Hello everyone :) Just as I always start, I want to thank God for his blessings upon this story and all my loyal readers for continuing to read, appreciating, and giving so much love to this story :) This story is almost about to get 40K views :) So, thank you so much :)

First of all, Happy Gurpurab or Happy Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti to everyone who celebrate :)

I know I told everyone I will not be updating this week, but honestly I couldn't stay away from writing this chapter which has a huge twist at the end :) I will not be updating next week, but will be updating on Friday, November 22, 2019.

I am not sure if you will find this chapter interesting, but I tried my best and this chapter is setting up the new track that will start in the next chapter :)

I was at crossroads about Chaaya's storyline and it was very difficult for me to make a decision about her role, but I finally did with careful consideration.

I hope you like this chapter :)

Thank you for reading :)

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Chapter 25

https://youtu.be/Rg-zVc2kTK4

My thoughts entering a trance as I walked in silence on the dark road leading to the night...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...

"Anika! Anika!" His screams fizzling as my thoughts overpowered and placed me on a transient path.

Dragging my feet in silence, I made my way down the road not once looking back. My hands trembling as only fear ran through me. Nothing more nor nothing less. Fear that I might just lose the only relationship I have right now- which is the relationship of love that I share with my parents. I have no one else except my parents and the way they have turned away tonight has filled me with shards and glasses of pain that cannot be described with words.

Why are you testing me fate? Why are you pulling me back to the past and in turn also ruining the present? Why is fate recreating the past with Shivaay while also pulling me away from my parents once again? Fate cannot wrong me once again and place my hand in Shivaay's while pushing me down a path of darkness that will only ruin me further.

I felt a strong pull on my arm as my body immediately swung around. Lights blinding my eyes as suddenly loud horns blocked any other sound. My body flying up as my feet stumbled against the rough rubble of the road. My sense of hearing blocked as I kept hearing loud horns.

My eyes immediately closing shut as I found comfort in an unusual embrace. Hands wrapping around someone tightly with tears endlessly began to spill down my cheeks as I laid my head on their shoulder. My hands beginning to tremble as my heart continued to race. Only silence was the voice between us as we stood still against one another.

"Anika..." I pulled my head outward as the small whisper appeared. Slowly opening my eyes, I traced my hands down a pair of broad shoulders familiarizing myself with the familiarity of the figure.

His hands tenderly running through the waves of hair on back of my head signaling me who the figure was. He took a deep breath as I stood there is silence with only tears to speak for me. The breeze picking up as I felt it run past us tugging on to our silence and telling us to speak.

"Are you ok?! You were almost about to get hit by a car!" I laid still against his chest not moving once. Confusion, anger, frustration had overpowered me and completely taken my thoughts for a wild ride leaving them erased.

I sighed as I dug my fingers into his shirt as memories rushed back. Memories of him and I that were a lie. Memories where I foolishly loved him to only be betrayed. Memories of how he became the reason behind separating me from the purest relationship I held...the relationship of a daughter and her parents...He again separated me from my parents like he did years ago...Anger immediately jumping at me and shaking me as I tightened my grip on his arms before pushing him away with all the force I held.

Shivaay's eyes widening as he stumbled back on the road. An unusual shock dashing across his face as he appeared taken aback by my demeanor. I could tell I looked like fear to him by the look of shock in his eyes. My hair flying up wildly in the wind as I felt my eyes burn with tears flowing down my cheeks without an end. I could tell I looked like fear.

"Who the hell do you think you are?! Huh! How dare you even impose this right of caring for me?! Who are you?! Who are you?!" I screamed as I grabbed the collar of his kurta pulling him closely towards me.

Our bodies standing close to one another as his nose lingered closely to mine bridging the gap of space that we held before. My body showing dominance as I pulled him closer looking into his eyes...daring him to challenge me and dominate me because he couldn't anymore...This Anika was someone he couldn't mess with.

I don't know what happened in the moment, but without a thought anger overpowered me. Anger from what he had done to me and continued to do to me. Anger over how he dared to interfere in my life and create more trouble than he had before. I had been building up anger against him for months and now the bottle had finally popped.

"Anika what is wrong with you?!" Shivaay plunging into anger as his eyes darkened as he grabbed my waist pulling me closely towards him as I held his collar not letting go. I am not going to let him overpower me tonight. I am not going to let him play with me again.

"Wrong?! Do you even know what you have done?! Because of you my parents abandoned me tonight! The way you held me...touched me...touched their taste for disgust made them angry because they are people with pride! Their pride is in my honor which you destroyed by every means possible!" My words barely slipping out of me as I began to cry. Confusion lingering in his eyes as he looked lost by my choice of words. He's probably playing this look to appear innocent, but I will not be trapped this time.

"What do you mean?" His voice barely making through as an unusual smile appeared on my face. Smile representing the frustration over how he is so clever at playing off the situation and attempting to look like a fool.

Now when I think of it he is doing everything on purpose to trap me again...he's taking advantage of the photos to play it off with my parents. First he cleared the air about the photos to them to make a good impression on them and me....now he showed this public display of affection when I fainted to further create this idea in my parents mind how something is going between us, so my parents may just....bond him and I in a relationship? Oh my God. He is clever. He is so clever.

"Uff....no...don't do this now Shivaay....don't. You exactly know what you have done...I get it now....I get your game plan! You first told my parents there's nothing between us to impress them and me and now you showed this affection when I fainted to create an idea in my parents' mind about us....Uff...why? To trap me again huh? You are on the hunt to trap me again and play with me because you love it don't you?! Don't you love it Shivaay?! You love the game! Admit it! You love the chase and that's why you are doing all of this! Shame on you! Shame!" My words barely coming out as spit as I brought my face closer to him, forcing him to lower his head as I pulled him closer.

Our eyes looking into each others' as they attempted to read one another. His small breaths holding on to me, telling me he wanted to speak, but couldn't find the words to. His cold hands tracing the ends of my back as he pulled me closer towards him tightening his grip on them as I stood still not moving an inch as tears began to dry on my cheeks only leaving anger behind.

"Shame on you..." I whispered as he bit his lip gazing at my lips before looking up into my eyes.

"I would never...stoop so low Anika...I wouldn't involve your parents in this matter that is between only both of us...Of course I am after you. Of course, I want you. Of course I want your presence all day...every day...I want us like this....like how we are right now...You holding on to me while I hold on to you...." His words sending chills down my spine as I felt my heart skip a beat. His words bringing an unusual wave of unexplainable emotion, forcing me to look away from the ground and into his. The words streaming out of his lips, but their meaning reflected in his eyes...either he is being honest or he is really good on putting a mask on his bare soul that is only dark.

