Ishqbaaaz -A Happy Ending

A rare winter storm had opened up the sky on that rough night. One more crack of huge lightning and Annika woke up with a start still spooning in Shivaay's arms. She felt something warm running down her temple. She felt it- warm beads of sweat. She roughly scanned herself, all looked ok. She had just seen, a car hit her.. Alone and pregnant screaming for her Shivaay she had fallen clutching her heavy belly. Shivaay was nowhere to be seen.. She looked at her clothes. She was very much in her white suit. She was not wearing a weird harlequin saree. She turned around and felt Shivaay's face, his neck, chest, arms and fingers. What was this she saw? It was too vivid to be a dream, much like an alternate universe. She felt Shivaay's forehead, it was warm. She felt his chest, it was gently heaving. Was all well ? That woke Shivaay. Rubbing his eyes, he felt something amiss. The fog of waking in the middle of the night cleared the instant he saw his Annika is distress. She just sat there rock still, her back towards him. He ran his hand down her back but she was still. Annika who would melt at his very touch, was frozen cold. Annika, Annika are you alright.' He tired shaking her as sat there.. Shivaay turning the lights on, poured a glass of water for Annika. Barely a sip and Annika's hand grew unsteady. Shivaay wrapped his palms over her's and whispered, Everything is alright Annika, you are with me. Look at me, you are safe.' She bust out into tears. She let the glass go and wrapped her arms around Shivaay. Shiv.. Shivaay.. it was such a nightmare. I was going away from you forever... A car... car hit...' Shivaay stopped her, shush, don't even think, there is nothing in the world that can take you away from me, not now, nor ever..' He put the glass away and caressed Annika's hair. It was so wet that he understood this was no ordinary nightmare. Was it Daksh in her nightmare again? Daksh or not, this was serious than what she just mentioned. Annika did not dare recount the bizarre nightmare. She saw herself on the verge of marrying a faceless guy. Then she was married to Shivaay who would turn into a strange beast periodically. Then Shivaay murdered Bade Papa. The whole family ostracized Shivaay including Om Ru. Shivaay tried to kill her, then a blur and then a car hit her. Warm blood trickled down her temple and on her pregnant belly. A progressively diminishing helpless call for Shivaay had gone unanswered. Finally her voice sunk and that woke her up.. Thankfully it was not blood that was running down her temple, Shivaay was still caressing her, his hands down the bare of her back. Sometimes the line between reality of illusion created by dream disappears. The clock struck 4. Annika went into panic mode. Shivaay, they say early morning dreams come true..what of it comes true and I go away from ..' Shivaay placed his warm palm across her mouth. No, nothing can take you away from me, not even the writer of our destiny. It is my word. We were and are meant to be together forever. We will go hiking, we will walk for hours on the beach watching the sunrise..' He corrected himself in an instant, that's hard, The sun is not exactly rising by the time you wake up' caressing her cheek and wiping her teas. She feigned anger and pretended to push him away. So we will watch sunset instead' Shivaay continued. We will go to Paris, walk by the river, drink champagne .. we will go to Iceland and watch the auroras light up the night skies in winter. I will make Pav Bhaji just the way you like it. It is just the beginning Annika, there is so much to do together. It is going to be a long beautiful journey'.

Annika stopped crying. She wiped off her tears and snot with the edge of her dupatta. She just held Shivaay's hand and pressed her cheeks to it. He continued to run his other hand down her hair, down her back. Annika felt comforted. Shivaay went back to bed drawing Annika close. Her head on his shoulder, she drew tiny circles on the little patch of his hairy chest that peeked from under his unbuttoned Kurta. His fingers ran randomly on the bare of her back. Sleep gently covered them with a blanket of serenity. This is real, us... Shivaay and me .. we are real .. we are together..' Annika told herself before she slipped into an ocean of calm in her Shivaay's arms.

