He got startled hearing Shehnaaz's voice and saw her running toward him, waving her hands and shouting something. Sidharth frowned in confusion - so did his friend. But then his friend suddenly noticed the speeding truck coming straight at them. Without wasting a second, he ran and pulled Sidharth aside just in time making the truck missed just by an inch . The truck goes from there at a lightning speed leaving them flabbergasted.

"Are you alright?" his friend asked, breathing heavily.

Sidharth nodded, "Yeah... yeah, I'm fine."

But deep down, he was scared as hell.

Naaz reached there, panting, her eyes wide and teary. Without saying another word, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Aap theek to ho na?"

Sidharth gently rubbed her back, murmuring, "Naaz, relax. I'm fine."

He glanced at his friend, who was already smiling at the sight. The friend gave a teasing blink and quietly walked away, leaving the two alone.

Sidharth slowly broke the hug, wiped away her tears, and kissed her red nose softly.

"Stop crying, okay? Kuch nahi hua mujhe... I'm all okay."

Naaz (angrily, still shaken):

"Aap dekh kar nahi chal sakte kya? Aapko road cross karna nahi aata? Road cross karte waqt banda idhar-udhar bhi dekh leta hai! Kahi ke Maharaja nahi hain aap, jo aapko dekh kar sab apni gaadiyan rok denge!"

She took a shaky breath but kept going - her voice half trembling, half scolding.

"Agar maine ya aapke us dost ne truck ko na dekha hota, ya unhone aapko kheencha na hota, toh... pata nahi kya ho jaata!"

Then she pointed toward where his friend had been standing.

"Waise galti uski bhi kam nahi thi! Do baar mil chuke the aap dono - ab aisi kaunsi baat reh gayi thi karne ke liye jo aapko bulaya? Aur agar itni hi zaroori baat thi, toh idhar aa kar bhi kar sakte the! Lekin nahi... Janaab toh wahi khade rahe, aage badhe hi nahi!"

She kept blabbering, her words tumbling out fast - anger mixed with fear still visible in her eyes.

Sidharth just stood there, smiling softly while watching her.

Noticing his expression, Naaz glared at him and put her hands on her waist.

"Main joker lag rahi hoon aapko jo aap smile kar rahe hain?" she snapped.

Sid: "Are baba, main has nahi raha tha!"

Naaz (sniffling, glaring at him): "Acha? Toh aap kehna chahte ho main andhi hoon? Maine khud dekha aapko smile karte hue!"

Her voice cracked mid-sentence, and tears rolled down again.

Sid sighed and pulled her into a hug, gently ruffling her hair.

"Acha sorry, Naaz... please ab rona band karo."

Naaz (pouting): "Pehle sahi se sorry bolo."

Sid couldn't help but chuckle at her tone.

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry, Maate." (he held his ears playfully)

"Ab hum please yahan se chalein?" he added, bowing his head with folded hands.

Naaz rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a tiny smile.

"Huhh... follow me," she said, turning toward the car.

They started walking back & settled in the car . The air had just begun to feel calm again when Naaz's phone buzzed.

She unlocked it casually, but the moment she saw the screen - her steps faltered.

An unknown number , Several pictures.

And one short message.

Her face turned pale.

Sid noticed immediately.

"Kya hua? Kiska message hai?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Naaz quickly locked her phone, forcing a nervous smile.

"Nothing, Sir... please mujhe jaldi college drop kar dijiye. Driver uncle wait kar rahe hain."

He noticed that Naaz's hands were trembling, and tiny beads of sweat had formed on her forehead. Concern filled his face as he slowed the car and pulled over to the side of the road.

Holding her shaking hands gently, he asked softly,

"What happened, Naaz? Is everything alright? Tum itni ghabrayi hui kyun ho?"

Naaz quickly looked away, her voice shaky.

"M-mom ki tabiyat theek nahi hai... aap please mujhe jaldi college drop kar dijiye, please."

