Shivani and Atharv were laughing and chatting with their friends, enjoying the vibrant Holi celebration. Colors and laughter filled the air as they danced and played with each other.

Just then, their friend, ,Anu pointed at Shivani's neck and exclaimed,
Anu:  "Hey, what's that? A Holi stamp?"

Their friends giggled, and Shivani's face turned bright red as she realized what Anu was referring to - a hickey on her neck, courtesy of Atharv's affectionate bite the night before.

Atharv chuckled and pulled Shivani close,
Atharv : "Guilty as charged," he said with a grin.

Their friends teased them playfully,
Akash: "Look at them, so lovey-dovey!"

Sarah: "Atharv, you're such a romantic guy!"

Shivani playfully rolled her eyes, Shivani: "Shut up, guys. It's just a little Holi color, that's all."

But Atharv just winked at her,
Atharv: "Let them tease, my love. I'm proud to show off my love for you."

Their friends cheered and clapped, and Shivani couldn't help but laugh and blush at the attention.

Then, Rakshan joked,
Rakshan : "looks like you two lovebirds planning to give Advi and anvi a sibling soon?"

The group erupted in cheers and teasing chants of "Baby on board!" and "Atharv and Shivani, soon to be parents again!"

Shivani's face turned bright red as she playfully hit Atharv's arm,
Shivani : "Shut up, guys! We're not even thinking about that yet!"

Atharv just chuckled and pulled her close,
Atharv : "Well, who knows, maybe soon we'll have another little bundle of joy to celebrate with!"

Their friends cheered and clapped, and Shivani couldn't help but laugh and blush at the playful teasing.

suddenly, Atharv's parents, Lakshmi and Pradeep, came running towards them, their faces etched with worry and fear. Anvi was in their arms, her little face scrunched up in distress.

Lakshmi: "Atharv, Shivani! Advi is missing!" , her voice was trembling.

Shivani's eyes widened in horror as she rushed towards Lakshmi, her heart racing.
Shivani: "What do you mean she's missing? Where was she last seen?"

Lakshmi's eyes welled up with tears. Lakshmi: "We were playing with the kids, and Advi was right there with us. But when we turned around, she was gone! We thought she might be with you or your friends, but..."

Atharv swiftly took Anvi from his parents' arms, his face set in determination.
Atharv: "Don't worry, Amma, we'll find her. Let's split up and search the party area. She can't have gone far."

Shivani nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of Advi's safety.
Shivani:;"I'll check the food stalls and the games area. Atharv, you take the stage and the music area. Meet back here in 10 minutes and we'll regroup."

As they dispersed to search for Advi, their friends too joined in, helping to scour the party area. Shivani's heart was heavy with worry, her eyes scanning the crowds frantically for a glimpse of her little daughter's bright pink dress.

Meanwhile, Atharv was searching the stage and music area, his eyes scanning the sea of colourful faces, his heart pounding with anxiety. He stopped a few people, asking if they had seen Advi, but no one had any information.

After what felt like an eternity, the group reconvened at the meeting point, their faces etched with concern.

"Any luck?" Shivani asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Atharv shook his head.

Atharv: "Nothing. Let's expand our search area. She might have wandered off towards the park or the playground."

As they continued their search, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the party area. Shivani's anxiety was growing by the minute, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios..

Shivani and Atharv searched the party area frantically, their friends and family joining in, but there was no sign of Advi. As the sun began to set, their worry turned to despair.

Atharv::"We need to go to the police station," Atharv said, his voice firm but laced with fear. "We can't waste any more time."

Shivani nodded, her eyes brimming with tears.

Shivani: "Yes, we have to find her. Oh God, what if something terrible has happened? What if we never see her again?" She burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs.

Atharv pulled her close, trying to comfort her.

Atharv:"Don't think like that, Shivani. We'll find her. I promise. We'll leave no stone unturned."

At the police station, they filed a missing person's report, providing Advi's description and details of the party. Shivani was barely able to speak, her voice choked with tears.

Shivani: "P-please find our daughter," she stammered, collapsing into Atharv's arms.
"She's only six years old. She's our world. We can't live without her."

Atharv held her tight, his own eyes welling up with tears.
Atharv :"We will, Shivani. I promise. We'll do everything we can to bring her home."

The officer nodded sympathetically. Officer: "We'll do our best, I assure you. But we need to move fast. Every minute counts in a case like this."

As they left the police station, Shivani's legs gave way, and she almost fainted. Atharv caught her, holding her close.

Atharv:"Shivani, stay with me. We need to stay strong for Advi."

She nodded, her face pale and tear-stained.

Shivani : "I-I'm sorry, Atharv. I can't bear the thought of losing her."

Atharv held her tight, his voice cracking with emotion.

Atharv :"We won't lose her, Shivani. We'll find her. We have to."

As night fell, they returned home, their hearts heavy with worry. Anvi, sensing their distress, clung to them tightly, her little face scrunched up in concern.

Anvi: "Mama, where's Advi?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Shivani forced a smile, her eyes welling up again.
Shivani : "We're trying to find her, baby. We'll bring her home soon."

