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She kept patting  his shoulder and chest while he hopped on the bike . Adi was totally carried away by her gesture for he almost got emotional and held her hand .

Ad - it's ok na annika , as your friend banta hai celebration. Who else will do this for you if not me ! There's no need for appreciation yaar , vo bi so much .

There came a hard hit right on his chest when he completed.

Ad - ouch !

A- did cleaning as if you were born to serve our hospital right ? Arey, I've never seen you clean your room this perfectly before and pata nahi ye kaise...you were covered by dust and sand all over. That's why I was helping you and what did you say? Appreciate? Your chappal!

Adi nodded agreeing his defeat after when she spoke .

Ad - I had this doubt actually, ki suddenly how did she become so sweet . Fine then bye meri birthday baby !

She plugged out the key when he was about the accelerate.

Ad - annika ,you always do this ! just wait and see, one day I'm gonna skid and fall because of this .

A- fall ! Who cares ?

He didn't complain for this because her words were different from her simultaneous actions. She moved close to share a warm hug , letting his chin settle on her shoulder.

A- you have no idea of what kind of happiness you have given me today.

Ad - wah ! I thought I would be receiving some tight slaps for yesterday's fiasco but yahan tho jappi pe jappi mil rahi hai . Cool!

A- haina ? You kept me diverted completely but now I remember everything. Your drunken monkey stunt and all . I was not going to talk to you for that you know , monkey !

Annika gritted her teeth and he hit his own face for bringing this topic suddenly.

Ad - adi your enemy is nowhere outside yaar, just inside your mouth ! Acha before you start with your lectures , I'll make the announcement. I won't drink here after I promised mom already .

He spoke in hurry to rush the last few words .

A- really ?

Ad- promisly I promised !

Annika chuckled when he expressed pinching his throat .

A- dare you touch that thing again.

At the same time she received a message from shivaay and she swiped the screen desperately to open and read it. But her face fell disappointed the next second.

' pick up time ?'

A- is he irritating me wantedly!! There's a limit for this shivaay, I'm telling you .

Ad - annika I think you're missing your Prince way too much . I'm Adi , not shivaay.

Soon she signalled him to shut his mouth which he obeyed quietly . She thought for sometime and messaged him back to pick her at 2 .

A- Adi Adi , drop me at home .

Saying this she immediately sat behind him .

Ad - I thought you were going on a secial date with your Prince today, isn't he coming to take you ?

A- Mayflower apartments

Ad - ohh charu's home, I thought sss ouch !! Aah !

She pinched his stomach for he didn't even complete his words and started wincing like hell .

A- let me pour some acid in your mouth , is it not my home if I get married ?

Ad - aah aah no no it is ! It is ! The Annika Villa it is , whoa it sounds creepy haina like some horror movie's title?

He giggled when she stopped for a second.

A- what did you say ?

She pinched him once again and he screamed .

Ad- Ahh ! Mummy! Bas bas , sorry . I'll take you .

He raised the accelerator immediately.

A- papa .

She smiled when he opened the door but he didn't reciprocate the same much.

R- aao beta.

The next scene made her perplexed. A weak charu who was lying on the couch beside whom her mother remained seated , feeding her . On noticing annika there charu immediately clutched hold of her mother and stood up to leave the room . But annika held her hand immediately.

C- sss annika !

She loosened up soon on seeing the saline needle marks on charu's hand .

A- what happened to you? Maa ?

When charu didn't respond , she looked at Meena who seemed worried .

M - annika let her take rest , she has just returned from the hospital.

A- but , what happened?

R- she had high fever yesterday , last night hospital mei thi vo.

Annika didn't show any reaction at all , she just kept staring at charu all this time .

A- why , why didn't you te

C- why should I annika !

Charu who was on her way back to room halted right there and spoke interrupting annika .

C - if you had cared for me , you wouldn't have done that . Why should I tell you ?

R- charu be quite.

C- please papa,let me talk . How can she do that to me ,she has no rights ! Behen hai par , isn't it something very personal and sensitive considering me ? Mein ...I'm not able to take it till now papa, I'm hurting inside !

