A/n - Thought of posting Epilogue also, hope you will like it.

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After 2 years

A man was crouching on the ground and another man walked towards him "Mr. Oberoi ap abhi takk gaye nahi?" (Mr. Oberoi, you're still here?)

Shivaay shook his head sadly "Haan bas thodi der mein chala jaunga" (Yes, I will go away in some time) and other man got busy in cleaning the area.

Shivaay looked at the beautiful flowers growing around his son's burial place "Dhruv I'm sorry, I am a bad father that's why you are not with me. I promised you I won't cry, so I will only smile from my little star. Do you know your mumma will visit you soon, caretaker told me that she is planning to come on your birthday. I hope you are at peace my champ, now I have to go, your siblings have their performance today. If I will reach late they will trouble me for next ten days."

Shivaay reached outside one building and a lady in her late 50's approached him "Mr. Oberoi, please come inside, your kids are ready"

Shivaay smiled at her "Aunty, you can call me Shivaay or beta (son)." Lady walked ahead "Come beta" and he followed her towards a room. He grinned widely at the little munchkins in front of him "My babies are looking so cute."

Shivaay was attacked by a group of 20 kids,some were dressed as rabbits, some as elephants others as flowers. He picked the youngest one in his arms and took them outside "Jao sab log, Meena didi stage ke peeche hai, jab tum logo ki jungle wali performance aayegi, sab log line lagakar stage pe jana" (Go to backstage and Meena will call you when it's time for your jungle themed performance, make a queue and go on stage)

Kids ran away after mumbling "Okay Papa/Dad" and he got lost in his thoughts "How my life has changed in past two years from being the man who destroyed his own life to a father of these kids. I tried to commit suicide but it wasn't easy. I don't know if I was not at the police station that day and these rescued kids were not brought in for sending away to an orphanage, what would I have done with my life."

Shivaay smiled at the kids "Opening an NGO for these kids became the main aim of my life. I'm still a businessman but most of my earning is donated to non-profit organizations. After leaving from London, I never met Anika but I hope she is happy with her small family. I know she comes to India for visiting our son but I don't have the guts to face her or my family. I hope I get some courage to meet them in future but not now.

One kid yelled from near the stage "Papa come, our performance is going to start, there won't be a rewind button for it." Shivaay smiled at him sadly "I wish life had a rewind button...."

Nobody knows what happens in future, will Shivika ever meet again after healing all their wounds or not? Learning life lessons by committing grave mistakes is not the right way to learn, patience and communication can help you in many situations. Anger makes you insane and all decisions made in anger will lead you to think only about this line "YOU WILL REGRET IT ONE DAY".

(Warning ⚠️ - If you're a die hard Shivika fan then jump to the end of epilogue for a small surprise, because further part is not meant for you)

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London

Anika dragged Anirudh towards their backyard as soon as he came back from Hospital. He tried to ask but she muttered without paying heed to his protests "Don't you trust me?"

Anirudh smiled at her and she continued to drag him. She tied a cloth around his eyes and led him to a wooden deck decorated with lanterns and a table set up for two near a beautiful lake

Anirudh tried to look around "Can I open my eyes now?" but he was not ready for a kiss on his ears and she whispered huskily "Yes you can."

Anirudh felt a shiver rush down his body due to her breath fanning near the sensitive part of his neck; he slowly opened his eyes, only to find a beautiful angel dressed in a rust colored satin gown standing in front of him with flowers in her hand.

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Anirudh has observed many changes in her behavior in past few months, her dreamy looks, her unending stares, her nervousness around him but never in his dreams had he imagined that it was because of this reason. His eyes got misty; Anika shook her head negatively and wiped the lone tear that escaped his eyes.

Anika intertwined her fingers with his and she kissed on the back of his hand "Anirudh you were there for me when I wast lost and broken, you mended my broken heart, helped me in trusting people again. You proposed me but I was not ready, but you never rejected my friendship and dealt with my nightmares and insecurities. Today I want to pay you back for everything you have done for me."

