Today's target is 600 votes and 100 comments from different people (no spamming). If the target is met, I will upload the chapter after that or else the chapter will be uploaded on 17th October.

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✯ INAYAT'S POV ✯

"Aunty, how does it taste?" I asked, offering her a pakoda, my heart racing a little.

She took a bite, and her face brightened. "Perfect! You cook so well, Inayat," she praised, her words instantly lifting my spirits. A wide grin stretched across my face.

Then, she added, "Shivansh is really lucky to have you in his life."

Hearing that, my heart did a little flip, but before I could respond, she stepped closer, grabbing my shoulders, her touch firm yet gentle. Her eyes held mine, but there was something different—something deeper in her gaze.

"Inayat," her voice softened, "I've never seen Shivansh like this. The way he's changed around you... He's softer, more careful, more—alive. You've brought something out in him."

I could feel the weight of her words, but I stayed quiet, letting her continue. There was more.

"The Shivansh you see now, he wasn't always like this. He turned cold, distant... because of us. His father and I... we were so caught up in our careers, in providing everything financially, that we missed what he needed emotionally, our love, support, care.

We weren't there when he needed us. We failed him, Inayat. And now... he's grown apart from us."

Her voice broke, and tears spilled from her eyes, hitting me hard. The vulnerability she showed, the raw pain—it wasn't easy to watch. I reached up, wiping her tears gently, cupping her face in my hands.

"Aunty, please don't cry. We'll fix it. You have me now, and together, we'll make things right." My voice was steady, even though my chest tightened at the thought of Shivansh carrying so much pain.

She nodded, and an idea sparked in my mind—a brilliant idea. I pulled her into a hug, whispering my plan in her ear. Her brows furrowed at first, but as I continued, her face lit up, her smile growing. It was like seeing hope flicker to life.

"Thank you, Inayat," she said, pulling me into a tighter hug, her gratitude pouring out in waves. "Thank you." She kissed my forehead, and it felt like I'd done something right, But as soon as that warmth settled in, a voice interrupted.

"Ina, wher—"

I froze as I heard Shivansh. We broke the hug instantly, and there he was—standing at the kitchen entrance, his expression hard to read.

His eyes shifted between his mother and me, like he was trying to piece together what he'd just walked in on.

He didn't say anything. His eyes locked on mine for a long second, then he turned and walked away.

Aunty looked at me, worried, but I gave her a quick nod before grabbing the tray of pakode and tea, my heart thudding as I hurried after him.

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I entered the room quietly, spotting Shivansh standing near the porch, just out of reach of the rain. His shoulders were tense, his gaze fixed on the droplets pouring down outside.

I set the tray down on the coffee table and carried the plate of pakoda toward him. He glanced at me, then at the plate, but said nothing.

I furrowed my brows, sensing the distance between us. I knew what this was about—he wasn't happy about how close his mother and I were becoming. "Ansh, what's wrong?" I asked softly.

His eyes stayed on me briefly before he spoke, his voice low and controlled. "Ina, baby... I know you're kind, so sweet, and your heart is too good. You treat everyone with so much love and care. But she doesn't deserve it."

His words were laced with frustration. "She's hurt you—again and again, with her words, her actions, and—"

"Shivansh, stop." I cut him off, my voice sharper than intended. I took a breath, calming myself before I continued. Placing the plate on the nightstand, I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

"I get it, Ansh. I know how much pain you carry from your childhood, how much you've suffered." My voice softened as I spoke against his chest.

"But she's still your mother. She regrets it—more than you could ever imagine. So please... don't say such things about her."

He let out a quiet sigh, his arms tightening around my waist. I felt his heart slow as he relaxed in my embrace.

He didn't argue. Just a quiet "Hmm" as he held me close, letting his guard down for a moment.

After a beat, I pulled back slightly and grabbed a piece of pakoda from the plate. With a playful grin, I shoved it into his mouth. "How is it?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

His eyes flickered with sarcasm as he chewed. "Bohot pyaar se khilaya aapne toh," he muttered, muffled by the food.

I gave him a tight smile, rolling my eyes slightly but feeling the tension ease between us.