M- charu we can talk later , you aren't well . Aajao

Meena insisted to take her inside on seeing her getting emotional like that but charu didn't approve. She stood right there showing nothing but anger and pain in her eyes . Her tears remained stagnant forming a dense layer of water within her eyes .

C - she can't be right all the time maa , your daughter is not some super woman !

On remembering her problem all of a sudden ,she started crying . Both Raghav and Meena rushed to comfort her , while annika on the other side seemed equally sad. She just stood quietly, taking some deep breaths to not let her tears down .

A- charu , I didn't plan to hide anything from you. Mein ...mein aayi thi , to tell you but I couldn't. And sti..ll ...I didn't...I was going to tell you cha.charu .

Charu didn't look convinced. She jolted off from their hold and disappeared into the room within seconds .

Meena was very much devastated on watching her child's state .

M - She is right, you are wrong this time . See what have you done to her .

R- enough Meena !

A- papa please don't stop her , and don't hold yourself too . Just shout and yell at me , let's finish this today . I'm not able to take this anymore.

Her father's reactions changed when she announced this . Both his children were suffering and he didn't know what to do .

M - nothing is going to change by shouting at you annika . She , she was not even able to swallow the food pata hai , last night uski ...we were so scared ...

Annika's eyes went small as she heard all these from her mother. Meena's thrilled eyes reflected the scene of last night . And annika was able to feel everything exactly. She regretted her actions clearly. Occurrences which she feared would upset her family was already happening , this time annika couldn't find ways out of this though.

R- annika this is not the right time , tum

He stopped talking on seeing someone by the door . Reading his reactions, annika turned behind to be shocked immediately. Shivaay was here .

He had gone early to the hospital , and when the nurse informed about annika's even early move , he suspected. Ofcourse he guessed it right . On knowing exactly how charu would react now , he couldn't just sit and wait for her there . He came for her.

Meena wiped her face and moved forward to receive shivaay . But his sight seeked nothing but her , is she alright ? he was curious. Within no time he knew , she isn't. Something has happened . And annika on the whole didn't realize and remember for what exactly she must be reacting . Worried , shocked , guilty, she couldn't tolerate this mix of emotions which troubled her from within . She came by to visit them on her birthday  and be with them for sometime  , but nothing went as what she thought.

They might wish her atleast if they see her , another point from her atleast list . But .

R - shivaay , please come . Sit .

S- it's ok uncle actually, I have some important work . I just came to pick her , come annika .

There was no response when he insisted ,she stared at him blankly. Shivaay immediately picked her mobile in one hand and held her wrist with the other . He didn't await her reactions anymore and straightly walked out for annika's parents looked at each other worriedly.

Pushing her inside the car , he closed the door hard and moved to the other side . Her sniffs and mufflles kept troubling him . They were heard over the engine noise too , he kept honking again and again .

S- annika will you stop crying!

A- my eyes my tears .

S- then turn the other side , turn everywhere . I don't want to see it .

He stated clearly and she did the same . Keeping her arm on the window edge she supported her face on it and looked only outside.

S- once again you lied to me , decided for yourself and I...I don't ...I'm  clueless of what for you're crying now !

A- not now shivaay please .

She replied without looking at him and he was getting restless on feeling her torn voice .

S- that's exactly what I told you annika , not now . I asked you yo wait , but

A- shivaay I didn't go there to convince anyone or to prove myself right .

S- then !

Annika was in the verge out shouting but she controlled , held it to herself and crushed her fist tightly.

A- leave it....hospital, I left my bag there .

She was frustrated when he took the wrong turn .

A- shivaay I'm asking you to take me to the hospital .

This time she looked right at him and insisted for he just turned back to take a glance at something behind . She followed his sight to only notice her things and bag kept at the back seat .

None spoke after that .

E- are you ready, did you forget our theme park plan ?

Annika sat down on the couch , rubbing her fingers over her head .

A- eli... mood nahi hai .

E- annika , stop playing stupid pranks ok . I fought and struggled much to bring all our girls together, don't spoil my effort birthday babe . I won't spare you just because it's your day .

