Next morning Riddhima prepared some healthy bars, chocolates, cupcakes & cookies & packed it in a nice hamper. Today's breakfast was made by Neela & Indrani. Soon all came for breakfast & Riddhima served Vansh & he made her sit beside him & poured juice in a glass.

VANSH: Why were you up early today?

RIDDHIMA: Sorry....

VANSH: You aren't going to work after I go & will straight go to bed.

She pouted & nodded.

UMA: Vansh kyun daant rahe ho usse?

VANSH: Maa daant nahi raha hu keh raha hu she slept late last night aaj subhah itni jaldi jaag gae aur aaj main nahi hu toh phir afternoon nap bhi skip karegi...

UMA: Bacha it's not good na....

Riddhima nodded & made innocent face melting everyone. They both made eat each other & then Vansh went to his room to get ready & Riddhima followed him. She tied his tie & made him wear blazer & watch.  forwarded comb to her & she styled his hairs & then pecked his lips.

RIDDHIMA: All the best Mr. Handsome....

Vansh chuckled & kissed her forehead & filled vermilion in her hairline. Cupping her face he said,

VANSH: Jaan get this thing fix in your heart, mind & soul. I love you & no matter what it's not gonna change. There are many proposals I got in past but none mattered. I've friends & some are females too but there's a huge difference between you & them. You are my life, my love, my partner till eternity, my wife, my Jaan & no one in this world could take your place never ever.... Taking place is a way far thing no one can even match you in that.....

RIDDHIMA: I love you too.....

She hugged him & said,

RIDDHIMA: Ansh I don't doubt your love & loyalty for me but I doubt my own self that I'm not suitable for you, I get scared due to my own imperfections, past & fate.

He heard her side calmly & kissed her hairs.

VANSH: Meri Jaan I love the way you are. You're beautiful with your imperfections & scars. I got you that you feel because you don't know many things but bunny it's your innocence, your purity that is very rare & god only gifts to special people. It can't be achieved or learnt so never ever feel yourself low. You're the best for me.

Riddhima kissed his heart & kept her chin on his chest with a beautiful smile & he knew his words were successful in clearing her inner turmoil.

RIDDHIMA: All the best sunshine, go & rock yourself.

VANSH: Thank you Sweetheart.....

They went downstairs & she came with hampers & said to Virat (Vansh's bodyguard & secretary).

RIDDHIMA: Yeh Vansh ke saath jaega....

VANSH: What's that???

RIDDHIMA: That's for Ragini aap milne jaa rahe ho na usse toh gift her.

Vansh & Rehaan kissed her forehead & taking blessings of elders & hugging youngsters they both left. Soon the award ceremony was live & Riddhima was the most excited one. Her eyes were teary, lips curved into the brightest smile & heart dancing with pride for her husband & her baby brother Rehaan too.

RIDDHIMA: I'm gonna bake the cake for both of them & will prepare their favourite dishes. Also na we will have a party today.....

All chuckled seeing her excitement & without waiting for anyone's reply she ran outside & left taking the car to get the things. Seeing her this happy few tears rolled down Pooja's eyes which was noticed by Zala. She went to her room & Zala too followed her. He knocked the door & she wiping tears opened the door.

ZALA: Kya baat hain beta?

Pooja shook her head.

ZALA: Pooja???

POOJA: Koi baat nahi hain Dad....

Zala knew she won't share so didn't pestered her more. Pooja realised something & said,

POOJA: Dad can I get Maasi Maa & Dadda's last reports & files.

ZALA: Pooja beta aaj yeh sab????

POOJA: Please Dad....

She said while crying.....

ZALA: Riddhima ke paas hain....

POOJA: Unse nahi maang ne abhi she's way too happy today. Aap nikalwa sakte jo kahi aur se.....

ZALA: Mumbai mere locker mein hain....

POOJA: Aap abhi niklo chopper lekar aur laa kar do mujhe.

ZALA: Kuch hua hain kya????

Pooja just looked down.

ZALA: Riddhima knows about it????

She bit her lips & nodded.

ZALA: Okay... I've a surgery woh Myra dekh legi....

POOJA: Dad don't share it with anyone please.....