I wiped my hands on my kurti, brushing off the crumbs, and stepped toward the porch, drawn by the sound of the rain. I loved the way it felt—so freeing, so soothing.

Without thinking twice, I pushed open the door and stepped into the cool air, letting the drizzle splash against my skin. The raindrops clung to my arms, and a content sigh escaped me.

"Ina??" Shivansh called from inside, his voice laced with concern.

I turned back and smiled at him through the mist. "yeahhh??"

He stepped closer to the door but didn't follow me outside, his brow furrowing. "You'll fall sick baby," he said, his tone

"I won't, it feels amazing," I laughed, twirling a little as the rain soaked into my hair and clothes. I stretched my arms wide, closing my eyes to fully feel it, my worries washed away by the gentle downpour.

He let out a defeated sigh and gave up, and joined me.

He tried to cover my head with his hands but I removed it, I couldn't help but smile at his worry. "Ansh, it's just rain. You worry too much."

"Baby you'll get sick." He is really boring.

"Ansh, stop being so boring, close your eyes and feel the rain. It's so peaceful." I said again closing my eyes.

"But, Ina baby you'll fall sick." He is soo annoying!

"Ughhh!! Anshh please!!!"

Before he could respond, I stepped toward him, still dripping from the rain. His arms instinctively wrapped around me, his warmth instantly contrasting with the chill of the rain.

He frowned as his fingers brushed my wet hair. "You're soaked."

"And you're overreacting," I teased, my smile widening as I poked his chest playfully.

He exhaled deeply, pulling me a little closer, his annoyance fading into something softer. "I just don't want you getting sick, baby" he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on my damp skin.

I rested my head on his chest. "I know. But sometimes, it's worth it to just let go and feel the rain."

The rain drummed softly on the porch roof as I reached into my pocket, pulling out my phone with a playful grin.

"Let's make this rain a little more magical," I teased, swiping through my playlist until I found the perfect song. Soft, romantic music filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sound of the rain.

hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte,

tere bina kya wajood mera,

Shivansh raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking up at the corners. "What are you up to now?" he asked, his voice filled with amusement and curiosity.

I didn't answer. Instead, I stepped closer to him, my soaked clothes clinging to me, but I didn't care. My eyes locked with his as I took his hands in mine and slowly guided them to my waist.

He hesitated for a moment, his fingers tightening slightly as they settled on me. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, contrasting with the coolness of the rain.

"Ina..." His voice was low, cautious, but I just smiled, pulling him even closer. The space between us disappeared, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart, matching the rhythm of the rain falling around us.

tujhse juda agar ho jayenge,

toh khud se hi ho jaayenge juda,

"Shhh," I whispered softly, my hands moving up his arms before resting on his shoulders. "Just dance with me, Ansh." My voice was barely audible over the rain and the music, but I knew he heard me.

kyonki tum hi ho,

ab tum hi ho,

zindagi ab tum hi ho.

His grip on my waist tightened, his body tensing as he stared at me, conflicted. But slowly, he relented. He followed my lead, his movements stiff at first, but as I leaned into him, resting my head on his chest, he relaxed.

His body molded into mine, and we swayed gently to the music, lost in the moment, lost in each other.

o-o-o chain bhi,

mera dard bhi,

meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho.

The rain continued to fall, soaking through our clothes, but we didn't care. The world around us faded, and it was just the two of us, dancing in the rain.

I could feel his breath against my ear, the rise and fall of his chest with every inhale, and the slow, deliberate way his hands held me like I was the only thing keeping him grounded.

For a moment, it felt like time had stopped. The rain poured down, the music played softly, and we just moved together, completely in sync, his body warm against mine despite the chill in the air.

I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of his touch, the tenderness in the way he held me. It was perfect, but there was something more—something I needed to say, something I wanted.

After what felt like an eternity, I lifted my head and looked up at him, meeting his intense gaze. His eyes were filled with so many emotions—desire, confusion, and something deeper that he hadn't quite voiced yet.

His wet hair and shirt damped, giving perfect view of his muscular body. God he is so handsome!!

My heart fluttered in my chest, my throat tight with the words I had been holding back. I let my hands slide down from his shoulders to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palms.

