8 months later

"Bhaiya, that flower has to be arranged there, not here. Do it fast, the timing is of today's evening", Annika said running fastly from one corner to another.

She entered the kitchen muttering things to herself and saw cooks and servants preparing the delicacies.

"Listen. Prepare the sweets first. Dadi wants everything homemade so first make sure it's done anyhow by evening", Annika informed one of them who nodded.

Shivaay, who was leaning to a wall smiled seeing this. He has been looking at his wife since past 30 minutes, who is running here and there to make sure everything is ready for evening's engagement ceremony.

Several things happened in past 8 months. Gauri and Omkara got ready for the wedding after realising their feelings for each other. Rudra and Bhavya were now unofficially a couple, though they want an year or two before getting married. Arnav and Khushi are pregnant and all set to welcome their first baby. Happiness has come over their home in these months.

Shivaay and Annika are having blissful marital life, with all the ups and downs a couple faces. They fight, there are times when they don't agree with each other but they talk over the thing and sorts out the problems. In these months, Shivaay has become more casual about his romantic side, now entire family knows how much he is smitten by his wife. Both are doing success in their professional lives and had learn to balance well between their personal and professional life.

It was Om and Gauri's engagement ceremony today, it was firstly scheduled one month ago but because of some crisis in their london branch, Shivaay had to go there and being his secretary, she had to accompany him. They have come back this morning.

"Shivaay", Om exclaimed seeing his brother after a month. Shivaay smile seeing him and both shared a hug.

"When did you come back?", he asked Shivaay.

"This morning, jet delayed because of weather else we would have come back last night. So? All set?", Shivaay asked.

"Yeah, I guess. I mean I am ready but slightly nervous", Om said.

"Remember what you told me at my engagement. You love her, she's going to be your finally. Just stay happy and live the moment", Shivaay patted his back making Om smile and nod.

"I will go and talk to Gauri, hasn't talked since morning", Om said.

"Yeah, I need to talk to your bhabhi who seems upset from me", Shivaay sighed.

"Definitely she is. She missed you badly these days. She was smiling for us but we noticed her gloomy face", Om informed.

"I know. I missed her too, if it won't have been emergency, I won't have left for London. She was also busy in their dental that I would have taken her along", Shivaay replied.

"Now what ever it is, handle Bhabhi", Om winked going from there. Shivaay nodded walking to the kitchen.

"Dare anyone go from here, mujhse bura koi nahi hoga", he heard Annika's voice as soon as he enter the kitchen. He always makes servants leave from the place if he comes in the kitchen while she's working.

Everyone looked at Shivaay who sighed and nodded. They nodded and continue to do their work. He tiptoe towards her.

"Baby", he said hugging her from behind. She frown chopping the tomatoes but didn't say a word.

"Love, I am sorry. I didn't wanted to trip to be so long, it was emergency else you know me", he said kissing her cheek from behind, she didn't responded. Well it, doesn't affect Annika much now, she's habitual to his public affection.

"Go and stay with your emergency", she said scowling and came out of his arms going out of the kitchen. 

"Annika yaar! Atleast listen to me na", he whine as she went towards their room.

He held her hand as soon ad she enter inside the room. She glared towards him and looked away. He sighed pulling her closer and wrapped arms around her.

"I missed you", he mumble hugging her from her waist. This melted her. She gave up pouting and hugged him. He caress her hair smiling.

"You're so bad, I hate you", she said snuggling to his chest hitting on his back.

"I love you too, baby", he said pecking her hair. She sigh as he nuzzle his nose to her nose.

"Gosh! How much I missed you!", he mumble against her skin kissing her nape. She kept her head on his shoulder and wipe a lone tear which came out of her eyes but he parted giving him a look of her face.

"You're crying? I am so sorry baby. I know you missed me, I also missed you", he said rubbing his thumb under her eyes.

"They're happy tears of finally seeing you", she said sniffing making him chuckle. He took her in a side hug kissing her hair.

"What all you did in past entire month?", he asked as they sat down at the edge of bed.

"As if you don't know, we talked everyday", she said looking at their entwined fingers.

"Yeah, but I missed the way you talk showing all the actions", he grin pecking her fingers making her chuckle.

"We'll talk tonight then. I need to go now for preparations", she said. He held her hand closer and shook his head.

"No! I want to spend some time with you", he pouted slightly bringing smile on her face.

She lean closer and peck on his cheek. He smile closing his eyes and kissed her palm.

