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The next day

A - anusha problems don't happen , someone creates it. But if you start blaming each other for it, then there is no end . Just think once, problem important ya your relationship for which you had  fought with your own family?

' but I didn't choose this divorce, he did'

A - I know, talk to him. Just because he blamed you , you can't be angry and stay quite. That's more worst actually. Even if you didn't do anything, things will automatically turn on to you just because of your silence. Don't do that, and tomorrow I've got a session with your husband , I'll take care of everything. Don't loose hope, ok?

'Fine, thank you mam '

A - yeah.

Annika sighed deeply and emptied half a bottle of water after when anusha left the room. She picked her mobile to order lunch when it suddenly flashed with Adi's call .

A - bol meri jiju.

Ad- annika where are you? I don't see you at the hospital.

A- I haven't cloned  myself  yet so how can I be  present at two places simultaneously?

Ad - kahan ho?

A - family court.

Ad - ok, I'll be there in 15 minutes, I'll take you for lunch ok?

A - what's with this sudden sweetness monkey? Want something ? Oh I got it, want my help in getting an engagement gift for charu right!

Ad - oh my dear saali, not anymore haan . Now I can independently or I can even take charu along to buy gifts for her.

A - then, why do

Ad -I don't have energy to speak and match your pace ,I'm dying in hunger already. I'll tell you everything when we meet ok. Just text me the restaurant name.

A - chal fine, don't worry monkey I'll keep  some big bananas ready for you. Happy?!

Ad - your face!

Annika giggled on hearing an instant long beap . She then grabbed her bag and left after locking the door.

P - shivaay , kaa beta .

She took a morsel near his mouth but he just turned away and put his whole concentration on typing something .

S - mom just this, 5 minutes please .

P - you've been repeating this since an hour , nahi chalega . Atleast open your mouth . Are you typing with your lips  ? come on shivaay !

S - maa please mom just 5 minutes , really !

He turned away once again for she sighed huge on being fed up . Suddenly they heard   a knock on the door , it was Tej .

S - please come in badepapa .

Shivaay stood up and walked upto him .

T - I didn't get to see you yesterday

S - maybe you returned very late last night .

T - hmm , so ...how are things going on with your business ?

S - good papa , infact I've just signed a government projects recently.  And I actually sent some plans to you for consultation.  Go through them if you have time .

Tej smiled on witnessing shivaay's excitement. He felt guilty for taunting this kid all these days .

T - I'm sorry shivaay .

S - badepapa aap

T - nahi shivaay,  let me talk .  I'm really sorry shivaay . I had  blamed you unnecessarily many times . Please tell annika that I'm so sorry for doing it to her husband .

Shivaay just shook his head  without saying anything while pinky observed everything silently.

T -  I went through those plans . They look promising.  Good luck beta!

Shivaay couldn't control his joy when Tej spoke those encouraging words and patted his shoulders twice . That's how his badepapa would react , no exaggeration at all . And shivaay felt extremely happy for earning those little words from him . He turned back and crushed pinky in a tight hug after when Tej left the room.

S - mom I can't believe this , is this badepapa ?!!

P - I already told you right ? He has changed .

S - oh my god , why do I feel so happy suddenly !

P - boys of your age feel happy when their girlfriend accepts their proposal and look at you standing and grinning like a clown for your badepapa's approval . Atleast take some food in this joy , will you ?

Making use of the opportunity she immediately inserted some food into his mouth and he didn't oppose this time.

It was already half an hour since she had come but still Adi was seen nowhere around. She once again emptied the next glass of water to keep her growling stomach calm. That's when Adi came and patted her shoulder from behind but hid on the other side when she looked back. She was pissed off.

A - I'll kill you monkey, just come out now!

He immediately presented himself infront of her sight and fell prey to her fuming eyes.

Ad - traffic tha yaar, I'm sorry.

A - I said something? Now shut your mouth and go to the kitchen , bring my food. I already ordered but I don't know where he went. I need food now.

She declared hitting her hand on the table which made a loud noise  .

Ad - you ordered already, without me?

She glared on watching him whine like that.

A - I already informed you right ? Couldn't get fruits here but I think I ordered some banana pie for you.

Ad - what ! Annika I really want to eat some spicy food now.

Annika rolled her eyes and looked away when he complained like a kid.

A- punishment for coming late.

Ad - par, fine let me go and change the order.

He was about to get up when the waiter came and placed the tray on their table which contained two plates of fried rice. Adi  was confused.

Ad - excuse me I think you misplaced it. Check the table number once,  we ordered banana pie actually.

' I'm sorry sir, we don't make pies here'

Ad - but

He stopped right there after witnessing that mischievous smile on annika's face who then started eating the rice casually.

Ad - I'm sorry you can go.

' no problem sir '

She pressed her lips together and squeezed some sauce over his food .

A- chilli fried rice, with some chilli sauce. If you still need more spice, go and eat some chilli powder directly in the kitchen .

Ad - I totally forgot the reason for what I called  inbetween your stupid prank.

He complained once again before collecting the spoon in his fingers for she shrugged her shoulders and concentrated on her plate.

