I want to thank God for continuing to give me courage to write and I want to thank all of you who continue to read this story and give it a chance :)

Please do read Chapter 29 Part 1 before reading this part in order to understand the context of this part :)

Author's Note: I will say that I do not condone the actions that Shivaay is taking and portraying in this chapter and the actions he will take in the future chapters. What I am show Shivaay as is purely due to storyline and dramatic purposes only and none of this should ever be done by anyone to anyone else.

Chapter 30 and 31 are crucial chapters that I am hoping to post next week. These two chapters are bringing a big twist in the story that I have mentioned multiple times. These two chapters will be initiating a series of twists that I have put in place. Please let me know in the comments or by messaging me if you will be available to read these two chapters next week, if not then I will delay the update :)

I see this as a filler chapter, but an essential chapter that explains Shivaay's thought process with regards with what he will do in the next important chapter.

I will not be commenting on these upcoming few chapters as I want the story and the characters to speak for themselves, but please do refer to my explanation on the storyline that I have posted if you have any questions. I will be replying to all comments made on past chapters...I am so sorry for the delay, but I got quite busy :(

Thank you for reading and your continuing support for this story and for the writing :)

If you wish you can follow me on Wattpad and my Twitter account on JasmineDarcie.

Edit: Twitter Account name: Iridescentlove4 made this amazing video based on this story all on her own by putting in a lot of hard work and using my favorite song with amazing Shivika scenes! She deserves a lot of appreciation from all of you because the scenes in the video are on par with the storyline and it is as if the story has come to life, so please please watch the video and appreciate her because she deserves it! :)

https://twitter.com/Iridescentlove4/status/1206086937800523776?s=20

If you are not able to click the link then please do go on my Twitter account called JasmineDarcie to click the link for the video as I retweeted the video :) Thank you :)
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My lips quivered in fear as I wrapped my hands around my knees pulling them against me. Tears continuing to run down my cheeks as I heard thunder rumble close by...igniting fear inside of me as I flinched pulling the sheets over me.

Tracing my hand towards my cheek, I hissed as I felt my cheek sting with pain feeling it slightly inflamed. I took a deep breath not trying to remember what happened, but somehow I couldn't as the memory came back...

If someone knew my life story, they might question me and why I never stand up for myself...well how would they know that whenever Anika has stood up for herself, she has always fallen...This Anika is weak because of her circumstances not because she wants to be weak...

I finally stood up for myself today and I failed. I fell down on to my knees like I always did.

Flashback

https://youtu.be/YV1dqj5HlyE

I took a deep breath as I gathered strength repeating the lines in my head in what I was going to say to my parents.

Be strong Anika. Fight for yourself. It is important you fight for yourself and your rights. I know your parents' pride and honor is important and you have made a mistake by not listening to them before, but still do not fall for a relationship that is completely wrong on so many levels.

You cannot marry Armaan and you have to fight against yours parents on this decision because it will be completely wrong of you to pursue a relationship...marriage with this man.

Tugging on to my pastel colored coat, I made my way up the steps to the house turning the door knob as I tried to maintain calm and determined on what I wanted to say. I have to end this relationship or Shivaay will tell everyone the truth...our truth and God knows how my parents will react...I cannot even imagine it.

I made my way inside as I heard my parents chattering loudly in the kitchen. Slipping off my boots, I placed them in the closet before making my way down the hallway towards the kitchen.

Be brave Anika. You can do this. I repeated these simple lines in my head as I walked into the kitchen seeing my parents chattering with one another.

"Well, the lawn guy cut all the grass outside and the tables are set for tomorrow's engagement. Everything is going to be so lovely," Mom exclaimed in joy as I clasped my hands together nervously realizing how the engagement was tomorrow and here I was attempting to break it.

It felt like déjà vu considering I ran away from home last time, which was the day before my engagement with Kunal, to be with Shivaay. I shook my head trying to clear the thought as I coughed trying to get my parents attention as they chattered.

Immediately, Mom looked up at me as I weakly smiled towards her. "Um...hi..." I mumbled as Mom smiled as Dad walked up to me pulling me into a hug.

"Here is our beta. How are you? How was work?" He questioned happily as I smiled.

"It was good. Um...everything went well I guess," I muttered as I placed my purse on to the kitchen counter looking back at Mom awkwardly as she looked at me curiously appearing to catch on to the fact that I was feeling a little disturbed.

"You ok Anika? What's wrong?" Mom asked curiously as I sighed folding my hands together.

"What will be wrong with Anika? Probably nothing Nandini. She is getting engaged tomorrow and likely is feeling a little nervous," Dad said smiling as I bit my lip knowing how wrong his judgement was.

"Anika is your father right?" I felt mom's voice drop decibels as it appeared to be lowered hiding a sense of anger she always had. I gulped nervously as I looked at her and then Dad.

Be brave Anika. Now is the only time you can speak your mind, so say what you have to. Do not fall weak. You yourself don't want to be with Armaan, so be brave and speak for once.

"Mom and Dad...I know I have promised to marry the man of your choice, but...I cannot marry Armaan..." My voice stopping in an instant as the words trailed out of my mouth. I immediately looked up seeing my parents standing in shock as they heard me. Dad stood surprised as he heard my words while mom appeared to fume in anger seen in how her face reddened with her eyes appearing to have overcome with furiousness and anger.

Suddenly, I felt my head turning as a weight fell upon my cheek. A loud clap erupting as I felt my mom's heavy hand run against it. My head spinning as suddenly I lost balance with my body tumbling down on to the wooden floor.

Horror overwhelming as I felt tears of fear and panic setting into my eyes. My body began to tremble as I immediately looked at my mom who towered over me ready to slap me once more. Memories of my childhood coming back...all of them in how mom treated me with such discipline.

Fear setting in as I remembered how I was never their daughter, but a puppet who they controlled. Mom disciplined while dad cared, but failed to stand up for me. As their daughter, I have tried my best to bury such memories and remember the good ones. I have taught myself to bury such memories with the idea that I love them truly because they are my parents.

Mom immediately grabbed my arm pulling me up as I screamed feeling her nails dig into my skin.

"Mom stop!" I screamed as Mom clenched her teeth angrily looking at me.

"How dare you?! How dare you taint our pride and honor once again?! How could you do this Anika? How dare you?!" She screamed repeating her words over and over again as I began to cry full of fear and worry over what might happen next.

"Nandini! Let go of her! She is a grown child!" Dad yelled trying to pull her back as Mom did not budge once.

"M-Mom...I-I am t-telling the t-truth....I-I c-c-cannot m-marry A-Armaan..." I began to stutter as Mom raised her hand once more before Dad held it back.

"Nandini stop!" Dad yelled pulling her back as she snatched her hand out of his grip.

"Look at her! Our daughter is hell bent on ruining us! She ran away from home last time the day before her engagement and today she also is resisting our decision and wants to call off the engagement a day before it! Who the hell does she think she is?!" She screamed as she pushed me away as I stumbled back.

"I cannot be with Armaan! I cannot! I do not feel anything for him!" I screamed feeling overwhelmed, weak, and knowing this was my last cry for help.

Mom stood still as she heard my screams...I gulped nervously knowing I had done wrong, but knowing this was all I could do or say. I cannot tell them that the real reason I cannot marry him is not only because I don't feel anything for him, but also that he is my ex-husband's cousin.

"Feel?! You don't feel anything?! Well what about those two damn years, you fooled around with that boy that we still don't know?! Huh?! You felt a lot of love for him and he left you! He left you!" Mom screamed as her words suddenly hit me, bringing me back to reality. My reality. Mom's words holding truth, but still hallow as they failed to know the truth of how Armaan is related to that man, who my mom detests, but with whom I pursued a marriage with.

"I-I cannot marry Armaan. Why don't you understand?!" I yelled and in instant mom grabbed my arm and began to drag me down the hallway.

"Nandini! Let go of her!" Dad yelled as Mom continued to drag me.

"I don't care if you don't want to marry Armaan because right now what matters is our name and pride and honor. I will not let you taint our family's pride and honor once again! Do you hear me Anika?! You will now obey us and marry Armaan. If you care for your parents one bit then you will marry Armaan!" Mom commanded as I shook my head resisting her as she began to drag me up the stairs towards my room.

"Mom let go!" I yelled as Mom opened the door to my room.

"Now you will stay this room until you marry Armaan! Do you hear me?! You will stay in here until you marry Armaan!" She yelled and suddenly she pushed me inside as I stumbled forward immediately turning back as she grabbed on to the door.

"No mom! Listen!" I yelled as I ran towards the door trying to grab hold of it until she slammed it shut.

My hands immediately jumping to the door knob as I tried to open it, but failing realizing that she had locked it.

"Mom please...I am sorry, but let me out! Please!" I screamed as I began to slam my hand against the door yelling out for her and Dad, but failing to gain their attention.

