Madness and Magic...❤️

31

It had been 12 days since that Sunday afternoon, 12 days since she had bared her feelings in front of him but Sidharth still felt as though he was living in his dreams. He had thought he understood what it meant to be prepared for something monumental, but this was something else entirely.

He realized that life had a way of happening while you were busy waiting for that one pivotal moment, he was waiting for their relationship to take shape but this sudden leap was still a shocker for him. For years, he had thought of his life in terms of goals to achieve, plans to execute, the next big thing to conquer. But now, his life was being nexpected . Shehnaaz's confession wasn't just another moment in his timeline ,it had actually changed his life.

He had always known himself as calm, composed, in control person but he was caught in a current after listening to her and was unable to stop thinking about the way she had looked at him with equal parts fear and trust. It had unsettled him but also made him realize just how deeply she had become intertwined with every aspect of his life.

For Sidharth, the rest of the world had suddenly become a background. The clarity he had once prided himself on was now clouded with her thoughts and their future together.

"Maya, why aren't they staying here?"his dad's voice cut through Sidharth's thoughts and pulled him back to the moment. He has been in Mumbai since last Monday and the same day Shehnaaz shifted to her dad's place.

"Her dad insisted on staying in a hotel"Maya replied calmly, glancing at Sidharth. They were on the breakfast table.

"Kyun?"His dad frowned, leaning back in his chair.

"Maybe it's too early for them to stay here" Maya replied.Sidharth had told his Dad about Shehnaaz a few days earlier, and while his father hadn't outright opposed the idea, he wasn't pleased either.

"Fine then. Book them into the most luxurious hotel available....Let them at least enjoy the perks of their daughter landing such a rich catch."his dad said in a tone laced with sarcasm.His gaze shifted to Sidharth and challenged him to reply.

Sidharth clenched his jaw but didn't respond. He had this belief that not every provocation deserved a reaction, especially when it came to his father.

"Amar please....Her dad has already made their arrangements." Maya interjected.

"Well, at least he has some integrity..... I think we should focus on finding the silver lining wherever we can... Hai na?" he added with a bitter chuckle. Maya sighed even though she was used to the constant tension between her husband and son.

"You wanted to meet them and they are arriving tomorrow evening....Her dad agreed to come when I told him you wanted to meet them personally.... Ab please stop being bitter" Maya uttered.

"Milke koi fayda toh hai nahin still I need to understand who we are getting involved with." His father said with a glint of cynicism in his eyes.

Sidharth folded his palm into a fists under the table, but he remained silent. Maya placed a hand on her husband's arm,

"That's enough,Amar...."she said firmly.

"Let's give them a chance. She is a lovely girl, and her family is making an effort. We should too." Maya tried to defuse the tension even though she had her inhibitions. But he didn't stop.

"Tell me, Sidharth...I need to understand.....what exactly drew you to her? The youth? The innocence? Or some midlife crisis where you needed a fresh start with someone who isn't old enough to question you or your decisions?" He asked, Sidharth's blood boiled but he remained silent as he didn't want to give him the satisfaction of an outburst.