Ad - haan mom and dad wants to invite  your in laws for the function. So when, I mean will everyone be at home during evening? afternoon?

She stopped eating and kept shaking her head in negation.

A - no Adi it's ok, just yesterday papa came and invited aunty. That's enough.

Ad - I want to  specially invite my friend's family on my behalf!

A - no need of these formalities Adi.

The fear in her face was clearly visible to him, he frowned.

Ad - there's something going on right? Something I'm not aware of.

She immediately blinked out and looked here and there when he caught her.

A - what are you saying? It's nothing.

Ad - I don't think so. Did something happen in your house ?

Annika just stayed quiet  which made him even more curious.

Ad - annika I'm asking you something !

A - no nothing like that .

Ad - I'm sure there's something you're hiding from me.

A - promise me you would stay calm.

He stared at her dubiously and just muttered a word in return .

Ad - promise .

A - it's not about  my in laws , it's your dad . I , I'm afraid to face him.

Adi looked extremely confused when she confessed seriously.

Ad - afraid ? why !

He emphasised the words and she gulped in for a second.

A - I met him before at the hospital when I went to take consultation regarding charu's sake .

Adi was shocked .

A - no no he doesn't know , I mean he knows but he thinks that I've got the medical condition. He doesn't know anything about charu .  He asked me about it and I just maintained it that way .

Ad - that way means like you portrayed like you're the one ?

A - I had no choice Adi .

Adi shook his head and stood up suddenly .

A - Adi

Ad - no , this isn't good . I'm going to tell everything to papa .

Annika felt thrilled . At once she grabbed his wrist and made him sit.

A - Adi don't do anything stupid .

Ad - stupid mein nahi tum ho !  Annika we aren't going to hide this thing forever,  I just wanted to keep things normal atleast till my wedding but not at the cost of you.

A - Adi , that's what I'm saying too . Let this wedding happen then

Ad - no! Annika I'm very much concerned about involving you in my problems anymore , you've gone through enough already .

A - she's my sister Adi , I can't blindly close my eyes when she needs me . You clearly mentioned that your father wouldn't agree for the marriage if he comes to know the truth , then how do you expect me to ...come on Adi !  It was totally unexpected .

Ad - it's my fault,  I shouldn't have told you anything.  It's ok , I'll set things to right. 

He declared getting up and left at once before even she could react . Immediately she kept some money on the table and ran behind him .

A- Adi adi ruk please !

He kick started his bike but soon she  pulled out the key from it . He looked frustrated much .

Ad - annika

A - please Adi don't tell anything to your father . Atleast for now , nothing will happen . We'll just maintain it until the wedding atleast .

Ad - I don't want to keep you at stake  for anything ,  I  can't have you troubled even if it's for sometime . Mein selfish nahi ho sakthi

Saying this he grabbed the keys from her and started the engine once again , she surrendered.

A - teek hai fine , we'll tell eveyone . But atleast charu should know it first right ?

His reactions changed instantly when he heard charu's name .

Ad - I can't,  I don't have the courage to...mein

Annika patted his shoulder when he kept shaking his head continuously.

A - I'll tell her .

Ad - annika

A - I'll talk to her today and then we...we'll tell our parents .

Adi seemed devastated  . He couldn't even imagine what would be charu's state if she comes to know that truth .

A - drop me at home then.

Before she could hop on the bike , he just accelerated and left her behind .

A - adi  !

He was angry and worried , he couldn't concentrate on anything.  She understood his pain .

C - yes didi , the blouse seems a little loose here  ,hmm in hand  . Correct it and maa asked to do some stitching in all the corners of  this blouse .

Her sight gradually fell on the road while she was explaining the details and soon she found annika in that street .

C- annika !

Grasping the voice , annika turned  by the shop and noticed charu .

A - you're here , I was going to meet you actually.

C - me ? Why , I mean  we just met yesterday. Any problem ?

A - no , finish your work first . Hi Trisha di you said you'll design an amazing lehenga for me once you start this boutique right ? But you forgot me !

' arey nahi annika , everything happened so suddnely. Even I didn't no I was going to start this because I didn't expect the loan to get sanctioned so soon . Don't worry,  on charuka's wedding you would shine in my creation . Deal ?'

A - perfect!

C - Trisha di, please show some light on my dress also . I need the alteration done soon .

Trisha smiled and nodded on hearing charu's comment.

' sure sure '

Annika sat on a stool and waited until charu gave her measurements.

' ok Charuka, collect it tomorrow sharp at 10 o clock, ok?'

C- thanks didi , bye!

Suddenly she felt something  on her knees  and looked down to find Trisha's kid who just bumped with her .

C - oh I'm so sorry baby ,

Carrying the kid in her arms , she juggled her for a while .

C - where were you lekha? It's been so many days since I've seen you here.

The baby just kept licking the candy in her hand and pulled charu's clutch with the other .

' lekha don't  , she was in her granny's house actually '

C - ohh , I think I've got something for you. 

Annika stared confusedly when charu grabbed her handbag and searched for
something in it .

