Finally Anika is ready to take a decision about giving a last chance to Shivaay.

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Anika glanced at Shivaay from the corner of her eyes, he was looking unsettled and restless, she cannot avoid this conversation forever "Dadi, apne ek question poocha tha pehle, main single hi hu aur mujhe koi pasand bhi nahi aaya hai. Par main abhi nahi bata nahi sakti ki Shivaay ko ek chance aur dena chahti hu ya nahi (Grandma, earlier you asked me a question. I'm single and I don't like anyone but I cannot confirm that I want to give one chance to Shivaay or not)

Shivaay tried to say something but Anika showed her palm to stop him "Let me complete it first. I'm not sure about a relationship with you but I'm sure that I'm in love with all your family members. OmRu are my brothers, Dadi is my guiding light, Prinku is my first genuine friend and Jhanvi and Pinky aunty have always welcomed me warmly. I haven't talked much to Tej and Shakti unlce before today but I don't know why I always feel protected around them and I get fatherly vibes from them. I cannot see sulking faces of all my loved ones so I would like to start from beginning."

Shivaay's lips curled up a little, he will not let this chance go to waste "Anika, I will never let you down. I will do whatever you say"

Anika bit her lip, this man is not aware what's coming next, she chuckled at him "Shivaay you are a businessman; never agree to contractual terms without reading them."

Tej shook his head and scoffed at him "The Great Shivaay Singh Oberoi is learning business lessons from sirf Anika; this is a sight to behold." Everybody chuckled at his comment and Shivaay's flustered face.

Shakti looked at the mischievous smile on Anika's lip, he's sure that she has planned something good to tame his son "Shivaay beta, she's giving you a hidden warning for whatever is coming up next. I'm sure it will be not be easy for you, just look at that smirk."

Anika laughed and muttered "Thank you for the build up Shakti uncle."

Shivaay looked at her face and gulped down his saliva due to nervousness but it increased rapidly when she walked towards him while asking the hardest question of his life " Mr Shivaay Singh Oberoi, can you give up "SINGH OBEROI" from your name for me?"

Everybody was stuck at their place after hearing her question. Shivaay was tongue tied, he was not sure what was about to come next but he knows it will be really hard for him. He reluctantly nodded his head but Anika crossed her arms with a sly smile "Soch lijiye, time hai abhi bhi" (You can take your time to think about it)

Shivaay puffed up his chest, this girl can't scare him, he started to show his tadi "Shivaay Singh Ob..." but Anika clicked her tongue and glared at him. He slouched his shoulders, why she looks so scary with that glare and he muttered meekly "Ummm ..I mean..Shivaay kuch bhi kar sakta hai (Ummm...okay Shivaay can do anything)

Everybody laughed at his condition but he has earned her wrath on his own and he should solve his own problem now. Anika has already given him a chance because of her love for all family members but they cannot interfere between them hereafter.

Anika laughed mentally, its a great feeling to intimidate the mighty SSO. She said while looking at everyone "I have already talked to HOD at National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences fortherapy of all your family members. He has assigned his one specialist for OmRu,one for Tej uncle and Jhanvi Aunty and another one for Pinky Aunty and Shakti uncle. Dadi was already under therapy and more sessions are not required for her, good food and meditation will help her in improvement. Shivaay was assigned a separate therapist."

Shivaay narrowed his brows in confusion "Ismein surname give up karne ki baat kahan se aa gayi?" (Why should I give up my surname for this?)

Rudra looked at Anika, she was looking a bit annoyed, he quickly poked Shivaay's arm "Bhaiya, phir daant padd jayegi, chupchaap suno kya keh rahi hai Anika Didi" (Bro, you will again get scolded,stay quiet and to what she's saying)

Shivaay scrunched his nose in irritation, this team of Anika's supporter will not let him live in peace and somebody please tell him to stop calling them Bhaiya (Brother) and Didi (Sister) in the same sentence. Bhabhi (sister in law) has a nice ring to it, he should definitely call her that.

Anika chuckled and pulled Rudy's cheeks "Thank you Rudy, this is why I love you so much." Shivaay could only roll his eyes at the duo, Anika turned towards Shivaay again "Yeah, where was I... Mr. Sirf Shivaay (Only Shivaay) others will take therapy for minimum three months here in Mumbai. You will complete your first two month of therapy in Mumbai and then you will accompany me for 2 months. Don't worry I messaged your therapist some time back and he has approved this plan."

