Hey People.....
Okay Okay..... I know I'm being very very lazy..... And frankly speaking guys Online classes and tests are a great pain.
Well let's keep it all aside and focus on our story.....
And if you all have forgotten the story then you can have a quick recap of it by reading all the previous chapters again......

Okay coming to our story...... It would be taking a big change...... Well what is that change...... For that dive into the words and discover what is in store for our Arrogant yet Soft Shivaay and his Cara.......

Enjoy...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sparkling clear water of Parramatta River is a complete serene especially when viewed during the night time. The lights of the Sydney Harbour bridge creates a magnificent view along with the Opera House. The occasionally moving cruise was adding a sense of peace. Many many people were roaming around. Some alone enjoying their leisure time and some were with their loved once having the best time of their life.

Amongst all these people stood a Lady watching over the ripples of the water and the distorted reflection. Dressed in white jumpsuit with a light pink shrug, hairs were flying along with the wind. Her face looked tired, eyes empty and smile...... nope...... Not at all. She looked distantly at the water as if asking some answers.

"Anika Ma'am......"

Someone called breaking her trans. She tore her view from the enchanting water and looked behind her. Light fell on her face revealing her honey brown eyes and it was indeed our Anika.

Anika(tired voice): Yes Khanna ji.

Khanna: Ma'am, it's already 10 and......

Anika: I know Khanna ji. Just few more minutes and then we will leave. Is Shivi still sleeping?

Khanna(smiles lightly): Yes Ma'am. And don't worry Mitali is with her.

Anika(turning back to the water): I'm sorry Khanna ji. Because of me you and Mitali......

Khanna: No Ma'am. Please don't say such things again.

Anika(sighs): Still Khanna ji...... I feel guilty.

Khanna: No Anika Ma'am. If someone should be guilty then it should be me. If I was a bit attentive on that day then......

Anika(sighs): Then what Khanna ji? If not that day then some other day, it would have happened. (Looks up to the dark sky) They are jealous of my happiness...... Always.

A long silence prevailed after it. Anika lost herself in the ripples of the water.

I don't believe in it.....

Then let me take you for a ride through this journey called LOVE......

What if I don't get along? And leave it midway.

You won't.... Because (interwinded their hands and touching their foreheads together) I won't let you go..... I will hold you till the end..... Just one request....

A tug on her pants brought her out of her dream land. She looked down to see the most beautiful eyes after....... She bend down and pulled the little munchkin up in her arms. She arranged the locks of the hair to see the face clearly.

Anika(softly): What happened Mumma ki Jaan? You were sleeping then why did you wake up?

Yes, the little munchkin is our sweet Shivi......

She hugs Anika by putting her arms around her neck. She put her lips on Anika's ear and said something. She looked towards her mother and did some gestures with her hands.

Anika: Mumma understood everything Mera baccha. Mumma doesn't need any language or any voice to know what her child is trying to say. Haina?

Shivi smiled widely towards her mother and did lip syncing saying Love you Mumma........

Anika(softly): Let's go Meri Jaan. Someone else is also waiting for us.

She hugged her to her chest and Shivi kept her head on her mother's shoulder hugging her by the neck. Anika turned back and said.....

Anika(emotionlessly): Let's go Khanna ji.

Nodding to her, he guided her towards the car where there stood a lady in her mid twenties wearing formal office clothes. She was none other than Mitali, Khanna's wife and Anika's personal assistant. She also takes care of Shivi when Anika is unable to.

Mitali(smiles lightly): Ashi baby, just woke up and was looking for you.

Anika(patting softly on Shivi's back): It's okay. She needs me or........ Anyways let's go. She has demanded something and I need to make it for her. (kissing Shivi's hand).

Mitali: But Ma'am...... You......

Anika: It's okay Mitali. I can manage. And it's Anika when we aren't at work.

Mitali: Yes Ma'am...... (looks towards Anika) I mean Anika.

They all settled in the car and went towards their next destination.

_*_

The car rolled slowly through a huge iron gate. The security personnel around the gate saluted towards the car as it wheeled into the wide pavement with beautiful gardens on either sides.
As the car moved forward, it came to a halt in front of a beautiful mansion. Anika looked towards it and sighed. Someone opened the door of her side and she stepped out. She helped Shivi getting down.

