Next morning,

Shivaay was staring Anika. He didn't sleep at all for the last night. A tiny part of him was afraid that she will leave him if he closes his eyes. He just want to make sure that she is with him, in his arms all safe and sound. She was having a heavy sleep and he found peace. He kept on caressing her hair and patting her back all the while. He is indeed very much thankful to her for giving him a chance to prove himself.

Seeing her he forgot all the pain which he had gone through the past three years. They had come through a long way crossing every hurdle together and not letting ego over power their relation. This journey was totally a emotional roller coaster ride for them. He had learned to understand others point of view and to be patient enough by giving time and space for her to open up. She brought out the best version of him. He was sure that come what may, he will never leave her.

S: I love you!

He kissed her forehead and pulled her more close if its even possible. Meanwhile she stirred in sleep due to sun rays and covered herself completely in comforter to protect her sleep. He giggled at her innocence and pulled it down again.

S: Good morning lady Khumbkaran..Wake up!

She groaned and opened her eyes to see him smiling widely. He rubbed his nose against hers and she giggled wrapping herself in his embrace.

A: Good morning!

S: Didn't get enough of me last night?

A: Phir se shuru kardi cheapdapan!

S: When did I even start haan?

Anika buried her face in his chest making him laugh at her antics.

S: You are proving that you didn't get enough of me! Mujhe chodne ka naam hi nahi le rahi hai!

A: Aisa nahi hai..its just that..I am feeling shy!

S: But you were wild last night! Bilkul jangli billi ki tarah!

A: Shut up billu ji! Meine aisa kuch nahi kiya hai! You are only lying!

S: Sach ko koi nahi badal sakta Mrs. SSO!

A: Acha abh bohot ho gayi baatein..Go and get ready. Aap ko office ke liye late ho rahi hai.

S: Office kyu?

A: Kyu matlab?

S: Aaj mein office ko ditch kar raha hoon!

A: But why?

S: Because I want to spend time with you and I am not going to office! And its final!

A: Tadibaaz!

S: Romantic tadibaaz hoon! Sirf tumhara!

He kissed her forehead cupping her face.

S: I love you so much Ani!

Anika hugged him tightly assuring herself that it is reality. She also wants to assure him but she isn't understanding whats stopping her. Shivaay understood it.

S: I know what is running in your mind..I will wait for you! Because I know for sure you love me!

A: Kaise pata aap ko?

S: Giving me a chance to me and this marriage, coming back to Mumbai with me, hiding behind pillar until I come back home from office, coming here with me, befriending me, taking a step for our relation to work..all these proves your love for me Anika! If you can do this much for us, can't I wait for you and your love?

Anika was astonished. He really understood her more than anyone. His eyes were proving love he has for her. She hugged him tightly burying her face in his chest and blushed.

S: Ani..Ek baat bolu?

A: Hmm..

S: If you hug me this tight, then..

A: Then?

S: I will loose my control again!

Anika pushed him and wrapped herself completely in comforter. He laughed seeing her antics.

A: Close your eyes!

S: Kyu?

A: Kyunki mujhe ready hone jaana hai!

S: Toh jao! I will not trouble you!

Anika rolled her eyes and about to get up when he pulled her again. She fell on him.

A: Kya kar rahe hai aap Shivaay..Chodiye na..mujhe jana hai!

S: Kuch pal aisi hi raho Anika! Mere saath yahi par! And let me adore my wife!

She blushed deeply as he inched his face towards her lips. She closed her eyes and he kissed her.

*****

Shivaay is preparing breakfast while Anika is sitting on the counter with a pout on her face.

A: Prepare it fast na! I am very very hungry!

S: You are saying it for the 5th time now! Just sit silently mad woman!

A: Same to you mad man! My stomach is screaming billu ji! Now get me some food else I will eat you!

Shivaay turned towards her in shock. He placed his hands on his chest as if protecting himself.

