Hi everyone :) Just as I start as always, I want to thank God for His blessings and giving so much love and respect to this story. Thank you to all loyal readers for reading 24 chapters total till this date and being committed to reading it and giving it so much love, affection, and attention :)

Sorry this is a long chapter and I was going to split the chapter into two chapters, but the flow to the chapter would have been messed up, so please do give this chapter a chance and read it as if it is two chapters in one. This chapter will tell you what will happen in the future.

P.S. Sorry due to personal issues at home and being sick, I was not able to respond to all the comments for Chapter 23, but I will be replying to all of them this weekend. I have read all of them and appreciate your thoughts :)I will definitely be replying back to them :)

I am so sorry for the delay, but I live in California and this state is currently battling wildfires and I live in an area that was surrounded by warnings of a possible wildfire along with power outages. Poor air quality got me sick, so that's why I had difficulty writing this chapter and updating it on time.

I will give weekly updates on Fridays (according to US time) which means that I will be updating Friday nights or Saturday mornings according to Indian time. I am so sorry for this confusion because I myself forgot to note this in my previous announcement.

I worked really hard on this chapter and I know it is long, but please do read it as there is a nice flow to it :)

I am not sure if you will find this chapter interesting, but I worked really hard on this and took me a lot of time to write this chapter. This is the pure reason why I unfortunately can only update once a week because I work really hard and put in my heart and soul into writing the chapters and dialogues.

Hint: This chapter is important because it gives major hints about the future storyline. Also this chapter reveals depths of emotions and traits of different characters. Both Anika and Shivaay's point of views are shown, but Anika's point of view has depth because of the importance of Karva Chauth to her which holds less importance to Shivaay.

For more updates please do follow my on twitter or Wattpad on my account name @JasmineDarcie

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Chapter 24

Flashback:

https://youtu.be/CxqJHc49XpQ

I smiled shyly as I wrapped the end of my saree around my waist covering the small bundle of joy inside of me. I fixed the aarthi thali and I lit the diya as I once more prayed to Goddess Parvati.

Today was my first karva chauth after marriage and indeed I was excited to celebrate it. Karva chauth was not only a day of fasting to prolong the soulmate's life, but it held an important meaning...Karva chauth was meant to strengthen the bond of a husband and wife's and eternally bind them in a pure relationship and prolong the life of that relationship...prolong the love of two soulmates just like Shivaay and I.

Of course, I couldn't fast today as I didn't want to deprive food from the little life I held inside of me, but I decided to still do the puja and aarthi as a way to strengthen my marriage and the life of it.

Fixing the creases of the silky, red saree I wore, I fixed the ends of my ponytail as a few strands fell out on to the sides of my face. I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror in the living room. An unusual glow shining on the edges of my cheeks that seemingly my soul did not have before. Indeed, pregnancy does bring an unusual glow and light to one's life.

Hearing loud footsteps on the stairs above me, I looked up realizing Shivaay was making his way down the steps.

"Ok, I will talk about the finalization of the project tomorrow ok? I am busy right now, so the best time will be tomorrow. Bye." Switching the call off, he looked down at me as he took steps. A smile playing on his lips as I noticed his gaze falling towards me. His charming eyes appearing mesmerized. His gaze initiating tender waves of heat compressing against my cheeks as my heart continued to increase its beats.

Without any hesitation, he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist pulling me back against his chest as I began to giggle. His lips laying down on the ends of my neck as he nuzzled his nose into it, tickling my nerves.

"What are you doing?! Stop it!" I exclaimed as I laughed. For some reason, his small display of affections made me smile and brought an unusual sense of happiness that was not experienced otherwise.

"You are looking beautiful tonight. Seriously, you are going to drive me crazy," He mumbled against my skin as a veil of shyness overcame me as I wrangled myself out of his grip. However, he did not let go as he pulled me back hugging me tightly.

"Stop...stop admiring me in this manner..." I whispered as I felt him smile.

"I have rights to admire you and you deserve to be admired," He murmured as he pulled away placing is hand on my stomach feeling the small life it held. An innocent smile appearing on his face as he looked at me.

"She is bringing this glow. I am telling you," He noted smiling as I smiled and grabbed the aarthi plate.

"How do you know the baby is a girl?" I questioned curiously as I walked towards the balcony.

"It's a father's instincts. I know the baby is a girl and I hope it is a girl. I do not want to handle boys. Boys are typically a handful," Shivaay noted in a concerned tone as I laughed at his comment.

"Hmm...that means you were probably naughty as a child. I guess it is your experience that is speaking..." I said giggling as he pulled my arm laying his lips against my cheek. My eyes widening at his sudden display of affection as I hit his shoulder lightly.

"Well you said I was naughty so I..." My cheeks reddened at his bold comment as he smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Stop. Don't do this," I ordered as he laughed and kissed my cheek again.

"What can I do if I have such a beautiful wife huh? Tell me Anika?" He questioned as I shook my head back and forth.

He leaned back as he appeared to dig into his back pocket before pulling out a beautiful pair of diamond bracelets with small rubies lining it. My mouth dropped open as I looked at the beautiful dazzling pair of diamonds.

"What is this?! Do you know how expensive this is?! Why did you spend so much money?!" I began yelling as Shivaay laughed grabbing hold of my wrists as I tried to pull them back.

"Well, you will give them value Anika...these will be meaningless if they are not worn by you..."He said as he smiled slipping the bangles down my left wrist.

I shook my head as I realized they were insanely expensive just by looking at them and I was not worth it to deserve this.

"I don't deserve these Shivaay...I really don't..." I argued as Shivaay placed his hand on my mouth.

"Shh...you deserve these Anika. You are worth so much more than these pair of bangles...I have wealth, but I cannot still buy something that holds the same value as you do...You gave me the largest piece of happiness and the best gift that no one has given to me...my child..." He bit his lip as I could tell he was becoming emotional.

I felt tears of joy slipping down my cheeks as I felt touched by his honesty.

"This child is a part of me and you are carrying it inside of you without any complaints and only with joy and happiness..."

"This is my child too Shivaay...this child is my life."

"And it is my life too. So, let me give you the smallest happiness I can give because if you are happy so is our child...and you deserve this happiness for the joy you have given to me..." He smiled as he placed his lips on my forehead.

"You don't have to do this puja for me Anika," He noted.

"I want to. I know I cannot fast for you, but still I want to pray for you and for your long life," I noted smiling as I looked at him.

"But why?"

"Because you give me life and when you are here I am here," I whispered as I bit my lip trying not to be emotional.

"And you and the baby give me life," He replied as he smiled pulling my chin up as I smiled seeing the genuiness in his eyes.

We walked to the balcony as I looked up admiring the moon and asking for its blessings.

I grabbed the aarthi plate and grabbed a pinch of vermillon placed it on his forehead as I began to do his aarthi. Praying for his long life and our relationship's long life as I looked at him. Grabbing the chaarni, a round sieve, I looked up at the glowing moon above us as I took in its beauty as I poured water from the kalash. Slowly, moving the chaarni towards him as he appeared in front of my eyes indicating he was my soulmate.

Placing the chaarni down, I continued to do his aarti and stopped as he grabbed the glass of water giving it for me to drink. I smiled as I took a small sip and took a bit of the sweet ladoo.

"I hope our marriage has a long life. I hope our child and you both have a long life...Our happiness has a long life..." I whispered as Shivaay grabbed my hand pulling me into a tight hug.

"Our marriage will have a long life Anika. I promise you. Our marriage will last for eternity."

Flashback Ends

Except our marriage did not have a long life. His love was too shallow to breathe life into our marriage. His love was a lie that was meant to break apart everything. I was a fool to believe he was only mine and no one else's. But the worst, I was wrong thinking our entire family would have a long life....

"Anika! Anika!" Mom's voice breaking my thoughts as I ran my hands through long waves of my hair before placing the royal blue dupatta on my shoulder.

"I am coming mom! You told me yourself to get ready nicely, so that is what I am doing!" I yelled back as I sighed in frustration and quickly grabbed a set of delicate silver and maroon colored earrings etched with small flower designs. I smiled at the intricacies and delicacy of the earrings as I placed the large round hoops into my ears.

"Anika beta. It's karva chauth and I swear I cannot stay hungry for another minute!" Mom yelled as she walked into my room.

"The moon hasn't even come out yet! It's still six in the evening," I argued as Mom looked at me stopping still.

A wide smile appearing on her face as she made her way towards me. I looked at her confused as I looked at the royal blue colored anarkali I wore trying to understand what she looking at. Her eyes ran over the white embroderiy made of cotton threads across the entire suit as she smiled and placed a black tikka on the side of my ear.

She ran her hands softly through my hair as she continued to smile. "You are looking too beautiful. Really? This color looks really nice on you," Mom noted as she smiled while I felt quite surprised that she had complimented me after a long time. She never compliments me, so this is a rare occasion.

"If only you wore red..." See, I was right. Mom always finds a flaw despite everything you do to be your best.

Red. The symbol of love and a wife...why would I wear it if I was deprived of both? Especially, on karva chauth I will not be wearing red as it's too bitter of a reminder of the past.

"Ok...ok...how about we go because you just said that you are hungry, so we have to get to the mandhir on time am I right?" I said diverting the topic as Mom sighed in annoyance as she realized I was changing topics.

"It took a long time at the designer," Mom remarked curiously as we made our way down the stairs.

"Um...it took time to decide which clothes we would take to the charity event," I replied coldly trying to end the conversation as I did not want to talk about what happened.

I bit my lip as I crashed the thought not wanting to be reminded of it. I don't know what happened to me at that stupid photo shoot. Why was Shivaay suddenly looking so attractive? Why did I felt my heart creating butterflies as I looked at him? Why was he making me laugh and giggle? He shouldn't be getting to me and some how he is. The way he has this ability to charm me is something I hate and something I have to stop giving into. I cannot be vulnerable to an attraction that I believe I still have for him. I shouldn't be fuming this attraction because it's wrong to develop it for a man that has hurt you so much.

I remember how after the photo shoot I ditched Shivaay at the designer studio and hopped into an Uber because I just wanted to avoid him all out. He called me multiple times after that, but I didn't pick up. Instead, I texted that I am going home and that was the last I was in contact with him.

Well, tomorrow is another day and likely I will meet him again at the hospital, but what can I do? At least for the remainder of today, I won't be seeing more of him.

Looking back at the mirror in the living room, I placed my dupatta on both of my shoulders as I looked at myself. This is the best you can do, I thought to myself as I shook my head back and forth. What beauty can you have if love's beauty isn't present in your life? I smiled at my fate as I put on my sandals from the closet and followed Mom out of the door.

"Dad will be driving?" I asked quite a bit shocked as I saw dad sitting in the car.

"Well, your father is an excellent driver Anika..." Mom remarked sarcastically as I chuckled.

"Yeah, considering the amount of car accidents he has gotten into, we shall not label him as a good driver," I noted giggling as we made our way to the car.

"What are you both laughing at?" Dad questioned as I got into the backseat of the car and put on my seat belt.

"Oh nothing just praying we get to the mandhir safe and sound," I remarked smiling as Dad rolled his eyes in frustration and reversed the car.