Hold me? Have my presence? He always had it. Always. All the time while we were married he had me. Then why did he lose me? Why did he lose me if he only wanted me to be next to him at the end of every day in his life?

Lies.

His words are all lies Anika. He can only make pearls of lies by searching them in the sea of darkness he holds. He never stooped lower than this? Oh he has.

"You've stopped lower than this Shivaay...." My words breaking our silence as his eyes showed loss of memory.

"Remember what you did? Remember all of it? Every single damn thing. Damn...damn it if you don't remember. You've done worse, so don't play with me or my mind...You have always involved my parents...You are the reason why I broke off the purest relationship I had with them...Because of you, they don't trust me anymore..."

"Anika-"

"Shhh....listen to me once. Listen to the voice of my heart before attempting to impose your will on it....My parents mean everything to me Shivaay...they are my world...the only one I have left after losing....losing my love..." I stopped as I realized what I had said.

My eyes widening as I placed the tips of my fingers on my lips...questioning them and asking them what they had just spoke. My eyes matching his intense gaze as he looked equally taken aback by my statement...waiting intently wanting to hear more. I bit my lip as I realized I had just caught myself in a moment of vulnerability that I didn't want to be part of anymore.

Love. Of course I loved him. Loved. Not love, but loved...he was my life. He brought breaths to my soul. Beats to my body. Light to my darkness. He brought everything. I left the world for him. Made him my world and made my world with him. I loved him, but now I don't love him.

"Anika...Anika...say more...speak more...for once give voice to your heart..." His hands grazing up my shoulders and too my neck as he shook me back from reality. Looking up at him with tearful eyes, I broke my silence.

"I am giving voice to my heart...voice that...I did everything for you. Sacrificed such a pure relationship with my parents for you...I did everything to be your presence, but what did you do? What did you do? Did you make any sacrifices? Did you? No you didn't. Not once..." I let out a small laugh as I looked at him and the dark soul he was. The words sacrifice and love clearly erased from his soul...his unfamiliarity to the deeper meaning of the words clearly seen in his eyes.

We stood in silence as he kept his gaze on me, observing my details and trying to gauge on to my presence of mind as I could tell by how he once didn't look away. He took a deep breath as he kept his hand on the side of my neck while I didn't pull back not knowing why, but I didn't.

"Anika...tell me once what your heart desires and I will do everything to fulfill it." My eyes widening as his statement took me off guard. His words having tenderness and softness that they hadn't before.

"You love your parents don't you?" I looked at him confused a bit taken aback from his question as he appeared serious. I bit my lip as I felt tears burning my eyes. Tears from the realization of how I had lost my parents' trust tonight.

"My parents are my life...they're the only ones' I have left in this world whom I can trust and love knowing they will always be there and not leave me..." I cracked as I began to cry wiping my tears away as I took a step away from him creating distance between us once again.

"Anika...please..." He took a step towards me, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer to him forcing me to look into his eyes.

"I am tired of being left alone on dark paths of life. Tired of losing true love in the form of marriage or in the form of family...tired. For once I want peace. Happiness...I have learned to compromise on myself and my desires...but I only want happiness...happiness for my parents...their happiness is the only reason why I have not given up on life...the reason why I fight and do everything to heal their wounds from the trust I broke years ago and the sacrifices they made for me...Their happiness is my happiness and their happiness lies in their pride and honor which I am. If this pride and honor is ruined, like it has been tonight, then their happiness will be gone."

Crossing my arms, I attempted to appear cold, but I knew vulnerability had got to me and I told him everything I felt for my parents and what they meant to me and how they were now my reason to live after losing everything that was mine.

He stood still. Lost in his thoughts as he appeared to contemplate upon the words I spoke. He took deep breaths as if to bring life to his mind and take in my words without rebellion. He said he would everything to fulfill my desires...so will he fulfill my desire of finding happiness in my parents?...No. He's too dark for that.

"You deserve all the happiness in the world Anika...You deserve every single thing the earth has endowed upon humanity...but if you only find happiness in your parents then I will bring them to you...tonight."

Blunt shock hitting me as his words had shattered my misconception. His eyes reflecting genuity as if he meant saying those words and had carefully chosen them and brought thought to them. Will he give up his game and give me back to my parents? Will he really do it? Will he finally fight for my happiness?

I stood still as a soft smile appeared across his lips. He grabbed my hand once again as he intwined his fingers into them pulling our hands closer towards his chest. His touch grabbing my attention as I looked up at him trying to understand what he was trying to do.

"But for once give me a chance too...let me bring happiness in your life...let me accompany you on the dark paths of life...." His words catching me off guard as I felt disgusted and humiliated by how he still could just play his way and manipulate me once more despite the vulnerability I showed.

"For Chaaya's sake..." I stopped as my eyes widened with realization how long it had been since I had spoken of her. My hands beginning to tremble as memories of her began to rush back to me. Memories of what was...memories of my love for her that still beats inside of me. Love that wraps around my womb and tells me to go towards her....Memories I had buried for long...deep inside not wanting them to come back alive. My heart increasing it beats as Chaaya flashed in front of my eyes...my soul...my daughter.

I bit my lip trying to stop myself from breaking down further as I held on to his hand looking into his eyes. He looked taken aback from the fact that I had spoken of her. Someone who was close to both of us...

"Anika don't..." He spoke as I bit my lip shaking it back and forth as I held his hand.

"I brought her to this world...she was my life which was stolen from me...she was my love...piece of my heart....for her sake....do not play with me anymore. Leave me for once and for all....Give me happiness for once and for all...Please don't hurt me more than you have before." I began to cry as Shivaay sighed taking deeper breaths as he placed his hand on top of my head as I leaned my head against his chest. Only tears brought voice to our silence and pain I held inside of me. Pain and ache from losing my love...from losing my child...

"I-I w-will do everything to not come in your way. I will bring happiness to your darkness...I will let you go..." He whispered as I pulled my head away looking up at him as his last three words caught my attention. Let me go? Why does merely hearing these words somehow make me feel an unusual ache in my heart that I am supposed to have. I was supposed to find peace upon hearing that he is quitting his game then why am I not?

