She quickly grabbed her teacher's hand, signaling her to stop talking. She was shocked to discover that Bhavya's parent was her teacher. Bhavya hadn't revealed much about her parents, and Anika didn't inquire much. Now, the truth was out, and she realized her mistake. If she had known, she would have warned them earlier.

"I'm sorry, Anika. I didn't mean that," Gayathri quickly apologized, holding Anika's hand. Anika turned to her family, and Shivaay looked perplexed, seeking answers from her. She couldn't ignore them and needed to address the situation.

"Actually, Dad tried to commit suicide when I was in school due to depression. I think that was what Gayathri ma'am meant," Anika explained, her tone low. Every word she spoke weighed on her chest, creating a lump in her throat. At that moment, Bhavya walked out of her room, providing a convenient excuse to shift the focus from her to the main purpose of the visit.

"Sir and Ma'am, we came here for my brother-in-law!" Anika began, turning towards Shivaay to continue from his side. He sat across from her, passing a slight smile.

"We are aware of that, dear, but we didn't expect you all so soon. Just an hour or two ago, Bhavya informed us about your family's visit," Gayathri said with a smile, passing water to Rudru, who coughed a little.

"Yes, but the thing is a little sensitive, right? We couldn't wait a minute with your overthinking daughter. She would have never if we hadn't visited today. Also, it has been a tremendous 18 days of vacation, right?" Gauri continued, receiving shocked gasps from Rudy and Bhavya. Her parents continuously shifted their gaze between Bhavya and Rudru.

"What happened?" Shivaay asked.

"As far as we know, Bhavya left for Europe because of her sudden work trip. And she was busy working day and night!" Manish Rathore told them everything. In response, Rudy hid his face with his right hand, and Bhavya's face turned red. Everyone else, except Bhavya's parents and the couple, was left with no words to speak.

"At least, you must have warned us," Gauri whispered to Rudru.

"And my daughter said Rudy flew all the way from India for her to check on her, but also to propose to her. By the way, nice screenplay, Bhavya," Mrs. Rathore said with a hint of coldness.

"Maa," Bhavya replied.

"Sir, we apologize on behalf of these two; please forgive them," Shivaay requested them in the most mature way.

"Gayathri, this is not the first time I have met the Oberoi brothers. I saw them multiple times when I went to the college they manage for culturals and conferences, but I can't recognize them! Everything seems new to me," Mr. Rathore told his wife, who smiled at his comment.

"Especially this grown-up kid. Semi-formals, trimmed beard, shirt with the upper button closed. Am I really looking at Rudru Singh Oberoi?" He questioned his wife further. Anika could feel the change in Bhavya's father's behavior in a positive way, but she couldn't come to a conclusion. She waited patiently.

"Shivaay, if I have your permission, can I ask some questions to your brother?" Mr. Rathore asked. Shivaay looked at Anika, who passed a small smile conveying that everything was in their favor.

"Yes, sir! Please," Shivaay permitted.

"Yes, Uncle!" Rudru said.

"Rudru, how long have you both known each other?" Mr. Rathore asked him.

"Eight years, Uncle. I have known her since college," Rudru answered.

"How long have you both been in a relationship?"

"It's been eight months, Uncle." Rudru hesitated. Everyone present there, except Bhavya's parents, knew the reason behind his hesitancy. But they remained silent, and when Gauri attempted to defend, Om stopped her from doing that. Anika nodded to Gauri, signaling that it was Rudy's job to convince Bhavya's dad.

"When I spoke to my daughter, she said she had been in love with you for eight years, but it was only eight months from your side. Due to some kind of hesitancy, you had because of being in a relationship and you have been proven wrong because of your brother's successful marriages. But what would have happened if none of the brothers got married! You would have continued to hurt my daughter's feelings by friend-zoning her forever and also not letting her move on?" Mr. Rathore asked, awakening everyone with his logical question.

"Trust me, Uncle. I have tried and failed many times by distancing her from my life. I know I didn't deserve her; she was too much for me. It was the utmost pain to hold me back, especially when she was showering love while expecting nothing from my side," Rudy started, tears streaming down his face while expressing his love for Bhavya. Even Mr. Rathore was not wrong from his side; he cared for his daughter, like every father, especially not like her father.

"I won't lie, but I was too tough to crack. But your daughter's slightly soft tone, especially when she takes the first words of her sentence with splinters, I am done and dusted! It was not only from Bhavya; I was already hers, but my fear didn't let me express it to her, and my brothers' marriages gave me the confidence to express it to the lady of my life," he finally spoke. Anika held his palm tightly, ignoring the tears running down her cheek. Mr. Rathore was stunned by his reply, and Shivaay heaved out a deep breath.

"Manish!" Mrs. Rathore held her husband's shoulder.

"That was..." Mr. Rathore was lost for words.

"Sir, it's because of my Badi-maa..." Shivaay started when he felt responsible for sharing it with them, but Mrs. Rathore stopped him.

"Let the past stay in the past!" Mrs. Rathore said.

