A Collection of Fortunate Events - A Special Thread [22.7.17] Edited - Page 3

You Are The One I Love

"Thaddd" a loud sound of crashing the cups full of tea with ground and falling tray down, echoed into the room where two families were sitting and having talks about marriage plans of their children.

Everyone's attention shifted towards the noise. The, would be bride, who carried tea and snacks for those who might can be her future husband and in laws had dropped everything in her hand the soon her eyes caught the image of him, sitting there.

He stood up seeing her almost after a year. "Beautiful" he muttered under his breath admiring the breathtaking beauty standing in front of him dressed in a beautiful white anarkali. Her open long waist length hairs were perfect to give her final touch up. He soon noticed the frown and anger on her face as he found her glaring at him. "Cute" he again muttered staring at her angry frown on her face.

"Mom, what is he doing here?" Anika literally screamed, stepping towards her mother making everyone in the room to go stunned and shocked at her behaviour.

"Beta you know him?"her mom asked being quite surprised that her daughter knew the guy came to see to her. When she had tried showing picture of him to Anika, Anika had clearly refused to even hear his name, leave the photo aside. Anika had sharply said yes for the marriage no matter who the person was.

"Shivaay Singh Oberoi" Anika uttered throwing disgusting looks at Shivaay. Her tone had nothing but hatred, anger for him. He smirked at her feisty attitude. She was still the same just as she used to be a year before.

"So good to see that you remember my name, Shona" Shivaay said with a charming smile playing over her lips as he walked towards her.

"Stop right there Mr. Singh Oberoi...dare you call me that again...you have lost that right before one year... it's Anika for you...actually it's nothing for you..." Anika corrected him pointing her finger at him not caring about their families who were witnessing a totally unexpected scenario. They were absolutely clueless about what was happening between their kids.

"Anika I can explain..." Shivaay said softly, trying to make Anika listen to him once.

"I don't want to listen...you better leave from here right now...sorry uncle and aunty...I do not mean to insult you but I can't marry your son" Anika said before she left the house running outside.

"Anika...Anika..." her mom called out for her daughter, trying to stop her but she was already gone.

Both Anika's and Shivaay's parents looked at each other with, absolute confusion visible over their faces. Shivaay's mom turned towards Shivaay. Holding his wrist, she asked, "What is this Shivaay? How you both know each other? And why Anika reacted like this? Speak up" Shivaay made his mom sit down. "Relax mom...mai sab bataunga lekin baad me...now I need to talk to Anika" saying this Shivaay ran behind Anika.

"Anika listen...Anika" Shivaay ran behind her, calling her name but she was quick enough to increase her speed not wanting to have a face-off with him, again.

Shivaay almost rushed chasing her. He stopped her from moving further locking her wrist in his grip. Anika had enough. Turning back, she slapped him hard. "Thaddd" Shivaay felt a burning stinging sensation on his cheek where she had just slapped him on road. To his fortune, no one was there to witness that.

Tears brimmed in Anika's eyes as her mind played flashes of her past, again.

Getting closer, Shivaay said cupping her cheek, "Shona please listen baba...I can explain everything...I love you"

That was enough for Anika to jerk his hand and to push him away. Her tears soon changed into anger. "You love me? Hahaha...biggest joke of the century Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi" Anika mocked at him laughing bitterly

She turned to go but could not take even a step further after hearing his words. "Pyar kiya tha na mujhse...to apne pyar pe bharosa bhi kar lo ek bar" Shivaay got her weakness. He knew after saying this she would definitely listen to him once.

"Yahi to badkismati hai...ke tumse pyar kiya!" Anika turned to his side with a reflection of pain and hurt in her voice and silent tears in her eyes which she was trying her best to hold them back, to not let fall them in front of him. She didn't want to accept and present that he still affects her.

Shivaay's heart cried hearing that she believes that it's her bad luck to love him. Something tore inside him making him to go weak at his knees as his legs were ready to give up at any moment. But he held himself because he couldn't afford to lose her, again.

"She is not my girlfriend Anika...she never was and she never will...YOU are the only girl I loved, I love and will always love, Shona" Shivaay assured her and at the same time begged her to trust on him that he loves only her.

Anika's eyes widen at Shivaay's statement. "Wh...what? What did you say?"she asked him, stammering over her words. Though she knew he was lying but she didn't want it to be a lie. Her heart wanted to believe whatever he said to be true.

Turning back, Shivaay said, "Tia is my cousin sister Anika"

Anika got one more shock which was clearly visible over her face. "Sister?"she mimicked his words thinking over them.

"Yes, cousin sister...that day...in coffee shop she declared that we were in relationship...was nothing more than a lie Anika...she just wanted to make Aman jealous...with whom she was in love with...even I got a shock when she said all those things and kissed me saying I love you...but then she told me that it was her plan and she is my kiddo sister...I couldn't refuse her...see my bad luck...you came there and witnessed that drama...and when you asked me I couldn't say truth in front of everyone Anika...that would have flopped Tia's plan and I can never see her upset...and you ran from there...after an hour, when I came to your hostel for telling you the truth, you had already left...I searched for you...EVERYWHERE...your roommates didn't tell me anything as you had asked them not to...You never told me where you belong...so I had no idea about you being in India...I tried my all contacts but couldn't find anything related to you...Finally Ishana [Anika's roommate] told me about you being in India and your address...she had seen me going mad for you...she got it that I love you...and finally I found you"

Before a year, Anika was in US and so was Shivaay. They were in same college and were together from two years. They fell for each other and got into relationship. They had almost finished their course as it was their last year. Anika never really mentioned about from where she was so when she left, Shivaay was clueless about her original home. After that coffee shop incident, Anika left US within an hour unable to handle his betrayal which he himself had made visible to her. But he had no idea that she would take such an extreme step. He had gone at her hostel, but could not clear things with her as she was not there to listen to him. She had already left US and came back to India. Shivaay searched her everywhere, but she had even told her friends not to tell him that she was from India. Shivaay too apparently was from India. This was unknown to Anika as well.

Anika didn't know how to react. She just stared at him blankly. Before Shivaay could say further, she lost her unconsciousness and her balance. Shivaay ran towards her and held her from her waist. Her head fell back. She had fainted in his arms. Shivaay patted her cheeks, asking her to wake up. He panicked seeing she was not responding. Within a moment, he picked her up in his arms and carried her back to her home.

At Anika's home:

"Don't worry. She has fainted because she hasn't eaten anything since morning...I have given her medicines...she will be fine very soon...let her rest"Doctor assured her family who were too scared seeing unconscious Anika. Everyone finally took a sigh of relief hearing that she would be fine soon and it was just because of weakness.

"Thank you so much Doctor...mai aapko bahar tak chod deta hu" Anika's father said taking Doctor's bag. He smiled at her father who looked so grateful to him. As a doctor, it wasn't new for him...parents panicking about their children's health. He nodded and they went outside.

Shivaay was standing in a corner, leaning against a wall, with his eyes not shifting from Anika for even a second. He blamed himself for her condition, from inside. He went blank when she fainted in his arms. For a moment, he thought he would lose her and that mere thought left him shaken all from inside and outside. He was numb from inside, looking at his life, laying their unconscious. After almost a year, he had found her and his hope of getting her back. But what he never wanted was, to hurt her, in a slightest way. He could not bear even a smallest scratch over her so how could he bear that she fainted because of him. Though doctor had cleared that she fainted because of being empty stomach from morning but Shivaay believed it was him also, she fainted because of.

He came back to reality by the touch of Anika's mom on his shoulder. He tilted his head towards her mom. She smiled softly at him. "Don't worry. She is okay and will get up soon" she assured him softly about Anika.

Though Shivaay was yet to tell them how he knows Anika, why she reacted like that after seeing him, what had happened between them, but her mom had seen through things. She had seen that no matter how Anika was reacting, but this guy, surely loves her daughter more than anything else. She had seen the depth of his love for Anika in his eyes. The mother in her, was sure that no one, no one could love her daughter more than him. She didn't miss when he had brought Anika home. He looked visibly tensed more than others. His concern for Anika didn't go unnoticed by Anika's mother.

He could only return a smile back to her. Anika's mom had got by then that this duo certainly shares something. She was clear about Shivaay's love but she was yet to get confirmed about Anika but the way Anika reacted seeing Shivaay, it definitely gave her a glimpse that Anika too feels something for Shivaay.

Moving away from Shivaay, Anika's mom said turning towards everyone standing there, "I think we should let Anika rest for some time...ham bahar chalte hai"

Everyone nodded in approval. Shivaay who was still staring at Anika, broke his trance hearing Anika's mom. He straightened himself, and glanced once at Anika before he turned to make his way out of the room.

"Shivaay...you stay with Anika here" Anika's mom permitted him to stay with her. He was surprised. He observed her. Her mom was only smiling. She had given him a chance to be with her daughter. She had given him a chance to sort out things between them because she was way too sure that no one except him could keep her daughter happiest. He walked towards her. Taking her both hands, he did nothing but silently whispered a thank you. She blinked her eyes in a nod before she left.

