As Vansh's lips touched Riddhima's, he felt a rush of emotions overwhelm him. It was as if the entire world had come to a standstill, and all that mattered was this moment, this kiss, and the woman in his arms.

Riddhima's eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned into the kiss, her lips parting slightly to allow Vansh's tongue to deepen the kiss. The touch sent shivers down her spine, and she felt her heart skip a beat.

Vansh's arms tightened around her, pulling her closer as he devoured her lips. The kiss was hungry, passionate, and all-consuming. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of desire, and of love.

As they kissed, the past seemed to melt away, and all that was left was the present moment. Vansh and Riddhima were lost in their own little world, a world where nothing else mattered except for the love they shared.

The kiss deepened, and Vansh felt his heart soar. He knew in that moment that he would never let Riddhima go again. She was his, and he was hers. They were meant to be together, and nothing would ever tear them apart again.

Vansh's heart swelled with gratitude as he held Riddhima close. He was deeply thankful to her for forgiving him, for giving him another chance to make things right.He knew he didn't deserve it, that he had hurt her deeply and broken her trust. 

But Riddhima's capacity for forgiveness and love was boundless, and she had chosen to give him another chance.Vansh felt a lump form in his throat as he thought about the depth of Riddhima's love and forgiveness. 

He knew he would spend the rest of his life making it up to her, proving to her that he was worthy of her love and trust."I'm so sorry, Riddhima," Vansh whispered, his voice choked with emotion. 

"I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I promise to spend the rest of my life making it up to you."Riddhima's eyes sparkled with tears as she looked up at Vansh. "I love you, Vansh," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"And I forgive you. But promise me one thing.""Anything," Vansh said, his heart filled with gratitude and love."Promise me you'll never hurt me again," Riddhima said, her eyes searching Vansh's face.

Vansh's face contorted in a mixture of pain and regret. "I promise, Riddhima," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you're happy and safe. I'll never hurt you again." 

Vansh's mind drifted back to the day that was etched in his memory forever - the day of Aashna's wedding, Riddhima's twin sister.

FLASHBACK 

Vansh felt a stinging sensation as Riddhima's words cut deep into his soul. He knew he had hurt her, but hearing her say it out loud made him realize the depth of his mistakes.

He looked at Riddhima, his eyes filled with regret and apology. "Riddhima, I...I was blind. I didn't know what I had until I lost you. But I swear to you, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

Aashna's eyes flashed with anger, and she took a step closer to Vansh. "You think a simple apology will fix everything? You think you can just waltz back into Riddhima's life and expect her to forgive you?"

Vansh felt a surge of fear as Aashna's words hit him like a slap in the face. He knew he didn't deserve Riddhima's forgiveness, but he was willing to do whatever it took to earn it back.

Riddhima raised her hand, and Aashna's tirade came to an abrupt halt. "Aashna, stop. This is between Vansh and me."

Aashna's eyes narrowed, but she stepped back, her gaze never leaving Vansh's face. "Fine. But if you hurt her again, Vansh, you'll have to answer to me."

Riddhima's eyes never left Vansh's face as she spoke. "Aashna's right, Vansh. You did hurt me, deeply. But I've thought a lot about us, about our relationship, and I've come to realize that I still have feelings for you."

Vansh's heart skipped a beat as he heard Riddhima's words. He felt a surge of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, he could redeem himself and win her back. 

"But," Riddhima continued, her voice firm, "I need you to understand that things can't go back to the way they were. 

I need you to prove to me that you're committed to our relationship, that you're willing to work through our issues and come out stronger on the other side."Vansh nodded eagerly, his eyes locked on Riddhima's.

 "I'll do anything, Riddhima. Just give me another chance."Riddhima's expression softened slightly, and she took a step closer to Vansh. "I'll give you another chance, Vansh. But you need to understand that it's not going to be easy. We have a lot of work to do to rebuild our relationship."

Vansh nodded again, his heart filled with gratitude and determination. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it took to win Riddhima back and make their relationship stronger than ever. 

Just as Riddhima was about to respond to Vansh's plea, a loud crash echoed through the room, followed by the sound of shattering glass.Riddhima's eyes widened in shock as a figure emerged from the shadows, a figure with a twisted grin on his face and a glint of malice in his eyes. 

"Riddhima!" Vansh shouted, his voice filled with alarm, as he instinctively pushed her behind him.But it was too late. The figure lunged at Riddhima, a sharp object glinting in his hand.Vansh reacted on instinct, grabbing the figure's wrist and twisting it violently.

 The object clattered to the floor as the figure cried out in pain.Riddhima's eyes were wide with fear as she stared at the figure, who was now writhing on the floor.Vansh turned to her, his face set in a fierce expression. 

"Are you okay?" he demanded, his voice low and urgent.Riddhima nodded, still looking shaken. "Y-yes," she stuttered.Vansh's eyes narrowed as he turned back to the figure on the floor. "Who are you?" he growled. 

