"If it's real, it will never be over."

Shivaay and Anika prove this quote, despite being separated for 14 years. They reunited because their love was real and pure. Shivaay had been living in hell for those 14 years without her. And Anika? Even though she had their son by her side, she was in her own kind of hell too. Ansh's inherited antics and habits constantly reminded Anika of Shivaay, making her heart weak and forcing her to relive the past over and over. But now, their "prison sentences" were over, and they were back together, all thanks to their son and the initiative that put their lives back on track. Despite the pain, all was well that ended well.

Anika's happiness was beyond measure when Shivaay chose her and Ansh over his family. How could Shivaay even begin to explain to her that this was the moment he had been waiting for? To finally be back with his family, to live the rest of his life holding Anika's hand—something he once thought was impossible. Now, it was happening before his eyes. Both of them were praying that what they were experiencing wasn't just a dream.

"Shall we?" Anika asked, holding Shivaay's hand as they sat in the car parked outside their house. Shivaay still couldn't believe his eyes. He saw Ansh, eyes filled with happy tears and a wide smile, waiting at the entrance for them to step out.

"Is this really happening?" Shivaay asked Anika, who kissed his palm and nodded with tear-filled eyes.

"Come, let's go," Anika whispered, opening the car door and stepping outside. Both Anika and Shivaay could feel a sense of hope in the fresh air of Bangalore. It was as if they were truly living again, and the feeling was beyond words.

Anika and Shivaay exchanged a glance, their hands meeting and intertwining. Ansh, who had been standing at the entrance, couldn't take his eyes off them. He finally saw his mother smile—a real smile. His father, too, looked like a new man, no longer the old, depressed figure he had once been. He was now someone filled with joy and purpose, holding tightly to the two people who were his reason for love and life. Happy tears streamed down Ansh's face. Everything he had wished for was happening right before him. At times, he wondered if it was all a dream, but he was sure of one thing—he didn't want to miss it, even if it was.

Anika and Shivaay looked up at Ansh. Anika opened her arms, and in no time, Ansh ran toward them, hugging them tightly. The tears Anika had been holding back finally spilled over. Ansh hugged them both fiercely, making sure this wasn't a dream. He whispered "thank you" repeatedly into Anika's ear, loud enough for Shivaay to hear. Shivaay smiled, while Anika playfully smacked Ansh's head for saying thank you. Ansh stopped.

"Dad!" Ansh whispered, his voice filled with relief, and that was all Shivaay needed to hear to smile and forget all the pain.

"Family drama," Nish teased, which made the three of them chuckle as they broke their hug.

"Reasonable family drama... not like you, crying every time your dad goes on a business trip," Ansh teased back, quickly regaining his playful nature, leaving Nish with no response.

"By the way, Shivaay, this is Siddarth... Mallika's husband," Anika introduced them. Shivaay and Siddarth exchanged smiles and shook hands.

"Happy for you, Anika," Siddarth said, as Anika leaned back into Shivaay's chest, smiling widely as she thanked him. Everyone was delighted to see her smiling, her cheeks flushed with a pink glow.

"Maa," Ansh called, and Anika turned to him curiously.

Ansh suddenly pulled her cheeks, catching her by surprise. "What are you doing?" Anika asked with a chuckle.

"It's been my long-time wish to pull your cheeks when you're blushing," Ansh replied, bringing tears to Anika's eyes.

"Thank you, Dad, for granting my wish," Ansh said, turning to Shivaay, whose eyes also filled with emotion.

"By the way, Ansh... your dad's blushing too—his beard is just hiding it," Anika teased.

"I grew it because of your mom... my proof," Shivaay joked.

"Hello... if I could grow a beard, I would've grown it from Bangalore to Mumbai, and it would've knocked on your door!" Anika joked, and everyone laughed.

"Okay, let's go inside," Mallika suggested. They all went inside, and Mallika pulled Anika aside.

"What?" Anika asked, already knowing what Mallika was about to ask.

"You know what I'm going to ask," Mallika said with a smile.

Anika tried to suppress her laughter. "Nothing happened."

"Don't lie to me!" Mallika said in a mock-scolding tone.

"Why would I lie? Nothing happened," Anika insisted.

