Happy Reading, Sweethearts 💓 This chapter represents as the official ending of the journey of Vani's Love Beyond Friendship.

In an award function, a beautiful young lady was laughing along with a group of young men who surrounded her. She was cracking stupid jokes making the men laugh at her even though they found it not funny at all. Little did she know, the men were trying to impress her for their own benefits and little did they know, she was laughing with them for the same purpose too. Corporate world, you know!

A 5-year-old little, chubby boy ran towards that group and stood in front of the lady with an angry pout and both his hands on his hips.
Boy : Mommy, can you just stop flirting here? Dadda is waiting for you there. Let's go! (He shouted exasperatedly in his cute baby voice)
The person whom he referred as his mommy gaped at him with wide opened eyes and the men around her chuckled at the little boy's words. That's when one of the men opened his mouth.
Man : Awww so cute. (He chuckled, pulling the little boy's cheeks) Okay Ms Bani, go to your family first. See you later then. (He smiled at Bani and she opened her mouth to say something but her son beat her to it)
Boy : She is MRS Bani! (He stomped his foot making the men laugh more at his cuteness)
Bani : Dhruvinash Singhania! Keep quiet and go to your dadda now. (She said, giving a fake glare to her son)
Dhruvinash : No mommy, you come with me now.
Saying this, he started pulling her hand with his tiny hands and she reluctantly walked along with him after giving an awkward smile to the men.

Bani carried her son and walked towards Veer who was pretending as if he was busy speaking on the phone after seeing Bani marching towards him angrily.
Bani : Veeranshu! Stop pretending now. I know this is all your doing. (She huffed while glaring at her son)
Veer : I'll call you back later. (He acted again and turned to her innocently) What sweetheart? What did I do now?
Bani : Stop showing me that face! I know it's you who asked him to embarrass me there in front of everyone.
Veer : I don't understand what you're saying, sweetheart. Why would I ask him to embarrass you in front of people? Bud, did you do something? (He asked his son)
Dhruv nodded at him but quickly shook his head no when his mom glared at him.
Veer : Oh come on, I didn't say anything to him. What happened there? I saw you having a great time with those men there then what happened?
Bani : I was not having a great time with them! They were just praising me for receiving the 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' award. (Veer scoffed, rolling his eyes)
Veer : Oh really? They were praising you since the past 25 minutes? There are 7 men in total so if each take 5 seconds to praise you then it would get done in 35 seconds but you were flirting with them there! (He exclaimed in irritation)
Bani : So it's you who taught him the word 'flirting', right? (She glared at him)
Veer eyes widened when he realised what he blurted out while Dhruv giggled at his dad.
Veer : Don't turn on me and accuse for something I didn't do. I DID NOT teach anything to our son.
Bani : Stop lying, Veer. I don't want us to gather the audience here. Let's go back home now. (Saying this, she left the party carrying her son)
Veer followed her and they got into the car. He tried to hold her hand but their son interfered.
Dhruvinash : Dadda! Don't touch my mommy. (He beat Veer's hand as he was sitting on Bani's lap)
Veer's mind voice : Such a monster!
Veer : I'm touching my wife and I don't need your permission for that. (He held her hand, fingers intertwined making Dhruv to show his puppy eyes to his mom)
Bani : Dhruv, it's getting late. Close your eyes and sleep now. You have to go to school tomorrow.
She pulled her son closer to her and patted on his back gently while he slowly closed his eyes when sleep engulfed him.