What have I done? I did the right thing by fighting for myself, but then I failed to realize that my idea of fighting for myself might just hurt my parents. I failed to realize that my parents' pride and honor mean a lot to them more than anything. This was the exact issue we fought over last time...when I ran away and this is the same issue we are fighting over now.

I ran my hands through my hair catching on to their tangles as I felt tears drown me into a mountain of sadness. What mess have I gotten myself into? What am I going to do? My parents will never be convinced...They are adamant upon their decision and now they will do everything and anything to marry me off with Armaan...What am I going to do?

I slid against the door falling on to the ground as I realized that there is nothing I can do now. I cannot tell my parents the truth because who knows how they will react...and how hurt they will be. However, if I marry Armaan then it will be so wrong of me to do such. What am I going to do?

Suddenly, my mind jumped as I placed my hand on my womb with a sense of anxiousness and realization that I might also be pregnant. Oh my God...what mess have I gotten into? I hope I am not pregnant. I really hope I am not...I probably am not...My anxious mind is getting the best of me. Yes, this is all anxiety that is running through my mind and making me think such nonsense. No, fate cannot be so cruel. Fate cannot be cruel.

Calm down Anika. Please calm down.

Flashback Ends

I laid in silence on the bed as I heard the door opening behind me. Immediately, turning back I looked up realizing it was Mom standing in the doorway. Wiping my tears, I got up quickly making my way towards her expecting her to say something and hoping that some how she might have just called off the wedding.

"M-mom..." I whispered as suddenly she held a saree out in her hand. I looked at her confused as she held it in her arms. Mom's face expressionless as she appeared to hide her true emotions and feelings behind it.

"This is the saree you have to wear today for your engagement," She spoke coldly as my eyes widened with realization that she was not going to budge on her decision...that she was adamant upon her decision.

"M-Mom...I cannot marry Armaan..."

"Stop it Anika! Please do not make a mockery of this family! I beg of you," She asked demandingly as she grabbed my hands placing the saree in them.

My eyes falling down towards the saree as I held it in my hands seeing my fate in it. My mind going numb as a sense of weakness fell upon me...weakness to my circumstances. I want to fight them. I want to fight for myself, but then...how can I knowing that there is no way of getting out of this mess. If I tell my parents the truth, I don't know what will happen, but if I don't then it will be wrong of me to be with Armaan...Either way, I am jumping in a deep dark hole that I myself cannot get out of.

Shivaay's Point of View

Running my hands through the photo on my phone, I felt a sense of angst run inside of me as I stared a picture of Anika and I from the day of our wedding. Anika appearing mesmerizing as she wore a simple red saree with her hair falling down her shoulders as her face glowed with happiness. Love...for me seen in her brown marble colored eyes as they looked towards me as she smiled brightly. My face having a small smile as I had my hand wrapped around her waist...a sense of discomfort seen in my eyes as somehow the moment felt surreal to me.

I remember how that day I had felt a sense of heaviness on my heart as I married her...a sense of unusualness as I tied the mangalsutra around her neck. Now when I think of it, I realize it might have been guilt. My need to take revenge had consumed me to a point that I decided to marry her and betray her, but somehow in that moment when I finally reached the peak of my plan, which was to marry her, I somehow felt heavy and discomforted which was guilt...guilt from how I was playing with her heart and even her dreams...

I am sorry Anika. I am sorry for hurting you in such a way. You didn't deserve it. But...Anika, I will do everything now to heal your wounds. I will love you more than anything and ensure you get the world's happiness. I promise.

Now if only you will listen to me. If only now you will give me a chance. I know I shouldn't have threatened you, but I know this is perhaps the only way to have you. You can happily walk back towards me or I will have to use my way of getting you back into my life...a way that I don't want to use, but perhaps will if today you decide to get engaged to Armaan officially and proceed to marriage.

I hope you will cancel this engagement today, but if you don't then you will have to go down with me. I know you love me and I love you too...so don't let revenge get in the way of our love...I will not let your desire of taking revenge from me, due to what I have done, hurt our love and our future potential relationship.

Suddenly my phone began to ring as I realized it was Sam. "Hello, did you find out who it is that is blackmailing me?" I questioned intently as Sam sighed.

"He is too smart. The SIM cards for his phone are untraceable as he changes them with each call and destroys the other. He himself is untraceable and we have not gotten any leads on who it may be."

"Well find out damn it! You are head of security for me and this is your job!" I yelled angrily. I have to get a hold of those photos or else what will happen? I cannot let such inappropriate photos leak out in the media. What will everyone think of Anika? But then...I stopped the thought knowing I was going to cross a limit even thinking about it.

I do have a plan in mind in what I can do to lead Anika back towards me...a plan that will likely destroy me and Anika...but a plan in which I can get her.

No Shivaay, give Anika a chance to decide. Don't implement in this plan...wait and see. Believe in your love and know that she will choose you. She will leave Armaan today. I am sure she will do something to get the engagement cancelled. She has high morals and values and will not give into such nonsense.

"We are trying our best sir and we will try to get to him..."

"Well do it fast alright?!" I ordered and in an instant I turned the phone off.

Whatever it is, I have to make sure to get those photos. It is essential I get those photos on time before they are leaked. I will give Sam a chance, but if time is running too short then it will be best I pay cash and get the original copies of the photos. It is essential that I get those photos and no one else does.

"Shivaay sir, we're here." I looked out the window realizing we had reached Anika's home where the engagement was today.

Now I will know what you and how you think Anika...If you decide to move forward with this engagement then you will be moving towards a path that you shouldn't be embarking on...a path that will hurt you, but make you mine.

Anika's Point of View

Brown waves, black eyes, diamonds glistening...my brain collected basic details in a form of a list and a way to divert my anxiety that had run itself in overdrive...anxiety from the fact of the mess I was threading myself into...anxiety from what Shivaay might do after seeing today's engagement.

I stared into the mirror not able to collect myself nor being able understand what was going on at the moment.

Where am I headed to? What destruction am I planting in my life? Somewhere, my heart is telling me that life is now heading towards a dangerous path...a path that will further ruin me.

I felt a small necklace snake around my neck as Mom tied it around me. A tear slipping down my cheek as I tried to come in terms with what was going to happen soon...how I was going to give myself away to Armaan...The thought of it making me feel a sense of angst and pain that appeared to latch on to me tightly. Most importantly, fear has latched on to me as Shivaay's words are continuing to run through my mind...his threat creating fright inside of me as I do not know what he will do once he see's me getting engaged to Armaan today. I am scared that he might actually reveal the truth...That obsession and madness seen in his eyes is telling me that he might just do such.

"Anika is looking beautiful," I heard a high pitched voice interrupt my thoughts as I looked up realizing it was Taayee ji. Taayee ji smiled as she walked up to me looking at me in the mirror as I looked at her giving her a weak smile.

"Anyways, I helped the caterers set up all the meals outside in the backyard and also we rearranged the furniture as well," Taayee ji noted as Mom smiled.

"Thank you for coming and helping so much. I am so glad our family is finally reuniting," Mom said as Taayee ji smiled.

"Well...it's best we forget bygones. Of course, Kunal, my cousin's son, would have made a good match for Anika, but it's alright," Taayee ji said as I lowered my gaze feeling a sense of guilt.

Taaya ji, Dad's older brother, and Taayee ji have not been on good terms with our family since long. Before, Taaya ji threw dad and mom out of their ancestral home because of dispute over property and didn't talk to them for years. Then, finally Taayee ji brought a marriage proposal for me from her family and I ran away from home the day before the engagement. Due to me running away, they haven't been on good terms until now when Taaya ji and Taayee ji decided to attend my engagement. Indeed, I have been a cause of rift in the family and somewhere there is some guilt for it.

"Indeed, I am so sorry," Mom said as she looked at me throwing me a glare in an attempt to remind me of my mistake as I continued to avoid her playing with my saree's dupatta, wrapping the plain deep blue, chiffon cloth around my thumb. My eyes following the plain saree that had a light border of blue colored glass pieces on its ends that Mom gathered and fixed on my shoulder.

"Well, it's alright. Let's just forget about it," Taayee ji remarked as she smiled placing her hand on my head.

"Acha, did all of the Oberois come already?" Mom questioned as Taayee ji nodded.

"Yes the entire family is downstairs and it's best we bring Anika." Mom ran a comb through my hair as I sat in silence not wanting to move an inch from my seat.

This is a big mistake. My heart is telling me that if I go down and get engaged with Armaan then my life is going to become wrecked with havoc...something is definitely going to go wrong. Something feels off to me. I looked up at my mom seeing determination in her eyes telling me that she was not going to back off from her decision anytime soon.

The fact that my mother locked me in my room and has told me I cannot leave it until I marry Armaan tells me that this time she is determined and will not back down. She has taken my phone and each and every electronic device from me with fear that I might just run away. There is no hope now. There is no way I can escape this mess.

