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Later that night, Anika's room door opened and Shivaay walked in silently . Shivaay was with Anika till she got discharged from hospital. Never a second he left her side. After she was shifted to her home, he didn't came to meet her. But he'll always ask about Anika from the nurse or Gowry or Radha. He got really hurt with her decision to end her life. But after gowry told him whatever happened for the day, he couldn't stop himself from meeting her.

Shivaay entered her room and sat beside her without disturbing a sleeping Anika. He observed her face for sometime. A frown appeared on his face when he noticed her cheek that is imprinted with slap mark and is red.

Gently caressing her cheek, he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Radha too entered the room with a glass of water for Shivaay. She expressed how upset she is with Anika's behavior few hours back. She felt bad for raising hand on Anika.

Shivaay just nodded sadly to Radha, all the while holding Anika's hand that is pricked with IV tube. Her hand looked slightly swollen, credit goes to the stunt she pulled up earlier. Spending some time there, he left after having few words with Radha.

*******************

Few days passed. Anika's family was still the same. None talked to her. Gowry went back to Oberoi mansion as Om was missing her badly. Gulab Maasi was in her native place currently taking care of her daughter who just gave birth to a baby girl. Even though she was occupied with family time, but after hearing about Anika ,she immediately came to meet her favorite child. Gulab Maasi took utmost care of Anika. Here, Anika was relieved that finally she got someone by her side. Sahil couldn't spend enough time with Anika as he have school and tuition classes to attend. Still he will spend every night in her room giving her company while doing his homework.

In between all this, Bhavya returned from her hometown. She went to stay with her family for semester break. She was shocked and upset as none told her about the incident. As Bhavya usually stay with Anika, she have her own room. But Bhavya decided to ditch her room and stay in Anika's room. So that she can keep her didi entertain and also easy to look after her. As Bhavya returned from her hometown, Gulaab Maasi went back to look after her daughter and granddaughter.

It was lunch time. Bhavya placed the lunch before Anika and sat on the edge of the bed. It was a bowl of chicken porridge. Now Anika slowly started having solid food as her wounds is healing for better. Her IV tube was also removed. Also Anika decided that there is no need of any nurse hereafter. Giving a look at the porridge, it looked really yummy. Bhavya gushed Anika to have it while dropping a bomb at the end saying "I made it didi".

Shock was clearly evident on Anika's face because she knew bhavya's cooking very well. And it never went well. The last time she tried bhavya's cooking, she was down with food poisoning.

Gaining some courage, Anika had the first spoon of porridge with her eyes closed. Surprisingly it tasted good and so familiar. The same taste as the porridge of McDonald's? She guessed. She passed a knowing smile at Bhavya who smiled back nervously.

Moving aside the bowl of porridge, Anika wrote something on her notepad and showed it to Bhavya. 'McDonald's?' was written on it to which Bhavya smiled sheepishly getting caught. A sigh of relief washed over Anika's face. She kicked Bhavya playfully and continued having her lunch.

Post her lunch, Anika went to hospital with Bhavya for her regular check up. Her report came out positive but Anika was worried if she could speak again. Somehow the doctor assured Anika with kind words and prescribed some vitamins for her betterment. After their appointment with doctor, Anika thought to spend some time in the park. By the time they reach home, Radha and Sahil was having dinner. Radha asked Bhavya to joined them totally ignoring Anika's presence. Anika silently move upstairs being hurt. She expected that she'll be also ask to join them for dinner.

Sensing her didi is upset, Bhavya politely refused and said she'll have dinner with Anika. Radha just nodded before entering kitchen and returned with a tray of food. Roti, dhal curry and kheer for Bhavya and a bowl of soup for Anika.

From having the first spoon of the soup itself Anika was very sure that it was not prepared by Radha. It's a Chinese herbal soup loaded with dates, sea cucumber black beans and other herbs. Radha is a very good cook, great cook in fact, but she only cooks Indian. Bhavya's curious eyes and the way she was holding her phone as the phone's camera focusing at Anika made it clear. Shivaay it is. Bhavya only put down her phone after Anika finished her soup. 'She might be recording me or on video call with him', Anika mused.