Annika woke up to the Alarm clock going off. Shivaay was already up like any other day. He must be in the kitchen making breakfast. I should get ready and help him' Annika told herself. It was then that she noticed it was past 8 AM, late by her lax standards. What was about last night that turns her stomach in knots, was it a nightmare in a dream? Did Shivaay really wake up wiith me after the nightmare? Or was it a dream?'. She was a little lost but she managed to get ready and head over to the kitchen in search of Shivaay.

She was walking the colonnade next to their great living room that she bumped into Tej. She was startled. Good Morning Annika.. he greeted her even as he gathered his scattered newspaper. Annika froze, the image in the nightmare of Shivaay murdering Tej started playing in her thoughts on a loop.. Tej sensed something amiss and turned his attention to her. Furrowing his brow, he said you look like you saw a ghost! Am I so scary?' And he giggled silly girl'. Annika stammered Gho..st... Bade Papa..' Tej pushed her gaping jaw closed with his finger and patted her on her head with affection. As he walked away, he said Silly girl, go get yourself some coffee or something. Someone will do really good with some caffeine'

The violent visuals continued to haunt her. But it is just a dream, Bade Papa is here, Shivaay must be in the kitchen.. all is well' she heaved a sigh of relief and tried to feel better.. She did find Shivaay in the kitchen frying pooris. The aroma of his signature aloo wafted out of the kitchen. Finding Annika unusually quiet, Shivaay pulled her close to plant a peck on her cheek. Surprised, she jumped away shy and conscious of herself. Shivaay gently tugged at her bangles playfully. The Pooris in the wok started to burn and smoke. Annika let out a peal of laughter as she walked over to the other side of the kitchen island. As Shivaay tried to desperately save the beleaguered Pooris, Annika let out an awww' and squeezed Shivaay's cheeks. Oh my cute billu ji, firefighter Singh Oberoi ..rescuing Pooris. Have you been cooking alone? I don't see Om and Rudy today' remarked Annika. Actually Om just went back to check on Gauri and Rudy did not turn up today', Shivaay caught hold of her hands again but she managed to wriggle it free. Forget Rudy bhabhi, his alarm went off thrice and he was still able to sleep though it all. Finally I had to use the spider trick again to wake him up' chirped Bhavy entering the kitchen in her crisp uniform. She checked on the dahlia she had set in the slow cooker the previous night. Dahlia was ready. Just then Gowri walked in. Bade Bhaiyya, Let me make the remaining Pooris.' Shivaay refused to cede his spot and asked her to lay the table instead. Shivaay meantime finished making the rest of the pooris and it was breakfast time at the Oberois.

Shakti was going over meeting preparation with Prinku, who was now interning with him. She still was socially awkward but she had grown comfortable with a few team members. Everyone was at the table except Jahnvi and Pinky. Jahnvi and Pinky joined the family a little late. Jahnvi was the first to notice Annika. Annika! You look harassed! What happened to you? Where is your er..what do you say ..kitkitod smile today?' Before Annika could answer Oh My Maata Annika, I told you not to eat Aloo last night for dinner. Gas troubles will not let you sleep and you will end up this way..no?' Interjected Pinky. Tej could hardly hold a straight face and tried to bury himself behind his news paper. The younger people tried to unhear it and Dadi just waved her hand in resignation that Pinky was an incorrigible muhphat.

Bhavya's phone rung. Phones were not allowed at the dining table but Bhavya had to make an exception since it was Commissioner Kadam. Gowri was in a hurry. She had decided to pursue formal education. It was a long way for her to catch up on all the years she was unable to study. Om lovingly served her pooris and Aloo, gazing at her as she stuffed pooris in a rush. . Rudy was annoyed that Om's attention was divided. He elbowed Om and whispered O please pass the pooris, also Chulbul bhabi is not Hally's comet that will visit us once in 75 years. You can look at her later also, she lives in the same house.' Rudy quipped. Shut up Rudy' whispered Om.