The room was alone with those two. Everyone had left the room. He rushed back to her, and sat on the bed besides her, holding her palm in a soft grip. "I never wanted to hurt you Anika...I never wanted to hurt you!" he mumbled as he kissed the back of her palm. His tears fell on her hand sending a life within her. Her fingers moved a little in his hand. He instantly wiped his tears as he felt she may wake up at any moment.

Her eyes opened slowly and she found him, sitting right next to her. He finally took a sigh of relief. She tried getting up but she was too weak to do that on her own. He kept her hand on bed and helped her to sit, with. He adjusted pillows behind her back, against bed post, making her sit comfortably."Are you mad? Pagal ho tum? Subah se kuch kyu nahi khaya?"his care came out with his scolding. He was too scared to lose her. She was just staring at him. He hung his head down and within a moment, placed a kiss on her forehead, leaning forward. He walked little backwards from the bed. "Do you even know how scared I was?" his throat was almost chocking. His voice was all shaking. His expressions showed nothing but only fear and concern about her.

"Tum jao yaha se" she uttered turning her gaze away from him.

Her words made him go mad. "What?" He said, stepping closer. His eyes caught a tear which fell down from her eye which she quickly wiped not wanting him to witness. His eyes got closed momentarily as he got it what was on her mind that time.

"Tum sach me chahti ho ke mai jau?"he asked sending shivers down her spines.

No! She didn't want him to go. She wanted to melt in his embrace. She wanted to cry to him. No! She didn't want him to go.

"I don't deserve you Shivaay! You deserve someone better than me" her guilt spoke. She could not even dare to look at him. She could not even dare to look at her own. She herself could not forgive her own self for what she had done so how could she expect anything from him! How could she expect him to understand her! How could she expect him to forgive her!

That's it! Shivaay had got it when he saw the tear from her eye. He knew she was uttering it through guilt. He immediately sat beside her, and made her look at him, by keeping his hand on her cheek. She had fixed her gaze at down. She just could not gather enough courage to meet his eyes."Shona...baba, won't you even look at me?" his words were so sweet that it was a melody to her ears. She didn't uplift her eyes but tears started falling down from her eyes which she could not hold back anymore.

He closed his eyes seeing those tears in his sweetheart's eyes. He knew how sensitive she was. She must have been cursing herself from inside. He took no time to pull her in his embrace. She unknowingly clutched his T-shirt in her fist and started crying by hiding her face in his chest. His heart cried with her. He kept caressing her hairs and whispering sweet nothings to her. "Sab meri galti hai...sab meri galti hai...Mai ese hi wapas aa gayi...maine tumhe time nahi diya...ek sal...one damn year...you suffered because of me...I...I...am...I am sorry"she felt suffocating from her inner self. She didn't even realise what she was speaking.

He was just holding her, letting her say what she wanted to. He pulled her out, and cupped her face, wiping her all the tears. "Shona...bas baba...meri shona ki koi galti nahi thi...tumne mujhe chance diya tha...poocha tha mujhse coffee shop me...wo mai tha jisne kaha tha ke mai tumse nahi Tia se pyar karta hu...wo mai tha jisne kaha tha ke tum nahi wo meri girlfriend hai...bhale hi wo jhooth tha leking wo tumhe thodi na pata tha...aur suffer sirf maine nahi kiya...mujhse jada tumne suffer kiya hai...iss sab me galat mai tha...to meri shona ki galti kaise hui?" He was neither right. They both were at fault. No one was singly responsible for what happened. She had asked him in coffee shop and he had said that he loved Tia and she was his girlfriend. It left her broken. She could not bear it and came back to India leaving everything, leaving him. When he came to clear things, she had already left.

"See Anika, we cannot change the past. We cannot change what had happened before a year but we can make our future. Tumhe khud ko blame karne ki koi jaroorat nahi hai...nahi tumhe mujhse mafi maangne ki jaroorat hai...mujhe tumhari sorry nahi chahiye...mujhe bas meri shona chahiye...aur kuch nahi...aur mai tumhe kabhi khudse dur jaane nahi dunga...you are too precious to lose! YOU ARE THE ONE I LOVE ANIKA"he had made it very clear that she had done nothing to apologize about and he wanted nothing but her.

She felt beautiful...something which could not be expressed in words. He made her feel like she was priceless. He made her feel special. He could have easily got someone in past one year and so as she...she could have also got someone else. But no...he came all the way to India just for her. In past one year, she did nothing but only suffered. She was not living... but was only breathing. She had said yes for the marriage for her family...who were getting worried by seeing her like that. But she had no interest in anyone. That's why when her mom tried her showing the picture of guy; she refused to see him. That's was the proof of the kind of love they shared! It was beyond everything! Pure and sacred! Amazing and eternal! The love which even time could not lessen or weaken! The love which no one could break! The love which was too sacred and strong to get defeated by anything!

Hearing someone's footsteps, Shivaay get off from her a little, making presentable distance between them.

"Anika, are you okay?" her mom asked, who had came to look for her. Anika turned her gaze to the door and nodded. Her mom saw a very different satisfaction on Anika's face which she was longing from a year to see. She looked at Shivaay and took no time to understand what was missing in her daughter's life. It was him! She silently blessed them together. "I will bring something for you to eat" Saying this; her mom went to bring some food for her.

"No mom..." Anika said but her mom had already left. Shivaay made her turn towards him, by holding her arm. He asked glaring at her, "What do you mean by no? And why didn't you eat anything since morning?" Shivaay was angry at her for being so careless and playing with her health like that.

She bit her lower lip. She shifted her gaze from him. She answered without looking at him, "Wo...wo...Aaj mera fast hai" He took some moments to register what she said. He shook his head, not understanding her. "Fast? Which fast?" he demanded an answer. "Wo chodo na...bas ese hi" she tried changing the topic. She didn't want to tell him what exact reason was, behind her fasting. He narrowed his eyes at her. She avoided his eyes. It made him sure about she was hiding something from him. And for some unknown reason, he felt she was hiding something which he should know about. Before she could realise anything, he held her hand and placed it on his head making her eyes to go widen. "Ab batao...kis cheez ka fast hai?" he had made sure that she had no options of escaping from his question. She tried getting her hand off, but he held it for firmly letting her know, he was not going to leave the topic until and unless she answers him.

Anika looked around. He had left with no other option. Her hand was on his head. She could not lie now. "Actually..." she stuck on words. She didn't understand how to tell him. He became more curious. His all attention was on her.

"Okay fine...remember we went to one astrologer when we were in US?"she finally gave up seeing he was not going to leave the topic. He closed his eyes to remember about the incident she was speaking. He took no time to remember it. He strongly disliked such people who claimed to verdict someone's future. He never believed in such things. But Anika did. She forcefully took him to an astrologer. Shivaay stayed there not more than five minutes and even dragged Anika out of there.

"Haan. What about that?" He nodded at Anika but didn't understand how that thing and her fast were related.

She again roamed her gaze here and there. She feared for his reaction. She very well had idea how he was going to react after hearing her. "You remember, when you dragged me outside, I again went inside saying I had to pay him money?" she again asked him.

"Haan..." now Shivaay was getting some idea. It had started angering him. But he waited for Anika to complete.

"I lied to you. I had already paid him. I went inside to ask him about you and that time he told me, you have problems awaiting for you in your future and even some threat to your life...and he had told me if I fast on 8 th of every month...it will protect you. So I fast on every 8^th since that time"she finally revealed her reason of fasting. It was him! It was him, she was fasting for. It was for his good!

He looked at her in absolute disbelief. He could not believe she actually did that thing on saying of that astrologer, just for him. He could not believe she loves him so much that she was fasting every month, just for him. She was very petite. He was well aware about her tender health. He knew she could not bear things, they affects her health badly. And today he saw it again. She had fainted because of that fasting but she never stopped doing it, just because of him, just for him. He wondered what had he done to deserve someone like her. Even after she was hurt, he told her that he loves someone else; she left him but did not stop fasting. Even when she was in pain, she could not stop doing it just because some astrologer had told her, it would protect him. Seriously? He felt nothing but extremely lucky at that point of time. Though he was against all this, but it would not affect how much she loved him.

He just kissed her hands, expressing his gratitude towards her. He knew she did this fasting this, just because she loves him, she could not see him in pain, she wanted to protect him. But he had to get her out of this. He even knew, he had to take it cautiously because she believes a lot in it. "Anika, I know you love me...more than anything else and cannot see me in pain...I know you want to keep every evil away from me...but Anika, jab tak tum mere sath ho, mujhe kuch nahi ho sakta...no problem can touch me...you don't need to do all this...I know you believe in all this but I believe in YOU...and thats it...I do not want you to fast anymore...It is affecting your health...and if you still keeps doing it then I will also do it with you. Is it okay with you?" he had very softly made her understand that if she continues to do it, he would do the same.

She felt so touched at that moment. Though, neither she was superstitious, but its just that she loved him to the extent, where she was ready to do anything for him, which would keep him happy, which would protect him from all the evils. She knew he would never like doing her that. Today, he had let her know that he loves her no less. Though he doesn't believe in all that, still if she doesn't stop, even he would start doing it with her. But she would never want him to do so.

"But Shivaay..." she tried saying something.