"I will go now so that I can get done with preparations soon and spend time with you. It's Gauri and Om's engagement in evening", she said softly making him sigh.

"Fine. Tonight anyways I won't leave you", he said and peck her lips making her cheeks turn pink.

"It's been almost an year to our wedding, still you blushes the same way you used to in initial months of our marriage", he chuckled.

"And I will be the same even after 20 years", she said smiling.

"Pleasure is mine, I love these red cherries", he said pecking her cheeks. She smile shyly looking down.

"Anu beta...", they heard faint voice of Pinki. He scowl making chuckle and she went from there pecking his cheek.

He decided to freshen up and also give his helping hands in the preparation else his wife is all set to tire herself badly.

•~•

It was evening and Oberoi mansion was ready to witness the engagement ceremony. Entire mansion was looking beautiful, decorated with lights and flowers.

Shivaay was helping Om getting ready along with Rudra who was again being more excited on getting another bhabhi.

"I will go and check if everyone is ready or not, specially Annika! She was busy till last minute", he said after fixing broach on Om's jacket. He was wearing a navy blue kurta with white nehru jacket and blue churidar.

Om nodded and Shivaay went from there back to their room. As he open the door of closet, he heard Annika talking to someone over call.

"Shift the appointments to some one else, I don't know. I told you already Aisha, I can't come at any cost, they should understand. It's important function of my family. Yes, thank you", she said and keep her phone away frustrated.

"Ouch", she hissed as the needle of earring pricked her. He rushed immediately towards her and caressed her ear taking the earring in his hand.

"Baby what happen? Calm down. Why are you so frustrated?", he asked rubbing her shoulder.

"Idk. I am just feeling to cry", she said leaning to him and burying her face to his embrace.

"Maybe you're tired. Just some more time, love. You can sleep after that", he kissed her hair.

"Yeah, I guess. I am feeling tired and exhausted", she said parting from him.

"I understand. You're busy since morning, didn't even ate properly", he said to which she nodded. He kissed her forehead.

"Come I help you to get ready", he said making her sit in front of mirror. She smile softly and nodded.

She was wearing a ink blue lehenga with flowers made out of colourful threads and embroidery with a netted dupatta.

He made her wear the earrings, a thin pendant with heart. He crouch down on his knees and made her wear the payals he gifted her. She always wear them now.

"Go get ready, I will manage other things", she said softly.

"Nah! Today I will make you ready, completely. Anyways I just need to set my hair", he got up and kissed her forehead.

"I don't want to look like ghost", she teased.

"Oh hello! I will make you look like a princess, scratch that, like my queen", he said proudly.

"Yeah yeah, let's see", she said shrugging. He narrowed his eyes.

He combed her hair properly and tied it in a tight bun. She chuckle internally seeing him sticking out his tongue lightly while tying her hair. He then tied a gajra around her bun. She smiled as he kissed in between of her hair.

He came in front of her and sat down on the table. She looked at him confused.

"Make-up too?", she asked shocked. He winked and nodded. She took a deep breath and hummed. She was surprised the way he was effortlessly doing her make-up. It was mild make-up He did her smokey eyes along with kohl and eyeliner. Then he highlighted the cheekbones and brushed blusher on her cheeks.

"Waise toh you don't know this, I am enough for that", he said and the natural blush formed on her cheeks.

"Point proven", he giggle and pecked her lips. She glared at him playfully. After he completed, he moved aside and she was impressed by his work.

"Wow babe", she said smiling. He grin and raised his collars.

"See, I told you!", Shivaay said. He coated his lips with blood red lipstick. He filled her partition with sindoor and kissed just above that.

"My queen", he whispered. She smile and got up looking at herself in the mirror. She was looking extra beautiful today, as her husband made her ready with love.

"You look heavenly baby", he took her in a back hug and kissed her cheek. She smile widely looking at him through mirror and took her phone. Both smiled at camera and she took a selfie.

"Now you get ready. We'll leave together", she said turning in his arms. He nodded but then held her hands. She gave a questioning look to him.

"One thing is left, wait", he said and open the drawer at their right. Her breath hitched as he almost pinned her to the dresser. He looked at her to see her lips parted as they always get when he is near her. He smirked and kissed her cheek making her sigh closing her eyes.

"Baby..open your eyes", he whisper in her ear and she hummed. He chuckle and kissed her cheek again making her open her eyes.

"Da..dadi, bad..badi ma ya ma ko meri jarurat hogi. I will go and check", she said rushing towards door when he pulled her back bumping to his chest.