Veer : Swee- (Bani stopped him)
Bani : Shhh, he's sleeping. Don't make noise.
Veer : Don't worry he won't wake up till morning. And I'm sorry for just now. I just wanted to have all your attention to me only and honestly speaking, I felt jealous when those men succeeded in getting your attention. (He spoke honestly)
Bani : But I wasn't flirting with them, Veer. I was just approaching them for business opportunities in future. All of them are successful businessmen and even they were trying to approach me for their business purposes too.
Veer : Okay sweetheart I understand but still I'm a husband who wants all of his wife's attention to him. (He said, kissing her knuckles and Bani smiled at him)
Bani : I'm all yours, Veer. Relax.
Veer : By the way, I wanted to say something to you.
Bani gestured at him to continue.
Veer : I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. You won the entrepreneur of the year award just within a year whereas it took 3 years for me to win it. I must say you are the one who born to rule the business world because I have seen how much you work hard and struggle to balance your life as a responsible mother and the CEO of our company. Sometimes I wonder where did that mischievous Bani who doesn't take anything seriously disappears. You have changed a lot after giving birth to our Dhruv and I'm genuinely happy for this change but I still miss my old sweetheart too.
Bani : I'm still your old sweetheart, Veeru. (She chuckled, kissing his hand)
Veer : You know you're not- (He stopped when his phone rang)
Veer attended the call and frowned instantly. He kept the phone and increased the speed.
Bani : Mom right? What she said?
Veer : Princess woke up and started searching for you. She's crying so much so mom asked us to come fast. (He said being tensed)
Bani : Shit! Please go fast, Veer. She won't stop crying until she sees me. Please drive fast. (She panicked when Veer nodded at her holding her hand again)

They reached Singhania mansion and Bani immediately rushed inside carrying the sleeping Dhruv in her arms. Chandrakala, who was waiting for them in the living room quickly walked towards Bani with a 2-year-old crying girl. Bani carefully laid Dhruv on the sofa and turned to Chandrakala, taking her daughter who finally stopped crying after seeing her mom.
Bani : Oh oh oh Aadvika princess see mommy is here now. Shhh calm down. I'm so sorry I won't leave you alone again baby. You are a good girl right so no more cry cry for mommy. (She cooed, wiping her daughter's tears)
Aadvika looked at her mom with her big round eyes which were red due to crying too much and smiled lightly touching her mom's face.
Chandrakala : She's totally a momma's girl. I've tried all the ways to make her stop crying but she wasn't listening to me.
Veer : Our princess is getting naughty day by day. She's not listening to her grandma already. Very bad girl. (He pulled his daughter's cheek to which she giggled at him forgetting how she was crying profusely few minutes ago)
Bani : Mom, you can go to sleep now. I will take them to the room.
Veer : Yes mom it's getting late. Goodnight.
Chandrakala : Goodnight guys. (She kissed on Aadvika's cheek and left to her room)
Veer : Aadvi baby, come to dadda. (He showed his hands and she immediately jumped into his arms)
Bani : Drama Queen! Few minutes ago only she was crying for her mommy and now she forgets me after seeing her dadda.
She tickled her baby and she giggled more making Veer and Bani laugh at her. Bani sighed and picked up their sleeping son to go to their room.

The next morning as usual Bani went through hell and back to send her stubborn son to the school after bearing all the tantrums he threw and spent her time in cooing her daughter who started to cry seeing her mom leaving to the office with her dad. Because of her kids, despite being the CEO since a year, she would leave for home by 4pm and the rest of the work would be taken care by Veer or sometimes she would even work from home while looking after her kids. That's how she won the 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' award that year with the dedication, hard work and passion towards her job.

Vani and their children have been living in Singhania mansion with his parents since she got pregnant with their second child. Even Sid also shifted with them as he was truly attached to Dhruvinash and Aadvika.

