Hello there, everyone. Please accept my apologies for being so late this time. I don't know why I simply lost the zeal to write. But, alas, I'm back, and I'm hoping this won't happen again.

Please leave a review when you've finished reading. I apologize for not being able to respond to the comments on the previous chapters, but I do read them all. I'll try to give it my all the next time!

Thank you and happy reading!
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Pinky was working on the laptop beneath the gazebo when Annika stepped out into the garden.

A: Maa, why're you up till now?

She asked reaching her. Pinky turned to look at her and smiled.

P: Just working on some accounts of the fashion house. Tu kyun jaag rahi hai ab tak? Shivaay se ladke ayi hai?

A: Nothing like that, Maa. Just needed some fresh air.

Annika pretended to grin and sat next to her, her head resting on her mother-in-law's shoulder. Pinky sat her laptop on the table and made her lie down on her lap, caressing her hair.

P: Don't lies to me. I can read your eyes.

Annika chuckled and smiled as she kissed Pinky's palm.

A: How do you know me so well?

P: Every mother knows her child. I agree we're not related by blood but, we're related by heart. That's a stronger bond.

She spoke caressing Annika's hair, making her smile.

P: Now tell me. What happened?

A: Nothing, Maa. Your son's just a big Bagadbilla. He knows nothing but work and anger.

Annika spoke grumpily to which Pinky chuckled.

P: I agree with you. I used to eat so much sweets when I was pregnant with him. God knows, how he developed so much attitude and anger.

Annika chuckled at Pinky's expression before speaking,

A: Leave him. You tell me, what were you doing?

P: Just checking some basic accounts of the fashion house.

Annika shifted her gaze from her to the laptop, then back to her.

A: Wow, Maa. I didn't know you know how to use MS Excel.

Pinky laughed before speaking.

P: Tere Bagadbille ne hi sikhaya hai. You know, I wanted to study Math and Accounts. But in my village, girls studying so much was frowned upon. So after twelfth, they got me married.

A: Then? You didn't study?

Pinky smiled nostalgically and spoke,

P: Yes, I did. Despite the fact that I came from a completely different background, this family welcomed me as one of their own. Here, I discovered a mother who was willing to help me. A sister who cherished me and a brother who was always there for me. Above all, a husband who loved and respected me regardless of my physical appearance or speaking manner. They urged me to continue my studies. I topped maths in my boards so I easily got an admission in university here in Mumbai, that too with a scholarship. In my second year, I found out that I was pregnant with Shivaay. Everyone encouraged me to study but I wanted to be home and rest since doctor told me that I had complications in my pregnancy. So, I decided to take a break.

A: Then?

Annika inquired, her curiosity piqued.

P: Then Shivaay was born. Because of his heart problem, he stayed unwell. As a result, I decided to extend the break. I resumed when he was a little older. But then I realized I wasn't spending enough time with my son and family, so I decided to leave. Everyone attempted to persuade me to understand, but I was defiant as well. I needed my son and my family. So, I stopped. Then time passed, I got pregnant again, gave birth, lost my Ananya, fell into depression and bounced back too. Shivaay got me enrolled in a math diploma program in London when we relocated there for work a few years ago after he learnt about my will to study and why I halted, from mummy ji. He was the one who taught me everything. Since then, I've been in charge of the fashion house's accounts, among other things. Ab tum logo jaise english zyada achhi nahi aati toh kya hua, maths mein toh sabse tez hi hoon.

Pinky ended with a chuckle while Annika smiled.

A: You're the best in everything, Maa. And never feel you've lost your daughter. See, you lost one Anu and god gave you another.

Pinky leaned forward to kiss her forehead, teary-eyed after listening to her.

P: Sleep here while I work. I'll wake you up when I'm done.

Nodding at her, Annika fell asleep in her motherly warmth while Pinky resumed working.

After sometime, Shivaay came outside looking for his wife, when he saw her fast asleep in Pinky's lap.

S: Mom, you're still awake? And this girl, she knows she gets cold easily. Phir bhi bahar aana tha ise.

Pinky glared at him and whispered to him so that Annika doesn't get disturbed,

P: Shh. You fought with her so obviously it's your fault.

Shivaay sighed and shook his head. After all, his mother isn't his anymore. He stepped forward gently, tenderly picking Annika up in his arms.

S: You too stop working now and go to bed. It's late.

He instructed his mom before turning to leave towards their room.

***

Annika was taken aback when she awoke in the morning, nestled up in her husband's arms. After all, she assumed he'd leave for work early. She turned around to check the time, only to discover that it was nearly half past eight o'clock.

She turned to rouse him up, wide-eyed, worried he'd overslept and would be late for the meeting. That's when she saw he was sleeping in his formal attire, which puzzled her. Feeling so much movement beside him, Shivaay opened his ocean blue eyes and found Annika staring at him.

He pulled her towards him and caged her in his arms, while she gladly snuggled into his warmth and inhaled his scent, forgetting all her anger.