The figure looked up at him, a snarl on his face. "You'll never know," he spat, before suddenly breaking into a maniacal laugh.Vansh's eyes flashed with anger, and he raised his foot to kick the figure, but Riddhima's voice stopped him. 

"Vansh, no!" she cried, grabbing his arm. "Don't hurt him. "Vansh's face twisted in frustration, but he slowly lowered his foot, his eyes never leaving the figure on the floor.

Riddhima's eyes widened in horror as the figure on the floor suddenly pulled out a gun and aimed it at her. She tried to move, but her legs felt like lead and she was frozen in place. 

Vansh reacted on instinct, throwing himself in front of Riddhima just as the gun went off. He felt a searing pain in his chest as the bullet hit him, but he didn't care.

 He had saved Riddhima. Riddhima's eyes were filled with shock and horror as she stared at Vansh, who was now slumping against her. 

"Vansh!" she screamed, grabbing him as he fell.The room was filled with chaos as Aashna and the others rushed to their side. 

"Call an ambulance!" Aashna shouted, as Riddhima cradled Vansh's head in her lap.Riddhima's eyes were streaming with tears as she stared at Vansh's pale face. "Vansh, please don't leave me," she whispered, her voice shaking with fear. 

Vansh's eyes flickered open, and he smiled weakly at Riddhima. "I'll never leave you, Riddhima," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I love you."Riddhima's face contorted in a sob as she held Vansh close.

 "I love you too, Vansh," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion.The ambulance arrived, and the paramedics rushed in to take Vansh away.

 Riddhima followed close behind, her heart heavy with fear and worry. As they rushed to the hospital, Riddhima couldn't help but think that she might lose Vansh forever.

 The thought filled her with a sense of desperation and panic. But she pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present moment.

 She had to be strong for Vansh, had to be there for him when he needed her most.As they arrived at the hospital, Riddhima felt a sense of trepidation wash over her. 

She knew that the next few hours would be crucial, and she could only hope that Vansh would pull through.

Riddhima's heart sank as she heard the doctor's words. "Critical?" she repeated, her voice shaking with fear. 

The doctor nodded gravely. "Yes, I'm afraid so. The bullet has caused significant damage to his internal organs. We're doing everything we can to save him, but the next 24 hours will be crucial." 

Riddhima felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Vansh, not now, not ever.Aashna stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern.

 "What can we do?" she asked the doctor. The doctor hesitated. "To be honest, there's not much you can do right now. But we do need to inform the police about the shooting. They'll need to take a statement from you."

Riddhima nodded numbly, her mind racing with thoughts of Vansh. She couldn't lose him, not now, not ever. 

As the doctor walked away, Aashna turned to Riddhima. "We'll get through this, Riddhima," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes to save Vansh." 

Riddhima nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her sister. She knew that Aashna would be there for her, no matter what. 

Together, the two sisters sat down in the hospital waiting room, their eyes fixed on the door to the ICU, willing Vansh to pull through.

As they waited, Riddhima's mind was filled with thoughts of Vansh. She remembered the way he used to make her laugh, the way he used to hold her in his arms. She remembered the way he used to look at her, with eyes that were full of love and adoration.

Tears streamed down her face as she thought about the possibility of losing him. She couldn't bear the thought of living without him, of waking up every morning without him by her side.Aashna put a comforting arm around her shoulders. 

"He'll be okay, Riddhima," she said softly. "Vansh is a fighter. He'll pull through this."Riddhima nodded, trying to draw comfort from her sister's words.

 But deep down, she was scared. She was scared of losing the man she loved, the man who had become her everything.As the hours ticked by, Riddhima's anxiety grew. 

She paced back and forth in the waiting room, her eyes fixed on the door to the ICU.Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doctor emerged from the ICU. 

Riddhima's heart skipped a beat as she saw the expression on his face."How is he?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

The doctor hesitated before speaking. "He's stable for now," he said. "But we still have to monitor him closely. The next 24 hours will be crucial.

"Riddhima felt a wave of relief wash over her. Vansh was going to be okay. He was going to pull through.She turned to Aashna, tears of joy streaming down her face.

 "He's going to be okay," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion.Aashna smiled, hugging her tightly. "I knew he would be," she said. "Vansh is a fighter. He'll always come out on top."

Riddhima's heart was racing as she walked into the ICU, her eyes scanning the room for Vansh. She saw him lying in the bed, his face pale and his eyes closed. 

She felt a pang of fear as she saw the machines beeping around him, the wires and tubes attached to his body. But as she looked into his face, she saw the faintest glimmer of a smile on his lips. 

Riddhima's heart swelled with love and relief as she saw that smile. She knew that Vansh was going to be okay.She walked over to the bed, her eyes never leaving Vansh's face. 