Anika: Khanna ji, You and Mitali will be joining us for dinner. And I won't hear a no.

The couple nodded seeing the stubborn Lady. Well, they do own a small cottage just beside the mansion but most of times they are found here.

Anika along with Shivi walked inside the mansion to encounter a dark hallway. Though darkness still scares her but life has taught her many things. And more than darkness, something else scares her the most. A strong grip on her hand made her come back to the reality. She looked down to see those blue eyes, which would always make her strong...... Be it now or before. Shivi gestured towards her mother not to worry as she is with her making Anika smile a little.

They moved into the hall and turned on the lights. The huge chandelier above their head lighted up and illuminated the beautiful hall. Two staircases from two sides moved towards the upper floors and a large window opening towards the magnificent nature.

A ding sound resonated the empty hallway. Anika looked towards her left and the lift opened. And along with it came out an old man in wheelchair and a teen boy pushing the chair. Shivi left her mother's hand and ran towards the old man. They stopped seeing her approaching and the old man held Shivi's small hands in his wrinkled ones.

Old Man: How is Dadu's little angel?

Shivi smiled towards him and gestured something. He looked a bit confused as if not understanding everything. He looked up to Anika for rescue.

Anika(smiling softly): She is saying that she missed you a lot especially your bed time stories. And she is complaining why didn't you call her yesterday and today.

Old man: Is it? So my angel is angry on me. (Shivi nods her nods as yes) Then.... what should I do? (Looks behind him to the boy) Sahil beta..... I guess we should not give the chocolate box and the next doll house we brought for her right because our angel is angry on us.

Shivi heard it and her eyes widened. She looked towards her Dadu and grabbed his hands. She gave him the best puppy eyes and pleaded him. She gestured that she isn't angry and she loves him a lot. The old man laughed seeing her antics and kissed her chubby cheeks.

Old Man: So now you love your Dadu. (Shivi nodded yes) And you aren't angry on me (She nodded no) And you will give Dadu a kissy also. (She nodded yes and kissed his cheeks. She hugged him as well) My angel...... Meri Pari...... Now go.... Mamu will give you the gifts but before that.......

Shivi gestures..... I know..... Washing hands and legs and changing clothes.

Old Man: Yes..... My pari is very intelligent and obedient.

Sahil(smiles): Come Anshi..... Mamu will take you.

Shivi walked towards Sahil and he easily scooped her in his arms.

Anika: Sahil...... For ones check on.......

Sahil: Okay Didi. (Looks towards Shivi) Chale Pari......

She nodded her head and pointed towards the lift. They walked towards it and the doors closed. Anika looked towards the old man and sat in front of him on her knees.

Anika(holding his hands): Papa..... You should be resting. Why are you still awake? You know right Doctor said you to take rest otherwise your health will be effected.

Old Man/ Jayesh(patting her hand softly): When my children are not rest then how can a father be at rest. (Carenessing her hair affectionately)

Anika(tired voice): We are fine Papa..... And everything will be fine soon. (Holding his hands tightly).

Jayesh: I know Anika..... Everything will be fine one day but I am scared..... I'm scared that in this process of getting everything sorted I don't want to loose you as well.....

Anika(smiles sadly): I am already lost Papa...... Iss Anika ki sirf saase chal rehi hai Papa...... Uski jeene ki wajah toh kab ki jaa chuki hai...... I'm just living for Shivi..... Just for her.

Jayesh looked the girl in front him..... Yes girl..... His daughter...... Her eyes which used to shine once is now dull.... and he very well knew the reasons behind it.

Anika: I will just freshen up and come. I hope you have taken your dinner.

Jayesh: No..... I was waiting for you all. And don't scold me again. I wanted to eat with my Pari.

Anika(sighs): Now what can I say. You are stubborn and I can't say anything regarding it. (Gets up and goes behind and starts pushing the wheelchair) Then you wait by the dining table. Your Pari will be here in no time till then I will freshen up and come. Okay. (He nods)

She was about to walk away when she saw Khanna and Mitali entering. She saw their hands intertwined and a shy smile on Mitali's face. A flash appeared in front of her eyes which vanished in no time. She smiled seeing them and walked up the stairs.

_*_

Stripping the jumpsuit off her body, Anika stood under the cold shower. The cold water not only washed away her full day's tiredness but immersed herself into the whirlpool of her thoughts.