My fingers brushed over the wet fabric of his shirt, and I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his chest, right over his heart.

"You know?? I've always wanted this," I whispered, my voice barely audible but heavy with meaning.

"To dance in the rain..." after saying this my eyes fall on his lips. "And to be kissed by under it." My confession lingered between us, the vulnerability in my voice making my heart race.

Shivansh's eyes darkened, his hands tightening on my waist, his breathing becoming heavier as he leaned down, his lips brushing against my forehead. "You wanted this?" His voice was husky, laced with both surprise and desire.

I nodded, biting my lip nervously as I looked up at him, my fingers tracing slow circles on his chest. "I've dreamed about it... you and me, like this." My eyes flickering between his eyes and his lips, my breath catching in my throat as the tension between us became almost unbearable.

His hands slid up my back, pulling me impossibly closer, his gaze locked onto mine. His thumb gently brushed over my lower lip, and I shivered at the touch, heat pooling in the pit of my stomach as I leaned into him, craving more.

"Then I should fulfil your wish, right?" He came closer to my lips.

"Mmmhm" I mumbled staring at him.

He leaned more and finally crashed his lips on mine, my senses were lost, my legs become like jelly when his lips touched mine.

His hold my waist tightened and his other hand ran up my back, he pressed me further into him and ravished my lips.

My hands made their way to back of his head and pulled him closer.

I tried to match his pace but he was so fast, he was kissing me as if his life depends on it, if he stopped he will stop breathing.

Let me remind you again, Shivansh Kapoor, doesn't kiss, he devours, he worships!!

I slightly pushed him back to catch breath but, he was not ready to let me go.

I slapped his chest lightly as I was running out of breath, and he released me immediately.

"I am so sorry baby, I lost my control." He asked and it Came out as whisper as he was breathing heavy too, he cupped my face, joining our foreheads, he closed his eyes trying to control but I could see it's really hard for him.

"Are you okay???" He asked while I was taking some deep breath. I nodded and that all it took him to smash his lips on mine again.

And this time he just didn't kiss but starts sucking my lower face, His lips travelled down my neck, the cool rain mingling with the fire of his touch, making every sensation more intense.

I gasped softly, feeling his hands slide lower, pulling me tighter against him. The rain was falling harder now, but it only fuelled the electricity between us.

"Ansh," I breathed out, my voice barely above a whisper as I tried to focus, but his lips on my skin made it impossible.

He wasn't kissing me anymore—he was claiming me, with every press of his lips and every rough exhale against my skin.

He didn't stop. His hands roamed my soaked body, gripping my waist possessively as if he couldn't bear the idea of any space between us.

"You don't know what you do to me, Ina," he murmured against my neck, his voice hoarse, almost primal.

I tilted my head back, giving him full access, my fingers tangling in his wet hair, tugging gently as my heart raced out of control. His name left my lips again, more like a plea this time. "Shivansh..."

He pulled back slightly, his breath heavy, his dark eyes burning into mine. "I can't stop, baby," he confessed, his voice thick with desire. "You drive me insane."

Before I could respond, he captured my lips again—this time with even more intensity, more need. His kiss was fierce, unrelenting, like he was pouring everything he felt into it, not holding anything back.

I could barely keep up, my body melting into his as his hands slid up my back, sending shivers through me.

I whimpered against his lips, trying to push him back just to catch my breath, but he wasn't having it. His grip tightened, pulling me closer, his lips moving against mine like he was starved for me.

"Ansh," I mumbled between kisses, my fingers clutching his shirt, feeling his strong chest beneath the soaked fabric.

His hand slid to the back of my neck, holding me in place as his lips left mine to trail down my jawline, biting and sucking along the way, sending jolts of heat through me. My knees felt weak, and if it weren't for his hold, I would have collapsed into him.

"Shivansh..." I whispered again, this time more breathless. His name was the only thing I could manage as he kissed me like his life depended on it.

His lips were everywhere, his touch burning through the rain-soaked clothes, and I felt like I couldn't get enough of him.

He groaned, pulling back just enough to catch his breath, his forehead pressing against mine, both of us panting heavily.