"Shh"he stopped her from saying further, keeping his finger on her lips. He nodded his head negatively asking her not to say what she was going to.

"Mujhe kuch nahi hoga...tum mere sath ho na?" he said what she was fearing inside from. She nodded her head positively. "Bas to phir..." he assured her.

She threw herself in his embrace, seeking that love, attention and protection for which she was longing from past one year. He smiled at his innocent lady love before he put his arms around her. She felt complete at that moment and so as he. He knew, she loved being in his arms. After one whole year, they were together, like how they always wanted to be.

"Come with me"he said getting out of the hug and down the bed as he pulled her too. She looked at him in confusion, in a questioning mode. His that one charming smile, came over his lips, which was disappeared a year back when she disappeared from his life. He didn't say anything but just walked out of room with her. She did let him do what he was doing.

He took her to the hall, where everyone from both of their families was sitting. Almost everyone stood up on their entry. Except Anika's mom, almost everyone stared at them, very weirdly. Shivaay brought Anika in centre among all. He himself sat on his knees in front of her. Taking out a beautiful platinum ring from his pocket, he forwarded his hand in front of her and said nothing but, "Will you marry me?"

They both had confessed just some time before. They both knew they love each other. Words were never medium for expressing their love. They never needed them. He did not say much but just asked her for marriage. She could not be happy more. That was the happiest moment of her life when the one she loved the most, the one she wanted to be with always, was asking her to spend her rest of the life with him. Nothing can be more beautiful than that moment.

She looked around, at their families. Everyone was smiling. She saw satisfaction and happiness on faces of their families. She looked back to him. Her soft smile was turning into wide grin and on the other side seeing her so ecstatic, his heart warmed up. "Yes" she accepted his proposal, forwarding her hand to him. He slid the ring in her finger and clapping sound of everyone brought the two lost souls in each other's eyes to earth. Getting up, he ran his fingers through his hairs in embarrassment. Anika ran to her mom, hiding her shyness in her mom's embrace.

And happily ever after

Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Me Tum Bahar Banke

Mere Dil Me Yuhi Rehna Tum Pyar Pyar Banke

***

His Chocolate

"Hello Shivaay, beta Anika tumhare sath hai kya?" Anika's mom asked in a worried tone to Shivaay who was on the other side of receiver half asleep as it was 7 in the morning.

As soon as he heard her, his sleep vanished and getting alert, he sat straight on the bed and answered "What? No aunty"

"Accha? Pata nahi ye ladki kaha chali gayi subah subah. Kal se hi weird behave kar rahi thi wo, mujhe tension ho rahi hai Shivaay"Anika's mom told Shivaay about reason of her panic.

Shivaay thought for a while about the place where Anika could be.

"Aunty, you don't worry. I know wo abhi kaha hogi. I will go and talk to her. You don't stress yourself okay, I will handle her"Shivaay said, assuring Anika's mom that he would talk to Anika and will take care of her.

"I know beta, thank you, wo ese bhi tumhari hi baat sunti hai"Anika's mom said closing her eyes in relief as she was well aware of the fact that only Shivaay can handle her daughter in her upset or angry state.

"Aunty, aap tension mat lo. Mai uss se baat kar ke use ghar drop kardunga" Shivaay assured Anika's mom once again before putting the receiver down.

Shivaay got ready as fast as he could. Picking up his blazer from the bed, he almost ran outside of his home answering to Shivaay's mom who asked him where he was going early morning, "Mom, Anika".

Shivaay's mom didn't question him anymore knowing very well what importance Anika held in her son's life. Anika was more like a daughter to her than her friend's daughter. She always adored them together.

Starting the bike, he drove in the direction where he knew Anika must be. After driving through crowded roads of Kolkata, he turned his bike towards he stopped his bike near a tree and took off the helmet while getting down the bike.

Setting his messed up hairs due to helmet, he roamed his eyes getting a glimpse of her. She was sitting near the lake which was around 10 minutes away from her home. Since it was in between the trees, very few people knew about that lake, so it used to be very quiet and lonely. Anika used to be there whenever she used to be upset or angry.

He smiled to himself and appreciated himself mentally for knowing her too well to be wrong at anything related to her. Slowly taking steps towards her, taking utmost care not to make any sound, he settled down beside her. She was too lost in herself to acknowledge his presence.

Shivaay was somewhat shocked and surprised to see his chatter box quite today. He soon noticed the tears which were rolling down her whitish cheeks making them to turn reddish. Worry instantly took over him. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he softly whispered, "Chocolate".

Hearing his voice, Anika turned her face towards him. She smiled through her tears knowing no matter what he would always be there for her whenever she would need him and today he proved her right once again.

Shivaay's worried expression was about to change into a relieved one but her next act made his worries double. Seeing him, her rolling tears turned into sobs and sobs turned into hysterical cries. Before he could ask her anything, she wrapped her arms around his neck and started weeping badly.

Shivaay immediately encircled his hands around her protectively taking her in his embrace. He asked caressing her hairs, "What happened Chocolate? Why are you crying?"

She didn't answer anything but with every passing second her sobbing was increasing and so as his tension. Shivaay started rubbing her back to calm her down. For him, calming her down was more important at that point of time. Once she relaxes a bit, he would deal with the reason of her tears.

He could feel his shirt was getting drenched by her tears. He couldn't take her tears anymore. It was piercing him in his heart seeing her vulnerable condition.

He forcefully pulled her out of hug as she wasn't ready to leave him. He wiped her tears and softly called out for her, "Chocolate".She was not in condition to respond him. Her eyes continued shedding tears. Wiping her tears again, Shivaay held her face by keeping his both palms on her cheeks and made her look towards him, "Look at me, Chocolate look at me please".

Though only he knew the extent of anger bubbling inside him seeing her in that condition, but he knew, he had to handle the matter softly and patiently. She was just 16 and too sensitive to witness his anger. He was 20... four years older than her. Right from her birth, when he was just 4, he had been protecting and pampering her. He never ever raised his voice in front of her neither he did let anyone else to do so, nor even to her parents. But today's her condition had awaken the beast in him. Whatever or whoever the reason of her condition, her tears was... now would see the worst in him.

Anika was calming down slowly hearing his soothing voice. He was no less than a magic for her. He cupped her cheek assuring her, "I am here na Chocolate. Please stop crying princess. You do know that I can't see you crying right?" Anika nodded her head in agreement.

"That's like my chocolate. Now no more crying, okay?" He told her looking into her eyes. "And now tell me what's wrong with you? Aunty told me you were behaving weird from yesterday". As soon as he finished his sentence, he received a smack on his shoulder by Anika for calling her behavior weird.

He chuckled a little seeing the cute frown on her face. She was glaring at him angrily. He bowed down in surrender saying, "Okay okay... sorry I mean why were you crying?" making an apologetic face.

"Tia" she finally uttered something. He was somewhat happy, at least she said something.

Shivaay asked her, "Tia what Chocolate?"

"Tia is not talking to me. Rana was misbehaving with me. He forcefully hugged me in school and when Tia came, he told her that I was hugging him and I am trying to snatch him from her. [ Tia and Rana were in relationship]. Shivaay tum...tumhe lagta hai mai esa kar sakti hu? Mujhe to wo pasand bhi nahi hai. Tia broke our friendship and she... she said so many things to me. Sh...she said that I am really mean and selfish. An...and she said I can't see the people close to me happy. Le...lekin Shivaay... maine kuch nahi kiya... sachhi..." Anika said swearing to god. Her voice was shaking and words were stammering.

"I... I didn't do anything... Shivaay... you trust me na?" she asked him by holding his hand tightly. Her mind was twirling with insecurities and questions. She just wanted to hear from him that she is not bad.

He was all red in anger as Anika told him about Rana's disgusting act and Tia's accusations. Shivaay was well aware of Anika and Tia's friendship. Tia was Anika's best friend... of course after him. But he could see how much Tia's accusations had hurt her. She had started thinking that she is bad, she snatches other's happiness and much more.

"Of course I trust you Chocolate. Ye bhi koi poochne ki baat hai? And ye sab bakwas hai. Don't think about all this. You are not bad. Tia must have said that in anger. I am sure she didn't mean that." He was trying his best to convince her about Tia's intentions though he was very angry at her for saying all this rubbish to Anika but he knew Tia was a nice girl, Rana must had influenced her and more importantly Tia mattered to Anika very much, and Shivaay could move earth and heaven for happiness.

"And listen, aaj bol diya lekin fir kabhi mat bolna. You... you can never snatch anyone's happiness. You are the sole reason of my happiness. You are the reason of my smile. And I can do anything for your happiness, got it?" he said keeping his hand on hers. She smiled a little hearing his assurance about her goodness.

She hugged him feeling safe and protective in his arms. Though she was too young to understand the growing feelings inside her, but her heart very well knew...

