Tere Ishq Nachaya [ ON HOLD Till September 2025]

-08-

Author POV

The Royal Restaurant buzzed with the chatter of patrons and the clinking of cutlery as Sana anxiously waited at a secluded corner table. She had chosen a spot where soft afternoon light filtered through lace curtains, casting a gentle glow on the elegant surroundings. Dressed in her favorite pistachio-colored dress, she tried to steady her nerves, her heart racing with a mix of hope and apprehension.

When Sidharth entered, Sana's breath caught in her throat. He looked as handsome as ever, his expression a blend of surprise and uncertainty as he spotted her. She watched him approach, his strides measured yet hesitant.

"Hi," he greeted softly as he reached her table, his eyes searching hers.

"Sidharth," she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite her nerves. "Thank you for coming."

He nodded, taking the seat opposite her. "You wanted to talk?"

Sana took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Yes, Sidharth. I needed to understand... why?"

Sidharth sighed, running a hand through his hair, his gaze thoughtful. "I... I like you, Sana. More than I expected to. But I didn't anticipate... this."

Her heart skipped a beat at his admission. "The age gap?" she ventured softly.

He nodded, his expression pained. "Thirteen years. It's significant. I didn't want to... impose on you."

Sana reached across the table, her hand trembling slightly as she touched his. "Sidharth, love doesn't always follow rules or logic. Age is just a number."

He looked into her eyes, his own conflicted. "I know. And I care about you deeply. But I didn't want to give false hope."

Tears welled up in Sana's eyes, her emotions raw. "Why can't you see the love in my eyes for you?"

Sidharth sighed again, his gaze dropping. "I'm scared, Sana. I'm afraid I might end up hurting you in the future. As I told you earlier, I like you but—"

Before he could finish, Sana interrupted, her voice trembling with frustration. "I'm done with this, Sidharth."

With that, she abruptly left the restaurant, feeling a mix of hurt and confusion. She needed someone to talk to, someone who could help her sort through her feelings. As she walked briskly down the street, she realized who she needed to turn to.

***

"Sidharth," she heard him call after her, his voice urgent. Sidharth caught up and gently held her arm, stopping her.

"Shehnaaz, please listen to me. This isn't how our conversation was supposed to go," he pleaded, wanting desperately to make things right.

"Sidharth, I can't do this anymore. It hurts to hear the same response from you over and over," she sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Sidharth smiled softly at her despite her tears. She looked adorable, her pout and red nose making her appear vulnerable yet endearing.

"What if I told you... I'm ready to give us a chance?" Sidharth said quietly, surprising both himself and Shehnaaz with his own words.

Shehnaaz looked at him in shock, unsure if she had heard him correctly. "But how... why the sudden change?"

Sidharth nodded, understanding her confusion. "I've realized I can't let fear dictate everything. I genuinely want to give us a chance."

Overwhelmed with relief and happiness, Shehnaaz hugged him tightly, catching Sidharth off guard. He quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.