Sid frowned. "College kyu? Tum mujhe apna address do, main tumhe ghar drop kar deta hoon."

Naaz snapped, her tone rising out of fear more than anger.

"Maine kaha na, aap mujhe college drop kar dijiye! Aap ek baar mein samajhte kyun nahi? Please jaldi karein!"

Sid was taken aback by her sudden outburst but didn't argue.

"Okay, okay... relax," he said quietly and started the car again.

Naaz turned her face toward the window, resting her head against the glass. Her eyes fluttered shut, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. Sid noticed it - but chose to stay silent, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel.

When they reached the college gate, Naaz immediately unbuckled her seatbelt. Without meeting his eyes, she got out of the car and walked straight toward her own car parked nearby. Within seconds, she drove off, leaving Sid staring after her in confusion and quiet worry.

__________________________________________

Sidharth entered the house, holding two packets of ice cream in his hands.

"Mom!" he called out, walking toward the living room - but there was no reply.

Before he could call again, Natasha appeared out of nowhere and said casually,

"Rita Aunty ghar pe nahi hain. Wo Mom ke saath bahar gayi hain, aur Dad bhi unke saath hi gaye hain."

Sid sighed internally, thinking, "Oh God, main is time ghar hi kyun aaya..."

He almost facepalmed himself.

"Okay... main apne room mein ja raha hoon." Sidharth said trying to sound normal.

Natasha tilted her head curiously.

"Wait, Sidharth - wo packet mein kya hai?"

Sid glanced at the bag in his hand. "Ice cream."

Natasha's face instantly lit up. "Wow! Ice cream! Main le lu?"

Sid smiled faintly, already halfway to the stairs. "Le lo," he said and disappeared into his room.

Sidharth entered his room, tossed his phone and keys on the table, and sat on the edge of his bed.

He leaned back, running a hand through his hair with a sigh.

His mind replayed the scene - Naaz's trembling hands, her pale face, and that one tear that slipped when she thought he wasn't watching.

"Mom ki tabiyat theek nahi hai..."

Her voice echoed in his head, but something about it didn't sit right.

Sid frowned. "Uski aankhon mein sirf darr tha... lekin wo apni maa ke liye nahi lag raha tha," he thought, staring blankly at the ceiling.

He grabbed his phone, scrolling through their old chats - their random fights, memes, her dramatic voice notes. A faint smile appeared, but it faded just as quickly.

"Naaz... kya hua tha tujhe?" he murmured under his breath.

Just then, his phone buzzed - a notification. For a moment, he hoped it was her. But it was nothing - just a random message.

Sid exhaled sharply and threw the phone beside him. "Pagal kar degi ek din," he muttered, rubbing his face.

A few minutes later, Sid was still lost in thoughts when the door suddenly creaked open.

Natasha walked in - without knocking - holding two bowls of ice cream.

Sid turned around instantly. He was wearing only his shorts.

Natasha froze mid-step, her eyes widening for a second before she awkwardly looked away - but not before ogling a little.

Sid quickly grabbed his T-shirt from the chair and slipped it on in a hurry.

"Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho? Tumhe knock karna nahi aata kya?" he said sharply.

Natasha blinked, flustered. "W-wo... main ice cream layi thi," she replied softly, lifting the bowl.

Sid's tone stayed cold. "Mujhe nahi khani. Tum khalo. Aur please - next time bina knock kiye andar mat aana."

For a moment, silence hung between them. Natasha put the ice cream on the table and crossed her arms.

"Sidharth, tumhe mujhse problem kya hai? Kyun hamesha itna rudely behave karte ho?"

Sid ran a hand through his hair, clearly irritated. "Natasha, is time mera dimaag bahut zyada kharab hai. Please... jao yahan se."

His voice was low but firm - leaving no room for argument.

Natasha turned back sharply, anger flashing in her eyes.