She reached out and took his hand, feeling a surge of emotion as she touched him."Vansh," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."Vansh's eyes flickered open, and he looked up at Riddhima.

 He smiled weakly, his eyes filled with love and adoration."Riddhima," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."Riddhima's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Vansh. 

She knew that he was sorry, that he regretted everything that had happened."It's okay, Vansh," she said, her voice filled with emotion. 

"I forgive you. I love you."Vansh's face lit up with a weak smile, and he squeezed Riddhima's hand. "I love you too, Riddhima," he whispered. "I'll always love you."

Riddhima's eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at Vansh. "But papa-to-be," she said, her voice dripping with innocence, "you have to promise me one thing."

Riddhima's face scrunched up in a cute expression. "You have to promise that you'll bring ice cream for our baby," she said, her voice filled with a childlike sense of wonder.

Vansh's eyes widened in surprise, and then a huge smile spread across his face. "Our baby?" he repeated, his voice filled with excitement.Riddhima nodded, a blush spreading across her cheeks. 

"Yes, our baby," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm pregnant, Vansh."Vansh's face lit up with joy, and he pulled Riddhima into a tight hug. "We're having a baby?" he whispered, his voice filled with wonder. 

Riddhima nodded, tears of joy streaming down her face. "We're having a baby," she repeated.Vansh pulled back, a huge grin still plastered on his face. "I promise, I'll bring ice cream for our baby," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "And for you, and for me. We'll have a whole ice cream party."

Riddhima laughed, feeling a sense of happiness and joy that she had never felt before. She knew that she and Vansh were going to be amazing parents, and that their baby was going to bring them even closer together. 

..........

Vansh's eyes gazed deeply into Riddhima's, his mind reeling with emotion. He couldn't believe that this incredible woman was his, that she loved him despite all his flaws.As he looked at her, he felt a sense of wonder, of awe.

 He couldn't believe that he deserved this much happiness, that he deserved to be loved by someone as amazing as Riddhima. 

He thought about all the mistakes he had made, all the pain he had caused her. And yet, despite all that, she was still here, holding him, loving him.

Vansh's heart swelled with gratitude and love. He knew that he didn't deserve Riddhima, but he was determined to spend the rest of his life making her happy, proving to her that he was worthy of her love. 

As he looked into her eyes, he knew that he would do anything to keep her by his side. He would fight for her, protect her, and love her with every fiber of his being.

"I don't deserve you," Vansh whispered, his voice filled with emotion.Riddhima's eyes sparkled with tears as she looked at him. 

"You deserve all the happiness in the world, Vansh," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm going to give it to you."

"And our little one is going to be blessed with the most amazing father in the world," Riddhima said, her eyes shining with love and adoration as she looked at Vansh.

Vansh's eyes lit up with joy at Riddhima's words. He felt a surge of excitement and love at the thought of being a father. 

"Our baby is going to be so lucky to have you as a mom," Vansh said, his voice filled with emotion.

 "And I promise to be the best father I can be. I'll love and protect our baby with every fiber of my being.

"Riddhima smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I know you will, Vansh," she said. "You're going to be an amazing father. 

"Vansh's heart swelled with love and gratitude as he looked at Riddhima. He knew that he was the luckiest man alive to have her by his side, and to be having a baby with her.

"I love you, Riddhima," Vansh said, his voice filled with emotion."I love you too, Vansh," Riddhima replied, smiling. "And our baby is going to love you just as much as I do."

Vansh's gaze drifted to his phone, which displayed a notification from Angrey. The message was brief, but the implication was clear: "Boss, main sab sambhaal lunga."

Vansh's eyes narrowed as he read the message from Angrey, a sly smirk spreading across his face.

 He knew exactly what Angrey was referring to - Kabir, the man who had dared to hurt his Riddhima.

Vansh's grip on his phone tightened as he thought about Kabir's audacity. How dare he lay a hand on Riddhima?

 Vansh's eyes blazed with anger at the very thought. But as he looked at Riddhima, who was smiling at him with tears in her eyes, Vansh's anger melted away.

 He knew that he had to protect her, to keep her safe from harm.And with Angrey's message, Vansh knew that Kabir would soon be taught a lesson.

 Vansh's smirk grew wider as he thought about the fate that awaited Kabir."Kabir, you have no idea what's coming your way," Vansh thought to himself, his eyes glinting with a fierce determination.

Riddhima pulled him into another kiss, the warmth of their lips igniting a flame that seemed to burn brighter with every passing moment. In that instant, one question that had haunted her when Vansh had hurt her was finally laid to rest: Will love last? And then, in the depths of Vansh's eyes, she saw the answer, shining brighter than any star: "Yes, the love will last."

THE END 

So when finally this short story came to an end for a new beginning, I want to ask;

What was the worst part of the story?

what was the best part of the story?