Gauri understood her plan and cupped her mouth in shock "Hey Shankarji" and Saumya muttered at the same time "Phass gaye bade bhaiya" (Big Bro,you're trapped). Chanda looked at him with pitiful eyes "All the best SSO, I hope you will come back in single piece."

Shivaay looked at their concerned faces and then he looked at Anika who was smirking after hearing her sister's comments. He gulped again "Iss se pehle main tension se behosh ho jaun please bol do" (Please complete it before I faint because of this tension)

Anika rolled her tongue inside her mouth, time to drop the bomb is here "Main har saal camp ke liye jaati hu 2 mahine ke liye" (Every year I go to this camp for two months)

Rudra shook his head in disappointment, why they were building up so much suspense for a simple camp "Kya Anika didi, camping aur trekking karna kaunsa mushkil kaam hai?" (What's so hard about Trekking and camping?)

Shivaay looked at Anika, why wasn't she annoyed now, he twisted his mouth childishly, afterall they're the infamous partners in crime. Why would she say anything to that spoiled brat but he tried for peace of his mind "Rudy ne bhi tumhari baat cut kari, isse bhi daanto" (He has also interrupted you, scold him also)

Anika rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly at Rudy "Wo mera baby hai kuch bhi kar sakta hai, par ap ek dhamake ke liye tayaar ho jayiye." She turned to Shivaay and laughed again "Rudy tumhare bhaiya thodi der mein sach mein behosh hone wale hai" (He's my baby hecan do anything, you on the other hand should get ready for a bang..... Rudy, your brother is really going to faint after some time)

Rudy rubbed his palms evilly, now this was getting good and Anika's smirk was so promising, let the games begin.

Anika showed them a pamphlet on her phone "This annual camp is held for welfare of villagers in remote places. This time they have chosen a village in Uttar Pradesh"

1. In this camp nobody is recognised by their surname, only first names are registered for all volunteers, it means everyone will be a nobody and will have to participate in all kind of activities.

2. Electricity is only supplied for four hours in a day in the village chosen this time (I know now there are no places in UP without electricity now but this is just for the story. Please don't feel bad, there's no political agenda involved here. I know local language of UP so I chose it)

3. For drinking water we have to travel 5 kms on foot as there are no roads to the nearest water source

4. They will arrange beds in community hall for about 5-10 volunteers in each room

5. For loo we have to a common washroom, if you have a problem feel free to follow other residents who go towards the jungle during morning hours.

6. No special facility is provided for anyone, no AC, no mineral water but we can boil water for drinking

7. Food will be cooked by all volunteers in earthen pots using cow dung cakes and coal.

8. We will educate their children and ladies; we will help them with new technology in agriculture sector, if needed we have to do extra work also.

Everybody looked at Shivaay, he was standing there with horrified expression, he was trying to say something but only his lips were moving.

Anika poked his arm "Shivaaaaay, sound 1 ...2...3...check"

Rudy looked at her and laughed loudly while giving her a high five "That was a good one didi"

Om shook Shivaay's shoulder and asked him to say something but he was too stunned to speak. Now he can understand why her sisters were reacting like that and he also learned a lesson that he should never underestimate her when she is smirking like a devil.

Anika looked at everyone, as expected she has blown their minds once again, then her eyes stopped at the kanji eyed bewildered man "Shivaay, apke pass do mahine hai sochne ke liye, Main chahti hu hu ki aap mere saath iss camp mein jaye, logo ki hardships dekhe aur samjhe ki na hi middle class balki below poverty line wale bhi kaisi imaandari se jeete hai, ek ek roti ke liye kitni mehnat karte hain. Main ye nahi keh rahi ki sab ache log hi milenge, par apko ye samajhna zaruri hai ki jaise pancho ungliyan barabar nahi hoti, waise hi sab log ek jaise nahi hote. Insaan ko pehchan na sikhiye, uske naam khoon khandaan ko nahi" (Shivaay you have two months to think about it. I want that you should come with me in this camp and observe the harsdships of people and also see that not only middle class but below poverty line families are also honest and work hard for their daily bread. I'm not saying that we will only meet good people but you should learn that everybody is not the same. Try to recognise people with their qualities and not by their Name blood and Lineage)

Shivaay nodded his head with unsurety, was he really prepared to do all this to save his relationship?