You don't know who you are for me..... My everything...... My only family.....

I can't see you like this..... I can't....... I want my strong Anika back......

Cara.......

She snapped back to the reality feeling cold. She quickly washed her hair and body and came out of the bathroom wearing a robe. She walked towards the closet and took out her cotton pink salwar. She wore it quickly and didn't bother to dry her hair. She stood in front of the dressing table and looked at her reflection. The reflection showed nothing but a tired worn out Lady. She combed her hair and her hand automatically reached out to the small gold box....... She picked it up and opened it. There was brim full of red vermilion outstanding the dark gloomy room. It's bright vibrant colour was showing hope and happiness.

A hand suddenly came over the powder and took a pinch from it. Anika looked towards the source of hand to find Him standing just beside her with his blue green eyes showing so many emotions. She smiled and tears covered her eyes......

Anika(whispered): Shivaay......

He forwarded his hand towards her hair to fill the partition. She closed her eyes trying to feel his touch but never felt. She opened her eyes to see none in front of her. Tears trickled down her eyes wetting her cheeks. Holding the vermilion box tightly in her hand, she walked out of the room and walked across the hallway. She crossed many room to finally stop at one. Knocking on the door, she twisted the knob to open the door.

"Beep...... Beep...."

The only sound that resonated throughout the room. Someone came towards her and said....

"Bhabi...."

Anika(tired voice): How is He Mahira?

Mahira: The same Bhabi. No improvement.

Anika: I want to be alone with him for sometime please.

Mahira nodded and left the room. Anika walked towards the bed to see a figure lying with an oxygen mask, saline drips and heart monitor. She sat on the bed beside the figure. She removed the hairs falling on the forehead and held one of the hands. She kept the vermilion box on the side table and open the lid. She dipped the thumb finger of the person in it and directed towards her partition. Holding the hand she applied the vermilion from the person's hand just as she is being for the past 5 years. A little of vermilion fell on her nose indicating immense love. She slowly placed the hand back on the bed and looked the face of her everything.........

Anika(with tears): Shivaay.......

But as usual no response came from the other side. She tried to keep herself calm but couldn't and few tears rolled down her eyes and it did fall on his face but the magic was gone.

Anika(teary eyes): See Shivaay...... even my tears don't bring you back to me now. I...... I am tired Shivaay...... I'm very tired.

She couldn't take it anymore and ran out of the room. A tear oozed out from Shivaay's eyes which as usual was absorbed by the pillow.

Anika ran towards the end of the hallway and her legs gave up. She broke down and fell down on the floor. She crawled at one corner and cried her heart out. She cried over her fate, she cried over Shivi's fate, over everything that is happening......

A warm brotherly hug engulfed her making her more weak.

Anika(crying): Mahi...... I can't take it anymore...... I can't....... Please tell him to come back to me..... Please......

Mahi(trying to console her): Bhabi..... you need to stay strong..... For us..... For Bhaiya..... For Anshi...... Please Bhabi......

She cried more hearing him and he just kept hugging her providing some courage. After a few minutes, she composed herself. They broke the hug.

Mahi: Please Bhabi..... if you break down like this then who will look after this family. And don't worry when Bhaiya wakes up na I will not talk to him and I will tell him he doesn't have the right to make us suffer so much especially you and Ashi...... Don't worry Bhabi..... Bhaiya will be back..... He has to...... For us..... For you and Ashi..... He has to.......

Anika could just nod learning his words which was nothing new. He has been telling her the same things since 5 years to provide her the strength to fight the cruel world outside.

Mahi(forwarding his hand to her): Come Bhabi...... Let's fight for some more time..... Together.....

She nodded towards him and held his hand. He pulled her up slowly making her stand on her feet again.

Anika: Thank you Mahi...... I don't know what would I have done without you, Papa, Khanna ji, Mitali and Mahira. I don't know....... (sighs) I will just wash my face and come. You join others for dinner.

She gave him a small sad smile and went towards her room. Mahi stayed there watching her go. A soft hand slipped into his large ones making him look towards her, Mahira, his better half..... His companion in tough times..... His best friend..... His secret keeper...... His support.......