Anika asked how's Shivaay through hand gesture? Getting caught, Bhavya let out a nervous chuckle before answering her question. She was surprised that Anika found out. "But how? "

****************

One fine morning, after freshening up, Anika was sitting idly on her bed. She heard some noises from outside but thought to ignore it, but the noise didn't seems like fading. So she thought to have a look on it.

She looked out from her balcony and saw canopies are being made in front of her house. She was confused. Anika, then, walk out from her room and stood by the hallway to see what's happening downstairs. She saw everyone busy shifting things and decorating the house. Point to be noted, it was all her staff. They wished Anika and she smiled in return. "What's happening? Gowry's baby shower?" She thought. But Gowry just entered her fourth month. Don't know to whom and how to ask, she just stood there in confusion.

Here comes the saviour. Bhavya approached Anika holding a basket of fake flowers. Her every steps are too slow that it would take forever to reach Anika. She was clearly frightened. 'But why?'

Nervously but clearly Bhavya passed on the message to Anika that tomorrow will be a prayer for Shivaay and Anika as their wedding rituals will start next week. This prayer is held for the betterment of bride and groom for their healthy future as husband and wife and for the wedding to happen peacefully without any hurdles.

Anika went blank for a moment. Her mind took a little time process whatever Bhavya told.

In a daze, she rushed to her room and checked the date. Indeed her wedding rituals will start in a week.

She was furious. Blinking away her tears that about to fall, she sat on the bed. Her vision got blurry as her eyes pooled up. She accept that she was wrong. Yes. Everyone is hurt by her action. But she was not in a good mental state then. She was a mess. She deserve to give her side of explanation at least.

This is not how she should be treated. Ignorance. That is what everyone is doing to her. She was silent all this while, because she was at fault. But it is enough now. She is the freaking bride for god sake. The irony is that she's the last person to get informed. 'Shivaay.. How he agreed to marry her? He neither came to confront her nor came to visit her but wanted to marry her?'

Radha and Gowry never talked to her. Let alone talk, living on the same roof they didn't even came to have a glance at Anika. If only she knows. Anika was deeply hurt with their behavior. She was never ask to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with family. She was totally ignored from having any family moment. She used have her meal alone. Yes Bhavya will company her but not all the day as she's looking after Anika's work in office. Anika went through an emotional turmoil. She don't deserve such ignorance. All her emotions that she bottled up all this while, came out as anger. Wiping her tears hastily she walk out from her room with fast steps.

The first thing she saw after stepping out from her room was a box full of fake flowers and decorative items. She grabbed it and threw it angrily. The box rolled down the stairs making sound grabbing everyone's attention. All the staff stopped working and looked at each other questioningly. An awkward silent filled the surrounding.

Radha rushed to see where the sound was coming from and saw Anika standing upstairs while the box of fake flowers were scattered around.

It was easier to guess what could have happened. While shooting an angry glare to her niece, she shouts her name aloud "Anika". But without caring anything, Anika entered her room and closed the door with a loud bang making everyone present to flinch.

Sitting on her bed Anika let her tears to flow uncontrollably. This is the very first time she behaved in such way to her buamma, Radha. She herself didn't know why she is crying. Was it for disrespecting her buamma or for the ignorance she went through. "Sorry maa", she whispered in-between her sobbing.

Oh yes she can speak now! None is aware about it. Not even Bhavya. Though it'll pain like anything while speaking, she's grateful for getting back her voice.

Suddenly, her room door got opened and an angry Shivaay walked in. Anika was startled for a moment. Before she realize what's happening, Shivaay caught hold of her wrist and dragged her to his car.

Inside the car, Anika wiped her tears and bite insides of her cheeks to restrain herself from crying before him. Shivaay was silent but anger is clearly evident from his clenched jaw and his grip on steering wheel. He parked his car at a random place and got out. Anika didn't budge, she stayed inside the car. This behavior of Anika only angered Shivaay more. He get into the car and asked or rather shouted 'why?' starling her.

"What's your problem Anika? Why are you behaving like this? Now you don't want this wedding to happen, right? You don't want to marry me? First you tried to fucking suicide and now this? Won't you think once before doing anything? Why do you so love hurting everyone? Radha aunty was crying while talking to me. There's a limit for everything Anika. I cannot fucking tolerate all your nonsense everytime. Tell me what exactly you want? If you really don't want this, then let's end this for everyone's good". Shivaay abruptly stopped when he realized what he's actually talking out of anger.

