Sidharth's body froze as soon as he heard her voice, not knowing if that was just his mind playing the same game as last time or that was really her. He sat up slowly, still not looking at her as he was afraid he might get hurt again.

On the other side Shehnaz was observing his every move. Understanding his inner turmoils, she smiled faintly and then squeeze his hand to make him believe that it was really her.

As soon as he felt a tug on his hand again, he raised his head up and looked at her. His eyes widened in shock seeing her eyes open and a smile on her face. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her.

His eyes brimmed with fresh tears as he gently placed his hand on Shehnaz's cheek as if asking her whether it a dream or reality. She smiled weakly, nodded her head in response and then closed her eyes as she leaned a little on his hand, enjoying his touch.

He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out of his mouth. He was too shocked to react anything. He could not understand whether he should laugh or cry and in this confusion, he just got up from his seat and walked from the room leaving shocked Shehnaz behind.

*

After a while doctor came rushing in worry, but soon his worry turned into shock when he saw Shehnaz, whose eyes was fixed on Sidharth only. To clarify his doubts, doctor turned his face to Sidharth, who was stading behind him and nodded in response.

"I honestly think this is a miracle, I mean thode time pehle she was about to..." doctor sighed. "You are so lucky.. seriously" he said while shaking his head as he still couldn't beleive it.

"So, let us check her properly, till then you wait outside" he said to Sidharth and started examining her. Sidharth blinked his eyes to assure Shehnaz before leaving.

-

Sidharth was watching her through the glass door. He was still in a state of shock, where he couldn't believe that his Shehnaz got conscious. He knew it would happen, but he didn't expect it to happen today, that too in this way. He sighed deeply and took his phone out of his pocket and called Shehbaz.

After examining her throughly doctor came outside to Sidharth and said,

"It's truly a miracle Sidharth. It's truly your love that didn't let her go and brought her back. I'm really happy for you" Sidharth smiled while nodding his head and asked about Shehnaz.

"Is she okay?"

"She is better than okay, but still weak as she just woke from coma, and also we have to do some tests, so that sab clear ho jaye, till then we have to keep Shehnaz under observation"

"Thank you doctor!" Sidharth whispered.

"Congratulations again" the doctor smiled before leaving.

-

He came inside and saw her nodding at something while the nurse was helping her to sit comfortably. As soon as nurse saw him, she left the room giving them privacy.

He breathed a sigh of relief when doctor assured him about Shehnaz's health. Now he himself will take care of Shehnaz and won't let anything happen to her at any cost as he doesn't have the courage anymore to live without her.

His train of thought came to halt when heard Shehnaz's faint voice.

"Sid..dhaarth"

He went beside Shehnaz with tears in his eyes but he tried to look strong in front her. Caressing her cheeks with his knuckles, don't exactly know what to say he whispered "Hey". Shehnaz chuckled seeing his nervousness.

She had been observing him for a long time. Looking deeply at him, she realized how pale his face looked and the pain in his eyes clearly shows that he has gone through a lot. 'It's all happening because of her' she thought
and her eyes filled with tears when the thought of his dying came into her mind.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a panicked voice while cupping her cheeks. She nodded smiling.

"Main abhi doctor ko..." but before he could complete, she interrupted,

"Main th-theek hoon Sid-aarth" she whispered looking into his eyes.

"Kitna intzaar krwaya tumne" he whispered kissing her forehead with tears rolling down his eyes. His lips lingered on her forehead for longer to feel her presence.

"I know.. I'm..sorry" she blinked back her tears. He cupped her cheeks again, wiping her tears he said,

"Main bahut dar gaya tha, I was...about to lose you" his voice cracked.

"Itni jaldi..tera peecha nahi chodne wali" she said quietly, try to lighten the atmosphere, but it was of no use. He pulled her into a tight hug with tears streaming down.

She was too weak to move her hands but still she managed to put her hand on his back. Her hands were struggling to reach his head so that she could run her fingers through his hairs to calm him down.