"Ok, I am not that much of a bad driver," He argued as we got on to the main street.

"Oh says the man who got so many traffic tickets and car accidents!" Mom added as I laughed and looked out of the window taking in the lights of our small town as we drove our way to the mandir.

Feeling my stomach growl, I sighed waiting for us to get to the mandhir, so I can eat up all the food and sweets. I haven't eaten once since the morning and definitely I can feel my sugar dropping. Of course, I was going to eat in the morning, but then Shivaay came and then I missed lunch due to photoshoot and by the time I made it back home from all the traffic, I had to get ready to go to the mandhir. I cannot wait to eat all the sweets and fulfill the hungry mice running inside of me.

"Mom just put my clutch in the dashboard box ok? I do not want to carry everything around because it is already going to be crowded," I noted as I handed her my clutch.

"Ok, just be nice and friendly Anika. I don't want my friends to think you are aloof. I mean I have an image to carry," Mom noted sternly as I crossed my arms in annoyance.

I hate putting a mask in public and pretending I love talking to people. I have always been a reserved person and it's not like I am not nice or friendly as I am, but in large crowds, I tend to be shy and reserved. I don't understand why my mom cannot understand this basic trait I have.

Plus, I am not a big fan of mom's friends. They are gossipmongers and little rude at times as well. I just don't see myself fitting with them and, thus, when I usually meet them I am quiet and apparently my mom gets offended about why I am so reserved and do not say a word.

As we got off the highway, we made a turn and entered the large temple. My eyes widening as I was quite impressed by how lit up the temple was. Beautiful golden lights lit up the intricate, detailed while structures of the entire temple as large crowds of people made their way into the mandhir. The large parking lot clearly busy as we waited for quite a while before a parking was found.

"Just smile and please meet everyone we introduce you to," Dad ordered as I placed my dupatta on my head and made my way toward the temple.

Shivaay's Point of View

I smiled as I ran my hand lightly against my phone. My eyes glancing over the bright, genuine smile held on to Anika's face as she looked up shyly towards the camera. It was an old photo of Anika that I took from a camera I had while we were vacationing at the Hamptons when Anika was a few months into her pregnancy. I remember the pure joy present on her face as she behaved childishly and ran around the seaside during evening picnics we often had. Generally, the rich party away their nights at the Hamptons, but our nights were spent along together finding peace and solace in one another.

"If only I could take it all back and win you again. If only you would make me the only man in your life ..." I slightly smiled as I ran my hand over the photo on my phone.

A nice breeze ran through the tall trees lining the mandhir as I waited patiently next to my car for other family members to show up as they were still stuck in traffic. Of course, Priyaka also made a surprise entry at home today from the honeymoon, so there has been a slight delay in reaching the mandhir today.

An unusual sense of anxiety pumped inside of me as I realized I might just see Anika tonight at the mandhir as my family is also going to celebrate Karva Chauth there and I heard Anika's mom saying that they will be celebrating Karva Chauth at the mandhir.

Looking up from my phone, I noticed the same figure standing across from me.

My body going still as her beauty overwhelmed me. She walked briskly past me as she carried a beautiful shade of blue on her. She quickly took off her sandals as she appeared to smile at a comment her mom made.

Her hair flying up subtly against the breeze as she smiled shyly looking ahead not realizing I was standing across from her. Purity reflecting in her as she held the dupatta on her head as the blue shade complimented the long dark waves of her hair and clashed with her brown eyes...Purity reflecting in her charm and grace that she carried...Her soul was beautiful that brought that unusual glow to her and that was what gives her purity.

How can I break that pure soul? I made such a big loss by hurting her...I have wronged her so much. But, now I will do everything to win this beauty and hold her preciously close to my heart.

Anika's Point of View

I sighed in frustration as we stepped on to the cold white marble floor that merged with the white walls of the large mandhir. I like coming to the mandhir for offering prayers to God, but one thing I don't like about people is how even in the mandhir find ways to show off the materialistic things they own.

"Oh Nandini, so nice to meet!" Pamila aunty quickly rushed towards us as she hugged mom tightly.

"Nice to meet you as well Anika," Pamila aunty smiled as she looked at me. Her smile putting me a little off as it was too wide, a little fake, as it plastered across her face.

"Namaste aunty. I hope you are doing good," I remarked trying to play off my politeness as I smiled.

"Acha, Nandini I will be with my friends ok," Dad noted before he walked away to a crowd of friends waiting for him.

"I am so hungry. I cannot wait for this fast to be over," Mom remarked as I tagged along awkwardly as a third wheel with Mom and Pamila aunty to the rest of her friends.

"Anika come along fast," Mom whispered as we made our way to a group of mom's friend in the large hallway of the temple.

"Namaste everyone. How are you?" Mom smiled proudly as she grabbed my arm pulling me to her side as I gave everyone an awkward smile.

The group of aunties looking at me up and down as they smiled and looked at each other. All of their faces were recognizable, but somehow I couldn't remember their names as I am really bad at remembering them.

"Namaste," I spoke my voice barely cracking as they continued to stare at me with wide eyes as if I had done something wrong.

"Well, it's so nice to see you...so are you here with...um...Shivaay Singh Oberoi?" Pamila aunty asked curiously as my eyes widened at the abrupt question. What is she saying? Why is she asking me about Shivaay? Wait...of course she would ask...the tabloids.

"Um...what?" The words coming out a bit cold and rude than I had intended to, but clearly Pamila aunty was touching a sensitive nerve of mines'. How can she just ask me this question? What gives her the right to do so?

"Well, the news says everything beta. We saw you both in the pictures. So, is he your boyfriend?" Another aunty questioned curiously as suddenly all of them looked at me. Mom grabbed on to my arm tightly as I looked back at her realizing she was reaching a temper. Mom is a true believer in traditional culture and values. She brought me up with these values and to have them questioned in terms of my love life will definitely stick out as a sore thumb to her.

"No! Absolutely not! He is her boss and they are working on a project together! There is nothing more to it!" Mom's voice getting louder by the minute as her face reddened indicating her blood pressure was definitely rising. I could tell she was getting hurt by the side glances and comments by the aunties as they appeared to project the spotlight on me.

"Mom, please calm down," I whispered to her softly trying to calm her nerves as she took a deep breath looking at them.

"Oh Nandini please do not be upset. I mean this is great news. Anika is getting older and the fact that she found Shivaay is great. Shivaay has so much money and wealthy assets, I mean your Anika is set for life considering your background," Pamila aunty intervened as my eyes widened at her remark.

Background. What does she mean by that comment exactly? Why do I feel that her statement has a double meaning? Probably does as I felt she is attacking how much money my family had in the past. Growing up, we barely had money and things finally changed once dad bought a convenience store, but to have her attack us in this manner is horrible. Is she implying that I am a gold digger? How dare she judge my character in this manner? I tightened my fists as I attempted to control my anger because I did not want to embarrass mom. Why is Mom friends with these type of people? I just don't understand her thought process.

"Well the news is untrue Pamila and I hope all of you know that. Anika is just Shivaay's employee and nothing more than that ok?" Mom's tone showing a sense of command and dominance as I noticed her friends rolling her eyes looking at each other as they appeared to shut their mouths.

"Then what is he doing here?" Pamila aunty's question catching me off guard as my eyes widened.

There he was as I turned around and caught sight of him. He had a large smile on his face as he walked with Om and Gauri following behind Pinky aunty and Dadi. What is happening? What are they doing here? I looked back at Mom as she appeared equally taken aback as she looked at them.

Shivaay's eyes set straight as he caught sight of me. A large smile apparent across his face as he continued to look at me with an intense gaze as if he was looking right into my soul. His eyes moving up and down as he appeared to take in my smallest details. I felt my dupatta slipping off of my head as I wrapped around me tightly, like a shawl, as if I wanted to prevent him from looking at me in such a shameless way.

This has to be the most awkward moment of all time considering what is happening right now in the present. I am pretty sure his family is aware of the tabloid rumors and clearly the way Pinky aunty warned me to stay away from Shivaay indicates that she is aware of the news and doesn't want the Oberoi name to be further dragged in the media in such manner.

"Namaste Nandini," Pinky aunty smiled as she stopped in front of us. I took a step back as I attempted to hide behind Mom trying to avoid the entire family altogether. I didn't want them to look at me with the questioning looks that mom's friends just gave me.

What has fate brought me to? Why is fate testing me each and every day? Why is it that ever since Shivaay came back to my life, everything is seemingly going downhill. My pride, my name, my image and most importantly my family's image is all falling down ever since I have encountered Shivaay. Of course this is my fault as well...those scandalizing tabloid pictures...especially of that night...why did I commit sin? That one sin is now becoming costly too me as my parent's image is at risk due to pictures of that night be published. At least I haven't been identified in those pictures yet, but I am being linked to Shivaay which is not good...not good for me or my parents.

Mom smiled as she hugged Pinky aunty and took Dadi's blessings as I continued to stare at my reflection on the marble floor not looking up. I didn't want to meet their questioning looks that somewhere questioned my character and my integrity. I only have one wealth in the world which is my integrity and to have it questioned hurts me.

"Namaste Anika," Dadi said as I picked up my eyes a little bit as I smiled and took her blessings before taking Pinky aunty's as well.

"Bless you beta," Pinky aunty's voice somewhat softened as she gave me a soft smile before I looked up noticing Shivaay still have that teasing smile on his face. Avoiding his gaze, I took a step back besides Mom completely acting as if I was invisible.

"So, you are celebrating Karva Chauth here?" Pinky aunty questioned as Mom smiled.

"I celebrate everywhere here with my friends. I didn't know you would also come?"

"Well, yes. This year my kitty group and I decided to why not celebrate at the mandhir since they renovated very nicely this year and I heard they also have a nice festival along with the festivities today, so I thought why not?" Pinky aunty threw up a small giggle as she appeared to hold her nose high in the air.

I looked at Gauri who seemed a bit upset as she looked at Pinky aunty. I could tell there was some ice between the two as Gauri appeared a bit cold towards her. Gauri smiled at me as I smiled at her.

"You look beautiful Anika. This color really suits you," Gauri noted as I gave her a friendly smile.

"Thank you Gauri. You look beautiful too. This saree is lovely," I noted as I looked at the beautiful pink saree she was wearing.

"Well, of course the suit is nice, but you should have worn red dear," Pinky aunty remarked as she looked at me up and down with seemingly a mean look.

"See I told you Anika!" Mom nudged my shoulder as I threw her a small glare before looking away as I caught sight of Shivaay who looked back at me and raised his eyebrow as if they were correct. I furrowed my eyebrows at him as he appeared to stifle a smile.

"Well, I am happy Anika has dressed uniquely. I mean look at Shivaay. He is also sticking out with that black kurta of his," Dadi noted as I looked at Shivaay as I was surprised he was wearing a black pathani kurta. I have rarely seen him wearing kurtas, so this was a surprise, however, I would be lying he didn't look attractive in it as I noticed how the kurta appeared to fit him nicely enhancing his sharp features.

"Oh my God, Anika!" I crashed my thoughts as I looked up realizing the familiar, friendly face as a wide smile appeared on my face as I noticed it was Priyanka.