Atharv held them both close, his eyes fixed on the door, hoping against hope that Advi would walk in, safe and sound.

But as the night wore on, there was only silence.

The wait was agonizing, the uncertainty torturous. Shivani and Atharv were trapped in a living nightmare, their love and fear for Advi the only things keeping them going.

Shivani: "We should have been more careful," Shivani berated herself, her voice barely above a whisper.
"We should have kept a closer eye on her."

Atharv stroked her hair, his own eyes brimming with tears.
Atharv: "It's not your fault, Shivani. These things happen. We just need to stay strong and pray for her safe return."

Shivani nodded, her body shaking with sobs.
Shivani: "I can't lose her, Atharv. I can't live without my baby girl."

And so, they waited, their hearts suspended in time, praying for the safe return of their little Advi…

On the another hand....

Dhruv, who had once harboured feelings for Shivani, was devastated when he heard about Advi's disappearance. Memories of his past mistakes came flooding back - how he had tried to drive a wedge between Shivani and Atharv with Amrita's help, only to discover her true intentions were sinister and manipulative. He had cut ties with Amrita, but the guilt and regret lingered.

Now, with Advi missing, Dhruv felt a crushing sense of responsibility. He knew he had to act. Amrita's hideout on the outskirts of the city was his first lead. He sped there, his heart racing with anticipation and fear.

As he arrived, he spotted Advi sitting on a rock, her little body shaking with sobs. She looked up, saw him, and darted behind the tree, her eyes wide with fear.

Dhruv approached her slowly, a gentle smile on his face.

Dhruv: "Little sunshine... I'm your dad's friend... I won't harm you, I promise."

Advi peeked from behind the tree, her eyes sparkling with uncertainty. Dhruv's warm tone put her at ease, and she slowly emerged, her eyes fixed on him.

Dhruv scooped her up in his arms, rubbing her back to comfort her.

Dhruv: "Let's go to your dada and momma, okay? They're worried sick about you."

Advi nodded, her tiny hands clinging to his shirt. Dhruv carefully settled her into his car and drove to Atharv's house, his heart full of hope and relief.

Shivani and Atharv rushed out to search again, their faces etched with worry..

They stopped in their tracks when they heard a similar voice.... Atharv immediately turned and saw  Dhruv standing their with Advi in his arms.... Atharv was looking at him with a smile Dhruv placed her down with a smile....

Immediately Advi ran towards them....

"Daddaaa...mummaa"

Both stood frozen and their eyes were filled with Tears...

Dad..dadaaa....mum..mumaaa..

Shivani sobbed silently and Atharv was standing there without any moment.......he can't describe the feelings in words...his eyes were filled with tears.... Advi clutched Atharv's kurta and raised her arms

Advi: dada...li...lif..lift...m..me..

Atharv immediately lifted her and embraced....
Both Atharv and Shivani were overjoyed and emotional to hear her voice...they can't express their feelings and emotions in words….Seeing Advika safe and sound, they collapsed into each other's arms, tears of joy streaming down their faces

"Thank you, Dhruv," Shivani whispered, her voice choking with emotion. "We can never repay you for this."

Dhruv smiled, his eyes moist. "You don't have to. Just knowing Advika is safe is enough for me."

Atharv clasped his hand, a firm handshake sealing their newfound friendship. "We'll never forget this, Dhruv. You've given us our daughter back."

Dhruv: It's nothing in front of what I have done with you both….

Shivani was looking at with confusion

Dhruv: I want to talk with you and Atharv…he already knows everything but still….

The five of them - Shivani, Atharv, Advi, anvi and Dhruv - sat in the living room, the tension palpable. Dhruv's eyes were cast downward, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dhruv: "Shivani,... I'm so sorry. For everything…For trying to separate you, for believing Amrita's lies…
I was in love with you and I wanted you…

Shivani: It's not love dhruv…it's called obsession….. because of you and Amrita I lost the most precious time of my life with Atharv…. just because of your fucking obsession…..

Dhruv  his eyes filled with remorse...

Dhruv: Shivani... I'm so sorry for my mistakes. I can't imagine what you went through, being separated from Atharv during your pregnancy. I'm deeply sorry for my part in causing you pain....

Shivani: Sorry huh.... Dhruv Sorry isn't enough. You have no idea what I endured because of your mistake.... The loneliness, the fear the pain... it was all amplified by your careless error.....

Shivani said looking at him with a mix of sadness and anger while Dhruv said hanging his head in shame....

Dhruv:  I know, Shivani. I can't begin to understand what you went through.... But please know that I take full responsibility for my actions, and I'm truly sorry....

Shivani's voice trembled yet making it frim she said..

Shivani : I appreciate your apology Dhruv. But I need time to accept it. You see I went through a lot because of you. I can't just forgive and forget overnight. My heart needs time to heal...She said while looking away her eyes welling up with tears....

Dhruv nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. "I understand. I don't expect your forgiveness overnight. But I promise to earn it, slowly. I'll do everything in my power to make it right. I know I can't undo the past, but I want to make amends."

Shivani's expression was stern, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "Forgiveness will take time, Dhruv. You hurt us deeply. But we appreciate your apology. However, let's be clear - you're not our friend, and we can't trust you like that."