NOBODY CAN TRUST HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN SUPPORT HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN CONSOLE HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN PAMPER HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN CARE FOR HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN CALM HER DOWN THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN MAKE HER FEEL SAFE THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN FIGHT FOR HER THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN BEAR HER TANTRUMS THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN MAKE HER FEEL SPECIAL THE WAY HE DOES

NOBODY CAN LOVE HER THE WAY HE DOES

Shivaay too was aware of Anika's special feelings towards him. But he would wait... he would wait till his little lady gets mature and sensible enough to completely understand his love. He would never like her innocence to fade by his hurry. But one thing was for sure, she would be his and only his one day.

***

This is a sequel to "His Chocolate"

Amour Sans Fin

"Mmm..." Anika moaned a little, snuggling her face into him cuddling Shivaay more. She was in sleep but he was all awake. He was staring and adoring his cute little wife.

"Wake up Chocolate," he whispered planting a soft kiss on her cheek waking her up.

Anika opened her eyes drowsily smiling at his words.

"Good Morning," she wished him back kissing on his both cheek. She giggled seeing his surprised expression after getting two kisses from his naughty wife in the morning as she was an expert in failing his attempts of kissing her.

"Someone is being too meherban on me today!" Shivaay said sitting up on the bed taking the back support of the bed.

"Lucky you." Anika winked her eyes at him before trying to get up from the bed.

He pulled her back by holding her hand making her directly land on him. Anika was shocked at her mischievous husband's naughty act. Slightly pushing her hair strand which was disturbing by coming over her face, he said, "So I am lucky?"

"Kyu nahi ho?" she asked raising her eyebrows at him.

"Hoon Baba... I am very very lucky. In fact I am the luckiest to have you." He replied rubbing his nose with her making her giggle.

---------

"Chocolate? Chocolate what are you doing?" Shivaay kept asking Anika who giggled before closing Shivaay's eyes with a blind fold.

"Arey, batao to sahi, what is all this?" he again asked pulling her by holding her hand.

"No...it's a surprise Shivaay. Agar abhi bata diya to surprise kaise rahega?" Anika said cutely pouting.

"Okay my dear little wifey...as you wish. Your wish is my command." Shivaay said smilingly leaving his questioning.

"I am not little okay? I am 20 now." Anika frowned at him for calling her little.

"Ohh...but you will always be little for me Chocolate... My cute little wifey." Shivaay replied naughtily leaning forward to claim her lips but she was quick enough to step backwards.

"You called me little' na? It's your punishment now," she grinned looking at his shocked expression.

"You are now being cruel Chocolate..." Shivaay complained frowning at her acts.

"Whatever Mr. Oberoi"

"Ohh really Mrs. Oberoi?"

"Ab bas bhi karo. We are getting late for the surprise," she said before dragging him.

She walked towards the car with holding him carefully and made him sit inside the car. Getting on the driver side Anika drove the car to her destination.

Shivaay straightened himself as he felt car being stopped. "Aur ham pohoch gaye..." Anika exclaimed in excitement before she took off her seat belt.

Getting out of the car, she walked towards Shivaay's side. Opening the door of car, she pulled him out of the car and closed the door behind.

"Ab to bata do ke ham kaha hai," Shivaay said.

"Bas 1 minute baba."

Anika halted her steps and she removed the piece of cloth from his eyes in a swift. He blinked his eyes few times and when he looked around, the place where they standing left him stunned. "Chocolate?" he turned towards Anika with his eyes twinkling with surprise.

"Happy Confession Anniversary Shivaay," she wished him cheerfully. His smile got wider and wider. He looked ecstatic. Stepping closer to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her closer. Circling her arms around his neck, she hugged him back with a cute smile adorning her lips.

"Happy Anniversary Chocolate," he mumbled, letting his lips linger over her hairs as he tilted his head slightly. She closed her eyes momentarily. It was a beautiful moment! It was a beautiful surprise! It was a beautiful place!

They were at the same place where they stood back four years. It was the same day, when she was upset and he had been there for her, like always. She was his chocolate and he was her best friend, her protector, someone with whom she felt special, someone whose presence was enough to assure her that she was safe and absolutely nothing and no one could hurt her in any way. He understood her like no one else. She was just his and he was just of her. She had brought him to the very same place to celebrate their confession anniversary.

They got married just two months back. On her twentieth birthday, he proposed her for marriage asking her hand from her parents. Though they had not confessed before that, but Anika had realized her feelings earlier than he expected him to be. She had gifted him s very beautiful glass gift with a dancing couple in it. He had just smiled at that moment at her cuteness and when according to him, she was ready and mature to be his, he married her.

On their marriage night, she pouted cutely at him complaining him that he never proposed her like she had seen his movies. He wondered what he was going to with the innocent angel standing next to him. She was the best thing happened to him and the one thing he wanted and would do anything to protect was her innocence. That was the most beautiful night of their life. He had already planned to make it unforgettable night.

He surprised her. He held her hand, and took her to their terrace, which was as beautifully decorated as she was the princess and it was something in honor. But then again, she indeed was a princess... his princess, his chocolate and now his wife. She was astonished to see the place. Her eyes twinkled in excitement, happiness and proud... proud of the person, she had got as her life partner, for whom she and her happiness mattered more than anything else.

He, for the first time in twenty years of her life, did voice out his feelings towards her. Though, she always have had felt it, but he waited for the time when he could tell her, how much she meant to him, what importance she held in his life.

A quick remembrance of their confession still made her feel as beautiful as she felt at that time.

"Anika..."

She was surprised to hear her name from his mouth. It was only chocolate' he used to address her by. He took her soft hands in his, while he bent down on knees in front of her. As he stared deep into her eyes, she just couldn't avert her eyes from him.

"Anika... My Chocolate! You know why I never call you by your name? because you are really special to me and so as your every single thing. I call you chocolate because you are just like chocolate, sweet... very very sweet. Just the way chocolate melts the moment you put it in your mouth, you melt with every small thing. One more reason is, I want our everything to be special and that is why I call you something different than what others do."

He chuckled seeing the giggling little lady ahead him. She was surely enjoying the pampering and his all attention. Not that, she was getting his attention for the first time. He always used to do that but today was something else.

"I love you chocolate."

His sudden confession about his love made her gaze at him with her big eyes, which had a different shine that day.

"I love you too Shivaay."

She replied instantly. She couldn't wait more to express her feelings for him. Those words from her left him speechless. He had waited for this moment from so long. He had waited his little lady to grow up enough to understand him and his love for her. Not only had she realized his love for her but also, her love for him. He could not be happier. He had got everything that day. A glint of mischievousness rushed in his eyes as he thought of teasing her a bit.

"Okay, so tell me why do you love me?"

She rolled her eyes over his question. He suppressed his laughter to see her pouting at him. He so wanted to get up, pull her cheeks and to embrace her close to his heart. But he somehow refrained himself for doing that, waiting to see what she answers him.

"I love you because,

You trust me the way nobody else can.

You support me the way nobody else can.

You pamper me the way nobody else can.

You care for me the way nobody else can.

You make me feel safe the way nobody else can.

You fight for me the way nobody else can.

You calm me down the way nobody else can.

You console me the way nobody else can.

You bear my tantrums the way nobody else can.

You make me feel special the way nobody else can.

I love you because,

You love me like nobody else can ever do."

He couldn't take his eyes off her. He surely had not expected this. He was simply teasing her but her reasons to love him made his heart swell in pride. His lips kissed her hands in his hold. Getting up, he pulled her in his arms.

"I love you. I love you so much." He repeated over and over. Parting away, he gently placed his hand on her cheek. She lowered her eyes, knowing what was coming. Closing the distance between the, he softly placed his lips on her, deepening it gradually. Picking her up, he carried her in his arms to the bed, to shower his love on his wife.

"Shivaay"

She called for him, making him break the hug. She winked at him asking, "How was the surprise?"

"Awesome." He replied catching her hand, and made a walk near the lake. Sitting down there, he pulled her down beside him. She rested her head on his shoulder while he brought her closer keeping his hand on her arm.

"You remember Chocolate, how badly you were crying that day, because of that stupid Robin?" Shivaay asked.

"And you ended up beating him like anything just to make him spit his reality in front of Tia and to tell her that I was innocent." Anika said. She shook her head remembering that incident. Even now, Shivaay's tone was still disgust filled when he spoke about Robin.

"Come on Shivaay, Relax. It's over now. I am fine, right? Will you stop hating him? I don't hold anything against him because he doesn't matter to me." She started her attempts of making him relax, sensing his tense muscles.

"It does matter to me. Anything or anyone that upsets you, matters to me. If he comes again in front of me, I will break his all bloody damn bones." He clenched his fist, gritting teeth.

"Shivaay can we forget about him? It's our anniversary, just in case if you have forgotten." Anika finally said sternly, reminding him about their anniversary. He turned to look at her and found her fallen face. Guilt took over him immediately. "Sorry" he mumbled shifting his gaze from her to the lake, lingering his gaze on the soft flowing water, probably he was too guilty to meet her eyes.

"Aww... Its okay." she lifted her head from his shoulder and pecked his cheek.

"You know Shivaay, I felt so protected and shielded that day. Not that I had any doubt but seeing you that day, it just made me beyond sure that till the time you are there, I am safe." She told him how exactly he had made her feel that day.