"Priyanka, I missed you so much!" I exclaimed as she ran up to me and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Well, surprise, I am here of course!" Priyanka giggled as she wrapped her arm tightly around my shoulder.

"I thought you were going to come later from your honeymoon." Priyanka's smile faltered as she avoided my gaze.

"Um...uh...Akash and I decided why not surprise everyone? This is our first festival together, so we thought why not celebrate with family?" Priyanka remarked as she slightly smiled. I don't know why, but I felt as if something was off with her.

"Well that's great Priyanka beta. Where is Akash and his family?" Mom questioned curiously.

"Um...somewhere here I guess. I decided to meet Anika before I go do the puja. Anyways, Anika we have to catch up ok after the puja?" Priyanka noted as I agreed.

"Of course. I have all the time available for you so we can catch up alright?" I smiled as she smiled and hugged me.

"Ok I am going to go and find my mother-in-law for the puja, but I will see you outside where the stalls are ok?" Priyanka noted as I agreed.

"Ok Anika beta. Let's get going. I have do the puja in front of Parvati Ma in about fifteen minutes, so before let's take blessings from Lord Shiv ji and Mata Paravati ji ok? You all can join me and friends as well" Mom noted to Pinky aunty and Gauri. Pinky aunty appeared to contemplate as she looked at Mom.

"Sure I guess. It will be nice," Pinky aunty noted as she gave a slight smile as we began walking down the hall of the temple.

https://youtu.be/0-YrRDlV0Gg

"Anika wait!" His voice louder as it made its way through the voices of the crowd. My eyes widened as I noticed Mom and Pinky aunty looking at me quite surprised and suspicious. Stopping in my steps, I turned around as Shivaay walked up to us.

"Um...aunty...I am just going to steal Anika for a few minutes. There has been an...issue...with the designer we met today...so it will be a few minutes ok?" Shivaay threw that charming smile as he looked at mom. He was not asking for permission, but had a voice of command and authority as he looked down at Mom.

"Still talking about business despite spending the entire day together?" Pinky aunty questioned curiously as she looked at both of us. He took a sigh of frustration looking back at his mother.

"Yes mom. If you ever worked then you would know," He remarked coldly surprising me with the sheer level of his rudeness.

He rolled his eyes at Pinky aunty before looking back at me. His eyes having an eerie command to them as they followed on to me. I could tell he was not joking and was serious from his eyes that appeared to darken.

"Um...go ahead Anika beta. We will go get the blessings and then do the puja for Parvati Ma ji ok?" Mom added as I shook my head awkwardly as I made my way towards him.

His expression softening as I made my way towards him. It's odd how he changes in a minute in terms of his behavior with others. You can never predict what he is going to do or say.

"Walk with me," Shivaay noted as I looked back as Mom and Pinky aunty looked at curiously. This is so awkward. Why does he have to create a scene everywhere he goes?

"What is wrong with you?" I muttered as we made our way towards the entrance of the temple.

"You..." He replied as I looked at him extremely confused regarding what he meant.

"Just seeing you makes me not think anymore..." I felt my breath stop for a moment as he words caught hold of me. His eyes reflecting his words as they looked at me not moving away once. The noise of the crowd tuning itself out of my mind as I focused on his eyes trying to read him.

"You are looking amazing tonight. I don't even have words to begin explaining and detailing your beauty..." He whispered as he leaned closer towards me. The mere inching of his face towards me causing chills down my spine.

"Stop...don't do this again...don't play with my heart. It's already hard enough to be here tonight..." I stopped as I bit my lip trying to not reveal my vulnerability.

Avoiding his gaze, I quickly looked away. My gut twisting and turning as I felt light headed from seeing the large crowd around me. My breathing getting heavy as I looked at married couples standing everywhere around me as they appeared happy, blessed, and in love...Something I didn't have.

Looking back at Shivaay, I felt memories of our first karva chauth rushing back to me as I realized how we were supposedly one of those couples, once, many years ago. It's so hard to see everyone so happy while you yourself are suffering through bitter memories that repeatedly wax upon your wounds of heartbreak.

"Anika..." He grabbed my arm as he took a step closer towards me. I stood still not knowing what to do or say as I felt vulnerable in the moment. He makes me so vulnerable and I do not know why. I don't know why I can keep my strength in front of others, but not him. Somehow that look of his and the words he uses makes me vulnerable.

"Let's do all of this over again. Let me make up for the pain I have caused you...do you understand what I am trying to say?" His voice low and tender as I felt his gaze intently upon me. Looking up, I matched his gaze trying to read him.

How I have longed to hear such words from you Shivaay. I remember I longed for this statement when you cut off our relationship and filed for divorce. I remember exactly how I hoped you would come back and ask for a chance. In fact, I would've given you one.

But, I cannot believe you Shivaay. I cannot.

"The time has passed Shivaay...It's too late now. I don't have the strength to walk back to you now...Don't play with me again Shivaay...please..." I took a deep breath as I myself didn't know what I was saying. My statement clearly portraying the state of deep confusion I was in.

"I will give you strength."

I smiled as I snatched my arm out of his grip. "Strength? You will give me strength? The man who made me like this will give me strength. You only know how to steal power and will from others...How can you give me strength then?" He stood in silence as my words appeared to have stolen his thoughts. He can only lie and say the right words, but he can never commit to his word. I know he is lying. At this point he will say anything to lure me because his goal is to only play.

"I think that's the answer then." I whispered before walking away knowing that he would never change.

Shivaay's Point of View

I looked at her walking away as she appeared in a state of trance. What have you done Shivaay? What have you done to her? I can tell she is in pain as she looks at the couples surrounding her. I can tell she wants that happiness and love that she is deprived of at the moment.

I don't know how to answer your question Anika, but I want to give you the strength, power, and trust to walk back to me. Perhaps, I can give you strength by healing your wounds. Perhaps, my love can become your strength Anika. Perhaps, one day you can trust me and that will be the beginning of me rebuilding your strength.

Anika's Point of View

I stood in silence leaning against the pillar behind me as I laid my head against it. I've given too many chances and you have always failed me. How is it that this time it would be any different Shivaay? How is it that this time you might change?

"Everything ok?" I quickly turned around realizing it was Armaan as he walked up to me with a concerned look.

"Yeah I am fine. How are you?" I questioned as he smiled.

"Good. In fact, I should ask how are you? I saw the news about you and Shivaay..."

I lowered my gaze feeling an unusual sense of shame overcome me for no reason at all. Indeed, it was shameful considering how my name was being tarnished in public. Moreover, Armaan had doubts about both of us and they likely fueled up now considering the tabloid news. What must he be thinking of me right now? What will I say to him?

"All I want to say is that I am here for you. I made a mistake of thinking something was between you both before, but I...I trust you Anika. I trust you and know there is nothing between you both, so just know I am here to support you." A small smile appeared across my lips as his words reached me. The support he offered comforting me as I realized I wasn't alone. Looking up, I noticed genuineness in his eyes as I could tell he was being honest.

"Thank you Armaan. This really means a lot to me. It means a lot when someone even offers support. Thank you."

"Well, no problem at all. I have figured you well Anika and I know there is nothing between you two, so you don't need to feel ashamed Anika. Alright?"

I nodded as I smiled and looked up at him. Indeed, Armaan was different. He provided an unusual sense of comfort and positivity that I hadn't experienced before. He was a different man and that is exactly what somewhat attracts me towards him.

I am glad he trusts me and trusts that I am not having an affair with Shivaay, but what will happen when he finds out the truth? Will he change after knowing the fact of what the true past is between us both?

Shivaay's Point of View

I leaned against the wall and stared into space thinking about Anika. What can I do to build your trust in me again Anika? What can I do to make you love me again? There has to be a way back to your heart.

"You ok?" I looked back realizing it was Om as he appeared to have a concerned look.

Clearing my throat, I looked away not trying to show the dices of vulnerability that Anika had initiated inside of me.

"Yeah I am fine."

"You really do love her huh?" His statement attempting to shatter the brave demeanor I was projecting. I sighed as I looked back at him as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"I am your brother Shivaay. I know you too well and that look in your eyes gives all the answers."

I took a deep breath as I looked at Om.

"I don't know what to do. She thinks I am playing mind games...But I'm not. I want her. She is mine Om..."

We began walking back into the crowd as Om smiled and looked at me.

"Then speak your heart out Shivaay. Tell her that you love her. You have to try. This is going to be hard path, but you have to try..." Tell her that I love her. Well, I want to. I want to speak my heart to her, but what if?....what if she rejects me? Rejects my love for her. I have never been scared of anything, but right now I am scared. Scared of rejection...scared of losing her...I don't know why, but I see her as mine and I cannot simply let go of her.

"You have to try Shivaay. There is no other way than trying," Om repeated as I shook my head as I looked at Anika across from me.

My eyes widening as I realized who she was standing with. A large smile across her face as she appeared to smile standing next to him. My blood beginning to boil as he appeared to lean closer to her. How dare he? Who does he think he is? And Anika...how can she do this to me after everything that has happened?

Quickening my steps, I made my way towards them, as Om followed behind me. I could hear him telling me to stop, but I didn't as I made my way towards them. My loud footsteps catching Anika's attention as she looked back at me, losing her smile. A dash of fear seen her eyes as she appeared to realize I was angry over her loose talks with Armaan.

Clenching my teeth tightly, I stopped abruptly catching his attention as he looked up at me.

"Hi Armaan, what are you doing here?" I questioned curiously as I nudged myself between them looking at him eye to eye.

Armaan and I have always shared tension since we were growing up. Likely this tension arose from the conflict both of our fathers have had since my father has been the elder brother. The conflict arising from a hunger of power and money which both of our fathers had respectively. However, this conflict that I had with Armaan has deepened ever since he has laid his eyes on Anika....the way he looks at her, makes her laugh, touches her make my stomach revolt as I feel disgusted with how he has dared to challenge my place in her life and even think about taking it. No one can take Anika from me. No one. She is mine. She is upset at the moment, but at the end she will only come back to me.

Anika's Point of View

I twisted the end of my dupatta in knots around my finger as they trembled. Shivaay stood in front of me face to face with Armaan. The tinge of anger reflected in his stiff jaw, red eyes, and the flushed face could tell me that he was fuming and at the moment he could do anything.

"Well, my parents decided to come celebrate karva chauth at the mandhir since thaiji invited them especially as a way to spend some family time together before we go back to the South next month," Armaan remarked as he appeared to maintain his composure not once intimidated by Shivaay. Somehow his calm composure impressing me considering Shivaay was clearly intimidating him by being in face and throwing him looks.

"Hmm...nice. Well, you should have found us instead of Anika." I could tell Shivaay was trying really hard to control himself as he clenched his fists tightly. I hate this attitude of his. The attitude of being a protector or as if he owned me. Why is it so hard for him to accept that I may just be moving on?

"Well, I just came and saw Anika so I said hello. And why are you asking so many questions?" Armaan asked as he sidestepped and stood next to me.

Shivaay turned towards both of us as he crossed his arms looking at both of us back and forth.

