The Office Night (SidNaaz)

Chapter~20 {In the Shadows of Sentiment}

Continuing...

The temperature plummeted noticeably as they walked, and a sense of impending rain loomed in the air. The atmosphere grew more intense with every step, suggesting that a substantial downpour was on the horizon for the night. The chill in the air and the murmur of the wind hinted at a significant shift in weather, making the need for finding shelter all the more pressing. It felt as if the impending rain was ready to unleash, urging Sidharth and Shehnaaz to quicken their pace in their search for refuge.

Sidharth carried Shehnaaz through the dark forest, the night growing colder as they desperately searched for shelter. After 20 minutes of uncertainty, a faint light in the distance caught Sidharth's eye. With determination, he hurried towards it and discovered a simple hut nestled among the trees. The warm glow inside offered a welcome escape from the chilling unknown.

Taking refuge from the impending bad weather, Sidharth and Shehnaaz stepped into the small, cozy hut. The interior was quaint, featuring an old, compact bed made of weathered wood, walls fashioned from mud, and a modest fireplace providing a flickering warmth. Fortunately, having had dinner already, hunger wasn't an immediate concern, but an undeniable awkwardness lingered in the air.

In times past, Sidharth and Shehnaaz might have found solace in each other's arms, but the present situation was far from that familiar comfort. Sidharth, sensing the need for clarity, attempted to address the unspoken tension. However, Shehnaaz, perhaps harboring unresolved emotions, responded with cutting remarks, leaving Sidharth's attempts at reconciliation shattered. The atmosphere in the hut, once a potential haven, now crackled with unspoken words and the weight of strained emotions.

Shehnaaz lifted her gaze from the floor, locking eyes with Sidharth, who was deeply engrossed in his thoughts while staring at the dark, thunderous sky. His introspection was evident, and the heavy clouds mirrored the weightiness of the moment. The atmosphere was charged with unspoken emotions, as if a storm were brewing not only in the sky but also within them.As Shehnaaz observed Sidharth, a subtle understanding crept in. It became apparent that his contemplation delved into the complexities of their shared feelings, and she could sense the aftermath of the emotional revelation they both experienced. The silence between them spoke volumes, a web of unspoken sentiments hanging in the air. Shehnaaz, perceptive to the nuances of his emotions, felt a yearning for resolution, a desire to untangle the threads of tension that bound them in a shared struggle with their feelings.

Yes, Sidharth was visibly upset by the events of the day, but there was an underlying disturbance in his demeanor that went beyond the immediate circumstances. Shehnaaz keenly perceived this, prompting her to approach him with deliberate, measured steps. Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them, her intuition guiding her to provide comfort in the face of his evident turmoil.

"Are you okay?" Shehnaaz inquired, her words carrying the weight of genuine concern. Her voice echoed with the deepest feelings of care and empathy, reaching out to Sidharth in an attempt to unravel the emotions that seemed to weigh heavily on him. She kept her hands on his shoulders while looking into his face.

"Jhoot mat bolna meko pata hai tu kisi cheez se upset hai aur wo aaj joh kuch bhi hua uski wajah se nahi hai" added Shehnaaz.

Shehnaaz surprised Sidharth by understanding what was on his mind without him saying a word. He couldn't help but be amazed at how well she knew him. However, there was also confusion because, despite this deep connection, she had rejected his proposal. The mix of feelings left Sidharth pondering the complexities of their relationship and what the future might hold.

"Kuch nahi bas kisi ki yaad aarahi hai" Sidharth replied in a soft voice, the undertone carrying a hint of sadness.

"Tujhe pata hai Shehnaaz .. Ye joh bada sa tara haina upar .. joh sabse zyaada chamak raha hai..Wo mere papa hain.. kehte hain jab koi tumhe sabse bada pyaara hota haina ya tum jise sabse zyaada pyaar karte ho na iss duniya mei..Toh wo tumse cheen jaate hai.. Woh dur hojate hai tumse chahe tum jitni bhi koshish karlo unko pakad ke rakhne ki.."