"Let's go Anika," Mom ordered lifting me up as my legs went weak not wanting to move as I felt a sense of panic touch me.

Placing her hand on my back, she signaled me to walk as I looked back at her. My eyes full of tears as they attempted to make a plea to her, but failing as her eyes appeared cold, emotionless. She immediately looked away as she began to walk forcing me to follow her lead.

https://youtu.be/-fUocN8WS-U

Life now is only going to be full of thorns. What have I done? My heart is telling me that now everything is going to get ruined. I just know it.

I cannot believe I am sacrificing my pride and honor...This is not who I am. How can I do this? I felt as if I was going into a daze as I stared into blank space making my way down the stairs as my feet barely dragged me down.

This is wrong Anika. All of it. Do not walk into fire like this. Anika scream for help. Please. My conscience screaming at me as I stared into a path of darkness that was falling on to my life...Loss of hope that is...There is nothing I can do now. Nothing. Mom and Dad will never listen...they only care about their pride and honor and now they will do anything for it even if it means to force me.

As we walked towards the large seating area, I kept my eyes lowered not wanting to see or speak to anyone. Guilt overriding me while shame dancing on top of my head and soul...taunting me and telling me what a ill woman I am.

Suddenly, I felt my feet tumbling forward as they caught on to the end of my saree. My body moving forward until I felt a pair of hands immediately wrap around my shoulders. The touch immediately igniting my senses, breaking me out of my daze and state of helplessness as I looked up through the strands of hair that fell in front of my line of vision.

His dark, toxic eyes meeting mines' as I exactly knew who it was...Shivaay. His face leaning closely towards me as he looked into my eyes as if looking directly into my soul. I felt tears slipping down my cheeks as I looked at him...a sense of vulnerability approached me as some how I wanted to lay my heart out for him and tell him the truth. Tell him about everything that happened to me since yesterday...Somewhere I found a sense of comfort in revealing my life to him because somewhere he understood the type of life I came from...

"Are you ok Anika?" He whispered as he helped to lift me up from the ground as I felt his hands still on my shoulders.

No I am not. If you love me then you should be able to see that I am not ok. That what I am doing right now is not me. You should be able to see that I am being forced Shivaay...you should be able to see that. If you love me then you should know me. I thought as I felt Mom suddenly grab on to my arm pulling me away from Shivaay as his hands slipped away from me.

"Anika beta are you ok? You appear a bit pale," Jhanvi aunty questioned as she walked up to me as I kept my gaze lowered not wanting to indulge in conversation with anyone as sense of hopelessness has embraced me tightly.

"She's just a bit tired from such a busy schedule she has had recently," Mom noted politely as she tightened her grip on my arm as I bit into my lip trying not to feel the pain.

"Well, our Anika is looking beautiful," Daadi said as she walked up to me as I smiled kneeling down taking her blessings.

"Hm...she is looking nice," Pinky aunty noted as I kneeled down taking her blessings as she placed her hand on my head.

"Why are your feet swollen?" Pinky aunty questioned curiously as my eyes widened as I looked at my feet noticing that indeed they were quite swollen.

"Um...I..." I stumbled upon my words as I didn't have an answer to her question.

"Probably from the long hours at her shift," Dad said as Pinky aunty appeared to hold a questioning gaze as she looked at me.

"Well now she is soon going to be an Oberoi daughter-in-law, so we will make sure she is treated properly at the hospital," Shakti uncle said as he chuckled as everyone else joined in a small laugh as Mom led me towards the sofa where Armaan was sitting.

Armaan smiled as he looked at me grabbing on to my hand and helping me sit down next to him as I felt awkward in his presence. A sense of disgust approaching me as I quickly slipped my hand out of his grip my gaze moving towards Shivaay who stood across the living room right in front of me as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed looking directly at me. His eyes showing a sense of pain, anger, and madness...

His presence making me feel each and every touch of his that he laid on me...his kiss...his admiration of me...his sweet nothings that he whispered...all of it rushing back to me as guilt and indignity touched me. This is wrong. Despite the fact that we are divorced...he was my husband...marriage is only done once to one man as that is what I have been taught...so how can signing off a paper end everything? How can it end all the vows?...I had a child with him...

This is wrong. My mind repeating the phrase over and over again.

I took a deep breath feeling discomforted as I looked up at Jhanvi aunty who smiled picking up a red dupatta as she placed it on the top of my head. My eyes immediately darting towards Mom who stood silently behind her giving me a glare signaling me to keep quiet.

"I wish the other kids were here, but Om and Gauri had to stay with Luv and Aarav since they have a fever and Priyanka had to attend a family function with her in laws," Daadi said as I sighed realizing that if Priyanka and Gauri were here then perhaps I would have felt some level of comfort in the anxiety I am suffering right now.

"You look beautiful Anika. Truly, you look amazing today," Armaan said happily.

"Arre beta, keep some respect. Elders are here as well," Taaya ji noted sternly as he sat with a cane at a sofa towards our right.

"You are absolutely correct," Daadi agreed as she smiled walking up towards me as she took a seat next to me as she pecked my forehead.

"I am so glad you are coming to our family beta. I am sure your kindness will give this family the right touch of good and luck that it needs," Daadi said as I gave her a small smile.

Good and luck? My whole life is based on ill fate. What good can I bring to another person's life? I only carry ill fate that always works to hurt me and wreck havoc in my life.

"That is absolutely correct Ma. I am sure Anika will bring lots of happiness to our family. I am proud my son has made the right choice," Tej uncle said proudly as Daadi agreed as she grabbed my hands as I looked at her puzzled.

"These are actually my bangles and now I want to give them to you," Daadi said sweetly as she took out a pair of golden colored bangles from a small box. She smiled as she grabbed my wrists slipping the bangles down them.

"I actually saved them for another reason...but that didn't come true..." She noted as I looked at her confused by her choice of words.

"I cannot believe Ma that you decided to give these bangles to Anika." I immediately looked up seeing Pinky aunty quite upset as she towered over us.

"Arre, why would you be upset if our Anika got the bangles? What is it to you?" Oh great Taayee ji finally spoke and she spewed venom. I looked up at both of them as they stood in front of each other looking at one another angrily.

"Well, these bangles belonged to my daughter-in-law! Shivaay's wife!" Pinky aunty yelled. My eyes widening as my hands immediately dropped to my lap shocked by hearing her words.

My eyes immediately turning towards Shivaay who looked equally taken aback. Immediately, turning towards me, he looked at me eyeing the bangles that were placed on my wrists. What? These belong to his wife?...Meaning Tia? I felt a sense of discomfort with realization how Tia likely once wore these bangles in her hands...a right she had that I never did until now, but only in another man's name not Shivaay's.

"Acha, well now these belong to our daughter!" Taayee ji argued as Taaya ji got up trying to pull her away.

"Can we also just keep peace please?!" Jhanvi aunty intervened as Pinky aunty and Taayee ji began to argue. Their words jumping over one another and scrambling one another as I couldn't tell who was saying what except that they both were definitely angry with ego and rage overcoming them.

I looked back towards Shivaay hoping he would stop the chaos, but no he didn't. Instead, he had his arms crossed and he leaned against the wall staring at them intently, but appearing emotionless as if it didn't matter. What is wrong with him? I thought as I looked back at the women.

"Be quiet both of you!" Daadi yelled catching me off guard as I heard her. Pinky aunty's voice immediately dropping as Taayee ji looked at Daadi wide eyed and surprised how the loud voice came from the frail, elderly woman sitting in front of her.

"These bangles were for Shivaay's wife, but meant to be given when she gave birth to his first child which did not happen!"

Birth to his child? Shockwaves running through me as my eyes stood still looking down at the bangles that laid in my wrists...I gave birth to his first child...I felt tears fill up in my eyes as I remembered Chaaya...

If only Chaaya could've lived then perhaps my life would've been different. She gave me strength. She made me want to live for her and no one else. If only I had her...My mind diverting to a different path as my anxiety was hitting overdrive and pushing me back to bitter memories...Keep your mind clear Anika. Stay in reality.

What is fate telling me? Why have these bangles been handed to me now? These bangles that were meant for Shivaay's wife who would give birth to his first child...

"Still these bangles were not meant for Anika...you could've given her another set!" Pinky aunty argued as Daadi sighed shaking her head in frustration.

"I don't know how long I am going to live, so I decided to hand down these bangles. I don't know when Shivaay will get settled in his life, so I gave them to Anika. I have a right to decide who get's these bangles. Alright?" Daadi ordered as Pinky aunty appeared to seeth in anger as she threw me a glare looking the pair of bangles.

"Pinky, come take some fresh air alright?" Shakti uncle said as he grabbed Pinky aunty's arm dragging her out of the living area.

"I am so sorry for the commotion," Daadi said folding her hands as I immediately grabbed them.