"If your happiness lays in me letting you go then ok...I will let you go...Let's go. I will take you home ok?" He whispered as my eyes widened. What is he saying? He's concerned about my happiness? Is he genuinely concerned or not? Why does it feel so unusual to hear him say he would bring happiness to me by letting me go? The Shivaay I know never quits...but he's quitting for my happiness?

A knot formed in my stomach as I began to feel my heart ache. Somehow something was not right. I don't know what it was, but something was not right. I myself asked him to leave me, but then why does it hurt when he agrees to my idea.

"My parents...what will they say?" I questioned as he sighed and took a deep breath before placing his hands on my shoulders and looking directly into them.

"Trust me this time and I will not break it ok?"

Trust him. How can I after everything he has done? How can I trust him after he broken it repeatedly? I don't want to trust him, but then why is my heart telling me to trust him once and give him a chance.

"Only once....only this time will I trust you ok?" He shook his head as he continued to look at me.

"Let's go..." He began to walk as I followed him.

We walked in silence back to the parking lot without saying another word. He walked a few steps ahead as I fell behind lost in my thoughts thinking what I was doing. Thinking whether it was it right of me to push him away...Was it right of me? It should be. I have the right to ask for my happiness...already my will to give up my most cherished gems have led me to lose my happiness...atleast I can fight for the last gem I have...my parents.

He opened his car's door for me as I looked at him. My mind pulling me back and telling me to not get in the car as somehow I didn't want to trust him. I didn't have the will too. However, my heart told me to trust him this time as he might just be saying the truth.

Pulling my gaze away from his, I sat down inside the car as he slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat. Starting the ignition, he hit the gas pedal and made a sharp turn out of the parking lot and on to the main road.

Wrapping my dupatta around me, I attempted to keep myself calm and bring comfort in the darkness that had been cost upon my life. The car humming as we made our way through the hills, embracing the darkness.

I sat still waiting for my fate as I had entrusted it to Shivaay with a belief that he might just bring my parents back to me and build their broken trust that they had lost in me. But even though he may bring me back to my parents....why do I feel so heavy knowing he's letting me go? What does he mean by saying those words? He never gives up.

Looking back towards him, I noticed him staring intently out on to the road as he continued to drive not flinching once. His hands tightening on the steering wheel as he appeared to put on his emotions on hold and have an unusual calmness. What is he thinking? What is going on in his mind?

Suddenly the brakes screeched as I looked up realizing he had pressed the brakes in front of a roadside diner. Making a small turn, he drove into the small parking lot of the diner.

"What are you doing? Why are we stopping here?!" I grabbed his arm trying to get his attention as he parked the car in the front.

He took a deep breath as he looked back at me. His eyes standing still with strong intent in his eyes as he appeared to look at my features. His gaze creating a sense of discomfort as I wrapped my dupatta around me looking away.

"You almost fainted from hunger. At least eat something and spend time with me one last time before....before it's over..."

My eyes standing still in his as I tried to comprehend the meaning of his words. His words somehow pinching my heart. "Over? What is over? There was nothing to begin with..." I replied knowing I was biting into a lie as there was so much between us. So many emotions...so many memories....of course they didn't even end despite...despite the divorce. Shivaay I would give you a chance if our love was true, but it isn't...You can only play games as relationships are only superficial to you. Relationships never run deeper for you...

"Don't lie to yourself. If there was nothing you wouldn't have...brought me so close and allowed me touch you...your soul...once more..." My eyes widening as I looked back at him taken aback by his choice of words as he looked at me with serious intent.

I gulped nervously as I clasped my shaking hands together to hide the fact that his words had somehow affected me...Somehow challenging my thought process and questioning my actions. Memories from that night rushing back to me as I realized what had happened. His touch somehow still lingering on to my body...his intense gaze somehow still bringing shame to me...I bit my lip as I attempted to not delve into the memories and try to hunt for a deeper meaning...because that is something I do not want to touch and further make myself vulnerable to him.

"It was lust." My voice barely cracking through as I attempted to be strong and not show him the sense of contemplation that ran through me.

"Try to say that when you look at yourself in the mirror. Look at yourself and say those words..." He replied coldly as I bit my lip not knowing what to say or how to reply.

It can't be. What happened that night was not a continuation of the past...it was a moment of weakness...a moment of vulnerability that caught me and brought me near him. There was nothing more than that. Nothing more to be seen or heard. But, would I dare to say this while looking in the mirror?...I felt my hands shake as I clasped them together trying to keep myself calm.

He sighed realizing I was not going to crack to his words. This time it is different. I am not going to fall for his words easily. "Let's go."

"I am not going." I replied with a firm stance as he took a breath of frustration before drumming his hands on the steering wheel.

"Come inside. We will stop for ten minutes before leaving alright? Eat something please." His voice having an air of command that I could tell was not worth fighting with. I did not have the energy to fight with him after all that happened tonight. It was best to let things be and let them happen rather than control them.

Shivaay's Point of View

https://youtu.be/SsEbq067qdM

I stared back at her as she appeared to contemplate upon her thoughts before slipping off her seatbelt. If only time could stop and I could keep her with me. Keep her here and not let her go.

What am I doing? How can I just say to her that I will let her go? Let her go and not fight for my love for her. She means so much...how can I let her go? I want to fight for her. Fight for her love. But then...that vulnerability in her eyes...tells me that I shouldn't fight for her....that perhaps fighting for her would hurt her more. She has lost so much in her life...most of because of me...my darkness...my need to take command and selfishness led me to take everything away from her...If her happiness stays in her parents and means I should leave her then perhaps it is best I leave her. That is the least I can do compared to how much I have hurt her. She deserves happiness.

I bit my lip as I followed her into the diner as the small bell on the door chimed signaling to the sleepy waitress that she had finally had customers to fill up the seemingly empty diner. We walked in silence to a small booth in the back of the diner as wooden benches and table lined it.

My eyes standing still upon her as her beauty was quick to catch my attention. Despite the tears...the sadness apparent across Anika's face...she still was a beauty to behold. Her large brown eyes catching my attention and telling me to heal her wounds. Her rose colored lips in which I longed to hear my name...Lastly, her soul that created her beauty to which I long to touch...She indeed was a beauty that I wanted to keep.

Her gaze remained lowered as she appeared nervous seen in how she played with her fingers with one another and moved her eyes back and forth on the designs of the table.

"Hello, What would you both like sir?" The waitress asked with a smile across her face as she looked at both of us.

I looked back at Anika expecting an answer as she sat in silence not saying a word. The edges of her fingertips drumming anxiously on the table.

"Anika say something..." I said breaking her trail of thoughts as she suddenly looked up at me and at the waitress.