"Nahi, main nahi jaungi! Pehle mujhe batao, tumhe mujhse problem kya hai?" she demanded, stepping closer to him.

Sid instinctively moved a step back.

"Natasha, I said just go from here! Can't you understand?" he snapped, trying to keep his tone calm but firm.

Ignoring him, she came closer and gripped his arm tightly.

"Sidharth, why don't you understand? I love you, damn it!" her voice cracked with emotion.

Sid froze for a moment - the sudden confession caught him off guard.

He gently removed her hand and said quietly, "But I don't, Natasha."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Kyu? Kya kami hai mujh mein? Achhi nahi hoon? Khubsoorat nahi hoon? Ya tumhare standard ki nahi hoon?"

Sid sighed heavily, his voice low but firm.

"Natasha, please... ye sab bakwaas band karo aur yahan se jao."

But before he could move, Natasha suddenly hugged him tightly, crying against his chest.

"Nahi... main nahi jaungi," she said in a trembling voice.

"Pehle tum kaho... tum bhi mujhse pyaar karte ho."

Sid stood still - his jaw tightened, eyes reflecting both frustration and guilt.

Sidharth finally lost his patience. His voice rose, sharp and trembling with anger.

"Bas, Natasha! Just stop it. I said I don't love you - samajh mein nahi aata?, Don't behave like a psycho please."

Natasha's eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face.

"Kyun? Koi aur hai tumhari life mein?"

Sid exhaled heavily, his jaw tight. "Haan, hai. I like someone else. Mil gaya jawab? Ab please... just leave, Natasha."

She blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. "Mujhse zyada khubsoorat hai, kya hai usme, Sid? Or , Kya kami hai mujh mein?, me tumhe zyada khush rakh sakti hu ,  usse zyada satisfy kar sakti hu sidharth,  just give me a chance, please."

Sidharth's head snapped at her , losing all his patience, his eyes blazing fire at her words. he didn't say anything but held her arm and pushed her out of his room, locking the door .

Sid let out a deep, frustrated groan and grabbed the nearest thing - the bowl of ice cream - and hurled it against the wall. The bowl shattered, splattering the melted ice cream across the mirror.

He stood there, breathing heavily, staring at his reflection - cracked and distorted through the mess - feeling completely drained.

         ____________________________

The next day, Sidharth waited for Naaz in the college parking area, his eyes scanning every car that entered. But she never showed up.

He sighed, trying to calm his growing worry. “Shayad aunty ki tabiyat kharab hai… isiliye nahi aayi,” he thought.

Still, he sent her a message ,“How’s your mom now?” , but the message didn’t deliver. No double ticks.

One day passed. Then another.

Each day, he tried messaging again, only to see the same thing , Message not delivered.

By the second night, Sidharth’s patience had turned into quiet restlessness. He kept checking his phone,

“Naaz… kahaan ho tum?” he whispered.

On the third day, he finally saw her , walking into the college gate.

For a second, relief flooded through him. But the moment he saw her face, that relief vanished.

This wasn’t the same Naaz.

Her smile , gone.

Her soft eyes , cold.

Even the way she walked felt distant, almost lifeless.

Whenever Sidharth tried to go up to her, she turned away, pretending not to hear.

At first, he thought maybe she was still upset. But soon he noticed , she wasn’t just avoiding him.

She avoided everyone.

Even Riya and Sanya , her closest friends weren’t spared.

The cheerful girl who once couldn’t stop laughing was now snapping at people for no reason, her tone sharp and eyes tired.

Sidharth watched from afar, confused and worried, wondering what had happened to the Naaz he knew.

From a corner of the canteen, Riya watched her closely and frowned. “Yaar, yeh Shehnaaz ko kya ho gaya hai?” she whispered to Sanya, who sat beside her. “Do din se gayab thi, aur ab aayi toh itna ajeeb behave kar rahi hai?”

Sanya nodded, her gaze fixed on Shehnaaz’s retreating figure. “Pata nahi yaar… pareshaan bhi lag rahi hai.”