Annika let a deep sigh. Pressing the mobile to her shoulder for balance, she bent down to pick oreo who had been running across her legs all this time.

A- fine , fresh up karke aathi hoon .

She hung up and sat back ,closing her eyes . Oreo's continuous barks disturbed her .

A- kya ?

He barked once again and this time she heard some other noise too , from outside. Shivaay who came out from the restroom, asked about it .

S- annika what was it ?

A- pata nahi ,come .

Both hurried and left to the living room . They looked shocked on watching gauri's state . Seems like she is in labour pain , her screams and squeals surrounded the house. Annika rushed to her .

J- gauri relax haan , kuch nahi hoga .

G- maaa!! Om I.. I can't aaah!!

She crushed Om's hand and screamed like anything. Om was thrilled , he was expecting this but when it is happening for real all his drills didn't help . His tears were pouring already .

Om- don't worry gauri , mein hoon na . Chalthey hain haa, just few minutes.

He was going to lift gauri but annika stopped him in the middle . She noticed gauri's uneven breath and checked her pulse .

Om - annika !

A- Om I've called for the ambulance .

J- we don't have time for that , we'll take the car .

G- ahhh!!! Maaa

A screeching squeal was heard and her water broke the next second, annika's dress was fully wet by now as she was kneeling down before gauri . Everyone were scared and petrified seeing this .

A- gauri breathe , breathe gauri . Don't be scared, ham sab hai na . Breathe.

G - I can't bhabi...ahhh!

Om - bhabi we should be going.

A- let the ambulance come.

Om- what are you !

J - stop it annika .

S- Om hold yourself.

Om - ask annika to stay out of this shivaay .

A- Om listen to me please, Om

Inspite of her insistence, Om carried gauri and hurried .At the same time, the ambulance entered through the gates .

A- aagaya . Om come with me .

Om , annika and shivaay  traveled with gauri in the ambulance while the others followed them in car.

Hospital

G- Om !!

She kept tightening her hold on his hand for her nails started piercing his skin at one point . Om rubbed the sweat on her face and caressed her head continuously.

Om- mein tumhare saath hi hoon gauri , darna mat haan .

He kept muttering such things , and soon she was rushed into the labour ward .

Om- Dr , mein

' please wait outside '

Om - no but

' we'll take care '

A- Dr her pulse was down and respiration bi uneven tha , she was under supply all this time . Please make the arrangements for emergency C section too , don't wait for chances .

' yeah sure , thank you Dr ...?'

A- annika .

' thanks Dr.Annika , we'll do our best '

Only then Om realized the reason behind annika's actions . Infact everyone did .

Each minute seemed like a big span of eternity . Shivaay and Rudra tried atmost to support Om but he was too much scared and worried after seeing gauri in such a state . Whatever she was going through right now was natural , his mind knew it , but he couldn't just take it though.

The door went wide open exactly after 45 minutes. Oberoi clan remained frozen to the spot where each stood when they heard the baby's cry . With a wide grin on his face , the Doctor handed over the baby to Om who looked thrilled. His eyes turned small and soft immediately when he felt the child's smooth hands on his face . He was crying , smiling, everything all at once .

' congratulations Mr Oberoi ! It's a boy '

Om - gauri , how is she ?

' she's alright, unconscious for now . You can meet her after 2 hours '

Om - thank you Dr .

At once the family surrounded Om from all sides . Shivaay didn't know how to react , tears stayed within his orbs when he placed his index finger on that tiny pink foot . He looked at Om with the same reaction and jumped to hug him.

S- congrats Om !

The baby's cry made him revert back.

S- sorry sorry !!

Tej came close  and planted a light kiss on the baby's head who kept crying constantly.

A- wow! Baal tho deko iska , I'm sure he's going to give tough to the girls in his class when he grows up.

Annika smiled while caressing his hair .

Ru - exactly bhabi, I was going to say the same. Girls jealous honge isse

Everyone laughed and their reactions changed as soon as they saw him trying to hold annika's little finger. Well , annika herself felt surreal. This , this feeling was different . She was almost in tears by now when the mission was accomplished. He held her finger and she sniffed with happy tears . All were surprised.

