A week!!!! Just a week and their friendship knew no bounds. She left everything on fate.

Life is full of surprises and unplaned events. Neither you can predict future nor do anything with that. So just accept what you have and go with the flow.

That's what she thought. Shivaay thought to confess his feelings but he chose the other way. He thought to befriend with her and know about her feelings, he don't want to lose her. If she doesn't love him then..... he is okay if she doesn't love him back but he doesn't want to go away from her.

Anika was so overwhelmed by his care towards her. Every day he picks and drop her back. The amount of work he used to give was reduced. Sunday they all spend time together in Oberoi Mansion.

Shivaay is still jealous of Daksh. Whenever he ask her to have lunch with her she always denies saying "Whole day I am with you. Lunch time I want to spend with Daksh"

He gets irritated but control himself. Here Anika too gets irritated when Sarah keeps on wandering behind Shivaay, along with him.

While Sarah was planing evil to break their friendship or create misunderstandings between them. But either Anika or Shivaay never let that happen.

It was evening and they were reversing back to home. Shivaay and Anika were on some random talks and took right turn instead of left.

Anika: Sir you took wrong route

Shivaay: it's Shivaay for you. And it's the right route. You're coming to Oberoi Mansion.

Anika: why?

Shivaay: to plan for Gauri's secret Birthday Party

Anika: Gauri ka birthday aa raha hai!!!!

She exclaimed being surprised. Shivaay nodded positively.

Anika: bataya kyu nahi?

Shivaay: abhi kya kiya?

Anika: acha.... theek hai kab hai?

Shivaay: kal

Anika: what??

Shivaay: yes. Sorry batana bhul gaya

Anika: you better be

They reached Oberoi Mansion and everyone cheered up seeing Anika. OmRuPriYa pulled her and they started the discussion.

They've decided to just surprise her at 12 as she won't agree for the party without her father.

They started the preparations. Anika took the responsibility of decorations. It was 11:55 but the birthday girl wasn't aware of anything. Everyone were ready. Mallika was also present and she made the cake for her.

Om called Gauri.

"Hello! Who's there?" She said in a deep sleepy voice.

"Gauri!!! Gauri jaldi aao ghar par please" he started his notorious drama.

She sat up on the bed frowning. "Om kya hua??"

"Woh sab baad mein batata hun.... tum.... tum jaldi aao please... it's an emergency" he hunged the call without letting her speak.

Minutes later she entered in Oberoi Mansion. Everything was dark.

"Om!!! Om!!! Where are you??" She called his name and suddenly a spotlight hit her face. She closed her eyes used her hand as a shield.

"Turn Right Gauri" came a voice.

"Daadu!!!.... Kahan hai aap?" She turned right guessing his voice.

A projector was placed there and a voice started playing. It was the slideshow of her photos the first photo was when she was born and gradually every photos started showing her life journey with a happy birthday song. She smiled seeing it.

As the voice ended lights turned on and everyone screamed

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAURI!!!!"

She was smiling hard with twinkling eyes. The decorations were heavenly beautiful. Party poppers were busted by the younger clan and the paper flakes showered upon her.

"Thank you guys!!!" She smiled with tears as she was badly missing her father.

"Happy Birthday Doll!!!" A voice came from behind shocking everyone except Shivaay and Mallika was neutral

Gauri jumped hearing his voice, her father's, Aarav's voice. She turned back and saw him standing with his arms open with a huge smile on his face. She literally ran to him and jumped on him sobbing in his arms.

"Gauri!!! Bacha why are you crying? I am here... stop crying baby" he spoke with a sweet voice shushing his doll.

"I missed you dad!!!" She spoke still being in the same position.

"I missed you too Doll!!!!"

"I thought you seriously won't come" he frowned and broke the hug.

"Do you really think so I'll miss my Doll's birthday?" She nodded no and he kissed her forehead. Soumya too ran, they were joined into group hug.

Everyone went in awe seeing their bond.

"Can I get some space too?" Someone questioned. They broke the hug and turned back.

