Check if you've read the previous episode before you start to read this episode.
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Sidharth looked at dumbfounded Shehnaaz and Shantiben.

Sidharth: Shall we go inside? (He said pushing his glasses back)

Shehnaaz unlocked the door and the three entered the house. Shantiben kept staring at Sidharth.

Shantiben: Are you really Shehnaaz's husband? (Still surprised)

Sidharth went to open his mouth and accept the truth but he was cut by Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz: Su Vaat Kare che Amma? {What are you talking Amma?} How can he be him? Sidharth is not a coward to runaway like that man. Besides do you think I would have allowed Sidharth to even cross this door if he it was him. I hate that person. Don't even think of comparing Sidharth with him because Sidharth is brave and honest person who values his family.

Sidharth looked at her not knowing what to do.

I don't know whether I should be happy or sad. She is describing me and comparing me as two different person. On one side she is praising me and on the other side she is cursing me.

Arghh.. if I accept that I am her husband then I will be out of this house. She hates me as a husband and admires me as a friend. And I... I love her.. I didn't realise that I fell in love with her.. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, beautiful from inside and from outside as well.

I am not leaving from here until I take my wife along with me to my home. I will put all my efforts and leave no stone unturned to make her part of my life and give her the happiness she deserves.

His confusion was turned into determination and he was now admiring her lost in his thoughts with his mouth open unaware what she was talking.

Shehnaaz: Sidharth... Sidharth.. Are you listening? (Shook him by holding his arm)

Sidharth: Huh?? Hmmm.. yes Shehnaaz..

Shehnaaz: Then answer me!!

Sidharth: What? (Confused)

Shehnaaz: Why did you lie to people outside that you were my husband? What if that fellow returns someday?

Sidharth: I couldn't stand people talking ill about you. They were maligning your character, how could I allow them to do so? And forget about that person, there is no chance of him returning.

Shehnaaz: How can you say so?

Sidharth: If he wanted to return, he wouldn't have runaway itself.

Shehnaaz nodded but her mind was cluttered.
First time in my life, after my pappa somebody took stand for me. I can't even celebrate this moment cause I know it's temporary. Though he shut the filthy mouths by saying that I am his wife but it's not true.

Someday he will go away. He is a friend only and though friends are connected, they cannot stay with you permanently together. He will ultimately move out, have a family of his own and lead his own happy life. How and what would I answer the society then? The questions would be unanswered again.

Her face showed the unspoken pain and went back inside her room. Sidharth felt an ache looking at her dull face. She was sad on her birthday as well.

Shantiben: Dikra, I am very grateful to you. Today you saved our faces from humiliation. I won't lie but I had warned Sana that she was attracting the tag of being called characterless or prostitute by keeping an unknown man in this house where there was no other male family member. But she shut my mouth saying she doesn't care about the society.

I know how much she gets affected by the society. She left her schooling due to society, she never spoke a word against bullying or on passing comments by people. I wanted her to put up her fight against bully, I didn't support her ever thinking she will stand for herself. I tortured her to atleast make her vent out her anger at me but she wouldn't. I won't be there with her for life but I want her to be happy after I leave. I want her to own a family of her own.

Sidharth, your relationship with us is temporary. Tomorrow when you decide to move out, the society will speak filth again. Can I ask you for something?

Sidharth: Sure, Amma. Just order.

Shantiben: Can you really marry my daughter? Can you make this relationship permanent? I saw the way you looked at her. I know you like her. Don't you?

Sidharth: (surprised) No Amma, I just don't like her, I love her and I really want to make this relationship permanent. But before that I need to win her love so that our relationship is so strong that nothing can break it. (Not even the fact that I married her and eloped on the day)

Shantiben: (happily) You have my full support, son. I will wait for the day.

Shantiben blesses him and Sidharth goes to his room.

Amma was right. She needs to be emotionally strong only then she will be truly happy. For now, I want her to be happy on her birthday.

He knocks on the door of Shehnaaz's room.

Sidharth: Shehnaaz, I know I worked for just a week but I was wondering if I could get an advance salary if possible?

Shehnaaz: (smiles) Why not? Until you don't plan to runaway. (She giggled)

Sidharth: (smiles) Not so soon. (Atleast not until I take my bride with me)

**Author's note: He took money even though he had it because as per Sana he doesn't have any money.

Shehnaaz: Here.. (she gives him the money after counting it)

Sidharth: Thank you Shehnaaz. Since we are not working, can we go out today? May be a dinner, three of us together.

Shehnaaz: Hmmm.. Is that the reason for borrowing salary?