"Daadi, please don't say sorry. You're older than us, so please don't do this," I said as I pulled her hands down. Daadi smiled as she placed her hand on my head.

"See our Anika is so forgiving and kind unlike some," Taayee ji said as Mom tugged on her arm gesturing her to be quiet.

"I think it is time we exchange rings," Papa said.

"Of course, I completely agree it is time," Tej uncle said smiling as Mom brought forward a tray decorated with flowers in which laid two boxes.

No. I cannot do this. I cannot. This is wrong. My heart began to beat loudly against my chest as I began to feel anxious at the thought of how we were now about to begin a new bond. My eyes shooting up towards Shivaay as he met my gaze. Everything began to hit me...all the memories...no matter how bitter they were I began to feel a sudden wave of sadness come towards me and wrap around me...Our first encounter, the first time we kissed, the time he proposed, the wedding, the marriage....My mind halting as it stood still in time...the time when we were married. Each and every memory hitting me sharply, tugging on to my soul, questioning it and asking why it was giving itself away to someone else as it already has been touched by another man's love and now can never be loved by another stranger.

Shivaay's eyes looking at me eagerly as they were waiting and anticipating what I will do now and what will I say. Somewhere his eyes oddly show a sense of hope...hope that in this moment I will stop the engagement.

Tears began to overcome me as I realized in this moment that for some reason a part of me still belongs to Shivaay...a part that cries and suffers in angst and pain over the loss of love...a part that is broken, but somehow might just...I stopped the thought as I couldn't even bear thinking about it.

I cannot do this. All of this is wrong...I bit my lip as Armaan smiled opening the box in which laid a small diamond ring. He smiled he grabbed it holding it right in front of me. Without saying another word, Mom grabbed my hand placing it forward for Armaan. I immediately looked up towards her trying to gauge her attention and tell her I didn't want this, but failing as she looked ahead avoiding my gaze and only focusing on the ring that Armaan was holding in his hand.

Stop Mom. Please listen to me once. Don't do this....

Stop Anika. Stop it. There is no use in fighting...You saw what happened last night when you stood up for yourself. Your parents locked you in your room. They are adamant in marrying you off and that is what fate has decided. You can get up in this moment and tell everyone you are being forced to get engaged, but then what will happen? You will once again ruin your parents' reputation and most importantly you may have to face your mother's wrath that you have witnessed before as a child...Look at the rage and anger in your mother's eyes...If you say no in this moment...who knows what will happen? Most importantly, you have already tarnished your parents' reputation before. No matter how your parents are, you still cannot tarnish their reputation. You just cannot.

My hand trembled as I held it up in the air as I felt the cold ring slip down my finger immediately tying me in a new relationship. A forced relationship...an unwanted relationship.

Mom smiled as she blessed Armaan while Papa hugged him. Mom immediately took out the ring from the box placing it in the palm of my hand as I looked up at her once more pleaing to her that she should stop this, but nothing. I saw nothing in her eyes.

Gesturing me to put the ring on Armaan's finger, she led my hand towards him. I sighed as I held on to my tears tightly as I looked at Shivaay who stood still. He appeared as if he was in shock...As if he didn't expect this to happen.

Shivaay, if you know me then you will understand that I am not who you think I am. I am not taking revenge and I would've said no if only my parents were not forcing me to marry Armaan. I am sorry...

My heart weighing down on me as I felt my soul ache in agony as it told me to not move forward, but somehow I did...This is what fate has decided and now this is what I will do. My fingertips quivered as I held the ring in my hand. Mom pushed my hand forward and as my mind went blank.

Slipping the ring down his finger, I tied myself to him while my soul twisted and turned knowing how wrong I was...feeling a sense of disgust and filth rubbing against it...tarnishing my pride as I had broken my own values and my own morals.

Where were my senses? Where were my values when I decided to move on with Armaan? What happened to me? Did my anxiety get me to a point that I couldn't clearly think for myself and make a proper decision?

I looked up at Shivaay with a lot of strength as some how I felt weak in front of him...Tears streamed down his cheeks as he stood still laying his body against the wall. The moment feeling unreal as I have never seen him like this...He stood with vulnerability. His pride appearing to crash as he appeared to have lost it.

Everyone began to clap loudly while Shivaay stood still not moving an inch. He looked like fear as a sense of madness flashed across his face. His eyes appearing to gall at me...In a second, he appeared to change from being stone cold to being a man of rage.

His eyes standing still upon me as he appeared to question me...my decision....my character...and my values as he looked at me up and down taking in my filth that I unknowingly displayed.

This is not me Shivaay...I promise you that this is not me...You should know who I am...I thought as I looked at him trying to speak to him as tears slipped down his cheeks.

Shivaay's Point of View

My heart stood screaming as it trembled with realization that it was losing love that it had held on to so dearly. My eyes standing still as I looked at her trying to understand who she truly was...This is not the Anika I know. The Anika that I know would not have done this.

My eyes fell down towards her ring with realization that she had tied herself in a relationship with another man... How could she do this to me? How can she walk away from everything that we have had and continue to share for one another....our memories...our love...

Now I know how it feels to have a broken heart...how it simmers and steams as hot ashes fall on it...ashes from losing a lover's love...I cannot believe she would do this to me. She knows what a broken heart does to one...how a broken heart makes one suffer in agony... then how can she allow me to suffer through it? I see love in her eyes for me then why is she hurting me? Why are you doing this Anika?...Has revenge gotten to you so much that now you are going to sacrifice love for it in order to see me suffer in pain in losing you?

As I watched her hand in his, my soul began to scream and ache with realization that I am now beginning to lose her...that now she is moving closer to him and away from me. No this cannot be true. After all the moments we have shared since the past few months...she cannot walk away like this. Those moments cannot be a lie. The moments in which she held on to me and found love in me...no they cannot be a lie. I will not allow them to be a lie.

Anika's Point of View

My mouth tasting bitter as I bit into the gulab jamun not tasting its sweetness, but the bitterness of the filth I had slipped myself into. Jhanvi aunty placed a bundle of gift boxes in my lap as she took my aarti. My mind losing a touch of reality as I dazed into space.

Why is fate playing with me? What have I done? I shouldn't have pursued this relationship with Armaan....but then I did tell my parents that I cannot marry him, so why didn't they listen? Why are they forcing me to become part of this relationship knowing that I don't want to be part of it? Is their pride and honor so important that they don't care about me or what I want just like years ago?

"May you always be happy," Jhanvi aunty said as she blessed me. I sat in silence with my eyes lowered not wanting to see anyone not even Shivaay...Especially not him considering what I have done.

I know I shouldn't feel sorry for him considering he did the exact same thing to me, but I don't know why, but my values, my morals, and my heart are not allowing me to do such...For some reason, there is a sense of sorrow that has embraced tightly around me that I cannot get rid of. A type of bitter sorrow that has dropped upon my heart making me feel ashamed. I don't know why, but I cannot see Shivaay like this...the way he is in angst as he is holding back tears is tearing my heart apart. My heart is broken then why is it that I somehow still can feel his pain? His angst?

"So, we actually want to make an announcement," Tej Uncle said happily as I looked up towards him confused as Mom and Dad smiled looking back towards the both of them.

"We all have decided to marry Armaan and Anika this upcoming weekend," Tej uncle announced.

I felt my heart drop in an instant as his words sent shockwaves....stunning me immediately. What? No this is not possible. Never. I began to shake my head back and forth as I looked back at Armaan as he smiled placing his hand on top of mines'.

No. My parents cannot do this to me. I do not deserve this. How can they do this? Not once did they ask or even tell me...am I not their daughter? I cannot do this. Never.

"Tej beta, isn't this fast? You all should wait for some time for a nice grand wedding," Daadi noted worriedly as Tej uncle shook his head.

"Well, Armaan is going back to Texas next week and he will busy with a critical project there for quite a few months. We talked to our panditji and this is the best time to get them married," Tej uncle argued as I stood still feeling a loss of emotions as I realized what was going to happen.

"Yes daadi, I completely agree with Papa that it is best Anika and I get married. Afterwards, Anika can stay back here to complete her residency and once it is done, we will arrange her bidaai and take her home with me," Armaan noted as I bit into my lip as I shook my head back and forth not wanting to hear more.

https://youtu.be/-S9TDthP-FA

No. I cannot commit myself to this marriage. All of this is wrong. I felt my body beginning to shake as my heartbeat began to flip and flop in nervousness and anxiety. An unusual chill running through my body as I felt myself going pale.

"Well ok then if that is what you all think is good then I agree as well," Daadi remarked.

"Great. Well the sangeet will be this Saturday and the wedding will be on Sunday," Mom announced as I took a deep breath trying to collect myself, but failing as I couldn't bear hearing more.

As I lifted my gaze, I saw Shivaay who stood in silence. He had a small smile across his lips as he wiped a tear from his cheek. He looked at me as if appearing to taunt me. I bit my lip tasting my filth knowing what a mess I had created.