Riya sighed. “Pareshaan hai toh humse discuss kare na , kya problem hai? Itna rudely behave karne ki kya zarurat thi?”

“I know, right?” Sanya agreed. “Usne kabhi unchi awaaz mein baat tak nahi ki, aur aaj achanak se… I don’t know usse kya ho gaya hai”.

She trailed off mid-sentence as her eyes drifted toward another table. Sidharth sat there alone, elbows on the table, lost somewhere deep in his thoughts. His coffee had gone cold, untouched.

Sanya’s voice softened. “Riya, tu chal. Main abhi aati hoon.”

Riya gave her a questioning look but nodded and walked away.

Sanya hesitated for a moment, then walked up to Sidharth. “Sir…” she said quietly.

He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “Yes? Any problem?”

“Sir, mujhe aapse kuch baat karni hai,” Sanya said, her tone uncertain.

“Haan, bolo,” Sid replied, trying to sound composed.

Sanya bit her lip before speaking. “Actually… wo Shehnaaz ke baare mein”

Sid sighed and leaned back, cutting her off gently. “I know what you’re trying to say, Sanya. But trust me… mujhe bhi kuch samajh nahi aa raha.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustration lacing his voice. “Do din pehle tak bilkul theek thi. Phir usne kaha ki uski mom ki tabiyat kharaab hai… aur ab do din baad wapas aayi toh bilkul badli hui lag rahi hai. I don’t know kya hua usse.”

Sanya frowned. “Kahi uski mom ko to kuch…”

Sid shook his head immediately. “Nahi, I don’t think so. But you relax, okay? Main baat karne ki koshish karta hoon usse.”

Sanya gave a small, understanding smile and nodded. “Okay, sir.”

As she turned to leave, Sidharth’s eyes followed Shehnaaz in the distance , walking away, lost in her own world. Something about her silence unsettled him.

He didn’t know what had happened in those two days, but one thing was certain , the Naaz he knew was slipping away, and he couldn’t just stand and watch.

The library was silent , the kind of silence where even a page turning sounded too loud. Rows of books stood like quiet witnesses as Sidharth walked in, his eyes scanning the room.

Then he saw her.

Shehnaaz sat in the far corner, completely lost in her thoughts. Her eyes were fixed on an open book, but it was clear she hadn’t read a word. The dark circles under her eyes and the way she twisted her fingers nervously told a story of sleepless nights.

Sidharth took a quiet breath and walked toward her. He pulled a chair beside her and sat down without saying a word.

Shehnaaz flinched slightly, startled. The moment her eyes met his, she panicked and started gathering her books, clearly trying to leave.

But before she could stand, Sidharth reached under the table and gently , but firmly , held her hand. She froze.

“Naaz…” he whispered, his voice calm but heavy with concern.

She avoided his eyes, staring instead at the floor. Silence filled the space between them ,  broken only by the ticking clock and the faint rustle of papers.

One by one, the other students packed up and left, until the library was almost empty. Then Mrs. Pramila, the librarian, walked over with a polite smile.

“Professor Sidharth, actually library band hone ka time ho gaya hai,” she said softly.

Sid turned toward her, keeping his tone professional. “Mrs. Pramila, actually mujhe aur Shehnaaz ko kuch important topic discuss karna hai. Thoda time lagega. Aap jaaiye, main kaam khatam hote hi library lock kar dunga.”

“Sidharth sir… hum kal bhi kar sakte hain. Please, aaj rehne dijiye. Mujhe jaldi jaana hai.”

Her eyes darted everywhere but at him. Her fingers fidgeted restlessly on the book cover, and her tone carried the same nervousness that had been haunting her since she came back.

Sidharth’s jaw tightened.

“No, Miss Shehnaaz. Of course not,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Already do din nikal gaye hain… aaj to kaam khatam karna hi hai.”