"Bhai!!!!" Gauri and Soumya ran to him and hugged him. He smiled and happily hugged them.

Everyone smiled but 2 soul were shocked. It was Anika and Mallika.

"Daksh!!!" Whispered Mallika while Anika was numb.

"How are you my munchkins?" Asked their brother, Daksh. Daksh Aarav Raichand. The eldest son of Aarav Singh Raichand.

"We are fine. How are you?? We missed you" they said in unison. Daksh smiled and kissed their foreheads.

Daksh: I missed you too. By the way Happy Birthday, Pumpkin (Gauri)

"Bhai!!!" She said annoyed at her nick name given by her big bro.

Daksh: what?? I won't change this you know.

Gauri: yeah I know. But thank you, you came. Hum itne pass hoke bhi dur the. I really missed you

She said hugging him again.

"Guys yeh I missed you I missed you ka game baad mein continue karna. Let's cut the cake" Om said breaking the hug.

Daksh: yeah let go. Aaj meri Pumpkin ka birthday hai. I got a special gift for you.

"Really? Kya?" She said excitedly.

Daksh: baad mein deta hun. Chalo let's cut the cake.

She nodded and they went near the table kept in a middle of the hall.

Gauri cutted the cake and fed everyone. And all gave some gifts to her. Shivaay was searching for something..... rather say someone.

"Uhhh..... Mallika"

"Yeah??"

"Anika kahan hai?" He asked as she was missing from god knows how long

Mallika: abhi toh yahin thi.... pata nahi kahan gai

"Anika?" Aarav whispered being unknown to the lost one, who himself seems to be lost.

Gauri: dad I said about Shivaay Bhai's P.A. right... she's the one. Par abhi pata nahi kahan gai. I am damn sure yeh decorations ussi ne ki hogi. Hai na?

Rudra: yeah... aapko kaise pata?

Gauri: bas aise hi.

Om: par woh hai kahan?

"Anika!!! Anika!!! Kahan ho tum??" Shivaay called her name out.

Everyone started calling her but none found her. Shivaay started getting panicked.

Shivaay: kahan gai yeh ladki!!!

Daadi: billu... usse phone kar.

"Haan" he took his phone and dailed her. But her phone was there itself lying somewhere on the table.

Priyanka: ghar toh nahi chali gai?

Mallika: naah.... I have the keys with me. She can't.

Daadu: toh phir kahan gai? Abhi toh humare saath hi thi.

Daksh: bahar dekha kisine? Garden ya backyard main ho shayad

Om: main backyard mein jata hun

Rudra: I'll check in the garden.

"Sir wait!!!!" Korbin stopped them

Shivaay: what happened?

Korbin: I saw Miss Anika running out. I called her name to stop her but she didn't.

Shivaay: bahar? Woh bhi itni raat ko?

He was confused but shrugging he went in search of her.

Here in beach.

A girl was silently sitting staring the water movement. Her face was devoid of any expression but there were no barrier on her eyes.

She wasn't sad because she found her father infact she happy extremely happy. But she was hurt that her mother didn't bother to tell her about her elder brother.

Why mom? First of all I was in dark. I never knew about my Dad all my life till now. Yeah!!! I found him today. Naah.... I didn't met him in person but I saw him. I am.... I am Anika Aarav Raichand. Daughter of Mr. Aarav Singh Raichand. I was hurt that day when you told me about my father. Even a little angry on you 'cause you kept us apart. But after knowing the reason, I was okay. But why didn't you tell me about my brother. My real brother!!!! Daksh!!!! Yeah he is my brother. Even he didn't tell me that he is a Raichand. Gauri and Soumya are my step sisters but he........ Daksh's my brother. My older brother......

"How will he react when he'll get to know about me being his sister?" She questioned aloud.

"I am super happy" came as an answer. Her eyes grew wider and she turned only to find Daksh behind him.

"Daksh!!!" She whispered

He sat beside her glancing the water while she was looking at him.

How do he know I would be here?

