Annika sat on the sofa, thinking very hard as to what was missing. She now has everything that she's ever wished for, but something seems to be missing within her. Gauri who had noticed her gloomy friend slumped right next to her.

"Hey! What are you thinking of?" She asked as she brushed Annika's unruly fringe, tucking it behind her ears with her fingers.

"Honestly, I don't know, Ri! It's like something has been taken from me. A huge part of me and all that's left in its place is emptiness. Just plain blank emptiness. It feels as though thousands of needles are poking through my soul but I don't know why. I feel so numb, and yet feel the pain. I know that this doesn't make much sense, but it is the truth and I can't stop thinking about it." Annika sighed.

"Wow! That sounds like very complicated." Gauri exhaled and rested her head on Annika's shoulder as her hands found their way around her arms.

"Annika, a few weeks back, even when you haven't had your eyesight back, you were the happiest person I ever met. Your happiness just radiates from the within that it gives me peace to have you around. Then, when you got your eyesight back, you were even happier, in fact, you were glowing from within. But ever since Christmas eve, you seemed to lose your glow and today, I can't feel the warmth radiating from your happiness. Whatever that had happened that night, whatever you think that is missing in your life, don't let it to get the better of you! You're an amazing person and you deserve all the amazing things. I assure you, all these emptiness will fade away soon. You just need to go back being yourself, okay?"

"I'll try Ri."

*

Days passed by, weeks and months followed. Losing Shivaay's memories wasn't just her trying to recall everything and fail. It was her trying to feel alive again. It was her trying not to break down in front of her friends. It was her being awake at four in the morning, wondering what's the strange pain which leaves her insomniac. It was her, trying to be herself, even when a part of her was gone without a trace.

His memories, it was a part of her ever since she was a child. She grew up, holding onto them and hoping that at least in this life time, they would have a future together. It wasn't just a part of her life, it was one of the many pieces of her soul which made her feel a whole. Something she owned and cherished her whole life which shaped her the way she is, was suddenly snatched away from her and sadly for her, she didn't even know what it was.

Soon, the next winter came. By this time, Annika had mastered the art of masking her true feelings. Though Gauri would catch her zoning out once in a while, but still, Annika had learned how to pretend and live in a pretense that everything is fine.

"Whatever that is missing in your life is absolutely just a figment of your imagination. Just smile and live your life!"

That was the one thing that she repeats to herself, everytime she finds herself going back to the thoughts of losing something, or perhaps someone. It became her life mantra. She managed to live her life in that way for a year now. It is advent again and this time around, everything was different from the way it was a year ago. She had never thought that her life would have changed this much in just a year. Annika was now just a few months away from her graduating the music and performing arts degree. Gauri was moving out from their apartment to stay with Om. They were even getting married on the Eve of Christmas. And then, there was Daksh in her life. That one cute guy from school who has been trying to court her since day one and since he had Gauri's approval to do so, he's been swooning over Annika.

It is a very busy day for Annika. After her classes, she must rush to help Gauri in choosing the right cake and thence shop her bridesmaid dress. Daksh had offered her a lift, but Annika politely declined it and jumped on the train. While travelling in the train, she had plugged on some classical music as she looked at people around her. It was one of her favourite things to do, to observe people. Everyone but one pair of eyes was glued to their gadgets. Annika took a closer look at him and instantly fell for the blue-eyed man. Noticing that the seat next to him is being empty, she swiftly make her towards him and sat very carefully, yet casually, not to startle him.

"Hi!" She greeted him with a wide smile as she turned off the music.

"Hello!" He greeted back.

"You know, everyone is busy with their smartphones and gadgets but it is very impressive that you're different. You somehow managed to restore the last piece of faith I had in humanity!", she chuckled at her own dramatic sentence.

"I'm Annika, by the way! Nice to meet you, Mr?"

Taking her hint, the stranger with the beautiful eyes forwarded his hand for a handshake and replied, "Shivaay".

"That's a very unique name, just like your eyes, I must add!" Shivaay chuckled at her bad attempt to flirt with him. She had always been that way.

"So, where are you headed to?" She asked when he didn't continue the conversation.

"To the East side. Some business there!"

"Aaah, I'm also headed there. My best friend is getting married and I'm helping her to choose the cake. Do you always go to the East side? I haven't been there like for a very long time and the address that my friend sent me doesn't seem to be complete. Can you help me out?"

If Shivaay hadn't knew Annika for as long as he did, he would say that she was genuinely asking for a help. The tiny glint at the corner of her eyes when she smiled assured him that she was just trying to get him.

"Annika, the address is absolutely perfect and complete. You can in fact ask any child in the East side to guide you there." Shivaay denied from helping her.