"Um...I don't know. I will have anything. Can we make this quick please?" She said anxiously as I could tell she wanted to go home pronto without any interventions. There was no point in asking more questions from her, so I looked at the menu.

"Um...a small bean burrito and a vanilla milkshake," I noted to the waitress as she smiled and quickly walked away.

Anika immediately looked up at me with a curious expression across her face as I slightly smiled at her. I knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Surprised I still remember this unusual combination that you like to eat?" I asked as she began to bite her lip avoiding my gaze not giving a reply. She ran her hands through her hair looking outside towards the rain that was beginning to fall. She appeared anxious...waiting to leave. However, I felt calm...trying to relish in each and every second of her presence.

Last time it was easy. It was easy leaving her for some reason. Selfishness and greed had overpowered me and failed to make me realize how wrong I was and how somewhere I might have just loved her...I don't know if I loved her when we were married...I cannot tell.

When one is not loved for an entire lifetime and not even told what the meaning of love is, they cannot tell or describe love once they become part of this enigma. Somehow now I know I love her...I don't know how love is defined, but I see love as finding peace in one's presence which is not found in any other's. The peace I find in being next to her...looking at her...and observing her smallest details cannot be find anywhere...No one gives me peace the way she does. I don't know what it is, but I just want her. I want to see her each and every day in front of my eyes. I want to relish her presence. I want to admire her.

I love her. And now I cannot leave her. This moment gives me peace, but is slowly, slowly poisoning me as I realize this may be the last moment before I will not be able to enjoy her presence. I don't want to let go of her. I don't. But if she finds happiness in her parents and no one else then I am willing to let her go...If her pride and honor is only safe when I am not with her then I will let go of her...Back away and not attempt to come close to her.

"It's funny how you want time to run and I want time to slow down...slow down so I can relish each and every moment..." I spoke softly as I felt an unusual ache of separation beginning to approach me.

She looked back at me. Her eyes standing still as she looked at me. They softened as they caught my gaze. Her eyes showing a mixture of contemplation and confusion as somehow my words had hit her home...telling her to stop and once look at me and feel the emotions of the words I spoke and have spoken to her. My words pushing her to reconsider before this moment would pass. Perhaps, this is the last moment we can share before she walks away....last moment where she has a chance...

"Don't make this hard Shivaay...for once don't play with my mind....Please..."She appeared to give up as she placed her head into her hands. I could tell she was giving up. She didn't have the energy to fight anymore. The vulnerability seen in her voice when she pleaded me for her happiness was something she had always hidden...and to see her reveal to me broke me and urged me to give into her desires. After all, love is about being selfless right? Perhaps this is my step towards being selfless that I haven't been before.

The waitress soon coming as she placed her bean burrito and a milkshake in front of Anika. Anika sighed as she looked at the burrito with a poor appetite before taking a bite of it. I sat in silence observing her smallest actions as her words had struck silence inside of me. My eyes observing her struggle with opening a small packet of hot sauce before spilling it into the burrito. Observing the confusion in her eyes as she didn't want to eat, but had an unusual sense of hunger in her eyes...I sat observing each and every details of her as if this would be the last time I would be sitting so close to her...sharing a moment alone with her....But I don't want this to be the last time. I want to fight for us...fight for my love.

Play? I wouldn't dare to do that now Anika. I have made mistakes in the past, but not anymore...I will not dare to hurt you now. Just believe me once Anika. For once believe that I am being genuine to you...But then think about it Shivaay...why would she believe you? After everything you have done to her...how would she believe you? You have broken her trust...how can you just easily rebuild it?

"Why don't you understand? I am not playing with you...I know I have broken your trust and I don't deserve it, but believe me...I am not playing Anika...I want to say so much to you-"

She shook her head back and forth as she had a pleaful look across her face. "Don't! For Chaaya's sake don't..." My words freezing as I felt my body coming to a standstill as I heard Chaaya's name...The pain and agony seen in her innocent eyes as I could tell she even struggled to say her name...our daughter's name. Tears began to stream down her cheeks as she chewed on her bit barely swallowing it. Painful memories apparent across her face as she looked at me.

I sighed as I looked at her. Of course, only for Chaaya...only for her...am I stopping myself from expressing myself to you...the only reason why I have somehow developed the will to let you go even though I don't want to. For her sake am I willing to listen to your heart and even fulfill you desires of happiness. If Anika finds her happiness without me...then I would let her go...because she has asked me for Chaaya's sake.

"And only for her sake am I willing to let you go...Only because of Chaaya...have I listened to you and I am willing to heed to your words..." I whispered as Anika looked up at me. She took a deep breath as she looked at me.

"At least you respect her death..." She whispered as I felt my heart ache hearing those words. She broke down as she cried upon touching a mother's broken heart. I bit my lip trying to hold back my tears as I realized what I had done to her. How much I had hurt her? How much my lies had hurt her? If you only you knew that you are only speaking a lie. If you only knew the truth that deeply lies.

Anika's Point of View

https://youtu.be/HF0xjpHnRLA

Tears continued to stream down my cheeks as I remembered Chaaya...a piece of my soul that had been ripped apart from me by fate. She was my life. She was my love. She was the one whom I cherished and loved the most in the world. The moment I lost her brought an everlasting darkness to my life that has never been vanquished ever since. I am her mother after all. The worst that can happen is when a mother loses a child and I hope this day never comes upon anyone else. What bad deeds did I do that she was taken away so soon?

Losing Chaaya and losing Shivaay has created a fear in my mind of losing my parents...my parents are the only ones' I have left in the world whom I love the most. If my parents abandon me then I do not know what I will do. I have already undergone so much pain by abandoning them before for Shivaay, but I will not be able to bear through that pain once again.

"If Chaaya was alive...would you still not give me a chance?" His question catching me off guard as my eyes widened. What is he saying? What does he mean by this question? How can he ask such question after everything that happened?

I don't know if I would give him a chance for the sake of Chaaya. I cannot even think about this possibility after knowing what happened to Chaaya.

"But, she's not alive...so why would I even answer this question Shivaay?"

Shivaay bit his lip as he looked at me. His eyes showing an unusual sense of tension and conflict as he appeared to think keenly about a subject.

"Only for her sake will I let you go, but at least for this moment allow me to relish it and share it since it may be the last we are sitting like this..." He whispered as I felt my heart skip a beat upon the realization that once again he will moving apart from me like years ago.