"Anika beta are you ok?" Daadi questioned as she placed her hand on my shoulder. I kept my gaze lowered not wanting to reveal my tears that I was holding back for dear life.

"You look pale. Are you ok?" Armaan questioned as I shook my head placing a trembling hand against my lips trying to hide my angst.

"I-I...um...just need to go freshen up....um...I will be back..." I stuttered and immediately I got up as I looked towards Mom and Dad as they appeared puzzled by my action.

"I-I will be back...Sorry," I whispered as I quickly made my way across the living area wanting to run away from everything and everyone in the moment.

My gaze catching on to Shivaay's as he looked at me and gave me the look of shame. Stopping in my tracks, I stood still looking at him. My heart screaming and wanting to tell him the truth...the fact how I was forced to sit here today. The fact how brutally my parents have treated me and forced me into this...If only he would drop his veil of ego and selfishness and for once try to understand me then he will know why I did this.

Without saying another word, I looked away and immediately dashed towards the stairs as the red dupatta slipped off of my head barely dragging its way with me. Tears beginning to stream down my cheeks as I heard my heels tap loudly against the floor taunting me along the way.

My body appearing to go cold as fear, sadness, confusion all made their way through it. Slamming the door shut to my room, I immediately threw the dupatta on the floor not wanting to be related in any means to this new relationship.

What have I done? What have I done? I kept repeating the thought in my mind as I made my way towards my bed slipping on to it. I cannot marry Armaan. Never.

I cannot leave Shivaay...I stopped the sudden, abrupt thought immediately as it came into my mind.

No Anika. Don't you dare even think about it. You don't need anybody and that is the reason why you don't want to marry Armaan.

Considering the past I have shared with the Oberoi family, I cannot marry Armaan, but then my parents are not listening to me and likely never will. I cannot tell them the real reason because I am scared what they will do once they find out, but then I cannot share a relationship with Armaan.

Suddenly I heard my door open as I looked up realizing it was Mom. My body beginning to tremble as I saw her eyes full of anger as she appeared furious. Slamming the door shut loudly, she quickened her pace towards me.

Immediately, jumping up I stood my ground blurting out my feelings. "I cannot marry Armaan! I cannot!" I began to yell as Mom grabbed on to my arm tightly.

"You will marry Armaan and this is our final decision! Do you understand? I don't care if you get married to Armaan by will or by force, but you will marry him this Sunday and that is final!" She commanded as I shivered seeing a sense of rage building up inside of her. Memories of my childhood flashing back to me in an instant inciting fear as my body began to tremble.

Folding my hands, I lowered my head. "Please Mom...I...I c-cannot..." I began to stutter losing strength as I realized I was going to lose this battle as I began to remember how she had slapped me last night and gone off at me in a moment of rage. Mom is capable of doing a lot of things...and that is what scares me.

"I do not care what you want because if you didn't want to be with him then why were you going on dinners and spending time with him? Huh?! I don't give a damn of your needs now because I know Armaan is the right man for you and now your father and I will marry you off to him!"

This is all my fault. I shouldn't have given Armaan a chance. What went wrong with my mind when I decided to date him? I shouldn't have done it. Gosh, I am so stupid...how did I allow my mind to be blurred with a need to show to Shivaay how I can move on, but failing to realize what a mess I was creating.

Mom grabbed my shoulders making me look towards her as she looked directly into my eyes with a sense of seriousness. "You made a promise to marry Armaan and now you will...If you do not marry him then you will see the worst..." I felt goosebumps as I heard her threat knowing she was serious.

"Your father and I will see our wrath and death if you do not marry Armaan and my heart is saying the truth. So, now you will marry him. Until the wedding happens, you will stay in this room. You will not use your phone, no laptop...nothing...Do you understand?" She ordered as I shut my eyes close giving into her command knowing that now there was nothing I could do...Tears wetting my eyelashes as I held on to them dearly as they were the only expression of my sadness and my vulnerability.

What have I done? I shouldn't have made the promise...I shouldn't have allowed Armaan to pursue me...What have I gotten myself into? Now no one can get me out of this mess. No one.

"Come down fast as everyone is outside waiting for the celebration to start. Clean this face of yours and come down with a smile. Do you understand?" Mom ordered as I nodded realizing that this is all I can do now...Nothing else.

Without saying another word, Mom walked out shutting the door behind her.

https://youtu.be/Kg_Yk1yyqBY

Soon, my tears turned into screams as I began to take rough breaths feeling a sense of panic hit me. My hands pressed against my eyes as I tried to stop my tears, but with no avail. My legs touching a moment of weakness as I stumbled and made my way towards the bathroom.

My hands shaking as I quickly turned on the faucet running my hands through the cold water splashing it across my face trying to awaken myself and bring myself back to reality. My hands slowly slipping against my cheeks as I forcefully opened my eyes.

My body going numb as it reached a standstill. My face pale as snow as I looked at with drying tears. My eyes standing still as I looked at myself in the mirror...a person with an imprisoned soul...that is who I am. This is who Anika is.

Why have I become so weak to life and circumstances? What have I done to myself? Why have I entangled myself so much in valuing relationships that I have forgotten about myself? Relationships are about being selfless...loving one to a point that they are yours...then why is it that each and every person with whom I have shared a relationship with are selfish...that they claim and command me to be selfless while all of them are selfish...only thinking about themselves and not me or how their decisions impact me.

I can go outside and say no, but then what will my parents do? I shivered even at the thought of it remembering a childhood that I didn't want to touch...But, beyond that what else will happen? I will lose a relationship with my parents...my parents' reputation and honor will be ruined and tarnished once again...They will be broken. They will fall...I know they are being selfish, but this Anika cannot be selfish...This Anika has come to this world to be selfless...at least that is what fate is telling me....Now everything has slipped out of my control and now I cannot do anything about it except stand the test of fate.

I have seen the rage and anger in my mom's eyes and I know that now she will do anything to get me married to Armaan. Now I cannot do anything.

Slowly moving my hand towards my womb, I pressed on it closing my eyes shut. Now I can only pray this is not true...It probably isn't...I cannot be pregnant and I know fate cannot be this cruel. What I was thinking yesterday was just anxiety getting to me nothing else...

As I opened my eyes, my body went numb as it laid its eyes upon the man who stood behind me.

My eyes staring into the mirror as I looked at his reflection. He stood still holding on to anger and sadness that were making him toxic moment by moment as madness and obsession appeared to take over him.

"Shivaay..." His name coming out as a hymn somehow bringing a sense of peace to my soul as it had just gone through angst...This man's presence should be hurting me at the moment. His presence should be piercing thorns in my heart, but no...somehow none of this is happening.

His hand brushing against the door as he closed it shut.

My hands gripping tightly on to the edges of the bathroom counter as I stared at it finding myself lost in its unique pattern. My mind reaching a sense of loss as it went blank not wanting to further indulge in the filth and mess my life had become.

My eyes lowering further as they couldn't meet his gaze. I don't love him, but then...I still feel a sense of shame...disgust... considering what we were...the love I had for him...the intimacy we shared...an intimacy that somehow awakened since the last few months...God, I have sinned. I have sinned so much and now I am getting the punishment I deserve for it.

My saree's pallu slowly slipped down my shoulder as I leaned my head against the bathroom mirror wanting to scream and yell at ill fate, but failing as silence touched me. My eyes lowered as I kept them still not wanting to catch sight of him.

A sense of fire immediately touching me as I closed my eyes shut...His hand trailing around my waist as I stood still not wanting to say another word. In an instant, he twisted my waist turning me towards him as I didn't say a word...not having the will to.

He took a deep breath and immediately dug his fingers in my back as I bit my lip resisting to say anything as I knew there was no explanation I could give. He began to lean in closer as I felt his cheek brush against mine.

Feeling his hand trace against the side of my neck, I kept my head low not wanting to look him into the eyes...as I couldn't considering what I had done. I felt his hand brush against my hair as he dragged strands of it towards my back. His sense of silence initiating fear and panic inside of me as I remembered what he had said yesterday...his threat. Will he fulfil his threat?

"Anika...what have you done?" His voice tenderly igniting my reality...a reality in which I have lost my morals and values.

I bit my lip suppressing my tears as I didn't know what to say...What could I say? He will never understand me. He never did and never will. He thinks I can easily control my life and drive it the way I want it to be, but he doesn't know...the complexity of relationships I have entangled myself in...He doesn't know what will happen to me if I say no...He doesn't know what shame I will bring to my family if I break another engagement...

"Say something...Say something!" He yelled loudly into my ear as I yelped biting to a scream as he lifted the back of my head forcing me to look into his eyes.

Horror clasping on to my chest as I looked at him seeing madness in him. He was fuming as he took deep breath while clenching his jaw tightly biting into his rage. His pulse visible from the side of his neck as his face had turned a rash red.