Anika stiffened hearing his last line. She didn't speak anything. Turning towards him, she passed him one hurtful glance before opening the car door. She just got out from his car and hurriedly walked towards the main road with fast steps. She was barefoot. While Shivaay dragged her to his car, she didn't get time to wear her footwear. To her luck she managed to stop a rickshaw and hopped in.

Shivaay ran behind her but the rickshaw had already left. He held his hair in frustration. He shouldn't have shouted at her. He knew he went overboard but he couldn't control himself either. Only he knew how he gather himself to reach hospital after Om informed him about the dreadful incident.

********************

He was told that Anika has been taken to hospital and its kinda serious. On reaching there, doctor told him another shocking information that they suspect Anika attempted suicide.

The doctor ask if they could find what substance she consumed so that they can treat her accordingly. Without wasting a second, Shivaay and Rudy drove to Anika's house and started searching every corner of her room like mad. At last, Rudy found a rat killing poison bottle under their jasmine tree. Probably she must have threw it from her balcony. But what scared both the brothers was, the bottle was empty.

Adding fuel to his fear, the doctor didn't say him the words he was expecting. He was expecting a positive and assuring response from them but what he received was the other way around. He couldn't understand the medical terms they're referring to. He was clueless. All he understood was Anika is in critical stage.

Everything happened in a fast phase that he didn't know what to do. 'Should he go and console a crying Radha and Gowry or should he start hunting for the culprit behind all these mess?' If not for Omru, he would be a mess. With their strength, he was able to gather himself up.

From assigning a team to catch the culprit to look after Anika along with her other needed procedures. In the meantime, he also came up with a fake story to convince their family saying Anika was blackmailed by Ashwin. He literally took care of every minute thing.

**********************

Getting into the car he hit his forehead against the steering wheel. Where will she go? With a hope that she will reach home, Shivaay drove towards Anika's house.

In the rickshaw, Anika couldn't hold back her tears. First, her buamma cried because of her and secondly, she met Shivaay after many days but only to face with his anger. He knew that how much she hate swear words but he used those words to her today.

"Let's end this for everyone's good", was the only words keep ringing in her head. What does that means? He's ready to give up on her? Why can't they try to understand her? She was so done with all their taunting and ignorance.

The rickshaw reached home. Anika rushed inside without paying while the rickshaw man ran behind her asking for his money. Of course, when she don't even got time to wear her slipper, how come she can carry her purse. The man was then stopped and paid by Radha. Anika noticed that all her staff have left and her house was decorated beautifully.

While Shivaay entering Anika's neighborhood, he saw the same rickshaw that Anika hoped in going out from the society's security checkpoint . Only then he breathed in relief calming down his tensed nerves. Reaching home, Shivaay narrated the happenings to Radha where she could only shook her head in disbelief.

"I don't know what to say, Shivaay. We have to go to the market to get some fresh flowers, sweets and other necessary items for tomorrow's prayer. We'll reach home late and I'm not ready to leave Anika alone. Shivaay can you stay with her till then?" Shivaay instantly agreed to Radha's request.

"Try to sort out your problems beta. You both are going to step into a new life, it should be a happy beginning without any misunderstanding", she spoke while passing him a key confusing him. "Her room key, she would have definitely locked it", Radha told and Shivaay chuckled.

After the trio (i.e. Sahil, Bhavya and Radha) left, Shivaay locked the main door and move upstairs. Inhaled and exhaled few times, he tried opening the room door, indeed it was locked. Taking out the key, he unlocked the door without making much sound and got in.

Next second, Shivaay stumbled backwards as he felt a hard push on his chest. Once, twice and for the third push, he was already stepped out of the room. Taking the chance, Anika quickly locked the door unware of the fact that he's having the room key.

He stood at the door with a blank expression. Running his hand on his hair in frustration, he took few deep breaths. Then he entered her room again and was again shoved by a crying Anika. "Get out", she muttered shoving him out. It took some time for him to realize that Anika got back her voice.