A - what do you want ?

C - Tada ....! !

Lekha grinned showing her four front milk teeth when charu gave her a big  chocolate .

' all my earnings are getting emptied at the dentists table already , aur tum phir bi ! '

C - chodiye didi , nothing will happen. None can be more confident in this than me , I've seen  people.

Passing this comment, charu turned and smiled at annika who in turn just chuckled on getting what she meant .

' lekha say thank you '

' thalkoo '

C - sweet !

Charu handed over lekha to her mother after pressing a deep kiss on her cheeks .

A - bye didi .

C - remember how small she was when Trisha di had shifted to our area , and look at her now !

Charu started the conversation while both were headed home .

A - hmm ... I didn't know you were so fond of , kids.

C - who doesn't like babies haan? Ofcourse I love them . You know , I've planned to have atleast three kids in future . Imagine my home  ! Go to any room , a tiny little world would be roaming around .Amazing right ?

That's it , annika's hands started shivering. Charu's every hint of excitement on this topic brought continuous pangs in her heart .

C - annika ?

A - ha... haan yeah !

She tried so hard and pretended.

C - and haan I totally forgot this  , you left some of your things in the other bags yesterday. Stupid .

A - that's why I'm here today , to collect them .

C - lo , I was wondering how this girl forgot to take her precious new things ! Aagaya na yahan.

Annika just faked her smile and looked infront when charu teased her .

C - annika ,you're ok right?

A - ofcourse I am , I thought I had lost my things somewhere you know then only I remembered maybe I left them with you .

She spoke continuously and diverted charu's mind .

Annika left from her home soon after collecting her things. She had just boarded the bus when Adi called her.

Ad - annika I'm so sorry yaar , I shouldn't have left you like that. Sorry .

A - I couldn't tell her Adi ...haan ek min Adi , ek ABC stop .

Her voice trembled and cracked when she spoke . Adi sensed the weak her and he felt atmost  guilty for making her go through all this .

A - hello ...Adi ?

Ad - what happened annika ?

A - I couldn't  , and I think I could never do it . Why should this happen to her !

She immediately gulped the lump in her throat and wiped her eyes which were ready to pour down .

Ad - annika I'm really sorry for everything. Because of me tum

A - baath ye nahi hai Adi, it's charu . She ...she won't be able to take it .

Ad -  but I can't sacrifice your peace even annika . I started all this right , let me end it . I ...I'll tell her aur phir papa se bi

A - we don't  have a  choice but we can atleast do that after the engagement right ?

Ad - annika you don't re

A - please Adi , I don't know what's going to happen , but atleast  let it happen after two days  . Please !

She pleaded much and he couldn't say no.

Ad - teek hai annika , after the engagement.

She threw her bag on the bed and sat holding her head . But soon she collected  herself  together  and changed her posture  on feeling shivaay's presence. He just walked  back into the room from pool side .On finding her inside , there was a huge grin on his face. He rushed to sit next to her at once.

S - annika you know what happened today ? Aaj when I was w

His words stopped  right there  without even him realizing when he noticed her red eyes . 

A - hmm ?

She insisted him to continue but  he didn't .

S - you don't look fine . Everything's alright annika ?

Annika gripped his hand which reached upto her cheek and brought it down .

A - I'm ok , you were saying something.

S - no you , tum

A - shivaay I'm just tired , please tell me .I want to hear the  flash news !!

She made up a continuous whine to divert him , and then he was ready to speak.  He told her everything with so much of excitement and joy in his eyes for she forgot all her worries for those few seconds.

S  - he wanted to apologize to you too. I was totally under shock you know , badepapa wouldn't just appreciate anyone just like that but he ...he said my works were good ! And I felt like,  I already won the world.

Annika understood how much those mere words of encouragement from Tej meant for shivaay . How much he would have yearned for it all these years .

She felt contented on watching her Prince smile like that. The thrill of happiness in his voice and face meant everything for her .

S  - you're really so talented annika . You made the impossible possible!

She just shook her head  slowly and touched his head  , the portion just above his neck .

A - tum kush ho ?

Came her so very mild voice .  At once he nodded like an enthusiastic kid . She smiled in reflex and pressed her touch behind such that he comes closer.

Annika then planted a soft kiss on his forehead and he couldn't express his feelings right now . So rather he just smiled , smiled heartily .

S - why do you look so tired haan ? I would have picked you right , annika please text me your schedule from tomorrow . Teek hai ?

A  - shivaay it's not

S - please ...!

She couldn't deny after that .

S - first let me bring you something to drink , juice piyogi ?

A - hmm .

Shivaay nodded quickly and left the room .

Annika  saw oreo roaming around her legs and barking continuously. She immediately took him on her lap and caressed his head .

A- shivaay's wrong. I'm not talented . I go to places and speak so much to people ,but , I feel so weak when I have to face reality and  talk to my own sister.  What kind of talent do I have ? I'm just helpless and hopeless oreo !

She wiped her tears and stared at nothing in particular while oreo kept licking her knuckles throughout.

You call it madness but I call it love 💘

Precap = promo 1

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