"Anika beta! What are you doing here? Did you get Shiv ji and Parvati Ma's and Ganesh ji's blessings yet? Today is the day you should pray that next year you too will be celebrating karva chauth with your husband!" I sighed as Mom grabbed my arm pushing between Armaan and me as she appeared to lunge at me.

Clearly her remarks making me feel more awkward as I looked at Shivaay. How nice for my mom to just talk like this in front of my ex-husband. If only she knew.

"Um...sure...I will go now," I said smiling as Mom smiled and looked back at Armaan.

"I think I met you at Priyanka's sangeet right? You are Shivaay's younger cousin?" Mom asked curiously as she looked towards Armaan.

"Namaste aunty. Yes, I am Armaan and so nice to meet you," Armaan smiled as he took Mom's blessings.

"So, your parents also came here right? I think I just met your mom Armaan. She is a very kind lady," Mom remarked as she appeared impressed by Armaan.

"Um...Mom...let's get going ok?" I said as I pulled on her arm.

"Acha beta, let's go. I will see you all later ok?" Mom waved at them as she grabbed my hand as we walked towards the end of the temple.

"I just met Armaan's mom where we were preparing for the puja and she was so kind. I think it will be great if you and Armaan..."

"Mom stop!" I exclaimed as she shook, raising her eyebrows high.

"What do you mean I should stop? Clearly you and Shivaay don't share romantic feelings which is fine. However, you should start thinking of settling down now. Now is your age to get married and there is no harm in looking for prospective proposals."

What is she talking about? How can she even think about marriage? What ideas is she getting in her mind?

"Mom no! Can we stop talking about marriage?!" I exclaimed as I quickened my pace and followed to end of the temple.

"Anika don't do this."

"Mom please. Right now is not a good time, so can we just not talk about this. I am going to go pray now. I think you have to go and do your puja with the other women so I will see you later ok?" And without letting her say another word, I walked to the end of the temple where a beautiful statue of Goddess Parvati sat along with Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.

Placing my dupatta on my head, I felt conflict and stress in every inch of my body as I tried to merge myself with the prayers being sung. Walking up the steps to get blessings, I felt my soul's tension slowly vanishing as I appeared captured and charmed by the beauty of the divine beings in front of me. The innocent smiles on Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha's faces telling me that everything will be alright and they will be here.

Folding my hands, I stood on the side as I noticed most of the women in the crowd were married as they walked up the large stage and took blessings of Lord Shiv ji, Mata Parvati, and Ganesh ji. A desire inside of me wanting to be one of them...wishing I was still one of them. But, that bond was meant to break at least that is what fate wanted.

I closed my eyes, as I prayed for my parents' happiness and wellbeing. I want to pray for myself, but I don't know what to ask for. I don't see anything upcoming in my life that I would want. I know my mom probably prayed for my marriage, but I have already went through a toxic marriage and something I do not want anymore...I guess I will pray that I everything that shall happen in the future shall be for my own good.

Feeling a light push, I opened my eyes as I noticed a group of women walking past me. Turning around, I found him standing right next to me...it was perhaps the first time I ever saw Shivaay pray as he appeared calm and at peace with his eyes closed shut. The way he stood in calm somehow gave me peace...for some unknown reason I saw peace and calm in him which I too longed for.

Slowly opening his eyes, he looked back towards me as he smiled. I could tell he on purpose followed me, but what was surprising was that he was praying. Ignoring him, I walked to the large diya and waved my hand around it. Shivaay's hand lightly brushing against mines' as he reached over the diya. Stopping in a moment's hesitation, I looked back at him as he leaned over me, brushing his arm on the side of my shoulder. Looking up at Shiv ji, Parvati ma, and Ganesh ji, and back at Shivaay as I felt an unusual feeling in my heart. I bit my lip as I quickly got up and walked down the steps feeling him walking besides me.

https://youtu.be/dMByhaezv9A

"Why are you following me Shivaay? Can you just leave me alone for once?" I was clearly getting frustrated by how he was following me around.

"Anika...why don't you understand?"

"That...that..."Shivaay began to stumbled upon his words as I raised my eyebrow at him waiting patiently for an answer.

I knew exactly what he was doing. He was playing his mindless games with me like he always did. Now I had stumped him and clearly he did not have an answer in mind and did not know what to say.

"Stop playing with me. Have some shame. What pleasure do you find in playing with me?"

"Playing with you? You see this as some sort of a game?" He appeared surprisingly shocked by my statement, but he shouldn't be considering the type of person he is and what he has done in the past.

"Why the shock? You shouldn't be considering what deeds you have committed in the past. You do find pleasure in playing with others' emotions."

"Anika just listen to me for once. I want to say so many things to you and it's tough for me to say them. At least understand..."

"I can't!" My voice louder than I had expected as he took a sudden step away from me. An unusual fear dashing across his face as he was taken aback from my sudden reaction. What does he expect? That I would continue to allow him to play with me?

"Think about it. You have played with my mind so many times, so how will I be able to listen to you or think you are not playing with my mind. Can we just....can we just tend to ourselves tonight and just not cross paths please? It would be the best for the both of us..."

Without allowing him to say another word, I quickly began to walk away only to feel my dupatta pulling me back. Stopping on my feet, I attempting to fix my dupatta only to have it pulled back.

"Even fate wants our paths to cross." The voice turning me back as my dupatta stood as a thread tying both of us together.

The curls and wrinkles of the blue cloth hanging tightly to the silver watch he wore. Slowly looking up, I matched his gaze that spoke the truth of his words.

My heart not wanting to move a step towards him, but I did. Grabbing hold on to my dupatta, I took a step towards him as he began to walk towards me holding on to the small end of the dupatta on his watch. Closing the distance between us, he grabbed on to end of my dupatta tightly closing it into his fist.

A small smile appeared on his lips as he looked below at my dupatta that he held. "Even if we don't want to cross paths, fate wants something else Anika. I can feel it."

His words speeding up my heart as they attempted to favor truth over lies. However, the broken threads of our bond failed to attract me to his words and become convinced by them as I knew our fates could never align.

"And I can feel that our paths may cross, but never become one as threads are too weak to be tied back..."I stopped as I felt the need to not say more. My words were meaningless to him because he may never understand them.

Suddenly, loud chants appeared catching me of guard as I quickly turned around. Looking back through a large wooden wall, having intricate designs creating peak holes for people to see,

I noticed my mom, Pinky aunty, Priyanka, Gauri and a group of other women praying as they began to rotate their aarthi plates amongst themselves.

The happiness and joy of being a married women reflecting clearly on their faces as deep and passionate love for their husbands heard in their laughs and seen in their eyes. My soul flinching as I felt it reaching to depths of memories and broken love that once was alive for the man in front of me.

I remember that smile...That was the smile I experienced when I let go of all the bonds I had and laid my life for an eternal love I had for him...I remember the pride I felt when wearing that sindoor that marked me as his wife...I remember the selfless love I had for the man who did everything to break me apart...Oh how I wish I was one of them right now. How I wish my soul hadn't been broken. How I wish I still wore that sindoor with pride...How I wish this man would've still been that chaand (moon) that brought light to my darkness...My eyes began to burn as I felt tears slowly building up. My vision blurring and glistening as I attempted to hold on to my pain tightly and keep strength at my beck and call.

"Did you fast?" The whispered voice catching me and touching that pain more.

My vision as blur as I looked back at the man I once loved. His eyes darkening as he held on to the end of my dupatta pulling me a step closer as I stumbled in my feet grabbing a hold of his hand to balance myself.

"No. The man who I loved is long gone. He was my chaand, but then I realized he was a farce. He only brought darkness to my happiness...perhaps that's all he is capable of doing..." My voice coming out as a low whisper as tears slipped down my cheeks. My eyes lifting as he stood still. My words sticking as thorns as I could tell his eyes appeared pained by my words. I slightly smiled realizing he somewhat felt that small tinge of pain that he mightly caused me.

Lowering his head, he wrapped his arm around the end of my dupatta, slowing threading the cloth out of his watch as he held on to it. I took a breath of frustration as I grabbed the dupatta snatching it out of his hand before he could take another look at the owner of the elegant piece.

"It's better we walk different paths tonight and afterwards as well." He stood in silence not flinching once as I held my head up not saying more. Turning on my feet, I walked out towards the back exist of the mandhir not allowing him to say another word that would further tangle me in a web of crude lies and illusions.

Shivaay's Point of View

She vanished beyond the wooden doors as I kept looking hoping she would look back, but she didn't.

Her tears had dropped as a melting candle on to my heart and burned it once more. Anika, I am so sorry for giving you so much pain. You didn't deserve this. You didn't deserve my lack of attention. You didn't deserve the lack of love I gave. But, now she deserves the world and I will give it to her...She will me my chaand and I will endow her with every bit of happiness she deserves.

Our paths will cross Anika. No matter what. Our paths will cross.

Anika's Point of View

Happiness surrounded me as I looked around noticing couples and families laughing with joy with each other as if the spirit of joy himself existed amongst them. If only this spirit could touch me and help me escape the pins and needles of heartbreak that somehow still touch me.

I walked in silence down the stairs made of beautiful beige colored bricks into the acres of land the continued to go on for miles. My eyes widening as lights and diyas surrounded me trying to light up hope inside of me as well, telling me everything was going to be ok and perhaps the light of happiness might touch my life as well.

Large groups of stalls surrounded the beautiful large garden in front of me as long vines of roses and flowers entwined with the red and white colored tents that held material goods and games to entice the desires of others.

Despite being surrounded by groups of people full of joy and laughter, only loneliness appeared to embrace me as I escaped from sounds of classical music into silence that was existent within me.

Shivaay...for once be honest and for once don't entangle me in the threads you hold with sick, vicious games. You must have some emotion. You cannot just merely hold a cold, stiff soul made of shards and marbled stones. How is it that you cannot see the pain you have caused me? You must see something...perhaps you do...that night you apologized.

My mind going cold as I realized he apologized to me that fateless night when I gave into my desires. I remember the exact moment he apologized...how could I forget? He apologized to me...he never did before...something must have pushed him to apologize...I remember how he apologized by saying he is "sorry for everything he did"...did he mean it though? Did that apology come from a vicious mind or from the heart that somewhere held beats for me? At that moment I felt he was telling the truth, but now I am questioning it.

I walked towards a large pair of four pillars at the distance as it carried a beautiful brown and white colored round roof above it. My eyes falling on to the large wooden swing that fell down from it. I slightly smiled as I loved sitting on the swing whenever I came to the mandhir as I found peace in it as a beautiful white colored cherryblossom tree fell over it.

Grabbing a seat on the swing, I swung lightly as I took deep breaths trying to release stress and tension that were getting to me. What is going on? Why can I not stop thinking about Shivaay no matter how hard I try to? I must forget him. I must not entangle myself once more in the dirt and viciousness of his.

"Looking beautiful." The comment catching sudden attention as I jerked back a little. Looking up I realized it was Armaan as he smiled looking at me. His eyes were clear and honest as they didn't hold the viciousness seen in...I stopped the thought as he took a step towards me and sat down on the other end of the long wooden swing.

"Um...thanks Armaan. What are you doing here?" I questioned curiously as he chuckled shaking his head back and forth.

"What am I supposed to do there are the stalls or inside? Karva chauth isn't too favorable for a single man. I mean I just showed up because my mom forced me to," He noted as I laughed at his comment.