"You're talking Anika!" He exclaimed happily. "Why you want me to be mute life long?", she snapped angrily not minding the stinging pain she felt at throat while talking. Her hand was busy shoving him out.

"Ani.. Ka wait, listen I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you" He tried but Anika was not ready to listen to him.

"Anika I'm Sorry. I was so angry and said things that that I shouldn't"

"You really thought to end us?" Her eyes reflecting hurt.

"I was angry, Anika. I swear I didn't mean that way".

"You told what you felt, what you wanted. I don't want to hear any explanation. As you said, let's end this"

Her words made him lose the patience that he's holding up.

"What are you saying Anika? Are you mad? I was not in my sense. And you freaking tried to suicide, how do you expect me to act normal?"

"I said get out"

"Good. Never share your problems but push people away from you so that it'll be easier to pull another stupid stunt. Right?" He taunted.

"He threatened me using my family. I couldn't disobey him. I have no choice". She said tearing up.

"Hey.. It's okay. We're fine now. We've caught him. He's in my hold now" Shivaay told moving closer to hold her hand.

"Can you please for god sake stop taking law in your hands. It's all because of you. Only you. Because of your stupid revenge, your anger, Vikram became the victim. And now he's behind you for the same reason. You anger cost me my family, Shivaay". Anika spoke splitting fire. Shivaay was beyond shocked hearing such accusation from Anika.

"Anika?", he could barely whisper. "You're blaming me, Anika? So you're saying that whatever he did was right?" He couldn't recover from her accusation. It pained him terribly as if hundreds of knives are stabbing him.

Realisation hits Anika hard. What the hell she have done? Why she so love hurting the people around her?

Anika walk towards Shivaay and held his shoulder. He shrugged her hand from his shoulder. He was deeply hurt, his eyes held unshed tears.

"Sorr.. Bye", Shivaay uttered before walking out of her room. Anika wasn't expecting this. She spoiled everything. Did he really left her, forever? She sat on the floor, her eyes pooled with tears. She messed up once again.

On the other side, Shivaay needed some time. It was too much to take in. Am i the real reason behind all these chaos? He asked himself.

After a good 30 minutes, his mind got clear. He knew what he want. Shivaay wanted to go and meet Anika. Washing his face, he went upstairs.

Entering her room, he saw her crying badly. Sighing sadly, he kneeled down beside her and pulled her to his arms.

A muffle left her mouth and she leaned on his chest crying hard. "I'm sorry Shivaay, I'm so stupid" she muttered crying.

"Ssshh it's okay. Everything is fine, alright. Stop crying and get up", he told while rubbing her back. He walked her to the bed and passed her a glass of water. She was still crying.

"Ani, stop crying" He gently wiped her tears. Every time he wipe her tears, fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "What happened to you Anika? Crying for every little things. You're not like this before". She looked so vulnerable and it hurts him to see her that way. He leaned forward and pressed his lips on her forehead but her sobbing only increased. "Ani, please. You're scaring me now".

"I hurt you Shivaay. I hurt Maa also", she continued crying hugging him tightly. All Shivaay did was calming her down saying good nothing words.

No one is talking with me. Maa, Gowry, you, no one", came her complaint once she calmed down.

"Hmm, so.. okay tell me what you actually expecting from them? What you did was totally insane, stupid. Anyone will react that way, Anika. They are not at fault. You know whom are". Anika looked down in guilt.

"You don't know what we went through. I..I thought I have lost you for a moment. You were lying on the hospital bed with IV tube and oxygen mask. Doctors told your condition is critical. That three days I can never forget Anika. It was so scary. What scared me the most was, you didn't respond when I called your name like you'll always do. You scared the hell out of me. You literally showed me what's my life without you. It'll be empty, Anika. Please don't even think of doing such things again. Please". Shivaay poured his heart out. His eyes moistened.

Anika reach up to him and wiped his tears not realizing that she's also in tears. Shivaay pulled her to his arms squeezing her tightly. Anika also reciprocate with same emotion. She kissed his chest over his shirt and hugged him tighter. Both found home in each others arms.

"I'm sorry, Shivaay. I shouldn't have said those words. I blamed you for nothing"

"I understand. I'm sorry too"

"I missed you Shivaay", Anika told in low voice. "I missed you more baby" Shivaay replied with a kiss on her forehead that would definitely melt her.