Zala nodded. He immediately left & within few hours he was back & directly went to hospital. As it was a little celebration all were at home & Pooja left stating urgent work. She went to hospital & collected those files from him.

ZALA: I don't know what's the matter so I got all the files. It consists their whole medical history.

Then she forwarded her another file.

ZALA: This file has all the contacts of the doctors. I've talked to them & they'll help of you need any. Also I'm just a call away if you need help in anything.

Pooja nodded & left to her lab. Here Riddhima decorated everything with her own hands & now was busy & cooking.

SIYA: Bhabhi Maa aaj khud ko aur kitna exhaust karegi....

UMA: Arrey not only that I mean I literally had to snatch her mobile now. I don't know how many times he has seen Vansh & Rehaan receiving award.

CAHNCHAL: & everytime she sees she gets teary eyes....

Kiyaan & Angre looked at each other & then pulled her out of kitchen & made her sit on sofa. They kneeled down infront of her & held her hands with one hand & with other cupped her face.

KIYAAN: Di kuch baat hain?

RIDDHIMA: Huhh....

ANGRE: Di to be true dar lag raha hain aap ko dekh kar. Last time you left Bhai & you both broke to no extent.

RIDDHIMA: Par....

KIYAAN: Di please tell the truth. Kal raat aap dono dinner ke liye nahi aae, Ishu told us Vansh Bhai's voice was serious. Aaj aap ne unko call bhi nahi kiya aur unke call ko receive bhi nahi kiya. We are scared Di.....

RIDDHIMA: I know I did a mistake which hurted both of us, left us with scars on our heart. But I promise I won't do anything like this ever in future. Mera dil hi jaanta hain kaise maine woh din kaate hain. Vansh ke bina mere liye saans lena mushkil hain, maine aaj tak sab kuch bardasht kar liya par unse dur rehkar main jee nahi paungi. Meri saansein chalti hain kyun ki woh saans lete hain meri dhadkan unke dil ki dhadkan se dhadakti hain. I know I've changed but I can't help it. I mean woh jab saath hote hain I just cherish every moment aur jab woh mere paas nahi hote tab I relieve those memories. Ek pal bhi mera nahi guzarta unke bina. Kae baar dar bhi lagta hain ki mere iss behaviour ki wajah se unki life mein problems naa aae. About call na, mein baat karti toh I would have cried. Unko maine subhah dekha tha aur shaam ho jaegi thodi der mein itni der bhi unse dur rehna mere liye bahot mushkil ho jata hain. Kae baar dar lagta hain sab ghar se bahar jaate hain na toh wapas aa jae tab tak. Uss din bhi maine Mumma aur Dadda ko dono bola tha don't go mat jao mera dil nahi maan raha but unhone mujhe mana liya.

Saying this tears rolled down her eyes. Everyone's eyes turned moist knowing her emotions. Angre sat beside her & she hugged him tight & cried.

RIDDHIMA: I'm scared Angre pata nahi dar lag raha hain. I want to live a life with him. Main unse dur rehkar nahi jee paungi....

ANGRE: Par woh aap se dur kaha gae hain Di...

RIDDHIMA: I know woh mujhse dur kahi nahi jaenge. He even promised me too & I trust him more than me but pata nahi.....

ANGRE: Shh... shhh... bas bas kuch nahi hoga. Rona nahi hain Di hum sab hain na... aur itna kuch chal raha tha aap ke dil mein toh you should have opened about it na....

RIDDHIMA: I d..did. We tal...talked yest...yesterday....

She said hiccupping. Angre broke the hug & wiped her tears.

ANGRE: Di I got you par esa nahi chalta na. Your & Bhai's marriage is not been revealed toh aap har jagah unke saath kaise jaoge aur he has a business to handle, he has a social life, he has lots of friends, he has to go out na.

RIDDHIMA: I know & I'll overcome my insecurities & fears too with Vansh by my side. That's why I didn't talked with him on call but I messaged him sachi.... I'm trying & he knows too....

ANGRE: Alright chalo ab no more crying. Aap cake bake kar rahi thi na so go.... kuch help chahiye toh bolna Okay.....