"Why not? I mean, you two were alone, met after years... and nothing happened?" Mallika pressed.

"There was no lock on the hospital room door," Anika pouted, sounding a little disappointed. Mallika playfully smacked her on the head, and they both laughed as they walked toward the door.

"I think everything's happening for the better... but look at your hairy hands! You guys met after 14 years, and you're going to face him like this?" Mallika teased.

"Oops, I forgot about that... I can't even remember the last time I went to a spa," Anika admitted.

"Well, it's time to get a spa membership," Mallika said excitedly.

"You're more excited than I am," Anika said, blushing.

"What can I say? I'm just so, so happy for my bestie," Mallika said, rubbing her hands together with glee.

"Anika," Shivaay called from inside.

"Yeah, coming," Anika replied, hurrying toward him.

Ansh came and stood between them, holding both their hands like a little boy on his first day of school. He was more excited than anyone to welcome Shivaay. The three of them entered their new life, smiles on their faces.

Later, Ansh gave Shivaay a tour of the house, while Mallika pinched Anika playfully.

"Ansh, Shivaay, we're going out and will be back soon," Anika informed them. They nodded.

"Where?" Sid asked suspiciously.

"Supermarket," Mallika answered, just as Anika said, "Office." The mixed-up responses made everyone suspicious, but Shivaay smiled knowingly at Anika.

"First, we're going to the office, and then we'll stop by the supermarket," Anika covered.

"Okay, we're going," Mallika said quickly, dragging Anika out the door, while Shivaay gave her a teasing smile. Anika blushed and turned away in embarrassment.

"Get in the car, Ani," Mallika urged. Anika got in, still thinking about her awkward moment with Shivaay.

They reached the spa, and Mallika excitedly dragged Anika inside.

"Welcome, ma'am. How can we assist you today?" the spa attendant asked.

"Hmm... bikini wax for the lady," Mallika said instantly, causing Anika's jaw to drop.

"Bikini wax?" Anika asked, shocked.

"Yes, bikini wax. Don't worry, I do it every month," Mallika assured her.

"Are you sure, Malli?" Anika asked, needing reassurance.

"Absolutely," Mallika said confidently.

"Does it hurt?" Anika asked nervously. Mallika shook her head.

"Okay... I'm ready," Anika said in a shaky voice, following the beautician inside.

Her eyes widened in fear when she saw the hot wax next to the bed.

"Malli..." Anika called out in panic.

"It just looks scary. It won't hurt," Mallika reassured her. Anika nodded. The beautician applied the wax to her leg.

"Ugh, it's hot!" Anika cried, gripping Mallika's hand tightly.

"First time?" the beautician asked.

"Does that even matter? Just blow on it!" Anika yelled in pain. The beautician pulled the strip off, and Anika screamed.

"Mummy!" she cried.

"I hate you, Malli! I'll never trust you again!" Anika wailed, tears streaming down her face.

After one leg was done, Anika tried to run, but Mallika grabbed her wrist.

"Do it for Shivaay," Mallika said, bringing Anika back to the bed, still crying like a baby.

"Do it gently," Mallika instructed the beautician.

"Finally done!" Anika exclaimed with a wide smile when the ordeal was over.

"Yes, ma'am, we're done," the beautician sighed, relieved after enduring Anika's tantrums. Mallika was equally exhausted.

"Shall we go?" Anika asked, then noticed the time. It was 9 PM.

"9 PM?!" Anika looked at Mallika in shock.

"Next time, let's come a bit earlier," Anika suggested.

"Who said I'm coming with you next time?" Mallika asked, exhausted, making Anika chuckle as she admired her smooth skin.

"Where's the restroom?" Anika asked. The attendant pointed to the door. Anika went inside.

After getting a call from Sid, Mallika knocked on the restroom door impatiently. When Anika opened it

, her face was downcast.

"What happened?" Mallika asked, concerned. Anika grabbed her bag, took out a sanitary napkin, and rushed back inside. Mallika smacked her forehead, trying not to laugh.

Anika rushed out, ignoring Mallika's attempts to stop her. Mallika paid the bill and joined Anika in the car. Anika stared out the window, refusing to look at her.

