a teasing smile.

The mall buzzed with activity as the couple wandered through different stores. They bought adorable dresses for Anvi, a few toys, and some decorations for the party. Eventually, they ended up in a saree shop, where Sidharth insisted on picking something special for Shehnaaz to wear at the party.

The shopkeeper immediately noticed Shehnaaz's elegance and charm.

"Madam, aap par toh sab rang ache lagenge. Yeh dekhiye, ekdum nayi collection hai!" The shopkeeper said with a smile.

"Hmm acha to hai lekin aap wo yellow wali dikhaiye." She point towards a beautiful yellow net saree.

"Oh ho oh aapki pasand to bohot achi hai ye to hamare best collection me se hai aur aap par to aur bhi acha lagega." He praise her while giving her saree.

Shehnaaz giggled, while Sidharth folded his arms, watching with mild amusement.

The shopkeeper continued, pulling out an exquisite royal blue saree with golden embroidery. "Yeh dekhiye, madam. Yeh rang aapke chehre ki roshni ko aur nikharega. Bilkul rani lagengi isme."

Shehnaaz chuckled, appreciating the compliment. "Aap kaafi achi tarah jaante hain konsa rang suit karega."

The shopkeeper grinned. "Aap jaisi sundar aur classy madam ke liye, bas best hona chahiye! Aap model ho ya actress?"

Sidharth, who had been patiently listening, suddenly tensed. His eyes narrowed slightly as the shopkeeper continued to shower Shehnaaz with praises.

"Kya aap bhi bhaiya." Shehnaaz replied modestly.

The shopkeeper shook his head, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. "Aisa mat kahiye, madam! Aapko dekhke toh lagta hai ki Bollywood ki heroine saamne khadi ho!"

Shehnaaz laughed softly, her cheeks turning slightly pink at the exaggerated compliments. Meanwhile, Sidharth's jaw clenched as he took a step closer to her.

"Acha madam, ek aur cheez bataun?" The shopkeeper leaned in slightly. "Aapka face structure itna perfect hai ki agar aap chahein toh jewelry brands ke ad bhi kar sakti hain, wese hamari jewelry shop bhi hai aap waha se matching jewelry bhi le sakti hai"

Sidharth cleared his throat loudly, making his presence known. "Bas bas, bohot tareef ho gayi. Dikha dijiye aap bass."

But the shopkeeper was not done yet. "Sir, aapko pata hai? Aap bohot lucky hain. Itni khoobsurat biwi mili hai aapko!"

Sidharth smirked, "Pata hai mujhe, aapko yaad dilane ki zaroorat nahi." His voice carried a possessive undertone that didn't go unnoticed by Shehnaaz.

"Agar madam chahein toh ek aur special saree hai jo unke beauty ko aur highlight karegi."

Before the shopkeeper could bring another saree, Sidharth reached out, grabbing a deep maroon saree with golden embroidery.

"Yeh perfect hai meri biwi ke liye," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Shehnaaz looked at the saree, then back at Sidharth, amused at how quickly his jealousy had surfaced.

She leaned in, whispering, "Aap jealous ho gaye?"

Sidharth gave her a side glance, then pulled her slightly closer by her waist. "Nahi. Bas mujhe pasand nahi ki koi aur meri biwi ki tareef kare."

Shehnaaz laughed softly. "Tareef hi toh kar rahe the, itni possessiveness kyun? Aur aapko pata hai na ye sirf marketing strategy hai unki. "

"Tum meri ho. Aur yeh mujhe sabse zyada pata hona chahiye, kisi aur ko nahi, tumhari tareef karna bhi bass mera haq hai." he murmured, his fingers tracing her wrist gently.

The shopkeeper, oblivious to their hushed conversation, smiled. "Toh sir, yeh saree pack kar doon?"

Sidharth nodded. "Haan, meri biwi ki pasand bohot achi hai jese main aur ye saree bhi."

Shehnaaz bit her lip to hide her smile as she watched her husband's childish jealousy play out in the middle of the shop. She had never seen this side of him before, and she had to admit, it was quite endearing.

_____________________________

As soon as they entered, Anvi, dressed in a tiny pink frock, clapped her little hands in excitement upon seeing Sidharth.

"Dekho toh, kaise bhaag rahi hai Sidharth ke paas," Nargis chuckled.

Sidharth crouched down, opening his arms wide. "Meri chhoti si jaan! Aaja mere paas!"

Anvi stumbled a little but made her way to him, giggling as she landed in his arms. Sidharth lifted her effortlessly, spinning her around as she squealed in delight.

"Mujhse zyada toh tujhse chipki rehti hai," Vidyut joked.

Sidharth smirked. "Kya karein, Anvi jaanti hai kaun asli hero hai!"