She nodded & left. Kiyaan just laid down keeping his head in Siya's lap. All looked at her with teasing smile making her blush & seeing it Kiyaan chuckled. Both got busy in talking & Angre went to get his laptop & Zala & Myra soon joined.

MYRA: Pooji aur Di kaha hain?

ANGRE: Di is in kitchen & Pooji went to lab as she got urgent work.

Soon Hiren, Himanshu & Shivi were at home. All played with the baby & later the baby was on Kiyaan's chest & his head was on Siya's lap & trio were doing masti. Indrani & Neela looked at them & each other & then smiled. All this was seen by Uma & Chanchal & they realised something & decided to talk with Siya later. It was evening & everything was ready & it was time for Rehaan & Vansh reaching there so Riddhima completing everything ran to their room to get ready.

RUDRA: Riddhima beta araam sa....

RIDDHIMA: Sorry Chote Papa...

She said giggling & slowing down but still her speed was more than normal. She directly went to closet & her eyes went to one of Vansh's favourite saree & she quickly got ready in it & was finding jwelery & her eyes caught one of the necklace Vansh bought for her. As Vansh likes her hairs open she let it fall down & completed her look with mangalsutra & vermilion.

She was keeping everything in closet & heard voice of car entering so she ran & climbed the stairs & all shouted 'araam se' she slowed a little. She reached down & Chanchal twisted her hairs,

CHANCHAL: Kitni baar bola hain araam se stairs chadne aur utarne hain gir jaati toh.....

RIDDHIMA: Sorry Choti Maa car ki awaz suni toh laga Ansh aur Rehaan aa gae...

As soon as she completed she saw Vansh & she ran to him & he picked her in his arms twirling her & she giggled making everyone smile.

RIDDHIMA: Congratulations sunshine....

Saying this she kissed his forehead & then he cupping Rehaan's face kissed his forehead....

RIDDHIMA: Congratulations mera bacha I'm so proud of you.....

Rehaan hugged her tight & kissing her head said,

REHAAN: Thank you so much Bhabhi Maa.....

Everyone hugged them & Vardhan came.

VARDHAN: Sir can you please just give a glance to media. They're out of control.

RIDDHIMA: No they both are tired, tell them they'll be having press meet soon. Also distribute sweets to them.

She signalled one of the butler who went with Vardhan with sweets.

UMA: Vansh, Rehaan go & freshen up & come to backyard bacho.....

Both nodded & then Riddhima went with Vansh & reaching room he pulled her for a hug.

VANSH: You're looking gorgeous meri Jaan.

RIDDHIMA: Thank you so much.......

He broke the hug & pulled a box from his suit pocket & gave to her....

RIDDHIMA: What's it Ansh????

VANSH: Open it...

Riddhima opening it found nosepins.....

RIDDHIMA: Yeh????

VANSH: Ab jab humari Rani sa ne itne hak se kuch manga tha toh kaise nahi lekar aata....

RIDDHIMA: I loved it thank you...

She tiptoeing kissed his cheek.

RIDDHIMA: Par itne saare????

VANSH: Hmmm....

He made her wear 1st from right side which has round design & kissed her nose & back hugged her.

VANSH: Hum jab Kapoor Mansion ruke the tab I saw your photos & I realised your love for oxidized jwelery & I've seen a lot there in closet isiliye....

RIDDHIMA: Hmm... mujhe na oxidized jwelery bahot pasand hain... I love to wear it.....

He nuzzled in her neck & whispered

VANSH: I missed you a lot Jaan...

RIDDHIMA: I missed you too. But for now chalo freshen up & then let's head downstairs.

VANSH: Please select clothes for me....

RIDDHIMA: Okay....

(Vansh's outfit....)

Getting ready they reached downstairs & Hiren said,

HIREN: Humein laga tum dono nahi aane wale so we had dinner....

All chuckled & Riddhima frowned.

VANSH: Not as desperate as you are....

He said punching Hiren's stomach.

RIDDHIMA: Chachu Pooja kahan hain? Abhi tak nahi aae?

ZALA: She had urgent work so might be late....

