Forever Yours

Chapter Twenty One

Kushal and Jasmin led Shehnaaz to another corner of the party, to meet a few people while Siddharth was occupied with catching up with some friends. The party was packed. There were too many people in there and everyone wanted a second of the other's time.  

Shehnaaz was meeting new people everyday since she had entered The Siddharth Shukla's life but today was different. Today, Siddharth wasn't holding her hand through the introductions. Today, She did not have a warm, assuring smile lifting her spirits.  

It made her heartbeat escalate and her throat felt parched.  

"I.. I think I need a soft drink." Shehnaaz whispered to Jasmin who nodded. "Same. Let's go get something."  

Kushal raised his eyebrows at the ladies, "Getting some cola." Jasmin responded and led Shehnaaz through the crowd to the bar area.  

"Doin' okay sana?" Jasmin asked kindly.  

"Um, sure. All things considered, could be worse." Shehnaaz replied with a small smile.  

Jasmin pressed her hand gently. "It's going to be okay." 

"Is it ever just.. too much?" Shehnaaz asked Jasmin.  

"Yes. A hell lot of times." She responded. "You just need to learn to navigate the grounds skilfully."  

Shehnaaz pressed her lips, "You'll get used to it sweetheart." Jasmin assured her. "We were new to this at one point."  

Shehnaaz nodded.  

Jasmin handed her the soft-drink. "I think we should go and find your fiance. We've already given him enough time alone." She joked. 

"You can tell me when you've had enough of me Jas, you don't have to dump me at my babysitter's." Shehnaaz retorted playfully.  

Jasmin grinned. "Admit it. You're missing him. You want to be dumped at your babysitter's."  

Shehnaaz pouted thoughtfully, "Oh, well.. Maybe."  

*** 

Siddharth's eyes wandered around the hall, looking for his little bird when he felt a pair of tiny hands find their way around his waist.  

"Siddharth.." Shehnaaz mumbled, shoving her face into his back. "I missed you." 

Siddharth smiled, clasping her palm and twirled her to face himself. "Mera baccha.. kahaan chali gayi thi tu?" He asked, pressing his lips on the side of her head.  

Shehnaaz closed her eyes, relaxing into his arms. "Yahaan kitne saare log hai." She whined softly.  

"Tu theek hai baby.." Siddharth ran his fingers through her hair. "Tujhe akela toh nahi choda na tere teddy bear ne?"  

Shehnaaz shook her head, snuggling deeper into his arms. Siddharth smiled, rubbing her arm soothingly. 

"Aaja thodi der alag baithe, udhar chal." Siddharth led her to a fairly secluded area with a bunch of couches scattered around. "Should we get you something to drink?"  

"I had a soft-drink just a little while back." She mumbled. "I feel like a kid in here right now."  

Siddharth chuckled. "How so?"  

"There's so many people here, so much to do, to absorb." Shehnaaz confessed. "I don't know where to start."  

Siddharth smiled. "You'll figure it out Superstar. You just need to take it one step at a time." He said gently. "Let yourself be. Don't rush or panic and you'll get through."