Kitu2003 Thank you so much, for this pretty and amazing cover picture. Love you my baby sister.

A good news to every one. My baby snatched the first place, under the category of "The best Narbhi book" in "The Shining 'Ishqbaaz' awards 2017'
Thank you so much Theshiningstarawards ❤❤ for this wonderful Diwali gift.
Thank you everyone who loved and voted for this book.

Anika's POV:

"Are you sure he is up to something?" Karthik asked me, cradling Shivu in his hands.

"Shivaay itni aasani se mujhe nai bhulega. I am sure he has a plan" I said, settling on my bed. I recalled the way how Shivaay shook my hand this morning as if he was meeting me for the first time. I could sense something wrong with his behaviour. "How did they become friends?? Do you know anything about that?"

"I remember Nandu meeting him at her Maybelline merger project in London. Even we were one of the invited companies" He walked up to me and placed Shivu gently inside on her tiny bed, beside my bed. "That was 4 years back and he became one of her closest friends during our stay there" he continued.

"Hmm" I nodded, thinking. The last news I had heard about Shivaay was, him going to London not much days after our break-up. That was five years back almost.

"But as much as I knew he didn't come back to India after that merger and succeeded, expanding 'The Oberoi Empire' there, I heard her saying that he recently returned to India" he concluded.

"I am just worried about one thing Karthik. Why is he behaving as a stranger?" I whispered holding back my tears.

Karthik looked at me, his eyes softening. He walked around the cradle, putting an arm around me "Anika, if he is behaving so, then let him do that. Even you don't want anyone to know about the past right?"

"Yes, because I don't want to spoil your marriage vibes" I sighed, shrugging off his arm. I stood up and walked to the balcony, leaning against the cold rods.

"May be he doesn't want to spoil his friend's marriage!?" he suggested, following me.

Yes! This could be a possibility. But I knew Shivaay very well.

"Karthik, I think I should leave this place until your marriage!!" I stuttered out. I knew that would hurt him, but I have no option left.

"WHAT??" he have me a terrible look.

"I m sorry..."

"How did this stupid idea pop in your mind?" he yelled "You are not leaving anywhere and that's FINAL" He scolded.

"But I don't want him to know about Shivanya" this time I failed in holding my tears "I really don't want to" I slid down the rods, curling up on the floor.

"Anika...!!" Karthik ran up to me and took me in his arms, hugging me tightly.

"Agar Shivaay ko pata chal gaya toh, woh Shivu ko mere saath rehne nai dega, Karthik" I cried hysterically.

"Anu.. Shhhh" he gently caressed my hair. "He doesn't know about her yet. Then why are you worrying?" He said rubbing my tears.

"What if he already knows? Agar Nandu ne bata diya hoga toh mein kya karu?" I sobbed, fear twisting my guts.

"Some or the other way, I will ask Nandu if she ever told him about that, okay? Till then, please don't take any stupid step. Believe me, everything will be alright" He assured, pecking my forehead.

"But you don't know about Shivaay. He will go to any extent to get what he wants." I shivered, recalling how he snatched my home just to hear a 'Sorry' from me, how he kidnapped my brother to marry me.

"Yes, I don't know him. But I know you. The girl who fought with the whole world to create her identity, the girl who fought against all the odds for her baby girl. And I believe that she will cross this hurdle too." He patted my back.

His words some how comforted me. I rubbed my tears and took some deep breaths.

"I need to keep him away from my daughter and I will do that," I said, looking at Karthik.

"That's my girl. If anything happens, I am always and will be your side to protect you and Shivu" he smiled. "Take some rest. Good night. And I will work on what I have to do" saying this, he left the room.

I knew keeping Shivaay away from Shivu would be a very tough task on my part, but I had to do it. She is my daughter. Only mine. Ek bacche ko apne maa se badhkar kisi ki zaroorat nai hogi!!!

My mind wanted to accepted it but my heart didn't. Every child needs his or her dad's love as equally as they need their mother's. Aur meri beti ko Maa aur Paa donon sirf mein banungi. I was determined to be strong and stood there watching the beautiful stars, clearing my mind.

After a few minutes, Karthik ran, hooting happily in to my room, squeezing me in his arms.

"Good news!!!" he cheered.

"What happened?" I asked, giving him a confusing look.

"Meine Nandu se baat kar diya, aur Shivaay ko hamari bacchi ke bare mein nai pata"

"Kyaa!!!" I said with my eyes widened. I couldn't believe what I heard.

"He doesn't know about her. If you want, I will pinch you" he winked, shaking me vigorously. "Game is on our side" I jumped in joy with my biggest fear vanishing in seconds.

"Hushhh... Shivu so rahi hai" Karthik silenced me, hugging me again. I think this would remain as one of my happiest days. And now, I had to plan how to protect my baby from him.

...................................

No one's POV:

He sat, closing his eyes on the bench at the back garden of his big farm house, his jaw clenched and his face hard, without displaying any emotion.

He searched for the bottle beside him and emptied all of it on to his face. His expression softened, as if the cold water took in all of his burning anger which perfectly hid his tears.

He always did that when he was on the verge of crying. He didn't want anyone to see his vulnerable side.

He rubbed his face, inhaling shakily. He took out a picture from his pocket and looking at it instantly changed his expression, his eyes red with anger.

"Let the game begin now." He smiled victoriously.

A/N: Hola lovelies,
I am back with a bang again, this time exactly after a week. I hope you are liking this story.

So, what do you think?
Who is he? What is he upto?

Will Anika succeed in her mission?

What is the reason behind Shivaay's behaviour?

Thank you so much for your love. Its about to reach 2k. Keep the love and support coming.

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Yours
Trushnamallipudi ❤