Riddhima frowned & called her but was picked up by Sarabjeet (Pooja's bodyguard & secretary, Amrita's brother)

SARABJEET: Yuvrani Sa Pooja is in between her experiment urgent naa ho toh baad mein baat karwa du?

RIDDHIMA: Ki urgent work hoya si?

SARABJEET: Jo Dubai veech chemical testings chal rava si othe ek container tut gaya aur Pooja ki alawa kisi nu formula nae pata hove si issi vaaste aan pada.

RIDDHIMA: Onu bol ghar vapas aa jave mere order se testing bandh kara ek din naal.

SARABJEET: Thik hain hun wapas ghar lekar aanda.

She cut the call & Vansh said.

VANSH: Let's wait for Pooja before cake cutting.

All nodded & till she returned they had a nice time in talking. Pooja quickly changed & joined everyone. Vansh & Rehaan cut the cake & Vansh first fed to Riddhima & then to elders & Rehaan started with elders. After cake cutting they had dinner & then music was played & they danced. Pooja was lost in her thoughts so Vansh went to call her. Seeing him she just hugged him. He wrapped her in his brotherly warmth & ruffled her hairs.

VANSH: What happened chotu Haan kyun itni pareshaan si ho bacha????

POOJA: Dadda kehte the,"Mera jigra chinta na kari agar kuch hua bhi toh tera pyo sab changa kar dega." Woh toh nahi hain par aap sab thik kar doge na agar kuch hua toh.....

She said in hoarse voice & Vansh knew it's hard for her to stop herself from crying so he took her to side where no one could see them. He made her sit on chair & kneeled down infront of her & few tears rolled down her eyes.

VANSH: Rona nahi mera bacha....

POOJA: Aap Di nu sambhal loge na agar woh kabhi tut gae toh...

VANSH: Princess I promise tumhari Di  ka saath kabhi nahi chodenge no matter what. Also I know you've once seen her broken to no extent but aage woh kabhi ese nahi hogi, I won't let that happen again.

Pooja nodded & hugged him.

POOJA: Aaj Masi Maa aur Dadda ki bahot yaad sata rahi hain Jiju. Dad hain but now we don't want to stress him as we can't afford to lose him.
Par aap jab apna haath sar par rakhte ho na toh lagta hain baap ka saya hain sar par.....

Finally she let out her respect, her emotions for him. Vansh's heart melted & he kissed her head.

VANSH: Bacha no matter what I'm there na to protect you all. I know I can't change the past & it's difficult to heal & move on but now you're not alone. I won't let those days come back never ever & agar kuch hua bhi toh I'll correct it.

Pooja nodded. Vansh wiped her tears & pulled her to dance floor. Night passed & soon all were sitting having dessert except Riddhima as she was busy in playing with Shivi's baby & he was not ready to leave her.

VANSH: Siya aaj isne dawai khai thi time se?

SIYA: Pucho mat Bhai whole day she was just busy in roaming here & there getting everything ready for the party. Infact she baked the cake, prepared dinner & dessert, herself checked the decorations & everything.

ISHANI: Aur aaj unko daant bhi padi Maa se, Badi Maa se, Papa se, Dadi se but god she was so excited for you & Rehaan Bhai.

UMA: God knows how any times she watched you receiving award & everytime her eyes will become teary. At last I took her phone from her.

SIYA: Vansh Bhai she loves you more than her own self. Aaj aap subhah gae the but shaam bhi nahi hui thi aur unka chehra utar sa gaya tha because she was missing you. She even cried a lot today for you saying she can't stay away from you.

REHAAN: Bhai ko phone aaya tha unka ki hum jaldi wapas aa jae when we were about to take off from Delhi.

VANSH: I knew that's the reason I skipped meeting Ragini. PM Sir ke saath aur phir delegates ke saath meeting mein hi time chala gaya. Dar si jaati hain but sambhal jaati hain har bar. I knew her fears, her insecurities, she's much better know from before. Par pata nahi aaj phir se bahot dari hui thi. Something have triggered her. It happens rarely.....

MYRA: Jiju but aap ki shaadi ke baad she has almost stopped taking her anti depressants. Now she rarely takes & that too least dosage.