"Yes, I won't ever let anything happen to you... because you are my chocolate, cupcake, cherry, strawberry... I just wanna gobble you up," he leaned towards her to eat his chocolate but she placed her palm on his chest. His hidden meaning behind words he used left a crimson blush all over her but the next moment she laughed aloud like anything, hearing his nick names for her.

Before he could frown and complain for not letting him complete what he was doing, she leaned forward, and gently pecked his lips. Giggling at his shocked expression, she clung onto him while he cherished the love of his life in his arms.

Amour Sans Fin is a french term referring to "Endless love."

--------------------------------

Part A

A Living Death

Without you, my soul would be empty, my heart broken and my being incomplete. - Unknown.

Jiske Aane Se Muqammal Ho Gayi Thi Jindagi...

Dastake Khushiyo Ne Di Thi, Mit Gayi Thi Har Kami...

Kyon Bevajah Di Ye Saja, Kyon Khwab Deke Wo Le Gaya...

Jiye Jo Ham Lage Sitam, Azaab Aise Wo De Gaya...

They were happy together, being with each other. They completed each other. They gave each other's lives a different meaning. They set a new trend of love. He was not a person to fall in love with someone after receiving a betrayal from the one he loved. He was not a person to understand the depth of love. But after her arrival, everything got changed. It's been said that love changes you inside out, and brings out a completely different one from you, you have never come across. She changed him as a person. She made him want to be a better person. The one who could never see anything beyond his work and family now was giving his own life a chance to be happy. She came like sunshine in his life that just brightened his inner self who was lost in some darkness after the bitter phase he had witnessed after Tia's betrayal to him.

She, a normal girl, who had no other dreams in her life except being a doctor... a successful doctor because that was her mother's dream, had experienced a beautiful phase of falling and relishing the love. Anika... Anika Kapoor had always been, a girl focusing on nothing except her studies. She wasn't much talkative, neither, she was the one who would interact with everyone or would go on making everyone as her friend. No!!! She just wasn't the one. She had always been more a reserved person. Her mother left her when she was 17, too young to bear the loss of someone who meant entire universe to her.

She had always been around her mother... always. The reason was because she loved her mother, more than anything else, more than anyone else. She always believed her mother was the best, and her mother indeed was!!! For her, she was her everything, her every wish, her every prayer, her god, her mentor, her tutor, her idol...her world!!! Anika had wished for nothing except her mother. She had asked from god, nothing except her mother to be with her, always...loving her, caring for her, supporting her, being there for her. But not always, one gets what he/she wants and so she did not. God didn't fulfill her only wish. Her mother suffered from a deadly incurable disease. When doctors diagnosis her mother with that disease, they did nothing but very clearly told her family that her mother would not be able to survive for more than two years.

When Anika got to know about the same, she could not understand what to do. At the mere age of 12, she had gottten to know that her mother, her life was going away from her. But even her mother was brave enough, brave enough to accept what had been told to her. She didn't sit there crying because she had only two years of her life left, but tried almost everything, every hospital, every Mandir, church, darga...every medicine mind it allopathic, homeopathic or Ayurveda...every that thing which had even 0.1% chance of making her alright. But nothing really worked out. It helped her mother, to keep her condition somewhat stable but it could not stop the progress of disease which was speedily heading to something worse. Still, Anika didn't stop hoping. She trusted in God. She didn't use to do earlier but she started doing it, only for her mother. She thought that everyone says

miracles do happen...

miracles do happen...

So she presumed it will happen with her and her mother too.

She had strong and firm belief that no matter what, her mother would never leave her. No one and nothing can snatch her mother from her but everything, her every belief, her every hope died with her mother, leaving a shattered Anika behind. The moment, she saw life had been drained out of her mother, she didn't only lose her mother but she lost her own self too with her. Before her mother left her, her mother used to tell her like

Do this when I am not here...

Do that when I will leave...

But Anika never paid attention because she hated hearing from her that she would leave her one day. But, she didn't really fall apart after her mother. She held herself because her mother wanted her to do that, though she had nothing left in her but still she preferred holding on. But nothing remained same after that. She slipped into an even more reserved state.

People around her kept asking, telling and suggesting that she would have to move on, she must move on and much more.

Everyone assumed and even let her know,

that she wasn't happy that she was punishing herself for something which she should not...

that she must leave everything that happened and start being happy in her life.

But none of them could really understand that she was happy. Yes, she was happy but being with her mother's memories only, not with them. None of them understood what it meant losing someone, so so so close to you but people have habit of interfering and giving their so called suggestions due to their so called concern.

Then, she met Shivaay. She couldn't understand anything but he and his companionship changed her. His arrival in her life, gave her a meaning to live, a reason to live. She changed into a person, full of life, for him, with him. He was broken the same way she was. They both weren't perfect. They both had their flaws but they filled the gaps in each other's lives, bringing out a new one out of them.

They had met, in a meeting arranged by their families for their marriage. Neither she nor he wanted to get into any relationship. Both had their own reasons for it. She didn't want it because she was all in her own. She didn't feel like she would be ever able to be with anyone. All what she wanted was to be alone, with her memories, with the dream of her mother...and he didn't want to indulge in any kind of relation because he was broken after the betrayal of Tia. She made him lose his trust in love and relations.

But, mere a meeting was enough for them to feel the spark. It was some miracle for them own selves that they agreed easily for the marriage.

Something was in between them...something definitely was.

The presence of each other, made them feel like they would be able to live again, they would be able to be happy again. Yeah! They weren't living till now but were only breathing! It's never that we trust someone in a single meet but something urged them to trust each other. They didn't even talk much...just some random questions regarding their professions and that's it. They said yes for spending their rest of the lives with each other.

They got married with the blessings of their families. After their marriage, their life was absolutely amazing. Both were happy with each other. Soon, their care, concern and attachments towards each other made them fall for each other. Yes! They fell in love with each other, finally.

What a beautifully ecstatic feeling it was for them!

It was after six months of their marriage when they realized they had been fallen deeply, immensely and helplessly in love with each other. It was their six months anniversary, when he confessed his feelings to her, by organizing a very beautiful and romantic set up on their terrace. It was an adorable surprise cum shock for her.

When she realized she had fallen for him, she was way too nervous that how would she confess to him but he made it easy for her. She confessed him back, and it became the loveliest moment of their life.

That night, the moon witnessed the two souls getting one. That night, they submitted themselves to each other completely, accepting each other in every sense.

Shivaay never felt these feelings when he thought he was in love with Tia. It made him sure, that he was never in love with her. Tia was nothing more than attraction and infatuation for him. What he felt for Anika, he never did, for anyone. She was the one, and she was the only one.

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After Two Years:

One day, a letter knocked their door which left their lives shaken inside out. That one letter, destroyed everything, destroyed their beautiful life.

"Shivaay...Shivaaay." She screamed with a rage as her eyes read the matter written in the letter.

He came out of the washroom, hearing her. "What happened? Why are you shouting, Sweetheart?" he asked very casually, not realizing, it was going to be the worst moment of his life.

"What is this?" Anger had bubbled up in her eyes. Hurt and pain had crossed their limits. Her eyes had welled up, ready to shed the tears, brimming in her eyes, anytime.

His body posture suddenly changed, feeling the tension in her tone. He looked at her pale face, which seemed like she had just seen the worst nightmare of her life. He immediately rushed towards her and held her shoulder softly.

"What happened? What is this?" he took the letter from her. He roamed his eyes over that letter. His hands trembled. His face lost the smile crept on it and within a minute that letter fell down from his hand. He stammered on his words, "Ani...Anika...ye..."

"Haan... Ye Shivaay...Kya hai ye? How can you do this to me Shivaay?"

She couldn't help but her voice sounded like it had almost choked up. She fell down on her knees, crying bitterly.

"Mai...mujhe nahi...mai nahi janta tha ye ese..."

He didn't know what to say. He was beyond shock to react anything.

"You didn't know? Seriously? You didn't know? I told you, don't bring her to me, didn't I? But you still did. You forced me to admit her, treat her and see the consequences now. She accused me of false accusation, committed suicide and my medical license has been canceled for lifetime. You understand this? This means I will never be able to treat others. I am not a doctor anymore.You knew, this was my mother's dream...which is destroyed now...you killed me, Shivaay, you killed my soul today."

She was going through something which could not be expressed in words. The one dream of her mother, she was living for, which was a reason for her to live, had been snatched from her. She felt she was losing it. She felt suffocating. Nothing had left in her at that point of time. It wasn't her dream...if it would have been hers, then she would have let it go easily. But NO! It was her mother's dream! That person's dream, who was most important for her...who was her soul.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flashback:

"Shivaay please, I don't trust her. I am not stopping you from doing anything for her because I trust you. But please don't bring her to me. I can't and don't trust her. I am anyway having some bad intuitions. Please understand Shivaay." Anika almost pleaded Shivaay, for not making her treat Tia, who was suffering from a heart disease.

"Anika, even I am helpless. Please don't make me feel more guilty and treat her, please. I am begging in front of you. Please Anika...tumhe meri Kasam"

He tried convincing her, for accepting Tia as her patient and treating her. He felt worst seeing her face but he could do nothing.

Her eyes lifted at him. He had left her with no other option by making her swear him. She just left the room, without saying anything.