"And I think it's my turn!" Mrs. Rathore said and leaned forward.

"Bhavya, come here!" She called her daughter, who walked hesitantly and stood between her parents. Mrs. Rathore held her palms and showed her the proposal ring.

"2-carat solitaire diamond! Rudru, do you mind if I ask how did you buy it?" She asked, hooking everyone's attention.

"I have been doing modeling assignments, and I'm also a 50 percent shareholder of 'OMRI' Fashions, which was started by my sister-in-law and has crossed a turnover of 50 crores worldwide. I have been the part branding head too," Rudru said with confidence, but he didn't include his partnership in Oberoi Industries.

"Also, a 33 percent shareholder in Oberoi Industries," Shivaay added.

"I didn't include it because I didn't contribute anything to it. It's a hereditary business taken care of by my brothers. And if I remember your question, you asked about the source of money I used to buy that ring!"

"Impressive!" Mrs. Rathore exclaimed.

"I love the groom," She exclaimed after that.

"Along with your fashion sense, you look too grown up for me," Mr. Rathore exclaimed. There was a vibrant smile from Shivaay.

"To be honest, I don't think my daughter will be happy with anyone apart from you! Welcome to the family!" Mr. Rathore said and gave a warm hug to Rudru.

***

Everything went smoothly after Bhavya's parents approved of the marriage. Mr. Rathore insisted on covering all the wedding expenses, but Bhavya and Rudru wanted a simple affair with no more than 30 guests. Mr. Rathore didn't agree, understanding that in India, weddings are often considered grand celebrations. Convincing him wasn't easy, but Shivaay, with his negotiation skills, expanded the guest list to 100 and turned it into a destination wedding in Jaipur, Mr. Rathore's birthplace, at their ancestral haveli.

Although everything unfolded as planned, Shivaay couldn't shake off Gayathri's words about Anika's father. He knew Anika's father wasn't affectionate, especially towards her. When Shivaay's grandmother proposed their marriage, only Anika's maternal grandparents responded positively. Initially, he assumed it was because of their influence, but as he got to know Anika and her family better, they revealed that she was labeled as unfortunate and unlucky. Everyone hesitated to approach her for marriage. What shocked him even more was her father treating her similarly during a pooja, not allowing her to touch the pooja thali. Shivaay met her father just four days before the wedding for the wedding rituals.

When Mrs. Rathore asked Bhavya to show them around their home, she left with Om, Gauri, and Rudru. Anika stayed back in the drawing room, and Shivaay wasted no time moving to sit beside her when he noticed her downcast and tired expression. Mr. and Mrs. Rathore excused themselves to set up the dinner table in the kitchen.

"Hey! Everything okay?" Shivaay asked, intertwining his fingers with hers. She held his hand tighter, and it felt colder than usual.

"Feeling slightly dizzy, don't know why!" She shared. He immediately considered leaving, but she stopped him.

"What will they think if we leave suddenly? And I can manage; it's just... I was clueless when Mrs. Rathore turned out to be my high school teacher. Isn't it crazy?" She asked, wrapping her arm around his waist and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Yes, I didn't expect that either! It seems like you were a bright student; she still remembers you, even after more than a decade," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

"No, I wasn't! I failed multiple times, especially in her subjects. She called me for extra classes, and that's when we became close. Not all the teacher's favorite students need to be toppers," she explained logically, and that's when Mrs. Rathore entered the room. They immediately broke the hug, and Mrs. Rathore brought a glass of lime water.

"But ma'am, it's not necessary!" Anika said, taking the lime water.

"You need it; you look dehydrated, beta!" Mrs. Rathore insisted. Anika nodded with a grateful smile and took a big gulp.

"Better now?" Shivaay asked. She nodded in acknowledgment.

"I'm happy for you, beta. You know, I spoke to Manish just two days ago about you, wondering what you would be doing now... And finally seeing you happy gives me hope about life," Mrs. Rathore shared.

"And, as I say, let the past stay in the past; it never needed to be pulled into the present!" Mrs. Rathore added with a smile. Though it wasn't entirely clear from his perspective, he didn't seek clarity from anyone but his wife. When she was ready to share, he knew she would.

***

It was surprising that Shivaay didn't inquire much about Anika's father's suicide, even during their private time together. Instead, he stayed close, trying acupuncture techniques to ease her dizziness. Anika knew it wasn't due to her pregnancy but the sudden storm of past memories triggered by Gayathri ma'am. Gayathri ma'am, being aware of everything about her, sympathized with her, making Anika her favorite student.

At the dining table, they relished Mrs. Rathore's culinary skills, particularly her special Butter chicken. Anika, tired of the sweet Butter chicken in Mumbai, savored every bite, surprising everyone. Shivaay supported her with a smile. After promising to provide marriage updates and Rudy's horoscope the next day, they left for their Delhi mansion, Anika's first visit since getting married. She hadn't informed her grandparents about her sudden visit.

"Twists after twists," Rudy commented as they left.

"And you didn't tell us that her parents knew nothing about your Europe trip," Gauri replied sharply. Rudy was still affected by that.