Anirudh was going to say that he did it without any interest in payback but she shook her head and pecked his cheek. He muttered while blushing like a teenager "I'll be more than happy to earn some payback points like this."

Anika chuckled and she leaned on his chest "I was not aware that god can make such a man who is not only a perfect father, a great husband but also the best friend any girl can dream about. I hope I'm not late in reciprocating my feelings."

Anirudh looked at her with wide eyes when she went down on her knees "Will you please give us and this relationship a chance? Will you marry me my love, my best friend and the father of my two little munchkins?"

Anirudh was standing stunned after listening to her heartfelt proposal. When his wife passed away he never thought that he will find love again, then a broken innocent soul entered his life and she helped him in finding his lost faith in happy endings. She thinks that he mended her but she is not aware that she makes him a better man and a better father.

Anirudh was at loss of words and tears started flowing from his eyes. Anika hugged him and kissed away his tears while whispering "I love you." Anirudh sobbed while resting his head in the crook of her neck and then he whispered a soft "I love you too" in her ear.

Anirudh was in a state of disbelief, he has yearned to hear these words but never thought that they will sound so melodious in his ears. This is like a dream come true and he never wants to wake up from it.
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Somewhere behind a tree

Mithoo twisted his mouth "Why is that man making my mother cry?" Shreya glared at him "Bhaiya, that man is our father, show some respect and I'm not sure why they're crying so much. Ru Mamu, do you know?"

Rudra scratched the back of his neck "Crying and emotional scenes are not my thing, let me ask your bade mamu, he is an expert. O yaar why are they crying so much?"

Om smacked on the back of his head "Duffer, they're happy tears, let them cry." Gauri also twisted her mouth "They could have completed their proposal before all that crying. My Yuvaan is better than them; see he hasn't cried in past 2 hours."

Om face palmed while looking at all the impatient spectators of a beautiful moment.

Mithoo stomped his foot impatiently "It's enough now" and Rudra also nodded in agreement "Yes, it's been 10 minutes, they're still crying."

Shreya also scrunched her nose "Let's go mamu, this long haired mamu will make us wait for another 10 hours and they will cry for the whole day."

Rudy yelled from where they were hiding "Di yaar, apka rone ka karyakram ho gaya ho toh aage badh lo" (If your crying program is done then you can proceed)

Anirudh broke the hug and looked around nobody was there, only some giggles were audible.

Anika smiled sheepishly and turned back "You all can come out now." There came three munchkins Mithoo, Shreya and Yuvaan running towards them, followed by an over excited Rudra, a jumping Gauri and an embarassed Om who was trying control the enthusiastic lot.

Yuvaan was holding a placard in his hand, "Will you be my FuMa?" It is an abbreviation for FUfa ji and MAusa ji, husband of paternal and maternal aunt, respectively. Anika considers OmRu as her brothers so she is Yuvaan's Bua (paternal aunt) and then Gauri started a fight that she knows Anika from childhood, so she is Yuvaan's Maasi (maternal aunt). Anika came up with a solution that he will call her BuMa which is short for BUa and MAasi.

Anika was devastated after her son Dhruv's death, she messaged Gauri on gram while hoping that she is not angry for ignoring her from so many days, unknown to the fact that she is Om's girlfriend. Gauri informed Om about Anika's message and she asked her to come to London immediately, she provided her the money needed for tickets and visa.

When Anika first arrived at London, she stayed at Gauri's old flat for one week. One day Gauri said that she wants her to meet her boyfriend's family. When Anika met them she got shocked but finally she cried in someone's arms for the first time after death of her son.

Rudra consoled her, Om was devastated, Dadi was feeling guilty because she was the sole reason for her condition, if only she would have thought about Anika and not her grandson, this girl would not have faced so much. They were broken when they got to know about Dhruv's death, this increased their anger towards Shivaay.

Gradually with support of Om, Gauri, Rudra and Dadi, Anika started therapy in Psychiatry Department of a nearby hospital, where one day she came across a man, he was holding a new born baby in his arms and both were crying uncontrollably.