One evening, Sid came back from his work and enthusiastically sat beside Dhruv who was sitting with a grumpy face in the living room. He frowned when Dhruv didn't jump on him as he always used to do.
Sid : Hey Champ, what's wrong? (He asked being concerned)
Dhruv : Nothing. (He pouted, crossing his arms)
Sid : What happened, Champ? Did mommy scold you today? Or daddy refused to get you your favourite chocolates?
Dhruv : No, it's not about them. (He huffed)
Sid : Then?
Dhruv turned his face away with a pout and Sid was about to ask him again but Bani interrupted.
Bani : Sid, come and eat first. You can talk to him later.
Sid : What happened to him, didi? Did you scold him? Or that Arrogant Singhania scolded him?
Veer suddenly popped out of nowhere with his little princess in his arms and Sid visibly gulped seeing Veer glaring at him.
Veer : I've told you many times to stop calling me that in front of my kids. (He warned him)
But Sid being Sid, ignored Veer as usual and shifted his attention towards Dhruv who was sulking there.
Sid : Champ, what's wrong? Why are you angry now?
Dhruv : Buddy, my girlfriend broke up with me today. (He pouted sadly)
Sid : But I thought you already broke up with her last week.
Dhruv : Not that girl. I'm talking about my new girlfriend that I met 3 days ago.
Sid's eyes popped out of his socket hearing Dhruv while Bani shook her head and walked into the kitchen after hearing Veer's sigh.
Sid : You broke up with that girl... what's her name huh? Ah yeah Myra last week and you coupled with another girl 3 days ago?
Dhruv : It's not Myra, it's Mishti.
Sid : Then who was Myra?
Dhruv : My 5th girlfriend.
Sid : And Mishti?
Dhruv : 7th one.
Veer : Like mother, like son. They don't go to school to focus on their studies. (He muttered under his breath and Aadvika giggled at him as if she understood what he said)
Veer laughed at Aadvika and kissed her cheeks making her giggle more.

Sid : Okay, so now who is your current girlfriend and why did she break up with you?
Dhruv : Her name is Aarna and she broke up with me because I refused to kiss her. (He said nonchalantly and Sid gasped listening to the 5-year-old boy's serious life matter issue)
Sid : Why did you refuse to kiss her, Champ?
Veer : Siddharth, what's with your stupid questions? Don't forget that he's a baby.
Sid : As if he is behaving like a baby. (He muttered under his breath) Shhh, don't disturb us. We are in a serious discussion. (He told Veer and turned to Dhruv asking him to continue)
Dhruv : I refused to kiss her because dadda said I should not kiss a girl if I have no intentions of marrying her. And I don't want to marry Aarna so that's why I did not kiss her.
Sid : It means you did not kiss any girl before?
Dhruv : No. (He shook his head making Veer smile proudly at his son)
Sid : Oh it means- (He was cut by Bani)
Bani : Okay, enough of storytelling time now. Sid, you go and eat first. And you! (She pointed at Dhruv) Stop sulking over your girlfriends and go and complete your homework first.
Dhruv : Fine! (He sighed and ran into the room to do his homework)
Veer : Sweetheart, be polite to him. Sometimes you are very rude to our son.
Bani : Then what else do you want me to do? Look at him, he's just 5 now but already having so many girlfriends at school. I wonder from where he's learning these kind of stuffs. (She grumbled)
Veer : Where else do you think, sweetheart? Obviously it's from you. Do you still remember about those countless boyfriends you had last time? (He chuckled making Bani shoot daggers at him)
Bani : Stop damaging my image in front of my daughter. See, she's looking at me now. (She pointed at Aadvika who was looking at Bani)
Veer : Oh come on, she doesn't understand anything and you stop pretending like you were a very decent girl in your childhood.
Sid : Oh, actually it makes sense now. I found my answers, didi. Many times I wondered how Dhruv is behaving like this in such young age but now I understand from whom he inherited these qualities. (He snickered)
Bani : Okay enough. Both of you shut up and do your work. (She quickly walked away from there being embarrassed)