S: Good morning, baby.

He spoke kissing her hair. Annika returned her gaze to him after responding to him.

A: I thought you'll leave early.

S: I did. I finished the meeting, bagged the deal and then came back to my love.

He talked while leaning in close to kiss her lips, which she dodged. Frowning, he spoke,

S: What?

A: I'm still angry at you. Move.

Annika grumbled, attempting to push him away. Attempting is the key word here. Shivaay raised her hands over her head and hovered over her, causing her to gasp worriedly.

A: Shivaay.

Sensing her worry, he immediately loosened his grip on her hands and made a little distance between their bodies, fearing he might have hurt her.

S: You okay?

A: Ye..yeah, I'm fine. I just have a minor back pain, so.

S: What? Since when?

He asked and immediately caressed her waist making her smile at his care.

A: Forget all that, I'm still angry at you, in case you've forgotten, Mr. Oberoi.

He smiled as she pretended to be angry. His drama queen. Before speaking, he moved in close and kissed her on the forehead deeply, pouring out all his love for her.

S: I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't have said all that yesterday. I enjoy our intimacy and trust me, it feels like heaven when I'm with you, when we make love. I was just very preoccupied with work so I blurted all that out. I'm sorry.

He spoke sincerely and pecked her lips. He was about to move away, when she seized his lips in a soulful kiss, making him grin against her lips.

A: I have to tell you something.

She spoke once they parted.

S: Before that, I need to tell you this. Or else, we'll get into another fight later on.

A: What?

Annika inquired, concerned. Shivaay spoke to her while caressing her face.

S: Nothing to worry. It's just, I have to leave for Sydney tomorrow night. Bade Papa and I have to go for signing a deal. It's two week's work.

Annika gasped hearing him.

A: Two weeks?

Shivaay nodded dejectedly.

A: That's why you were buttering me with all those kisses. Because you had to drop this bomb?

He shook his head as she spoke, frowning at him.

S: No, baby. I meant whatever I said. And I can never leave knowing you're upset with me. Please understand. I'll be back soon. Or, why don't you join me too? Perhaps a second honeymoon?

He winked asking hopefully.

A: No, SSO. I've got a lot of appointments. You go. However, if you don't return in two weeks, I'll make sure your little friend remains celibate for at least a month.

He gasped hearing her before speaking,

S: Don't scare me, woman. And about my little friend, he needs his fill now.

Shivaay smirked. Annika gasped as he immediately got up and carried her in his arms, moving towards the bathroom before indulging in their sweet love making.

***

After a long day at work, Annika walked into the living room and fell down on the sofa, her eyes closed in exhaustion. As soon as she inhaled the aroma of coffee, she immediately opened her eyes. She looked about for her husband but couldn't find him; after all, he had to stay in Sydney for a few more days.

She got up from the sofa and sighed as she moved towards her bedroom, thinking someone else could be craving coffee. She was engulfed in a tight hug from the back as soon as she closed the door to their bedroom after entering.

A: Shivaay.

Annika let out a gasp as she became aware of his presence. She instantly turned around to face him and saw him with a big smile on his face.

S: Surprise, wifey!

He exclaimed before engulfing her in a soulful kiss that brought a huge smile to her lips.

A: I missed you. So much.

Annika spoke hugging him tightly after they parted. Shivaay too kissed her head muttering the same, before Annika broke the hug.

A: When did you come? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't anyone tell me? Actually, why's the living room empty? Where's everyone? Why...

S: Shaant shaant, my question express.

Shivaay cut her off, making her pout sweetly. Before addressing each of her queries slowly, he pecked her lips.

S: I came around two hours ago. Surprises are not meant to be told beforehand, baby. No one told you because I asked them to and the living room's empty because everyone's in their rooms since they couldn't lie to you. Happy now?

Annika hummed as she drew him closer to her and wrapped him in a tight hug once more.

S: Kya baat hai, Mrs. Oberoi? Aaj bohot pyaar aa raha hai pati par?

Shivaay teased her, attempting to pull her closer.

A: Bas aise hi. Enjoy it.

She kissed his chest with a smile. After a while, they parted. Annika told Shivaay to get ready while she went into the kitchen to look over the dinner plans.

She entered their room after a while and was going to call Shivaay when she noticed him standing near the cabinet, holding a file and glaring at her. She immediately realized what the file was about.

A: Shivaay, I...

S: You what? When were you going to tell me about this? How could you even hide this from me, Annika?

She could see how enraged he was and swallowed nervously.

A: I tried telling you. You were busy with the deal. Issi liye mauka hi nahi mila.

She finally spoke up after some deliberation. Shivaay kept staring at her, silent, as she looked down, tears in her eyes. She looked up after a few moments and walked towards him, feigning a smile.

A: It's okay. I know, you're not ready. We can always get rid...

Annika came to a complete stop when he smashed her lips with his as she was about to resume.