"'Cause I know my sister" she was again shocked as he was very normal.

"You..... you knew it?"

He smilingly nodded looking at her only to receive a slap on his arm.

"Oye maar kyu rahi hai?" He asked frowning.

"Bataya kyu nahi? Haan!!! Why.... why didn't you tell me before??" She was continuously hitting him which did nothing to him. He held her hands and pull her in his embrace. She sobbed in her brother's warm hug.

A girl feel protected when she is with any one of 3 most important men of her life. One is her father, her superhero. Second, her brother, her superhero part 2, her Frenemy. And lastly her soulmate.

Here she was in her brother's arms, the second most safest place after mother. Yeah, she wasn't with her father ever so her mother played both of their role. She sobbed her heart out. He was in tears too but did nothing just rocked her like a baby and planted numerous kisses. They weren't together for years but they do share some relation, a very pure relaion of brother and sister.

She always felt a brotherly warmth from him, a special connection and she never denied that. She even told him the same once and that day was very special for him as well as her.

Now it was enough of her crying. He ask her to stop crying and shedding the precious pearls. He wiped her face.

"One sec.... you know I am a...."

"Mermaid!!!" He completed just to get her shocked again.

"How??" She curiously asked. 'Cause as long as she remember she didn't do anything so he could doubt.

"I am a Merman too" he replied to give her another shocked.

"What??"

"Stop screaming girl" he was forced to close his ears.

"Really?" She asked out of shock and surprise

"You don't believe me?" She nodded no.

He closed his eyes and his legs got replaced by a sapphire blue tail.

"See"

He transformed back to his legs.

Anika: I am so confused. Please can you tell me clearly? How did you get to know about me being your sister? If you're a merman why mom didn't take you with us? And most importantly does anyone know that you're a merman? I so confused!!!!

Daksh: yeah. So listen. First of all, you're exact replica of Mom. Like really same you both are. We can say you are a carbon copy of mom. I was really young when she left but I do remember her face clearly and you too. How can I forget you two? So when I saw you lying on the office for the first time I was little surprised rather shocked. I wasn't able to believe that I saw mom. But how it can be possible!! No it can be. I met you to know more about you. I even don't know that you're a mermaid but you self - talk alot....

She grinned sheepishly and he shook her head.

Daksh: and you remember we talk with your Mom....

Anika (interrupting): our mom!!!

Daksh: yeah our mom. That's where I got conformed that you are my Nikki.

Anika: Nikki?

Daksh: yeah. Your nick name. I used to call you Nikki. Like it?

Anika: love it.

Both smiled.

Daksh: now... mom didn't take me with her and you 'cause I wasn't born Merman. At the age of 15 I got my tail and my powers.

Anika: really? Why?

Daksh: I have any ideal about that but yeah....

Anika: oh!!! So anyone don't know that you're a merman, hai na?

Daksh: yeah!! Koi nahi jaanta.

Anika: okay. Lekin you are a Raichand right? Then why are you working under someone you could have handled dad's business

Daksh: yeah I know but for some better experience I am working under Oberois. In few days I'll be taking over dad's business

She nodded registering everything in her mind.

"You don't hate mom right?" She asked out of nowhere but fear was clearly seen on her face.

Daskh: I used to. I used to hate her 'cause she left me taking my Nikki with her. But as I got my tail as well as my sense. I thought there must be some reasons.

Anika: there is.

Daksh: really? You know that?

She nodded yes and narrated everything she know.

Anika: that's what mom told.

Daksh: hmm.... now let's go. Everyone's worried for you. And we have to tell dad about you too

"No"

"Why?" He asked frowning

Anika: I want to know him more. I want to know does he still love mom or not. Will he accept her if she'll be back or not.

Daksh: even I want to know that. Ever since mom left we never had a talk about that.

Anika: so it'll be like the same as it was. We know what our relation is but we'll keep it a secret. We were friends and will always be.

Daksh: done deal

They smiled and went to Oberoi Mansion. Everyone were hell worried for her and Shivaay was at his extreme. He was angry on her how can she leave without informing anyone and cherry on top - she left her phone there, wow!!!! How irresponsible of her.