Mahi(emotionally): I can't afford to loose Bhabi....... I can't

Mahira(holding his hand tightly): We won't loose her. We all are here for her...... We will not let her fall..... Never....

Mahi: How is Bhaiya? Will he.....

Mahira: Bhaiya is just the same Mahi..... He hasn't improved but hasn't detoriated as well. Don't worry. I am always in contact with his doctors.

Mahi: I don't know what would have I done without you. You came as an angel for us.

Mahira: But I thought Ashi was your angel?

Mahi(pulls her closer): Well...... You and Ashi aren't different from each other. Just...... You are a bit taller than her......

Mahira(wide eyes): You mean to say I'm a baby?

Mahi(trying not to laugh): Well I didn't say something like that...... But.....

Mahira(angry): Mahi..... You monkey..... Donkey.......(starts hitting him with her soft hands which didn't have any effect on him)

Mahi(laughs): Okay..... Okay Woman stop hitting me..... Well technically I'm not wrong...... You are angel...... We had lost our hope regarding Ashi..... But then you came as a miracle...... So aren't you also an angel.....

Mahira(smile): I just did whatever was within my capability. It was Bhabi's and Ashi's will power that made it more possible. Let's go. Everyone must be waiting for us.

He nodded and both walked hand in hand towards the family table.

_*_

*Kitchen*

Anika was stirring the pan absentmindedly and was thinking something deeply. Mahira and Mitali were also helping her in making dinner. They noticed her being absent and looked at each other.

Mitali: I don't know how to make her a bit happy. You know she never thinks about herself at all. The full time we are office, you will see her immersed in files, phone calls, emails and meetings. The only time she is free and relaxed when Ashi baby comes back from her play school. She has just forgotten herself.

Mahira: Exactly..... You have seen her during the day only but during the night also I hardly see her getting any sleep.

Mitali(gasps): You mean to say that.....

Mahira: Anika has become insomniac. Though I give her sleeping pill everyday without her knowledge but everytime her nightmare makes it impossible.

Mitali: Is it the same nightmare?

Mahira(sighs): Yes...... Shivaay Bhaiya's accident.

Mitali(sighs): Can't we help her in any way? (Looks towards her) She has turned into a Human Robort. She is thinking only about two things..... Shivanshi and Shika......

They looked towards her again seeing that she is serving the White sauce pasta and beside her holding her shawl was little Shivanshi eagely waiting for her favourite food. But none of three ladies noticed the person standing behind them.

_*_

Post dinner everyone retired to their rooms. Shivi had already gone to the world of fairies and angels after devouring her favourite pasta. Anika had cocooned her little munchkin and was in discussion about business with Mahi and Mitali in her office room.

Anika: Any response from the Elite Group?

Mahi: Yes Bhabi. They are willing to do business with us and Mr. SR will be here in a week's time. He wasn't willing to come down to Australia but Mrs. SR made him agree I guess.

Mitali: Yes Anika. She had personally called me to confirm the same.

Anika(patting Shivi's head softly): Good then.... Otherwise I had to leave Shivi and go for the meeting. And what about the Camberra project? Did Mr. Diwan agree to our terms?

Mahi: Not yet Bhabi. But I am looking into it personally.

Anika(sighs): Okay. (Looks towards the clock on the table) It's very late. Both of you go and sleep. I'm sorry to keep you both busy with me.

Mahi: Bhabi..... Please don't say like this.....

Mitali: Anika.... Please you aren't the reason behind anything.

Mahi: Yes Bhabi. Our better halves understands us very well. (Mitali nodded agreeing to him)

Anika(sighs)(carenesses Shivi's hair): I know. Mahira and Khanna ji are very understanding. I just don't want you both to miss out your beautiful time. Life is very unpredictable...... You don't know what will happen the next moment and I don't want you to regret it ever. (Turns the chair towards the window) Please go..... Your partners are waiting for you.

They looked at her and silently left the room. Anika heard the locking of the door and sighed. She looked towards Shivi and hugged her a bit more towards her. She too hugged her mother tighter. The moonlight witnessed the duo and shined brightly. Anika looked towards the sky and lost herself in the past.

_*_

Almost an hour later, Anika entered Shivaay's room along with Shivi. She carefully laid Shivi beside Shivaay, who instantly turned towards her father and fisted his kurta. Covering both of them, Anika sat on the the other side of the bed and stared towards her world.