KIYAAN: Bhai woh kahi Miss Ragini ke baare mein???

VANSH: Sbe knew it Kiyaan. She don't have any issue in it.

ANGRE: Yesterday???

Angre mouthed & Vansh nodded saying they cleared that.

AJAY: Waise tomorrow we need to go for charity event held by the royal family.

PRITHVI: Hum aur aap ki Mami Sa bhi saath chal rahe hain Ajay beta.

RUDRA: Vansh, Rehaan I guess you both should come because after this huge success of you won't attend media will create another story.

REHAAN: Okay Chote Papa....

RUDRA: Aryan what about you?

ARYAN: No Papa I won't join you all. Me & Myra already had plan because she has free schedule tomorrow.

RUDRA: Ishu, Siya????

SIYA: Me & Raja Saheb are going to Mumbai tomorrow so can'tsay with surity. Jaldi kaam khatam ho gaya aur time se wapas aa gae toh we'll.come otherwise Angre Bhai will attend from our family.

ISHANI: I had to because of the professional relations. I got special invite at boutique.

ZALA: I can't say fix.

Discussing about tomorrow's event they called it a day. Riansh left to room & Riddhima after changing came & twirled a little infront of Vansh...

RIDDHIMA: Ansh how am I looking????

(Riddhima's nightwear....)

He forwarded his hand & she gave it with a smile. He helped her in climbing bed & she sat leaning on his chest.

VANSH: You're beautiful....

RIDDHIMA: I know you love sleeping watching the tattoo na so I wore this.... see it's looking beautiful na....

She said pointing towards her tattoo & she received a soft kiss there from him. Both laid down & Vansh adjusted the temperature of ac & covered themselves with comforter.

VANSH: Sleep Jaan....

RIDDHIMA: Nahi baatein karo mujhse. Aap ko pata hain how much I missed you?

Vansh looked outside & said,

VANSH: Wanna go for a drive?

RIDDHIMA: Let's go hum na aap ke tilak ke pehle gae the na waha jaenge....

Vansh kissed her chin & both stood up but Riddhima stopped,

VANSH: Kya hua?

RIDDHIMA: Yeh dress....

VANSH: It's fine if you're comfortable let's go....

Riddhima nodded & he took robe in a bag & messaged Rehaan that they're going out. Rehaan gave thumbs up in reply & send the party pictures. Riddhima drove the car & Vansh took a nap till then. Reaching there both laid the comforter on car with pillows & laid down covering themselves with thin blanket. Both were star grazing & then Vansh plopped himself on his elbow & softly caressed her cheek admiring her. She felt shy under his gaze & hugged him.

VANSH: Sweetheart....

She just snuggled more to him & he laid down taking her in his arms.

VANSH: Thank you so much for making my every day special Riddhu. Today when you planned everything & the way we celebrated our success in the presence of family with you beside me is just of words. This is my world Jaan. And the look in your eyes, the happiness & proud feeling for my success is the biggest achievement for me & motivation too to do better each day. I don't want anything in my life just us being this happy.

RIDDHIMA: I love you....

VANSH: Love you too.....

Vansh tilted his head a little & saw the tattoo clearly visible. He wanted to cherish her so he kissed her forehead, followed by her eyes, cheeks, nose & chin. Looking into her eyes he softly joined their lips & both closed their eyes feeling the warmth of each other. She slowly wrapped her hands around his neck & caressed his nape & he took her upper lips in between her lips while his lower lip was between her lips. They softly started sucking each other's lips without any hurry. Vansh's one hand went to her tattoo & he started making soft patterns with his thumb sending shivers to her spine. Not able to handle the sensations she pulled him closer & their legs entwined. Her soft yet innocent touches always made him hard. His one hand was around her waist & his arm was touching her chest slightly due to their position & when Vansh tightened his hold on her she felt a whole zoo in her stomach due to his touch on her upper body & she felt his bukge down there. She don't know what her body wanted & was feeling wet down there. Her mind was not at all working & she just kissed him hard. Vansh was surprised by her act but realised her confusion & smiled at her innocence. She was biting, nibbling & sucking his lips & he was letting his bunny explore the way she wants. At last he broke the kiss as she was breathless & she groaned. Hearing it his control was snapping & he started peppering kisses from her jaw to her neck & shoulder earning moans from her.