After having his dinner, Sid was playing with Aadvika and the little girl refused to go back to her dad when he called her. Veer groaned at Sid whereas Sid smirked at him in victory.
Veer : You better stay away from my girls. First you snatched my wife and now my daughter.
Sid : I can't help it when they are falling for my charms. (He shrugged with an attitude)
Bani : Stop it guys.
Veer : Ask him to stay away from my daughter. She always forgets me when she sees this guy.
Sid : Didi, ask him to stay away from my girlfriend.
Veer : Hey! She is my daughter! Stop calling her like that.
Bani : Guys, enough now! (She huffed with irritation)
Sid : Didi, if he comes between me and my Aadvi darling again then I will take her away from here.
Veer gaped at Sid hearing his threats and instantly took his daughter away from Sid's arms. Aadvika started to make faces at her dad's action and Bani glared at both the elder boys who were fighting like kindergarten kids.
Bani : Stop it, Veer. Give her to him and come with me now.
Veer : No, let's take her with us. I can't leave my princess with a monster like him.
Bani sighed and moved closer to Veer as she wanted to whisper to him.
Bani : Come with me now if you want something that you had asked me last night. (She whispered to him softly as she didn't want Sid to hear her)
Veer : Really?
Bani : Yes and this golden opportunity lasts for only 2 minutes from now. The choice is yours baby. (She whispered seductively and walked away from there to the kitchen)
Veer : Hmm okay I will forgive you tonight. Keep her with you as I don't want you to sulk later. (He told Sid, carefully placing Aadvika on his lap)
Sid stared at Veer with a confused expression but later shrugged it off when Aadvika started to pull his shirt.

In the kitchen :
Bani sat on the counter while waiting for Veer and Veer walked in with a grin plastered on his face. Bani quickly pulled him with her legs and wrapped them around his torso.
Veer : Let's go to our room, sweetheart.
Bani : Dhruv is there doing his homework.
Veer : Then we can go to the guest room.
Bani : No, you won't stop if we go inside a room so let's stay here. (She snaked her arms around his neck)
Veer : What if someone walks in later?
Bani : That's why I'm sitting here. From here I can see if anyone is coming towards our direction.
Veer : Wow, so my gharwali is ready for everything. (He said in a teasing tone and Bani hit on his chest playfully)
Bani passed him a glass of champagne which she hid behind her and Veer smiled widely seeing it.
Veer : Aww thank you, gharwali. It has been months since we had it. (He kissed on her cheek)
Bani : Shhh have it silently or else that monster will hear you. (She referred to Dhruv)
Veer took the glass and moved it near Bani's lips but she shook her head no.
Bani : Stupid! I'm still breastfeeding our princess so I can't have it.
Veer : Then let's get you some apple juice. (He moved to the fridge, taking out the bottle of apple juice and poured it in a glass before passing it to Bani)
Bani : Cheers! (She clinked the glass with his)
They quickly had their drinks and grinned at each other for behaving like teenagers.
Veer : I'm missing you a lot nowadays, sweetheart. You are spending most of your time with our kids only. (He pouted)
Bani : Don't tell me you are high just for having a glass of champagne.
Veer : Idiot! I'm pouring out my feelings here so be serious. (He scolded making Bani chuckle at him)
Bani : Awww I'm missing you a lot too, hubby. (She pulled him and smashed her lips with his)
Veer instantly grabbed her waist, pulling her closer and nibbled on her lower lip while Bani sucked his upper lip. He slowly moved his hands inside her top and started caressing her bare waist when Bani entered her tongue into his mouth. They were devouring each other's lips passionately but quickly parted when they heard few gasps.
Veer : Shit! (He turned around to see Dhruv and Sid standing there, crossing their arms and staring at them)
Dhruv : Mommy and daddy, please just get a room! (He sighed exasperatedly making Veer and Bani to narrow their eyes at him)
Bani : Dhruvinash, you are talking too much nowadays! You better behave like a 5-year- old kid.
Veer : I'm sure he is the one who taught that to him. Hey! I asked you stay with Aadvika right but you left her alone there? (He pointed at Sid who was trying to make an innocent face at them)
Sid : No, her grandma is with her there.
Bani : I swear Sid, I will kill you with my bare hands if another time I hear him speaking like an old man! (She warned him showing her big eyes)
Sid : Oops mommy is angry. Champ, come let's go! (Saying this, he picked up Dhruv and ran away from there)
Veer : Sweetheart, what did you say just now? You could see from here if anyone's coming here right then how did you miss them? (He raised his eyebrow and Bani scratched the back of her head awkwardly)
Bani : I just got distracted by our...hmm you know. (She shrugged with a blush adorning her cheeks)
Veer : By our kiss right? Come on yaar, it's going to be 8 years since we got married and you are still blushing after our kiss as usual? (He smirked at her making her hide her face in his chest)
Veer chuckled, wrapping his arms around her taking her into a warm hug.

