Anamika and Vineet meet their doctor who assures them that Ishika is ready for the process but they should ask her again. She might have agreed to it emotionally and now she may try to change her decision. Anamika and Vineet agree, being elder to Ishika, they must take care of her. She might want to change the decision.

Anamika, Vineet and Ishika have a light chit-chat when Anamika asks Ishika if she really wants to do what she has decided. Ishika shows mock anger at the couple.

“Maine bola na main ready hoon fir kya dikkat hain aap dono ko?” She asks mocking anger at them.

“This is one big decision, Ishu. Aur main nahi chahti ki meri wajah se tum koi aisa decision lo jisko tum baad mein regret karo.” Anamika says, trying to convince Ishika.

“Aapko aisa kyun lagta hain?” Ishika questions Anamika.

“Dekho Ishika, main jaanti hoon ki tum ye pure dil se kar rahi ho. Lekin main ye bhi jaanti hoon ki tumhara career abhi shuru bhi nahi hua.” Anamika says.

“Aisa nahi hoga. Main sab samajhti hoon. Lekin aapne hi toh kaha tha ki hamari kahani abhi shuru hone wali hain. Toh aap nahi chahti ye kahani bane? Aur waise bhine decide kar liya hain. Ab family kehne ko aap dono hi toh  ye kar sakti hoon.” Ishika says, leaving Vineet and Anamika touched.

“Aur family ke naam par sirf aap dono toh ho, toh family ke liye kuch karne mein regret kaisa!?” Ishika comforts the two.

Anamika smiles, she knew her answer but she wanted to confirm. She knows that Ishika is being honest and she is ambitious as well. Anamika and Vineet didn’t want to become a hindrance in her way, but it seems like things will settle. Anamika and Vineet share a glance, comforting each other, maybe this conversation would not make them guilty of using Ishika.

Anamika pulls Ishika in a hug —her assurance that she is happy with Ishika’s decision and she won’t doubt her anymore. Well,there’s no chance of any doubt, this is going to be a nice journey — a journey to joy and happiness.

*****
A few days pass by. Ishika has healed nicely by now. As per the doctor’s advice and after a full checkup, Ishika can go through the process of gestational pregnancy. All they need to do is to place the eggs from the mother and sperm from the father in the uterus of the surrogate. That’s what will be done—Ishika will only carry the child, all the while the baby will belong to Anamika and Vineet.

Ishika happily accepts that because she’s getting the love of a family in return. And all she wants is to stay in that shell of the love that she’s getting from Anamika and Vineet.

Soonish it was the day for going through the process. Anamika got the appointment with the doctor. But, prior to that, a day before, Anamika walks into Ishika’s room and finds her working on some designs.

“Ishika?” Anamika looks at Ishika who looks up and smiles at her.

“Aap! Baitho! Let me just finish this.” Ishika continues to finish her design.

Anamika watches her working and there’s a smile on her face. Ishika finishes her design and looks up at her sister, showing her the same. Anamika praises her work and Ishika chuckles. The girl keeps her things in the bedside drawer and feels Anamika’s stare at her.

“Kya huaa? Aise kya dekh rahi ho?” Ishika asks.

“Ab tumhe hi dekhungi na! Aur toh koi hai nahi yahan!” Anamika says.

“Jeeju hain na!! Unko dekho itne pyaar se!” Ishika says teasingly, making Anamika smile.

“Wo toh busy hain na! Isliye toh main yahan aayi hoon.” Anamika reasons at the moment.

“Achaa! Aise kaise? I know kuch baat hai? Bolo kya hua?” Ishika says glancing at Anamika.

“Umm! Main toh bas ye puchna chahti thi ki kya tum sach mein ready ho? Kal hume process ke liye jana hain.” Anamika says, she asks the questions hesitatingly.

“I am ready, sach mein. Don’t worry, I won’t back off. Main sach mein yeh karna chahti hoon.” Ishika says confidently.

“Main jaanti hoon, lekin fir bhi agar tum peeche….” Anamika says but Ishika cuts her.

“Main peeche nahi hat-ti. Main pehle taiyar nahi thi lekin ab taiyar hoon. Isliye ab aap bhi tension-free ho jao.” Ishika says softly.

“Thank you, Ishu. You’re seriously doing more than I could expect.” Anamika says emotionally.

Ishika hugs Anamika and they share a moment together. Later, Anamika asks her to rest well, and she moves to her room.

*****
Anamika enters her room and finds Vineet standing on the balcony. She hugs him and rests her head on his back.

Vineet holds her hands and says something that leaves Anamika astonished and touched.

To be continued

What did Vineet say?

Stay tuned.