S: Itni cheapdi ban gayi tum Ani! It was only last night we did it and you are asking me again! Waise mein bata deta hoon ki mein bohot sharif insaan hoon!

A: Chi...mein woh wala eat ki baat nahi kar rahi hoon! Pata nahi aap ko kya hogaya hai aaj! You are in complete cheapda mode since morning!

He moved towards her and placed his hands on either sides trapping her. Bending his face close to her ear he whispered in his husky voice,

S: Trust me Ani, I can be in this mode forever with you!

He kissed her neck and moved towards refrigerator. Anika blushed deeply looking away. Suddenly she heard him shouting catch. She immediately turned and caught apple that he threw towards her.

S(winking): Have it! I don't mind if you want to eat me also!

He turned to take out a knife for her to cut the apple and turned towards her. She was already eating it. He made faces seeing her.

A: What?

S: Use knife to cut it and then eat it!

A: You and your OCD! I will eat like this only!

Shivaay rolled his eyes and focused on preparing breakfast as there was no use in talking to her. They had a hearty time having breakfast and playing with Leo in their lawn.

*****

It was around 4 in evening when Shivaay was working on his laptop and Anika is ironing their clothes humming a song. Both were stealing glances with each other. It felt home for Shivaay. Just then his phone rang and moved towards balcony to attend it. Later, he came back to room with frown on his face.

A: All okay?

S: Hmm..

A: Then why this sadu bagadbilla look?

S: I have to leave to London this night! Actually Rudra is supposed to go there but he had some work here which needs his presence..So I have to go!

A(sad smile): Ohh..How many days?

S: 3 days Ani!

A: Okay..I will arrange your bag!

Anika took out a suitcase and started to take out his suits. He rolled his eyes and took out another suitcase.

A: Yeh kisliye?

S: Did I said that I will go alone? Pack your bag also!

Anika got excited and hugged him tightly. He giggled at her antics and helped her with packing. She got a call from Sahil and moved outside to talk to him while Shivaay was arranging his files inside the draw. Suddenly his attention was drawn to a black file. His eyes got drenched looking at it.

Taking the file out, he read the contents of it. A lone tear escaped his eye. He heard foot steps sound and closed the file in a hurry and a photograph from the file fell down. Immediately taking it he placed it back in the file and kept the file inside the draw.

A: Shivaay..you know what Sahil was saying..He is jealous of me that I am travelling everywhere with you!

He turned to her and gave a small smile.

A: Aap theek hai?

S: I am fine Ani!

He immediately pecked her forehead and hugged her tightly. She rubbed his back gently and he calmed down.

A: If there is something, you can share with me!

S: I promise! Now hurry up..We have to leave in a hour!

A: Shivaay, what about Leo?

S: Maria aunty will take care of him! I already did all the arrangements.

A: Theek hai!

He kissed on top of her head while his gaze still fixed on the draw. Shivaay later on called George to check with his private flight while Anika is busy doing last minute packing. Soon it was time for them to leave. Anika moved towards Leo.

A: Be a good boy! I will miss you buddy!

She cuddled Leo in her arms and kissed on its head. Shivaay smiled and he too knelt near Anika and patted his head.

S: Chale Ani?

Anika nodded and both moved towards entrance where their car was already present.

A: Shivaay..I forgot my camera in our room! Mein abhi aayi!

S: Ani, we have cameras in our phones also!

A: Billu ji please na..Mein abhi aayi!

She ran inside while he sighed. She came down in a while placing camera inside her hand bag.

S: Happy now?

A: Yes!

S: Didn't forget anything right?

A: Aap ko lagta hai ki mein ghajni hoon?

S: I am sorry meri ma! Abh chale?

A: Yes billu ji..

They started their way towards airport where his jet was waiting. Boarding the plane, Shivaay held her hand tightly when plane started to take off.

S: I am always with you!

A: Jaanti hoon!

Later on they had their dinner and dozed off in a room inside.

*****

So sorry for being this late..Had some important works to finish..So sorry for the big delay!