Anika(whispering): Shivaay........ See our Shivi is sleeping beside you and she is also trying to say you that you can't leave us. See how she has fisted your kurta tightly..... Just like me. Now it is your duty to take care of her..... till I finish all the office work for tomorrow. (Holds his palm in hers) I won't let your hard work go down ever. The dreams you had are mine now...... I will try to take Shika Enterprise to that heights where you always wanted to see...... It's my promise...... (kisses his knuckles softly)

She smiled towards him and went out of the room. A small flicker was seen in Shivaay's hand which soon vanished.

_*_

*Next Morning*

Sunlight peeped through the curtains of Shivaay's room making little Shivi stir in her sleep. She tried to prevent herself from the sunlight but couldn't. Soon a shadow fell over her eyes making her smile. A low chuckle reached her ears making her open her eyes.

Anika(low voice): Rise and shine Mumma ki Jaan......

Shivi smiled towards her and looked at her side. She saw her father still sleeping. She moved closer to his face and kissed his cheeks and forehead. She laid down on his chest and hugged him. Anika smiled looking at them.

Anika(carenessing Shivi's hair): Shivi.... Let's go. Don't you want to go to school? (She nods no) Why beta? Did someone say anything to you? (Saw her tears) Shivi..... (pulls her towards herself and hugs her tightly) What happened Mumma ki Jaan? Who said bad things to my baby?

Shivi(gesturing): Everyone..... They say I cannot talk..... So they will not be my friend...... Mumma..... No one plays with me......

Anika(hugged her tightly): No Mumma ki Jaan..... Don't cry........ Don't cry....... Mumma is here naa........ You and me are friends right?..... Mumma and Shivi doesn't need anyone...... (makes her look at her) See..... (pointing towards her)You, (pointing towards herself) Me and (pointing towards Shivaay) Papa..... best friends...... Haina...... (Shivi nods her head yes) Then do we need anyone else..... (Shivi nods no) Then..... (wiping her tears) Mumma ki Jaan..... will not cry again..... Okay? If Shivi cries then Mumma and Papa will cry.....

Shivi(gesturing): Papa will cry?

Anika: Yes, Papa ki Princess..... Your Papa loves you so much and he can never see your tears..... Never..... So will Papa's princess cry again? (Shivi nods no) Then give a big smile to Mumma and Papa..... (Shivi smiles brightly) That's like my strong girl...... Now let's get ready fast and then Shivi and Mumma will go to office. Okay?

Shivi nodded. She looked towards Shivaay and kissed his cheeks before running out of the room. Anika looked at her go and turned towards Shivaay.

Anika(emotionally): Shivaay....... Our Shivi will be fine again? She will be able to talk again? Boliye naa Shivaay.... Hamari Shivi thik ho jayegi naa......(few tears rolled down her cheeks) I don't know Shivaay..... Where to go? Whom to contact? Which doctor to show? I don't know...... Don't know......

And all her pleas and cries went unheard.

_*_

A black BMW zoomed through the crowded streets of Sydney. It moved towards its destination and finally entered a classy office building.

The car halted and came out Anika wearing formal yellow jumpsuit with a shrug from the driver's seat. She moved towards the other side and opened the door and our favourite Shivi jumped out the car wearing a summer dress. A guy came running towards them almost panting.

Man(panting): Good morning Anika Ma'am.

Anika: Aman.... Calm down. And why are you panting so much?

Aman(fumbling): Woh.... Ma'am... woh....

Anika(strict voice): Aman..... Stop fumbling..... Take a deep breath..... calm yourself and then say..... What is wrong?

Aman: Ma'am, A Lady has come and looking for you and when we said that we don't know anyone named Anika..... then she started shouting and said that she won't leave until she meets you.

Anika(gets alert): Who came looking for Anika?

"Me...... Mrs. Amelia Shane......"

Anika froze hearing the voice. She looked behind to see only best friend.... who she had forgotten over time......

Anika(shocked): Riddhima......

There stood a Lady fuming in anger.

Anika looked towards her and was shocked.

Anika: Riddhu......

Riddhima(angry): Don't Riddhu me you ungrateful friend..... I mean.... (walks towards her and stood in front her almost leaning over her) You just vanished in thin air and..... and.....

"Calm down Sweetheart....."