Memories of that separation still haunting me somewhere as I remembered what happened, how it happened, and how I broke down. I cannot even think about that day as it hurts me so much. After five years, he came back in my life and we shared moments...moments of closeness in the company of one another...and now he might just be stepping back like I asked...I should find peace in the fact that he is stepping away and not willing to play with me again, but then why am I feeling so suffocated and so lost upon realizing he is walking away from me?

I broke the thought as I took the last sip from the milkshake letting its coolness run down my throat while the flavor lasted and attempted to bring me to a state of peace and euphoria and help me escape the mental confusion and conflict that was going on in my mind right now.

Get up Anika. Be brave and get up before falling into the same, dark, broken pit. Placing my hands firmly on the table, I forced myself to get up.

"Can we just go now please?" The question appeared to be more for me as if my mind was speaking out and urging me to leave moment.

Shivaay sat still as he looked at me. Not moving, but only observing me as he drummed his fingers in silence. A peculiar smile appearing on his face. "I remember when once I was the one who wanted to leave you and let go of you quickly, but you stood your ground...telling me to not let go you and the moment we belonged in Anika...I cannot believe how time has changed and we have switched placed..."

I lowered my gaze as his words initiated a set of memories that were too painful to remember again. Wrapping my dupatta tightly around me I took a step out of the booth as Shivaay got up.

"Do you really want to leave this moment? At least let me enjoy it. At least give me that much right to enjoy this last moment with you Anika..."

I paused as I looked up at him. His gaze matching mines'. I stood still trying to find a hint of genuineness to his statement, but couldn't because his eyes appeared ice cold. No emotions prevalent in them. I looked away not wanting to look at his eyes anymore. How can I trust his words of his eyes do not even reflect their meaning? He is not being honest. He never will be.

I quickly opened the door as I walked out. The rain beginning to fall down upon me as I walked to the car not once looking back. Of course, I do not want you to let go of me, but...you are full of lies and manipulation. There is no reason to believe you.

Tears slipping down my cheeks as I quickly wiped them away and wrapped my dupatta around me tightly trying to protect myself from the cold rain. Where have we come to Shivaay? Never would I have thought how everything would end the first time I met you and the moment I realized I loved you.

This shouldn't have ended like this. We ended everything five years ago, but back then it felt as if something did not end....that something was still remaining. I guess today is the day that everything is officially ending...that something that was still remaining is also ending...thought I cannot pinpoint what it is.

"Anika...for once listen to me before we move on a path of letting go one another..."Shivaay spoke as he grabbed my arm pulling me towards him. The side of my shoulder hitting his chest as he leaned his face downwards against the side of my ear. A small chills running down my spine as his touch still gave me goosebumps.

"Anika...we still have some time. We can take a step back and not move down this path of separation...After so long have we found each other's company. Don't say you didn't feel anything that night..."

My eyes widened as I looked up at him.His statement catching my attention and creating knots of tension inside of me as I began to remember everything that happened.

"I don't know what I felt that night Shivaay. I don't know. I can comprehend it as only lust. I don't have the capacity to think more or reflect on the emotions my soul may be undergoing...It will be too painful for me. I cannot think too much about us or what we have...because it will only give me pain."

A tear making its way down my cheek as I looked away not showing him my vulnerability. My patience breaking down as I did not want to talk about the subject anymore.

"Listen Anika..."

"Listen? Not once...will I listen....You know why I don't want to reflect on that night? Because I am scared...scared what I might find...Afterall, if I find something deeper, you will only use it, play with it, and throw it way like you did before... I don't want to fall for your manipulation again...I cannot let you hurt me again..."

"I won't. I have realized my mistakes...I will not hurt you..." His voice soft and tender with an attempt to pull me away from my firm decision of not listening to him nor giving him a chance. I avoided looking into his eyes fearing I might just again fall for the manipulation he was an expert at playing.

"I see it in your eyes how right now you don't want to listen...I see the broken trust in your eyes and no matter what I may say, you will not believe me, so fine...if you find your happiness in being away from me then fine...let's go." His voice cold as he let go of my arm. My eyes widening in shock as he had appeared to give up. He never gives up then why he is giving up today?...Anika you are supposed to be happy that he is willing to give up on you then why aren't you feeling happy? But, then why would I be happy?

I opened the car's door and sat inside as he quickly reversed the car. We sat in silence as his statement kept repeating in my mind. If you find your happiness in being away from me then fine...let's go.

Happiness? From being away from you? How can you think that? The moment you left me, I broke down. Happiness stood miles away from me. You were the one who brought happiness Shivaay...It hurt me to be away from you. But, now...now I am used to not being with you...Now I find happiness in my parents' trust and support...Now I cannot choose you like I did before...Plus why would I? Knowing you would betray me?

He made a swift turn off of the freeway and towards the neighborhood where I stayed. My heart beat increasing minute by minute...I don't know whether it was due to the fact he was giving up and letting me go or whether how my parents would react. What would they say? Moreover, how would they react seeing me with Shivaay? The thoughts repeated as I realized he had made a turn into my street and headed towards the front driveway of my home.

I took deep breaths trying to calm myself down as Shivaay parked the car. What will my parents say? Was I right in telling him that my happiness only lies in my parents? Was I right in forcing him to let me go? Am I right?

We sat in silence as the dark night fell upon us. I leaned my head against the car seat as I continued to question everything that happened tonight. Anika, he's letting you go, so be happy...be happy he failed to play his mind games with you and this time you escaped his manipulation...But then why am I still questioning everything and whether I am right in asking for my happiness. Whether I am right in asking him to leave me?

Slowly turning my eyes, I looked back at him only to catch myself off guard with realization he was already looking at me and probably had for a while. As if this may be the last time in one another's presence. I don't know why, but I felt an ache as if I did not want to get out of the car. As if letting go of this moment...alone with him in his presence was wrong.

I attempted to look into his eyes, but darkness of the night fell upon them... hiding them... I could not read them and tell whether he....loves...stop it Anika. Stop Anika. What are you doing? Why are you hunting for love...his love...? It's wrong. It is so wrong to even think this...remember when he was your husband...somewhere you saw love in his eyes for you, but it all was a fascade. He is full of manipulation, lies, and a master on wearing masks.

With all my strength, I opened the door realizing that I shouldn't relish myself in his presence. That attempting to find comfort in his presence would be wrong of me too. That relationship was long gone and there was no hope of reviving it.