As soon as she took him in her arms , she looked up at shivaay with wet emotional eyes . Shivaay passed her a serene smile at that moment , the scene grew out beautifully.

After some time ,

The baby was taken to complete some remaining test procedures. Elders were busy sharing the great news with their family and friends.

Annika was standing at the corner fetching some water when Om called her .

Om- annika .

A- hmm , haan Om ?

Om - I'm sorry annika , you had reasons but I shouted without understanding.

A- please Om , I would have behaved the same if I were on your shoes . Chod , just focus on your boy now . I'm sure he's gonna turn your art room to one toy shop , I've seen kids . Be ready haan ?

Om chuckled for this while she came forward and both shared a hug . Shivaay who was watching all this from distance had a proud smile on his face . He was proud of his wife . Well , that's what she is , if you understand her ,she's lovely . But people often don't do that in her case and just take advantage over her kindness easily .

P- annika , I'm going home to bring some things . Come with me , you might need a bath.

She spoke looking at her from top to down .

A- uhh , I...gauri I'll meet her once and then .

P - she's not awake yet, we'll come back soon .

S- yes annika , just go fresh up and come back .

Annika thought for sometime before agreeing.

A- fine .

It was nearly half past 5 in the evening when Gauri regained conscious.

She smiled closing her eyes as Om kissed her forehead .

Om - kaisi ho ab ?

G - hmm .

She nodded and kept running her finger on the baby's thin arm slowly.

G- what is he saying ?

Om - kahan ? sirf rona.

Gauri frowned at him immediately .

G- then ? You want my son to participate in India's got talent already ? When he is not even a day old !

Om - arey , it's you who asked .

Gauri chuckled at his puppy reactions and continued playing with her son .

Ru - and then he caught bhabi's hand tightly, I mean finger . You should have seen it bhabi, we were surprised !

G - really ?

Ru - haan! Team bana raha hai , that too so soon .He chose bhabi  but not me! I feel left out already. Look here baby , mein The Great Rudy! Even I'm in your team right ?

The others laughed on watching Rudra complaining to the baby who was long asleep .

G- vaise bhabi's words came true you know . Baby and she will be celebrating their birthdays together hereafter, haina baby ! By the way where is she baiya ? I haven't wished her yet .

Shivaay's lips deviated back from that  smile as soon as her words entered his ears .He remained quite for a few seconds . His face was devoid of any reaction.

S- aaj , aaj annika ki birthday hai?

G - haan .

Ru - wow ! Ye tho double celebration hogaya !!

Shivaay's mind was flooded with thoughts. He remembered her tear stricken face and crushed his eyes, regretting everything .

Om - what happened shivaay ?

He shook is head and stood up.

S - Rudy idhar .

Signalling him to come close , he told something and Rudy showed an immediate thumbs up .

Ru- but aap?

S- aatha hoon .

He left the place soon .

C - shi shivaay ?

Charu was bewildered on finding shivaay by the door .

S - I want to talk to you .

C - aao .

Pinky and annika returned back . They were ahead of entering the lift but a small boy came and blocked their way suddenly. She bent down and questioned him .Annika was soon confused when he passed her a Rose .She received it though .

A- who gave you this ?

' happy birthday!'

She smiled when he whispered this and ran away . Pinky who stood beside her reacted immediately .

P- birthday? Annika , why didn't you ...idhar aao pehle . Happy birthday !!

Pinky crushed her in a tight hug .

A- thanks aunty .

And when each and every person whom she came across started giving flowers, she was so surprised and happy . From little children to old patients awaiting their turn possessed a flower along with their token cards . That pretty smile didn't leave her face throughout. Different flowers from different people , she was curious now .

Raghav and Meena watched the other two  having an heated argument.

C - you mean I was rude ? Come on shivaay, you know what happened right ? She might be your wife but

S- wait charu, I have come here as your friend not as her husband. But just tell me one thing charu , if you were in her place would you have ran and announced this to her immediately. "Annika you have this problem" would you ?

Charu looked here and there for a few seconds.

C- baath vo nahi hai shivaay .