Not getting enough warmth of her, Shivaay pulled her to his lap hugging her tighter. He intertwined her left hand with his and brought to his mouth pressing a kiss. Her ring finger is again adorned by the two rings that was given by him.

"Why the paper was blank?" Came his question.

Looking at her confused face, he ask again.

"The paper which you sent me with these rings"

Anika found her bed sheet more interesting than answering his question. But one stare from Shivaay, she knew she can't ran away.

"I wanted to write you a sorry letter, but I couldn't. I couldn't even hold the pen. My hands was trembling".

Shivaay held her chin to face him. "I think there's also my mistake, Anika. You're right. I should have listened to him. This wouldn't have happen if I gave him a chance. You suffered a lot because of me. I'm sorry Ani, I couldn't protect you".

Anika shook her head vigorously.
"Shivaay please don't blame yourself. I spoke nonsense just now. Don't think about it so much. You're not at fault. You only tried to protect me".

Anika held his hand into hers calming him down. In return Shivaay placed an assuring kiss on her forehead. He held her hand tightly kissing them now and then. They stayed like that for some time.

"Am I forgiven?" , Anika asked in a low voice breaking the silence.

Ignoring her question, Shivaay asked her if she had her meal or not. Getting negative response from Anika, he left to kitchen saying he'll bring her something to eat making Anika lost in her thoughts.

After some time, Shivaay came back with a bowl of vegetable soup. Once Anika was done having her soup, Shivaay gave her medicine.

"Now ask what you want to ask", Shivaay said while settling beside her holding her in his arms.

"Am I forgiven?", She asked again.

"Before answering your question, let me see your stitches. Bhavya said your sutures got removed few days back".

"You're ignoring my question, aren't you?", Anika was annoyed with his behavior.

"Of course not, Anika. We have to apply this gel on your stitch wound. I'll answer you after applying it".
He answered calmly.

"Give me I'll do it"

"No. Let me do, please", Anika hesitated at first but agreed having no choice.

He made her lie down on bed carefully and rolled up her top to get the clear view of her wound.

Her wounds are healing but he could understand how painful they are.

"Is it paining?" he asked worriedly.

Anika shook her head in No and said "But sometimes, it'll"

Shivaay hummed while applying the gel and said "It's healing faster which is good, in few days it'll heal completely" he stated but he didn't fail to notice her worried face.

She have an ugly scar on her body now. It may or may not be fade. How he's going to react to this. A debate is going on in her confused mind. As if understanding her emotions, Shivaay leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "We'll be fine Ani. Don't let your mind to over think". He convinced her somehow.

While talking, Shivaay saw Anika pulling down her top adjusting it correctly but he held her hand in time "Wait until the gel to dry completely", he pulled up her top again making Anika to frown.

"Coming back to your forgiveness, for that I want something from you. Will you give me if I ask?", Anika nodded her head innocently.

"Oh good you have to madame, I deserve them anyways", He told with smug face.

"Acha, okay done. Tell me"

"Sure?"

"Sure"

"Okay first, a kiss and second..." He stopped and looked at her face. Anika was blushing red. Smiling at her cuteness he continued

"Secondly, I want to see your tattoo". In no time, her blushing face turned into a shocked one.

"What, No! I might agree to the first one but showing my tattoo. No no no", She said determined and adjusted her top properly.

"Anika, You agreed so no backing off"

"Shivaayy"

"Please", he made cute faces but in vain. Anika turned other side palming her face so that she won't melt for his antics.

He frowned and made her to face him. Anika giggled looking at his face.

"Someone is desperate", she teased.

"Yes, I'm", he said while caging her hand above her head. He caressed length of her neck with tip of his nose. Anika shivered when Shivaay deeply kissed below her ear. Their eyes locked on each others.

The next second, Shivaay's lips landed on Anika's. He got lost in tasting her while Anika also reciprocate with same emotion making him happy. Her hand was playing with his dark thick hair while his hand went beneath her dress. Shivaay's cold hand roamed shamelessly beneath her top making Anika's breath to hitch. She softly pushed Shivaay backwards and held his hand that's caressing her bare skin that making her go weak.