And someone pulled Riddhima away from Anika towards himself.

Riddhima(trying to free herself): Leave me Vansh..... I'm not going to leave her today.....

Vansh: Relax Riddhima.... Relax..... (she stops fighting and becomes calm) We can sit quietly and also discuss right. I'm leaving you now but don't jump on your friend again. Okay?

She nods and he leaves her. Anika heaves a sigh of relief. She saw Shivi had hid herself behind her seeing Riddhima.

Anika: Riddhu..... Let's go to my room and then we can talk. Please.......

She gave Anika an angry glare and walked inside the office without waiting for anyone. Anika sighed seeing her. She looked towards Vansh.

Anika(hesitantly): A... Mr.....

Vansh(smiles): Vansh..... Vansh Rai Singhania.......

Anika(shocked): You mean to say..... The CEO of Elite Group?

Vansh(chuckled): Well.... technically the 2nd CEO..... My elder brother Sanskar is the 1st one. And he will be the one with whom you will doing the deal.

Anika: Oh.... I see. Please come Mr. Singhania.

Vansh: Vansh will be fine. If my firecracker hears that I'm allowing you to call me by my surname then I'm sure I have to sleep on the couch for a week and frankly speaking the couch is too small for me.

Anika chuckled hearing him.

Anika: Okay Vansh. Let's go in. (Lools towards Shivi) Let's go Shivi. Your Mumma's crazy friend is here.

Shivi looked towards her Mumma and raised her hands and lip murmured "godi"..... Anika happily picked her up. She looked at Vansh to see him shocked.

Anika: Vansh.....

Vansh(shocked): She..... She can't......

Anika(smiles sadly): Yes..... My daughter cannot speak. Please come.

They walked inside and Anika switched into business mode. They came to the reception area where the company stood proudly.

The receptionist greeted her and smiled towards Shivi. She looked towards the other person and greated too.

Anika(strict voice): Mia(the receptionist) Send Mitali to my cabin as soon as she arrives.

Mia: Okay Ma'am.

She walked towards the elevator and everyone entered. She pressed 20 and everyone waited patiently. Shivi was peeping from her mother's shoulder towards Vansh. He saw it and smiled at her. She thought that she is caught and she hid herself in her mother's embrace. Anika looked towards her.

Anika: What happened Mumma ki Jaan?

Shivi(gesturing): Who is the Uncle and who was the Aunty who has shouting on you? I don't like her.

Anika(chuckled): Shivi is angry that Aunty was scolding Mumma? (She nodded yes) Don't worry no one will scold Mumma. And that Aunty is very good but a bit crazy.

Vansh(interrupting): Sorry to interrupt but what did she say? I didn't.......

Anika: It's okay. She is asking about you both. And why was Riddhima shouting at me.

Vansh: Ohh..... I don't whether it will be right to ask or not but...... You were talking to her....... I mean.....

Anika(smiles sadly): She can hear and understand but cannot speak. And why is that...... I guess you will come to know about it when Riddhima forces me to say everything.

The elevator reached and everyone moved out. The receptionist of the floor greeted her.

Anika: Mrs. Grace, Mitali will be late today. So you please handle everything. And I don't want anyone to disturb me until it is anyone from my family or Mitali or Khanna ji. Any calls from my home you will surely send it to me. And cancel all the meeting till lunch break.

Grace: Okay Ma'am. Should I look after Abigail?

Anika: No.... She will stay with me.

They moved towards Anika's office room to see Riddhima standing in front of the closed door tapping her feet. She glared at Anika. Anika just nodded her head as nothing can happen to her and opened the door using password. And there was a classic room with many many photo frames on the wall.

Anika: Shivi..... You go and play in the room. Till then Mumma will talk to Aunty and Uncle. Okay?

Shivi(gesturing): No..... I will not leave you. Aunty will again shout on you.

A sudden gasp interrupted the mother-daughter conversation. Anika looked towards Riddhima to see her shocked. She was about to say something but Anika stopped her to say anything.

Anika: Shivi..... nothing will happen to Mumma. See, Aunty is very good. She will not shout at me.

Shivi looked towards Riddhima for which she nodded. Shivi kissed Anika on her cheeks. Anika made her stand and she ran towards the room.

Anika: Before you ask me n number of questions..... What would you both like to take? Tea, coffee or anything.