His eyes flickered down to my lips, swollen from his kisses, and he cursed softly under his breath. "You're making me lose control, baby," he growled, his voice thick with frustration and need.

I bit my lip, my body buzzing with desire. "Maybe I like you losing control," I whispered, my hands trailing down his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath the wet fabric.

He groaned again, his eyes darkening with hunger. "Don't tease me, Ina. You have no idea how hard it is to hold back right now."

"Then don't," I whispered, pulling him closer, my lips brushing against his, daring him to give in.

And that's all it took. He grabbed me by the waist and crashed his lips against mine, harder this time, his tongue parting my lips as he deepened the kiss, the rain pouring down around us.

Every inch of my body was pressed against his, and I could feel his need, his desperation, in every kiss, every touch.

His hands slid down to my thighs, lifting me effortlessly, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, holding on as he backed us up against the wall, pinning me there as his mouth continued its assault on mine.

"mmhm" I moaned softly, my fingers digging into his shoulders as his lips moved down my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there.

His lips found a path down my neck, setting every inch of my skin on fire as his hand claimed my breast, groping it with a rough, desperate, hungry squeeze.

My body arched into him, craving more of his touch. My eyes squeezed shut, lost in the pleasure as his thumb rubbed over my hardened nipple, teasing me mercilessly through the thin fabric.

When he leaned in and took the nipple into his mouth, his tongue sucking and swirling around the sensitive bud before gently biting, a sharp gasp tore from my lips.

He growled softly against my skin, the vibration sending shivers through me. His hand tightened its grip on my breast, kneading it with urgency as his mouth continued its sinful assault, switching to my other nipple, sucking and biting until my body trembled beneath him.

Suddenly, I could feel something hard poking against my lower abdomen, his arousal undeniable, pushing against me with increasing pressure.

As I realized how hard he was, my breath caught in my throat, and without thinking, my hand slid down, rubbing over his hardness through his lower. A deep groan escaped him at my touch, his muscles tensing beneath my fingers.

Encouraged by his reaction, I started rubbing him slowly, feeling the heat radiating from his body. His breathing grew ragged, his lips pausing in their assault as he buried his face in my neck, groaning against my skin.

I continued teasing him, moving my hand up and down, applying just enough pressure to make him crave more.

"Fuck, Ina..." he muttered, his voice thick with desire, hips instinctively bucking against my hand, chasing the friction.

My fingers fumbled with the waistband of his lower, ready to take things further, when the sound of knocking on the door pierced through the heavy air.

Harsh, intrusive, shattering the heat between us, pulling me abruptly out of the moment. My eyes flew open, but Shivansh didn't even flinch. I froze, my heart racing, my hand stilling.

"Don't stop, please, baby," he growled in frustration, his voice a low plea as he pressed his lips against mine, trying to drown out the interruption. He didn't care.

His only response was a low groan as his hands tightened on my waist. He bit down gently on my lower lip, sending a jolt through me that made me moan softly despite the interruption.

He guided my hand again to his bulge, and his hands slid up my back, pulling me closer, desperate to keep the moment alive.

The knock came again, more insistent this time.

"Ansh..." I whispered, pushing him back gently, my breath still coming in short gasps. "Someone's outside."

His eyes flickered with irritation, his chest heaving with barely contained desire as he called out, "Who the hell is it?"

His voice was thick with anger, but even as he spoke, his mouth found its way back to my neck, his lips brushing against the curve of my shoulder, then lower to my upper chest, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

"Bhai, it's me," Ahana's voice came from the other side of the door. "Dinner is ready, and everyone's waiting."

"Ignore her," he muttered against my neck, his hands still holding me close, fingers gripping my waist possessively. His lips brushed over my jawline, teasing the sensitive skin as if he couldn't bear the thought of stopping.

Still entirely engrossed in his task, ignored her, his mouth working its way back up to mine with a sense of urgency that made it hard to think, let alone breathe.

"Ansh, we can't," I said softly, my voice shaky from the heat still coursing through me. "It's Ahana, we need to go."

Shivansh groaned, his head falling against my shoulder in frustration. His breath was hot against my skin, and for a moment, he didn't move, as if trying to reclaim the moment we just lost.

