Anika made up her mind to tell Shivaay everything. But when Shivaay leaned into her with his usual playful sensuality, forgetting the world around them, his smile and the twinkle in his eyes created a storm in her heart. The thought of how he might react to the information she was about to share left her anxious, yet his perceived disinterest in having children gave her the courage to proceed.

Shivaay was hesitant when Om invited everyone to his home, especially when Kiara started crying as Anika moved to the next car. Gauri quickly consoled Kiara, promising that they would visit her soon since they were staying in the same place. However, Rudru insisted on going because of how connected he felt to Kiara.

"Bye, Kiara baby! I will visit you soon," Anika promised before they left.

Shivaay slipped into the driver's seat with a lopsided smile and drove toward their home. Anika watched his excitement and wondered how he could behave like a teenager whenever she was around. The thought amused her until the weight of her secret stole her smile. They finally reached their building, but before Shivaay could open the door for her, Anika dashed out and ran toward the lift, frantically pressing the button for their floor. Shivaay missed the lift and stood there frustrated, watching her wave at him with a mischievous grin as the doors closed. Her chuckle echoed through the corridor as she reached their floor, but her amusement faded when she saw Shivaay arrive moments later, his face slightly flushed and glistening with sweat.

Before she could react, he swept her into his arms.

Laughter filled the room when he carried her to the bed and playfully tossed her onto it, joining her seconds later. She didn't remember when or how their clothes disappeared, but soon they were desperately clinging to each other, kissing with the kind of longing only they could understand. In the rhythm of their love and passion, they lost themselves, finding a place where only the two of them existed.

"Ani..." Shivaay murmured when she rested against his chest, her body molded to his as though they were one. He kissed her back softly, trailing butterfly kisses down her spine.

"Hmm?" she replied, her voice lazy with contentment.

"I want to say something. Promise me you'll listen patiently," he said, his lips moving to her shoulder line.

"Right now, even if you say you have an affair, I'll handle it with patience," she joked, though her words carried a teasing edge. He responded by nipping at her neck.

"Idiot! The marks you left on my chest weren't enough? Can't you see I've been covering my upper body because of them?" she complained, glaring at him. She turned, the duvet slipping slightly off her shoulders. Shivaay simply stared at her, his deep breaths betraying his emotions.

"You didn't listen to me, did you?" she said, lightly hitting his head. When his gaze finally met hers, she smiled and pulled him into a fiery kiss.

"Whatever you want to ask, I'll answer with patience. Go ahead," she whispered against his neck, their lips brushing in-between words. He stayed silent for a moment before tightening his grip around her waist.

"Let's start a family, baby," he finally said. For a moment, she froze, unable to process his words. Till now, she had believed he wasn't interested in having children.

"Ani?" he said, gently shaking her when she didn't respond.

"Why... suddenly?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He pulled her closer to his chest, holding her tightly.

"Because I want to be a dad and have a complete family with you. I know you want the same, Ani. Am I right?" he asked, his tone filled with determination. Even though her mind raced, she tried to appear calm.

"What made you think that?" Anika asked.

"I saw how you handled Kiara, especially when you said goodbye to her," Shivaay replied.

"Shivaay, I thought you didn't want kids," she said, trying to rationalize her confusion.

"Who told you that?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

"You did, in New York. Remember McDonald's?" she said, her voice steady but her heart racing. Shivaay sighed deeply.

"To be honest, that day, I thought you were pregnant, Ani. Surprisingly, I felt overwhelming happiness instead of fear. But when you clarified that you weren't, I didn't want to pressure you, so I lied. Having kids with you has always been my dream," he confessed.

Anika was stunned. "What are you saying? What would you have done if I had been pregnant then?" she asked, her patience wearing thin as she saw a completely different side of him.

"I was ready to leave New York, Ani. I would have put our start-up on hold because you needed your family's support, and I couldn't leave my pregnant wife alone, miles away. I even told Om and Rudru to prepare for it. Nothing was more important to me than you," he said. His words melted her heart, guilt flooding her as she realized how wrong her assumptions had been. Tears streamed down her face without her knowing.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, gently wiping her tears away.

"I thought, back then, I never mattered to you," she admitted.

"You've always mattered to me the most, Ani. You're the first and only woman I've ever loved," he said softly, his poetic tone making her blush. She hit his shoulder lightly.

"Anika, don't worry about anything. And as your mom says, we're not running out of time. Whatever burden you're carrying, leave it to me. I'll take care of everything," Shivaay said, his confidence unwavering.

"Shivaay..." she began, deciding to open up, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. He kissed her forehead gently.

"Don't worry. I'm here for you every step of the way," he promised, but his words added more weight to the secret she was keeping.

***