Atharv's voice was firm, his eyes narrowing. "We can't forget what you did, Dhruv. You tried to destroy our family. But we're willing to move forward, for Advi's sake. And for our own."

Advi, sensing the emotional moment, snuggled closer to Shivani, her eyes fixed on Dhruv with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

Shivani's voice was firm. " But we're willing to give you a chance to make amends. Prove yourself, Dhruv. Show us you're genuinely sorry."

Dhruv's face fell, but he nodded in understanding. "I don't expect anything more. I just want to make things right, in any way I can. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to try."

Atharv's expression softened slightly. "We'll hold you to that, Dhruv. And we'll be watching. Closely. If you betray us again, there will be consequences."

The room fell silent, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Dhruv knew he had a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to make things right, no matter what it took.

As they sat there, Advi and Anvi looked up at Shivani and Atharv, their eyes filled with a mix of confusion and concern. They knew something was wrong, but they didn't know what. All they knew was that their parents were hurting, and they wanted to make it better..

"Dada, Mama... what's wrong?" Anvi asked, her voice soft and gentle. "You both look so sad."

"Yeah! Why you both so upset?" Advi added, her big brown eyes filled with worry. "Did something bad happen?"

Atharv sighed, his eyes filling with tears. "We're just dealing with some grown-up issues, babies. Nothing for you to worry about."

Shivani smiled weakly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Yes, sweethearts... everything will be okay. We just need to... work some things out."

Anvi looked puzzled. "But you both always happy! What happened?"

Advi's eyes widened. "Yeah! You both love each other! What's going on?"

Atharv's expression was solemn. "Sometimes, even when we love each other... we make mistakes. And we need to find a way to make it better."

Shivani nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's right. And we're trying to fix things now. But it's... complicated."

Anvi's face scrunched up in confusion. "Complicated? What mean?"

Advi tilted her head, her eyes curious. "Yeah... what mean?"

Atharv's smile was gentle. "It means... we need to figure some things out, and it's not easy. But we'll get through it together, as a family."

Shivani hugged them both tightly. "We love you both so much, and we'll always be here for you. No matter what."

The four of them sat there, locked in a warm embrace, each one hoping that, one day, they could find a way to move past the pain and the betrayal, and find a way to heal.

Shivani and Atharv exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. They knew they had a long road ahead of them, but they were willing to try, for Advi's sake, and for their own.

And so, they sat there, the 5 of them, locked in a fragile truce, each one hoping that, one day, they could find a way to move past the pain and the betrayal, and find a way to heal…..

Dhruv stood up, his eyes still cast downward, and began to walk away. Atharv and Shivani watched him go, their expressions a mix of sadness and understanding.

As Dhruv left the house, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, but he was determined to make things right.

He walked to his car, his mind racing with thoughts of what he had done and how he could make amends. As he drove away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to redeem himself.

Dhruv pulled up to his parents' house, his heart heavy with emotion. He knew they would be disappointed in him, but he needed their support and guidance.

As he walked in the door, his parents looked up at him, their faces filled with concern.

"Dhruv, what's wrong?" his mother asked, her voice soft and gentle.

Dhruv took a deep breath and began to tell them everything. He told them about his mistakes, about how he had hurt Atharv and Shivani, and about his desire to make things right.

His parents listened, their faces filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. When he finished, they looked at each other, then back at him.

"We love you, Dhruv," his father said, his voice firm but gentle. "And we'll support you, no matter what. But you need to understand, making amends won't be easy. It'll take time and effort."

Dhruv nodded, his eyes filling with tears. "I know, Papa. I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

His mother got up and hugged him tightly. "We'll be here for you, Dhruv. Every step of the way."

Atharv and Shivani sat on the couch, holding hands and talking in hushed tone..
Shivani : "I can't believe Dhruv had the courage to face us and apologize," Shivani said, her eyes still wide with surprise.

Atharv nodded.
Atharv : "I know. It takes a lot of guts to admit your mistakes and make amends."

Just then, Advi came running into the room, her little legs moving quickly as she rushed to her parents. "Mama! Dada!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around their legs.

Atharv and Shivani laughed, their faces lighting up with joy. "Hey, baby girl!" Atharv said, scooping her up in his arms. "How's our little superstar doing?"

Advi giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm good, Dada! Paati and Thatha are playing with me!"

As if on cue, Lakshmi and Pradeep walked into the room, their faces beaming with smiles. "Ah, our little Advi is safe and sound!" Lakshmi exclaimed, her eyes welling up with tears.

Pradeep nodded, his voice choked with emotion.

Pradeep:"We were so worried about her, Atharv. But seeing her happy and healthy... it's a blessing."

Atharv and Shivani exchanged a glance, their eyes filling with tears.

Atharv: "We know, Pa and Ma,"
He said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're just grateful to have her back in our lives."

As they hugged Advi tightly, the six of them formed a tight circle, holding each other close. Tears streamed down their faces, but they were tears of joy and relief.

In that moment, they knew they had weathered the storm and come out stronger on the other side. They knew they would face whatever challenges came their way, as long as they had each other.

*******

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