Rab Rakha

Chapter 67

Shehnaaz paced nervously in her study, the dim light casting shadows on the walls adorned with wedding decorations. The clock ticked away mercilessly, reminding her that her wedding was just hours away. Today was supposed to be a celebration of love, a culmination of dreams, but her mind was clouded with worry. The honeymoon surprise she had meticulously planned for Sidharth, was hanging by a thread.

In the flurry of wedding preparations, she had neglected the final step in securing their visa to Budapest. The thought of revealing her plans to him had been daunting. She wanted to see the look on his face when he discovered their destination, a romantic getaway they both deserved. But now, as the last-minute details unfolded, the reality of her oversight loomed large.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was the visa agent calling. She hesitated, knowing the urgency of the situation. But a sense of hope washed over her, perhaps this call could resolve her worries. "Haye, abhi call karna hota hai inko bhi!" she told herself, glancing at the time. She had two hours until the ceremony.

"Hello?" she said, answering the call.

"Hi, Shehnaaz! I just need a few more documents to finalize your visa." the agent replied.

As they discussed the details, she felt a mix of anxiety and relief. She rushed to gather the necessary documents, her fingers flying over her keyboard as she scanned and sent files back to the agent. Minutes turned into an hour and she remained oblivious to the chaos brewing outside her door.

In the main hall, the atmosphere was tense. The groom's extended family was bustling about, discussing the decorations and arrangements. When Sidharth's Mami noticed Shehnaaz was missing, concern turned into suspicion. As time passed and she remained absent, whispers morphed into panic.

"Yeh mai kya sunn rahi hu?" Mami mentioned, shocked out of her wits at the news.

"Tine palun jaav lagla tar aapan Delhi sathi itka door ka aalo?" She exclaimed, saying that why were they coming if the bride had plans of eloping.

Meanwhile, Shehnaaz was lost in the back-and-forth with the agent. "

I just need one last document." the agent insisted. "Can you send it right now?"

"Yes, yes, I'll do it!" she replied, her heart racing. She felt the urgency but was blind to the impending disaster. With each passing moment, the wedding countdown ticked down relentlessly.

Sidharth, dressed in his traditional attire, sensed the mounting tension. He was surrounded by family, but his thoughts were only of Shehnaaz. They had been planning this day for months, their love story culminating in a grand celebration. But now, anxiety gnawed at him.

As he approached her room, he knocked softly on the door and heard her saying a faint come in. He turned the handle, pushing the door open to find Shehnaaz engrossed in the mirror, touching up and checking out herself one last time.

"Where the fuck were you?" He asked her.

"Arey, mai- bas ek call aaya tha office se. Chalein?" She replied.

"Bina bataye kyu gayi thi? Sab dhundne lage the tujhe! Pagal hai tu!? Office se abhi kyu call aane laga?!" He asked but she didn't really have any answer to that.

"Abhi chalna, muhrat ho gaya hai na?!" Mickey insisted. Even though he didn't say anything, he was mad at her for being so careless at the last moment.

"Sidharth!" She called out, her voice laced with concern. But he didn't have it in him to talk to her right now, he wasn't in the right state of mind and was scared if he'd end up saying something unexpected.