Dadi who was thinking about it looked at worried expressions on Shivaay's face, she started sharing her perspective too "Billu Puttar iska ek aur fayda bhi hai. Tum dono ko ek doosre ko samajhne aur madad karne ka bhi poora time milega. Iss se pehle tum ya toh ladd rahe hote the, ya phir ek doosre ko mushkilo se bacha rahe hote the, par apne rishte ke baare mein kabhi sochne ka mauka nahi mila" (Billu, there's one more benefit, you both will get time to understand and support each other. Before this either you were busy in fight or busy in saving each other from toubles but you have never stopped and thought about your relationship)

Anika looked at Dadi gratefully, at least she gets the right reason behind her step, then she looked around others were also looking convinced except Shivaay. Now the ball is in Shivaay's court, he will have to take the final decision.

Gauri looked at her mobile and indicated Anika about their flight to Delhi. She smiled at everyone "Chaliye ab humein jaana chahiye, humari flight hai 3 ghante mein. Shivaay ap soch kar bata dijiye, agar apka jawab haan hoga toh mera phone number Dadi se le lena, koi message nahi aayega to main apka jawab samajh jaungi" (I think we all should go now, we have a flight in three hours. Shivaay just think about it, if your answer is yes then take my number from Grandma and message me, if you will not then I will understand your answer)

Tej was trying hard to muffle his laughter, his nephew chose the wrong woman to mess with. He turned towards his poetic son "Om, maine ek shayri suni hai, ummm... Ishq Aag something something...." (Om, I have heard that poetry, ummm... Ishq Aag something something,,,)

Om was lost in his thoughts, he replied unknowingly "Yes DAD, arz kia hai "Ye Ishq nahi asaa itna samajh leeje, ik aag ka dariya hai aur doob ke jana hai" (Yes Dad, it goes like this "Love is not an easy game, you have to swim across the pits of fire for it)

Tej rubbed his ears, did his son really say the word that he has vowed never to utter from his mouth. Tej muttered in disbelief " What did you say?"

Om started with the poem "Ye ishq nahi..." (Love is not an easy..) but Tej shook his head frantically "Nahi nahi, uss se pehle?" (No, before that?)

As soon as Om said the forbidden word from his dictionary "Dad...." realization struck him and he started looking everywhere except Tej. He cursed himself, why would he call him that, is he really ready to accept the differences between them and move on like others?

Anika glanced at Tej, he was looking really hopeful and then she turned towards Om, he was lost in fighting with his own demons. She is aware that Tej has done injustice to him but she has to try once for the sake of this family "Om meri ek baat maanoge?" (Om, will you do something for me?)

Om came out of his thoughts and nodded his head with unsurety, because he can tell what's coming next but can he do this for Anika?

Anika smiled lightly, she can only request him " Jab saare log ek doosre ko chance de rahe hain toh tumhe bhi Tej uncle ko ek last chance dene ke baare mein sochna chahiye. Wo apni galti sahi karne ke liye ready hain aur tum log ek doosre ki help kar sakte ho ismein. Main bas request kar sakti hu, decision tumhara hi ho hoga" (When everybody is giving each other a chance you should also think about giving Tej Uncle one last chance. He is ready to mend his ways and you both can help each other in this journey. I can only suggest you, at the end it will be your choice)

Om had his thinking face on, if everyone is starting from the scratch then he can try it too but first he will observe the change in his behaviour "Main samajhta hu Anika, agar ye ready hain to main bhi pehla kadam lene ke liye tayar hu lekin inke puraane tareeke nahi chalenge" (I understand Anika, if he is ready then I'll also take the first step but he will have to change his old ways.)

Tej nodded his head happily, finally his biggest worry is resolved. There's a long path ahead but he was not sure how to start this conversation, yet again Anika did him a big favor.

Anika held Tej's hand to calm him down, she can understand that he is ready to repent but the damage was too much "Tej uncle ab sab kuch aapke upar depend karta hai. OmRuPri aur Jhanvi Aunty ne aapko chance dia hai, ap usko kaise use karte hain, ye apka personal decision hai" (Tej uncle, OmRuPri and Jhanvi Aunty have given you a chance, now it depends on you that how will you use it)

Tej wiped his tears and smiled with determination, he will not repeat the same mistake again. One mistake led 5 years of continuous torture and he knows that he won't make past the next one, so it's better to learn his lesson and repair his relationship with everyone.
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Shakti looked at Tej, he can sense what's coming next, but he will not let him say his next words. He immediately rushed towards Anika and pulled her by his side to drag her away from Tej. Anika was startled at his sudden act because Shakti was the most composed of them all, what was he trying to do?