The knock came once more, more forceful this time. But this time, I managed to pull away just enough to call out, "Okay, we'll be there in a few minutes."

Shivansh let out a low growl of frustration, his hands still gripping my waist as I tried to reason with him. "Ansh, stop. We have to go," I whispered, my breath uneven as I tried to calm the racing pulse in my veins.

His forehead rested against mine, his eyes dark and filled with lingering desire. "I don't want to stop. I can't," he muttered, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine.

"But we have to," I said softly, running my fingers through his wet hair. His frustration was palpable, but after a few more heavy breaths, he finally pulled back slightly, his hands loosening their grip on me.

He growled softly, his hand reluctantly leaving my waist. "I'm not done with you, Ina," he whispered, his dark eyes filled with desire and frustration as they flickered over my face. "Not even close."

I shivered under his gaze, biting my lip as I steadied my breathing. "Later," I promised, gently running my fingers through his hair. "We'll finish this later."

His eyes darkened even more, and he let out a low groan, clearly not satisfied with my answer. "You better keep that promise," he warned, pressing a quick, hard kiss to my lips before stepping back. His chest was still rising and falling heavily, his desire palpable.

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. "I'll hold you to that," I whispered back, brushing my lips against his one last time before gently pushing him away.

He sighed heavily, clearly not happy about stopping, but he relented, running a hand through his damp hair as he stepped back. We both stood there for a moment, trying to steady our breathing, the tension between us still palpable.

The rain, the heat, the intensity—it was all too much, and yet not enough. I wanted more, needed more, and from the way he was kissing me, I knew he felt the same.

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✯ AUTHOR'S POV ✯

A few days had passed, and despite Inayat, Unnati, and Vrijesh's best efforts to get through to Shivansh, he remained distant. His mother had tried countless times to talk to him, but he would walk away without a word.

She even made his favorite dishes, hoping they would bring him some comfort, but he wouldn't touch them. Sensing their attempts to reach him, Shivansh had started staying late at work, avoiding everyone.

Even when his father went to his office to speak to him, Shivansh refused to meet him. Inayat had also tried to talk to him, pleading for him to open up, but each time, Shivansh would change the subject or brush her off.

This pattern continued for almost a week.

One afternoon, as Inayat passed by Unnati and Vrijesh's room, she overheard an argument. The tension in their voices made her stop in her tracks.

She wasn't one to interfere, but the situation sounded serious. She knocked on their door, and after a moment, Vrijesh opened it. When she peeked inside, she saw Unnati sitting on the edge of the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

Alarmed, Inayat stepped inside. "What happened?" Then, noticing packed bags on the bed, she furrowed her brows in confusion and asked, "Are you going somewhere?"

Unnati wiped her tears as she walked over to Inayat, her voice cracking with emotion. "Inayat... my son is distant from me today, all because of him!"

She shot a pained glance at Vrijesh. "He only cares about his work. Even now, he's leaving because of some unfinished business. But this time..."

She turned back to Vrijesh, her voice firmer. "This time, I'm not going with you. I won't leave my son behind and go anywhere." With that, she stormed out of the room.

Vrijesh sighed heavily and sat down, rubbing his temples, clearly exhausted from the argument. Inayat approached him cautiously. "Uncle, what's going on?" she asked gently.

He looked up, his face etched with worry. "Beta, Unnati's health has been deteriorating. Seeing Shivansh like this... it's breaking her. Every day, she cries over his coldness, and it's killing me to watch her in so much pain.

I've tried to talk to Shivansh, to clear the air and show him how much we love him, but he won't give me the chance."

His voice trembled slightly, the weight of the situation clear. "I know I've made mistakes... I know. But if he's angry, he should punish me, not his mother. Unnati doesn't deserve this.

I'm taking her with me today, hoping that keeping herself busy with work might help ease her mind. I love my son more than anything... but not more than Unnati. I can't stand to see her like this anymore."

His words hung heavy in the air as he stood up and began packing Unnati's things, his movements mechanical, like this was the only thing he had control over.

Inayat stood frozen for a moment, her heart sinking. She didn't know how to fix this, but one thing was clear: she couldn't let it go on.