I heard the car door slam behind me as his footsteps soon followed. Stopping right behind me, I felt him lean against my back. My back moving inwards as I took a step away from him looking back into his eyes...A soft smile appeared on his lips. Not once looking away or flinching, but looking into my eyes wanting me to speak. Wanting me to say I would give him a chance...

I gave too many chances Shivaay...and you never took them to truly love me...I cannot give you another one, so you can only break me. It's better you let go of me. I didn't say a word making my mark on my decision. My body trembling as I looked back at my home not once wanting to move ahead as I was fearful about how my parents would react.

Shivaay took a deep breath as he appeared to realized the moment and the chances were long on. That now he could only let me go.

"Let's go." His voice having an edge of coldness as I felt a peculiar touch on my hand. Looking down, I realized he was grazing his hand against mine before taking it into his. His touch somewhat comforting me and calming down my nerves. We began to walk as I found comfort in him holding my hand. His touch somehow bringing comfort.

We made our way towards the front door as my hands shook. Shivaay looked back at me as if to confirm my decision. I avoided his gaze as I looked at our hands holding on to each other. This is the last we may be holding on to each other, however, it is for the best...it is best we let go...Before saying another word, I slipped my hand away from his.

He rang the doorbell as we stood in silence. Clasping my hands together, I attempted to wipe the sweat against my dupatta as nervousness approached me. What will happen? What will my parents say?

The door suddenly swinging open as my father stood front in center. His eyes furrowing as his face appeared to redden as he looked at me before at Shivaay. I gulped nervously as I looked at him. Dad appearing to open his mouth before Shivaay spoke.

"Sir, please do not react before listening to me...I want to clear misunderstandings. For once let us in and listen..." Shivaay's voice softening which was unusual since he always played off a tone of command.

Dad stood still looking back at me before at him, contemplating whether he wanted to listen. For once be sensible and let us in dad. For once give us a chance. Dad took a deep breath before sidestepping and gesturing us in.

I took a step forward as I walked inside with Shivaay following me. Footsteps immediately following from upstairs as I noticed mom running down the stairs angrily.

"What is this?!" She exclaimed as she stomped quickly towards me.

"Aunty please listen to me before getting mad and upset with Anika. I have to make clarifications," Shivaay stepped forward right in front of me as if standing a barrier between us both. I took a step back as I looked at him...finding comfort in how he had stepped forward and was somehow protecting me...fighting for my voice...something I wish he had done a long time back.

"What clarification? We saw everything today at karva chauth! We saw how you picked up and took care of her! This girl was fasting for you! You both are clearly in a relationship, so please do spoil our mind with lies!" Mom argued as she looked at me with pure anger. Shivaay sighed as I noticed his anger was building up. His hands tightening into fists as his jaw stiffened. No Shivaay...do not get angry and ruin everything more. I grazed my hand lightly against his arm as his arm flexed. His head turning slightly to the side as he appeared to realized I had touched him...hinting him to remain calm.

"You are wrong. She simply fainted and I saw her, so for the sake of humanity I helped her. There is nothing between Anika and I..." He paused as he looked back at me. Slowly looking up, I caught his gaze and for the first time I was taken aback by the clarity of his eyes. His eyes not showing darkness or a veil that hid secrets...but showed genuineness and perhaps hints of memories of a relationship long gone.

"How can we believe you? After everything that happened? We are very simple people beta and Anika is our honor. If she is found having such affairs then our honor will be tarnished...it already is seen in the suspicious looks of people at karva chauth," Dad argued as Shivaay sighed and shook his head.

"I understand, but you have to believe....Anika is pure. She is a pure soul who loves you both more than anything...I saw it the way she was crying outside the mandhir with a broken heart...I wouldn't have gotten involved, but I had to as I realized because of me her relationship with you all may be ruined."

My eyes widened in shock hearing the tinges of kindness in his voice. It was peculiar, something not heard before and some how I found myself becoming attracted to it. Attracted to the kindness he was rarely portraying behind the cold demeanor he always had. Attracted to the admiration he was portraying in describing me...

"Anika and I are like day and night...I am her boss and she is my employee...Our worlds are far apart and different. Our thoughts run parallel never once merging. She and I are different souls. One belonging to the day and one to the night...Thinking that we could be together is wrong. I can attest that Anika is a pure soul and a woman with values. Please do not think wrong of her or us...There is nothing between us."

His tender words breaking down my heart as I clenched on to my dupatta realizing it was happening again. The breakdown of a relationship that I didn't even know I was part of. I had unknowingly brought myself to him again...created a bond...without even reflecting on the consequences of it...That night, I created a bond with him...a bond that was coming to be since the day we met after five years and a bond that was fulfilled that night...God...what have I done? What have I done? Despite him and I being night and day....we still came to be together that night...I allowed it to come to be. Despite us being different souls...we came together that night...what have you done Anika? You committed such a huge mistake.

His words appearing to break the ice as mom and dad looked back at one another contemplating the truth. Part of the truth considering who Shivaay and I were.

"But what we saw. What about that?" Mom questioned as she appeared to soften.

"A moment of humanity...that's all." Shivaay slightly smiled as he looked back at me. His smile failing to reach his eyes as he bit his lip as if biting on to his emotions. Somehow I could tell he was having trouble in speaking anymore than needed...it was as if it was painful for him to speak more.

"Nandini believe them. Trust both of them. Trust our upbringing ok?" Dad said as he placed his hand on mom's shoulder. Mom sighed as she looked at both of us back and forth.

"Ok...this time I will give the benefit of the doubt, but if this trust is broken again...then you both will see the worse of me." Mom's voice stern as she looked at both of us.

Shivaay smiled as he took her blessings.

"It won't be broken. Anika is only yours' and not mine or never was mine..." Shivaay smiled as he looked at me. His words breaking me all over again as I felt an unusual pain reach upon me. His hand grabbing on to mines' as if he was holding it for a last time. I looked at him confused as he grabbed dad's hand before placing my hand in his.

"Please trust Anika...she loves you two very much and will give up the world for you two...

I will see you all later. Namaste," Shivaay said as he slowly let go of our hands. He appeared to force himself to let go of my hand as he grazed it against mine.

He smiled as turned walking towards the door... Halting for a moment as he looked back at me appearing to take my presence in before opening the door.

"See you later Anika..." He spoke with hesitance as I looked back at him not knowing what to say. Barriers erupting between both of us, so I felt as he took a step back pulling the door towards him.

