Ishir's POV:

See that baby over there? On the staircase of some random building? That is me, a newborn baby, abandoned at birth by the orphanage.

Yes, life for me started on a cold wintery night on the orphanage staircase in Jalandhar, waiting for someone to open the door. Thankfully someone did else I would have frozen to death. Actually I almost froze to death - I was rushed to the hospital and was put in the emergency room - thank god the doctors rescued me and I returned from the hospital to the orphanage alive.

I was one of the few newborn babies in the orphanage so I was given quite a lot of attention till I was past the toddler stage - the sad unfortunate truth of life is that you lose all your attention once the toddler stage is over and done with.

So then once I turned 4, I was made to do chores like the rest of the kids in the orphanage as well as escaping the bullies and trying my best to get adopted.

People are very picky when it comes to adoption. Literally.

I never got adopted. It's not that I wasn't cute or well-behaved or anything like that. I had blue eyes for God's sake, unique coloured eyes - who wouldn't have wanted me? I was adorable. It's just that people have these ideas in their heads about the kind of child they want to adopt. They want babies, or they want kids who are perfectly healthy, or they want kids who are of a certain ethnicity or background. I didn't fit into those boxes, so I never got chosen.

As I grew older, the chances of adoption grew slimmer. By the time I was a teenager, I had given up hope of ever having a family of my own. But I refused to let that define me. I knew education was my ticket out of the cycle of poverty and despair.

It is important to note that I never had a primary school education. The orphanage didn't prioritise education for us older kids. But at 13, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I applied for a scholarship at a nearby school behind the orphanage warden's back.

It was a risk, but I was determined to change my fate. Miraculously, I was awarded the scholarship. From then on, I juggled school and chores at the orphanage, studying late into the night by the dim light of a candle.

Education became my lifeline, my beacon of hope in the darkness of my circumstances. I was determined to make something of myself, to prove to the world that I was more than just a forgotten orphan.

So I went to school, studied every single day, stayed up every night to get my homework and exam revisions done - unfortunately I was sacrificing my sleep because once I came back from school at 4pm, I had to catch up on all my chores. This was the deal me and the warden made for me to go to school.

But it's fine because I liked studying and as long as I could study, I was happy. I studied and studied and studied and before I knew it, I was the class topper, scoring 100% in all my boards. Soon I was 18 and applied to multiple universities' scholarships. I needed the scholarships because there was no chance in hell I could afford tuition plus accommodations fees.

Rejection after rejection, I finally achieved a scholarship for University of Mumbai to study business management. I bid adieu to the warden and the orphan childrens before setting on that train to Mumbai - the city of dreams.

Life in Mumbai was a stark contrast to the familiarity of the orphanage in Jalandhar. The bustling streets, the cacophony of sounds, and the relentless pace of the city overwhelmed me at first. But amidst the chaos, I found a sense of purpose.

I quickly made friends with my classmates at the University of Mumbai. They came from privileged backgrounds, their lives seemingly untouched by the struggles I faced. Yet, despite our differences, they welcomed me with open arms.

However, it wasn't long before I realised that I couldn't keep up with their lifestyle. While they went out for dinners and movies, I couldn't afford such luxuries. My scholarship covered tuition, but living expenses were a different story altogether.

Determined not to be left behind, I took on not one, but five jobs. I worked as a waiter at a local café during the day, tutored high school students in the evenings, and delivered newspapers before dawn. Weekends were spent doing odd jobs like gardening and cleaning houses.

It was exhausting, to say the least. There were days when I felt like giving up, when the weight of my responsibilities threatened to crush me. But I persevered, driven by the promise I made to myself to never let my circumstances dictate my future.

Despite the long hours and little sleep, I remained committed to my studies. I would stay up late into the night, poring over textbooks and lecture notes, determined to excel academically. Slowly but surely, my hard work began to pay off. I started to see glimpses of success in my grades, earning praise from professors and classmates alike. And with each passing day, I grew more confident in my abilities.

But it wasn't just about academic achievement. My experiences in Mumbai taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of hard work. They shaped me into the person I am today – someone who refuses to be defined by his past, someone who is determined to carve out his own destiny, no matter the obstacles in his way.

And as I reflect on my journey from the orphanage to the bustling streets of Mumbai, I realise that every struggle, every sacrifice, has been worth it. For it is through adversity that we discover our true strength, and it is through perseverance that we achieve our greatest victories.