Tej moved towards the duo with quick steps but Shakti hastily said "Anika beta iss se pehle bhaisaab kuch bole mujhe tumse kuch kehna tha" (Before brother can say something else I wanted to talk about something"

Anika looked at both of them, why are they giving her a feeling that they are competing with each other for something. Family was also looking shocked by their behaviour, maybe this is new for them too.

Shakti poked her arm and she nodded her head for him to continue. He, smirked at an impatiently waiting Tej and said "Beta tumne kaha tha ki tumhe mujhse fatherly vibes aati hain. Agar tumhe bura na lage toh meri ek request hai, kya tum mujhe Papa bula sakti ho. Mujhe humesha se beti chahiye thi par meri kismet mein aaya toh bas ye Tadibaaz bagad billa" (Dear...you said that you get fatherly vibes from me. If you don't mind I have a request, can you please call me Papa? I don't have any daughter and I have always craved for one, my luck only gave me this arrogant mad cat)

Shivaay rolled his eyes and looked at heavens above "God, abhi se ye haal hai, baad mein kya hoga? (Oh god, if they're behaving like this now, what will happen in future?) God wanted to tell him, that he has no idea, shit is about to get crazy because her team of supporters is too dedicated for her and he will always be on their hitlist.

Om laughed and nudged his brother "Tu pehle ye soch ki Anika ka challenge kaise poora karega, baad ki baad mein hi sochna" (You should first think about Anika's challenge, then think about everything else)

Shivaay looked at him nervously and then looked at Anika who was standing there with teary eyes.

Shakti looked at her nervously, did he cross a line "Beta bura laga tumhe toh I'm sor..." (Dear, I'm sorry if you don't like...) but Anika immediately hugged him while muttering "Pa...pa"

Shakti was about to hug her back but the emotional girl was hauled away from his arms by a jealous Papa bear "She's my daughter"

Shakti tried to push him away to stand between him and Anika "Bhaisaab apke pass Prinku toh hai" (Brother you already have Prinku)

Tej pulled Anika in a protective side hug and glared at him " Shakti Tum bade ho gaye ho aur tumhe pata hone chahiye ki apne bade bhaayi ki baat maan ne mein hi samajhdaari hai" (You are grown up now and you should know that it is wise to to pay heed to your elder brother's suggestions)

Shakti twisted his mouth, why he gets to play this elder brother card all the time "Ye acha hai, kabhi mujhe chota bol do, kabhi ye keh do ki bade ho gaye ho samajhdari wali baat karo" (This is great, sometimes you say that I'm younger and now you're saying that that I should behave wisely because I'm a grown up)

Everybody was looking at their childish fight like a tennis match, heads swaying from left to right and right to left. The girl in question was getting pulled and pushed between the two but her wide smile was not ready to leave her lips, these two men were giving her the home she has always wanted.

OmRu nudged Dadi to save the poor girl as both of them cannot dare to step between the mess because they have no doubt that they will be shoved away without a single thought.

Dadi chuckled while mumbling "Pote to khote the hi, bete bhi hote ja rahe hain." Then she yelled "oye mere bade khotto, chup ho jao, kudi baukhla jayegi" (My grandsons were already donkeys and my sons are also becoming the same". Then she yelled "Hey my elder donkeys, be quiet and you will scare the girl)

Tej and Shakti finally stopped their tug of war and smiled sheepishly while looking at Anika, she could only laugh at their expressions. They were eagerly waiting for her answer while pointing a finger towards their own face. Anika looked at Tej and said "Dad" and then she looked at Shakti while saying "Papa".

Both hugged her tightly and caressed her head to calm her down. They are not sure why they're feeling so attached to her but their eldest son will have to deal with them if he will try to trouble their daughter.

Dadi smacked on their arms and pushed them away "Ab mil gayi dono ko beti toh mujhe apni Anika puttar se baat karne do, side hato dono" (Now you both have a daughter, now move aside and let me have a word with my Anika)

Both looked at their mother like their favourite candy was snatched but they moved away reluctantly and glared at each other before turning away away childishly.

Everyone looked at the duo with amusement, they have never seen them like this, finally Anika has accomplished one more impossible task.