Vansh: I guess coffee for us... right sweetheart.

Anika(calling someone): Mrs. Grace 2 coffee and my usual please. Thank you.

Riddhima(still shocked): Anika..... What was that? Why......

A knock interrupted her..... Peon entered and placed the beverages and went.

Anika(picking up her cup of black coffee and moved towards the photo frames of hers and Shivaay and hers and Shivi): Bahut kuch badal gaya hai Riddhu..... Bahut kuch...... I don't know how am I even surviving...... Sayad kuch aur bura hona baki hai meri zindigi mai.......

Riddhima: But last time we met 6 years ago in London..... Everything was fine.... Then suddenly........

Anika(chuckles dryly): After Sahil's operation...... We decided to stay in London till he was fully recovered. Then the doctors appointment you as his physiotherapist. I just couldn't be more grateful. One side Sahil was getting better and on the other side Mine and Shivaay's relation was also improving. I was happy that finally I can have a peaceful life...... But life is very unpredictable and just one phone call just turned my whole life upside down.......

*FLASHBACK*
*6 years ago*

Sahil was recovering quite fast and Riddhima being the best in her field was helping him a lot. Shivaay was virtually and slowly making his place in the business world through his new business 'Shika Enterprise' and side ways was teaching Anika business as well, though she always protested against it....... but she never knew it would be needed soon..... very soon.

* A week before they leave for India*

Anika: Thank you so much Riddhu..... If you weren't there then......

Riddhima(fake anger): Now you are going to thank me. I mean we are best friends Anika. Comeon...... If you say like this then I won't talk to you.

Anika: Okay I'm sorry. When are you returning back?

Riddhima: Tomorrow. Actually Didi called me back urgently. I don't know why......

Anika: I guess there may something important. (Seeing her tensed) Don't worry. I am sure it won't be someone worse.

Riddhima: I too hope the same. (Teasing smile) Now let's come to the main point. How is yours and Jiju's relation? Did you both confess? And did you both..... you know.....

Anika(feels shy): Riddhu.... just shut up. No nothing like that happened. We are just trying to understand each other right now.

Riddhima(faked shock): Kyaaaaa...... Anika you guys are so slow. I mean you guys are married for like almost a year and you are still trying to understand each other. If I would have been in your place..... I would have surely done so much......

Anika: Aacha beta..... Let's see when you will get married then I will also tease you like this.

And the two friends chatted for sometime more. Riddhima left around evening and Anika received a call from Shivaay.

Anika(on call): Yes Shivaay..... Haa Riddhima left just now....... Party? But Sahil...... Okay. I will be ready.

She ended the call and left towards the room to get ready. She selected a beautiful evening gown and got ready. She applied minimal makeup and wore a dangling diamond earrings. A knock on the door interrupted her and Shivaay entering wearing three piece suit matching her dress. He was just lost in her beauty. Anika saw it and blushed.

Anika(shy): Shivaay..... Chale......

Shivaay: Aham..... Yes.... Let's go.

She chuckled seeing him. They were about to exit the room when he stopped her holding her hand. She turned towards him and asked what. He moved towards the dresser and took a pinch of vermilion and placed it between her styled hair.

Shivaay: Everyone should know that you are mine.

She felt happy and he kissed her forehead lovingly. They finally left for the party keeping Sahil under John's care.

*Party*

Many business associates were present and the party was in full swing. Anika was trying to mingle with the Ladies while Shivaay was busy with Businessmen. But time to time he was checking out Anika from the corner of his eyes.

L1: Mrs. Oberoi..... Mr. Oberoi loves you a lot.

L2: Yes.... Yes.... Just see how he is checking on you time to time. Aww so sweet couple.

L3: Yes..... And no doubt you stand out amongst us today. I'm sure Mr. Oberoi having a tough time leaving you with us and having boring business talks with our husbands.

Anika just blushed hearing them. She thought did Shivaay really love her..... or is she still his responsibility...... She needs to know about it.

_*_

The party went well and Shivika were on their way back home. Anika was occasionally looking towards Shivaay but didn't have to the courage to asked him. While Shivaay on the other hand was in a different trip. His mind was occupied with something else.

