So, it's thanksgiving here in Canada and I couldn't get a better occasion to thank all my readers for the support and love they've given this book. So, a small surprise for everyone!

Here goes the last chapter of Home!

Enjoy!

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As soon as Shivaay reached the hospital, he discovered Om near the delivery room. He rushed up to him and spoke to him right away.

S: Om, how's she?

O: Shivaay, thank God you're finally here. Bhabhi has been calling for you.

Just then, Annika's assistant came out and spotted Shivaay. She rushed towards him and spoke,

Sa: Sir, please come with me for a change. Annika Ma'am has been asking for you. She still has some time left until she's completely dilated but she's in pain and needs you.

Shivaay instantly followed her to the changing room, where he changed into the hospital gown given before proceeding to the delivery room. Annika's face lit up with a big smile as soon as she saw him. 

A: Shivaay.

Shivaay too seeing her, walked towards her in a fast pace and held her hands, kissing her forehead deeply.

S: Don't worry, baby. I'm here now.

Annika smiled when she heard him and was about to say something when she felt a strong contraction and screamed. Shivaay grabbed her hands tightly, and Sayali examined to see if she was totally dilated. She dashed outside to summon the main doctor when she realized she was getting near.

When Shivaay saw a male doctor step into the room, he was completely taken aback. He'd never let a man look at his wife's private bits. He was ready to yell when Annika grabbed his arms and gave him a warning look. Thankfully, Dr. Siddhant was conversing with a nurse at the time and was unaware of the situation.

A: Shivaay, don't you dare. There's no other doctor available tonight and I am in pain because of you, Bagadbilla.

She scolded him making him frown. He was about to retaliate when Dr. Siddhant walked towards them and smiled at them.

Si: Okay, Annika. Don't worry. Stay strong and you'll be fine. And you must be Shivaay.

Siddhant finished by staring at Shivaay and extended his hand for a shake, which Shivaay unwillingly accepted. 

Si: I am Dr. Siddhant, a batch-mate and now a colleague of Annika's.

Shivaay's eyes widened as Siddhant spoke. He recalled Annika telling him about a fellow doctor who had a tremendous crush on her and how she was admiring him at the time. He shifted his gaze to Annika, lifting his brows, and she only smiled awkwardly. Shivaay simply shook his head in disapproval of her actions.

He approached her on the doctor's orders, and the doctor began prepping her for delivery. While this was going on, Shivaay noticed how uncomfortable she was and gently touched her head. Annika cried and clutched Shivaay's hands as the contractions became more intense

Si: Okay Annika, on the count of three, start pushing. 1..2..3..Push now.

Shivaay was in tears as he watched her suffer. When he witnessed her fighting to deliver the symbol of their love into the world, his admiration for women grew. He'd only heard about it before, but now that he was witnessing his love go through it for them, he knew why heaven is beneath Mother's feet. Annika inhaled deeply as she grew tired of pushing,

A: Ahh, Shivaay, I can't do this anymore. I ca..can't.

She stammered with tears, making Shivaay caress her hair.

S: Just a little more love, and then our Jaan will be in our arms. For us, baby.

He kissed her forehead giving trying to motivate her.

Si: Annika, you're almost there. Just a few minutes more. Come on.

Annika took a deep breath and held Shivaay's arms tightly. Shivaay winced silently in pain but did not show. He knew that his love was going through a far more severe main in front of which his pain was nothing.

S: Yes, you can do it baby..come on..

A loud sound of crying resonated around the room, causing Annika to close her eyes in exhaustion. Everyone was delighted to hear the little one's cry outside as well.

Si: Congratulations, Shivaay and Annika, it's a baby boy.

Siddhant spoke making Shivaay and Annika smile broadly. Shivaay immediately hugged her by the side and kissed her forehead deeply with teary eyes. The nurse cleaned the baby and brought him forward, handing him to Shivaay. Shivaay nervously looked at Annika before taking his son in his arms, fearing he might hurt his fragile body but Annika simply nodded at him signing him to go ahead.

Shivaay felt a surge of emotions rush through him as soon as he grabbed the baby in his arms. Before gazing at Annika, he tenderly kissed his son's forehead with teary eyes.

S: I won the bet.

He laughed with tears in his eyes, making her grin with happy tears as well. He gently handed Annika the baby, who nestled towards her in response to his mother's warmth, producing a sweet squeak that made the parents laugh. The infant opened his eyes to look at his parents as if hearing them, which made them smile. Annika smiled broadly as she looked into his blue eyes, which matched Shivaay's.

A: He has your eyes.

She spoke happily turning to him who smiled in return before pecking her lips, making the little one cry.

S: See, he started now itself.

Shivaay spoke with a cute frown. He saw Annika's drooping eyes and realized how tired she was. After all, she had a long labour and it was also late at night.

Si: Annika, you should feed the baby. After that, you need rest too. The nurse and Sayali will help you out. I have another case to attend. Once again, congratulations to you both.

