Shehnaaz looks at the clock, it was 6:28pm. She had been looking at the clock every now and then ever since he had left home for office in the morning.
Sidharth returns home from office and Aadya hugs him. Sidharth cuddles with the little munchkin for a while as Shehnaaz stood gazing at him hugging the door. She was way more excited to know everything thing about his new office. She anxiously waited for him to take off his shoes and freshen up. She quickly made a cup of tea for him in the meantime.
She gave him the tea and he gave her the cutest smile while taking it. She than sat beside him, waiting for him to take a sip so that she could start her conversation.
Shehnaaz: How was your first day?
Sidharth: It was good. I finished my joining formalities, met my team and took some training from the exiting manager.
Shehnaaz: How is everyone? How did you like the office? (She asked with gleaming eyes.)
Sidharth: Couldn't interact much with everyone but they are all good. Office is nice, I have a cabin which I am currently sharing with Hema. But after 15 days it will be fully mine.
Shehnaaz: Hema? (Inquisitive)
Sidharth: Ah!! That's the current manager who will exit in 15 days.
Shehnaaz: Okay.
Sidharth: Come here! (He pulls her closer and hugs her from side kissing her forehead) I missed you!!
Shehnaaz: (blushes) I missed you too.
Aadya who was playing with her toys, stops and looks back at him.
Aadya: Aadya misshed Papa as well..
Sidharth: (spreads his arm with a smile and Aadya runs to him) Papa missed Aadya sooooo much.
Shehnaaz smiles and kisses Aadya's forehead.
Shehnaaz: Another week and Aadya will also start schooling then Mumma will miss both of you. I just hope, I get lots of customers pouring into my boutique, so that I don't feel alone.
Sidharth: No you won't feel alone, since you are going to be occupied. (Aadya goes back to play) We will enroll you into open schooling today itself. You can start studying when there are no customers. In 10 month's time, you will be answering your exam. You ain't going to be distracted by anything.
Shehnaaz: Enrolling to school, but we don't have so much money yet for fees.
Sidharth: Come with me.
He takes her to the room and searches his office bag.
Sidharth: This is Sodexo money. It's just like money to be used in selected outlets to buy grocery etc.
Shehnaaz: Huh? Aren't they going to pay you salary? Is this what they are going to give you every month instead of money?
Sidharth: (laughs) This is not my salary. This is just an extra perk. If we cover our grocery expenses in this then we can enroll you for open schooling.
Shehnaaz: Okay! (Smiles)
They sit together and fill in the online application and pay the fees.
Sidharth: There you go!! Congratulations and All the best sweetheart.
Shehnaaz: Thank you.
Hugs him and stands on her toe and kisses his lips. Her hands sensuously ran into his hair as she opens her lips and tries to suck his lips to turn it into a passionate kiss, but he stops her by pulling her back by her arms.
Sidharth: Baby, Aadya is awake and the door is also wide open.
Shehnaaz feels embarrassed and she looks down on the floor. He kisses her forehead and walks outside. She stood like a frozen ice statue for sometime and slowly went out. He was laughing and playing with Aadya. She goes to the bathroom and pours some cold water over her head to control her hormones and calm her desires.
She doesn't meet his eyes while they have their dinner, even when he praises her food. Sidharth tucks Aadya to bed and reads her a story. Shehnaaz finished washing the soiled plates and dirty dishes but she waits in the kitchen not wanting to face him. She simply pours cumin in a plate and stood there to clean it to search for any mud or tiny stones in it.
After almost an hour and a half, she goes to the room. Sidharth was already snoring softly. She goes and lies on the other side beside Aadya turning her back to him and Aadya.
As the alarm goes off, she gets up and keeps herself occupied with chores not communicating with him. He gets ready for office and finds his breakfast along with lunchbox ready on the mat. He searches for her in the house but she wasn't there. He quickly eats his breakfast before deciding to go and check in the boutique.
He was right, she was in her boutique and was busy making bouquets. He looks at her and calls her out.
Sidharth: Hey sweetheart, I am ready to leave for the office.
Shehnaaz: (without looking at him, while cutting the stems) Hmmm.. Bye, have a great day!
He curiously looked at her and wonders why she wasn't even looking at him. He goes near her. She looks at him from the corner of his eyes but keeps doing her work. He hugs her from her waist and kisses her ears. A shiver ran through her body but she chooses not to react.
Sidharth: Did you hear? I said I am leaving for office.
Shehnaaz: Yes and if you heard, even I said bye and have a great day.
Sidharth: What happened Shehnaaz? Are you angry?
Shehnaaz: Nothing like that! I am just.. just a bit occupied with work!!
Sidharth: Okay! I'll see you in the evening since I don't want to be late to office. Bye!!
A whole week passes by where they didn't share any intimacy and Shehnaaz was growing frustrated due to suppressing her desires. It is easier to neglect when you haven't experienced the pleasure at all in your life then controlling it once you've tasted it.
She found it too difficult to put her feelings and wants in words. She often grew irritated when he failed to understand her actions though she behaved normal infront of Aadya.
It was a weekend and the trio go for shopping to a supermarket where they accept Sodexo money. She looks at the list and reads it.
Shehnaaz: Oil. Oh God! It was in the previous aisle. Arghh.. Will need to go back with this trolley.
Sidharth: Do one thing, I'll wait here with Aadya, you go and get it.
She nods and goes to the neighbouring aisle where they had oil bottles placed. She compares the rates and chooses the most economical one. When she returns she finds Sidharth speaking with another lady. Their body language looked comfortable so Shehnaaz understood that they weren't strangers. She felt a little pain rise when she saw them laughing together. She walked closer wondering who was she.
The lady looked at her and gave her a bright smile as if she already knew her. Shehnaaz gave her a soft smile to reciprocate rather than the genuine happiness of meeting her since she was a stranger.
Lady: Oh my God! Shehnaaz, how are you darling? (Hugs her)
Shehnaaz: (perplexed and with unwanted smile) I am good, how are you? (I wanted to say Who are you, but since that looks rude, hence I ask her how are you?)
Lady: I am perfectly fine. It's been a week that I learnt about you and I've been wanting to meet you so eagerly. I even told Sidharth that I would drop into your home uninvited.
Shehnaaz nods yes in confusion and looks at Sidharth.
Sidharth: Shehnaaz, this is Hema. She is the manager at office. I am replacing her in another week.
Shehnaaz: Oh!! Okay!! (Smiles)
Hema: I am so much impressed with you. You are really great Shehnaaz. Accepting and Giving love to Gunjan and Sidharth's child as your own is commendable. Gunjan would be happier wherever she is, looking at you taking care of her daughter as your own blood.
Shehnaaz face expression changes. She glares at Sidharth for discussing their personal life with colleagues. She could no more smile because that lady outright declared that Aadya wasn't her daughter everytime. The secret she shared with Sidharth was no longer a secret. She imagined what all he would have discussed with her.
Shehnaaz: Excuse me! You two please carry on talking to each other until then I'll finish my shopping.
She pushed the trolley in which Aadya was sitting. She was annoyed with Sidharth.
How could he share our personal life story with a stranger? Is she so close to him? No wonder, he doesn't want me now. Her words were piercing everytime she mentioned Gunjan and Sidharth's child, as if I am no one. If she being a stranger says like that then it is obvious that it's not her but his words.
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To be continued.. ❤️❤️