Sidharth: Yes. Please!!!! For my happiness! (Made a cute puppy face, his spectacles reached mid way to his nose)

Shehnaaz remembered doctor's instruction "Just keep him happy"

Shehnaaz: Okay. (She said with a smile, pushing his spectacles back)

Sidharth gave a brightest smile. Shehnaaz turned back to speak to Shantiben who was sitting on the bed.

Shehnaaz: Amma, Sidharth wants to take us out for dinner.

Shantiben looked at him and he gestured her by pointing at Shehnaaz and himself and a pouty face. Shehnaaz didn't know that he gestured since she had her back turned towards him. Shantiben understood what he wanted to say.

Shantiben: Aa.. Sana, I forgot to tell you that my friend, Rupal is coming home. We are going to watch our favourite Saas Bahu Serial, Tu Meri Aloo Mein Tera Samosa and will have dinner together.

Sidharth showed her thumbs up with a grin. Shehnaaz turned around to him and he put his hand behind his head pretending to scratch and looked elsewhere.

Shehnaaz: Sidharth, can we go some other day as we have a guest coming?

Sidharth looked at her in disappointment.

Shantiben: Sana.. Sana.. (Shehnaaz turned again to look at Shantiben) You two can go out. Anyways what will you do between me and Rupal since you don't even like to watch the serial, Tu Meri Aloo Mein Tera Samosa. Simply you will disturb us.

Shehnaaz: What a cringey name though. (Makes faces)

Sidharth gestured super (👌) and blew Shantiben a flying kiss with both his hands. Sana turned back and looked at him in surprise as his hands were up near his face. He fumbled and looked into his palm as if he was searching for something.

Shehnaaz: What?

Sidharth: I think I caught a mosquito but no, it escaped.

Shehnaaz: Hmmm.. get ready and I will get ready as well. Will go out for dinner. Happy?

Sidharth: Very!! (Grinned) Amma, it would have been nice if you could have joined us but I am sure you will have a gala time watching your Aloo Samosas with Rupal Aunty.

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. Sidharth went to his room and got ready. He didn't have many clothes in his back pack but he chose the best from the lot. He looked at the mirror and spoke to himself as he did some touch up to his makeup.

"Aahaha.. people do makeup to look handsome while going on the date. Look at me, I am going on a date by smearing this black colour and wearing these thick glasses. Oh Sana, I wonder what all I have to do to impress you. Why do you hate normal normal looking people? Nowadays, I feel that I am looking at someone else whenever I look at my real self into the mirror after bathing."

(Inta pyara thobda begaadne mein bahut mehnat lagi hai.. phir bhi handsomeness ittu 🤌 ittu sa bhi kam nahi hua.. phir bhi mere editing k liye thoda shaabasi do mujhe.. 🙈🙈🙈😛😌)

He smiled and kissed the mirror to thank his black face.

On the other hand, Sana opened her cupboard to take out any random outfit. Shantiben stood behind her and looked at her clothes. Sana turned around and bumped into Shantiben. Shantiben shrieked.

Shehnaaz: Amma, sorry sorry sorry. What are you doing behind me?

Shantiben: It's your birthday na Dikri. So I want you to wear the best clothes from your wardrobe. Wear that black dress gifted by your cousin last year. Remember she was telling that black dress gives slim looks.

Shehnaaz: Amma, I took it because it was a gift. You know I don't wear such clothes. The neck is also too deep.

Shantiben: What's wrong in it Sana? Sidharth will be with you. So no worries. Wear it.

Shehnaaz: People will make fun Amma.

Shantiben: You were the one telling me that we shouldn't pay attention to people, right?

Shehnaaz: Okay, Amma. (She gives up)

She wear the dress and gets ready. 👇

She hesitantly steps out of her room pulling up the neck to expose lesser skin. Sidharth looks at her.

Sidharth: Shehnaaz, You are looking very beautiful. That's more like a birthday girl.

It was her first ever compliment by an opposite gender other than her father. She blushes unknowingly saying thank you.

Sidharth: Shall we go?

She nods yes. Shantiben looks at them both.

Shantiben: No need to hurry, take your own time. Since I don't want any disturbance while watching Tu Meri Gobi Mein Tera Parantha.

Shehnaaz: (confused) If I am not mistaken then few hours back, you said Aloo Samosa.

Shantiben fumbled upon answer.

Sidharth: Aaa.. Yeah, Aloo Samosa airs before Gobi Parantha... Snacks then Dinner.. (nervously with lot of hand gestures) you see? We are getting late for dinner.. (passes a nervous smile)

Shehnaaz: You seem to be acquiring lot of knowledge from Amma about those cringey named serials. My sweet mart's dishes have better name than these. Concentrate on that. Come let's go!…

Sidharth nods and follows her by showing thumbs up to Shantiben.
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To be continued.. ❤️❤️