Okay now a quick recap of what happened after I graduated at 21 with a degree in business management - got a flat with two of my friends Rithik and Akshay, passed my driving test and used Rithik's car for travel, worked the first year after university as a waiter at a Chinese restaurant, got a business internship, met some girl, ended up in a club for the first time, did this, did that, had a first kiss, blah, blah, blah, and now I am on this lovely hospital bed once again fighting for my life like I did as a newborn baby.

Ironic really if you ask me.

I am getting ahead of myself, let's skip to when I was still working as a waiter and we will stop focusing on me for one minute and you will be entertained by these people who are in the waiting room....

See this man...Shivay Singh Oberoi, he is important and you will learn about his importance in my life story. Anika Shivay Singh Oberoi, she is also important in my life story. Their two girls, Aashvi and Shanaya - also important. Very important, especially Aashvi. Their family friends Gauri and Omkara Singh Malhotra and their daughters Kanishka, Kiah and Kiara. Kanishka is also very important here as she is Aashvi's best friend. Literally. The two act more like lovers than best friends.

Okay I have said enough. Let's backtrack to a couple months ago and focus on the best friends first.

Ishir's POV ends

"I FAILED AGAIN!"

Aashvi complained in the car as Kanishka was driving.

Kanishka: how do you keep failing your driving test? Driving is so easy.

Aashvi: I don't know! I am such a great driver except when it comes to roundabouts. Those stupid roundabouts made me fail four times! FOUR!

Kanishka: and that is why you keep failing, because you are scared of roundabouts. They are one of the important parts of the test.

Aashvi: my mum is going to kill me when she finds out.

Kanishka: and your dad?

Aashvi: he doesn't care if I live or die, let alone pass my driving test.

Kanishka kept quiet for a moment, before speaking again: it's okay. Book another test and I am sure this time you'll pass.

Aashvi: mhm sure. How did you ever pass by the way? Who was teaching you? Last I checked, you never had a useless driving instructor and you passed the first time despite only learning for four months. 

Kanishka: my dad taught me the basics before he had to go abroad for work for a couple of months, mama can't drive so obviously she couldn't teach me, soooooo....you know my ex?

Aashvi: what ex? You've had one too many exes.

Kanishka rolled her eyes as she said: Karim.

Aashvi: ahhh the Jordanian guy! Didn't he cheat on you?

Kanishka: don't remind me. Anyway he taught me how to drive.

Aashvi: really?

Kanishka: mhm he did. But before all that mess, he actually helped me a lot with driving. He was patient, you know? He made me feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Aashvi raised an eyebrow, scepticism evident in her tone: that's surprising. I didn't think he had it in him to be patient about anything.

Kanishka chuckled dryly: believe me, I was surprised too. But when it came to driving, he was oddly focused. Maybe it was his way of trying to make up for other shortcomings.

Aashvi nodded, mulling over the idea: hmm, maybe there's something to learn from that. Maybe I should find myself a patient tutor too.

Kanishka shot her a teasing grin: or you could just practise more on those roundabouts until you conquer your fear.

Aashvi groaned, slumping back in her seat: ugh, don't remind me. Roundabouts are the bane of my existence.

Kanishka laughed, shaking her head: well, looks like we've found your Achilles' heel. But hey, at least you're acing everything else in life.

Aashvi smirked as she said: yeah, except for driving. But thanks for the pep talk, Kanishka. I'll book another test and this time, I'll make sure those roundabouts don't trip me up.

Kanishka smiled, a reassuring warmth in her gaze: that's the spirit. And remember, I'll be right here cheering you on, whether you pass or fail.

Aashvi: awww I guess you can be sweet if you want to be. Since you are being so sweet, do you think you can ask Karim if he can teach me how to drive?

Kanishka thought for a moment before speaking: I can but if he doesn't agree, don't be mad.

Aashvi: of course not. Thank you Kanishka!

Kanishka: you're welcome, lovely.

The two continued to drive till they reached Aashvi's house. They bid each other adieu as Aashvi got out of the car and went inside her house to see her mother Anika and little sister Shanaya talking in the living room.

Anika: hey Aashvi, how was your test?

Aashvi's shoulders slumped slightly as she entered the living room, her expression a mix of frustration and disappointment.

Aashvi: I failed again, mama.

Anika's brow furrowed in concern: oh, sweetie, I'm sorry to hear that. Are you okay?

Aashvi shrugged, mustering a weak smile: yeah, I'll survive. But I'm starting to think I'm just not cut out for driving.

Anika shook her head, her eyes filled with sympathy: don't say that, Aashvi. Everyone struggles with something at some point. It doesn't mean you're not capable. You just need a bit more practice, that's all.