"I could ask the same to you too."

"Well, what is a single girl supposed to do on Karva chauth?" I questioned raising my eyebrow jokingly as he smiled, appearing to observe my features. His gaze creating a sense of shyness inside of me as I looked away.

"Well, I heard unmarried girls also observe the fast to get the desired partner they want."

"Perhaps, girls who desire a partner...I never thought of something like that." I stopped myself biting my lip intently as I realized how much my fate had been lifted from the concept of marriage and love. Indeed, I might be attempting to move on with Armaan as a way to get rid of feelings I might still have for Shivaay, but the concept of marriage is far off as of now.

"Well... maybe you will soon. Perhaps...next year, you might be one of the wives observing a fast and I might participate as well." His comment quickly catching me off guard as my eyes widened looking up at him. He appeared to wink as he bit his lip looking back at me. What does he mean? He can't be thinking about...I took a deep breath as I looked away fixing my dupatta that flew up against the breeze that created voices in the silence that we both held.

"Anika! What are you doing here?!" Looking up I realized it was Priyanka who quickly walked up to me.

"Um...just talking..." I muttered smiling awkwardly as Priyanka took a seat in the middle of Armaan and I.

"Well, spend some time with your best friend!" She exclaimed as she grabbed on to my arm tightly as I laughed and looked at her.

"Ok and how will I spend time with you?" I questioned curiously as she smiled and looked at Armaan.

"Hmm...Armaan...chachi was calling you. I think you should go and see what that is all about," Priyanka noted as I looked at her curiously as Armaan shook his head and quickly walked away.

"Now I can talk to you! How are you doing?" She questioned excitedly as she laid on to the other side of swing with a bright smile.

"I am good. I mean everything is going good I guess. You know how boring I am..." I said laughing at the loneliness I had as I looked at her.

"Oh really? Well, the news says something else." My eyes widening as I could tell by the teasing smile she had on her face what she was talking about exactly.

"I saw everything Anika. Now you have to tell what is going on between Shivaay bhai and you?" A sense of urgency in her voice as I sighed in frustration looking away. This was the last thing I wanted to talk about.

"Nothing. They are all rumors Priyanka. He is just my boss and that is all," I replied trying to end the topic pronto and not give any hints of the deeper relationship we held.

"Oh come on Anika! I knew it! Even during my wedding, I asked you if something is going on between you two because I can see it Anika! Everyone can see that unusual chemistry and tension you both have. Even if the news did not break out, but the way you both look at each other and talk with one another definitely tells there is something more."

Her words creating rippling shocks within me as I was clearly taken aback. Chemistry...tension? What? What is she saying? No. I don't see it and clearly something has gone wrong with Priyanka to even think this. How can she even think that? There is nothing between Shivaay and I and she has to know that before curiosity gets the best of her.

"No Priyanka! You have it wrong ok? There is nothing honestly. Umm...I think it's the jetlag that is getting to you ok? There is nothing and there will be nothing ever. He and I are like night and day. And night and day can never come together..." I stopped in my words as I realized my words held truth.

"That's what I see Anika...you two are different, but complete the flaws you both have...Anika...Shivaay bhai needs someone like you...Your warmth and goodness can do magic to the darkness he holds. He is broken Anika. Tia hurt him a lot and you are the only one that just might heal him..." I bit my lip as I felt tears building up. If only you knew Priyanka, I did everything to heal him of his darkness, but I failed. I not only failed, but myself was ruined by the darkness he held. I can never complete his flaws...his flaws will only hurt me.

"Give it some thought Anika..." She whispered placing her hand on my shoulder.

"Thought? I can only give it if I see something and I don't Priyanka. It's better we pause this thought and don't submerge in it further."

Priyanka took a deep sigh as she looked at me. I tried to play a smile, but couldn't.

"Ok...let's just talk about your honeymoon? How was it?"

Priyanka's smile slowly dropping as she looked away.

"Um...it was nice I guess. I got chased by a dog," She mumbled as I bit my lip from smiling.

"Ok, you can laugh Anika. I get it. It was funny ok? I don't know how, but that dog just chased me for like five minutes straight!" She exclaimed as I suddenly burst into laughter as she joined me.

"Well, at least you are safe!" I exclaimed as we continued to laugh.

"Anyways...how's Akash and has he been treating you well?" I questioned as I tried to control my laughter as Priyanka bit her lip as she looked up before taking a deep breath. It was unusual of her as she appeared to become nervous and tense up.

"Um...yeah. I guess...I mean yes he's...been...treating me well," She noted as I looked at her curiously as I felt as if she was hiding something.

"Are you sure?" I questioned as Priyanka nodded immediately.

"Yes Anika! I am sure! We just got married, so in the start it is hard to adjust, but he's been good." She paused as she fixed her sari running her hands through her hair. An unusual blue spot appearing on the ends of her arm as she ran her hands again through her hair.

"What's that?" I questioned as I grabbed her right arm. My eyes widening as it was a large blue colored bruise on it. Immediately looking up at Priyanka, I noticed her appearing flustered as it appeared to redden. She appeared to stumble upon her words as she pulled her arm back.

"Um...I...fell...when the stupid dog chased me Anika! God! You ask so many questions!" Priyanka grabbed my arm pulling me up as I stood confused still looking at the bruise. Somehow, I felt she was lying. I don't know what it was, but I felt like something was wrong with her and I couldn't tell pinpoint to what it was.

"Ok, supposedly the moon is supposed to come out in half an hour, so can we please go to the stalls and have some fun? I want to do some nice shopping ok?" Priyanka said placing a smile on her face that appeared slightly farce.

I bit my lip wanting to ask her more, but I could tell she wanted to divert the topic. Perhaps, she did fall when the dog chased her, but the bruise was quite large. Perhaps, I am overthinking. I have a habit to do so.

We made our way to a long row of stalls as Priyanka excitedly looked through them. Gauri joining us as she smiled and walked up to us.

"I cannot wait to eat! I am so hungry," Gauri complained as she looked at the stall of pani puri across from her. Indeed, my hunger immediately roared back as I began to feel dizzy again. Oh how I wish I was alone and I could gourge upon the pani puri. I completely forgot to eat anything today due to the hecticness of the day and indeed I was in dire need of food. I licked my lips as I looked at the food. If only Gauri and Priyanka were not with me, I would've immediately grabbed that pani puri and munched on it.

"I know! Just half an hour and we will survive," Priyanka noted as she licked her lips before walking past the stall.

"Look at those bangles!" Priyanka exclaimed as we made our way towards a beautiful stall adorned with glass bangles lining the walls and a large wooden table at front.

Gauri and Priyanka hurriedly ran towards a rack of golden colored bangles as I awkwardly walked into the stall. The immense crowd of women overwhelming as I sidestepped and allowed others to look at the bangles as I looked around. I felt mesmerized and charmed by the glittering colors of red, green, blue, orange, silver, and gold that ran along the walls of the stall. Indeed, the bangles embraced beauty in its pure form.

My eyes caught a rack in the back of the stall where less people were as the bangles had some simplicity to them. I smiled as my eyes were caught on to them due to their simplicity.

Running my hands through a pair of beautiful red bangles etched with intricate golden flower designs, I held them up in my hands admiring them.

"Quite a nice choice," I looked up realizing it was Armaan as he smiled and grabbed the bangles holding them in his hands. I smiled and looked at him.

"Thanks. I guess they are beautiful. Where did you come from?" I questioned curiously as Armaan shrugged his shoulders.

"If you notice my mom is right behind me. She's been dragging me along to meet all her friends and she got caught up in this shop, so here I am," Armaan noted as I giggled and held the bangles in my hands.

"I could help you try them on," He noted as I shook my head back and forth.

"Um...it's fine. I mean...red bangles are a symbol of a married woman and I am not married, so I was...um...just looking at them I guess," I said as I still held on to them despite what I said.

"Oh ok.Well...um...I am glad I met you here. Listen, I enjoyed our previous three dates and I want to try this again...I mean I was thinking that perhaps tomorrow night we can go out somewhere?" His question catching me off guard as I did not realize what to say.

Should I go? I should right? Armaan is a nice man and I should give him a chance. I should.

"Sure. We go out tomorrow night," I replied as he smiled.

"Well, I will be looking forward to it. Is it ok if I pick you up from your home?" I bit my lip as I don't know if that would be a good idea considering my parents will definitely string this issue up. At the moment, I do not want them to get involved. I know them too well and they definitely will see this situation as a marriage prospect which I do not even want to think about right now.

"Um...I think I will come on my own. I don't want my parents to get the wrong idea or overhype the situation..." I mumbled as Armaan agreed.

"Sure no problem. Um...I will text you the location alright?" He said.

"Hmm...you're Anika aren't you?" I looked up realizing it was Armaan's mom, Jhanvi aunty.

"Namaste, how are you?" I said smiling as Jhanvi aunty smiled and wrapped her hand around Armaan's arm.

"Nice to meet you beta. So, you're also here? I met your mom, but didn't know you were also here. Well, how are you?"

"Great I am doing good. How are you?"

"Good I am well. I saw the news about you and Shivaay...they must be rumors right? I mean as much as I know Shivaay, he is quite a man without a soul," Jhanvi aunty remarked wittingly as she laughed. Somehow, I couldn't find the laughter in her statement, in fact, her statement created more awkwardness.

"Um...yes...all rumors..." I said awkwardly as Jhanvi aunty smiled and looked at me.

"Well that's good I guess. I mean you could do so much better. I met your mom and could tell you come from a decent background, so definitely you could do better than being with a divorcee. Anyways, I have to get going. Come on Armaan let's go ok?" Jhanvi aunty waved at me before pulling Armaan away.

I sighed as I shook my head back and forth before gliding my hands back at the red bangles I had looked at. How much more do I have to answer others tonight? There is nothing between us both and I hope everyone understands that by now.

"Look we bought these golden colored bangles. Aren't they beautiful?" Gauri exclaimed showing me the bangles as I smiled and admired them.

"They are beautiful Gauri. I am absolutely sure they will look amazing on you both." I smiled as Priyanka took a pair placed them on to her wrists.

"Won't you buy anything?" Priyanka questioned as I looked back at the red bangles. I want them, but somehow I feel I don't deserve them due to the symbolism they hold. The importance the red bangles hold for a married woman.

"Um...no. Let's go look at something else ok?"

We made our way to different stalls, adoring the beautiful shawls or sarees that local vendors were selling. I ran my hand through a beautiful silky red saree as we stopped at the stall. My hands running through the fine fabric as I admired the golden threads that marked intricate designs upon it.

"Anika, look at this green saree. It will look nice on me right?" Gauri questioned excitedly as I let go of the red saree and looked at her.

"Of course. I think you should definitely buy it," I said smiling as I held the saree up to her. Gauri smiled and looked at it.

"I for one am getting the yellow saree. I don't have this color in my wardrobe and definitely need it," Priyanka noted as she grabbed the saree.

"Ok let's go pay on the other side. Anika, look at some saree for yourself ok?" Gauri noted as I shook my head standing awkwardly as they appeared to get in line.