Dadi caressed Anika's arm lovingly "Anika puttar, thank you mere kehne pe Billu ko ek chance dene ke liye. Main nahi jaanti aage kya hoga, par tu humesha humari bachi hi rahegi. Kabhi bhi yahan aa ja sakti hai, tujhe koi kuch nahi kahega. Ab toh tere Papa aur Dad bhi teri team mein aa gaye, OmRu aur main toh humesha se the hi. Jhanvi aur Pinky bhi tujhe bahut pyaar karte hain." (Dear, thank you for giving a chance to Billu for my sake. I don't know about the future but you will always be my grand daughter, you can come here anytime. Now you Dad and Papa is also in your team, OmRu and I are already your supporters, Jhanvi and Pinky also love you a lot)

Anika controlled her tears and looked at everybody "Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki Shivaay se phir milungi ya unko kabhi maaf karne ka khayal mere mann mein aayega par ap sab logo ke pyaar ki wajah se main jhuk rahi hu." (I never thought that I will meet Shivaay again and think about giving him a chance but I'm doing it for all of you)

Everybody smiled at her and thanked their stars that she agreed to give Shivaay a chance because of them, good karma really pays off someday.

Anika turned towards Shivaay and she smiled at him with hopeful eyes, she wants to give him a chance and that camp is the only possible way to redeem him "Shivaay mujhe umeed hai ki ap iss challenge ki wajah samjhenge aur isko ek mauka denge apni family ke liye. Ap poora time lijiye aur apna decision mujhe batayiye, akhri din pe bhi ap peeche hatt sakte hain" (Shivaay I hope you understand the reason for my challenge and give it a chance for your family. Please take your own time to make your decision; you can back off till last day also)

She hugged all family members and gave a small smile to Shivaay before leaving for the airport. Shivaay looked at the retreating figure of all four girls and sighed while looking at sulking faces of his family members. At one side his thinking and on the other side stands the girl who has always started a battle between his mind and heart. She has left after starting one more battle and now he is stuck to find out all the answers by himself.

Tej looked at Shivaay's confused state and patted his back "My son, think about it and take the right decision. I thought this girl was determined earlier when she used to fight with you to prove her point for silly things. Just imagine how hard it will be able to handle the old Anika refurbished into Shakti, your and my combined business mind. You are in for a hard job my son, but I know if you make up your mind you can handle this little devil of a girl."

Shakti muffled his laughter, his inner Rudy was about to make an appearance "Bhaisaab ne serious baatein kar di main tumhe ek life time suggestion dena chahta hu" (Brother has already told you the serious stuff but I want to give you a lifetime suggestion)

Everybody looked at him in anticipation, some really important piece of knowledge is on its way. Shakti mentally laughed before saying "Shivaay beta, life mein aage se kisi ko Tadi dikhana toh soch samajh kar dikhana, kyunki tumhari pehle ki Tadi tumhare liye kaafi mehngi sabit ho rahi hai" (Shakti mentally laughed and said "Son, think twice before showing arrogance to anyone in life, because your last display of arrogance has come back to bite you now")

Shakti laughed loudly at Shivaay's baffled expressions and Rudy definitely enjoyed this jab "High five chote Papa, ye best advice hai Bhaiya ke liye, maine inko kitni baar kaha tha ki Anika didi se pange matt lo, par ye maante hi nahi the, ab jhelo" (Shakti laughed loudly looking at Shivaay's baffled expressions and Rudy high fived him while saying "That's the best advice for him. I warned him so many times that he shouldn't mess with Anika but he was too stubborn, now deal with it)

Om laughed and he also patted his back "Yes Shivaay, you have a big test ahead of you, please think about it with calm mind. You won't get a chance like this again. I'm sure you will make the right decision."

Rudy got his poetic prowess back "Shayri suno *Ye ishq nahi asaan bas itna samajh leeje, Uttar Pradesh ke gaon se guzarte hue jana hai* (Here's my lastest poetry "Love is not an easy game, you just have to go through a small village of Uttar Pradesh for it")

Om rolled his eyes "Ajeeb din hai, ab toh iss duffer ki shayri bhi sahi lag rahi hai" (What a day, now this duffer's poetry is also making sense)

Shivaay looked at everyone to check if they're interested in showing him some sympathy but everybody laughed at him and started moving towards their room. They were at peace and in safe environment after a long time, all thanks to one hell of a cyclone kind of girl. She came, shook their lives and shattered their long term belief system, now all they can do is, wait for their stubborn son to make a decision.

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Precap - Shivaay's decision and start of Shivika's journey to their togetherness

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Keep voting and commenting, hope you are excited to read about your favourite duo in upcoming chapters.

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