Kabhi main, kabhi tum, kabhi yeh, kabhi voh

Part 12: Victories

Quick note: My apologies for the delayed update. I needed some time to recover from the finale, still trying to accept the fact that the show is over. And while the climax was super wholesome and heart warming, I still feel just a little bit disappointed with the ending they've given to Sharjeena's character as an individual, not shedding any light on her character arc, and hence, I just wanted to do right by my girl because I love her so much and she deserves so much more. I love seeing how invested you all are in my version, which I had never expected when I started to write this, and just want to thank you all for your patience, I'll try to write more regularly and we'll get to witness what we want soon! 🥰

As the week unfolded, Sharjeena found herself diving into work with a renewed sense of purpose, her old rhythm returning as her confidence flourished. She felt the weight of recent months lifting, finally feeling like herself again. Mustafa, meanwhile, poured his energy into marketing their game alongside Danish, his determination sharpened by his goal to buy a car — and, underneath it all, the hope to bridge the growing distance with Sharjeena. Every time he had to stay late, a prick of worry crossed his mind that Sharjeena might feel neglected again. But, to his surprise, Sharjeena seemed content, filling her time with her work, reconnecting with friends, and meeting her family during lunch breaks or on the days he texted her that he'd be late.

One afternoon, while Sharjeena was poring over a report with Rehan, he glanced at her and said, "You know, main soch raha tha, Sharjeena... Why don't you talk to Mr. Hussain about your promotion? It's high time, don't you think?"

Sharjeena gave a small, half-hearted laugh, feeling a mix of excitement and doubt. "Rehan, mujhe nahi lagta main abhi ready hoon," she said, looking down at her notes. "Plus, I'll be going on maternity leave soon, so it feels... complicated."

Rehan frowned, leaning forward with genuine concern. "And why does that mean you can't be promoted? You've been handling work with so much grace despite everything going on. Just because you're going on leave doesn't make you any less capable."

She looked away, hesitating. "It's just that... there's this unspoken rule. Promotions don't often go to women who are pregnant or new mothers. I know koi formal policy nahi hai aisi, but inherent hai."

Rehan's eyes widened in surprise, and he shook his head. "Sharjeena, I never expected you of all people to let that kind of thinking hold you back. If there's anyone who can prove those outdated assumptions wrong, it's you."

His words struck a chord in her. Sharjeena felt something awaken inside her, that determined spirit she thought had dulled over time. She glanced up at Rehan, a newfound spark in her gaze. "Tumhein sach mein aisa lagta hai?"

Rehan smiled, a warm and confident look in his eyes. "Haan bilkul. You've got the skills, and you've got the track record. What you don't have is the unnecessary doubt. Just... go for it. Mr. Hussain would be crazy not to recognize what you bring to this place."

Sharjeena took a deep breath, standing a little taller. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I need to do this... for myself."

She thanked Rehan, and with a confidence she hadn't felt in a while, she scheduled a meeting with Mr. Hussain, ready to make her case for her future.

As she left her desk after lunch, nerves swirled in her stomach. She headed to Mr. Hussain's office, reminding herself that she had every right to ask for this. When she stepped into his office, he looked up with a warm but curious expression.

"Sharjeena, come in. Everything alright? Wasn't expecting a meeting with you out of the blue," he said, gesturing for her to sit.

Sharjeena settled into the chair, took a steadying breath, and said, "Yes, everything's fine. I... just wanted to discuss my promotion." She hesitated, then added with growing confidence, "If you're considering someone for the upcoming cycle, I think I'm ready."