Aitai : I want to see you.

Astral

As Shehnaz glanced at her phone, she realized it was already 9:45. She was startled it was almost mess time, and she had only 15 minutes before they stopped serving dinner. The university gates closed at 10:30, and if she didn’t make it back, she’d have to explain where she was and why she was late in a conversation she wanted to avoid, especially as she was still new on campus.

"Sidharth," she said, her voice a blend of urgency and apology, "I have to go. I'm starving, and if I miss my mess time, the university gates will close. Then I’ll have to explain everything why I was out so late, where I was, all that. I should really try to keep a low profile for now.”

Sidharth was lounging comfortably on the opposite couch, watching her with a relaxed smile. But suddenly, he sat up and gestured for her to stay. “Wait, wait why don’t we have dinner here? I’ll drop you off right after; I know it won’t take more than five minutes to get there. Worst case, I can talk to the guard.” He gave her a playful wink.

Shehnaz hesitated, checking the time again. “But won’t it take forever to order and wait for the food?”

Sidharth shook his head. “No need. My mom sends food every day, she usually drops off a tiffin either during the day or in the evening. So, I’ve got enough in the fridge I’ll just heat it up, and we can eat right away.”

Shehnaz looked around the cozy one-room flat. “Your mom lives nearby, then?”

"Yeah," he replied, his tone softening. “She’s close, but there’s some distance.”

Soon, Sidharth was setting warm food on the table, inviting her to start. They chatted and ate comfortably, as though this was routine.

"So tomorrow’s Sunday," he said, grinning, "and it’s your birthday, too. How are we celebrating? Tell me what’s your ideal plan?”

Shehnaz smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Honestly, I’ve always celebrated with family, you know? Just the usual dinner and maybe a game night. I’ve never really had a celebration with friends. I’d actually love something adventurous, but I’ve never had that kind of company.”

Sidharth chuckled. “Ah, the classic Gen Z vibe. All cool, all chill.”

Shehnaz laughed, “No, I mean, really. I want to do things, but my mom is strict. are, ek lauti aulaad ka pyaar hota and i am daughter too so,  She was always very focused on my studies, no distractions allowed. But I’d still find ways to enjoy myself  but mai to mai hoon she added, with a mischievous glint in her eye.

He nodded, understanding her unspoken words. “My parents are pretty laid back, but I get it sometimes it’s still hard to break away from what we’re used to.”

They talked long into the night, losing track of time. There was so much to share, yet somehow never quite enough time to say everything. As they spoke, a quiet connection grew, an understanding deepening with each word.

Sidharth walked Shehnaz to the university gates, bidding her a soft “goodbye” before watching her disappear into the campus. As she made her way back to her quarters, her thoughts lingered in the evening, and a quiet warmth filled her heart. Once back in her room, she changed into something comfortable, grabbed her current read a beloved Urdu novel, Peer-e-Kamil and settled in. Shehnaz had a love for exploring various genres, each story a new world to immerse herself in.

Meanwhile, Sidharth had returned to his flat, slipping into a pair of comfortable shorts before brewing himself a cup of coffee. As he sipped, he called his parents to check in, mentioning he might be busy the next day. After the call, his mind wandered back to Shehnaz. He had learned that she wasn’t drawn to typical restaurant outings; she craved experiences, something different, something alive. He considered surprising her with a trip to the zoo or an adventure park, places that held a hint of thrill yet still felt relaxed.

But Sidharth was cautious. He didn’t want to go overboard, and he was calculating every possibility. Shehnaz was new in his life, and he didn’t want to misread things or overwhelm her. Yet there was something refreshing about her that drew him in, her lively nature so different from his measured approach.

And Shehnaz? She was equally taken with him. With each passing conversation, she found herself wanting more. In her eyes, Sidharth was the very image of the man she’d once dreamed of a presence that felt both strong and genuine. In her mind, he was her Prince Charming, perhaps even her real-life Cinderella story. She yearned for more time with him, wondering how a connection so new could already feel so deep.

At 11:40 p.m., Shehnaz’s phone rang, and she saw her mother’s name flash on the screen. She answered with a warm smile, her mother’s familiar voice bringing comfort she hadn’t realized she missed so deeply. They talked about her whereabouts, her day, and the little things her mother loved to check on reminding her about the suits she’d ordered, urging Shehnaz to inspect them closely for quality and exact details. As the conversation continued, her mother’s tone softened, a hint of emotion slipping through. “Beta, it’s your first birthday away from us,” her mother said, pausing as though searching for the right words. “Tomorrow, we’ll visit the Gurudwara; it’s been a tradition. I’ll miss having you with us for the first time.”

A wave of homesickness hit Shehnaz, but she quickly reassured her mother, comforting her with warmth in her voice. Soon after, her father took the phone, his voice laced with pride and tenderness as he wished her well. By the time they finally said goodbye, it was already 12:30 a.m., and her room felt a little quieter, a little more lonely.

She unlocked her phone and saw lots of messages, some from close friends and others from new acquaintances. Among the missed calls was Sidharth’s name. She lingered for a moment, then decided to call him back.

The phone barely rang before he answered, his tone light and teasing. “Ah, it’s the birthday girl! Happy birthday!”

Shehnaz smiled, feeling a rush of excitement.

“Thank you!” she replied, laughter in her voice.

“Get ready by 10 a.m.,” he continued with a subtle playfulness. “If you’re comfortable with it, I’ll take you somewhere nice.”

She was thrilled, her eyes sparkling. “Really? You’d actually take me out ?”

Sidharth felt an unfamiliar warmth at the sound of her excitement. He hadn’t been sure if he should suggest it, but hearing her reaction, he knew he’d made the right choice. “Of course,” he replied, a bit shy now, but also happy.

She ended the call, her mind already racing with the possibility of where they might go. With an excited determination, she went to her wardrobe, scanning through her clothes with a sense of purpose. First, her hand paused over a delicate saree, but she dismissed it, feeling it was too formal. Then her fingers brushed past a simple suit, but she quickly shook her head; it didn’t feel special enough. A skirt briefly tempted her, but she discarded the thought she didn’t want to feel out of place in her small-town style.

Then her gaze landed on a white chiffon top, soft and elegant, with a hint of simplicity that suited her taste. She paired it with boot-cut jeans, and her heart lifted, satisfied. She chose a delicate pair of earrings and a subtle pendant, adding just enough sparkle without being overwhelming and preparing all things for tomorrow. Excitement coursed through her as she imagined the day to come this birthday already felt like it might be one of her most memorable.

Meanwhile, across town, Sidharth was thinking of her too. He’d already researched a few spots where he could take her: an adventure park she might enjoy or the zoo, something different from a restaurant, which he now knew she wasn’t fond of. He was torn between the options, wanting to plan something she’d love but not wanting to overdo it on their first big outing together. He resolved to let her choose tomorrow, hoping it would make her day feel just right.

With thoughts of Shehnaz’s laughter and her genuine joy still fresh in his mind, Sidharth finished his coffee, mentally planning for the morning. He switched off the lights, settled into bed, and allowed himself a rare, quiet smile as he drifted off to sleep.

Hey guys! I wrote this story from my heart for our love of Sidharth and Shehnaz. If you like it, feel free to share it with your friends! ❤