Flashback ends:

Tia had accused Anika of mistreating her, for giving her wrong medicines on purpose. When, police came and checked the dose was being given to her was something, which was a poison. Tia, herself had changed her medicines, with help of one nurse. Tia was a mentally ill, a psycho and an obsessive person. When Shivaay married Anika, forgetting Tia, she couldn't bear it. She couldn't bear that Anika took away Shivaay from her. Being a psycho, Tia didn't even care about her own life. All what she wanted was to destroy Anika and that's exactly what she did. When police came and checked everything, they went to Tia and found her dead. She had left a note before dying, saying Anika would be responsible if anything happens to her. That was enough. They canceled Anika's license temporarily and sent her a notice saying she would have to be present in court for a hearing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mere thought of her medical license getting canceled, the dream of her mother getting shattered, had left her shaken.

Shivaay knelt down in front of her, and tried keeping his hand on her cheek but she backed off. Lifting her eyes to him, she stared at him for a while. Her eyes showed nothing but only and only agony.

He could not express how he felt at that time, seeing her in that condition. He died hundreds of deaths when he saw her suffocating from inside.

"Don't worry Anika...ham court jayenge...kuch nahi hoga," he had tried comforting her with his words but deep inside his heart was unsure about what he was saying.

She didn't say anything. She got up without saying anything and straightaway went to her room. She locked the room behind. He almost ran behind her but the time he reached, he found a closed door on his face.

She threw herself on the bed and cried out loudly. She sobbed, till tears drained from her eyes. She welled, till her heart stopped feeling anything.

Roaming fingers on the closed door, he slipped on the ground. Resting his head on the door, tears started falling down from his eyes. Both souls had lost themselves that day.

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In Court's Hearing, nothing worked out in Anika's favor. All the proofs were against her. Seeing her past experience, she did being announced no punishment but her license had been canceled...PERMANENTLY.

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At Shivika's Home:

Shivaay entered inside, completely broken after court's decision. Anika had left without him. His gaze fell on her. She came out, dragging her luggage with her. His heart broke into millions of pieces, those pieces he would never be able to collect, those pieces, which were going to remain scattered forever...

"I can't stay with you, here, anymore." Her words, draped in an emotionless tone, came out. The tone she used, was so feeble, reflecting not only mentally, but she was giving up physically as well.

He said nothing. He did nothing. She glanced at his face once, before she made her way out. It was neither easy for her nor for him. He had loved her to the extent where he was ready to do anything for her and she had loved him so much where she could sacrifice her life for him. But both had fallen in a phase where they could do nothing...absolutely nothing. Both had never felt so helpless before. Things had messed up in a way, that could never get them back to where they were.

She walked out. He didn't dare to turn and nor did she. He was sure, about where would he end up, if he sees her going away from him...for forever. Tears were welling up in both of their eyes. Their silent screams rang in their room, leaving deep scars on two souls.

*************************************************************************************

Kya Kya Na Socha Tha Maine, Kya Kya Na Sapne Sajaye

Kya Kya Na Chaha Tha Dil Ne, Kya Kya Na Armaan Jagaaye

Iss Dil Se Tufan Gujarate Hai

Tum Bin To Jeete Na Marte Hai

Aa Jaao, Laut Kar Tum, Ye Dil Keh Raha Hai

**************************************************************************************

After Six Months:

Anika was sitting on a couch. She had shifted to her old home, where she used to live with her mother, in Shimla. After her mother, Anika and her father got shifted to Delhi. When her father came to know that she had left Shivaay's home, he insisted her on living with him but she refused. She wanted to live with the memories of her mother. Even her father couldn't convince his daughter to stay back. Now, she was living in Shimla, alone.

She still looked the same. Nothing had changed much but still, everything had changed. She wasn't anymore the person she used to be. After her mother, she had slipped into a reserved person. But Shivaay's arrival had brought out the hidden one in her. When she left him, she left a part of her soul with him. Already she was broken after her mother and what happened because of Shivaay broke her in every sense...leaving the only void in her.

Her gaze fell upon the calendar. It was their marriage anniversary. Yeah, Marriage Anniversary!...Because they never got divorced. She felt dizzy. Her vision blurred due to the thin layer of tears forming in her eyes. Soon the tears turned into loud cries. The sound of her painful shrieks echoed into her empty room.

"Why did you do this Shivaay? Why? I thought life is again giving me a chance by sending you for me. The soon I was getting normal, was collecting the broken pieces of my soul, you again broke them and left them scattered. I know you never intentionally wanted to hurt me...I know you can never do that...I know that you love me as much as I love you...but after what happened, we can never be together...maybe we just weren't destined to be...for me everything comes after my mother...and I can never forget that I can't fulfill her dream...and somewhere the reason...the reason is YOU.."

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In Delhi:

Shivaay stared at the laptop screen without blinking his eyes even for a second. His eyes were fixed on the face of the woman, in the paused video, which he was playing on his laptop. The woman, who meant everything to him, the woman who was the love of his life, the woman who made him believe in love again, the woman he could move earth and heaven for...Anika...his wife!!!

He was watching the video of their marriage, trying to re-live those moments through their memories, again. He knew, he would never be able to live them again, with her but he kept themselves alive in his memories.

His face was blank. It hardly showed anything. The time, she left him, even he himself left him. He wasn't living anymore but only breathing.

"I know Anika, the pain I have given you...has no cure. There is nothing which can soothe that pain...and trust me, I won't ever forgive myself for being the reason of your pain...I am sorry Anika...I am sorry but even I was helpless...was bounded by the same relation you left me for"

Flashback:

"Shivaay, please, take Tia to Anika...it's her wish Shivaay...she came to me and she was crying so bitterly...she has changed Shivaay...please take her to Anika." Pinky pleaded Shivaay, as she held his arm for admitting Tia in Anika's hospital.

"Nahi Mom," he denied knowing Tia wasn't a trustworthy person.

"Tujhe meri kasam...ya to use waha le ja ya tu mera mara hua muh dekhega." She used her final weapon.

"Mooom," he shouted in anger, unable to take what she said.

Just like Anika, Shivaay also loved his mother a lot...more than anyone else. He could even happily die for her happiness but what she had demanded today left him speechless. On one side, was his wife and on the other side, was his mother who had swears of dying if he didn't take Tia to Anika.

He was in a dilemma. His mother had left him, to choose between her and his wife and he chose his mother. No matter what, his mother had to be his choice.

Tia was the daughter of Pinky's friend and she loved her just like her daughter. That's why when she came to her asking for forgiveness of what she did to Shivaay, Pinky melted at her fake tears and got trapped into her fakeness. She couldn't understand it was her plan.

Shivaay forced Anika to accept Tia as a patient for sake of his mother and he never told Anika about it because they both were suffering from the very same thing.

He had forced her for sake of his mother which he never knew would shatter Anika's mother's dream. He could never forgive himself for that and on the other side, Anika left him because it was him, she could not complete her mother's dreams because of.

No one was really right or no one was really at fault here. Circumstances weren't favorable for them. It separated the two people who loved each other immensely.

Flashback ends:

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"I am sorry Anika...I am sorry...I love you Anika...I love you."

"I am sorry Shivaay...but we can't be together...I love you and will always do."

***

"Mana ki tumhare sath rehna meri kismat me nahi,

Lekin tumhare dil se dur Jana, mere bas me bhi nahi."

----

Part B

Finding Life Again

After one and half year:

The ring of Anika's phone broke her reverie. Roaming her eyes on the caller ID, her eyebrows stretched in confusion. It was an unknown number. Since the time, she had shifted to Shimla, no one really bothered to call her and those, who did, and she had no will to have any sort of talks with them. So she had always preferred not taking up their calls. Cherishing her solitude and memories, she shunned the company of everyone.

Picking up the phone, she answered. "Hello." Her voice faint, almost disinterested in the person on the other side and what was going to come up. She had come far from excitement and happiness, that she had lost somewhere in her past.

"Hello, am I talking to Dr. Anika Kapoor?"

"I am not a doctor anymore. So you are talking to only Anika Kapoor."

"Ma'am, I, have an important news for you."

She waited, for him to continue as she kind of had no interest remained in anything. So any... any damn thing held no importance in her life, now but she still hadn't disconnected the call. Something made her stay on the line. She sighed, weakly.

"Ma'am you have got your medical license back. You can start your practice, again. You are a doctor, again."

Phone was almost about to fall off her hand, when his words fell into her ears."Wh... what? Who is this?" She stammered, at loss of words. Tears filled up her eyes, her body started shaking as she felt a lump in her throat. Vision blurred with the layer of tears, she clutched the phone supporting with her free hand as well. She could not afford dropping her phone... definitely, not now.

"Ma'am, please come back to Delhi as soon as you can."

"Hello...Hello?" She repeated again and again, as she felt the phone being disconnected. Pulling the phone away from her ears, her eyes flickered with anticipation. Impatiently, she dialled the same number again, calling back but it came switched off. Someone must have played. Her hopes had ignited somewhat due to normal human nature but she could see them extinguishing again.