The door shut indicating the closing of a relationship long gone. Somehow, I feel the door might open again. I don't know why, but somehow I cannot look away from the door. Hoping he would open it...somehow wanting him to turn back despite everything that happened.. An unusual sense of urgency in the need of him to come back...as if I was losing a piece of myself that I didn't want to lose. I should be happy that he has given up on his game, but then why? Why I am not happy? Not happy that he has let me go?....

Shivaay's Point of View

https://youtu.be/o4wIXpq3VfQ

I reversed my car out of the drive as my eyes set still on the front of door as if expecting any moment Anika would open it and come running. Running to me and wanting to join our paths...wanting me...But nothing happened. The door was not opening.

I am a fool to believe she would come considering how much I have hurt her, but still I want to believe my foolishness...turn my foolishness into reality.

My heart beats increasing and telling me to run back to her and not let go of her. My soul pushing me back and telling me to stay and not leave...As if leaving right now would be wrong. As if the chance of winning her back may not return...As if this would be the last when fate might just support our bond and want us to be together.

My hand shaking as I tightened my grip on steering wheel and made a turn. My feet barely pressing the gas pedal as they lingered, wanting to move out of the car and run back to her. Why is this so hard? Why is it so hard to let go of someone you love? Is this how Anika felt when I left her?

I bit my lip as I felt my eyes burning...sudden a drop of tear falling on my hand as I hit the gas pedal. My eyes falling on the single tear droplet...as if it was foreign and not a part of me. What have I become? I have never cried before...never. Always staying in control of my heart and emotions...not letting them get the best of me. Then why am I crying now? Breaking down the barriers I have always held? Anika what have you turned me into? Anika...what has my love for you turned me into?

Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I felt them blur my vision. The rain continuing to pour down upon me as I continued to hit the gas pedal. The loneliness found in the rain comforting me as my heart continued to ache as if I was letting go of a piece of my own soul. Only her face flashing in front of my eyes...her laughter...her innocent eyes...the sweetness of her voice that pulled me towards her...everything rushing back as if taunting me...telling me what a gem I had lost...

I bit my lip trying to hold back my tears as they continued to fall. Control yourself Shivaay. Do not let these emotions overpower you. However, my heart continued to quicken its beats as I felt suffocation in the car. Pressing the brakes hard, I stopped my car as the tires screeched loudly against the muddy road.

I unbuttoned the top buttons of my kurta as I attempted to breath. Quickly opening the door, I made my way out as I slammed my hands against the trunk of my car.

How can I let go of you Anika? How can I just give up? Shivaay Singh Oberoi never gives up. So, how can now?

I leaned against my car as I looked up at the dark sky as rain continued to fall down on top of me. Clinging on to me and pushing me down indicating how fate was taunting me at my loss.

Throwing my head up in the air, I let out my tears as regret and shame inched upon me...taunting me and telling how I made such a big loss. Telling me how I could let go of someone who I wanted dearly? Anika...I wouldn't have let go of you easily, but only because you said for Chaaya's sake am I willing to let you go...Willing to give you up.

Only for your happiness and for Chaaya, I am willing to give up on my love for you, but it doesn't mean I will stop loving you. I can never stop loving you. Memories rushing back to me and scraping the edges of my heart as they hit me like shards. Memories in which I found happiness, but now were giving me pain as I realized what I had lost.

What have I done? How could I give her up? I clasped my hands on to my face as I pulled my eyes down as I stared into the dark night. Full for regret. I have never regretted my decision before and this is the first time I may just be regretting everything I have done to Anika...the lies...the divorce...and now letting her go without fighting for my love for her. My thoughts going into a daze as I stood in silence only replaying the moment I left her in her home and let her go in my head over and over again.

Suddenly, the sound of my phone shook me as it rang loudly. I suddenly shook being caught off guard from the sudden sound as my hands trembled. Grabbing on to my phone from my pocket, I pulled it out.

My breath stopping midway as I recognized the number.

Quickly picking it up, I held it against my ear with a sudden worry appearing inside of me.

"Hello."

"Hello. I am sorry to disturb you, but she needs you right now. She is not eating nor sleeping. She is a complete mess without you sir."

I took a deep breath as my adrenaline began to rush through my body. My mind spinning with worry as stress quickly approached me. Quickly looking at my watch, I realized it was almost midnight. Oh God, I hope she is ok. I was going to visit her tomorrow and I failed to call today which is why she must be upset.

"Ok I will be right there in an hour alright? Just try to keep her calm until I come ok?" I said with a voice of command as the voice on the other line agreed.

What is wrong with me? I have such an important responsibility and I failed to realize it because of my unusual focus on other things in life...importantly Anika...but what can I do? This responsibility somehow has come due to Anika who contributed to it. It's not wrong of me to think for Anika...however, I must not falter back from my duties and my responsibility.

Quickly sitting into my car, I turned on the ignition and hit the gas pedal as I made a turn back on the road and headed through the suburbs.

I wonder how she is? She must be worried and wanting to meet me and here I am forgetting all about it? How can I forget about her? God, I hope she is ok. I kept hitting the gas pedal as the rain continued to pound on the roads.

I had told her two weeks which is why she must be stressing right now on why I didn't come to see her. No wonder she is not eating. Shivaay what is wrong with you? I ran my hands through my hair as I anxiously drove on the freeway passing many cities along the way. My heart continuing to race as I felt restless and worried.

Today was truly a long day...Full of emotions that I have always isolated myself from. Emotions make one vulnerable and somehow I have let them get to me...Especially love...love for Anika. I sighed as I veered off the highway into the small town.

Lights running dark as barely a bulb lit in the small town. I bit my lip as I anxiously continue to drive up the hill. My car stopping in front a pair of large gates as a security guard stood outside. Quickly showing my ID, the gates opened as I made my way down the lane of mansions.

I slightly smiled with happiness as I turned my car towards a mansion at the end of the street. Body guards opening the gate upon recognition it was me. The brown colored mansion lighting up with bright lights in the darkness of the night.

Quickly slamming the door shut, I ran up the steps as the front door opened. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself down as I looked at the elderly figure in front of me. She had a worried expression as she looked at me.

"Thank you Shivaay beta for coming. She is very upset," She noted worriedly as I sighed taking a step inside as I looked back at her.

"How upset?" I questioned as Mrs. Dixit shook her head back and forth.

"Very upset. You know how she is when she is upset...she doesn't talk to anyone and just keeps quiet and cries..." Mrs. Dixit noted as I shook my head back and forth. What is wrong with you Shivaay? She is crying because of you. Because of how much you hurt her. At least fulfill this duty of yours' properly. I slowly walked up the long wooden steps that led to her room.