Anika felt an urge to go to him, she felt the baby needed her support as baby was crying loudly and that man was not in a condition to handle him. She reluctantly kept a hand on his shoulder; he looked up and saw beautiful honey brown orbs with lots of pain hidden behind those mesmerising eyes.

Man told her that he just lost his wife Bennett during labor and his new born son is crying his heart out. Anika wiped her tears and asked if she can take a look at the baby. He reluctantly gave her the baby and Anika felt like she found the missing piece of her puzzle. She held the baby close to her chest and miraculously he stopped crying. He was curled up in her warm embrace, when Anika tried to give him back to his father baby again started crying loudly.

Finally that man introduced himself as Anirudh Shekhawat and he requested if she can come along with him to handle his baby for a little while so that he can prepare for his wife's funeral as he don't have any relatives. He also told that he is a doctor at same hospital, if she has any doubt she can confirm at the hospital reception. Anika nodded and confirmed about his identity and accompanied him. She took care of the baby like her own son, while Anirudh completed all the formalities for Bennett's funeral.

Anika suggested a name for the baby at time of discharge "Aniket" which is a combination of ANIrudh and BennETt and Anirudh added that "K" is from AniKa's name as she is caring for him like his real mother. Later that day Anirudh tried to feed formula milk to the baby but he was rejecting it, doctor suggested Mother's milk but where would he get that?

Anirudh called Anika when he was not able to handle his crying son, she immediately came to his house and took the baby in her arms, as usual he stopped crying loudly but kept sobbing a little due to hunger.

Anirudh shared his problem with Anika; after thinking for a long time Anika told him that she recently lost her new born son but she is still lactating, if he has no problem she can feed Aniket, with no option left, Anirudh nodded and left her alone with the baby.

Anika opened hook of her bra and pushed up her top with a heavy heart and brimming emotions. She attached Aniket's little mouth to her bud and he started sucking it hungrily. She was not aware that with each action from his mouth he was also sucking away the pain she was holding in her heart after Dhruv's death, at the same time he was also giving her hope of a better tomorrow. Tears started flowing down her eyes, she wanted to cry loudly but she cannot scare the little baby in her arms. She kept sobbing lightly, feeling content with the little hope in her lap who is giving her back the lost feeling of motherhood.

Anika placed Aniket's head on her shoulder after feelding him and he burped to tell that his little tummy is full. Anika cleaned his crib and tried to place him inside but he whimpered lightly in his sleep.

Anirudh knocked the door after 1 hour, when he got no reply he peeped in reluctantly only to find his son was snuggling in Anika's chest and she was holding him like the most delicate and precious person in her life, both were sleeping peacefully in each others arms. He came out from the room and started thinking about his son's bond with this unknown lady. Anirudh was shocked at his own actions, he has met the new lady few hours back, somehow he has trusted her with his new born son and now both of them are curled up in each others embrace.

Anika told Anirudh that she is living with her friend's family and doing a course in Information Technology from University of London and also looking for a part-time job. After verifying her information, Anirudh offered her a job to be his baby's caretaker, meanwhile his friend in IT field can also help her with the studies and later Ani x 2 became best friends. Anirudh learned about Anika's past and met her friend's family but he was not aware that they are her ex-husband's family also.

Anika gradually became normal; after lots of therapy and family support she accepted her painful past and tried to move on from it; Anirudh was the biggest reason for her improvement, he accepted her in his son's life and never got worried about their increasing attachment. He never felt that Anika is taking away his son from him instead he was the biggest fan of their crazy antics.

Anika rediscovered herself when she travelled throughout Europe in the break between her course completion and joining her first corporate job. This trip was the first step towards her dreams and she was the happiest person when she took the first flight to Paris for her one month long journey to various Schengen Countries.

Anika was returning from her trip and she saw an accident spot, where a toddler was crying in baby seat of a car with dead bodies of her parents in front seat. When cops were not able to find any relatives, that little girl was put up for adoption.

After a long adoption procedure and many visits to the orphanage Anika adopted the little girl named Shreya. Before adopting Shreya, she joined as a trainee in IT Company, finally she was offered developers position, this also helped in adoption process. A personal recommendation from renowned Doctor Anirudh and a well known artist Omkara was a big help in convincing the authorities.

