✿ Chapter 24 : A Day Of Love ✿

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Shehnaaz woke up before dawn, the faint light of the moon casting a silvery glow through the window. Today was special, Karwa Chauth, her first one after marrying Sidharth. She had always admired this tradition growing up, watching her mother observe the fast for her father every year, but now, it was her turn. She felt a deep sense of excitement and devotion as she prepared to fast for Sidharth's long life and happiness.

He was sleeping peacefully hugging her. Quietly slipping out of bed to not disturb Sidharth.

She went tiptoed to the kitchen to eat her sargi, the pre-dawn meal given by her mother-in-law. The tray was already prepared, complete with fruits, sweets, and a glass of milk. Shehnaaz thought about what the day ahead would hold. Her heart fluttered with anticipation, and a soft smile played on her lips as she thought of Sidharth.

"Shehnaaz beta tera to pehla karwachauth ha ache se kha le" Rita maa said while patted her head.

Shehnaaz smile and nodded.

"Aur tum dono bhi kabhi pichli baar ki tarha Avni behoshi ki haalat me pohoch jaaye" Vidya said and chuckled when Avni whinced.

"Maa yaar" she pout sadly.

Shehnaaz and Nisha giggles.

"Good morning ladies" Rudra and Kushal said.

"Tum dono kya kar rahe ho idhar?" Rita maa asked.

"Wo hume pata tha aap log sargi karne uthoge aur hume bhook bhi lagi thi to hum aa gaye" Kushal said while rubbing his nape.

"Hello everyone" Shreya said to them.

They turn and saw her ready in bright red suit and dark makeup.

"Ye subha subha joker bankar kiu ghum rahi hai?" Avni whispered to Shehnaaz, she shrugged her shoulders.

"Shreya tum yaha?" Vidya ji asked her.

"Wo aunty ji main har karwachauth vrat rakhti hu to socha aakar sargi kar lu" she lied to them according to her plan.

Shehnaaz rised her eyebrows "lekin mere saamne to tumne kabhi fast nahi rakha?"

Shreya laughed "are tune notice nahi kara hoga acha mujhe bhook lagi hai" she took a piece from Shehnaaz plate and ate it.

"Shreya ye kya batamizi hai?" Rita maa said sternly "ye Shehnaaz ki sargi thi"

"Kya aunty ji aap bhi ab hum behene hai jo iska hai wo mera bhi hai" she smirks looking at Shehnaaz.

"Sorry to burst your dream bubble shreya lekin jo mera hai wo mera hi hai" Shehnaaz said while stressing on every word. "So aage se jo karo wo puch kar karna"

They all move their head in disbelief, they did their sargi.

Shehnaaz enter in her room saw him sleeping, she remove her dupatta and laid down hugged him. He automatically wrap his hand around her waist. He open his eyes and smile.

Unknown to her, Sidharth had woken up just as she left the room. He leaned against the headboard, watching her move silently through the hallway. He knew how important this day was for her, and though he was not one for traditions or rituals, something inside him stirred. He decided then that he would fast for her too. If she was willing to go through the entire day without food or water for him, he could do the same for her even if he did not plan on telling anyone.

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Later that morning, the house was filled with a buzz of activity. Rita maa along with Vidya ji, Avni and Nisha and Ashnoor was busy preparing for the evening puja. The fragrance of marigolds filled the air, and the women had already begun talking about their outfits for the evening and how beautiful the moonrise would be.

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