Shivaay(thinking): I care about Anika and I know she is my only family..... She is the only one who is mine......  Then..... what is this feeling?  Is it Love?....... No..... No...... I should stay away from this ..... But..... No......

He zoomed through the streets and Anika looked at his tensed face. They reached the cottage and Shivaay immediately left the car without acknowledging Anika. She felt sad seeing it. She entered saw him going towards their room. She sighed and went towards Sahil's room to see him already sleeping. John had already left so she just went towards their room to only find it empty. She sighed and changed into her nightgown. She went in search of Shivaay only to find him in the terrace lost in his thoughts.......

Anika(low voice): Shivaay...... (He didn't acknowledge her)(she went and stood beside him) Shivaay..... What happened?

Shivaay(lost in thoughts): Which is the only thing that keeps a person going in life? Money, Fame or Love.......

Anika(confused): What happened Shivaay? Why are you asking such a thing?

Shivaay: Just say naa Anika.... Money, Fame or Love?

Anika(thinking for sometime): Fame gives a person name in the society. He is regarded as king or god. Money sustains all our needs and requirements. But Love is above all. Without the Love of family, friends, siblings, betterhalf and children a person is unsuccessful. He maybe breathing but his survival is short lived. You can survive without money or fame..... but not without love.

Shivaay: I don't believe in it.....

Anika(shocked): What?

Shivaay(heavy voice) : It gives.....
Gives.....

Anika(composing herself) : Pain..... Hurt..... Betrayal....

He looked distantly at the further point where his eyes could see. She sighed seeing his behavior and answer too. She softly placed her hand over his shoulder and made him turn towards herself.

Anika(whispers): Then let me take you for a ride through this journey called LOVE......

Shivaay(whispers): What if I don't get along? And leave it midway.

Anika You won't.... Because (interwinded their hands and touching their foreheads together) I won't let you go..... I will hold you till the end..... Just one request....

Shivaay: What?

Anika: Don't hurt me more..... Don't push me away from you.... Otherwise..... I will be broken beyond repair.....

Shivaay: I promise......

They hugged each other. Anika wiped the lone tear that escaped her eyes hurriedly. She doesn't want to hurt him more. She suppressed her questions and queries for the time. They broke the hug.

Shivaay(holding her hands): Anika..... I know you are expecting so much but.....

Anika(nodding as no): No Shivaay...... A relationship is only successful when both the partners are in peace. Just like you take of my comfort and likings..... in the same way I will also do it. And the first step of it will be.......(kissed his forehead lovingly) Just like a mother always shows her affection towards her child by kissing its forehead....... in the same way I also did........ (kissing his cheeks) Just like a sibling when you being the eldest protect them they show their gratitude like this.......

Shivaay(emotionally): And as a wife?

Anika(smiles): As a wife, she tries to play all the roles simultaneously. She protects you, scolded you, encourages you and Love you.......

Shivaay cupped her face and smashed his lips on hers roughly. He kissed her passionately. Few minutes later they separated and panting for breath. Without wasting any minute...... He picked her up in his arm and moved towards their room. Placing her gently on the bed, he hovered over her.

His eyes darkened with passion and hers with love.

Shivaay(huskily): Stop me before I cross all lines today.

Anika(with love): I am yours...... Only yours.

And there was a break loose of all barriers between them. The bright moon witnessed their magical union as Man and Woman.

*FLASHBACK ENDS*

Anika(smiles remembering the night): That was best night of my life but I never knew that would be the last beautiful peaceful night of my life.

Someone tugged on her pants and she turned to see Shivi. She smiled at her and picked her up in her arms. Shivi rubbed her eyes cutely and Anika placed her head on her shoulder and slowly patted her to sleep.

Anika(speaking in low voice): We were supposed to return a week later but suddenly Pin...... I mean Mrs. Oberoi called Shivaay and dropped a bomb on us.

Riddhima: What bomb?

Anika(emotionlessly): Tia Kapoor is pregnant......

Precap: Flashback continues.......

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So here is the next update.....

And when will the next one no idea.....

But I will try to make it sooner......

So how was the twist in the tale? Too much? Or too little?

And new characters have been introduced.....

Let's see what changes it brings to our Shivika's life.......

Well let me know through votes and comments.......

😊😊

Shivika's home in Australia

Hall of the home

Anika's dress and earring for the party

Shivaay's suit for the party