After fighting a long battle in his mind Anirudh proposed Anika in 4th year of their friendship, but she politely refused that she is not in the right frame of mind to accept any new relationship, instead of getting hurt Anirudh stood by her side in all highs and lows of her life. Anika gave love to Mithoo and Shreya like her own children, first word of both kids was "Maaa".

Anika joined as a Manager at the best IT Company in London and bought a house where she wanted to move in with Shreya. After much drama Mithoo forced his father to move in the same house.

Anika was a bit worried due to Dadi but much to her surprise Dadi immediately agreed to their living arrangement, unknown to the fact that Dadi was slowly becoming "Ani x 2" Shipper, couple name given by Rudra. Anika and Anirudh never shared any romantic relationship but they moved as housemates for their kid's happiness and the only thing that was in abundance in their small family was love.

Anirudh came to know that OmRu and Dadi are her ex-husband's family
after Shivaay's DNA test fiasco. At first he was angry but he has seen how OmRu loved her like a sister, Dadi was like her guardian and Gauri was her sister from another mister, her bff.

Anirudh was not angry after learning about the truth but he enjoyed all the attention that he got when she was trying to coax him. This drama ended in a combined attack of punches from Mithoo and Shreya when they learned that their father was not angry but he was only acting from 10 days.

Anika realized how important Anirudh is for her when he was busy in ignoring her for 10 days. His ignorance was like hundreds of arrows were shot in her direction and she has to stay alive and bear all the pain. Finally she realized her feelings and her team of supporters got super excited with the revelation.

That's how Anika and Anirudh healed each other while Mithoo and Shreya got love of both parents.
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Back to present

Anirudh lifted little Yuvaan who was running towards him with a placard in his hands "Will you be my FuMa?" and he kissed his chubby cheeks while asking "My sweet boy, who gave you this?" Yuvaan pointed towards Rudra and then he spread his arms towards Anika, indicating her to take him in her arms.

Anika took Yuvaan in her lap and gave loud kisses on both his cheeks; he blushed and said "Mummaa..BuMa two kissi" and hid his face in crook of her neck. Everybody laughed looking at his blushed cheeks and cute smile after getting kisses from his favourite person.

Rudra chuckled and pointed towards the placard "I thought if my sister's charm will not make you say a Yes, then I will unleash my ultimate weapon of cuteness and you will never say no to Yuvaan."

Anika pulled Rudra's cheek "Aww my brother, you're always by my side. I love you."

Yuvan slapped on her mouth with his little hands while mumbling "BuMa love only Yuv". Anika looked at the jealous little boy in her arms and kissed his cheek while saying "Yes my baby, BuMa loves you a lot". Mithoo and Shreya wrapped their hands around Anika's waist "Noo Mumma only loves me". Yuvaan tried to push them away from Anika but nobody was ready to leave her.

Rudra pouted at them "Hey, why I'm out from this hug, I'm your favourite Mamu and Chachu." He pulled all four in a bear hug and said "By the way she loves me more". All kids tried to push him away but failed miserably, he only laughed at their failed attempt

Gauri fanned her face dramatically "I'm having a major attack of FOMO, I think nobody loves me."

Anika shook her head in disbelief "Don't do your drama, come here and Om do you need a special invitation?"

OmRi joined the hug and Anika mouthed to Anirudh who was standing away from them "I love you" and gave him a flying kiss. He whispered "Not more than me" and caught her flying kiss and placed it on his lips. Anika blushed and hid her face in Yuvan's little body; Anirudh could only smile at his woman's cuteness.

Rudra chuckled and poked his arm "If your Ankhon hi ankhon mein (eye to eye) romance is over Anirudh Jiju (Sister's Husband) then you can join our hug."

Anirudh blushed and joined their hug, he wrapped his arms around all his bundles of joy. He can never forget his first love Bennett but second chances are given to lucky people and he is happy that he was one of them, orphan like him not only found an angel Anika but so many new relations too. All their relations Gauri-Anika, AniOmRuDadi, Mithoo-Anika-Shreya-Anirudh started not by blood but with love and he finally understood that true love creates unbreakable bonds.