Without thinking, she stormed out of the room and headed straight to Shivansh's study. Since it was Sunday, he was home, and now... she was going to make sure he listened.

Inayat didn't even bother to knock. She stormed into Shivansh's study, her frustration bubbling over. He was seated at his desk, papers scattered around him, but he wasn't working.

He stared blankly at the wall, lost in thought. When he heard her enter, he glanced up, his expression hardening.

"Ina, not now," Shivansh said coldly, already anticipating what was coming.

But Inayat wasn't having it. She marched right up to him, standing in front of his desk, her arms crossed. "Shivansh, this is enough. You're not just hurting yourself; you're breaking your mother and father."

Shivansh's jaw clenched at the mention of his parents, but he didn't respond. His silence only fueled Inayat's frustration.

"I just came from your parents' room. Your father's packing her bags as we speak. Do you know why? Because she can't take it anymore. The stress, the tension—it's making her sick. And what are you doing about it? Shutting everyone out and hiding behind your work?"

Inayat's voice was sharp, but underneath, there was a crack of pain. "She's crying every day, Shivansh. She's breaking, and you're pushing her away."

Shivansh's hands balled into fists, his knuckles white as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "It's not that simple, Ina."

"Not that simple?" she shot back.

"It's exactly that simple. You're angry with your dad, fine. But why are you punishing your mom? She's been trying everything to get close to you. Cooking your favorite meals, reaching out—and you just shut her down. Do you think that's fair?"

He stood up suddenly, his chair scraping against the floor, and for a moment, Inayat thought he might walk out again. But instead, he turned toward her, his eyes blazing with frustration and hurt.

"You don't understand, Ina. It's not just about my dad—it's about everything! The business, the family... I feel trapped, like I'm suffocating. Every time I look at him, I see the decisions he made, the things he did, and I can't... I can't just pretend like none of it matters."

Inayat's chest heaved as her frustration boiled over. "Shivansh, at least you're lucky to have parents!" she shouted, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

"I understand they made mistakes, and I'm not saying they were right. I'm not favoring them, but they are honestly trying to fix things—for you!"

Her voice cracked, her eyes blazing with urgency. "They're making efforts for you, Shivansh! I'm not asking you to forgive them easily, but at least try to talk to them. Try to sort things out!"

Shivansh stood there, his expression hardening, but before he could respond, they both heard muffled voices from outside the study. It sounded like Unnati, her voice pleading, weak and desperate. Inayat's heart dropped.

Without thinking, she rushed towards the door, and in the hallway, she saw Vrijesh dragging Unnati and their luggage, his grip firm despite her tearful protests.

"Stop it, please!" Unnati cried, her voice trembling as she tried to pull away from her husband. "I don't want to leave—don't do this!"

Inayat's instincts kicked in, and she bolted toward them. "Uncle, stop!" she yelled, her hands reaching out to catch Unnati's arm. "Please, don't do this!"

But Vrijesh didn't listen. His face was set in stone, determined and unyielding. He ignored Inayat's pleas, his gaze fixed forward as he continued to drag Unnati toward the door, their luggage trailing behind them.

Inayat sprinted and positioned herself in front of the main door, blocking Vrijesh's path, her body acting as a barrier. "I can't let you take her," she said, her voice steady but pleading.

Vrijesh sighed deeply, his expression torn. "I don't want to do this either, Inayat. But I can't keep watching her in pain every day." His voice was laced with exhaustion.

In that moment, Unnati managed to free herself from his grasp. She rushed toward Shivansh, joining her hands in front of him, her voice trembling as she begged, "Shiv, please don't do this, please... forgive me." Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed helplessly in front of her son.

Seeing his mother like that, Shivansh's hard gaze softened for a second, his resolve wavering. He instinctively moved toward her, but before he could reach her, Vrijesh grabbed Unnati's folded hands, pulling her back again. "Enough, Unnati," he said sternly, trying to drag her away once more.

But Shivansh's voice cut through the air, halting their movements. "You're giving up this early?" he let out a pained, bitter chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.

"All my life, I waited for the two of you," he said, his voice trembling with years of suppressed hurt. "I waited for the day you'd talk to me. When you'd spend time with me. All my life, I craved your love, your care, your support."