He turned to Mrs. Pramila with a polite smile. “So, Mrs. Pramila… you go.”

The librarian nodded hesitantly. “Alright, sir,” she said and walked out, shutting the heavy wooden door behind her.

As soon as the sound of her footsteps faded, the silence returned , heavier than before.

Sidharth looked at Shehnaaz once, making sure no one was around. Then, slowly, he released her hand.

The moment she felt free, Shehnaaz got up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. She turned toward the door, desperate to leave, but before she could reach it, Sidharth grabbed her wrist again  this time tighter ,and pushed the lock into place with a sharp click.

Her eyes widened.

“Y–yeh… kya badtameezi hai?” she stammered, her voice trembling with both fear and anger.

Sidharth took a step closer, his expression unreadable.

“Badtameezi?” he repeated quietly. “Badtameezi yeh nahi hai, Shehnaaz. Badtameezi wo hai jo tum kar rahi ho.”

She frowned, hurt and confused.

“Maine kya kiya? Maine to kuch  nahi kiya.”

“Baitho,” he said coldly, pointing to the chair. “Kuch baat karni hai.”

“Nahi baithungi!” she snapped. “Aur mujhe koi baat nahi karni! Hato saamne se… mujhe jaane do!”

She turned toward the door again, fumbling with the lock , but before she could open it, he caught her by the arm and pulled her back with a firm grip.

“I said,” his voice dropped to a low, commanding tone, “sit down, Shehnaaz.”

The authority in his voice made her flinch. Her eyes blinked rapidly as she sank slowly into the chair, her heartbeat loud in her chest.

Sidharth exhaled, pulled a chair opposite hers, and sat down. For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then he leaned forward slightly, his voice softer but still edged with frustration.

“Now tell me,” he said. “What’s your problem?”

Naaz’s eyes were fixed on the table. “I don’t have any problem,” she muttered, her tone laced with irritation but her voice shaky. She didn’t look at him even once.

Sidharth leaned forward, his brows knitting. “Don’t you dare lie, Naaz,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Come on, tell me  kya hua hai tumhe? Kyu sabse itna rude behave kar rahi ho?”

Her jaw tightened. “Meri marzi,” she snapped. “Main jiske saath chaahun, jaise behave karu. You are no one to ask, SIRRR.”

The way she stressed the last word made something twist in his chest. Sidharth took a deep breath, trying to hold his temper.

“Shehnaaz,” he said slowly, “don’t test my patience. Please, tell me kya hua hai? Tumhari mom toh theek hain na?”

Naaz’s fingers curled into fists. “She’s fine,” she said flatly.

He reached out, his tone softening. “Naaz…” he murmured, gently taking her hands in his. “Why are you behaving so weird, ha? Riya and Sanya are also worried for you. Don’t do this, please. Tell me what’s wrong?”

But the moment his fingers brushed hers, she jerked her hands back as if burned. Her chair screeched as she shot up to her feet.

“What’s your problem, sir?” she shouted, eyes glistening with anger  or maybe pain. “Maine kaha na, mujhe koi problem nahi hai! Then why are you asking again and again?”

Her voice echoed through the empty library. Sidharth stared, momentarily stunned, as she went on — her words tumbling out, sharp and trembling.

“Aur agar problem hai bhi,” she said bitterly, “toh main aapko kyun bataun, ha? I’ve my family, I’ve my friends to share my problems! Aur rahi baat Riya aur Sanya ki, toh woh hamare beech ki baat hai hum sort out kar lenge.”

Her voice broke for a second before she added, louder, “You are no one to interfere!”

Silence fell between them  thick and cold. Only the faint hum of the ceiling fan filled the room as Sidharth’s stare met hers.

Sidharth stood frozen, her words hitting him like sharp blades. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing not even in his wildest dreams had he imagined his Naaz would speak to him like that.

Before he could think, he grabbed her arms, pulling her closer. His grip was firm, his eyes burning into hers.