Feeling her touch in his hairs, he closed his eyes in 'sukoon', he badly needed this. "I can't believe that you're awake!" saying that he pulled away from the hug. "Without you... I was..." he couldn't complete as tears welling up in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I hurt you a lot!" she said while gently caressing his cheeks, her own tears started flowing.

"No baby..." wiping her tears, he took her into his arms again.

*

As soon as Shehbaz came to know about Shehnaz, he and Rita aunty immediately came to the hospital to meet her. They were very happy to see her back. Specially Shehbaz, he felt as if someone had removed the burden on his heart as he blamed himself for his sister's condition. After spending some more time with Shehnaz they left from there, saying that they will come again tomorrow. Shehnaz wanted them to stay a little longer but was happy that Sidharth was there with her.

Since it was already late, and when Sidharth asked her to sleep. An unknown fear crept into her mind with the thought of sleep. Seeing her lost, he shook her and asked what happened, she just nodded negatively. He sighed deeply and sat beside her as he knows that there is something that is bothering her.
 
"What is bothering you baby?" he asked her, interlocking his fingers with hers.

"Sidhaarth..mujhe nahi sona" she whined.

"But why darling, are you not feeling sleepy?"

"Agar main so gyi, aur subah na uthi toh? Phir se coma mein..." before she could complete, she felt his hand left hers and got confused seeing him getting up.

His heart skipped a beat listening her fears. He himself got scared by these thoughts but putting these fears aside, he got up and climbed into the bed and lay down beside her. Wrapping his arms around her he said, "Don't worry... Main hoon na yahan, kuch nahi hoga, hmm? now sleep" seeing her smile, he kissed her forehead.

Neither Sidharth nor Shehnaz was feeling sleepy but they were too excited to sleep as for the first time in these two months, they were going to sleep in each other's arms.

*A week later*

The doctors ran a few tests, gave her some medication and sent Shehnaz home. She was very happy to go home, infact everyone is happy to see their bubbly Shehnaz back.

She was recovering fast and also Sidharth was taking care of every little thing about her. Along with pampering, he even scolds her sometimes when she refuses to take medicines or when she insists on going out. And when she gets a good scolding, she always says the same thing, which make him roll his eyes always and whisper 'drama queen'.

"Sidharth, tu hamesha mujhe dant ta hai... at least mujhe iss haalat mein toh mat daant"

-

With each passing day Shehnaz's health was getting better. She could walk without anyone's help. And also she was happy with the love and pampering she was getting from her family, specially her Sidharth.

In these days she also met her close ones. One day when Asim came to meet her, she was shocked to the core. Yes, she still considers him friend but she did not expect it from his side. Still, she was so glad to meet him but was just hoping that Sidharth to not give any loud reaction seeing Asim.

But her eyes opened wide in shock, when she saw both of them hugging and talking nicely as if nothing had ever happened.

After some chit-chat Asim decides to leave but not before hugging them and asking them to take care.

There were many things that troubling Shehnaz, not today but from many days. There were many things that Sidharth had not shared yet. Whenever she tries to talk about this, he changes the topic every time. But after Asim's visit today, it was clear that there is definitely something he was hiding. So she decided to ask him but this time directly.

"Vikas ki party mein kya hua tha Sidharth? Asim kin logon ki baat kar raha tha? Kon hain yeh log Sidharth?" as always he tried to change the topic, but failed.

"Not today Sidharth, please bata mujhe" sensing he is not ready to tell she kissed her forehead, caressing his cheeks gently she said,

"Tujhe pata hai na, tu mujhe kuch bhi bata sakta hai" seeing him nodding, she asked further in a broken voice, "Kya yeh wo- wohi log hai, jinki wajah se tu itna to-toot gaya tha?" he nodded postively.

"Kon hai woh log" hoping for answer, she asked in a bare whisper.

"Shefali and Arti"

*A month later*

"Perfect" Shehnaz said with the bright smile on her face.