He came back to Oberoi Mansion and saw her and Daksh getting down his car. He forgot everything and just jumped on her. She was startled by the sudden hug. Daksh smiled and went in.

"Anika!!! Anika are you okay?? Where were you?? You know how much worried I was? And when the hell will you learn to keep your damn phone with you?? Agar phone use hi nahi karna toh rakh ti kyu ho? Sab kitna pareshan the.... main kitna dar gaya tha.... agar tumhein kuch......" he hugged her again tightly.

Anika was so overwhelmed. He care for her so much. She rubbed his back to calm him down. He did nothing but hugged her tighter and tighter.

"Shivaay lemme breath" she mumbled as his hold was so tight. He release the hug.

"Kahan thi tum?" He asked

Anika: Gauri ka gift lene

"What?"

"Yeah now let's go I wanna gift her"

She went in followed by him. As they entered she was bombarded with alot of inquiries by everyone except Daksh. But one soul was just staring at her.

"Ek minute!!!" She screamed shutting everyone's mouth.

Anika: batati hun sab batati hun bolne ka mauka toh dijiye....

She went to Gauri and took out a jewelry. It was Larimar cuff bracelet and tied it on her wrist. Larimar, a rare stone found only in seas.

Anika: yeh tumhara gift. Did you like it?

Gauri: I loved it. Bohat acha hai.

Soumya saw it and said "Di, is it Larimar?"

Anika: yeah.

All were surprised.

"Dikhao" asked Aarav. She showed it to him.

Aarav: yeah

Shivaay: it's the most rare stone. Tumhare pass itne paise kahan se aaye?

Why will I need money for this when I can easily collect from sea in a snap of my finger. Huh!!! Silly humans.

Daksh chuckled silently at that.

Anika: it's a gift. Gift ke piche ke emotions dekhe jaate hai prize nahi.

Gauri: but it's so beautiful. Thank you. So tum yeh lene gai thi?

Anika: excatly.

Shivaay: bata ke jaana chahiye tha na

Daadu: exactly. Hum sab pareshan ho gaye the kitne.

Anika: I am sorry.

Gauri: anyways. Dad!!! Meet her she's Anika. Shivaay Bhai's P.A. but our friend. And Anika he's my dad. Mr. Aarav Singh Raichand.

Both looked at each other. Aarav smiled and Anika too gave a small smile.

"Anika" she said and lead her hand for a hand shake. He held it and they shook it.

Anika: Nice to meet you..... Sir

Aarav: I guess uncle will sound better.

She looked at Daksh. He smiled and assured her that it will take some time.

Anika: o... okay.

She scratched her eyebrow with her right thumb. His expressions changed.

She does the same.

But his thoughts were put on end as daadi spoke.

Daadi: come on now get into the rooms it's really late. Mallika, Anika you guys are gonna stay her tonight

"But daadi....."

"No ifs and buts Anika. Just go" she wasn't allowed to continue.

"Okay" defeatedly she had to agree. All went in and the Raichands were asked to stay there too as next day was Sunday.

-----------

Next day

Everyone were enjoying with each other. Gauri refused to throw any party so they decided to have just family time. Aarav got to know Anika more and had a very deep feeling that she may be his daughter. 'Cause the way she talks, way she scratched her eyebrow very now and then like Celestina. The way she smile and the way she looks every single thing is same as her.

He also got to know that same like him she too can not keep her hands still. Either she'll play with some or the other thing or with her clothes. Her nose and eyes are like him. Another common thing between them was they kept biting or chewing their lower lips.

Daksh and Anika would always stay together making Shivaay jealous. Daksh clearly noticed it.

Anika too felt really attracted to Aarav. She never felt as if she wasn't with him all her life. But still she wants to know more about him.

Everyone were talking sitting in the hall. When Rudra spoke.

Rudra: guys chalo na let's go for a vacation.

Gauri: good idea Rudy lekin dad kal hi aaye hai.