"Anika, it happens," Mallika said, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Did I ask you to drag me to the spa and have all my hair ripped out?" Anika snapped.

"Why does this always happen to me?" Anika cried, and Mallika patted her shoulder sympathetically.

"How am I supposed to face Shivaay now? He knows where we went!" Anika groaned in frustration.

"How do you think I'll face Sid? He'll think I had an affair!" Mallika replied, showing her nail scratches and bite marks. Both of them burst into laughter.

Anika dropped Mallika off at her house, then drove home.

"Anika... relax," she told herself as she was about to press the doorbell, but before she could, Shivaay opened the door. Anika jerked in surprise, seeing him standing there.

"Hi," Anika greeted, trying to keep the conversation casual.

"Anika... why are you so late?" Shivaay asked with a mischievous smile.

"I got delayed at the office..." Anika quickly covered up with a smile and walked inside.

"Office?" Shivaay asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.

"Yeah, the office. Any doubts?" Anika asked as she got herself some water from the fridge.

"Is that so?" Shivaay questioned, suddenly grabbing her hand and gently caressing her freshly waxed forearms.

"I know you already figured it out..." Anika said with a smile.

"Anika... you know I have a special ability to read your mind," Shivaay chuckled while pulling her closer to him.

"Shivaay... Ansh?" Anika asked, trying to change the subject.

"He's asleep," Shivaay whispered while playfully brushing his beard against her neck.

"Shivaay..." Anika mock-scolded in a hushed tone, slightly shocked by his antics.

"What?" he whispered back in her ear.

"I can't..." she said softly, making Shivaay stop what he was doing and look at her with a knowing smile.

"I knew it..." Shivaay said, and Anika gave him a suspicious look.

"Kuch Na Kaho..." Shivaay began singing a Bollywood song, twirling her around and pointing to the calendar where the day was marked with a red circle. She looked at him in surprise.

"Your chocolate banana shake is waiting for you... come," Shivaay said, pulling her toward the kitchen.

"Banana shake... I'm impressed," Anika joked as Shivaay gently smacked her on the head, telling her to get her mind out of the gutter.

Shivaay handed her the milkshake he had made, and she sat on the kitchen counter, admiring him with a dreamy look, forgetting to blink. He was busy finishing the garnish on her drink and passed it to her. Anika took a long sip, savoring the taste while Shivaay watched her with a smile, resting his chin on his hands.

"You know, more than I missed you, I missed this shake... if you ever plan to leave me again, just give me this recipe and go," Anika teased, praising the shake. But Shivaay was too busy admiring her to hear a word she was saying. She raised her eyebrows at him when she realized he wasn't listening.

"Nothing... I was just lost... So, how's the shake?" Shivaay asked with a small smile.

Anika was confused. She had been praising it for the last 10 minutes, and now he was asking again?

"Terrible," she replied coldly, and Shivaay's smile disappeared. He quickly took the drink from her hand and sipped it, trying to figure out what was wrong with it, while Anika watched him in amusement.

"It's fine..." Shivaay said after checking it.

"That's what I've been saying for the last 10 minutes... where were you?" Anika asked, smiling, as he wiped her lips with his thumb. Her cheeks flushed red, and her heart started racing.

"Did I order tomato ketchup along with the milkshake?" Shivaay teased, pinching her cheeks. She pouted angrily at him.

"Do you want me to tell you where I got lost?" he asked, gently tucking her hair back and tracing her neck with his fingers. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she wasn't sure if it was because of her periods or his touch.

He gently lifted her chin and made her face him. "In this face," he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her flushed cheek. She smiled and turned away, but he rested his forehead on her shoulder, only to be surprised by the pink marks on her skin.

"What is this?" Shivaay asked, breaking their romantic moment.

"My shoulder," Anika joked, but her smile faded when she saw his worried expression as he examined her shoulder. He checked her arms and noticed the marks all over her body. Anika stayed silent, knowing the lecture was coming.

"It's because of the waxing... I hadn't done it in years, so maybe that's why..." Anika explained, but Shivaay kept examining her arms and feet, his face full of concern.

"You've gone mad... totally mad," Shivaay began scolding, and Anika mimicked him under her breath. He glared at her, and she stopped.