“really shehnaaz??I am no one to you, haan?” he said through gritted teeth. “Them what was that between us naaz?? Then why were you roaming around with me, haan? Answer me, Shehnaaz.”

She stayed silent, her eyes darting away. The tremor in her breath gave her away, but her lips refused to part.

“Answer me, Shehnaaz!” he repeated, his tone rising , not in anger alone, but in disbelief, in pain.

Finally, she lifted her face, her voice calm but cutting. “Maine nahi kaha tha ghoomne ke liye. You’re the one who kept ordering me , saying, I’m your teacher, and that’s my order."”

Her eyes hardened. “Yaad hai na? And you were the one who said we’re friends. Dosti ka haath bhi aapne badhaya tha, maine nahi.”

Sidharth’s jaw tightened. He felt his chest twist with something bitter , regret, anger, and confusion, all at once.

“So,” he said slowly, his voice rough, “you weren’t enjoying spending time with me? Bolona? Nahi karni thi dosti toh usi time mana karti! Maine force nahi kiya tha tumhe. Nahi jaana tha mere saath toh mana karti , main zabardasti ghaseet kar nahi le gaya tha tumhe!”

His words came out heavier than he intended  trembling with hurt rather than rage.

Naaz looked into his eyes for a long moment, her own glistening but defiant. Then she jerked her hands free from his hold and stepped back.

“Samajh gayi,” she said coldly. “Now can I leave, Sir?”

The way she said Sir  filled with distance and finality  stabbed deeper than any insult could."

Sidharth’s patience finally snapped. His voice came out low but firm.

“No,” he said, stepping closer. “Jab tak mujhe sahi jawab nahi mil jaata, tum yahan se nahi ja sakti.”

He knew she is hiding something, and that's why this he didn't want to left their conversation in mid, & just wants to know the truth.

Naaz folded her arms, trying to mask the nervous flutter in her chest. “Now what, Sir?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you bipolar or something?”

Naaz blinked, taken aback. “Ji?”

“Har do din baad tumhara attitude badal jaata hai. Kabhi itni sweet, kabhi itni rude. I’m asking you one last time, Shehnaaz what’s the matter?”

Her jaw tightened. “I am not answerable to you.”

That was enough. Sidharth exhaled sharply, frustration and concern tangling inside him. Before she could move, he caught her by the wrist and turned her slightly, blocking her way. She stumbled back a step, finding herself trapped between him and the wall.

His hand rested against the wall above her shoulder; the other still lightly holding her waist . He didn’t mean to frighten her but his eyes were searching hers, desperate for honesty.

“So, you’re not going to tell me?” he asked softly, his voice a mix of hurt and determination.

Naaz froze, her pulse hammering. She shook her head slowly, unable to find her words.

He nuzzles his nose in her cheeks & and asks: Don't you like to spend time with me? he asked inhaling her scent.

She didn't reply but held him from his shoulder,  He softly kissed her cheek and said: Answer me Naaz , do you like to spend time with me?

Naaz nodded her head and answered meekly , "Yes."

He smirked and continued nuzzling his nose on her shoulder and asked: "You like me or not?"

She was so lost in his touch that she didn't reply. He also got lost in his feelings that he didn't know when he softly bites her neck and asks: Do you like me or not Naaz?

"Yes." Her voice came as a moan as he gave wet kisses on her neck. Both were lost due to proximity.

He held her chin and lifted her face & moving closer. she lifts her eyes & him , her eyes met with his intense eyes, his eyes then move towards her lips, She closes her eyes, not able to meet his intense gaze. He smiled softly and kissed the corner of her lips , then he moved back huskily and said: Open your eyes Naaz.

She opened her eyes just to close it again as he smashed Her lips.

 __________💖____________

Long chapter for you all, so please comments karte jaana 🙂

I am sorry, everyone. I know  I am repeating the same thing again and again , but this is important for the story.

Any comment about their first kiss?

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