Fixing my dupatta, I looked around realizing I had unknowingly become surrounded my married women who appeared to be mesmerized by the beauty of the sarees as they grabbed hold of the piles of sarees neatly stacked on the large tables lining up the stall.

I remember the happiness I found in wearing sarees and having them glide across the floor as I walked in them. I remember dressing for him to look at me and admire me. I remember it all. But, now look at me. Who am I to place my rights on these sarees? I don't deserve them. Who will I dress for now? Who will admire me now? These sarees are only for these happily married women, not me...

I looked back at the red saree running my hands through it as I attempted to convince myself that it was not made for me, but failed to do so as I continued to admire it.

"A color only for you."The warmth of the breath immediately tickling the sides of my cheeks. My hair moving swiftly away as I looked up realizing it was Shivaay. My cheeks immediately becoming glossy red as I bit my lip looking away as he leaned closer and placed his hand on top of mines'. My eyes widening as I attempted to pull back my hand looking back to ensure no one else around us would see what was happening.

"Let go," I whispered as his hand embraced on to mines'. He appeared to smile as he took a step closer towards me.

"Only you can wear this and increase its value...This color was made for you because you are the symbol of its purity and grace."His voice low and soft with an unusual tenderness. My cheeks began to feel more warm as his words were beginning to have an affect on me. His tender words somehow admiring me which I found pleasure in.

Hearing a loud cough, I immediately pulled my hand away as I quickly turned around realizing it was Gauri and Priyanka who had a teasing smile on their faces. Shivaay took a small step away from me as I looked back at him throwing him a glare as he appeared flustered.

"Hmm...what's going on?" Priyanka questioned curiously as Shivaay shrugged his shoulder.

"N-nothing. Um...I just um...was talking to Anika about the...the...project."

"Oh really Shivaay bhai?" Gauri questioned curiously.

"Yes really," Shivaay noted as he looked at me while I shook my head back and forth throwing a glare or two at him.

"Sureee..." Priyanka said holding back a smile as she looked back at Gauri.

"Um...I just remembered something...I am going to get going and anyways I think you two should get going as well as the moon might be coming out soon," I noted as I awkwardly left the scene.

Quickening my steps, I walked through the crowd as I made my way out of the stalls and to the large garden as I noticed women were getting ready with aarti plates. Many taking selfies while others hunting for the moon. Looking up I noticed the moon slowly beginning to peak through the dark clouds.

What am I doing? Why am I submerging myself in his compliments and seemingly finding joy in his admiration for me? Why am I allowing myself to be played? Is it because I want some source of happiness even if it is a lie? Perhaps...perhaps...I am hunting for happiness...but why am I desperate to find it in him. I shouldn't be doing such.

https://youtu.be/OwZ54OjAMK0

Taking a step back, I smiled as I looked at the moon above me. The moon shining brightly as it bestowed its blessings upon everyone. I placed my dupatta on my head as I looked at the moon admiring its beauty and hoping it would bless me.

Closing my eyes shut, I made a small prayer. Please show some happiness to me as well. Give some blessings to me. I opened my eyes as I looked at the moon hoping it heard my prayer. I smiled as I lowered my gaze only to match a pair of blue eyes.

The moonlight shining above us both as we stood in silence. Our shadows falling down on the brick floored balcony as they appeared to become one.

"Every time I want to be away from you. You somehow come back to me. Why?" My voice falling down as a whisper.

Shivaay took a deep breath as he shook his head back and forth.

"Because I am meant to be with you. But I think you don't understand that Anika." His voice coming out a small hiss as it held some darkness to it.

"What do you mean?" I questioned curiously he appeared to have a change of demeanor. In a few minutes, he appeared to have flipped.

"Why can you not be with me? Spend time with me? After everything we went through the night before, you still have the audacity of not giving me the attention, but someone else...I saw you with Armaan multiple times. Laughing and smiling with one another without an end to it. So...What were you and Armaan talking about?" His questions catching me off guard as I looked back at him utterly confused by what he meant by his statement and how he had appeared to flip in a moment.

He only has the desire of be the center of attention and if that craving is not addressed then he goes dark just like now. Why would I give him attention? Why would I spend time with him? Why would I do that considering everything that has occurred in our past?

Let it go Anika. Do not create a ruckus here. It's better you keep quiet and do not say a word. It will be the best for you and you family's name. If a commotion is created here then people will question you more and your relationship with Shivaay which will in turn damage your family's name.

I took a step to the side against the wall to let a group of people go as Shivaay took a step closer towards me grabbing on to my arm tightly.

"What are you doing?!" My voice catching others' attention as they looked towards us. A sense of recognition apparent in their eyes as they realized who we were from the tabloid news.

Looking up at Shivaay, I realized there was not a sense of care in his eyes about what others thought as he leaned his face closely towards me, staring me down with questioning eyes.

"Answer me. Tell me what you two were talking about...Yesterday, you two went out for lunch and today this..." He stopped himself as I could tell he was controlling his anger that was slowly being built up and being reflected in his cold eyes and stiffening lips.

I gulped nervously as I attempted to avoid his gaze and questioning. I myself do not know what I am doing with Armaan. I cannot even explain to myself what I am thinking or what is leading me to spend time with him. I know why Shivaay is questioning me. Of course, he would considering we...considering what happened that night, he would question me. But, then why would he? He shouldn't because he is not a man who takes these matters seriously or to the heart. He is not a relationship man. So, why should he be questioning me? What gives him the right?

"I don't think...I need to answer you Shivaay...I am not your girlfriend or wife." Emphasizing the last word, I could tell has touched a nerve of his as he dug his fingers more deeply into my arm making me wince as I bit my lip trying to not reflect the fact how he had the ability to overpower me.

I lowered my head avoiding his intense gaze as he breathed heavily against me. His body leaning over mines' as he took a step closer leaning me against an intricate wall behind me. Be brave Anika. Do not give into his intimidation. Gathering strength, I attempted to lift my gaze slowly matching his as his blue eyes locked on to mines'. He took a deep breath as he continued to not look away. We stood close appearing as one despite the barriers and differences we held.

"You are answerable to me because...because of that moment you shared with me Anika. That moment was not a lie and you know it to...If you think you can just walk away from that moment without taking a piece of me with you then you are wrong...You are not a woman who doesn't take these moments seriously. I know what relationships mean to you and you would not have shared that moment with me if you did not find life in that bond that we still have..."

My breaths slowing down as his words somehow gave me calmness. An unusual calmness as if I wanted him to say those words. I should be angry at him for feeling the need to control me and for questioning my actions, but I wasn't. Instead, I found calmness in the fact that somewhere he perhaps...Stop Anika. Not again. Don't you dare attempt to find calmness or comfort in this man. He doesn't deserve it. Don't do injustice to yourself.

"Shivaay that bond is long gone. You or me cannot breathe life into it. That bond has already burned and turned into ashes. All I can say is that moment was nothing to me, but a moment of weakness and vulnerability..."

He stood still as he continued to look at me. Silence was the only the speech as he soaked in my words looking into my eyes trying to get confirmation that I was telling the truth.

"One can only be vulnerable to the one they share the depths of the heart with...one is vulnerable for only the person they share a living and breathing bond with...look what you have turned me into Anika...I have started speaking like a foolish poet...just look at me once with vulnerability and you will learn who I have become..." My eyes widening as I felt his voice silently touching and feeling the vulnerability I held. I held on to the end of my dupatta tightly as I felt fearful...fearful that I might see something in his eyes that I was not ready to see.

Is it true that somewhere in my heart, my love for him may be living and breathing? Is it true that I am only vulnerable to him because I breathe his love still that beats in my heart? No. It cannot be. It cannot. Then why?...Why he makes me so vulnerable?

His voice crashing my thoughts. "I won't force you say anything now Anika...but think about my words at least. At least let my words touch you if I cannot..." I took a deep breath as I realized the distance that was existing between us had not yet been closed. Only his words could, perhaps, touch me, but not him. His touch with intentions of love now can never touch me.

His grip on my arm loosened as he leaned against the wall next to me keeping his gaze only at me. I sighed as I leaned my head against the wall standing close to him not moving an inch closer or an inch away. I stood in silence as I attempted to understand what he was saying and what his words full of illusion meant.

Has he changed? Look at him Anika. Just look at him and see if he has changed. I sighed as I closed my eyes in an attempt to not listen to my heart. But, instead listening to the mind that is questioning him as he indeed has never said these types of words tangled with the desires of the heart before. The illusion of fantasy and dreaminess reflected in his words tells me he might have changed paths in life, but who am I to say so? Perhaps, he himself is a fool thinking he might have changed, but he hasn't. I may know him more than he knows himself and I know habits and innate nature are hard to change.

I felt a warm touch on the tips of my fingers as I shivered looking down realizing he grazed the back of his hand lightly against the edges of my fingertips. His touch attempting to comfort my damaged thoughts and in an attempt to let me know that he has indeed changed.

We stood in silence as I let him to hold on to the edges of my fingertips as my soul did not know what to say. My soul was living only in the moment as for once it found peace in his touch just like that night.

"It's best we go our separate ways..." The statement barely cracked through me as I laid my fingertips against the edges of the wall as he continued to touch them tenderly.

Suddenly I felt something cold on the palm of my hand as I shivered under the unfamiliar touch. Lowering my gaze, my eyes widened as they were the same pair of red bangles I saw at the stall. Looking up, I caught his small smile as he kept his hand on mines'.

"You give value to these bangles not that these bangles give value to you." I bit my lip trying to hold back my tears as I knew what he exactly meant.

He grabbed my wrist slowly as he held the red bangles in his hand.

"Let go! Let go!" I began to repeat over and over again trying to snatch my wrist out of his grip, but failing to do so as he held on to it tightly looking straight into my eyes.

"Only I can color your life with this color of passion again Anika...if you will only let me..." He whispered as my fingers curled up not knowing what to say or how to respond. I didn't know what to say to him.

"You colored my life before darkening it and eliminating any hopes for love Shivaay...so how will I believe you?" I whispered.

His body stiffening as he was put on defense. Tugging on to my wrist, he pulled me a step closer towards him. His eyes matching mines'. His hand staying still against mines'. Our beats and breaths going up and down together. I felt his warm breath lay upon me as he lowered his head towards me.

His eyes somehow capturing my gaze and trapping me as I felt the need not to look away. Curiosity catching me as I wanted to see if for once I could find genuineness or honesty in them, but I failed to do so as he had veiled his thoughts.

I felt the roughness of his fingertips graze down my wrists. The bangles clinking and falling as they made their way down my hand. The sound of them catching my attention as I looked at my right wrist entangled with red colored bangles falling on top of another.

"It's hard to believe me Anika. Perhaps, you may never believe me, but I know that you will never let go of me...You have a part of my soul and the memories to it, so don't think you can just easily forget..."

My hand dropping down immediately as he took a step back. His eyes playing, his lips hunting for words, while his body stood tensed wanting to go, but not grazing against the floor.

I bit my lip as I placed the end of my dupatta against my lips trying to hold back tears knowing the truth he spoke. Of course I can not forget him. His memories are still alive within me. No one can forget their true love, but then...do I still love him?...No. I don't. I never will and that is something he has to know.