Aarav: haan toh kya ho gaya? Jao tum log.

Soumya: sorry dad lekin hum aapko chod kar kahin nahi jayenge aur naahi aapko jane denge.

Aarav: arey par.....

Gauri: not par war dad hum nahi ja rahe that's it. Rudy aap log jaiye. We can't make it.

Aarav: listen doll that's not needed.

Gauri: I am not gonna listen anything.

Gauri and Soumya was being stubborn and their father was convincing them to go and enjoy. While Anika was having tears in her eyes seeing that. Her eyes craved for that love which she never got in her life. Indeed her mother loved her to the moon and back but no one can take place of a father love. A father is a father and mother is a mother.

She was admiring them but somewhere in the corner of her heart she was jealous of them, who are technically her step sisters. Daksh saw longing for father's love in her eyes. Her eyes brimmed but with tear lines but her lips were curved up in asmile. A tear fell from her eyes but Daksh wiped it before it turned into pearl. She looked at him and wiped her other tears.

He squeezed his hand assured her that everything will be alright. She nodded taking a deep breath. He kissed her forehead with brotherly love but someone saw that and he clutched his fist.

Others were busy watching the banter between father daughters trio. Shivaay was about to say something as he saw Daksh kissing her but stop thinking what will he say.

"Ah.... excuse me guys" the trio stopped their argument when Anika interrupted.

They looked at her.

Anika: why don't you also go with them da.... I mean un... uncle

She clutched her hand, she was about to address him Dad but she managed.

Gauri: haan agar dad aayenge toh main bhi aaungi

Soumya: main bhi

Aarav: arey but what will I do with you kids?

Rudra: oh come on uncle you're still young okay. Stop acting like oldie

Aarav: but....

Gauri: please dad

Both made their notorious puppy face which he or Daksh can never deny.

Aarav (sighed): okay!!

"Yay!!!" All the youngesters except Mallika and Anika, squealed.

Mallika: okay guys so enjoy your trip.

Daksh: excuse me you're also coming.

Mallika: I wish I could but I have to go to India.

Anika: arey haan teri packing bhi baaki hai kab karegi?

Mallika: tu hai na

Anika: waah jaana tujhe hai aur packing main karun good good

She smiled sheepishly and Anika shook her head.

Shivaay: kitne dinon ke liye ja rahi ho?

Mallika: I don't know. Di ka bas chale toh woh mujhe wahin rok le. 2 mahine toh pakka

Priyanka: matlab do mahine ke liye Anika akeli rahegi?

Daksh: naah she's shifting with me

All looked at him as if he had grown horns while Shivaay was about to eat him raw.

Anika: yeh kab decide hua?

She asked as she too don't know about this decision her brother made.

Daksh: jab Mallika ne kaha ke she's leaving to India.

Gauri: good idea bhai. Hum sab saath rahenge.

Aarav felt happy hearing that but he doesn't know the reason.

Daksh: excatly. Tu kal hi humare ghar shift ho rahi hai that's it.

Anika: lekin.....

Soumya: kya lekin di? Maan jaiye na

Anika snapped her head at the word 'Di' her newly found youngest sister just addressed her as 'Di'

"Wha.... what did you just say?" Asked Anika

Soumya: kya? I said maan jaiye na

Anika: nahi uss se pehle

Soumya: oh di..... please maan jaiye na. Apni choti behan ki baat nahi manengi?

Anika smiled huge and nodded her head. All smiled.

Om: good so kahan jana hai?

Priyanka: London?

Rudra: pichli baar hi gaye the

Soumya: what about Spain?

Shivaay: good idea. I am in

Om: me too

Gauri: main bhi

Daksh: okay so done hum Spain ja rahe hai.

Rudra: Next week, off to Spain

All agreed.

**********

Happy Holi lovelies

Everyone were asking me when Anika will get to meet her father.... so here it is.
How was it?
I would love to hear your reviews.

Once again Happy Holi to everyone

Love Love❤❤

M. S.