"Who was he? What was he saying? Should I go back?" Numerous questions occupied her mind. She wiped the tears that came out as her wounds had been touched again. The pain was still raw, even after two years. It's been said that, time heals all the wounds but does it really? She seemed to prove it wrong. With every single day, she was losing it, more. "I can't avoid this. I just can't. What if he was saying truth? Though I know this is impossible, but still I can't live in this assumption for whole life. It's better to get done with this once rather than thinking about it rest of the life." If someone had played a prank, then it was the worst joke that would be ever entertained. Trapped, between facade and reality, she decided to go back and check by her own self, not allowing a single doubt to stay as her anothercompanion. Grief was enough. She did not need one more, to walk along with her, till her last breath. She booked her tickets, packed the needed stuff and left for Delhi with the first flight, she got.

The soon, she stepped out of Delhi Airport, she looked for the Taxi. The person hadn't clearly specified anything on phone. Mind lost in thoughts of where should she go, she walked absent mindedly. She had taken barely some two to three steps, when she was abruptly stopped by a taxi driver. "Ma'am this way," he guided, pointing at a direction, where a white Mercedes was parked.

She stood there; absolutely clueless about what was happening. She had not told anyone about her arrival, then how come a car along with driver was waiting for her? How did he know who she was? She felt her mind twirling with curiosities rather confusions. "You?" she tried asking him, who he was.

"Dr. Anika Kapoor?"

Hearing someone addressing her doctor again, made her heart smile. She could not explain how it felt being called as a doctor.

For her, it was her greatest happiness, her greatest joy, her greatest achievement.

Nothing... absolutely nothing could make her happier. There was an exception, of course which she hated to admit.

She nodded and quietly followed him. After driving for about 20 minutes, the driver halted the car in front of the court. She looked outside, as he forced the brakes. She raised her head. It was a terrible attempt of embracing the tears that were threatening, looking for an escape. She had to compose herself anyhow, when the driver opened the door.

Without a word exchange, she greeted her feet with the ground, closing the door behind.

Again!

She was again at the same place, where she had lost her everything, before two years,

The place where she had lost her medical license,

The place where she had lost the chance to fulfil her mother's dream,

The place, where, she had lost herself...

"You have to go inside." The driver's voiced snapped her out of her trance and before she could ask him anything else, he sat in the car and disappeared, driving it.

Forcing her legs to take her inside the court, she simply gave up on the possible scenarios she was imagining. Her sight caught three people inside, the Judge, a lawyer and a guy there. She scuffled, walking a little forward observing keenly. Same! She remembered, it was the same lawyer and judge who were present when her license was cancelled. How could she forget anything regarding the same?

"Ms. Anika Kapoor, your medical license had been cancelled before two years on accusations of Tia. But now, we have fully assured that you had not a slightest involvement in that matter. Tia died because of her own self and as now everything is cleared and we are glad to give you your license back. You can start your medical practice right from today itself. You are Doctor, again."

The Judge announced with an affectionate smile. His heart had sunk two years back when he had to cancel her license. He was an aged person around 60 and he had seen the unbearable agony in this girl's eyes when her license had been cancelled. He surely felt he had done something wrong but he could do nothing that time. He was helpless as he had to announce the judgment based on proofs but today, he was relieved to the extent he could not express. Definitely, he had done something very right, his heart patted himself.

She froze. Her body had literally gone cold. Her muscles stiffened, eyes glistened with a thin layer of tears. Her hands automatically held the bench backside of her for support. She tried shamming stable but the tears dropped from her eyes.

It was the state of euphoria for her.

She wanted someone to hold her and to tell her again and again that she can practice again now,

That she can treat and help people again now,

That she can still fulfil her mother's dream now,

That she is a doctor again now.

"Really?" she asked, a childlike innocence reflecting from her tone.

The judge could feel her emotions. He did not fail to see that the medical license surely mattered more than anything else in the world to the girl, standing in front of him. It was visible in her eyes. Her eyes... were expressive, probably more than her. He had never seen such honesty and joy in anyone's eyes ever before. It seemed like she had gotten something priceless and it indeed was priceless for her. He just nodded his head positively giving her a confirmation again.

Her happiness had no bounds. It was an absolutely thrilling moment for her. She smiled through her tears. She looked around. That lawyer, that guy, everyone looked happiest. She took some steps ahead, towards the Judge but then again stopped, staring at him and then to side. She was not in a state of understanding anything. She was just in some other world. She paused for some seconds. Taking a deep breath, she made herself a little relaxed. Standing in front of the Judge, she mumbled, "Thank You" to which he just returned the same smile, which he was having right from the moment after seeing her in the court room.

The Judge left the Court Room and she sat on the bench nearby. Covering her mouth with her hands, she firmed there, remembering Judge's words again and again. Nothing... absolutely nothing came in her mind that time except that.

"Congratulations."

She shifted her gaze at front to look for owner of the voice. He must be around 20. She concluded, seeing a guy standing in front of her, his lips curved in a smile, eyes shining with satisfaction. "I didn't recognize you." Clearing her throat, she whispered.

"Aditya"

Aditya. The name sounded familiar. She took few moments to let the name register in her system. "Adi?" She exclaimed, as it finally sunk in. Standing up, she looked visibly happy but her heart was having mixed with different.

"Yes Maa." Putting a confirmation on her words, he said, before wrapping his arms around her. She embraced him... a hug of extreme happiness, a way of expressing love.

"Kitne bade ho gaye ho tum." She caressed his face, pulling herself back. Seeing him after so long that she even failed to recognize him in first glance, she was overwhelmed with his presence. The reality strikes her after few minutes. "What are you doing here?"

"Bas aapko aapki khushi milte hue dekhne aaya tha." Aditya replied, eyes glued at her face, he forgot to blink. After all, it had been years to have seen her, long years.

"Tumhe ye sab..." She left her sentence in middle, not understanding how come he got to know about all this.

"Maa... aapko kaise laga ke mujhe pata nahi chalega? I read about all this in the newspaper but couldn't come that time because of final exams and when I came, you weren't here." Disappointed! Yes, that's exactly right. Disappointment was in his words. Sadness had just started engulfing him when he braced himself quickly.

"Adi... wo," words couldn't come up from her side.

"I know Maa... I know everything. I met Shivaay uncle."

Her eyes moistened hearing his name. He still held the capacity to bring out every emotion hidden in her heart. His mere name made a warmth rush through her.

"Maa, you know, I have not seen the ones who brought me in this world. I have not seen god. I have not seen angel but... but I have seen you, Maa. You are my parents. You are myangel. You are my God. Whatever I am today is because of you, Maa." His eyes started getting watery. As he drifted back to memory lanes, he got emotional; his gratitude for Anika could never be enough for what she had done for him.

She just kept staring at him, listening to his words about her. She recalled the time before nine years when she had found a ten year kid, crying on the road. When she asked him about himself, then she got to know he was an orphan and had came running from some people who were trying to sell him to work as a slave to others.

She could feel nothing except disgust for those ones who were ready to sell the innocence in the market of heartless people. She had made him stand properly, taken him to the nearest hotel and made him eat first. Assuring him that she would not let anyone harm him, she decided to have his responsibility. She admitted him to a hostel and decided to pay for his entire education. She was just nineteen, in the second year of her medical college but she hadn't taken his responsibility on her dad's money but on her own. Being a brilliant student, she had won many awards, prizes and scholarships. She took his responsibility on her own and that kid called her Maa' that day because for him she came like a mother... a godmother.

"Maa, when I came here, I couldn't find you. Then I contacted Shivaay uncle and he told me everything. Maa, Shivaay uncle loves you a lot. When I met him, I saw him. He looked so broken. It seemed like he had no life remained within him. He was nothing more than a lifeless body."

She came back to present with his voice. Hearing about Shivaay, she felt like losing herself. Her knees went weak. Her heart screamed silently yet loud enough to make Adi aware of it. Gently reaching out for her hand, he held it in his as if providing her the much needed strength. She lifted her eyes at him, smiling softly at his maturity and concern towards her.

"Maa, I made Shivaay uncle realize that we cannot just sit like this. We can and we will bring your license back and guess what, this is what he needed, someone to support him, someone to be with him and then we did every possible thing which could bring your license back. We presented your all earlier patient's reviews, their reports and treatments. Many of your patients came in the court, and they gave statements in your favour and you know what's more, Shivaay uncle searched and brought all those your patients of which life you had saved, who were about to die... from US, new York, London and from where not and finally the decision came in our favor. Shivaay uncle... he really worked hard Maa." Aditya narrated every single detail, in the journey from meeting Shivaay to collecting evidences and witnesses that helped in changing the already made decision.

So much! So much! He had done so much, alone.

A layer of emotions slowly weighed down her heart. She was happy that she got her license back. She was ecstatic to meet Aditya after years, long wait. She was touched to see his and Shivaay's dedication for bringing her license back. She was feeling guilty for leaving Shivaay like that and letting him face everything alone. Though it wasn't her fault, even she was bounded by her own strings but she was upset as they both suffered alone, as they both faced their worst time alone.

So many emotions! So many!

She mumbled a thank you to Aditya, for whatever he had done. If she was breathing in peace, then he had a great contribution in that. "Maa, come with me."