"Well, I can ask any child, but, why would I do that when I have you to show me around?" She smiled and Shivaay knew he was in trouble. That damned smile of hers can make him to oblige everything that she says.

Despite being at a constant war with his brain, he decided to let his heart rule for sometime. Besides, he knew that it will only go on until Christmas Eve. As after Christmas Eve that year, he'll be passing his legacy as the Winter Angel to someone else and after that, he would probably will never be able to meet Annika ever again. Besides, what possibly could go wrong in 20 days?

Annika dragged Shivaay almost everywhere, in the pretense of not knowing the places in the East Side and Shivaay, despite being fully aware that she was just trying to spend time with him obeyed her every demand. Without them realizing, they had spent fifteen wonderful days like these. Annika was more than exhilarated to have Shivaay in her life. She didn't knew what was wrong with her a year ago, but now everything seemed much better with Shivaay around.

*

"Are you sure they will be alright with me joining you?" Shivaay asked as they entered the cocktail party venue of Gauri and Om.

"You're my plus one! Why wouldn't they be not okay with it?" Annika smiled and took his hand in hers.

"Besides, don't you think it's about time you meet people who are close to me?"

Shivaay couldn't do anything but smile and follow her in. She had introduced him to everyone and they were all more than delighted to finally meet the person who brought back their old cheerful Annika.

"Anni wasn't this cheerful and lively a year ago, you know..." Gauri began a conversation with Shivaay as they watched Annika dancing with Om on the dancefloor.

"What?"

"A year ago, after she got her eyesight back, she seemed to be very lost. She appeared gloomy. She used to smile and fool around others but not me. We practically grew up together, you see. I can always know when she's in trouble and masking her feelings. Then, one day, about two weeks ago, I found her smiling till her eyes again. She was genuinely happy from her heart again. Slowly, she was regaining herself and as I wonder what caused her change, she told me about you!" Gauri smiled looking at Shivaay going agape.

"She talks about me?" Shivaay asked, upon realizing that Gauri was stifling her laughter, looking at him.

"Yeah! Almost all the time! She really likes you. I can say that for sure and looking at the way you look at her, I can definitely say that you like her too! Be with her always, keep her happy like that, would you? I know that you guys just met, but I've never seen her being so excited when talks about someone except for you!"

"I really don't know what to say..." Shivaay paused, trying to contemplate his next words very carefully.

"I'm not the right one for her Gauri. I can never give her the happiness that she deserves. I'm sorry!" Shivaay sighed truthfully and dashed out.

What could possibly go wrong in just 20 days? Well, everything in short!

"He's not picking up the phone! I can't contact him and I really don't know what to do, Gauri!" Annika sobbed hard as she tried to dial Shivaay's number once again.

"Anni! Please compose yourself. I can't see you like this! I swear to God that all I wanted was the best for you when I spoke to him the other day, I really didn't expect him to leave abruptly like that! Besides, he's very clear that you both can never be together, then? Annika, I'm sorry but I really can't see you crying over him like this. Have you ever thought about us? Om and I have always been there for you. Daksh, he's been trying really hard to pursue you. You've known Shivaay for just 2 weeks. You'll get over this, trust me! And, why don't you give Daksh a chance?"

"I don't feel anything for him Gauri. You really don't understand me, do you? I know that the wedding is tomorrow and you have to think about that too. Just leave me alone and focus on your wedding. I'll be fine!" Annika retorted as she literally chased Gauri out of her apartment.

"Where are you Shivaay?" Annika sobbed really hard as she curled up on her couch.

The next day, though Annika wasn't feeling her best, she still got up and get dressed for Gauri's wedding. She was the maid of honour and she couldn't afford to be late. As Annika rushed through the open wedding venue, she noticed how different the snowflakes were today. They normally had the sparkle which made them stand out and shine bright, but today, it was all gloomy and terribly cold. She wondered what could that mean but chose to ignore it once she saw Gauri's worried face.

"Don't worry, Ri. I'm fine. And I'm sorry for yesterday. I love you!"

"I love you, too! But right now, I'm feeling really nervous. It's like a cold-feet. Am I really doing the right decision by getting married to Om? I mean dating was different, but, marriage?"

"Gauri, relax! Just for a second, imagine how your life would be without Om?"

"I don't even want to think about it!" Gauri replied right away.

"See, that's your answer. You settle down with someone you can't live without. Not someone you can live with. You taught me this, remember?"

Gauri smiled and hugged her best friend as they prepare themselves to walk down the aisle. As Annika walked her down the aisle, a memory of her walking down the aisle flashed through.  She tried to ignore the flashes and go ahead with her bestfriends wedding when she suddenly felt the whole venue changing into an old cathedral and everyone in the hall were looking towards Annika. She felt strange but nevertheless, gave in to the vision. She looked around and saw the groom awaiting her at the end of the aisle. Just when she was about to stop in her track, she saw him turning around. It was Shivaay.