Bhavya was back and she was excited to announce that commissioner Kadam had informed her that she was being promoted as ASP in the wake of her capturing Sultan the dreaded mob man. She was also being transferred to the Anti Terrorist Squad. Everyone was happy for her till the ATS part sunk in. Tej was furious that his daughter in law would be in the direct line of threat. Has Kadam lost it? An Oberoi in the ATS? I will talk to him and make sure Bhavya is posted to a safer department like traffic or personnel. Why Kadam, I will reach out to the home minister.' he thundered.

A brief silence followed. But Tej, kids are all grown up now. They will do what they like, we should let it be.' Jahnvi tried to get Tej calm down a bit. Yes, it would be perfectly fine if Bhavya asked for your intervention'. Jahnvi reasoned.

Bhavya badly wanted to join ATS. That is what I do best and that's what makes me happy Papa. But if there comes a day that I cannot continue as a police officer, you will be the first to know.' she said trying to win Tej over.

She had to rush now to meet the Commissioner. Rudy snuck a couple of hastily wrapped eggs in her hands as she started to leave. I will bring your lunch, don't eat outside, just message me your location.' He winked. She blushed and tried to hide her smile behind her cap as she walked away. Gauri went running behind Bhavya with bits of poori still stuffed in her mouth hoping for a lift. Tej and Shakti wished Shivaay and Annika a happy trip before they left to work taking Prinku along.

So Annika, all packed?' Jahnvi enquired.

Annika answered in an affirmative. Shivaay feigned a cough Yes, if you consider dumping the whole house in a bag as PACKING', yes she is done'

Annika Bhabhi, when fear when I am here. I will help you with last minute packing.' Rudy stood up excited in super hero pose.

Om pulled him back to his chair ,'Rudy, first pack the garbage in your room and dispose it off, then pack Bhavya's lunch. If you still have some more time, take care of your six PACKs.' Shivaay quipped, the only pack Rudy can perhaps help with would be six PACKs''. Everyone laughed. It was a happy morning and they all had something to look forward too.

Later, Jahnvi and Pinky helped Annika pack. So honeymoon in Paris. All excited ?' Jahnvi tried teasing Annika.'Oh My Mata', cried Pinky. I completely forgot to give you and Shivaay the charm I got from Babaji' she rushed to get it.

Jahnvi noticed that Annika was still pensive. You are not afraid of flying are you' she prodded. Annika has never thought about the flying part of their honeymoon. She knew that she and shivaay were going to Paris. Now the idea began to sink in and cause fright. It is ok to be slightly nervous' reassures Jahnvi. It sunk and Annika got prettified at the thought of flying. Why Paris, why could not I think of driving to Goa' she thought reminiscing about the time when she and Shivaay had to evacuate midair. What if the nightmare portended more trouble. Just then Shivaay walked in. Jahnvi graciously left.

Making sure they were by themselves, Shivaay pulled Annika close to him. He planted a peck on her forehead. You are still not yourself. One nightmare shook the girl who stood up to Shivaay Singh Oberoi? Can you hear yourself ? One day you dream of become the queen of England and should you believe it ? Dreams and nightmares are just that. This is reality, you and me, this is our world, our family. There is no other reality, no other universe. It is high time you stop watching those silly daily soaps. They teach you everything you don't ever need to know. Once my telecom interests are taken care of, I will think of starting a TV channel that telecasts stories of real humans, real thoughts, not nightmares, reincarnation, leaps, witches, vampire and all that general mindlessness.' Shivaay reasoned with Annika.

But Shivaay, The problem is I am very very happy. Life has given me everything I ever wanted, everything I ever asked for and more. I am so happy that it is all scary.. All happy moments in my life have been fleeting.. I want it to be different this time and that scares me even more.'

