HUMDARD- A Journey From Chaos To Calm

Chapter 15

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city, Sidharth found himself lost in thought. He sat at his desk, the usual chaos of his workday long forgotten, his mind entirely consumed by Saana. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite the progress they had made, something was still holding her back. He replayed their conversation from earlier in his mind, her soft voice tinged with a vulnerability that tugged at his heart. The uncertainty in her tone, the way she hesitated, all of it echoed in his head like a haunting melody.

It was in the midst of these swirling thoughts that his phone rang, snapping him back to reality. The name flashing on the screen brought a mix of emotions—Mohana. She had always been someone he could rely on, a close confidant who seemed to understand him even when he struggled to understand himself. Her advice had always been sound, grounded in a deep understanding of both him and Saana.

With a deep breath, Sidharth picked up the call, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil within.

“Hey, Mohana. What’s up?”

Mohana’s voice was lively and excited on the other end.

“Sidharth! I just had to call and congratulate you. I heard the news from Sahil—Saana agreed to the marriage! I’m so happy for both of you!”

Sidharth couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

“Thanks, Mohana. But I heard there was a bit of a surprise when she revealed her decision to the family?”

Mohana laughed, the sound warm and familiar, like a comforting embrace.

“Oh, Godd! Tu believe nahi karega! Saana just blurted it out at the breakfast table this morning. Everyone was stunned, especially after how uncertain she seemed yesterday. But once the shock wore off, the whole family was over the moon.”

Sidharth chuckled, imagining the scene in vivid detail.

He could picture the look on everyone’s faces—the initial shock giving way to joy and excitement. But amidst that mental image, one thing stood out: Saana. He could almost see her, sitting there at the table, her hands perhaps trembling slightly as she made her announcement, her eyes scanning the room for some sign of reassurance.

“I can’t say I’m surprised that she caught everyone off guard. Saana’s always been full of surprises,”

he remarked, his voice tinged with affection.

“Exactly,”

Mohana agreed, but then her tone shifted, becoming more serious, more contemplative.

“But Sidharth, there’s something I think you should know. Jab Saana ne yeh baat announce Kiya na, she didn’t look entirely at ease. There was this… hesitation in her eyes.”

Sidharth’s smile faded, replaced by a sense of concern that had been gnawing at him since their earlier conversation.

“Yeah, I noticed that too. We talked earlier, and I could tell she was scared. Aise usne directly nahi bola, but it was obvious. I just don’t know how to reassure her.”

Mohana sighed softly, the sound carrying the weight of her empathy.

“Sidharth, Saana’s been through so much. It’s only natural for her to be scared, especially after everything she’s experienced. The thought of marriage probably brings back memories and fears she’s been trying to move past.”

Sidharth leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of Mohana’s words settle heavily on his shoulders.

“I just wish there was something I could do to make her feel safe, to make her realize that she doesn’t have to go through this alone.”