She was sitting in front of the mirror and staring at her reflection. Decked in a lemon yellow dress with the minimal makeup on her face and straight hairs, just as Sidharth likes.
She was busy admiring herself, when Sidharth came and hugged her from behind.

"Beautiful" was the only word escaped from his mouth. Looking at their reflection in the mirror, he raised his brows and asked,

"Are you ready?" she nodded and said, "Always"

"Toh chale?"

"Yes" she said with a smile.

Descending down the stairs, noticing every bit of the hall, a huge smile came on their lips.The whole hall was decorated with lightings and flowers. Looking at everyone present in the hall, Sidharth held her hand tight and made their way down the stairs.

Sidharth was busy admiring his girl, when his eyes landed on someone and asked her, "What are they doing here?" he was fuming with anger.

She turned and looked at the direction where he was looking. There she saw Shefali and Arti, who were just entered the hall. Sidharth looked at Shehnaz to ask for answers but she was avoiding eye contact as she clearly rememberd what Sidharth had said.

He wanted the party to be a private affair to which only close ones would be invited. He didn't invite any friend from BB house except Asim, Vikas and Fifi. And about Shefali and Arti, she knows that Sidharth will be angry, but she had her own reasons for inviting them.
 
"Main kuch pooch raha hoon shehnaz" he asked again.

"Tu please gussa mat ho, inhe maine bulaya hai"

"What?" he was shocked and was unable to register the fact that how could she invite them even after knowing everything.

"Sidharth tu shant ho ja pehle and please trust me, main jo kar rahi hoon bilkul sahi kar rahi hoon"

"Listen Shehnaz.." he was about to say something when they heard his mother was asking them to come there.

Faking a smile they made their way towards his mother, Vikas, Asim and Fifi were also there. They both greeted them with a smile, Shehnaz also greeted them back but didn't reciprocate Vikas as she was still angry with him for that day, he even apologized to her but still she cannot forget Sidharth's breakdown.

After a while Sidharth's mother excused herself, the five were talking when Arti and Shefali joined them.

Seeing both of his so-called friends, Sidharth's nostrils flared, sensing his anger, Shehnaz held his hand tightly.

After an uncomfortable silence, Shefali and arti tried to mend all relations with Sidharth by asking forgiveness.

"Sidharth us din jo bhi huya, uske liye we are sorry" Shefali said.

"Han Sidharth, humara woh matlab nahi tha" said Arti,agreeing with Shefali.

"Let her go Sidharth, she will not come back, iska aur kya matab hota hai Shefali, han Arti?" Shehnaz spoke angrily because she was not in the mood to hear their fake apologies.

"Shehnaz woh..." Shefali tried to defend but words didn't help her either.

"Not a word Shefali, and Arti you.. atleast tere se toh yeh ummeed nahi thi. Mere sath chahe jaisi bhi thi but Sidharth.. why?" said Shehnaz, almost whispering the last word. But Shefali being Shefali still tried to reason,

"Dekh Sana.. I know jo bhi hua, shouldn't have happened and because of that, Vikas ne bhi humse dosti tod di" Shehnaz was shocked by this revelation. She turned to look Vikas, who was already looking at her with the tear filled eyes.

"Vikas tu..?" she couldn't complete and hugged him while saying "I'm sorry Vikas, I misunderstood you"

"No Khushi, even i'm sorry, meri wajah se.." his words got interrupted by Shehnaz's mother's voice.

"Sid-Shehnaz..come beta, muhoorat ka time ho raha hai"

Pulling away from the hug, Vikas patted her on the cheeks and said, "Ab udaas mat ho, today is a big day for you. Just smile and be happy...as always"

Hearing this, a smile crept on her lips as today is indeed a big day in her life. Looking at Sidharth then again at Shefali and Arti she said,

"I hope tum dono ko humari khushi mein shamil ho ke khushi huyi hogi"
both smiled fakely and looking at Shefali, Shehnaz again said,

"Dekh shefali, maine koi flip nahi mara and agle kuch minutes mein yeh prove bhi ho jayega" saying this Shehnaz was about to leave when something came to her mind that made her turn and said,

"Ek baat kaan khol ke sun lo dono, main iski hoon" pointing at Sidharth, "aur iski hi rahoongi...main phad ke rakh dungi, agar kisi ne bhi hume todne ki koshish bhi ki toh" Sidharth smiled proudly upon seeing his lioness. Vikas, Asim and Fifi were enjoying how Shehnaz was giving them back.