"Shivaay?!" She whispered, and he nodded with a small smile.

Annika took slow strides towards him. She knew this was a dream, but it was way too beautiful for her to snap back into reality. She stood before him and he took her hands in his, pulling her closer towards him.

"Hey, you look so utterly gorgeous today!" He whispered making her blush.

It all felt very realistic, not like a dream at all. She was getting married to the man of her dreams. They were taking the oaths and vows of their marriage. She had made a long list of vow for him, but he, he had only one.

"I vow to love you for a thousand years, till my very last breath!"

With that vow, they were announced as man and wife by the priest.

"You may now kiss the bride!"

Shivaay smiled at the priest and carefully lifted Annika's veil. Their gazes were fixed upon each other as he slowly leaned in, closing the distance between their lips. As his lips touched hers, her memories which he had taken away came pouring in. All her painful deaths throughout the thousand years were nothing compared to the pain she was feeling whenever he left her.

"Oh God!" Annika stuttered as her vision broke. She was back to reality and Gauri was looking at her with her concern filled eyes.

"Gauri, I'm so sorry, but I need to go! Shivaay is in danger!" Annika exasperated as she left the wedding venue.

She started to run towards where her feet was taking her. The closer she was to the Eastern river, the faster she moved. She was rendered breathless when she finally reached the Eastern river and saw his figure standing there, awaiting.

"Shivaay!" She called out as she allowed herself to crash into him. She held him close to herself, crushing him in a hug as she let her tears flow out.

Being unable to hide his feelings, Shivaay too reciprocated her hug and let his tears stream down.

"Please don't do this! You'll die!" Annika whispered.

"It's inevitable, Annika. I have to do it. The legacy must be passed on!" Shivaay whispered.

"But you vowed to love me for a thousand years! You never fulfilled it. You just ignored me. You let me live on my own and whenever I came by, you pushed me away. Please don't abandon me again, I know you love me. Please Shivaay!" Annika begged as she choked on her cries.

"Wait, did you... by any chance remembered the wedding as well?" Shivaay questioned her.

"I did. I know that I never remembered it in my previous lives, but it was the first piece of memory I had in this life time. This time, everything is different Shivaay. Everything. I died and came back to life, just to be with you. Please don't do this. Please, I beg you!"

"I'm sorry, Annika!" Shivaay immediately used his powers to make her fall unconscious and carefully lied her down.

"I'm very sorry that I could not live up to my vow. Goodbye and I love you!" He whispered against her hairline as he held her close to himself.

Just then, all the snowflakes around the lake twirled into a mini cyclone, forming an angelic figure, dressed in all white. Her face was not visible as the glow was very bright. Shivaay saw her forming and placed Annika properly before kneeling in front of her.

"I've served my purpose as the Winter Angel for a thousand years and now I surrender my powers and immortality to you, from who all my powers came from."

"Rise Shivaay! You've indeed served your purpose, but, do you really wish to give away everything that was given to you?" The Angel asked as she looked at Annika.

"We can never be together. If only I was aware of the curse upon my bloodline before I met her, I wouldn't have married her. I guess, it's just never meant to be. But, I just have a small request, please take all her memories of me away. She deserve a good life!" Shivaay pleaded to the Angel.

"I shall grant your wish, but do know that taking your memories away from her will leave her broken. Like how she had been the past year."

"Its better that way!" Shivaay whispered as a long drop of tear escaped his eyes.

The Angel then began to take Shivaay's powers which she had given him. As the powers slowly left him, Shivaay began to feel his cells rupturing, slowly, being consumed by time. By the time the Angel had extracted all of his powers, Shivaay fell on his knees and was expecting to hit the ground when he fell on someone's lap instead.

"Shivaay!" Annika cried out loud as she shook his lifeless body.

"Please don't leave me... please!" She begged.

"I'm sorry and I love you!" His barely audible voice came and with that, his soul left his body. She remembered dying in his arms a hundred times, but the pain was nothing compared to this. Despite being alive, she felt her soul being ripped off her body.

"This is how it ends? Our love can never win over your heart?" Annika questioned the Angel.

"I'm only a messenger Annika. The decision isn't mine. It was his."

"You're not taking my memories away!" Annika sternly warned the Angel.

"I shall not. There's something he wrote for you some time ago. I think you deserve at least this!" The Angel passed her the neatly folded letter.

Dearest Annika,

Just as a poet needs inspiration to write a masterpiece

I needed you ...