What will he do? I know how his anger gets the best of him? What will he do? My fear beginning to repeat itself as I placed my hand on his chest trying to move him away as he immediately grabbed on to it holding it tightly under his grip.

"Say something damn it! You had the confidence, the pride, and ego to make me a fool and break my heart, so now say something!" He screamed as I flinched stumbling back leaning against the counter as he immediately pushed me against his chest wrapping his hands tightly around my waist.

Gathering strength, I looked up at him wanting to unleash my sorrow and tell him everything, but stopping knowing that he will never understand.

"T-This w-w-was....e-e-exactly h-how I f-felt w-when y-you left me...for...Tia...I-I f-felt the same..." I found myself stuttering as I realized what I was saying...Without even thinking about it, somehow my heart was speaking in the moment...saying words I hadn't dared to say before.

Shivaay's eyes widened as my words touched him cold hitting him directly in his heart. "What?" His voice appearing horse as he appeared to not digest what I had said.

I sighed placing my hand on my cheeks hiding my tears as I felt lost at the moment. I shouldn't be saying this, but this might be the best way to push him away. This is my mess and it is best he stays out of it because this mess will only get worse if he gets involved.

"T-That d-day of y-your w-wedding with Tia...I-I came to y-your h-hotel room...cried my h-heart out...l-laid m-my heart out for you....r-r-ready to f-forgive you...but w-what happened...you didn't care...you didn't give a damn about me...s-so w-why s-s-should I explain myself to you? Huh? You gave me a v-vague answer when you left me, s-so why do you w-w-want to know?" I began to take shallower breaths as I tried to calm down and breathe, but failing to do so as I began to choke on my tears.

Silence pressed upon him as I began to cry once more failing to keep control of my emotions. What am I doing? What am I saying? Tell him Anika that you are being forced to marry Armaan. Tell him. But then...what is the use?...He might just further destroy the matter. He might create a mess that then can never be collected and gathered.

Without a moment's thought, I felt him place his hands tenderly against my cheeks. Immediately looking up, I saw his eyes softening as he appeared to take in my tears. Lowering my gaze, I attempted to hide my truth scared he might find out the truth...

"Anika...why is my heart telling me that you want to say more...that your heart wants to speak more...tell me Anika, why are you marrying Armaan? Why?" His voice soft and tender wanting to know my real reasons...

No Anika...Don't tell him. He only destroys...He will further ruin this mess, possibly set fire to it...He will ruin everything.

"Anika...I am sorry...I am beginning to learn how you must have felt when I left you for Tia, but please...please give me a chance. I love you Anika and I will change for you....I will never leave you again...Please..." He began to beg as I sighed looking up trying to avoid looking at him as I let my tears fall down.

Why is it so hard for me to push him away? This is supposed to be easy. I do not love him then why is it so hard to push him away? Why does it hurt me? Why is my heart on fire with the realization that with each and every action I take, I am pushing him away?

Speak your truth Anika. Tell him about your inability to love...This will break the last straw and push him away indefinitely. Grabbing his hand, I placed mine in it as I looked up towards him as he looked at me puzzled.

"I-I c-cannot l-love you Shivaay...love cannot be forced...I can never love you....Never..." I whispered hoping to reach his heart and let it know that it can never make a place inside of me.

Shivaay's eyes going dark as they appeared to have lost vulnerability in an instant as my words reached him. The softening of his eyes vanishing in an instant as it appeared that he couldn't digest the bitter truth...the truth that he was not capable of being loved by me.

"What were those moments that we have shared these past few months? Huh?...Tell me! Were they meaningless to you? You didn't feel anything for me? You didn't?" He questioned as I immediately looked away not knowing what to say because I myself cannot contemplate why I was joining the small broken threads of our relationship and bringing myself closer to him...perhaps it was just attraction...perhaps a mistake.

"It was a mistake! Ok?! I made a mistake! I was a fool for some reason! Somehow, we left our relationship on an incomplete note, so I had desires! It was lust and it was a sin that I committed! It was a mistake!" My voice echoing loudly in the bathroom as I immediately pushed him with all my force as he stumbled back appearing appalled.

I wrapped my saree's pallu around my waist tightly, clenching on to and trying to control my emotions that were getting the best of me. Do not be vulnerable. Do not give in.

In an instant, he grabbed my arm pushing me against the bathroom door. He took a step closer and slammed his hand on to the door loudly making me flinch...inciting fear inside of me...fear from him.

Suddenly, he grabbed on to my ring finger squeezing it as I screamed in pain feeling the ring tighten itself around my skin pulling on to it.

"Stop!" I yelped in pain as I looked up seeing him give me a dangerous look. His eyebrows furrowed as he stared at me intently. Schemes and planning clearly apparent in his eyes.

"A mistake? Hm...well it doesn't matter to me. None of this matters to me because now I will do everything to have! I know you love me and I can see it in your eyes! I see it in the way you look at me, so honestly I don't give a damn what you think or say!"

Love? I love him? I stood still extremely puzzled by his statement as his words hit me. Love? No...I don't love him. I can never love him after how he has treated me. No I do not love. I do not love him. I began to repeat the thought keeping it at a surface level not divulging into it.

No, in the last few months, the moments we shared were just moments of weakness for me...as in I hadn't fully moved on from him, so I found myself giving into him...the idea of having him appeared lustful to me, but no I am not in love with him. Absolutely not.

He began to chuckle as I looked up at him confused as I noticed tears running down his cheeks. His lifted our hands up as he looked at the diamond ring in my finger. He appeared to smirk as he looked back at me with bloodshot eyes...eyes that were forming a sense of evil and madness in them.

"I have chosen you to be mine. I have chosen you to be my wife. I have chosen you to be my soulmate. So, now I promise that this ring will be off of your finger and you will wear my ring. You will wear a managalsutra for me. You will wear a sindoor for me. You will carry my name. You will be mine."

His words stunning me as I felt shiver go down my spine. He looked straight into my eyes as panic and fear both hit me. The determination of his voice inciting fear that he may be speaking the truth. The evilness in his tone telling me that he was going to now become a toxic poison in my life. Is he going to marry me? Never. He will never do such. He cannot. His words immediately hitting a sense of confusion inside of me as my mind began to spin not being able to comprehend him.

He chuckled as he leaned his face forward keeping a minimal gap between the both of us. His eyes falling down towards my lips as he appeared to observe them. What is he going to do? My mind whispered as I stood still with my gaze fixed on our hands that laid against one another.

"Anika...now I will show my love for you...I laid out my heart to you. Told you how I felt, but perhaps that is now enough...Now I will show you what my love can do. I warned you to call off this engagement, but you didn't listen, so now...I will bring you down with me. I am going down and I know it, but you will also now go down with me....Now I will do what I always do..."

I felt my breath stop in an instant as I heard his last words. Memories coming back...of how he was...his anger, his rage, his obsessions...I slowly shook my head looking up at him indicating to him that he shouldn't do what he is thinking of doing.

"Anika...I always destroy things...I am self-destructive and I know it, but if destroying myself means to have you then I will do it. If it means to have you and get your love then I will do it...Right now the mess you have created has toxified this mind of yours' and you have begun to think that you don't love me, but it's ok...I will clear this mess. I will clear your mess and perhaps due to it I will bring you down...bring us down in front of society...but look...I know love cannot be forced. I know that perhaps my decision might not allow me to have you, but it is ok because...because at least you will not be someone else's...because at least you will be free from an unwanted relationship..." He hissed as I looked at him confused...not understanding what he meant as his statements appeared to conflict one another moment by moment. What is he saying? How does he know that my relationship with Armaan is unwanted? Why does he believe that I will fall in love with him?

"I know you are taking revenge from me to make me feel hurt the same way you did with Tia, but don't forget that you still love me...It's ok...I will first end this wedding thing with Armaan and then we will focus on us ok? I will give you your time to take me back and give me a chance...I will wait for you, but...this wedding has to end before we focus on us..." He whispered as he traced my cheek as I moved it away. An uncanny smile appearing across his lips as he wrapped a strand of my hair around his fingers before placing it behind my ear.

Us? End the wedding? What is he saying? What kind of delusion is he cherishing in his mind? What plan is he running in his mind? No, I must stop him. He is going to create chaos in my life. I just know it. I just know that he is going to self-destroy and also destroy me.

Without a second thought, I grabbed on to the collar of his shirt grabbing his attention as I looked into his eyes. "No! No you cannot do this to me! Please!" I begged as Shivaay smirked grabbing a hold of my hands into his.

"Too late Anika. It's too late now. I gave you chance to end things your way, but you didn't listen, so now I will end things my way...I love you and now I will do everything to have you..." He assured with a sense of dominance as I felt my heart dropping minute by minute as his threat hit me. What is he going do? What is he thinking? My mind began to twist and turn as I shook my head as he forced my hands off his collar.