He paused, turning his gaze to Inayat, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "You know, Ina?" he began softly, his voice thick with emotion.

"I used to watch other parents with their kids—playing with them, caring for them, loving them—and I'd grieve... because I didn't have that. I was just a kid."

Tears shimmered in his eyes, threatening to spill over. After taking a deep breath, he continued, his voice cracking, "You tried for a few days and now you want me to just forgive everything? You think that's enough to fix this?" His words hung heavy in the room.

"You gave up on me. And you think you deserve forgiveness for that?"

Shivansh, his voice firm but determined, spoke up after a heavy pause, "If you want to leave, you can. But my mother isn't going anywhere." With that, he stepped forward and took his mother's hand in his, holding her tightly. The gesture was resolute, and Vrijesh hesitated before finally releasing Unnati's hand.

Inayat then stepped in, her tone calm but pleading, "At least listen to what your father has to say. Just once, please. Let him explain."

But before anything more could be said, Unnati suddenly collapsed, unconscious, and then chaos broke out.

"Mumma!" Shivansh's voice cracked as he rushed forward. Inayat quickly knelt beside Unnati, checking her pulse while trying to keep her own panic in check.

"Call the doctor!" Shivansh said firmly, Inayat already reaching for her phone. Shivansh, without a second thought, carefully lifted his mother in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. The urgency in his steps was clear, but his movements were gentle.

Inayat followed close behind, still on the phone, arranging for the doctor to come immediately. Once inside the room, Shivansh laid his mother on the bed, his face tense with worry as he sat beside her, holding her hand. Vrijesh stood quietly near the door, his hands clenched, helplessly watching.

When the doctor arrived, he examined Unnati thoroughly. After a few moments, he turned to them with a calm expression. "Her blood pressure dropped due to stress, but she'll be fine. She just needs rest and to avoid any more strain for a while."

Shivansh nodded, the tension easing just a little as he stayed seated by his mother's side. After some hours passed by Inayat quietly leaving the room to prepare dinner.

Vrijesh, still unsettled, excused himself to tend to his work, though his concern lingered.

With everyone occupied, Shivansh remained beside Unnati, silently watching over her. His mind was filled with thoughts, but he simply stayed there, holding her hand, waiting for her to wake up. The house was calm again, but Shivansh didn't move, his focus solely on his mother.

After what felt like an eternity, Unnati slowly regained consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Shivansh, asleep on a small stool beside her.

His head was resting against the bed, his posture uncomfortable, yet he hadn't left her side. A soft smile crossed her face, despite the tears that still stained it. In a barely audible voice, she called out, "Shiv..."

Her voice stirred him awake. He immediately sat up, concern flashing in his eyes. "Maa, are you okay?" he asked gently, grabbing a glass of water and helping her drink. Once she had finished, she held onto his hand, her grip trembling with emotion.

"I'm sorry, Shiv," Unnati's voice cracked as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "I... I was so blind. I didn't see how much you needed me, how much you suffered... please, forgive me, beta. I don't deserve your love after everything I did."

Shivansh's heart twisted at his mother's broken words. He didn't say anything at first, but the weight of years of pain and longing suddenly came crashing down on him. He pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder as tears started streaming down his face.

"Mumma..." his voice broke. "I waited for so long... but I never stopped loving you. I could never hate you, no matter what. I just... I just wanted my parents back."

His sobs grew louder, and Unnati cried along with him, her arms wrapping around him tightly, as if trying to make up for all the years she had lost.

At the door, Inayat and Vrijesh stood silently, watching the scene unfold with teary eyes. Inayat's heart swelled with happiness seeing the long-awaited moment between mother and son.

Vrijesh, too, felt a sense of peace wash over him, something he hadn't felt in years. He looked at Inayat, his expression softening as he reached out, pulling her into a warm, fatherly hug.

"You made this happen," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Thank you so much, Inayat. "

Inayat's eyes welled up with emotion, her heart aching as she leaned into his embrace. This moment—this warmth—was something she had always longed for from her own father, but had never received.

Feeling it now from Vrijesh made her emotional, and she blinked back her tears, nodding softly, overwhelmed by the love she never thought she'd experience.

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