Secret Shaadi ...

Chapter 23

**Chapter 23: "Cafeteria Chronicles"**

In the bustling cafeteria, the afterglow of Sidharth's lecture lingered as he and Shehnaaz sought refuge in a corner. The aroma of coffee mixed with the lively chatter of students, providing the perfect backdrop for a midday break.

Sidharth's confident demeanor from the surgery ward seamlessly transitioned into a relaxed grin as he sipped his coffee, enjoying the tranquil moment with Shehnaaz. The clinking of cutlery and distant conversations surrounded them, but in their shared corner, time seemed to slow down.

**Sidharth:** (teasingly) Yeh cafeteria mein toh humare lectures ka charm hi kuch aur hai.

Shehnaaz chuckled, appreciating the subtle shift in atmosphere.

**Shehnaaz:** (smirking) Haan, lagta hai yahan pe toh tumhare fan club badh rahi hai.

Sidharth grinned, his gaze lingering on Shehnaaz's face.

**Sidharth:** Arey, mera fan club toh sirf teri taraf dekhega. Woh bhi, ek loyal fan club.

Their banter set the tone for an easygoing conversation as they delved into a discussion about the intricacies of the lecture, the challenging cases they had encountered, and the joy of sharing knowledge with budding medical minds.

Amidst their laughter and exchanged glances, Arti, the enthusiastic intern, made her way toward their table. She flashed a warm smile.

**Arti:** Hey, mind if I join you guys?

Shehnaaz exchanged a quick glance with Sidharth, who welcomed Arti with a friendly nod.

**Shehnaaz:** Of course, Arti! Grab a seat. We were just discussing the magic of surgery.

Arti joined their table, seamlessly becoming part of the vibrant conversation. She shared her experiences, and soon, the trio found themselves engrossed in discussions about the intricate world of medicine.

As they sipped their coffee and exchanged anecdotes, Shehnaaz couldn't help but notice Arti's friendly interactions with Sidharth. Suppressing any twinge of jealousy, she decided to playfully intervene.

**Shehnaaz:** (grinning) Arti, tumhe pata hai, Sid bilkul coffee connoisseur hai. Sabse best coffee uske saath hi milegi.

Arti laughed, seemingly appreciating Shehnaaz's sense of humor. Sidharth, catching onto the game, played along.

**Sidharth:** (smirking) Haan, haan. Aur yeh meri personal coffee taster bhi hai.

The cafeteria scene continued, a blend of laughter, shared glances, and the unspoken understanding between Sidharth and Shehnaaz. As the break came to an end, Arti bid them farewell, and Sidharth turned his attention back to Shehnaaz.

**Sidharth:** (whispering) Kya lagta hai, jealous queen?

**Shehnaaz:** (grinning) Thoda sa. Par yeh dekho, woh chali gayi, aur yeh mera coffee wala territory hai.

Sidharth chuckled, wrapping his arm around Shehnaaz, creating a protective cocoon in the midst of the bustling cafeteria. Their connection, tested by fleeting moments of jealousy, emerged stronger, resonating in the shared glances and laughter that echoed in the cafeteria air.

Their conversation flowed seamlessly, transitioning from lighthearted banter to more profound reflections on their journey together. The cafeteria hummed with the energy of students, but in their shared moments, Sidharth and Shehnaaz created a world of their own.

As they delved into their discussions, a familiar face approached their table—Arti, the enthusiastic intern from the surgery ward. She flashed a friendly smile.

**Arti:** Hey, mind if I join you guys?

Shehnaaz exchanged a quick glance with Sidharth, who, this time, welcomed Arti with a warm smile.

**Shehnaaz:** Of course, Arti! We were just planning our next coffee adventure. You're in for a treat.

Arti took a seat, genuinely excited to be part of their vibrant conversation. The trio delved into discussions about favorite coffee blends, the best cafes in town, and even shared amusing anecdotes from their medical journey.

As the laughter continued, Shehnaaz couldn't help but notice the camaraderie forming between Arti and Sidharth. Suppressing any hints of jealousy, she embraced the moment, realizing that friendships outside their tight circle were natural and healthy.

Throughout the conversation, Sidharth made sure to include Shehnaaz in every discussion, ensuring she felt an integral part of the group. The cafeteria revelry became a testament to their strong bond and the ability to navigate through moments that might have stirred jealousy in the past.

When the break came to an end, Arti bid them farewell, expressing gratitude for the delightful company. As she walked away, Sidharth turned to Shehnaaz with a mischievous grin.

**Sidharth:** (whispering) Kaisa lag raha hai, jealous queen?

Shehnaaz playfully nudged him, her eyes twinkling.

**Shehnaaz:** (smirking) Jealous queen? Ab toh queen hi hoon. Woh bhi coffee queen!

Sidharth burst into laughter, realizing that in the cafeteria revelry, they had not only enjoyed their time with Arti but also strengthened the unique connection they shared.

Their laughter echoed in the cafeteria, a harmonious blend of friendship, love, and a touch of playful rivalry—a testament to their evolving relationship beyond the confines of jealousy.