What is he saying? His words are puzzle that I myself cannot comprehend. His sense of maddening love evident in his choice of words that are beginning to conflict one another. What is going on in his mind? What might he do?

Shivaay smiled as he grabbed open the bathroom door walking out into my room as I grabbed on to his arm tightly begging and pleading out to him knowing how he was and what extent he could go to. "Stop! Stop right this minute! You cannot do this to me!" I yelled trying to make him stop as he kept walking snatching his arm out of my hand.

"I don't give a damn right now because I will not allow you to be someone else's! Alright?!" He sounded off as I shook my head running after him stumbling along the way as he grabbed open the door to my room.

He stopped at an instant as I bumped into him taking a step back as I held on to the wooden dresser behind me. His eyes immediately shooting up as he appeared to see someone. I looked at him confused immediately looking towards the door as my eyes widened realizing it was Taayee ji standing in the doorway.

Her eyes stood wide as deer lights with her mouth gaped open as she looked at Shivaay slowly looking back towards me. Shivaay looking back at me as he fixed his navy blue coat appearing to crease out wrinkles that I had placed on it. He appeared to smirk before looking at Tayeeji and without saying another word he walked away leaving me alone.

My eyes shooting back towards Taayee ji as she looked stunned by what she had seen. I looked away feeling nervous and anxious thinking about what I should say.

"What is that man doing in your room? Isn't he Shivaay Singh Oberoi...that businessman or something?...And also Armaan's cousin?!" Taayee ji asked appearing confused as she looked at me angrily.

I fixed my saree nervously as I felt her looking at me up and down trying to deduce what had happened in my room. Relax Anika. Say something or else you know Taayee ji is going to create a lot of drama.

"Um...um...we were discussing something about a project...He is my boss, so that's what we were doing..." I stuttered as I took a deep breath looking up at her as she didn't appear convinced.

"You both were discussing in your room?" She questioned as I sighed clasping my hands together.

"I-I should get going. Mom was saying everyone is waiting for me..." I mumbled as I walked out of the room.

"Yes, they were waiting for quite long which is why I came, but you were with that boy for so long!" Taayee ji called after me indicating I had incited suspicions in her mind. I quickly ran down the stairs in an attempt to avoid her.

As I walked towards the kitchen peeking out the window, I realized everyone was outside celebrating and eating in the backyard. Quickly opening the patio doors, I made my way outside as I noticed Shivaay standing near the steps as he looked up at me.

"Finally Anika is here! Where were you?" Armaan questioned as he smiled grabbing my hand and leading me down the steps.

My eyes falling towards Shivaay as he appeared to throw a glare at him as we walked past him. I sighed hoping he would not ruin everything today....hoping he will not do anything at all.

"Anyways, I am so happy Anika. Truly, I am glad to have you in my life. I am glad you have decided to choose me and spend your life with me," Armaan noted as he smiled as I weakly smiled looking away. My eyes falling towards the family that were all gathered around the catering table eating food and chatting.

"Where is Pinky?" Jhanvi aunty questioned Daadi as she sighed.

"She left with Shakti. They both had an argument after the whole bangle issue, so they both left," Daadi remarked as I raised my eyebrow quite surprised by the whole ordeal as I looked at my bangles.

It feels odd to carry these knowing the symbol and meaning they have...somehow the bangles holding truth as I did give birth to Shivaay's first child...but only to lose her. That feeling of emptiness coming back in an instant as I remembered Chaaya.

"Acha, so how about we all do a toast?" Dad said happily as he raised up his glass in the air.

Armaan quickly grabbing his glass of wine from the bartender as he raised it in the air.

"Oh of course! We shall raise a toast!" Tej uncle remarked as I sighed feeling myself disconnected with the moment as my gaze fell towards Shivaay who stood further away from us appearing to look at everyone intently with a loss of emotion...what is this man? The way he changes is a mystery to me.

"To a better and wonderful future for our children!" Tej uncle cheered as everyone clinked their glasses with one another laughing and full of joy completely unaware of the reality and truth of the matter...unaware of the fact that I do not want this relationship...unaware of my past with Shivaay...

"Ok, so how about we give the dance floor to our beautiful couple and let them have the first dance so to speak!" Jhanvi aunty exclaimed as she grabbed our hands pulling us towards the center of the wooden dance floor in the backyard.

"Um...I am fine..." I muttered as I felt uncomfortable with the idea of dancing with Armaan. Somehow for some reason I looked back towards Shivaay as he had his arms crossed appearing angry and furious. Somewhere, it felt wrong of me to dance with Armaan in Shivaay's presence...I don't know why, but somewhere in my mind I still feel as if I need Shivaay's permission just like when we were married...

"Oh come on Anika! Let's dance alright?" Armaan grabbed my hand pulling me on to the dance floor as he immediately wrapped his hand around my waist making me flinch as I felt a sense of discomfort.

https://youtu.be/dV3pkeR0MHg

Slow music dimming down into the background as he grabbed my hand placing it on his shoulder as he began to dance leading me along even though I had no desire to. My soul telling me to step away from him as it was wrong to be so close to him considering he was Shivaay's cousin...This is wrong...My mind kept repeating as I looked around noticing how everyone else began to dance with one another finding themselves comforted by the cold breeze that ran through the dark cloudy day.

"I am so lucky to have a beautiful woman like you as my wife...someone who I can show to the world..." He noted smiling as he appeared to move his face closer towards me. Quickly, looking down, I avoided his gesture in an attempt to signal him that I wanted distance.

"Now we will be married soon and then become one..." He whispered as I immediately looked back at him as he appeared to give a seductive smile to me. My mouth gaping open as I somehow could not digest his words...feeling nauseous even thinking about it.

Armaan and I continued to dance as I avoided looking towards him with my eyes falling back towards Shivaay who appeared furious as he looked towards us. He appeared to fail to digest the truth as anger appeared to have taken control of him seen in how he stood still trembling with it.

Soon he began to make his way towards us as I looked at him confused and puzzled. What is he doing? What is he thinking? I thought as Armaan spun me before resuming our dance.

Shivaay stopped right in front of us as Armaan looked up equally confused as Shivaay smirked.

"May I dance with Anika?" My eyes widened as I heard the blunt words come out Shivaay's mouth.

Armaan loosely letting go of me as he crossed his arms appearing appalled by the question.

"Why will I do that? Anika is my fiancé. I have been watching you lately and seen the way you look at Anika and seen other things as well, so back off."

My mouth gaping open as I heard Armaan's statement. What is he saying? What did Armaan see? I quickly looked towards Shivaay as danger flashed across him. Armaan's statement clearly irking him.

"Are you questioning my intentions and my character?" Shivaay hissed as he looked towards Armaan straight into his eyes. Armaan stood tall and proud as he nodded.

"Yes. We all know your character...Always walking around like you own the place and now even beginning to look at other's fiancé with unusual intentions," Armaan spat as my eyes widened as I looked back at Shivaay knowing that Armaan's comment was definitely going to hit his weak point.

How can Armaan speak such false statements about Shivaay? His is completely wrong of him to do so. I know Shivaay and I know that he is not characterless the way Armaan is portraying him to be...

"Whose fiancé did I look at?! Huh?! How dare you falsely accuse me and question my character and integrity?" Shivaay hissed as he clenched his jaw tightly. Armaan has definitely hurt a sensitive nerve. Shivaay holds his pride, integrity, and character very close to his heart...they are what feed his ego.

Suddenly, my body flew back in the air as I noticed the large figure jump in front of me. My eyes widening as Shivaay raised his hand up in the air and without seconds delay, he threw his fist in the air.

A loud clap sounding off as I felt my breath stop. The hand flying against Armaan's cheek at windspeed as blood came spewing out of his nose. The punch making a solid touch on Armaan.

Time stopping for me as suddenly screams and chaos broke out. Shivaay jumping on top of Armaan grabbing a hold of him as he laid another punch on his chin. He appeared in a state of rage and madness as his hair flew up in the air with his tie loosening around his white collared shirt that became unbuttoned. Armaan's face turning red as he attempted to push Shivaay off of him. Everyone immediately running towards Shivaay and Armaan attempting to pull them off of one another.

Oh my God.

My body suddenly feeling weak as I began to feel overwhelmed by the havoc that broke loose. My heart pounding against my chest as I began to feel my body become steaming hot from the sudden rise in my blood pressure. Shivaay continuing to climb over Armaan as I realized his anger was going lose. Oh no, this situation is going to get worse. I have to stop it. Shivaay might further get in trouble.

"Shivaay! Stop! Please stop!" I began screaming as I pushed my way through the family placing my hand on Shivaay's shoulder trying to pull him back.

"How dare you?! How dare you question me and my character?!" Shivaay began to scream loudly into his ears.