"Seriously? After 14 years, you haven't changed a bit... you still say the same things like before..." Anika tried to lighten the mood, but Shivaay was too worried to be distracted.

"Did I ask you to do this? Madwoman!" Shivaay scolded, still examining her skin. Anika knew there was no point in arguing, so she stayed quiet and let him rant.

To her surprise, he grabbed her and lifted her off the counter. Anika looked at him, shocked. He went to the sink, checked the water temperature, then came back to her.

"Ani... go take a cold bath," he ordered.

"What? At this time? Are you out of your mind?" Anika protested.

"Aren't your arms still burning?" Shivaay asked, already knowing the answer. Anika stayed silent, so he guided her to the room, pushed her into the bathroom, threw a towel at her, and locked the door from the outside.

"Shivaay, stop it! It's 20 degrees outside—how can I take a bath?" Anika yelled from inside.

"Stop acting like a child, Ani! If you don't take a bath now, the bruises will hurt for two more days. How can I let that happen?" Shivaay yelled back.

"It's just waxing... it's not like I got burned alive!" Anika shouted in frustration.

"You did waxing after 14 years, and your skin is super sensitive. I know that better than you, so stop arguing and take a bath," Shivaay insisted from outside.

"Ugh... at least give me my night suit," Anika grumbled. Shivaay went to the cupboard and opened it, but a pile of clothes fell on his head. He lost his patience.

"ANIKA! How many times do I have to teach you about wardrobe management?" Shivaay shouted as he picked out one of her night suits and unlocked the bathroom door.

Anika snatched the clothes from his hand, glaring at him. His anger faded when he saw her angry face, and he smiled at her, but she didn't return the smile.

"I will definitely get my revenge for this," she said, closing the door with a loud thud.

Who would guess she's in her mid-thirties... still as hot as ever, Shivaay thought with a smirk as he stared at the bathroom door.

After a few minutes of eagerly waiting, Anika finally came out, tired and only wearing her night suit. She collapsed onto the bed beside him, but Shivaay couldn't resist checking her out.

"I'll get my revenge later," she murmured sleepily. Shivaay gently checked her arms and feet and was relieved to see the marks fading. He kissed her cheek and lay down beside her.

Being an early riser, Shivaay was the first to wake up. He got out of bed, kissed Anika's forehead, and went to the kitchen to prepare his espresso, celebrating the successful fourth day of their reunion. It didn't feel new to him anymore—he had already gotten used to this life.

As Shivaay was making his coffee, Ansh lazily entered the kitchen, his eyes still half-closed. Shivaay was about to call out to him but stopped, watching as Ansh fumbled around, searching for a pot while still barely awake. Ansh found the pot, placed it on the stove, and bent down to switch on the gas, only to be surprised that it was already on.

Am I still dreaming? How could Mom wake up so early? Ansh wondered in his half-asleep state. Shivaay chuckled and patted his shoulder.

"GHOST!" Ansh yelled, dropping the pot. He turned around, shocked to see Shivaay standing there with a smile.

"Not a ghost... your dad," Shivaay teased, lightly smacking his head and handing him an espresso. They both sat at the dining table, silently sipping their coffee but sharing a smile. After they finished, Ansh went straight to Anika's room, with Shivaay following behind.

Ansh gently kissed his mother's forehead and whispered, "Good morning." Anika smiled in her sleep and mumbled a "good morning" back. Ansh then turned to Shivaay, hugged him, and greeted, "Good morning," confusing Shivaay for a moment.

"Actually, Dad, it's my habit. I usually wish Mom good morning before anyone else... my day feels incomplete without it," Ansh explained. Shivaay smiled, touched by his son's words.

"Good morning," Shivaay replied, kissing Ansh on the forehead.

"Okay, I'm off to practice," Ansh said, leaving the room.

"Ansh, don't forget to take water!" Anika yelled in her sleep before quickly dozing off again. Shivaay marveled at the little rituals between Anika and Ansh, amused and amazed by their bond.

"Ani..." Shivaay called out, but she didn't wake up.

Some habits are hard to break, Shivaay thought with a smile as he picked up Anika's phone, which had been ringing for a while.

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