S: Do you dare to finish it? Do you have any idea what you're talking about? It's ours, Annika. It's our baby. Not just yours. It's a symbol of our love. How can you even utter that?

A: I thought you didn't want it.

As she spoke, Annika gulped back tears, causing him to sigh. He wiped her tears away and kissed her on the forehead. As he watched her develop hiccups, he realized how anxious she was about the situation and had her sit down, passing her a glass of water and sitting alongside her.

S: Shh. Yes, I didn't want a baby so soon. But it is what it is, love. We're pregnant. Plus, unplanned things have always worked in our favour since the beginning, no?

Annika nodded, her eyes moist, and Shivaay quickly embraced her, resting her head on his chest making her kiss his heart uncountable times.

S: When did you find out?

Shivaay spoke caressing her hair. She sniffed before replying,

A: A week after Adya's birth. I'm ten weeks pregnant now.

S: WHAT?

Shivaay was taken aback when he realized what he had done. As soon as he saw her jerk, he took a long breath and gently stroked her hair to calm her down.

S: I mean, baby that was almost a month ago. You could've told me.

Annika jerked her head away from his chest and locked her gaze on him.

A: Excuse me, Mr. Workaholic Singh Oberoi, I tried. You didn't have a single moment to hear your wife.

She spoke angrily making him gulp.

S: I..am..sorry, baby.

He stammered seeing which she softened.

A: It's okay. But now that you know, give me whatever I want without denying.

She spoke smirking to which he widened his eyes in realization.

S: Now, I understand. That day why you felt dizzy, then the vomiting. It wasn't because of allergy. And then you were so horny and cranky..

He stopped feeling her glaring at him. He smiled sheepishly before continuing,

S: That makes me wonder how many times you've had to deal with morning sickness on your own. Annika, I'm so sorry baby. I was so caught up in work that, I couldn't even spare a moment for you.

A: It's okay, Shivaay. I understand. But I can't help with the crankiness and mood swings. You got me pregnant. Handle it now.

She spoke grumpily making him smile at her cuteness.

S: By the way, how did it happen? We were careful, no?

A: I warned you, Shivaay. You didn't listen. Kya kaha tha uss raat? 'Nothing will happen, Annika. Don't disturb me.'

She spoke mimicking him while he groaned.

S: But you took the after pill. Then?

A: It isn't 100 percent effective. I was also ovulating at the time. That is why I advised you to use a condom. But nothing can stop Shivaay Singh Oberoi when he is aroused.

S: Okay okay, fine. My fault. Actually you know what? Not my fault. I'm content. We'll get a mini Annika or a junior SSO.

He spoke with a wide smile on his face, taking in the pleasure of becoming a parent, while she smiled back. Shivaay stood up from beside her and kneeled in front of her, perplexing her.

She grinned as she watched him caress her still flat stomach and kiss it. She stroked his hair while he placed his head on her stomach, kissing it repeatedly.

***

After dinner, everyone was chatting in the living room when Shivaay announced his and Annika's pregnancy to the entire family, with a blushing Annika standing by him. Everyone erupted in applause and cheers when they heard the news. Pinky leapt to her feet and embraced Annika in a motherly embrace, making her smile.

D: Waise, I could guess something was up from the way my Anni was glowing since the past few days. I was just waiting for you guys to announce.

Dadi exclaimed with a huge smile and hugged her after sending prayers for the couple as everyone gazed adoringly at them.

P: Shivaay, ab agar tune meri beti ko sataya na, toh mujhse bura aur koi nahi hoga. I'm going to make you sleep with your father and have my Anni sleep in my room with me.

Pinky warned Shivaay, making him gasp and the rest in the room laugh. After all, everyone knew how much he hated sleeping next to a snoring Shakti.

S: Don't worry, Mom. I'll take care of your beti very well.

He spoke, hugging Annika on the side and looked naughtily at her, making her blush, while the others, particularly the youngsters, laughed. Annika hit his chest playfully, making him chuckle as well.

R: Oh ho, control bhaiya control. Ab papa banne wale ho. Bhabhi ko thakana mat.

Rudra smirked and looked at Shivaay who in turn, glared at him.

G: Waise, I agree with Rudy, bade bhaiya. Let Di rest for sometime now. Ouch..

As soon as Gauri finished, Janhvi smacked Gauri and Rudra, the troublemakers, on the head.

J: Tum dono na, bohot zyada shararti ho gaye ho. Now grow up, you're going to be Chachu and Maasi respectively.

Janhvi forewarned them, making everyone in the room laugh at their sulking expressions. Annika and Shivaay watched as their family laughed and had a good time, which made them happy as well. Annika turned to glance at Shivaay, who was still holding her, only to find him staring back at her.

Their eyes screamed everything about their love for each other, and they knew that as long as they were together, they could manage anything. Shivaay kissed her forehead tenderly, making her grin teary-eyed, as if promising the same. Well, the best is yet to come!
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