"That was true, but they got convinced as soon as they saw the great Mrs. Anika Shivaay Singh Oberoi," Shivaay commented with a chuckle while driving. Anika sat next to him, smiling, while Om, Gauri, and Rudy were in the back seats. Their preference for separate vehicles had changed, now valuing the conversations more than comfort.

"Even I felt that! But you know what was more surprising?" Om asked. Anika anticipated her ma'am's words about her father, making her uneasy.

"Bhabhi's appetite," Rudy replied with a laugh. Anika knew she ate more than usual but couldn't stop it. Laughter followed, and she braced herself for the teasing. Yet, her uneasiness persisted, and she struggled to swallow the lump in her throat.

"Guys, go easy on her. She wasn't eating only for herself," Shivaay said before they could understand the meaning behind his words, but she asked him to pull over when she felt nauseous. He did, and she rushed out, with Shivaay supporting her and holding her hair while she threw up. She felt embarrassed pulling her husband into the situation, but he comforted her.

"Fine?" He asked, passing her the water bottle. She nodded, too tired to stand. He held her from behind, saying, "I expected it."

"It's okay! We'll reach home in another ten minutes," he reassured her, planting a kiss on her forehead. They ignored the awaiting family members due to the unexpected events. Gauri, Om, and Rudy rushed for help, but everyone was stunned.

"I never thought I'd share this news on the roads of New Delhi close to midnight," Shivaay said, holding Anika close.

"You guys are going to get promoted!" He exclaimed, and Rudru understood first, celebrating with excitement.

"I'm going to become CHACHA!" Rudy shouted, throwing arms around them and showering kisses on their cheeks.

"RUDY!" Shivaay exclaimed in disgust. Gauri, still in a daze, walked up to Anika with teary eyes.

"True?" Gauri asked.

"Yes," Anika replied, receiving a tight and joyous hug from her sister. Om was still in shock. He looked at Anika's stomach for a long time.

"It's Mom, Shivaay!" Om said in a low tone.

***

Shivaay's heart ached when Om shared similar sentiments about Anika's past. She was fast asleep after revealing the news, postponing the celebration to the next day. Shivaay stayed beside her, watching her with a smile. He recalled how he used to imagine her beside him when she was away, yearning to hold her close. Now, he could do that, and he wrapped himself in the blanket, drawing closer without disturbing her. As he embraced her, she stirred and opened her eyes.

"I'm hungry," she declared, a hint of dismay in her tone. Confused, Shivaay realized she must have thrown up her dinner. He held her close to his chest for a moment.

"What does my Queen want?" he asked, and she raised her head to look at him. He understood it was his turn to use that endearing term, but only for her.

"This baby does something to you!" she chuckled. He knew it wasn't just about the baby; he had many endearments for her in his mind. He kissed her forehead and prepared to fulfill her craving.

"Okay, tell me what you want to have," he asked.

"Shivaay, you know during pregnancies, women have different cravings!" she explained, and he was confused.

"Yes, I am aware."

"Don't make faces, but I'm really craving curd rice with gulab jamuns," she confessed, gritting her teeth in excitement. He chuckled, unable to resist.

"Please, I'm pregnant!" she pleaded.

"Okay, Curd rice with tadka?" he suggested.

"Absolutely!" she replied.

"Give me half an hour, and do you need anything else meanwhile?" he asked. She shook her head and got up with him.

"No, stay there!" he insisted.

"But you look hot when you're in the kitchen. Can't miss that," she replied playfully. Unable to deny his wife's teasing, he leaned close.

"I am all willing to be your after-dessert when you're done with dinner," he whispered, pecking her lips.

"Cheap!" she teased with a smile before she could kiss him properly. He knew if he let her, things would escalate. She laughed at his antics. Downstairs, he found Rudru sitting alone, lost in his thoughts, likely triggered by Om's mention of his mom.

"Hey, soon-to-be groom!" Shivaay greeted him, startling Rudru.

"Bhaiya!" Rudy exclaimed.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to drown yourself in marriage dreams? What's up with your face?" Shivaay asked, sensing Rudy's worry.

"Is there anything you want to share with me?" Shivaay pressed. Rudy hesitated, lips trembling, and they ended up hugging.

"It's about Bhabhi! I don't know how to say it. I can't get out of it," Rudy revealed, and Shivaay sensed it was related to Anika's past. Losing patience, Shivaay urged him to continue.

"Bhavya said this when I asked about her mother's words regarding Bhabhi's father," Rudru explained. Shivaay waited for him to elaborate.

"She said Anika's father used to abuse her physically," Rudy disclosed. Shivaay struggled to grasp the meaning behind his words.

"I-I can't get it!" he stammered in impatience.

"Bhabhi's father used to abuse her until she lost consciousness, thinking she was the reason behind her mom's demise," Rudy clarified, also sharing that Bhavya's mom filed a police complaint, which got dismissed due to Anika's father's influence, leading to Bhavya's mom losing her job. Shivaay's world went dark upon learning this.

***