Shehnaaz shook her head playfully. "Haan haan, ab yeh bhi keh do ki aap hi iske real papa ho!"

Sidharth grinned, pressing a soft kiss to Anvi's forehead. "Agar Vidyut bhai permission de, toh main banne ko taiyaar hoon!"

Everyone laughed, while Vidyut rolled his eyes. "Jaa bhai, abhi ke liye fufa
hi reh. Baad mein sochenge."

Shehnaaz watched the scene unfold with a warm heart. Seeing Sidharth with Anvi made something inside her melt. He was so natural, so loving, and so protective.

Shehnaaz turned towards Vidyut, her elder brother who had always been her strongest pillar.

"Bhai, aapko yaad hai jab main choti thi, aap mujhe bhi aise hi godi mein uthate the?" she said with a nostalgic smile.

Vidyut chuckled. "Haan, tab tu mujhse chipki rehti thi, ab Sidharth se chipakti hai."

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes, but smile shyly. "Bhai! Aap bhi na!"

Vidyut placed a hand on her head, his voice softening. "Bas ek baat kehna chahta hoon, Shehnaaz. Tumhari khushi sabse zaroori hai. Jab tumhe chhoda tha, mujhe pata tha ki tum strong ho, par phir bhi ek darr rehta tha. Aaj tumhe Sidharth ke saath dekhke woh darr chala gaya."

Shehnaaz felt emotional at his words. She hugged him tightly. "Bhai, aap hamesha mere saath the, chahe sabne mujhe chhod diya ho."

Vidyut sighed. "Aur hamesha rahunga, jab tak tu mujhe bardasht kar sakti hai!"

They both laughed, their bond stronger than ever.

Just as the celebration was in full swing, the doorbell rang. Vidyut went to answer it, and his entire body stiffened at the sight before him.

Standing there were Shehnaaz and Vidyut's parents.

The room fell silent.

Shehnaaz, who had been happily chatting with Nargis, froze in place.

Her mother took a hesitant step forward. "Shehnaaz beta..."

Vidyut's jaw clenched. "Yahan kiu aaye ho?"

Their father sighed. "Hum sirf tum dono se maafi maangne aaye hain."

Shehnaaz let out a bitter laugh, stepping forward. "Maafi? Aaj yaad aayi humari?"

Her mother looked ashamed. "Hum galat the. Tumhe chhod kar jaana... Tumhari shaadi ke khilaaf hona... Sab kuch. Hum samajh gaye hain ki tumhari khushi Sidharth ke saath hai."

Shehnaaz eyes filled with unshed tears, but her voice remained firm. "Jab mujhe aapki zaroorat thi, tab aapne mujhe apna nahi maana. Aur aaj jab mujhe kisi ki zaroorat nahi, toh aap wapas aaye ho?"

Her father face fell. "Vidyut beta..."

Before he could continue, Vidyut stepped in, his voice cold and sharp. "Shehnaaz aur maine aap logon ke bina jeena seekh liya hai. Aapko lagta hai sirf maafi maangne se sab sahi ho jayega? Jab aapne hume chhoda tha, tab humne dukh seh liya. Ab wapas aane ki koi zaroorat nahi."

Their mother sniffled. "Par beta, hum..."

Sidharth, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke. "Aunty, uncle... Shehnaaz ab akeli nahi hai. Uske saath hum sab hain. Agar aap uske past ka hissa rehna chahte ho toh maaf karna, aap late ho chuke ho."

Tears rolled down Shehnaaz cheeks, but she stood firm. She had a family now. A husband who loved her, a brother who protected her, and friends who stood by her side.

Her parents, realizing their mistake had cost them their children, nodded sadly and left without another word.

The room remained silent for a moment until Sidharth gently held Shehnaaz hand, squeezing it.

"Tum theek ho?" he whispered.

She looked into his warm, loving eyes and nodded. "Haan, kiuki aap ho mere saath."

The party resumed, but the weight of the moment lingered in everyone heart.

Later that night, as the party winded down, Sidharth sat with Anvi on his lap, making her giggle by playfully poking her chubby cheeks.

Shehnaaz sat beside him, smiling at the beautiful sight. "Aap toh sach mein iske favorite ban gaye ho."

Sidharth smirked. "Ab soch raha hoon, ek chhoti Anvi humein bhi chahiye."

Shehnaaz eyes widened, a deep blush covering her cheeks. "Sidharth!"

He winked. "Bas keh raha hoon, soch lo!"

Shehnaaz playfully hit his arm, feeling truly content for the first time in years. No matter what the past held, her future with Sidharth was filled with love, happiness, and endless possibilities.

___________________________

The birthday party had ended, and Sidharth and Shehnaaz finally returned home, their hearts full yet heavy. The evening had been a rollercoaster of emotions laughter, love, and an unexpected confrontation with their past.