This is not good. He is in a state of rage and now no one can stop him. No one. Armaan did the wrong thing by touching this nerve of his. Already, Shivaay was mad at him due to what has happened and now finally he has gotten the opportunity to unleash his anger at him.

"Shivaay stop!" Tej uncle yelled trying to push him away from Armaan as Shivaay pulled him up from the ground looking him eye to eye as Armaan appeared dazed from the punch he had gotten. Shivaay pulling him as he held his collar, looking straight into his eyes.

"No one touches dares to talk such crap about me!....No one...Do you hear me?!" Shivaay threatened as he immediately raised his hand to punch him again as I grabbed it.

He immediately looked back towards me stopping in an instant. His anger appearing to soften and break apart as he looked towards me. I shook my head gesturing him to stop as I felt the crowd of family members towering over us glancing towards the both of us.

"S-stop S-Shivaay...please...let him go...ok?" I whispered soothingly to him trying to capture his rage. His hand appearing to loosen from the fist he formed as he lowered his arm. His eyes showing contemplation as they looked back towards Armaan who appeared to awaken from his daze looking at him angrily and furious.

"Listen to Anika, Shivaay beta...Let go of him ok?" Daadi consoled him rubbing his shoulder trying to bring him back to reality.

"What is this nonsense? How dare you hit my son?!" Jhanvi aunty exclaimed as she pushed me out of the way and snatched Armaan from Shivaay's loosened grip.

Shivaay seethed in his rage as he furrowed his eyebrows moving towards him once more before Taayaji and Dad pulled him back.

"Arree...beta stop! Please! The youth these days!" Taayaji taunted as he held Shivaay's arm.

"Can you please stop causing a ruckus?!" Dad yelled at Shivaay as Shivaay chewed on to his lip angrily as he continued to stare down Armaan.

"This bastard dared to question my character and my integrity! Who is he to do such?!" He screamed sending everyone into shock as everyone appeared puzzled and confused around the fact over what started the fight.

"I am seriously going to get you!" Shivaay lunging towards him, but before he could I immediately jumped in front of him stopping him.

What is wrong with him? He shouldn't be reacting such manner in front of everyone. If everyone finds out about how Armaan commented on Shivaay and I which led to the fight then what will everyone think?

"Please stop! I beg of you!" I yelled folding my hands in front of him as I didn't want a further commotion. Shivaay took a step back feeling shocked by reaction.

"You are saying this considering what he said about my intentions towards you!" Shivaay yelled as suddenly I felt the noise level drop to zero. Everyone appearing to turn looking towards the both of us as we stood front and center of everyone's attention.

My cheeks turning red as I felt mortified in the moment attempting to avoid everyone's questioning gaze. Great what am I supposed to say. Armaan is wrong in accusing Shivaay, but then Shivaay was also wrong in lunging at him, however, Shivaay was building up this anger and frustration towards Armaan, so it wasn't unexpected that he would do such.

"What is he saying? What is happening?!" Mom exclaimed as she immediately grabbed my arm turning my attention towards her. I gulped nervously as I realized how much mom and dad already didn't like Shivaay ever since rumors of our relationship broke out in the tabloids.

God, what am I going to do?

"Don't look at anyone else Anika! Look at me!" Shivaay yelled as I looked back towards him as he stood in front of me.

Locking his eyes into mines', he appeared to look straight into my soul as he appeared to capture me in an instant. He took a deep breath before taking a step towards me as I felt mom tighten her grip on my arm attempting to hold me back as if I was going to run away.

"In this issue...or any issue of that matter..." He began as I realized he was not talking about this issue, but the big issue at hand-the issue of my marriage to Armaan.

"Will you support me or Armaan? Do you choose me or Armaan? This is a last chance for you..." His voice lowered and deep. I bit my lip as I realized what he was actually asking. He is asking if I choose him or Armaan in terms of "love"...in terms of pursuing a relationship with...

I took a deep breath dropping my gaze knowing my answer.

No one. I choose no one. I just want to be alone. I don't want anyone except my loneliness because that is where I have the most peace. I am tired of this mess that I have indulged myself in. I am tired of everything...I just want peace in my life now...

"What nonsense question is this?!" Armaan exclaimed as Shivaay held his hand up.

"Stay out of it. Let Anika answer..." Shivaay commanded as he looked back towards me intently waiting for an anwer.

"Tell him Anika..." Mom hissed against my ear as she held on to my arm. She appeared to gesture me to choose Armaan as she squeezed my arm. I sighed as I looked up at her as she eyed towards Armaan before looking back at me.

I stood in silence not knowing what to say...In this moment I do want to speak the truth and say no one...I choose no one. I don't need anybody. I can handle myself, but then...how can I say that knowing my parents are standing right here who want me to be with Armaan while my ex-husband is standing in front of me who has suddenly fallen in love with me. It's better to keep quiet and not say a word as that is the best option because if I say anything it will incite problems for me either way...my parents will be angered or Shivaay will be angered.

Shivaay let out a small chuckle as I looked towards him. Placing his hands in his pocket, he shook his head as he rubbed his thumb against his lips. "Your silence tells me that you choose Armaan..." He spoke.

I sighed as I held on to my pallu tying it around my hand...If you loved me then you would know my choice and my decision, but I guess...you don't love me because if you did then you would know me and understand me as well...You will know that the mess you have created in my life has led me to want to be alone...

"Indeed, she will always choose Armaan," Mom declared as Shivaay smirked continuing to look towards me.

"Well then we will see how long that decision lasts..." Shivaay muttered soaking into my fear as his threat flashbacked to me.

My mind going blank as I looked at Shivaay as he smirked before waving at everyone and turning his back as he began to walk away. What does he mean by such words? What is he going to do?

As he is walking away, why do I feel he is walking towards a path of destruction...a path that he now appeared to chosen in which he will bring me with him....Why is my heart telling me that due to this particular moment, Shivaay is going to do something wrong...something evil...something that will ruin both of our lives....

Shivaay's Point of View

Today you have broken my heart completely Anika...Never would I have thought that you would choose that Armaan instead of me...I would have never thought that you would do this to me...After all the moments we have shared...the love we have shared for one another...I would have never thought that you would do this.

I gave you a chance Anika...a chance to end everything with Armaan, but you didn't listen...you decided take revenge from me for how I treated you in the past and left you for Tia....It's ok Anika, I understand your state of mind, but don't worry, I will lead you to the path that is made for you...a path on which only you and I have to walk on as soulmates...You are my soulmate Anika and my fate has chosen you for me, so now I will do what fate wants...which is to have you.

I know this decision will hurt you Anika. I know how hurt you will be, but if this is the way I can have you, so shall it be. You will be mine Anika...only mine and no one else's.

Walking out through the backdoor, I made my way towards my car as I felt anger still running through me from the fight with Armaan. Of course, I purposely picked up a fight with Armaan...I knew he would react angrily today when I would ask for a dance with Anika because I know how his self-centered, self-entitled sick ego works as...But, hey I wanted to punch him, so I did.

He deserved that punch for even considering Anika to be his life partner. I have had enough of him trying to get close to Anika. Who does he think he is? He is a nobody and not someone who deserves Anika...I am the one who deserves Anika and now I will do everything and anything to have her. This Armaan will not even come close to having her. Not close.

The driver quickly opened the door to the car as I sat inside. I smirked as I opened my phone and made a call to Sam.

"Hello Sam, I want you to launder 500,000 dollars from the company accounts and get that memory card," I ordered as I smirked knowing I was gaining control of the game.

"What? Are you sure sir that you want to do such? I mean we are trying our best to track him..." Sam remarked as I sighed pressing my hand against my temple.

"Look time is short for me at the moment, so get the memory card and launder the money alright? I don't give a damn who this person might be, but just get that card ok?!" I ordered as I realized it was best to get this matter off of my hands in order to focus on the real plan that I have in my mind. I know I shouldn't launder money, but the most important thing at hand is getting Anika back to me and that is what matters.

"Ok sir as you wish," Sam replied as I smiled biting my lip as I looked back towards Anika's house as the car made a turn and sped down the road.

"And there is another job I have for you...A job that I want to be done by Saturday night...Call Kelly Allen who is the head of my PR...we have something important to discuss..." I smiled as I laid my head against the seat finding peace in knowing that now I will succeed and win once again.

And this is how I will begin my game. I know I am wrong in doing this to Anika, but she is my love, my soulmate, and the mother of my child. At this moment, not only I, but Chaaya needs her. I know Anika loves me, but revenge has blinded her ability to think. However, I have clarity and now I am using the wrong path to get her, but it is the path that will lead me towards her...a path in which we can begin to pursue a relationship after getting this wedding out of the way....

End of Chapter 29

Please let me know if you will like to read chapters 30 and 31 next week since I know everyone is busy, so I do not want anyone to miss out on reading such crucial and critical chapters because they may be busy.

Ciao! (Means see you later in Italian) :)