During a weekend, Vani invited Behir for dinner as they visited Mumbai after a long time. Behir, who reached Singhania mansion with their 4-year-old daughter were greeted by an overexcited Bani and a calm Veer.
Bani : Hey guys!!!! OMG it has been a long time since we met. (She squealed excitedly, taking Behir into a group hug)
Bela : Hey Bani!!!! (She hugged her back with the same enthusiasm)
Mahir : Hey babe, you are still looking so hot. I really missed you a lot. (He kissed Bani's cheek while smirking at Veer)
Veer/Bela : Mahir!!! (They yelled his name in unison)
Bani and Mahir chuckled at them and Mahir took Veer into a friendly hug.
Mahir : Just kidding, man. Relax. (He patted his back)
Veer : Hey cutie, how are you? (He asked, picking up Behir's daughter Nivi)
Nivi : I'm fine. (She answered shyly)
Bani : Awww she's so cute. (She said, pulling her cheeks gently)
Bela : Guys, where is uncle and aunty?
Bani : They went to my parents' house to let us have the night for ourselves.
Bela : Awww but I really miss them.
Bani : It's alright, they will be back by tomorrow morning. Come let's go in.
Mahir : Where is Siddharth?
Bani : He's inside, looking after Dhruv and Aad- (She was interrupted)
Sid : I'm here!!! (He suddenly appeared in front of them out of nowhere and Nivi shrieked being scared due to the stunt he pulled)
Veer : Grow up, Sid. You scared a poor girl. Aww that's nothing cutie, don't worry. (He caressed her hair and she calmed a bit)
Sid bit his tongue and apologised to Nivi who stared at him for few seconds and turned away angrily. Vani and Behir chuckled at him and walked into the house.

They were having their dinner while recalling their beautiful moments as Behir were explaining Sid about Vani's tragic love story that started after their Goa trip and Sid was spilling out the secret lovey-dovey moments of Vani that he encountered accidentally. Vani were totally embarrassed with all their attention but fortunately, they got diverted by their kids, Dhruv and Nivi who were playing around them while Aadvika was sleeping peacefully in her crib.
Sid : I think Dhruv has found his new girlfriend today.
Bela : New girlfriend? (She asked being confused)
Sid : Yes, he has so many girlfriends at school. Even he told me that he broke up with two girls last week.
Mahir : What? Seriously? That's so cute. (He chuckled)
Bela : Why do I'm having a feeling of déjà vu here? (She asked, wriggling her eyebrows at Bani playfully)
Bani : Enough guys. I know where this topic is leading to so better stop it here. Let's focus on our dinner first. (She sighed making all of them laugh at her)
Veer held Bani's hand under the table and smiled at her assuringly. Bani smiled back at him and they both shared an eye lock which lasted for few seconds only as Sid squealed like a teenage girl suddenly. They turned to him, following his gaze and all four of them gasped when they see Dhruv pecking on Nivi's lips twice and Nivi was blushing at it.
Sid : Awww!!! (He looked at them dreamily)
Behir and Vani's palms automatically went to their mouths as they were astonished at the stunt pulled by Dhruv.
Veer : Sweetheart? (He whispered)
Bani came out from the shock given by her son and turned to Veer.
Veer : Looks like the history repeats itself. (He chuckled making Bani grin at him while biting her lower lip)
Veer held her hand again and interlocked their fingers while gazing at her lovingly. Bani mumbled a "I love you" to him to which he kissed her hand while repeating the same.
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And they lived happily ever after ♥️

The End