As soon as they entered their apartment, Shehnaaz let out a deep sigh, kicking off her heels and sinking onto the couch. "Aaj ka din ek sapna jaisa tha… thoda accha, thoda bura."

Sidharth sat beside her, his arm automatically wrapping around her shoulder. "Tum thik ho?" he asked, his voice soft, concerned.

Shehnaaz looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "Pata nahi, Sidharth… jab mummy papa ko waha dekha, laga jaise saari purani yaadein wapas aa gayi ho. Unhone mujhe tab nahi chaha jab mujhe unki sabse zyada zaroorat thi. Aaj wo maafi maangne aaye… par maafi dena itna aasan nahi hai."

Sidharth tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. "Aur tumhe dene ki zaroorat bhi nahi hai. Tumhe unke saath aage badhne ki koi majboori nahi hai. Tum ab akeli nahi ho, Shehnaaz. Tumhare paas tumhara apna parivaar hai main hoon, Vidyut hai, Nargis hai, Anvi hai, Amma bi hai, Farah, Rishab sab hai."

Shehnaaz leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Main jaanti hoon, aur isi wajah se main khud ko itni strong mehsoos karti hoon. Pehle main akeli thi, lekin ab nahi."

Sidharth kissed the top of her head. "Main hamesha tumhare saath hoon."

Shehnaaz smiled, closing her eyes for a moment, letting herself absorb the warmth of his presence.

___________________________

After a while, Sidharth pulled her up. "Chalo, thodi fresh air le aate hain. Tumhara mood change ho jayega."

Shehnaaz raised an eyebrow. "Abhi? Itni raat ko?"

Sidharth smirked. "Haan toh? Humari shaadi ho chuki hai, ab raat ko walk pe jaana allowed hai."

She laughed, shaking her head, but she got up and walked with him to their society compound. The city lights twinkled below, and the cool breeze carried with it a soothing calmness.

They walk side by side, fingers intertwined, looking at the sky.

After a few minutes of silence, Shehnaaz spoke. "Sidharth, aapne party mein kaha tha ki ek chhoti Anvi humein bhi chahiye…"

Sidharth smirked, turning towards her. "Haan, toh?"

Shehnaaz looked down, her cheeks turning pink. "Aap sach mein sochte ho ki hum… matlab… baby ke liye ready hain?"

Sidharth's playful smirk softened into something more tender. He turned her to face him, his hands gently holding her arms. "Shehnaaz, main jaanta hoon ki tumhari life kaafi mushkil rahi hai. Tumhe trust issues the, dukh tha, par tumne sab kuch overcome kiya. Aur tum jitni strong ho, utni hi pyaari bhi. Tumse zyada achi maa koi nahi ban sakti."

Shehnaaz felt tears prick her eyes, but this time, they were not from pain they were from love. "Mujhe thoda waqt chahiye…" she admitted softly.

Sidharth cupped her face gently. "Main kahi bhaag nahi raha, Shehnaaz. Jab tum tayyar hogi, tab hum iske baare mein sochenge. Tab tak, tum meri princess ho, aur main sirf tumse pyar karna chahta hoon."

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist, feeling safe in his embrace.

The next morning, Shehnaaz woke up feeling lighter, as if a huge burden had lifted from her shoulders. The past was still there, but it no longer controlled her.

As she walked into the kitchen, she found Sidharth making breakfast or at least, trying to. Flour was on his hands, and he looked adorably confused.

She folded her arms, leaning against the door. "Aap kya kar rahe ho?"

Sidharth turned around, his nose slightly dusted with flour. "Tumhare liye parathe banane ki koshish kar raha hoon, par yeh batter mujhe zyada pasand nahi kar raha."

She laughed, stepping forward. "Aapko pata hai ki aapke haath ka khaana to......?"

Sidharth gasped dramatically. "Waah! Kal raat tak itna romance aur aaj subah se insult?"

She picked up some flour and playfully flicked it at him. "Bas sach bol rahi hoon!"

Sidharth narrowed his eyes, and before she could react, he grabbed some flour and smeared it on her cheek.

"Sidharth!" she squealed.

"Kya? Tumne pehle shuru kiya tha!" he laughed.

They ended up chasing each other around the kitchen, giggling like teenagers, completely lost in their own world.

Finally, out of breath, Shehnaaz collapsed into a chair, still laughing. "Sidharth, aap pagal ho."

He grinned, wiping some flour from her cheek with his thumb. "Sirf tumhare liye."

Shehnaaz sighed happily, realizing that after everything they had been through, this was home.

Not four walls, not a house, but this man, this love, this feeling of being cherished beyond words.

And as they sat there, tangled in laughter and love, she knew one thing for sure no matter what came next, they would always have each other.

~ The End ~