Sidharth comes home from his radio station with a big smile thinking about Sana. The smile on his face fades and his heart wrenched when he finds Shehnaaz sitting on the stairs. Her eyes were closed as she leaned her head against the door and had a headphone in her ears. Probably she was sleeping as her mouth was slightly open as she exhaled. It had rained few minutes back and her clothes were wet below her knee. The roof of the house provided her protection partially from rain.

He pulled her headphone and she woke up and looked around in panic. He went and unlocked the door but he didn't go inside. She picked up a grocery bag which she bought and walked inside in silence. She turned back but he was gone. She was clueless thinking where did he go.
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She prepared the dinner and came out of the kitchen when she saw him unlocking the door again and 2 men enter with a Diwan bed which had a drawer underneath. They place it in the hall and leave after collecting their tips from Sidharth.

He keeps an envelope on it and goes inside his room. She goes and picks the envelope and opens it. There was a key and a note "DUPLICATE KEY" "DIWAN FOR YOU TO SLEEP"

She was happy. He was considerate, he got a duplicate keys made for her because she had to wait for him outside in rain. He bought the bed for her to sleep along with drawers for keeping her belongings inside.

She arranged her belongings properly in the drawer post which she served the plate with food and covered it with another, kept it on the chair and knocked on the door.

She took her plate and sat on the other chair infront of the table. He came out and picked the plate. There was a 'THANK YOU FOR BED AND KEY' note. He turned to go back into his room but then he turned around and dragged a chair near the table and sat with her. She was happy but she put her head down and they both ate their food in silence.
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They continued the same routine of silently leading their life with short notes and helping each other with small gestures. As they were not communicating to each other at home, they spent more time chatting with their unknown friend. Arthur and Sana grew more comfortable to each other.

Rudhra called up Shehnaaz every now and then to check her well being. Shehnaaz shared with him her smallest of smallest happiness which she got from Sidharth. She didn't tell him that they don't talk to each other.

She had started to develop liking for him through his small gestures. She was getting a small hope of continuing and spending her future with him.

However on the other end, Sidharth was developing a feeling for Sana. She was listening to him, guiding him in confusion and lifting up his mood whenever he felt down. He wanted to tell her about his feelings but it reminded him of Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz started to put effort to dress up for Sidharth's eyes but she couldn't grab his attention for more than a second. He respected her and cared for her but he was attracted towards Sana.
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It was a Karwa chaut fasting (Fasting done for husband's long life and to get him as a husband for 7 births), Sidharth's mother sent a servant with a message along with Sargi (food sent by mother-in-law to be eaten by ladies observing fast before sunrise on the day of fasting) to Shehnaaz.

Sidharth: Ramlal, why are you here?

Ramlal: Chote Sarkar, Malkin sent me here with a message and Sargi for Choti Bahu. Tomorrow is Karwa Chaut fasting. I gave her everything and I am leaving now.

Sidharth was disturbed with the news. He didn't wanted Shehnaaz to have any hopes of him treating her as a wife when he liked Sana.

Shehnaaz served the food in plate and kept it on table. They would usually sit together and have their dinner but today he picked up his plate and went inside his room. Shehnaaz silently observed him go inside. She didn't knew the reason behind his behaviour. Though she felt bad, she consoled herself saying that may be he has some work.

He washed his plate and kept a note for her in the kitchen on the Sargi packet and went to sleep.

The next morning, Shehnaaz woke up early before the sunrise and she observed the rituals as described by her mother-in-law. She went on to take Sargi and found a letter from Sidharth.

NO NEED TO KEEP ANY FASTING FOR ME. I DON'T WANT TO GIVE YOU ANY FALSE HOPE IN OUR FORCED RELATIONSHIP. I LOVE SOMEONE ELSE AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO GIVE ANYTHING APART FROM A SHELTER IN THIS HOUSE. VERY SOON I PLAN TO CONFESS MY LOVE TO HER AND THEN I WON'T EVEN BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU THIS SHELTER.

Shehnaaz's hands shivered and tears flew out of her eyes. She was brave but they say love can move even the toughest of mountains. She looked at the Sargi before her.

I don't know about this life but atleast in my next lives I want you as my husband. I will still not lose hope. Destiny tied this knot and I am sure it has its own plans too. I will just go with the flow.

She ate her Sargi and cooked breakfast and lunch for him as usual. She kept them ready on the table and went to her office.

In the evening, she returned home and waited for him but he returned very late and directly went to sleep. She saw the moon through the sieve and then looked at him through the door which was open ajar. She then drank some water and went to sleep without having her food.

The next day when he woke up, there was no lunch box or breakfast on the table.

Since I mentioned that I love someone else, she didn't cook today. Justified as well. Why would she cook for a stranger?

He goes to the bathroom and when he comes back, he finds her still sleeping in her bed.

She didn't go to office today? Is she on leave? But why isn't she up yet? Is she fine?

He slowly approaches her and touches her arms but she doesn't move. He shakes her slowly, yet she doesn't move or wake up.

Sidharth: Shehnaaz!! Shehnaaz!! Shehnaaz wake up!! (He shakes both her arms)

She doesn't move at all. He was panic-stricken. He places his ears on her chest, her heart was beating. He picks her up, puts her in the car and rushes to the hospital.

The doctor treats her and informs him that her blood pressure was low because of dehydration and starving. She was given IV fluids and discharged by evening. He brings her back home.

Sidharth: I told you clearly that there was no need to fast yesterday but you still fasted. Can't you understand that I can't give you any commitments. When there are no commitments then what is the use of following this rituals? If something happens to you who is answerable to your beast brother? If you want to do all this then please spare my life! (Folds his hand)

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To be continued.. ❤️❤️