"I have stepped on the path of forgetting you and now you will see how I will forget you and let go of you...You will see..." I smiled as I looked into his eyes knowing I was speaking my truth.

"We will see Anika...In the past, fate has brought us together and separated us. However, now fate is doing everything to bring us back together...I am a man who doesn't believe in the idea of fate, but you are making me believe it Anika...I know you will come back to me and only me."

A proud, confident smile coming across his face as he gazed at me. Look at his confidence and his manipulative words. This man only thinks about winning and he thinks humans and their emotions are something he can win in conniving and manipulative ways. He probably see's me as game and something he could hunt and win. But, he's wrong...Anika Malhotra will never be won.

"We will see Shivaay...But I know this time fate will do justice to me..." I smiled as I looked into his eyes with hope that my fate will do justice to me this time. He smiled with confidence as I smiled knowing his confidence will be broken this time.

I made my way down the small steps leading to the temple as my dupatta grazed its way down trying to pull me back as I did not oblige and moved ahead. I have to be brave and I have to not let him win this time. I cannot let him betray fate again and entangle me in his darkness.

My eyes fell on to the red bangles I wore as I lifted my wrist. I sighed as I ran my hands through them. I remember the happiness and joy I found in placing these bangles on my wrist when I was married. I remember the pride these red bangles gave me as I was proud to be Shivaay's wife. I remember how these red bangles completed me and comforted me telling me that despite the fact that fate isolated me from my other relationships, I still had one relationship which was the most purest and beautiful one-marriage.

However, that marriage broke me and broke all the hopes and pride I carried with it.

These red bangles are no more for you Anika...this symbol of being a married woman is something that doesn't belong to you. Shivaay is only manipulating me by claiming to color my life with this color, but we both know it is not true. It's all a game.

Wrapping my hands around the bangles, I attempted to remove them, but failed to do as they appeared to lock tightly on to my wrist. I tugged on to them, attempting to pull them out, but failing. I sighed as I kept them there realizing they might just break and hurt me if I tried once more.

I noticed couples beginning to gather everywhere in the large garden looking up at the moon expectedly as they were beginning to get ready to break fasts. Looking around, I attempted to find my parents as I hunted for their unique features such as the bright red saree my mom was wearing or the small patch of hair my dad had on his head. Finally, after looking around I found my parents standing near the end of the garden a few feet away from the beautiful swing I had sat upon an hour ago.

"There you both are!" I exclaimed as I walked up to them as mom smiled and looked back at me.

"We could say the same about you. Where have you been?"

"Well I was at the stalls and looking around. I mean what else am I supposed to do right?" I said trying to bring up my spirits despite everything happened. Mom smiled as she appeared to look at the red bangles I was wearing.

"These are beautiful Anika! You bought these here?" Mom questioned as she ran her hands through the bangles. I smiled trying to play the situation off not knowing what to say since the bangles were given by Shivaay.

"Um...mom how silly of you! I don't have my purse here, but in the car...Um...uh...Priyanka bought them for me..." I mumbled as mom admired them. I hated lying to her, but what else can I do at the moment? I looked up realizing the clouds had completely disappeared and the moon bloomed above us.

"I think it is time for breaking the fast mom. I am pretty sure you are hungry," I noted as I chuckled as Mom rolled her eyes grabbing the aarthi plate as dad stood in front of her.

"Finally she will stop irritating me on how hungry she is. Every year, she fasts, but then she also taunts me. I have told her to stop fasting, but still look at her," Dad noted as I bit my lip from laughing as mom threw him a glare.

They were the cutest couple I had seen. Despite all the fights and arguments they had, I could tell how much dad cared for her and always supported her. I know dad is definitely fasting today as well as I haven't seen him eat anything today, but of course he will not tell anyone about it since he doesn't want to inflate mom's ego apparently. Last year I caught him fasting and I am absolutely sure he is fasting today.

Mom began to do dad's aarthi as she attempted to hurry her way through the prayers. I bit my lip from laughing as I looked away trying to not ruin the moment. I looked away realizing other women were breaking their fasts. Right across the lawn, I noticed Pinky aunty, Jhanvi aunty, Priyanka, and Gauri breaking their fasts. Priyanka waved at me excitedly as she got her aarthi plate ready. I smiled at her childishness and waved back as Priyanka smiled looking back at Akash.

An unusual sense of happiness and joy filled the night as the moon was set to unite couples and strengthen their bonds. Beauty filled itself in each and every relationship reflected in the happiness of the couples around me. Indeed, fate was being good to them...something it hadn't been to me. I smiled knowing that at least other women were not suffering the same fate that I did before.

Placing my dupatta on my head, I looked up at the moon as its moonlight fell upon me. Perhaps, the moon just might be blessing me as the felt the moonlight widening its path above me.

Answer my prayers for happiness once. Please.

I smiled hoping the moon would bless me as it would bring light to the darkness of my life.

I turned around noticing Shivaay standing in the corner near the cheeryblossom tree next to the swing. An unusual sense of loneliness appearing across his face as he looked at everyone. He appeared to be in a state of trance as he stood still not moving once. What must he be thinking? What is going on in his mind? Is he thinking about me?...Why will he Anika? He doesn't care about you then why would he think about you? I shook the thought out of my mind as I felt an unusual set of weakness approach me.

I took a deep breath realizing I was hungry as I had eaten since the morning due a hectic day. I sighed as I felt small red and blue dots beginning to appearing in front of my eyes. My vision beginning to blur as mom and dad appeared to become blur as mom prayed for him. I took a quick step backwards trying to calm myself down and not ruin the occasion. My hands appearing to go cold and chills ran through me. My sugar was definitely dropping as I felt my legs beginning to tremble.

I don't want to ruin this occasion for others, it's best I move out from the crowd. I began to take slow steps towards the swing that stood a few feet away. Making my way, I walked slowly trying to balance myself as I began to get more dizzy. My legs moving back and forth as I appeared to stumble on the patch of grass below my feet.

"Anika! Anika are you ok?!" Quickly looking back I noticed it was Shivaay as he appeared to run up to me. Holding my hand out, I stumbled back as I began to take a step towards the swing to grab a seat. However, faltering as I felt my legs slowly giving up on me.

"Anika!" His voice beginning to echo as I felt a strong pull around my waist. The warmth of his hand wrapping around my waist as he appeared to hold on to me. My head moving forward as everything began to spin at larger speeds. I felt his other hand wrapping around my face pulling me against his chest. His strong perfume filling my senses and making more nauseous as I felt my head spinning at wilder speeds.

My vision beginning to blur as I laid my head on his chest trying to find comfort in its warmth. My thoughts becoming lost for a moment as I looked up at Shivaay. Concern showing on his face as I noticed it becoming a blur. I began to hear voices around me as my legs began to slip down. Reality slipping away from me as I looked up at the blur of his face. In an instant everything turned black.

Shivaay's Point of View

https://youtu.be/Rg-zVc2kTK4

"Anika!" I wrapped my arm tightly around her waist as her head slipped down on to my chest. Her eyes closing in an instant as she appeared to have lost contact with reality.

My heart beginning to increase its beats as my hands began to tremble as I took hold of Anika. At that moment fear rushing through my mind as I felt that I might just lose her and I wasn't ready for it.

"Anika! Anika come to your senses please!" I began yelling trying to shake life out of her as her body appeared to turn cold. My screams catching attention as I realized a crowd was beginning to surround both of us.

The color of her skin turning pale as I placed my hand on the side of her neck feeling her pulse that was beating slowly against her neck. She appeared to have become lifeless as her body leaned against me.

In that moment, I felt as if I lost everything. An unusual heaviness beginning to overwhelm me and burden me as I felt I was losing her. Adrenaline beginning to pump through my body as I felt I was going to lose her if I didn't do anything. My body trembling as I felt my mind go blank not knowing what to do.

Looking back, I noticed a swing a few steps away. Pulling Anika closely towards me, I grabbed hold of her legs as I lifted her up in the air. Looks of shock and dismay apparent on the crowd's faces amongst whom was my family. I don't care what anyone thinks at the moment. Anika matters to me the most.

"Anika dear!What is wrong?!" Anika's mother quickly running up to us as I quickened my steps towards the swing.

Anika's head laying against my chest as her arms lifelessly dropped down. I sighed as I pulled her up more closely towards me as I made my way to the swing quickly sitting down as I laid Anika against my chest holding her head up.

"Give me water for God's sake!" I yelled as I looked up at Priyanka who quickly hovered around us. A large crowd closing the air as they surrounded us trying to figure what to do.

"What's wrong Anika?! What happened?!" Armaan exclaimed as he quickly walked up to us leaning over Anika. I furrowed my eyebrows as I bit my lip trying to control my anger as I looked at him.

"Move away and let her breath!" My voice having more command than usual as I felt fear quickly transforming to anger inside of me. Armaan took a quick step back as he appeared frustrated by my outburst.

I quickly looked down at Anika as I held her close. What is wrong with Anika? How did she faint without a reason or cause? I ran my hands through her hair trying to bring her to senses as she appeared to have lost sense of reality.

"Here's water bhai!" Priyanka quickly handed me a kalash holding some water in it.

Pouring some water into the palm of my hand, I quickly splashed it across her face. The water droplets falling on to her long lashes attempting to awaken her. Her eyes slightly fluttering as they appeared to slightly open up.

Grazing my hand across the side of her cheek, I pulled her up against my chest trying to awaken her as her eyes appeared to slightly open.

"Anika...Anika are you ok?" I spoke slowly and softly against her ear as she moved her eyes slightly upward looking at me. Her eyes still appearing slightly out of touch with reality.

Placing the kalash against the tips of her lips, I lifted her head up and tilted the kalash as she took a sip of water. The paleness of her face slowly beginning to disappear as she quenched her thirst by drinking all of the water. Her body still cold as she laid her head still against my chest.

"Anika, can you hear me?" Priyanka questioned as she kneeled over her as Anika blinked a few times looking at her.

"I...I...feel dizzy..."She mumbled as she leaned her head up.

"What's wrong with her Priyanka?" I questioned curiously as Priyanka grabbed Anika's wrist listening to her pulse as she ran her hand to the side of her neck afterwards.

"Maybe her sugar dropped. Here give her this sweet." Priyanka placed her aarthi thaali in front of me as I quickly grabbed a barfi placing it against her lips as she took a small bite of it.

Her eyes appearing to open more as she looked up at me. Her innocent brown eyes reflecting life once again as they appeared to look at me intently. A weight beginning to lift off of my shoulders as I felt life itself coming back to me. My fear of losing her vanquishing once again as I tightened my grip around her shoulder wanting to hold her close and keep her safe. I love her too much to lose her again.

Anika's Point of View

The warmth of his body brought comfort as I felt my vision slowly clearing up. The coldness of my body beginning to vanquish as I felt my pulse beginning to normalize. I took a deep breath as my vision began to clear up. A crowd of unfamiliar faces surrounded me as I took a deep breath feeling a little anxious.

As my mind began to gain clarity, I realized I was laying in Shivaay's lap as the swing moved back and forth lightly. The moonlight falling on to both of us as it grazed our features. The white leaves of the cherryblossom tree picking up in the wind and falling down on both of us, touching us, and blessing us. My eyes slowly moving back to the moon as I remembered what I had prayed for....my eyes widening as I realized what had happened.