Her face turned crimson red and she was glaring shivaay with a shy smile. Shivaay chuckled looking at her face. "Don't look at me like that Ani". He then moved closer to her face and whispered "You're turning me on".

He gave no time for her to react. Shivaay again took her for a demanding kiss.

"What did you say", Anika managed to ask after breaking the kiss. She was panting catching for air.

"What?"

"Look how you're talking to a girl" Anika accused.

"My girl", Shivaay reasoned where Anika could only roll her eyes in disbelief.

"Ani, I asked you something" Shivaay started again.

"No"

"Baby", Shivaay pleaded, his hand disappearing inside her top only to caught hold by Anika.

"Shivaay, I... I feel shy" Anika told avoiding eye contact with him.

"There's nothing to shy, Ani. It's only me" , He spoke innocently.

Anika shyly took off her top and made her tattoo visible before Shivaay's eye. Shivaay got overwhelmed seeing his name imprinted on her soft skin. His hand trembled while caressing that area. He placed a soft kiss there before engulfing her in a tight hug whispering sweet nothings.

"Answer me now atleast. Am I forgiven? Will you marry me?", came Anika's question.

"Wow Ani! are you proposing me for marriage by any chance? Like this? Quite an irresistible view haan I must say" Shivaay flirted.

"You're impossible Shivaay. Idiot", she cursed while searching for her top. As not finding it, she glared Shivaay where he shrugged naughtily.

"But one a serious not, please don't do this Ani. Don't even think of doing this again. You scared the hell of all of us. Promise me", Shivaay demanded. Anika too promised him and apologized for her insane behavior.

"Okay, good girl. Now, Let's sleep. You need to rest", He covered them in comforter before pulling her to his chest. "Shivaay give me my dress" She whined. Shivaay gave no ear to it. He just cuddled her making Anika to blush heavily.

"Your beard is poking me. Go and shave", Anika complaint. Her eyes dropping. Shivaay just hummed.

"Mumma is not talking with me", she told sadly. "She's very angry on me"

"She's not angry Ani, she's hurt. Don't worry she'll talk with you very soon. Just give her some time. Hmm"

"Shivaay"

"Sleep Ani. You need to rest. I'm also tired"

"But I want to talk. I'm not sleepy". Her eyelids felt heavy but she was adamant on not falling asleep.

She tried waking up Shivaay couple of times but he didn't budge. She couldn't find her top also. Sighing in defeat, she raked his hair admiring him. She realized how lucky she is for having him in her life. Whereas, Shivaay was not really sleeping. He was enjoying the attention he's receiving from his lady love.

When Anika moved closer, he got alert. Anika raised her body and lay on top of him completely. Shivaay had hard time pretending to be sleeping. But when Anika kissed him near his lips, he knew he lost it. Shivaay surrendered and gave back Anika's top which he hid under his pillow. He was also rewarded with few punches from Anika.

He again covered them with comforter while Anika kept on looking at him without blinking, "I want some cuddles. Only cuddles", he assured her. "Only cuddles", Anika repeated more like warning shivaay.

At last Anika fell asleep in his arms. Shivaay looked at her, his girl, the love of his life. He gently tugged her hair strands behind her ear. What if something bad happened to her. He can never imagine a life without her. She has become a very important part of his life. He's happy that everything is fine now. He pull Anika into his tight embrace and kissed her whole face slowly and gently assuring himself that she's here, beside him for real.

Soon sleep overtook shivaay too. They slept peacefully in each others embrace after so many days.

*******************

Sometimes later, Shivaay heard someone knocking the door. He opened the door and saw Radha and bhavya standing there. Radha with a consent face while bhavya teasingly.

"Uhm, sorry aunty i fell asleep", he apologized.

"So I guess I can see my daughter all happy tomorrow?"

"Not only tomorrow aunty but forever", Shivaay told assuring her. Radha happily caresed Shivaay's head thanking him.

Radha offered Shivaay that he can stay with them as its already late night. As tempting as the offer look, he have to go back. So Shivaay politely refused Radha's offer and took leave. He drove to his house with a content smile.

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McDonald's chicken porridge

Chinese herbal soup

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