Mithoo stopped everyone and he dialed a video call "Say Familyyyy"

All yelled "Familyyyy"

Dadi also gave them a teary smile "Jeete raho mere bacho" (Long live my babies). Mithoo grinned widely "Badi Nani (Great Grandma - paternal) don't start crying now, "Ani x 2" have already completed the quota for today."

Dadi chuckled at him "So what did your father say?" but everyone said at the same time "Oh yes, what did he say?"

Dadi shook her head in disbelief "Then what are you all doing in that hug?" Everybody grinned like idiots while pointing towards Anika "Trying to know who she loves more."

Dadi face palmed but smiled widey, Anika never stopped Omru or her to meet Shivay, everybody sometimes feel bad for him as he is fighting his battle alone but whenever they think about Anika's pain and little Dhruv who died because of his atrocities, they cannot convince themselves for forgiving him, maybe they need a little more time for it.

Anirudh grinned widely and he kissed Anika's cheek "Dadi, please call pandit ji (Hindu priest) for calculating our marriage date; I'm bringing all these idiots to your house." Anika blushed and looked away when he mumbled "Manage with this kiss for now but meet me alone at night, then I will tell you what a real kiss looks like."

Everybody jumped in joy and hugged him, Anika pouted at them "Haww, I proposed him, nobody is hugging me?"

Anirudh poked his tongue out "I only said yes because of Rudra's ultimate weapon of cuteness."

Anirudh took the placard from Yuvaan's hand "My little Yuv, yes I'm ready to be your FuMa" and then he whispered in Anika's ear "Don't make that face, I cannot control now. First you called all this hooligans out when I was going to kiss you, now you are making that irresistibly cute pout".

Anirudh moved away after giving a loud kiss on Yuvaan's cheek while looking in Anika's eyes. Yuvaan shyly hid his face in his BuMa's neck who was also smiling shyly because of the same man. Everybody laughed at his cute act and left to meet Dadi with a hope of brighter tomorrow, filled with love and family bonding.

Om's POV: Earlier I wished, if I would have never met Anika then she would have not lost her son. I was guilty that it all happened because of my phone call. Though I was not in my sense and I still don't remember what I blabbered on that day but somewhere it was my fault. If only Bhayi would have given Anika a chance to explain, she would have been my Bhabhi. Shivaay is my brother but now I feel it's good that Anika is finally getting married to Anirudh. My brother treated her like trash but Anirudh has always treated her as his equal. He takes interest in her career, guides her in difficult phases, his little boy is Anika's first love. I finally wish this second chance will give her lots of happiness and Shivaay can find his own happiness soon.

Rudra came back to pull him along "O, come on, everyone has left, what are you thinking?" Om shook his head and muttered"Nothing, just something about regret and second chances." Rudy chuckled and tugged on his arm "You and your serious talks, let's go."

Both brothers walked away while wishing a good future for their sister and a thought lingering in the back of their minds, maybe it was time to forgive their elder brother for his sins.

Lesson learned from the story - Set a limit to how much hurt you can bear from your partner, toxicity will eventually destroy your peace of mind.

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A/n - Sorry, I cannot see an ending to this story where Shivika should be together but I love them and hope to see them together for some story in future. I have added a small part of their possible meeting in next paragraph, please imagine rest of the story on your own.
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(In this alternate ending, above proposal never happened)

Shivaay placed a bunch of tulips on the burial place of his son "Happy Birthday Dhruv" and he collapsed on the ground "I'm sorry beta, your father killed you and now your weak father can't even kill himself. Punish me beta, slap me, hurt me but come back to me bacha, your father is not complete without you."

Shivaay was still sobbing when he felt a soft hand on his shoulder, he lifted his gaze and between his tears he noticed the woman who lost everything because of him, he could only mutter "Anika...."

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Will be back with a new story, till then enjoy my other story One mistake that destroyed my life.

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Signing off, hope you enjoyed it.

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