I had not eaten all day and then I prayed to the moon right before collapsing...then Shivaay made me drink water. Oh my God. What did I do? What has fate done to me? I didn't want to be part of this tonight...I didn't believe in all of this, but then unknowingly I became part of it. What is fate doing to me? Why did fate just force me to become part of the rituals entailed in karva chauth? My eyes fell to my red bangles realizing their symbolism....of marriage...Oh my God. What have I done?

My eyes widening as I saw my parents and his family in the crowd looking at us intently some with a look of frustration. Feeling flustered, I quickly backed away from Shivaay as I lifted myself fixing my dupatta realizing the moment of closeness we held.

My body slightly trembling as I realized my glucose levels had definitely dropped. I heard my mom quickly hugging me tightly as she appeared to crack with tears from worry what had happened. Dad running up to me and saying a prayer as he questioned what happened.

I sat in silence not saying a word as I looked at Shivaay who sat next to me. Concern apparent across his face as he kept his gaze still at me. Priyanka quickly sat next to me grabbing my hand and checking my pulse as I felt a state of shock approach me.

What did I do? How could I just unknowingly take part in everything. It's as if fate was controlling all of my actions tonight and I unknowingly allowed to be taken control of...but then how can one control fate? No one has power over fate.

"Anika what happened? How did you faint?!" Priyanka questioned as she shook my shoulder taking me out of my trance.

"I...I...I didn't eat..."I paused as I looked at Mom looking at me confused while Pinky aunty appeared to furrow her eyebrows as she looked at me and then back at Shivaay.

"Why and how long haven't you eaten?" Priyanka questioned as I bit my lip as I realized I couldn't lie in front of so many people. It was impossible to lie to so many people and I am not a great liar. Gathering strength, I looked up at everyone.

"Um...since last night...I...it was a hectic day and I completely forgot to eat anything..." I breathed out a large breath of air as I looked back at Shivaay. His eyes widening as he appeared a bit taken aback from my statement. I could tell he was beginning to have questions.

"Y-you what? Did you fast?" Mom intervening.

"Um...no. I just forgot mom. Honestly, I was busy and did not have the time. I came here and was going to eat, but then again I didn't have the right moment to do so. I was not fasting..." I was clearly put on the defense as I attempted to convince her, but she was not looking convinced.

The crowd of unfamiliar face slowly dispersed as it began to murmur as Mom stood her ground clearly having many questions as she looked at me and back at Shivaay. I could tell she had dug up the same suspicions she had buried.

"Well, I think this night is over! It's better we get going now!" Pinky aunty noted loudly as she appeared to throw me a look before looking back at other members of Shivaay's family.

"I hope you get better Anika and it's best you go home now and rest," Pinky aunty declared sternly as I could tell she was becoming frustrated.

"Anika are you sure you are ok now?" Priyanka questioned as she looked at me with worry. I placed a small smile on my face trying to hide the fact that I was still feeling slightly dizzy and how my body was still trembling from the sudden drop in glucose.

"Um...yeah...I am a doctor and I will be fine ok? You should definitely get going," I muttered as I tried to play a brave smile.

"Priyanka we should get going now," Akash voiced as he looked at her.

Priyanka looked back at Akash as an unusual expression appeared on her face. She appeared to purse her lips together looking at me intently before looking back at him. Her lips slightly trembling.

"Um...ok Akash. Anika eat now something ok? Call me anytime if something is wrong alright?" Priyanka noted as I shook my head as Priyanka got up quickly as she followed Akash who appeared to stomp away.

"Yes, Anika please care for yourself ok? I will call you ok?" Armaan noted as I smiled and waved him goodbye as he walked away.

"Shivaay we are going. Are you coming or no?" Pinky aunty having a sense of urgency in her voice as she looked back at Shivaay.

"I am old enough to decide when and where I will go Ma. So you can go, but I will come later alright?" Shivaay noted as Pinky aunty rolled her eyes before walking away with Shakti uncle.

"Come on Anika let's go," Mom ordered as she grabbed my arm helping me get up as I walked in silence not saying another word.

My thoughts beginning to overwhelm me as I followed my parents lifelessly. What is fate telling me? I became part of karva chauth without even thinking of it and then Shivaay broke my fast...I took a deep breath not knowing what to say or react. He cannot be my fate...no I cannot be walking down a path that goes to him.

I stared at my red bangles as I realized they were given by Shivaay...a symbol of marriage....fate cannot be so cruel to me and lead me back to him. It will be wrong. It will be wrong to thread the dangerous waters and return to him. Then why is fate giving me hints that he is the one written in my fate?

Making my way to the front of the temple, I placed my feet into the sandals I wore as I looked back at the mandhir trying to understand what was being hinted to me? What was fate trying to tell me?

"What is this drama Anika? You were fasting? For who?" Mom grabbed my arm pulling me closer towards her as anger had embraced her.

"No one mom! No one! I did not fast. I honestly just didn't have the time to eat today," I argued defensively as Mom shook her head in disgust.

"Oh really Anika? Then what was that? Why did Shivaay break your fast? Why did he hold you so closely with no meaning at all? Tell me something! Am I blind?!" Mom's voice getting louder as I noticed her voice was catching attention of some her friends walking past us. They appeared to whisper and laugh as they looked at both of us.

"M-mom...I fainted and he helped me that was all," I argued as Mom dug her hands into my arm.

"Really?! Am I blind Anika? Huh! The closeness you both shared, when you fainted, without a care of the world reflects the type of relationship you both hold!"

My own mom doesn't believe me. She thinks I am having an affair and doesn't give a care in the world to listen to me. How can she be like this?

"Nandini please stop making a commotion here! Please do not tarnish and embarrass our family in this manner. It's best we talk at home," Dad argued as he pulled mom back.

"Acha Mukesh? Look at your daughter! Look at what she has become! She is openly romancing her boss and you think this is fine?! Well it is not fine! I cannot let her ruin our family's name with such ill deeds!" Mom began yelling as she pushed me back as I stumbled balancing myself with the pillar of the temple as she began to cry.

"I don't want to see your face right now Anika! I don't! Alright? Your father and I are going home now. You can do whatever you want!" Mom screamed as she grabbed dad's arm and began walking towards the parking lot.

Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I grabbed a seat at the steps of the temples trying to collect myself together. Why is fate being so cruel to me? My own mom doesn't believe me and thinks so wrong of me. How can she think so wrong of me? Is it perhaps what happened years ago when I ran away from home to be with Shivaay? But, still I came back and ever since have done so much to care for her and dad, so how can she not trust me now? Her pride means so much to her that she has had the audacity to abandon me at night at the temple all alone.

I hiccupped as I placed my hands against the palm of hands as I continued to cry. I had not intentions to keep a fast and I don't how I just became a part of it? I am fool that's all. Not once it came to my mind I was stupidly becoming part of this and somehow I did.

These lines of my hands cannot be leading me to Shivaay. They just cannot. I cannot be pushed back towards him. He doesn't deserve me. He doesn't. But, then all night he has been near me, he appeared when I prayed to the moon, he gifted me the red bangles, then he broke my fast...he did everything the way a....husband does....I stopped the thought as I didn't want to think more. I couldn't as I would go crazy thinking about the destruction that was happening in my life right now.

I heard a pair of footsteps approaching me as I followed the familiar set of feet realizing it was Shivaay. The wind beginning to pick up my speed as my dupatta began to fly up in the air as he grabbed hold of it. My arms instantneously wrapping around me as I covered myself looking up at him as he held it in his hands. A small smile appearing on his face as he looked at my dupatta admiring the shades of blue on it. Opening the foils of the dupatta, he held up in the air.

My eyes lowering in shyness and shame as he pulled open the dupatta slowly and leaned down towards me. His eyes setting still on me as I looked down covering myself. His arms lifting up as his hands grazed my shoulders lightly sending a shiver down my spine as I shook. The cold cloth laying down on to my back as his hands laid on to my shoulders. My hands instantly grabbing on to the dupatta as I wrapped it around me.

"Our paths will cross Anika...our fates proved it tonight..." The warm whisper tingling the edges of my ear as I was not willing to hear those words. I didn't want to hear them nor hear the possibility of this happening.

His hand grazed lightly against my bangles as I noticed him smiling from the side of my eyes.

"Only I am made for you Anika...only me..."

I immediately looked up as he smiled running his hands down my shoulders as he slowly pulled them away. I sighed as I wiped my tears looking away not knowing what to say or how to defend myself.

"Eventhough you might have unknowingly fasted...I broke that fast...fate signaling how only I have rights on you..."

Rights? What rights? He has no rights on me and fate should know that...then why is fate doing this? I looked up at him noticing at the shameful level of confidence he was displaying as he smiled proudly. How can fate decide to push me against this cruel man? It cannot be so unfair. Perhaps, fate itself can only be cruel to me.

"Be proud for now, but fate changes all the time. Maybe you are right...or wrong...who knows? Who knows what fate has in store? But...you know what....I know one thing that this fate has in store for me...This fate I carry can only be cruel to me...only bring shame like it did in the past. I mean look at me right now...look at how my parents have just abandoned me...look at how everyone looks at me including your family...this fate can only ruin me and perhaps you are the one to whom fate is sending me towards, so I can suffer more....so be happy knowing I will suffer..." My voice coming out in a subtle whisper as I couldn't bare to say more.

The wind whistled as I finally broke out in tears beginning to shake as I pulled my legs up to me.

I have never felt so alone before the way I have tonight.

"What are you saying? Where are your parents?" He questioned as he kneeled down next to me.

"Abandoned me of course! The shame I brought to them will of course lead to this! The way you held me and comforted me when I fainted gave them wrong ideas, so here I am! Alone...all alone..."

"A-Anika..."

I quickly got up gathering some remaining strength I had as I wrapped my dupatta around me tightly. I realized soon I didn't have my purse with me as it was left in my parent's car. I sighed as I looked back at Shivaay as he stood still not knowing what to say.

"Where are you going all alone?!" He yelled as I quickened my pace walking through the parking lot. My dupatta dragging itself down as I walked in silence setting myself in deep thoughts about what my life had come to be.

"Anika! Listen to me!" He yelled again as I ignored him walking ahead.

Fate can only be cruel...that is what I have learned. Fate somehow always leaves me alone...all on my own. No one is my own in this world. Even my parents don't believe me. That is what hurts me the most that my parents don't believe me...

What has happened tonight? How did this come to be? Shivaay and I....No... Shivaay is not someone who can come back in my life...no matter what I cannot allow him to come back. I cannot make him part of my life...I cannot go through the same heartbreak that I have gone through before....he is not my soulmate....he might've broken my fast because of fate, but it doesn't mean he has become bonded to me.

Karva chauth may symbolize the union and strengthening of a bond of soulmates, but Shivaay is not my soulmate and this bond has not been strengthened by tonight and never will be...

My thoughts entering a trance as I walked in silence on the dark road...Shivaay continuing to yell my name behind me as I walked down the sidewalk looking up at the moon and praying it had not blessed me with happiness with the man who broke my heart...