Siddhant wished them before leaving the room. As soon as he left, a nurse went towards Annika and helped her get up properly while Shivaay held the baby. Annika asked the nurse to leave the room saying that she'll handle from here since she knew, Shivaay would feel awkward with her presence as she fed.

Annika slid to the side and motioned Shivaay to take a seat near her. She then unzipped her gown and held their infant in her arms to feed him. After some fight, the tiny one was able to start sucking on his mother's breast, giving Annika an entirely new sensation. Shivaay, too, was overcome with emotion as he saw his son gradually fall asleep while receiving his feed. While still feeding the infant, Annika leaned up and kissed his cheeks, causing him to look her way.

A: Congratulations, Papa Singh Oberoi.

Shivaay chuckled hearing her and hugged his family close from the side.

S: Will you ever stop naming me every now and then?

A: Never.

Shivaay smiled and came closer, grabbing her lips and pulling her into a kiss. When they parted, he noticed that their son had fallen asleep, and he noticed that she was also sleepy.

S: Anni, you should rest now. Give him to me, I'll go give the news to the eager family too.

Annika smiled and handed him the baby. It took her only a few minutes to fall asleep. Shivaay made his way outside the room with the baby boy in his arms, watching her once more. The grandparents, who were watching him, came up to him and saw the infant in his arms.

S: Congrats Grandparents, you have a grandson now.

Everyone in the room squealed with delight at his words. Avantika was the first to hold her daughter's soul, followed by Dadi, Pinky, Harsh, and Shakti, in that order. After that, everyone jumped at the chance to hold the baby and cuddle him.

***

Annika opened her eyes to welcome rays of sunlight hitting her face through the sheer blinds in the hospital cabin. She looked around and found her son in the cradle beside her while the family was sitting and conversing slowly such as to not disturb the tired new mother, in the attached sitting area. She did not even realize in her sleep, when she was shifted to the cabin.

Pinky was the first one to see her awake and immediately rushed towards her.

P: How are you, beti?

The rest of the family hurried over to her and took turns enquiring about her health. They were chatting amongst themselves when they heard the new family member cry, prompting them to turn towards him.

Shivaay moved forward and picked him up before Rudra could, making the latter pout. Annika hit Shivaay's arm when he came towards her with there baby and scolded him after taking her son in her warmth,

A: Don't annoy my Rudy, Shivaay.

S: Don't take his side. You're my wife and this is my baby.

He grimaced as he spoke, making the entire family chuckle. Surprisingly, the infant stopped wailing and smiled, joining the family in their laughter at his father. This resulted in a more raucous chuckle. 

D: Okay leave all this. Annika, Billu, what did you decide to name our little Billu?

S: Dadi, please. No Billu for my son.

Shivaay's warning made everyone laugh.

D: We'll see that later. Now, tell us the name too.

A: Dadi, let the Bua decide. Bol, Prinku.

Priyanka smiled as her brother and sister-in-law before speaking,

P: Bhabhi, you brought him into this world bearing all the pain. It would be injustice if I name him. So, the bua decided that she'd let Mumma decide. So, tell.

Her words made everyone smile and they turned to Annika who has happy tears in her eyes.

A: He's a part of Shivaay and I so, he'll be our Ansh.

She spoke looking at Shivaay lovingly. The family too cheered happily hearing the name and Rudra immediately got his phone out to capture the moment. The family then left for home to prepare for their arrival, leaving the three alone.

S: Our Ansh.

Shivaay murmured as he caressed Ansh's small hands and held Annika from the side. Annika smiled as she stared at him. Ansh started crying as they were ready to kiss, making Shivaay pout and Annika laugh. 

A: He's hungry.

She told him before attaching her nipple with Ansh's mouth, who started sucking on it fast. Shivaay grinned as he glanced at his loves. He kissed Annika on the temple, causing her to turn around and gaze at him. She noticed how his eyes glinted in a new way today. With one hand, she gently stroked his beard while holding Ansh in the other.

S: Anni?

She hummed leaning into his chest.

S: Thank you for everything. I know saying it won't even begin to suffice what I feel for you but I want to say it.

Before proceeding, he took a breath and kissed her on the forehead.

S: I love you, Annika Kabeer Oberoi.

Annika grinned, tears welling up in her eyes. She pressed her face into his neck, relishing his scent, and confessed,

A: I love you more, Shivaay. Thank you for being my HOME.

Annika nestled against Shivaay's chest and nuzzled into his warmth, keeping her small soul close to them. Shivaay beamed broadly and hugged his little family silently, praying to God to keep his lifelines happy always.

THE END

So, that's the end of the story. I'm at a loss for words to describe how I'm feeling. This book has always held a special place in my heart, and I will miss it greatly. Thank you for all of your love and support along this journey.

A little good news: I'm working on another book on Shivika, which I'll disclose after I've finished organizing it. Hopefully, it will be very soon. So, I'll see you all again very soon!

Also, I'm not sure yet, but this book may or may not have a few bonus chapters. So. lookout for them!

Love,
Misha

❤️