"Just wait", he muttered looking at her. She looked in his eyes drowning to them. He smiled sliding the bangles in her wrist making her look at her hand.

"Shivaay..", she smile widely seeing the blue glass bangles sliding on her wrists. He smiled making her wear them.

"They'll suit you", he said pecking her wrist near the bangle. She looked down smiling and nodded.

"You get ready, I will go out", she said removing the invisible creases on his outfit's fabric. He was wearing blue ink bandhgala sherwani-kurta having golden buttons with red pocket square pairing with white pants.

"Okay but don't stress yourself now. Everything is perfect", he said caressing her cheeks. She nodded.

"Jaldi aaiyega", she said cutely making him sigh.

"Go before I kiss you hard baby", he said caressing her cheek with a dramatic voice. She slapped his chest and went out wearing her heels.

•~•

Gauri and her family came by the scheduled time for the ceremony. It was an intimate event which they wanted to keep away from media for the time. Only family and few close relatives were present there.

Gauri and Om were sitting on the beautiful sea blue colour couch decorated with flowers, to exchange their rings. Annika brought ring for Om while Bhavya stood other side, holding ring for Gauri.

Everyone clapped as both exchanged the rings. Flowers showered on them as the begining of their new and beautiful relationship. Gauri smile widely looking beautiful in a navy blue lehenga with gold embroidery over it, as per the dress code of the event.

As elders were congratulating the new couple, Annika's eyes went on her engagement ring. She smile at the memory. Those tingling feelings, jitters, excitement and nervousness on the day, she could remember everything. She looked at her opposite and a smile broke on her face as she saw Shivaay looking at his ring. As a cue, he looked at her and both smiled looking at each other. He kissed over his ring making her smile widen.

"Congratulations Om and Gauri", Annika said hugging both of them who hugged her back with smiles.

"Thank you bhabhi, just bless us to be like you and Shivaay bhaiya", Gauri said.

"You'll be better than us, lots of happiness to you too", Shivaay said patting her cheek.

"Even if we'll be as half as you and bhabhi na, we'll be happy together", Om said.

"Hey Om! No need to flatter now. You both are amazing already", Annika said hugging her devar. He smiled hugging her back.

"Let's have a selfie", Rudra said coming there.

"Where's Bhavya?", Annika asked and she came there rushing.

"Sorry, a call came from hospital", she said.

"This place! Can't let us stay in peace even today", Annika muttered making her chuckle.

"Okay okay, now let's have one", Rudra said bringing Bhavya next to him, Om and Gauri were in middle amd Shivaay and Annika on other side with her being in his arms, as always. All smiled at the camera.

"This I am going to post on social media", Rudra said excitedly.

"Tag me also, I will repost it", Annika said who agreed.

"I will go and check the catering then, it's almost dinner time", Annika said.

"Bhabhi I will help you", Bhavya said and the ladies went from there.

Bhavya and Annika were looking at the dishes when Annika scrunched her nose in distaste.

"What happened bhabhi?", Bhavya asked.

"Smell of so much oil and spices", she said making Bhavya confused.

"But you love it bhabhi, don't you?", she asked.

"I do. Of course I do. I don't know what's happening today", Annika said to which Bhavya nodded.

"It's fine bhabhi. You can check at the desserts", Bhavya said making Annika agree over it and she went to other section.

•~•

"Bhabhi, if you need something. Tell me okay", Annika said coming to Khushi who was 5 months pregnant.

"Annika, stuff her plate properly. She should eat properly then only our little one will come out healthy", Pinki said coming from behind and caressed Khushi's hair. She smiles.

"Aunty. I am already eating more than I should", Khushi said.

"That's because you're eating for two beta", Pinki said.

"Exactly bhabhi! And you yourself is a gynecologist", Annika said.

"Fine meri ma! I am eating good", Khushi said making the ladies chuckle.

"Anu, you had your dinner?", Pinki asked.

"No ma, just checking at the guest and then I will eat", Annika said.

"Annika you're still roaming around. Have your food beta, we're hear to look. Pinki ji say something to her", Annika's mother came there making Annika sigh. Khushi chuckle seeing her stuck between two mothers.

"Ma, mumma, I will eat later. I promise, you think I can stay empty stomach having your son as my husband?", Annika said.

"He does good with you. You always neglect your food when you're working", Malini said.

She was going to say something when she heard her father calling her mother and she went from there excusing, making Annika sigh in relief. Pinki shook her head.