Remember Annika, when we got married, I promised you a lifetime of happiness? If you remain scared of happiness, you will have to remain scared for a lifetime'. He lifted her face by her chin and kissed her, ever so gently. This is the beginning of that lifetime of happiness Annika. You better get used to happiness only then can you get used to more happiness that will come your way.' Annika clung to Shivaay, he was her comfort, her safe space.

Just then Rudy walked in, God! Not again' he screamed and turned around guys !!get a room!' Shivaay cleared his throat and said actually we are in our bedroom if you did not notice.'

O.k o.k, I get it. You guys can get started anywhere and everywhere.. and here I am always waiting for my policewali to finish her shift. Never mind, Annika Bhabi I got something for you. I designed these dresses for you. Remember project Jealous Billu' dress? Here are some on the same lines keeping in mind your comfort. After all Paris should know you are my Bhabi. What will otherwise be the point of you having a hotshot designer devar like me' Rudy said handing Annika a bunch of nicely packed dresses.

Annika got very excited.' Dinchak clothes for Dinchak Paris? Thanks you Rudra , you are the sweetest, after Sahil of course. But my bags are already packed. Where do I fit these now despired Annika.

Bhabi, Dhinchak is downmarket. Paris is class. As far as your luggage, one extra bag is no trouble. My brother Mr Billu ji is quite generous here, he would not mind you carrying an extra baggage.' Rudy then scanned Annika's bags and screamed! Bhabi these are your bags?' Annika nodded, Shivaay stepped away saying, now the circus starts, Both of you, just remember our flight is tonight and we need to start at 6 PM sharp.'

Rudra cries , Hey Bhagwan' throwing up his hands in air in his dramatic style. when will my Bhabhi learn.!! Bhabhi, if not ur Billuji, keep my image in mind. Your luggage should be at least LV.' Annika was lost, I know about ainvayi', what is this LV' now.'

Rudy was unsettled, I told you I will help you pack but you did not listen to me and took Mummy and Choti ma's help. See we have to do it all over again.'

In a few moments Annika found herself repacking with Rudy, using his LV luggage. Poor Rudy, had to skip his lunch date with his policewali and had a staff member deliver food to Bhavya. Finally they were done and catching their breath that Om walked in. Annika Bhabi, got a minute?' Annika enthusiastically waved Om to come in. Rudy noticed a bag in his hand exclaimed, O, don't tell me that you have a gift for Bhabi ? No no.. we are going to deal with any more packing.'

Om was unperturbed. Bhabi this is something for you. It is a pair of custom painted boots. I am launching a new footwear line with custom painting in collaboration with Rudy's design house. This is my first prototype. Paris can get really cold at this time of the year. Here, this pair will keep you warm.' Annika got teary. I have the best family, kitkitod best family.' She hugged both Om and Rudy. Just then Gauri called Annika to let her know about the ladoos she and Bhavya prepared the previous night as a last minute surprise for the honeymoon couple. But that she had forgotten about it earlier that morning before leaving to school.

A grumbling Rudy packed those Ladoos with great resentment.' Are you going to Mandir that you need to carry Ladoo as an offering to Hanumanji?, I don't understand Chulbul Bhabi or my policewali.'

Shivaay came back shortly with Khanna. They were going through things to be taken care of during Shivaay's absence. Om Ru assured Shivaay that they will be fine and that he should have a nice time in Paris.

Do you understand the meaning of a honeymoon' ? Bhaiyya? You go have fun. Take Bhabi to Moulin Rouge have FUN. Forget about office, is everything.' Baba Rudy dispensed his scarce wisdom.

Alright. It is time to start. Annika are you set?' Shivaay asked. Annika nodded and they had their luggage placed in their car.

There were more hugs, happiness and Dadi's protection against evil eye. Finally Shivika were on their way to Paris for their honeymoon. No evil intentions, not even the writer of their destiny could come between Shivika and their happiness. Fortunately all of Annika's apprehensions were in vain. She and Shivaay embarked on a new journey where happiness was as abundant as spring flowers and summer sun.