My footsteps making the only sound in the silent home as I walked slowly towards the room at the end of the hallway. I tried to keep myself calm and collected as I walked to the two sets of doors. Darkness falling upon it as the light in the hallways flickered.

Placing my hand on the doorknob, I took a deep breath as I slowly turned it making my way inside. My heart dropping as I looked at the small figure in front of me laying down under the canopy bed with her back turned away from me.

Darkness falling into the room as I reached for the tall lamp against the wall, turning it on. A soft smile appearing on my face as the small figure appeared to move. I could tell she was awake as she moved her feet on the bed.

I smiled as I slowly walked towards the bed, leaning over the figure. Her small hazel eyes opening immediately as she opened her hands from the small fists she had made. I smiled as I ran my hand through her dark brown waves as I observed her innocent face. She is a pure soul just like her mom.

"Chaaya..." I whispered softly as a soft smile appeared on her face as she immediately turned around.

"Papa!" She screamed as she jumped up immediately pulling me into a tight hug. Happiness bursting inside of me upon seeing her smiling face as I hugged her tightly. My world. My happiness. The one whom I love the most in the world.

I remember the bitter memories of how I almost lost her. Memories that haunt me and have told me to keep her a secret. Keeping her such a secret that sometimes I think she isn't here, but she is.

Kept in secret because that would be the best for her. When I think of her, I always think in the past because after all it's best to believe a lie then only play it off as a fascade. However, Chaaya is my life...my soul...and my universe and she will always be.

"Papa I missed you so much!" She screamed as she kissed my cheek and hugging me tightly as I held her.

"I know beta that you missed me. But, understand I am too busy with work and remember I told you I was a little busy in the last couple of weeks, so I will not be able to come visit you," I said tenderly at the five year old as she dropped her lips and pouted looking back at me. She eeringly looked like a complete reflection of Anika. Anyone could tell Chaaya is Anika's daughter by only looking at her.

"This is not fair Papa! Today...I went to play with my friends and their mommy and daddy were with them, so why not you Papa? Why can you not spend time?" She said as she pouted with tears forming in her eyes.

"My princess please do not cry...Please understand dear..." I said kissing her forehead as she shook her head and looked away.

"I need you Papa. I miss you and I want you with me all day and every day..." She argued as she appeared frustrated.

Chaaya if I had control, I would keep you in front of my eyes forever, but then...I have to keep you here. I don't want you to get hurt. I know when my family will find out about you, they will hurt you and demean you...question your background...question who your mother is...and I know you will breakdown sweetheart. I know it. You are just like your mom, full of emotions and a kind, innocent heart that can easily be broken.

"I know dear. I am your father and I want you every day with me, but my work demands us to be far away. Huh? Please understand," I pleaded as I placed my hands on her cheeks pulling her face towards me.

"Fine...but...but..." She appeared hesitant as she dropped her eyes appearing to contemplate and think about something.

Chaaya has this habit. She is a child who always appears to be lost in her thoughts and in her own dreams. She is always closed off from the world and is full of shyness. She is always hesitant to question others and her world along with a fear from strangers...She is just like Anika.

"But what? Tell me Chaaya..." I spoke in a lowered voice as I curiously looked at her. She placed her thumb in her mouth as she looked at me before tears began to run down her eyes.

"Oh beta. Why are you crying?" My heart beginning to pound as I couldn't bear to see her tears as I pulled her into a hug. Whenever she cries, her tears somehow burn the edges of my heart and give me so much ache and pain to see her in such state. I cannot bear to see her in sadness. Something must be hurting her that she is so upset today.

"Papa...what about mommy?" She questioned as I froze.

I gulped nervously as I thought about everything that had happened...everything that led me to keep her like this in a secret...She cannot know about Anika especially after the fact that we have separated. Anika is moving on and if I tell her now then her happiness might just be ruined. It is not the right time to tell Anika about Chaaya. But, what about Chaaya? What do I tell her?. Why is she asking about Anika today? Why now?

"Mommy?" I muttered nervously as Chaaya shook her head.

"I want my mommy. I want her," She said as she began to cry loudly.

"Shhh...calm down..." I whispered as she continued to cry reflecting the pain she was going through from being separated from her mother.

"I told you Chaaya...that pelase do not ask about her...um...she's very busy. Remember she's a doctor and needs to save lives somewhere else..." I whispered as Chaaya hiccupped and tried to breathe.

"But why doesn't she come home? Does she love me Papa?" Her innocent eyes glistening with tears as she looked at me. I bit my lip trying to not to cry as I felt my heart ache looking at her like this.

"Of course Chaaya. She loves you more than anything in the world...more than me. She...she wants to come...but...she is very busy...Chaaya, your mom is like a superhero. She uses her powers to treat those who are sick...Your mom always thinks about others before herself...She cannot see others in pain..." I whispered as I found myself admiring Anika as I hugged Chaaya.

I noticed a small smile appear on Chaaya's face as she looked at me. A smile showing pride as she hugged me.

"She is a superhero?"

"Yes. She saves lives dear. She loves you so much and she wants to meet you, but her job stops her from coming home. She will come one day beta. Ok?"

Chaaya smiled and looked at me curiously.

"Is she nice?" She questioned innocently as I smiled looking at her as I ruffled her hair.

"Of course! That is why she saves lives. She is so nice and because she is so nice, her boss does not let her come home. She is far away, but she still thinks of you and loves you." I noted as she smiled proudly and hugged me.

I don't want to lie to you Chaaya, but what can I do? Your father has committed so many sins and has hurt your mother so much that now he is repenting for it by letting her go. If I tell your mother about you then she will come running towards you and not move on.

"You know Chaaya...you are just like your mom. Sweet, kind, and beautiful," I said smiling as Chaaya giggled looking at me.

"I'm like mommy?" She questioned as I shook my head.

"Exactly like her. She is so proud of you and she cannot wait to meet you ok? Now let's go eat first and then we will spend some time together ok?" I said trying to divert her attention as I picked her up in my arms.

Chaaya giggled as she hugged me and kissed my cheek.

"I love you Papa!"

"I love you too my jaan," I said proudly as I smiled and looked at her.

Chaaya. My life. My soul. The only one I have left in this world whom I can call my own. The only one for whom I still live for. For whom, I strive to give a life full of happiness and free of sorrow. She is the only one I have and only one for whom I will do anything for to ensure she is only has happiness and love and nothing else.