RIDDHIMA: Ansh please.....

VANSH: Don't be hard on yourself Jaan, let yourself be in the moment & enjoy.

She did as he said & felt better & then he shifted a bit down & she looked at him. Making eyes contact he softly placed a wet kiss on her tattoo. Feeling his lips there & his beard's touch near her chest made her lost in the world of pleasure. Her eyes got closed in ecstasy & she arched her back pulling him more to her. He bit her there earning a moan & next second he started sucking it softly & licking it trying to lessen the pain. She started feeling pressure down there & Vansh tightened their legs more & feeling his legs down there she moaned....

RIDDHIMA: Ansh... I....

VANSH: Let it go... don't hold yourself......

He didn't gave her time to answer back & kissed her passionately & she released her orgasm. Feeling her body shudder he realised she released & he hugged her tight to his chest & softly rubbed her back with his one hand & cradled her head with one hand making her calm. While she don't knew what happened was just lost in solace in his arms holding his t - shirt in her tight fists.

VANSH: Jaan don't stress yourself. Let it out whatever is troubling you.....

RIDDHIMA: Ansh I don't know what happens with me. I mean whenever you kiss me, we are close na I crave for you more but why I don't know. Also....

VANSH: Hmmm....

RIDDHIMA: I...

VANSH: It's okay if you can't open up I got you. It's normal between couples & the things you're feeling are also normal but before that I want to ask you something. Answer to that I want from your heart whatever it is okay...

RIDDHIMA: Hmmm.....

VANSH: Are you comfortable or not during our moments? Do you feel safe....

RIDDHIMA: I do feel safe & I'm not uncomfortable it's just that I don't know how to feel, what it is, I feel awkward but peaceful at the same time. I crave for it.....

She shared honestly what was in your heart.

VANSH: I got you my love.... We'll talk araam se about it is it okay for you or you want to talk with Myra?

RIDDHIMA: You....

He smiled & kissed her hairs.

RIDDHIMA: Let's see the pictures of today's celebration.

Vansh took his phone & opened it. They scrolled through it & one picture caught their attention. It was a candid where Shivi's baby was in Vansh's hands & Riddhima was close to both.

(Imagine their picture somewhat like this...)

RIDDHIMA: You'll be the best father Ansh.....

Don't know but these words escaped her mouth.

VANSH: Riddhu do you want babies?

Riddhima didn't said anything but just pulled him on her & hided herself in him.

RIDDHIMA: I'm scared.....

Her eyes turned moist.

VANSH: I can understand seeing Maa going through such pain & you seeing infront of your eyes had left scars on your heart Jaan. You were meant to be protected but you became everyone's strength & I'm proud of you. It requires lots of courage. I promise I won't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. I've seen you so peaceful & happy with babies but at the same time I fear that this discussion will make your wounds fresh. Today hearing these words from your mouth I asked you & also you asked the same too me so I didn't wanted you to think that I don't want our family with you, I would love to have that. But at the same time I don't want it at the cost of your happiness.

RIDDHIMA: You'll heal me na??? You'll pull me out of this darkness right?

VANSH: I will no matter what....

RIDDHIMA: I trust you more than myself Ansh.... I promise for you, for us, I'll fight any battle & not only will fight but will win back. Without you meri Jaan mein jee nahi paungi...I want to live each & everyday of my life without you, explore the world, the fairytale world of love which you created for me, I....

VANSH: Shhh...

He pushed her keeping his finger on her lips.

VANSH: I got you bunny....but meri Jaan it's already 3 & you need to sleep you exhausted yourself a lot for celebrations so take rest. We will pakka talk tomorrow.

She nodded & closed her eyes with a smile. He admired her innocent face till she drifted to peaceful slumber. Her long eyelashes kissing her cheeks, black silky smooth hairs spread across the pillow & some baby hairs on her forehead, her cute chotu sa nose, pouted lips, chubby cheeks glowing in moonlight made his heart flutter. He softly kissed her while face & promised himself to not let her innocence get ruined. He'll always protect her baby heart.