"Chal Sidharth" Shehnaz said. They were about to go when Arti and Shefali apologize again, but this time to Shehnaz as they know that if she forgives, Sidharth will forgive them automatically.

"Mujhe kuch bolte na..toh main maaf bhi kr deti, lekin bat jab iski aati hai na" holding Sidharth's hand, "jab iska koi dil dukhata hai na, toh main kabhi kisi ko maaf nahi karti, Apne Aap ko bhi nahi.." with that she pulled Sidharth along with her and made their way towards their family, who were waiting for them.

There was a proud look and smile on Sidharth's face. Yes, he was angry with Shehnaz for inviting Shefali and Arti to the party, but the way Shehnaz gave them back with interest, was worth watching. Only Shehnaz can do this. He chuckled.

-

Holding rings in their hands, Shehnaz and Sidharth were standing opposite to each other. Everyone was asking Shehnaz to put the ring on Sidharth's hand, but she was busy glaring him. Seeing so much love for himself in her eyes, Sidharth gulped down his saliva and said,

"Sweetheart, itne pyar se mat dekh, sab dekh rahe hain" by getting no response he sighed and spoke further,

"Tum toh itni excited thi humari Engagement ke liye, then what happened now, chalo ab ring pehnayo jaldi se"

"Pehle sorry bol" she said angrily.

"Abey oh gadhi, ab maine kya kiya"

"Mujhpe gussa" he sighed deeply with the thought 'he has to do this, otherwise what will this girl of his do, he cannot even think.

"Acha sorry"

"Pyar se"

"Abey yar.." he said said in irritation as everyone present in the party were chuckling seeing  his 'juloos' live. But looking at her pout, his expression softened and said 'sorry' with love.

"Kiss kar" she said pointing her cheek. He shook his smiling and kissed her cheeks, a huge smile came to her face.

With that, he extended his hand towards her. She happily slides the ring onto his finger. Now it was it Sidharth's turn, as soon she extended her hand, he nodded in no to tease her. She opened her mouth wide. Everyone started laughing at their 'nok-jhok'. And after a little teasing, he put the ring in Shehnaz's finger. Everyone were clapping and blessing both.

-

They were on the dancing floor, movings with the slow beats of music and enjoying each other's presence.
Looking into each other's eyes, they were silently promising each other
that No Matter What Happens In Life,
Whatever Ups And Downs In Life, They Will Not Leave Each Other Alone, They Will Face Every Challenge Together. They Are Each Other's Strength, Infact Their Love Is Their Greatest Strength..And This Strength Will Never Let Them Weaken Or Lose Their Courage.

The love between them will always be like this...Always and Forever!
And apart from their love, they don't need anything anymore, only each other's happiness matters...Always and Forever!

Hugging him tight and and kissing his chest, she whispered "I love you". He let his eyes fall shut, feeling her warm breath against his skin and
wrapping his arms around her tightly, he whispered, "I love you more". After a while of silence, they whispered in unison, "Always and Forever!"

-

'Teri muskurahatein hain taaqat meri
 Mujhko inhi se ummeed mili
                                   -
 Zindagani badi khoobsurat hui
Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
 Jo tu mera Humdard hai'

                          The End

Hello SidNaazians!

Here goes the last chapter of 'Always and Forever'

Thank you very much everyone for the love and support you gave to this book.

Thank you silent readers, voters and commentators.

Hit the star and drop your precious comments for one last time for this book.

#Thanks for reading#