S- it is ! You would I would everyone would take time , annika's fault is she too much of it . Situation matters charu . I understand you , annika bahut badi galthi ki hai . You have to be angry but stop blaming her with words which she doesn't deserve.

She let a faint smile when he completed.

C - you love your wife too much I totally understand.

S- charu listen ! Adi's father wouldn't have agreed to anything if ...that's why she was scared that's why she took her name instead of your's. Your realize? For your sake damn it !

Charu shivered and wriggled out a bit when he screamed to insist this .

S- this is your problem. You never think about her , but she.. she's just the opposite . Everyone wants to surround and protect you because tum sensitive ho but you always turn out hurting them.

He then turned towards Raghav and chuckled weakly .

S- you remember uncle, you once told me how supportive and selfless your daughter is . And aap hi sab bool gaye they , haina ?

Raghav kept numb , and shivaay's next few words shook them.

S- it's her birthday today . She came to spend some time with you all , I don't know what happened but she kept crying throughout after that . And mein bi , I kept fighting with her without ...Gussa bahut aaraha hai kudpar, aap sab par!

He spoke gritting his teeth and all the three were shocked . How did they forget this ?

Charu eyes poured down within no time . She remembered how she had poked and pricked her with words .

C- I ...didn't hurt her deliberately shivaay , mein bi ...

She found it difficult to talk after that  as her cries brought hiccups along . And shivaay immediately pushed her head from behind such that she leans and hugs him . Charu held him tightly and cried out loudly .

S- I'm sorry , sorry . Meine kaha na , I didn't come here to support my wife rather I wanted to make my friend understand things . I guess I possess the rights for that ?

She looked up at him when he brought this question, and he wiped her tears away instantly.

S- enough of crying now . Just know this , you have all of us. And please take care haan?

She bit her lips hard and nodded quietly . He noticed the time and prepared to leave .

S- chaltha hoon uncle .

M- one second , we want to meet her .

Shivaay shook his head and smiled.

S- she's your daughter ,I don't think she'll feel good if she comes to know that I insisted on everything. Having me to understand her ...? Galat haina ?Please don't let her know I visited. Call by yourself later , she'll be happy.

He left saying this , not without glancing the three one by one .

Annika eyes bloomed with joy on finding the ward decorated beautifully. It didn't look like some maternity ward at all . She looked around in wonder and grinned heartily when everyone sang and wished  her .

Her gaze traveled all around to spot him but he was nowhere seen . Maybe gauri told everyone, her last stick of hope fell too .

G - made all sorts of plans with my boy and disappeared just like that ? Happy birthday bhabi!

They shared a light hug .

A- hai na mera boy ! See how obedient be is , made it just  on the right day . 

Annika replied passing a flying kiss towards the baby . She then got blessings from Tej and Shakthi .

Ru- I wonder where baiya went!

Om - call him .

Ru - arey I already tried so many times ,he didn't pick up .

Annika didn't react at all . She was angry . Even after telling him this morning, he didn't wish her . Atleast now , when others had planned a surprise he could have been a part of this but no . What made him so angry on her! she was clueless .

P - don't try continuously, maybe he's driving.

Ru - but cake melt ho jayega na .

P- ice cream thodi na hai .

Ru - hai ! That's why I'm telling. Ok , I'll go down and see haan if he has come.

A- Rudy

She stopped him and wore the birthday hat herself.

Ru - but baiya ?

A - let him come in his possible time.

She muttered bluntly .

Shivaay took the stairs and reached the third floor in hurry . Without stopping anywhere, he made his way straight towards the ward and opened the door .

With the baby in her arms , she bent down and blew the candles . Her side vision caught someone's presence already, she looked aside and found him there .

Covered with sweat , breathing through nose and mouth , there he stood watching nothing but  her alone.

The distance between them was long but they tried well to seek and capture each other's eyes .

Her eyes spoke a much of anger while his reflected the smile which ran on his lips .

Both remained captivated in each other's sight.

True love has a habit of coming back 💘

Precap

Will annika come to know everything ?

What would  be shivaay's gift?

How was it ?

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