Everything was set for the Rathores and Singhs.
The beautiful lake and the tents were all set....now was the time to have lunch. Mrs. Singh asked Akira to call everyone to join together. Akira protested a little but gave in when her mother glared.
She went to call Smriti and Rohit.
Then she met with the kids who were busy making sand castle. However, she couldn't find Vikram anywhere. She walked away from the tent area and there was a small wooden arch shaped bridge and there she found him, standing alone watching the swans floating on the water of the lake. She walked slowly and stood behind him maintaining a safe distance and cleared her throat.

Vikram without turning sender her and said - Aren't they gorgeous?

She said - indeed, they are!

He said - You know, apart from being beautiful...these swans are known for their undying love. If one separates from its mate...they die....it's just....they can not survive each other unlike we humans....strange..... isn't it....

Humn..? - said she

Vikram just realised what he was speaking....so he sighed and said -
Sorry, I....got carried away....just...forget what I said....!

Akira said - Umm...yeah...I....came to invite you to join us for lunch....I mean everyone.

Vikram nodded and they left to the tents where lunch is served.

Kids are enjoying the white sauce pasta and Akira also made them eat some green vegetables.

Vikram said - Wow Smriti! This Palak Paneer is heaven! I think I need to give our cooks an appraisal.

Smriti smirked and said - Bhai, you should praise Akira then. Coz she is the one who made it.

Vikram looked at Akira who just fidgeted with her fingers and avoided looking towards him.

Well thank you miss Singh...it's really tasty. - he said finally

After the lunch they all were sitting together and chatting.
Kids took Akira with them to swing and sat together on one swing. It was difficult for Akira to swing on her own with the kids. Looking at that an idea clicked Smriti and she loudly said - Rohit Bhai, why don't you go and help Akira over there...I think she needs help with swing and you could also have a few words with her....you know....

Rohit started to walk towards her but Vikram just glared at him and pushed him and himself went leaving a chuckling Rohit.

He went to the swing and said - Hey kids! Need help?

Akira replied - Ah! Thanks mr. Rathore....I will...just get down....so you can push....

He quickly stopped her and said - When did I say that! Just be there with kids, I got this! I am not so weak!

Both their kids cheered !!!!!

He pushed the swing making all three giggle. Akira also became carefree after some time and enjoyed.

Both Mr and Mrs Singh were watching the four of them and how they wished all this could turn into some reality. Afterall, their daughter looked carefree after so many years.
Smriti just nodded at them as if reading their minds. Even she wanted nothing more than this for her brother and niece.

Later they all left for their respective tents.

In the evening a boating tour was arranged by Rohit. Both the kids went to the boat that Vikram was taking and it made easy for Smriti to send Akira to that boat as the kids need attention whike Vikram is busy rowing the boat.
Akira had no choice but to reach out to kids. Seeing her struggling to hop on the boat he gives out his hand and said - Take my hand, akira. It will be easier.
She eyed his hand in hesitation.

Vidit also shouted - yes Mumma! Take his hand!
Kiyara chirped - aunty please, we will be late, take daddy's hand!

Slowly she held his hand and a wave of current passed through both of them. Their eyes met as if searching wether the other felt it or no.

The boat shifted due to sudden movement and brought them Bach in reality and Vikram helped her get in. They settled themselves and began to peddle their boat, sometimes, brushing their knees together or sometimes their hands graze each other's, stealing glances of each other, creating a weird new sensation which both of them could not understand.

Kids enjoyed the boat ride and kept on talking sweet nothings....and that brought a satisfaction to Vikram and Akira.

After taking quite few rounds in the lake, Soon, they retuned and decided to meet for dinner and later a bon fire was arranged by Rohit.

The moon was bright and the sky was starry and destiny was sure to combine these two broken souls together.
All of them enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by the resort staff.
And they all sat around the fire chit chatting. Everything was going fine untill, Suddenly, Vidit walked upto Vikram and gave him a tight hug and said - I love you so much Mr. Rathore! You know, I had a wonderful time with you and Kiyara. I wish I could stay with you longer...or may be forever! Will you two stay with us? Or may be, you can become my Daddy?

And his last words were got by all and they froze.
Both Vikram and Akira looked at each other and quickly Akira jerked Vidit away from Vikram. She was shaking with anger but she gulped it down and almost shouted on the poor kid -

What is this, Vidit? How many times have I told you not to mention that to anybody. Your Daddy is dead....DEAD!!!
You understand that.....and he will never come back! And we don't need a Daddy either! Is that understood!?!

Vidit started to cry loud and is having hiccups.
He said - You are a liar mom! You always told me if I behave as a good kid, my daddy will come!

Everyone froze on the sudden outbrust! They did not know this bitter side of Akira and her son.

However, Mrs Singh interrupted -
Akira, stop it! What kind of wild behaviour is that! He is just a small 3 year old baby. He is too young to understand your words and please calm down, this is not the way to deal with him.

No mom! Just stop it! Stop protecting him mom. You know, he has to know the reality! I can't continue with this "be a good kid and your Daddy will come".
I am Sick and tired of this! You know, All this is your fault! Stop giving him false hopes! Let it be mom, for once and for all!!!!
With that she began to breakdown and cried along with her son even if she hated to cry infront of others.

Vikram was shaken.....he felt her pain as if it was his own. All his sufferings came back rushing infront of his eyes. Smriti noticed his agony but before she could stop him, he came rushing to Vidit and engulfed him in his arms and yelled -
Enough, stop your yellings Akira, right this moment! Get a grip! You have no right to talk to him like this. Stop being so hard on him!

Akira saw red and spat - Who are you to decide for me? You have no idea, what we have been through....so just back off! And Put my son down, right this moment. I am his mother, and only I have the rights on him.

But Vikram was not someone who would back out so easily....so he closed his eyes to control his anger and looked straight into her eyes and said in a deadly voice -
Listen carefully Miss, I will not repeat myself for you....and neither I will tolerate your nonsense towards Vidit,

for I am his DADDY, from now on! And I will never tolerate this reckless behaviour of yours.!

Everyone including Akira steps back. She is numb....and does not know if what she heard was reality or her delusion. She looked at others who were also stunned and froze at their places.

She is brought to present...upon hearing his son -

Are you really my daddy, Mr. Rathore?

Vikram smiled and kissed his forehead and said confidently -

Yes, son! I am your Daddy from now on. I will be here to protect You, Forever!
And call me Daddy!

Vidit clapped his hands and yelled - Mom! He is my Daddy!!!! Yipppiiee!!!
And I Love him so so much!

Akira just glared at Vikram and walked away...she hated him at this moment....she did not want his pity...her son was her pride....she did not need a man's false assurance to raise him... little did she know, Vikram was a man of his words! He meant every word that he spoke!

Smriti was also stunned at her brother's declaration....she did not know what to make of it ...but she knew, her brother meant every word yet she was confused. However she patted his back and smiled and said - give her some time Bhai! She has been through a lot, and we have no idea about her sufferings. She will come around, I will speak with her.
Now, let's go! Vidit and Kiyara deserve an ice-cream.
Both the kids jumped and rushed inside the resort.

Destiny looked upon these two souls and smiled for she knew soon, their lives is going to take a flip and all their sufferings will fade away. And they will make fresh memories. There Happily Ever After!

Hello guys, here is an update.
I know some of you must be thinking that the storyline is going on a slow pace. But This story is so close to my heart as this is my first story on Wattpad. It's like my Baby. And I want to do justice with this storyline. A lot of emotional revelation is coming your way! Have a little patience and Please keep reading and do vote for my story.

I shall see you all soon!