Shehnaaz lay awake that night, replaying the events in her mind.
She had confided in her Brother, and although he didn’t say much, his presence gave her a sense of safety.

But it was Sidharth’s actions that echoed louder in her thoughts. For the first time, she realized there was someone else who cared just as much as her Bhaiya. The way Sidharth had looked at her with concern, his soft tone while making her comfortable without touching her, it made her heart feel a little less heavy.

The next morning, she woke up to a message from Sidharth "Take care today, Call me if you need anything. Don’t hesitate."

Shehnaaz smiled weakly. Despite everything, she knew she had someone she could count on. When she arrived at the theatre, she could feel the tension in the air. Rohit wasn't there, and everyone seemed to be whispering about what had happened. She tried to block it out, focusing on her work. But just then, Sidharth walked in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on her.

"You okay?" he asked softly, standing close enough so that only she could hear.

She nodded, but the weight of everything still lingered "let's get to work everyone tamasha nahi ho raha yaha" Sidharth added.

The day went by slower than usual, but with Sidharth nearby, she felt a sense of calmness. Every now and then, she caught him watching her, as if making sure she was alright. By the time the day ended, she was exhausted, not just physically, but emotionally. She packed up her things and started to leave when she heard footsteps behind her.It was Sidharth.

"Can I walk you home?" he asked. She hesitated for a moment but then nodded. As they walked in silence, the evening air cool against her skin, she felt a strange sense of comfort.

As they walked, the silence between them was filled with unspoken thoughts. Shehnaaz was still processing everything that had happened. Sidharth stayed by her side, a quiet strength she hadn't realized she needed so much.

When they reached her home, Shehnaaz paused at the door, reluctant to go inside. The comfort of having Sidharth near her was something she wasn't  ready to let go of just yet.

"Sidharth… I don’t know if I can go back to the theatre. Jab bhi main aakhein band karti hu to aesa lagta hai jese rohit mere saath phirse" she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Sidharth's expression softened, and he stepped closer. "Shehnaaz, you don't have to come, i know jo tumhare saath hua it's not easy to over come easily, take your time, and i promise Rohit ko saza milegi"

His words felt like a promise, one that she desperately needed to believe in.

"But main usko face kese karungi, Sidharth? He'll be there... and everyone knows what happened now. I feel exposed" she continued, her voice trembling with vulnerability.Sidharth sighed and leaned against the wall beside her, choosing his words carefully.

"People may talk, ek incident par log das baatein banate hai Shehnaaz, but their opinions don’t define you. What Rohit did was wrong, and if anyone should feel ashamed, it’s him, not you" Shehnaaz looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears.

"I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face them" she said to him and look away hiding her tears.

"You are" he said firmly. "Aur agar tumhe lagta hai tum akeli ho to you're not, you have me, Vidyut bhai, Farah and Rishabh. You're never alone in this" She blinked, allowing the tears to fall. No one had ever spoken to her like this before. She'd always been the one comforting others, carrying their burdens silently. But now, for the first time, someone was offering her the same compassion.

"Do you want me to come inside for a while?" Sidharth asked gently, sensing her hesitation to be left alone.She shook her head.

"No, I'll be okay. I just…. Mujhe bass sunna tha aesa thank you"

"Anytime, Shehnaaz," he said with a soft smile. "Remember, I'm just a call away if you need anything":With that, Sidharth turned and began walking down the path.

Shehnaaz stood at the door, watching him until he disappeared from sight. A part of her wanted to call him back, to keep him close, but she knew that wasn't fair to him,or to herself. That night, as Shehnaaz lay in bed, sleep came in fits and starts. Her mind was restless, replaying the events over and over again. But every time the fear threatened to take over, she remembered Sidharth's words.

The next morning, Vidyut entered her room quietly, holding a tray of breakfast. His gentle smile reminded her that she wasn't alone in this "How are you feeling today my little princess" he asked, setting the tray down on her bedside table.

"Better, I think," she replied, though her voice still carried a hint of doubt. Vidyut sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You don’t have to rush back into anything. Take your time. Sidharth ka raat call aaya tha, He was worried about you" Shehnaaz smiled faintly at the mention of Sidharth.

"He was been so kind… I don’t main ye karz kese chukungi" Vidyut nodded.

"He cares about you, Shehnaaz, More than you realize" His words lingered in the air, and for the first time, Shehnaaz allowed herself to acknowledge the warmth that had been building in her heart,feelings for Sidharth that went beyond just friendship.

But she pushed those thoughts aside for now. There were more pressing things to deal with. Next day, Shehnaaz decided to go back to the theatre. Not to work, but to reclaim her sense of self, to prove to herself that she could face her fears. Sidharth was waiting outside her home as she stepped out, a silent but steady presence by her side

"I knew you wanted to go back" he said as he opened the car door for her.As they drove to the theatre, Shehnaaz felt her heart race, her palms sweaty. But with Sidharth there, she knew she was not facing it alone.When they arrived, the familiar sight of the building loomed before her, but it didn't feel as suffocating as before.

With Sidharth walking beside her, she felt stronger. The staff greeted her with concerned smiles, and there were whispers in the background, but Shehnaaz kept her head high.And then, as if sensing her presence, Rohit appeared in the hallway. His face paled when he saw Sidharth next to her, his stance protective. For a brief moment, Shehnaaz froze, her breath catching in her throat. But then, she heard Sidharth's voice in her head "You're not alone in this".

She squared her shoulders and met Rohit'ss gaze. He averted his eyes immediately, mumbling something under his breath before quickly walking away. It was a small victory, but it was enough. Sidharth turned to her, a proud smile on his face. "You did it, Shehnaaz" She exhaled a long, shaky breath, feeling the weight of the past few days slowly lifting.

"I did it" and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like herself again.
............................

That is it for today.

Hope you all like it.

Thanks for reading ❤️.