"I will eat in 10 minutes, Ma. Promise", Annika said making Pinki agree.

•~•

"Dadi, why did you call us now?", Rudra asked irritated being sleepy. 

"Tujhe toh bulaya bhi nahi tha. I called married couples and Om", dadi said frowning.

"Uh..umm, I will also get married na, one day. Hawh! Dadi you're ignoring me calling everyone", Rudra said dramatically.

The function was over and after bidding by to families and guests, everyone were ready to take some rest and sleep when dadi asked everyone to be present at hall.

"Then don't complain", she said back making him pout.

"Dadi what is the matter?", Annika asked softly.

"Puttar! Tomorrow is karwachauth, where married or soon-to-be married couples of this family keeps fast", dadi said with a smile.

"Dadi, couple? Only we, women will keep right?", Annika asked confused.

"No Annika beta, our father that is, your grandfather started a tradition in our family. Even husbands should keep the fast. If wives stay hungry and thirsty entire day for their husband's long life, even we husbands should for our wives", Shakti informed bringing a small smile on Annika's face.

"That's so unique", Annika said.

"Haan. Tomorrow, all the married couples and Om-Gauri will keep fast for each other. Annika, tomorrow is your first karwachauth. I want it to be beautiful and memorable to you", dadi said holding Annika's hands.

"Dadi, even I want to same. I am so excited to celebrate my first fast", she said smiling widely.

"Tomorrow, all of you wake up by 4 in morning to have your sargi. After that, you all can sleep again if you want", Dadi said. Everyone agreed.

After spending sometime with family, everyone went back to their respective rooms.

Annika came out changing in her clothes to see Shivaay already on the bed, doing something on his phone. She got inside the bed and sat down next to him. He smiled at her and held her hand bringing it to his lips, kissing her palm.

"Shivaay..", she said keeping head on his shoulder.

"Haan baby", he said keeping head above hers and kissed her hair.

"I was thinking something", she said playing with buttons of his kurta.

"About what, love?", he asked caressing her shoulder, wrapping arm around her.

"Baby..", she said making him look at her in snap. He blinked at her who smiled softly.

"I heard baby", he said.

"I said same. I am thinking about baby", she said.

"Who's?", he asked making her face palm. She looked at him with a frown.

"Ours, Shivaay. I am thinking about our baby. I want a baby now", she said looking at him.

"Are you sure Annika? I mean it's just 10 months to our marriage", Shivaay said.

"Shivaay I am sure, I always wanted to have kids in my 20s itself. Don't you want kids?", she asked worried.

"Hey, it's not like I don't want kids. I would love to have one, I love kids. I thought you would want to have kids after sometime", he said caressing her shoulder.

"I want one, Shivaay. Just imagine, baby of our own. His tiny body, small fingers, feet. He'll call you papa and me, mumma", she said wrapping arm around his waist.

"Our baby will be beautiful", he said caressing her hair. She nodded snuggling in him.

"You're ready na?", she asked again. He hummed keeping her head on his chest and kissed her hair.

"You know, even I was thinking about baby. I mean, when I was coming back in flight there's a couple other side. They had a baby girl in their arms and playing with her. I was imagining us", he said against her hair.

"May your wish come true, soon", she said with a smile.

"For that we need to work hard, love", he said huskily in her ear making her blush and hide in him.

He chuckled rubbing nose over her cheek and pecked it. She looked at him who leaned in an softly places a kiss over her lips.

He made her lay down and kissed her forehead. She smile lowering her eyes. He kissed her cheeks, peck her nose making her giggle softly. He smiled kissing over her lips stretching her lips in a wide smile.

"I love you gorgeous", he said making her look up in his eyes. He could see love filled in there with shine.

"I love you too", she said pecking her lips. 

"I think we should get into some action then! I missed you a lot", he buried his face in her neck and kissed her nape sucking it making her giggle and wrap arms around him.

He slide her dress down from her body and both basked in the embrace of each other's love.

•~•

Hey guys! Thanks for your votes and comments on the previous chapter. Keep reading, voting and commenting your views. They means a lot to me♥️

Hope you like the chapter. Do tell me how it was😁

P.S: I will ending the book soon. This book is close to my heart but I don't want to extend it spoiling the beauty of the story. Main theme of the story was their arranged marriage and their happy life after it. Though, if you want to see something specifically, do tell me about it. I will try to add it.

I will be starting my new book about which I told in my announcement box after I will be finishing this book.

Precap: karwachauth celebrations

Love,
K♥️