"Where Adi?"

"You trust me Maa?"

She nodded without feeling to assure with words.

"Then just come, don't ask me anything now."

She quietly followed him and sat in the car, as asked by him. After driving for almost half an hour, he stopped the car. She had closed her eyes resting her head on back of her seat. A sudden chillness of air touched her heart, making her straighten herself.

It was the same feeling.

Her eyes immediately turned outside, and she left stunned.

She was in front of Shivaay's home, her home, their home. It still looked the same. Nothing had changed their, not even the name plate.

It still had the name carved on it...

'ShivIka.'

Aditya opened the door for Anika. Getting out, she just kept staring at her home. After what felt like ages, she was again there. She had merely lived there few days more than six months but it had, a way too special place, in her heart.

It was the same place where she had stepped after her marriage.

It was the same place where they both had confessed their love for each other.

It was the same place where they had become one in every sense.

It was the symbol of their love.

Her figure shivered as she remembered, it was the same place where she had received the letter, the letter which took out life within her.

It was the same place where her and her mother's dreams had been shattered.

"Maa, go inside." Adi said, holding Anika's hand.

She nodded negatively. "Maa, go please." Adi pushed her a little, softly. Even she couldn't resist much.

Her feet were dying to step inside.

Her eyes were impatient to roam inside.

Her heart was craving to wonder inside.

Her soul was eager to get inside.

With a lot of struggle in her mind, she finally stepped inside. The moment, she looked around the home, she was astonished. Amusement would be less to describe what she felt! The hall was beautifully decorated with their pictures together. Number of frames captured the loveliest moment they had spent together in those six months of their marriage. He was living so far with their memories only.

She walked towards their room. She gave a light push to the unclosed door, looking inside. An urge to glance inside had forced her to land there. Much to her surprise, even their room was having their pictures only, especially her ones. She never felt so special and touched with anyone's gesture ever before. That was just... overwhelming, fascinating, appealing!

The pace of her heartbeats, increased suddenly. Once again, she was conveyed of his arrival even before she could catch his sight, making her aware of his presence. She could feel him and his gaze, right behind her.

Swiftly turning back, she stole a glance of him, standing at the door. Those blue eyes! Ah, she had missed him. He was staring at her, his eyes speaking volumes. All these years, he was living with her photos, their memories but finally god had made him to see her in real. He just wanted to lock her in his eyes. Though the eyes that used to shine with love for her, earlier, now showed a deep reflection of his agony, she could still see immense love for her, in them.

Before either of them could say anything, he had rushed towards her, hiding her in his cocoon. Enfolding her in a hug, he wondered how perfectly she fits in his arms. The two long year of separation wasn't easy to bear, definitely not. Emotions suppressed so far, couldn't stay there, now. One glance at her, and he broke down. She did nothing but just let him do whatever he was doing.

They both knew each other.

They both loved each other.

They both were well aware of the fact that how much they had missed each other. Having themselves in each other's arms, they savoured the feel of each other for don't know how long. His hold around her, tightened, as if wanted to make sure that she would not vanish from his life again. Fears are crazy! They drive you crazy!

They pulled away when they felt each other's tears on them. She laid her eyes on him, staring at him from top to bottom. He looked pale, weak, as if had not taken care of himself in her absence, as if he had punished himself. The charm that he always had on his face was now missing. The infectious smile was no more on those lips. May be because she wasn't with him, the one for whom that charm was exclusively reserved for.

"Kaisi ho?" he asked, in a barely audible tone. Inside, his heart craved to listen her voice. They hadn't talked over even phone in past years, which eventually meant, they clearly had no contact with each other.

"Thik." Her voice still was as melodious as it used to be, thought he.

"I met Adi. He told me everything." She lifted her eyes at him, to see his reaction.

"I know," he did not look surprised. How would he look? Was anything hidden from him?

"Of course you do. Right from the taxi here, to getting my license back, you were behind everything." She made a statement, fixing her gaze on him. Confident, she knew it right from the court room.

"I did nothing special. I was rectifying my mistakes only." Looking at ground, he refused to raise his gaze. May be it was guilt, remembering about the pain he had caused her. She walked out of the room without replying anything. His heart again shuddered in fear... fear that she was leaving him, again. Every step, she was taking, unbearable pain was gripping her heart. She held onto the door, as her feet carried her, to the almost end... their end.

"Mat jaao na mujhe chhodke. Kaise rahunga mai tumhare bina..."

Her pretended strong self, started getting weak. She tightened her hold on the door, fearing her knees might give up anytime. Journey from meeting him to falling apart rushed back to her and she felt like reliving it again. Without wasting a moment, she turned back and ran straight in his arms. She couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't hold herself anymore. A little taken aback, he protectively wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer. Closing eyes, he felt his heart beating against his chest. In past years, he hardly felt anything in his heart. May be because, his heart had gone with her, the day she left. Now that, she was back, and so was his heart.

She cried, melting in his embrace. "I can't live without you Shivaay. I love you. I really do," she confessed to him in between her sobs and weeps. "I know," he caressed her hairs, trying to stop her from crying. She gripped him more as he tried pulling himself back. She really didn't want to get away from him, fearing what if destiny again makes a new plan to separate them. She had missed his warmth. Snuggling more into him, she refused to elevate her face.

"Shh... it's okay," he tried comforting her. After so long, they were so close to each other, so close that each could hear the heartbeats of each other. Their true place was there only, close to each other, in each other's arms.

"I missed you Shivaay. I missed you a lot."

"Same here, Sweetheart."

He settled on the floor, and made her sit beside him. Resting his head on the wall, he circled his hand around her arm as she slipped on his shoulder. "You must be thinking that why didn't I stop you even once when you were leaving before two years right?" he asked, the thing about which he knew, she must have thought a lot. She indeed knew that he loved her more than anything else. And when he let her leave that time, her heart kept asking, why was he so silent, why didn't he say anything to her...why didn't he turn back, why no attempt of trying once. She held his hand tighter, but remained quiet.

"Because, I had not dares to stop you, because, I had no right to stop you after what you had to bear because of me. Because, I myself could not forgive not forgive me for what happened because of me so how could have I expected you to forgive me. Because, I knew you would not be able to be with me. Because... I knew the extent of your pain. I absolutely cannot imagine how you must have felt but I can understand. Because... I understand you. Because... I love you."

A tear slipped from her eyes, hearing his honest confession about why he did, what he did. Something pricked her heart, coming across his side of story. He had loved her too much to let her go away from him but then, he had deep affection for her that did not let her hold back knowing the severity of situation and her pain but his yearning for her was something, that she cried for him.

He indeed knew and understood her, the best.

"I know Shivaay, that you did not do anything on purpose. I know you can never do anything which will hurt me in any way. I know it. I know all. But for me, my mother's dream is above anything, above everything. I just can't bear anything which would make me away from her, from her dream, from her memories."

"Jaanta hu... but now everything is alright. You got your license back. Now you can start your practice again and fulfill Maa's dream," he replied, in a tender tone. She just smiled when he mentioned her mother as Maa'

"I have to go back to Shimla," the moment she mentioned about returning back, his head jerked towards her, fear taking over again. Was she leaving him again? Before he could ask anything, she answered to his question. "To bring my stuff back."

"Koi jaroorat nahi." He stood up and made her stand as well. She raised a brow at him, questioningly not understanding what he meant.

"We will shift to Shimla. We will live there, together... with Maa's memories." He said, bringing her long lost smile back on her face, letting her know that he would fulfil her every single wish.

That was something she never expected, not even in her wildest dreams. Yes, she always wanted to live in Shimla, in that same house where she had lived her life with her mother, in that same place where she had her every single memory with her mother. She failed to bring herself to say even a word. She terribly failed. She felt not only loved but cherished. Her lips quivered when she attempted to say anything but was shushed by him when he softly let his finger stay on her lips, assuring her that she did not need to say anything.

"Let's go. Maa is waiting for us," he held her hand as he walked out with her, to start a fresh, to give her, her happiness, to give her the love for which she was longing for, to give her everything which she had missed in her life, to make her live once again, to make her cherish the life again.

And that was the end of this story but not the end of their life. In fact that was the start of their beautiful journey of life, together, with each other...

Journey of that life where he would make sure to not let a single tear come in her eye,

Journey of that life where he would never allow any tide of pain to hit her,

Journey of that life where he would be giving her all the love, care and pampering which she deserved to get,

Journey of that life where he would bring her closer to her mother and her memories,

Journey of that life, where love would set a new definition, by showing love never fails, love never loses.

Love gives you strength to hold on, in every circumstances, and in the end fills those colours in your life which once had vanished, showing love is way too deep and strong than what many think of it to be.

True love is hard to get but once you get it, it will never leave you. Even if you try to get away from it, it will hold you.

Teri Dhadkano Se Hai Zindagi Meri, Khwaishe Teri Ab Duaaye Meri...

Kitna Ankoha Bandhan Hai Ye, Teri Meri Jaan Jo Ek Hui...

Zindagani Badi Khubsurat Hui...

Jannat Ab Aur Kya Hogi Kahi...

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