Shanaya piped up from the couch and hugged her sister: yeah, Aashvi didi, don't give up. You'll get it eventually. And then you can drive us around everywhere!

Aashvi chuckled, her spirits lifting slightly at her sister's enthusiasm: thanks, Shanaya. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Anika reached out to pat Aashvi's hand reassuringly as she spoke: why don't you take a break from driving for a couple of weeks? Clear your head and come back to it with a fresh perspective. And in the meantime, if you need any help or support, you know we're here for you.

Aashvi nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her mother's understanding: thanks, mama. That means a lot.

As the evening wore on, Aashvi found solace in the warmth of her family's company, her worries about the driving test momentarily pushed aside.

Shanaya: when is papa coming home for dinner today?

She asked as the girls were setting up the table.

Anika took a deep breath as she said: he is working late again in the office.

Aashvi: what's new?

Anika: Aashvi.

Aashvi: what? It's true. Ever since I was born, he always works late in the office. He is literally never here and when he is, he is just working. He doesn't take a break. Even when Shanaya was born, he spent half the day holed up in the office.

Anika: don't be like that Aashvi, he's a busy man.

Aashvi: you need to stop making excuses for him.

Anika sighed softly, her expression a mix of weariness and resignation: I know it's not ideal, Aashvi. But your father's work is important. He's trying to provide for us, to give us the best life he can.

Aashvi's brows furrowed in frustration: but what's the point of providing for us if he's never around? I'd trade all the money in the world for just a little bit of his time.

Shanaya: what ever happened that he doesn't want to be home with us?

Anika said nothing, she kept quiet as she diverted her girls' attention with food.

...

The clock struck 10 pm, and the house was enveloped in a hushed stillness. Aashvi and Shanaya were fast asleep in their respective rooms, their soft breathing the only sound echoing through the quiet halls. Meanwhile, Anika sat alone in the dimly lit bedroom, her thoughts wandering to places she often tried to avoid.

The door creaked open, breaking the silence, and Shivay entered the room. His presence brought with it an air of tension, palpable even in the faint light cast by the bedside lamp. Anika glanced up, her expression guarded as she met his gaze.

Anika: you're late

she remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of hurt. Shivay sighed, running a hand through his hair tiredly.

Shivay: I know, Anika. I'm sorry. Work has been...

He trailed off, unable to find the words to explain the demands that kept him away from home for long hours.

Anika's eyes flickered with a mixture of hurt and frustration: it's always work, isn't it? You're always too busy for us.

Shivay winced, the weight of her words hitting him like a blow: Anika, please. You know I'm doing everything I can to provide for our family.

Anika looked away, her gaze fixed on the floor as she fought to keep her emotions in check: but what about us, Shivay? What about our relationship? It feels like we're drifting further and further apart with each passing day.

Shivay approached her slowly, his heart heavy with guilt: I know things haven't been easy between us lately. And I'm sorry for that. But I promise, I'm trying. I'm trying to be a better husband, a better father. I just... I don't know how to fix things.

Anika's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper: I miss us, Shivay. I miss the way things used to be, before... before everything fell apart.

Shivay's shoulders slumped with the weight of their shared grief. He no longer wanted to continue the conversation so he walked past her to go to the bathroom and she was left alone in the room once again.

Precap: Kanishka and Aashvi meet someone

Character sketch:

Ishir, age: 22: an orphan from Jalandhar with no knowledge of his birth family. He graduated with a business management degree but due to difficulty securing a job, he is working as a waiter currently. The sweetest soul alive.

Anika Shivay Singh Oberoi and Shivay Singh Oberoi: Anika is a software engineer and Shivay is a businessman CEO of the Oberoi Empire.

Aashvi Shivay Singh Oberoi, age: 20: Shivay and Anika's first child.

Shanaya Shivay Singh Oberoi, age: 14: Shivay and Anika's second and youngest child.

Pinky Singh Oberoi and Shakti Singh Oberoi: the grandparents - they are currently travelling abroad.

The family friends:

Gauri Omkara Singh Malhotra and Omkara Singh Malhotra: Gauri and Omkara are close friends to the Oberois. Gauri is a fashion design professor and Omkara is an owner of a hotel chain and an art gallery.

Kanishka Omkara Singh Malhotra, age: 20: Omkara and Gauri's first child, Aashvi's best friend.

Kiah Omkara Singh Malhotra, age: 16: Omkara and Gauri's second child.

Kiara Omkara Singh Malhotra, age: 8: Omkara and Gauri's third and youngest child.