Just as an artist needs a subject for his work of art,

I needed you ...

Just as a teacher needs a pupil to mold into greatness,

I needed you ...

Just as a composer needs a theme to create a timeless melody,

I needed you ...

For without you, Annika, my life had been empty of all hope. There were no work of art for me to gaze at; no person of greatness before me; no timeless melody to indulge to. My life existed in shades of grey instead of vibrant colors, and I was never whole. Something was always less.

In the past, the proper words have escaped me, and my innermost feelings have been kept locked away in the depth of my heart. No more — for through this letter, I proclaim to you, Annika my undying love and eternal devotion.

But alas! We can never have a future together. I have always shied away for declaring my feelings openly because I did not want to give you any false hope on a future together. But now, it's time for me to depart earth and as I leave, I want you to know, that my love for you is undying.

 I have loved you for a thousand years, Annika and I'm sorry for leaving you.

If the world is infinite and I can be reincarnated, then we shall definitely meet again in another life time! I love you, Ani.

Yours forever,
Shivaay.

Annika cries her heart out as she reads the letter written to her by Shivaay. Why is it always the people she loves leave her and go? First, it was her parents and now her love. She looks down at her now empty lap where few minutes ago, Shivaay breathed his last.

Shivaay's last words rang in her ears as she continued to cry, laying down in the middle of the frozen East river. She clutches the letter tightly in her clasp, by her heart, reminiscing the beautiful and special memories of her and Shivaay in their various past lives.

Suddenly, the most dreadful sight of her life played in through her mind again.

Gasping for breaths and screaming Shivaay's name frantically, Anika woke up from the nightmare that has been haunting her for quite some time now.

She was slipping into the horror of loosing him when Shivaay who was sleeping next to her got up with a jerk hearing her scream and enveloped her in his arms. She grasped on his arms as if her life depended on it. He whispered some calming and soothing words as he brushed her hair.

"Shivaay...Death...Letter."
These words stuttered out of her mouth as a frightened Annika gripped Shivaay tightly. Shivaay's favorite white kurta was already drenched by her tears but that did not matter, Annika mattered more to him than an old kurta.

"Sshhh Anni, Relax baby. It was a nightmare and nothing else. Look, everything is fine. Come on, Let's sleep now." Shivaay whispers soothingly as he caresses her hair. He makes her sit on his lap and rocks her to sleep.

As she falls alseep in his arms, Shivaay wipes away the dry tears from her face.
He plants a kiss on her forehead after he laid her down the bed and walks away to the balcony with a mug of Espresso nursed between his palms, his sleep had long gone, being woken up in the middle of night. He recalls the memory of that dreadful incident which happened years back. After he had died, he had wanted Annika to be happy and not live her whole life like his widow. However, despite being dead, his soul never left the Earth. He stayed, until Annika's last breath in that lifetime. She lived a long life that time around, cherishing the rest of her life, but she remained unmarried. She had rejected Daksh's proposal, and lived as his widow. Upon her death, they had departed to heaven together.

"So what if we couldn't live together on Earth? We can still be together in our afterlife!" She said when she saw him waiting for her by her deathbed.

Call it a miracle or twist of fate, the Gods had decided to give them another chance for their love. Eventually, both of them were reincarnated, yet again. Shivaay unexpectedly had his memories intact while Annika had no trace of even a single event of their previous lives. They met again and the sparks grew until love happened once more. The rest was history. Without Shivaay realizing, it was morning already as he stood by the balcony reminiscing the past. He went in to check on Annika when he heard her voice coming from down.

A small smile formed on his lips as he realized that she was beginning their Sunday with her favourite song.

The day we met,
Frozen I held my breath
Right from the start
I knew that I'd found a home for my heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone?
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.

Annika glides her fingers over the piano as she sings her heart out  looking straight into Shivaay's eye.
Shivaay looks on smiling as he watches his wife singing her feelings for the nth number of time. He looks down at Annika's lap to see his little elf sitting on her mother's lap and fidgeting with Annika's musical note books as she looks at her mother with sparkle evident in her eyes. Anshi loved when her mother sang and played the piano.
She was very possessive of her mother's piano and would not allow anyone not even Shivaay to use the piano, only Annika was allowed.

Shivaay was brought back from his thoughts when he felt a tuck on his kurta pants. Shivaay looked down to see his eighteen months old infant, Anvaay gurgling as he throw his arms up. Shivaay smiled and lifted him. It took a thousand years for him and Annika to lead a normal life. She might not remember the past, but she equally cherished him.

- The End -

P.S. I had wrote this some time ago,a very long time ago, actually. I wanted to finish the shot for a very long time but couldn't think of the apt ending. I hope this did some justice!

Love,
Nivaa.